Social Issues

October 18, 2006 4:30 PM

Local governments could be "crushed" by debt, auditor says

A new report says local governments in Minnesota may be crushed by a huge weight of unfunded debt. These are obligations for retirees in the range of $3.3 billion. Unfunded liabilities include promises to provide things like retiree health care.

by Bob Kelleher

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 17, 2006 12:00 AM

Media and poverty

Poverty affects nearly 40 million people in America, yet many feel that the issue gets little coverage in the media. Midmorning talks with journalists about at how the media covers poverty and why it matters.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 16, 2006 11:40 AM

Vote of confidence?

If there's ever an acceptable time to approach complete strangers and question them about their personal politics, it's right now.

by Nikki Tundel

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 16, 2006 11:04 AM

Heat cutoff rule now in effect

Residents who may have trouble paying their energy bills. From now through April 15, residential energy customers are protected from having their service disconnected.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 13, 2006 7:14 PM

Minnesotan brings "micro-lending" concept home

The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize went to a Bangladeshi economist who pioneered the idea of "micro-credit". Most such programs take place in developing countries, but Minnesotan Joe Selvaggio is giving out micro-grants here in the Twin Cities.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 13, 2006 2:23 PM

If we build it, they won't come

Something there is that doesn't love a wall - at least according to poet Robert Frost. Still, people have always looked to walls for protection.

by Nikki Tundel

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 13, 2006 8:00 AM

Starting a new life "900 Miles from Nowhere"

A new book blows some dust off the history of the Great Plains. "900 Miles from Nowhere" reveals the lives of early homesteaders through their own letters and photos.

by Cathy Wurzer

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 13, 2006 12:00 AM

U.S. population hits 300 million

The U.S. population is expected to reach the population milestone of 300 million in the coming days. Midmorning looks at the implications of this symbolic moment.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 11, 2006 4:00 PM

How to make a new place home

Many immigrants to the United States arrive in the footsteps of family members who have already come to this country. Some come with no network.

by Ambar Espinoza

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

October 10, 2006 3:21 PM

Suspect in Stillwater killings charged with murder

A 46-year-old Wisconsin man accused of breaking into the home of his former girlfriend and killing her and another man was charged Tuesday with two counts of murder.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.