Social Issues

The lakes and rivers on the White Earth Indian Reservation in northwest Minnesota are an ideal habitat for wild rice. But the tribe is worried that resource could be threatened by the science of genetic engineering.
Republicans are calling on Democrats to support an overhaul of the Social Security system and President Bush is traveling the country this week to promote personal retirement accounts. Midmorning examines retirement plans around the world to find out what other nations can teach us about fiscal solvency.
A survey conducted by University of Minnesota researchers shows the verdict is still out on parents' attitudes regarding laws limiting minors' access to contraception.
People who have struggled with gambling addiction aren't welcoming plans for a new Minnesota casino.
Minnesota has been lucky to play host to some of the finest black baseball players of all time, in a history stretching back through Kirby Puckett, Willie Mays and Roy Campanella, all the way to the turn-of-the-Century St. Paul Colored Gophers and before. A new book from the Minnesota Historical Society Press details the history of black baseball in Minnesota.
Hear famous black orators Thurgood Marshall, Stokely Carmichael, Shirley Chisholm, Dick Gregory, Clarence Thomas and Randall Robinson in their own words with commentary from the producers of the radio documentary "Say It Plain."
Martin Luther King, Jr. was the most famous black orator in history, but he was hardly alone. For generations, African Americans have been demanding justice and equality, reminding America to make good on its founding principles. This documentary from American RadioWorks explores the crucial role these orators played in the long struggle for equal rights.
Three northern Minnesota Indian tribes are closing in on an agreement with the state to build a Twin Cities area casino. The proposed half-billion dollar entertainment and hotel complex would be operated by the tribes through the Minnesota State Lottery. Not all tribal members are convinced the plan is a good idea.
A bill that would legalize Texas Hold'em tournaments cleared its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday. It's one of the smaller gambling proposals lawmakers are likely to consider this session.