Social Issues

• Minneapolis struggles with rise of Somali gangs
  Ahmednur Ali's family fled the chaos and violence of their East African homeland Somalia in the 1990s, eventually making their way to Minnesota like thousands of their compatriots.July 20, 2009
• Rep. Ellison says U.S. trying to ensure safe return of missing Somalis
  Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison said the U.S. government is trying to ensure the safe return of some of the young Somali-American men believed to be fighting with a terrorist group in their homeland.July 17, 2009
• St. Paul aims to increase number of minority firefighers
  The city of St. Paul is launching a pilot program aimed at increasing the number of minorities in the city's ranks of firefighters and emergency medical technicians. The program is the first of its kind in Minnesota. The program will pay 40 participants up to 25 hours a week while they go through one of two 10-week EMT certification programs. If they get the certification, they can take the firefighter test. Coleman says offering paid training makes it more likely applicants will attend, even if they can't afford to quit their jobs. St. Paul Councilmember Melvin Carter says it's important to have a diverse Fire Department since firefighters are called on regularly to assist people from different cultures.July 15, 2009
• 'Temporary' charity a fixture after 27 years
  One of Minnesota's largest meal programs for poor people was intended to be temporary back in 1982. It's become a fixture.July 14, 2009
• Minneapolis homeless shelter avoids closure
  Families Moving Forward, a Minneapolis-based family homeless shelter, staved off closure this month after a precipitous drop in funding earlier in the year.July 10, 2009
• The impact of social networks explored at Aspen
  Three journalists on an Aspen Ideas Festival panel titled, "Tweeting the Revolution: Will Social Networking and Journalism Drive Democracy?"Midday, July 9, 2009
• Speech may provide clues to missing Somalis' motivation
  A fiery speech given by a visiting Somali opposition leader in Minneapolis may provide some clues as to what motivated some Somali-American men to take up arms in their homeland.July 8, 2009
• Minn. non-profits announce $2.2M fund to help low-income families
  Two Minnesota-based non-profits announced a new $2.2 million fund today to assist low-income residents with housing, food, and financial counseling and assistance.July 7, 2009
• Domestic abuse among elders remains a hidden problem
  We've heard of children and caregivers physically exploiting seniors, but it turns out that abuse between partners and spouses is also substantial--and a largely hidden problem.July 7, 2009
• Differences of opinion on new stem cell policy
  The Obama administration has new guidelines on federally-funded human embryonic stem cell research that gives researchers more latitude in the cell lines they may study. Bioethics expert Jeffrey Kahn explores this issue as well as the ethics of patenting genes.Midmorning, July 7, 2009
• New law gives homeowners more time to escape foreclosure
  Struggling homeowners now have another chance to save their homes from foreclosure.July 6, 2009
• Vibrant music scenes an important draw for cities
  One of the most overlooked and under-valued reasons new college grads and young professionals move to the Twin Cities is its vibrant local music scene.July 3, 2009
• Local Somalis holding rally to condemn violence in homeland
  Somali-Americans in Minnesota will protest a rash of suicide bombings in their homeland at a rally Friday in Minneapolis.July 2, 2009
• Homelessness in Hennepin County on the rise
  A new report shows that homelessness among families in Hennepin County is on the rise.July 1, 2009
• Minn. disabled veterans now eligible for free public transportation
  Minnesota's disabled veterans are able to use public transportation at no charge beginning Wednesday.July 1, 2009

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