Social Issues

Measuring our love of stuff
A new study says we continue to add more big-ticket items to the list of things we can't live without. Some of the items making the biggest gains over the past ten years are a mix of old and new: microwave ovens and cell phones.
Nationwide "calling card" for Courage Center
Courage Cards are going nationwide this year. You've probably seen them in stores or perhaps received them in the mail. The proceeds from the sale of the cards helps fund programs at the Golden Valley-based Courage Center.
Renters not keeping up with rising cost of living
Minnesota ranks behind 30 other states when it comes to rental housing affordability. A new study shows renters need to work 52 hours a week every week of the year to afford an average priced apartment.
Food shelves, others offer help after immigration raid
Families affected by this week's immigration raid at the Swift meatpacking plant in Worthington are turning to food shelves for help. Supplies are on their way, but more are needed.
The Swift raid fallout
The raid of a meat processing plant by immigration officials has shaken the city of Worthington in southern Minnesota, and is raising new questions about how the government is addressing illegal immigration.
National Public Radio's Juan Williams grew up in Section 8 low-income housing in New York City. He talked about that experience Thursday at the "Homes for All 2006" convention in St. Paul sponsored by the Minnesota Housing Partnership.
Initial impact of the Swift raid
MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Worthington Mayor Alan Oberloh about how the raid is affecting the town.