Social Issues

What is it about college that makes people drink more?
All of the high-profile alcohol-related deaths in the last few months have involved college students, or young people preparing to return to college. Colleges have long struggled with the problem of heavy drinking by students and so far, have had little success combating it.
Binge drinking is not so new
In spite of the headlines about the recent deaths of several college students due to binge drinking, it seems drinking on college campuses hasn't changed all that much over the last 20 years. But the serious problems that come with heavy drinking go beyond the tragedies that make the headlines.
Binge drinking happens on virtually every college campus. Minnesota Public Radio producer Charlie Knutson asked students near the University of Minnesota what motivates young people to binge drink.
The Midwest is the worst for binge drinking
Binge drinking is more common in Minnesota, Wisconsin and other upper Midwestern states than in any other part of the country. Experts aren't sure why that is.
Our audience weighs in
Why do people, especially young people, drink to excess? Minnesota Public Radio News posed the question to students, young people, parents, educators and counselors. They shared their thoughts about the causes, the hidden issues, and what works and doesn't work when dealing with binge drinking.
A new study of married parents who both work outside the home finds that men and women experience stress differently after work. If a couple is in a satisfactory marriage, stress levels decline in the evening. But women in unsatisfactory marriages often take on the stress of a "second shift" of responsibility at home.
Met Council aims to trim price tag of University Avenue LRT
Hopes remain high among supporters that construction will start in 2010 on a light rail line between St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Few takers for ignition program aimed at drunk drivers
A pilot program in Hennepin and Beltrami counties offers repeat DWI offenders a chance to get their license back sooner, if they use a breath analyzer in their car. So far, only a few people are participating.
A former executive at the local chapter of the American Red Cross claims she was the victim of sex and age discrimination, and that she was retaliated against and fired after she complained to federal officials.
Sink it. Drink it.
Beer Pong is the hottest -- and deadliest -- game on campus.