Social Issues

At Capitol, lawmakers strive for child-protection policies that keep African American families intact
A bill working through the Legislature would require child welfare workers to take steps to prevent out-of-home placement of African American or disproportionately represented children.
Lawsuit accuses Anoka County of keeping withdrawal medication from jail inmate
On Feb. 12, 2022, Deyonta Green was found in his cell, covered in vomit, after an apparent fall. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors determined he had suffered a fractured skull, brain bleeds and acute kidney failure, according to the lawsuit.
In new Congressional district, Black voters weigh what representation really means
Alabama could soon have a U.S. House delegation that more closely matches its diversity after a redistricting lawsuit. For Black voters, the change has greater significance than who holds the seat.
Online dietitians backed by General Mills, big food companies using ‘anti-diet’ language to promote junk food
A slew of social media influencers are encouraging users to enjoy sugary foods guilt free. However, a recent investigation found that major food companies are capitalizing on the “anti-diet” campaign by paying online dietitians to get people to consume more of their highly processed foods. 
Bills offer birth justice, reduced mortality for Black and Indigenous Minnesotans
Black and Indigenous pregnant Minnesotans have long faced more health disparities than their white counterparts. Now, there’s a push at the Legislature to change that.