Social Issues

The Minnesota Department of Health says there were more abortions performed in the state last year, the first time the numbers have gone up in five years.
A handful of Minnesota lawmakers recently accepted a challenge to live on a $3 per day food stamp diet. For several days, they ate only what an average allotment of food stamps could buy in order to raise awareness about food stamp funding in the federal farm bill.
New housing inspections program subject to debate
St. Paul is now inspecting one- and two-unit rentals for code and fire safety. Advocates worry the program will create more homelessness in a shelter system that's already maxed out.
When the routines on the street drag you down
Being homeless can be scary at first. For many though, a familiar routine develops. That same routine can become a rut that stops some people from getting off the streets.
The struggle to get off the streets
Ending up homeless can be a harrowing experience. Trying to get off the streets can be just as hard. Without regular access to computers, phones or even showers, finding a job can be a real struggle.
A day job is even rougher when you don't have a home
Many people see getting a job as a ticket out of homelessness. But finding work is just the first step. For the 28 percent of homeless people with a job, working when you don't have a home creates its own set of challenges.
"Put yourself out here for one night"
Go down to Dorothy Day Center operated by Catholic Charities of St. Paul and ask what it is like living there. The answer? "Put yourself out here for one night, you'll see what it's all about. You gotta be here to see it." So MPR's Jeff Horwich took the advice, and lined up with the others.
Threatening sex offenders with more time behind bars if they don't admit their crimes in prison treatment programs violates their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Thursday.
Supporters fall 14 votes short of keeping immigration bill alive in Senate
The Senate drove a stake Thursday through President Bush's plan to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants, likely postponing major action on immigration until after the 2008 elections.
Eleven years after Congress changed welfare to focus on work, some states are sidestepping the rules by starting their own welfare programs.