Social Issues

The changing faces of small towns
Minnesota Public Radio News' Jeff Horwich hosted a forum in Willmar recently, to talk with residents about the challenges and benefits that immigrants have brought to the area.
Teach For America program expands to Twin Cities
A national teaching program that targets low-income school districts announced on Tuesday it will expand its program to the Twin Cities.
Ramsey County is kicking off a five-year campaign today aimed at recruiting adoptive parents for children in need of permanent homes.
New life challenging for some, rewarding for other Hmong immigrants
The latest wave of Hmong refugees to the Twin Cities began five years ago this week. Since then about 5,000 new Hmong residents have made their homes here.
No takers yet for Duluth domestic partner registry
Duluth's domestic partner registration program began today with little fanfare and even less turnout.
The essence of happiness
What makes you happy? Good relationships with family and friends? Security? Money? And how do you know when you're truly happy? Midmorning asks if our definition of happiness is changing, and looks at what a longitudinal study of Harvard students begun in 1937 tells us about leading a fulfilling life.
What makes a small town thrive?
While some small towns in Minnesota are dying, others are thriving despite large challenges. What makes a small town work? Minnesota Public Radio News visited Grand Rapids to explore that question.
Volunteers taking on Duluth city services
As Duluth struggles to provide city services under ever-tighter budgets, volunteers and nonprofits are picking up the slack.