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Social Issues

Training is key for state's "challenged" job market

Economists are still looking for signs the job market is healthy again. But for those who are not healthy themselves, even looking for a job is a major challenge -- in good times and bad. More than 20 percent of working-age Minnesotans have a disability of some sort. Others are recovering from addiction that sent their working lives off the rails.

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"Loyal Mdewakantons" win land dispute

A federal judge has ruled in favor of 1,200 Minnesota Mdewakanton Dakota who say they have the right to three key parcels of land in the state. The contested land is currently occupied by three other tribal communities in Minnesota. The judge's ruling is centered on an 1886 agreement the plaintiffs contend the U.S. government made with their ancestors following the Dakota Conflict.

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Rehnquist illness propels social issues back to campaign agenda

Neither President George W. Bush nor Sen. John Kerry spends much time talking about either abortion or same-sex marriage in speeches. But the next president is likely to appoint at least one member to an aging Supreme Court that's divided on abortion, gay rights and other issues. There hasn't been a Supreme Court vacancy in 10 years, and this week's announcement that Chief Justice William Rehnquist has thyroid cancer gives new prominence to the question.

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Pawlenty issues plan to fight meth

Gov. Tim Pawlenty promised Monday to wage more than a "Just Say No" campaign against methamphetamine, calling for stiffer penalties for makers of the drug and new steps to curb its production and use. The Republican governor outlined his four-point plan before a national conference of legislators, law enforcement officials and other professionals who deal with the drug.

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Empowering youth

One management expert believes young people have the power to change society, but need to be given the tools to do so.

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Generating giving

Two of the largest Minnesota community foundations are trying to build giving in some surprising places.

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Energizing the Indian vote

A tribal get-out-the-vote campaign is focused on 12 states with American Indian populations, including Minnesota. Backed by casino revenue, tribes are seeking political power, and a podium for American Indian issues.

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The ethics of journalism

Should journalists have a creed? A former editor and ombudsman believes reporters and editors should ascribe to a common ethical code.

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The weakest among us

Does it take a village to raise a child? Ray Suarez, senior correspondent at PBS's "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," thinks so. Suarez, who used to host the National Public Radio program "Talk of the Nation," believes that neighborhoods and communities have as much responsibility for the welfare of children as do parents and families. He spoke last week in Minneapolis at a forum sponsored by the Children's Law Center of Minnesota.

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Indian Country is in the midst of political awakening

Native Americans consider themselves the "first people." But they waited until 1924 to get the right to vote. Since then, they haven't voted in large numbers. And they've been largely ignored or taken for granted by politicians. Now, Native Americans across the country are registering to vote in droves. They're considered a key constituency in Minnesota and several other battleground states where Democrats and Republicans are fighting for control of the White House. In northern Minnesota, Indians could also hold pivotal swing votes in several state House races.

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