All Things Considered for June 17, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

First rail cars arrive for Northstar commuter line
The first two coach cars for the Northstar Commuter Rail line have arrived in central Minnesota, putting the project one step closer to its launch in November.4:49 p.m.
Bachmann's responses to Northstar questions
Rep. Michelle Bachmann's responses to written questions regarding the Northstar commuter rail line.4:52 p.m.
Guy Maddin revisits 'The Saddest Music in the World'
Twin Cities movie fans can look forward to a distinctly odd experience tomorrow night as maverick Canadian director Guy Maddin visits for a screening of his film "The Saddest Music in the World."4:53 p.m.
Critics take aim at Pawlenty's plan
Hospital officials and DFL legislators say Gov. Pawlenty's budget plan is painful and unwise.5:20 p.m.
Minnesota cities deal with state aid cuts
Cities across Minnesota are bracing for budget challenges. Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed plan to unilaterally balance the state budget includes cuts in local government aid to cities.5:24 p.m.
Future of Army cannon, jobs uncertain in Fridley
Things are looking bleak for a new Army weapon being designed in Fridley. The BAE Systems mobile cannon program employs several hundred engineers and others, whose jobs are now at risk.5:50 p.m.
Denny Hecker prepares to sue GMAC amid investigation
Embattled auto dealer Denny Hecker is planning to file suit against car finance company GMAC, the company that used to loan money to Hecker's customers.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Sotomayor Shaped By Her 'Nuyorican' Roots
Growing up in a largely Hispanic neighborhood in the Bronx, Sonia Sotomayor has said, she never saw herself as a minority. But the culture shock of being one of the first Latinas to attend Princeton helped forge her commitment to community service and social justice.
No End In Sight For Mexico's Deadly Drug War
The Mexican government says it is making progress in the battle against the country's drug cartels. But despite some gains, drug-related killings continue at an alarming rate in parts of Mexico. Some critics say President Felipe Calderon's war is misguided, mismanaged and unwinnable.
Books To Keep You Sane On A Family Road Trip
Being in a car with your immediate family for hours on end can make even the most levelheaded traveler consider jumping out the window. Author Sarah Dessen has some reading suggestions for staying safe — and sane — on the highway.
Obama Pitches Plan To Overhaul Financial System
President Obama unveiled Wednesday a plan to overhaul regulation of the nation's financial institutions. Blaming a culture of irresponsibility on Wall Street, Main Street and in Washington for the current economic crisis, Obama also said the government had to do more to protect consumers.
Obama's Consumer Protection Agency Explained
A key component of President Obama's plan to overhaul the financial regulatory system is the creation of a consumer protection agency. The agency would oversee consumer financial products, which have been regulated in the past, but whose oversight was exposed as lax.
NASA To Launch Two Moon Missions
NASA will launch Thursday two missions to the moon. One spacecraft will orbit the moon and create an unprecedented high-resolution map of the lunar surface. The other mission will send a spent rocket part on a collision course with a permanently shadowed lunar crater.
'Vanity Fair' Writers Break Down Madoff Saga
Confessed swindler Bernard Madoff ran a Ponzi scheme measured in the tens of billion of dollars. Mark Seal and David Margolick have both written in-depth articles about the disgraced financier for Vanity Fair. They discuss what they found.
Attorney General Faces Scrutiny On Capitol Hill
Attorney General Eric Holder heard complaints Wednesday from both Democratic and Republican senators when he testified at a Judiciary Committee hearing. Democrats said Holder has not done enough to reverse Bush-era policies, and Republicans said he has gone too far.
In Iran, A Struggle Over Cyberspace
In Iran, tyranny has run afoul of technology in the form of the Internet, turning a protest into a movement. It is not the first time in history that the impulse for freedom has scaled borders by electronic means, but Iran is now the latest arena in the struggle for control in cyberspace.
Dodgers Win Without Manny Ramirez
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been able to keep their winning ways going despite the loss of slugger Manny Ramirez to a steroids suspension. With Ramirez out, veteran outfielder Juan Pierre stepped in and stepped up, helping Los Angeles maintain the best record in baseball.