Social Issues

A story of hope amid despair
A new novel by Mayo Clinic doctor and obesity researcher James Levine tells the story of a young Indian girl forced into a life of prostitution. Dr. Levine says the novel sprang from a visit to the slums of Mumbai and encounter there that haunts him to this day.
Ahmednur Ali's family fled the chaos and violence of their East African homeland Somalia in the 1990s, eventually making their way to Minnesota like thousands of their compatriots.
Rep. Ellison says U.S. trying to ensure safe return of missing Somalis
Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison said the U.S. government is trying to ensure the safe return of some of the young Somali-American men believed to be fighting with a terrorist group in their homeland.
The city of St. Paul is launching a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of minorities in the city's ranks of firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The program is the first of its kind in Minnesota. The program will pay 40 participants up to 25 hours a week while they go through one of two 10-week EMT certification programs. If they get the certification, they can take the firefighter test. Coleman says offering paid training makes it more likely applicants will attend, even if they can't afford to quit their jobs. St. Paul Councilmember Melvin Carter says it's important to have a diverse Fire Department since firefighters are called on regularly to assist people from different cultures.
Let's put some reform in health care reform
A retired health care executive suggests the "reform" debate is pointless unless it addresses a few key elements.
'Temporary' charity a fixture after 27 years
One of Minnesota's largest meal programs for poor people was intended to be temporary back in 1982. It's become a fixture.
A feminism that works for all women
A Minneapolis woman reflects on the path that led her to a national leadership role at NOW.
Families Moving Forward, a Minneapolis-based family homeless shelter, staved off closure this month after a precipitous drop in funding earlier in the year.
The impact of social networks explored at Aspen
Three journalists on an Aspen Ideas Festival panel titled, "Tweeting the Revolution: Will Social Networking and Journalism Drive Democracy?"
Speech may provide clues to missing Somalis' motivation
A fiery speech given by a visiting Somali opposition leader in Minneapolis may provide some clues as to what motivated some Somali-American men to take up arms in their homeland.