Social Issues

Doctor says TVs at sex offender facility are not the problem
State lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are decrying the purchase of about 25 plasma televisions for a sex offender treatment facility in Moose Lake. Dr. Michael Farnsworth, who had initially helped design the treatment program, says the uproar over the TVs obscures larger issues with the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.
In response to a dramatic increase in the number of Minnesotans seeking food assistance, counties will now be allowed to approve requests over the phone.
Media attention taking toll on local ACORN chapters
The Minnesota chapter of ACORN is feeling the heat brought on by the parent organization's problems.
The Nevada Highway Patrol today released the name of a third passenger involved in a cross-country road trip that has gotten the attention of federal agents investigating whether Minnesota men traveled to Somalia to fight in that country's ongoing conflict.
Transplanted Minnesotans may jeopardize  8th congressional seat
Retiree Ray McGee won't be at his St. Paul home when Census forms are mailed out next year, he'll be staying at his winter home in California. Minnesota officials are concerned about where these "snowbirds" will be counted--one of Minnesota's congressional seats depends on population numbers.
Target to pull controversial 'illegal alien' Halloween costume
A Southern California immigrant rights group on Friday asked Target stores and a costume company to stop selling an "illegal alien" Halloween costume it said is offensive to immigrants.
Sources say local man supported al-Shabaab
Many believe Cabdulaahi Faarah was one of five men involved in a cross-country road trip last week that has gotten the attention of federal authorities, and that his involvement may be related to the the case of about 20 Minnesota men who allegedly left for their native Somalia to fight.
Ray Suarez on influence of immigrants
Public television journalist Ray Suarez will discuss the impact of immigration and other demographic changes on our schools, commerce, politics, workforce and culture. We'll also discuss his latest reporting on health care reform and what the U.S. can learn from successful health systems abroad.
Allegations that a 26-year-old Chanhassen man lied about a cross-country road trip with a group of friends last week have made some Somali-Americans worry that even more young Minnesota men are still trying to join the escalating warfare in their homeland.
New MnDOT statistics show the number of minorities and women on state road and bridge construction projects has declined from last year.