Social Issues

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.
Israel’s Palestinian citizens grow louder in protesting the Gaza war
Palestinian citizens make up 20 percent of Israel’s population, and many grieve the suffering in Gaza. Hundreds were arrested or lost jobs for questioning the war there, and doing so can still be perilous.
Minneapolis officials discuss possible next use for former 3rd Precinct site
Minneapolis city officials are recommending that the city’s Elections and Voter Services offices be housed in the former 3rd Precinct police station. However, some council members say the city needs to get more public input before it goes any further on the plan.
Minnesota veteran walks 1,000 miles to eclipse in Texas to spread hope
Daniel Crawford walked from Austin, Minn., to just outside Austin, Texas, to raise awareness and money for Duluth-based charity 23rd Veteran, which Crawford credits for helping him become sober.
A Republican and a Democrat make the case for civility in politics
Former North Dakota U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat, and former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer, a Republican, encourage people to break out of a cycle of cultural divisions to work toward bipartisan civil discourse.
Tackling the burden of medical debt
The Minnesota Legislature is considering a proposal to change how medical debt is handled. Listen back to a conversation with MPR News host Angela Davis about the burden of medical debt and what can be done about it.
Judge dismisses lawsuit of injured Dakota Access pipeline protester
U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Traynor granted motions to dismiss the 2018 lawsuit by Sophia Wilansky, whose left forearm was injured in the blast from an “explosive munition” or a flashbang during a clash between protesters and law enforcement officers at a blocked highway bridge in November 2016.