Social Issues

April 21, 2004 2:00 PM

Why I told you my story

Paul Ojanen first contacted Minnesota Public Radio several weeks ago to respond to a story about methamphetamine use and its impact. Ojanen wanted to share his thoughts about the devastation that alcohol abuse causes, but seems to be ignored. Ojanen and MPR reporter Chris Julin decided to take a tour of "Alcoholic Central" in Duluth. Here, they each describe how the project came together.

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April 11, 2004 3:30 PM

Logging on to less conflict

Even if they want to, parents who divorce rarely sever their bond completely because they have to talk to each other about the children. But for some, just hearing a former spouse's voice can reopen emotional wounds and turn almost any discussion into a fight. So Hennepin and several other Minnesota county courts have started suggesting a Web tool designed to take the emotion out of communicating between divorced parents.

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April 7, 2004 10:20 AM

Civil unions: possible compromise?

A recent poll from the Minneapolis Star Tribune suggests that civil unions for same sex couples could be more acceptable than marriage to a majority of voting-eligible Minnesotans. Are there other commitments that don't go so far as marriage, but are just as good? And how do same sex couples view the differences?

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April 7, 2004 9:20 AM

English-only drivers test debated

In the Minnesota House, lawmakers are expected to debate an amendment that would require drivers license tests be given only in English. The amendment was proposed earlier this week as an addition to a larger transportation bill. The written portion of the Minnesota drivers license exam is currently given in several languages, including Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Republican Representative Marty Siefert, sponsor of the amendment.

by Cathy Wurzer

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April 6, 2004 11:20 AM

What is marriage?

Everyone's talking about marriage these days. The debate rages from pulpits to the Legislature. Most of the discussion centers on who can get married -- whether gays and lesbians should have that right. We wanted to back up a step and ask, What is marriage? We put that question to some married couples.

by Chris Julin

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April 5, 2004 4:50 PM

Bus strike creates hurdles for those on welfare

The Metro Transit bus strike creates a nearly impossible hurdle for many wanting to get off welfare and is driving others to turn to public assistance. Now a month old, the strike is also costing the state more to transport people on assistance needing to get to appointments such as doctor visits. Agencies that help poor or disabled people are trying to pick up the slack, but they face money and time constraints.

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April 5, 2004 11:20 AM

The story of welfare in Minnesota

How to get people off welfare and into work has governments pursuing various ideas. Minnesota's version was working before it was changed and cut back, according to a Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial writer.

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April 1, 2004 12:01 AM

New Web site aims to show Minnesota isn't for whites only

Members of minority bar associations, area law schools and law firms launch Web site they hope will dispel some of the myths about Minnesota that they say hinder people of color from moving here.

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March 26, 2004 3:38 PM

CTC takes a snapshot of Somali-African American relations

A new play at the Children's Theatre Co. portrays the tension and occasional conflict between Somali immigrants and African Americans. "Snapshot Silhouette" examines this cultural clash through the eyes of two 12-year-old girls. One of the CTC's goals is to help launch a dialogue between the two communities in the Twin Cities.

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March 24, 2004 2:00 PM

Songwriting and social work merge in Honeydogs' new CD

The rock band, the Honeydogs, has used catchy melodies and clever lyrics to attract a sizeable local following. It's even had a few minor radio hits. However, the Honeydogs' new CD, "10,000 Years," takes the group in an completely different direction.

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