Social Issues

U of M study shows cancer hits American Indians at higher rates
The first large-scale national study of cancer rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives shows they face highers rates of several forms of cancer than the rest of the population.
State Fair show will celebrate 150 years of Minnesota statehood
One of the special Minnesota State Fair attractions this year is the Big Top State Fair Chautauqua. It will present a mixture of music and lectures celebrating 150 years of Minnesota statehood.
U of M study: Stadium beer vendors too lax
A study from the University of Minnesota says it's too easy for people under 21 and people who are intoxicated to get beer at professional sporting events.
Scientists from the Mayo Clinic and two other research labs say they've found an efficient way to make red blood cells from human embryonic stem cells, a possible step toward making transfusion supplies in the laboratory.
The new philanthropy
The leaders of two large foundations serving Minnesota talk about how charitable giving has changed. Both the presidents of the McKnight and Bush foundations say the needs keep growing, but they have different ways of dealing with society's ills.
A new face for America
Recent census numbers show that ethnic minorities in the United States will represent more than half of the country by the year 2050. Midmorning speaks with two futurists on how these changing demographics will impact American communities.
St. Paul program targets childhood obesity
A new program is taking advantage of what's left of summer to help kids avoid the obesity trap.
When love and money collide
For the past six years, Wall Street Journal columnist Jeff Opdyke has opened up his family's personal finance discussions to readers. Now on the verge of ending the column, he shares what he's learned about love and money.
A young girl's sweet 15
In Latin American countries, the quince is a right of passage for young Latinas. Their 15th birthday is the time for a social and religious coming-of-age ceremony. It's a custom that's becoming more common in the U.S.
A reporter looks back at his grim past
New York Times reporter David Carr thought his life might make a good book. So he wrote about the time of his life that was filled with drug use, parenting mishaps and close encounters with oblivion. It's a junkie memoir, but one that Carr says was reported, not invented.