Social Issues

Tens of thousands of Minnesotans will be newly eligible for driver's licenses on Oct. 1
Starting next week, all eligible Minnesotans — regardless of immigration status — can start getting their driver’s licenses. An estimated 81,000 people are newly eligible for licenses, permits and state ID cards. 
Minnesota food shelves brace for government shutdown
A lot is on the line if the federal government shuts down — in particular for people who might not be able to afford food on their own.
Vaughn Klingenberg is one of seven individuals who has filed to run for one of three open seats in the Twin Cities suburban school district. Roseville, Minn., district leaders are pushing back against Klingenberg’s stated beliefs. 
 Eleanor Savage on how artists create social change  
Can artists create social change? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what the arts bring to our community with Eleanor Savage, the new president of the Jerome Foundation.
Bemidji authorities launch two-day search for Indigenous teen missing since 2021
“Every day is different. And it doesn't get easier,” said Teddi Wind, mother of Nevaeh Kingbird. Nevaeh was 15 years old at the time she disappeared. Wind said she was overwhelmed by the support for the search that began Monday.
She's currently the only Black woman leading a state military. Here's how it happened
Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead of Maryland only became a soldier to help pay for college. Three decades later, she's risen to the top military position in Maryland, leading a force of 4,600 soldiers.
Despite efforts of 3 U.S. administrations, migrant families keep crossing the border
Immigration authorities arrested more families in August than in any month on record. U.S. officials have long grappled with discouraging families from coming — and found there are no easy solutions.
National UAW strike expands to Twin Cities area
Workers picketed for a second day outside of an auto parts warehouse in Plymouth, Minn., on Saturday after United Auto Workers leaders expanded the union's strike against the Big Three automakers.
UAW ramps up strikes against GM and Stellantis — but not Ford
The United Auto Workers union said it’s expanding its historic strike against the Big Three automakers to all parts distribution facilities at General Motors and Stellantis across the country — including two sites in the Twin Cities metro area.