All Things Considered for February 22, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, February 22, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

New research, old finding: higher price, less drinking
The University of Florida's research reaffirms what we already knew and has reignited a longstanding debate: Should state liquor taxes be increased to reduce drinking problems?3:17 p.m.
Pawlenty to veto entire $1B construction bill
A $1 billion plan for state-backed construction projects is headed toward Gov. Tim Pawlenty's desk, though he warned in a letter Monday evening that he'll veto the entire bill.5:06 p.m.
Plan to block health insurance rate hikes may not impact Minn.
A proposition in President Obama's new health care reform plan would allow the government to block health insurance rate hikes, but the measure's impact in Minnesota, if it were to take effect, could be minimal.5:20 p.m.
Feds outline plan to nurse Great Lakes to health
The Obama administration has developed a five-year blueprint for rescuing the Great Lakes, a sprawling ecosystem plagued by toxic contamination, shrinking wildlife habitat and invasive species.5:35 p.m.
New research, old finding: higher price, less drinking
The University of Florida's research reaffirms what we already knew and has reignited a longstanding debate: Should state liquor taxes be increased to reduce drinking problems?5:44 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Toyota Seen Facing Lawsuits On Several Fronts
Lawsuits against Toyota could cost the company more than $2 billion, some experts say. The world's largest automaker faces legal action on behalf of people seriously injured or killed, class-action suits for emotional distress and diminished car values, and shareholder lawsuits.
Afghan Government Enters Marjah To Cool Reception
An Afghan government official set foot in the southern Afghan town of Marjah on Monday for the first time in two years. The new governor was met with leery residents, who have memories of corrupt officials and say the Taliban generally left them alone.
For Mature Audiences Only: Video Game Ratings
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board assigns about 1,700 ratings a year to warn parents about sex, violence and language, among other things, in video games.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: The Voice Of Pakistan
With his intense stage presence and relentless drive to improve, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan single-handedly brought Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music, to the West and the non-Muslim world. In the process, he influenced an unlikely array of music around the world.
Manno Charlemagne: The Bob Marley Of Haiti
In Haiti, the musician's politically charged lyrics helped elect a president and nearly got him killed. But now, after a term as mayor of Port-au-Prince, Charlemagne lives in Miami. The earthquake last month has devastated the singer, who used to be described as the Bob Marley of Haiti.
Obama Unveils Compromise Health Care Deal
President Obama tried a new way Monday to jump-start his stalled health care overhaul: He unveiled his own detailed health proposal and put it on the Internet. It's intended as a starting point for a bipartisan health care summit set for Thursday.
Study: Costly Health Care Not Necessarily Best
A new study says paying less for hospital care doesn't necessarily mean you get lower-quality care. The study's lead author, Dr. Lena Chen, a clinical lecturer at the University of Michigan Health System, says they would like to understand why there is a "huge range" in costs between hospitals.
Group Seeks Hot Dog Redesign To Prevent Choking
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a message for parents — Hot dogs can be dangerous to young children — and it's calling for a redesign. Eric Hummel, director of marketing at Hummel Brothers Meat Products, has his own message: Cut them up into bite-sized pieces.
Concerns Of Racism In Multiplayer Video Games
Video games are big business in part because some of them allow players to engage in warfare with other players virtually. Jeff Bakalar, who writes about video games for the online magazine CNET, says there are many instances of homophobia, racism and misogyny.
Confidence In Climate Science Eroding Over Errors
Climate scientists are on the defensive after doubt was cast on their objectivity. Most say the evidence for a warming world is still as strong as ever. But some now acknowledge they need to do some housecleaning and improve their public relations skills so skeptics don't glom on to mistakes.