Social Issues

States are getting $50 billion in opioid cash. And it's an issue in governor's races
Some candidates for governor are sparring over bragging rights for their state's share of opioid settlement funds. Some are attorneys general who pursued the lawsuits that produced the payouts
Minnesota coalition gathers nearly $1B in pledges to help build wealth in Black communities
The GroundBreak Coalition — which includes more than 40 corporate, civic and philanthropic organizations in Minnesota — announced Tuesday it’s received pledges of nearly $1 billion to help build wealth in Black communities.
Minnesota DNR gives Twin Metals green light to explore for minerals near Boundary Waters
Twin Metals, which has been blocked by the Biden administration in its efforts to build a $1.7 billion copper-nickel mine near Ely, Minn., now has the go-ahead to explore for minerals in the area owned by the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota Homeless Study resumes after 5 years
For more than 30 years, volunteers have conducted the Minnesota Homeless Study led by Wilder Research, which has given the most in-depth look available at homelessness across our state.  Due to the pandemic, the last time the study was conducted was five years ago.
Confederate monument melted down to create new, more inclusive public art
A project in Charlottesville, Va., seeks to upend the narrative around the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that was the center of deadly white nationalist protests there in 2017.
Black authors expo uplifts writers, promotes healing through storytelling
The expo started in 2017, first hosted at the NEON building in north Minneapolis. Attendance has quadrupled over the years, according to organizers. Saturday’s event marked its first in-person expo since the start of the pandemic.
After surviving heart attack, Angela Conley seeks to raise risk awareness among Black women
Hennepin County Commissioner Angela Conley survived a heart attack at just 45 years old and wants to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, which affects a disproportionately high number of Black women.
Twin Cities queer hockey group worries new NHL guideline is shortsighted
Over the summer, the National Hockey League announced that special Jerseys worn during warmups on theme nights — like Pride night — would no longer be allowed. After a handful of players refused to wear them last season, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said it had become a distraction.