All Things Considered for June 27, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, June 27, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Bachmann's official 2012 announcement strikes chord with Iowa crowd
Rep. Michele Bachmann formally launched her bid today in her Iowa birthplace, after first making her intentions clear at a debate earlier this month.3:19 p.m.
Minnesota's ethanol industry faces uncertain future
Not only has ethanol production stalled out in the United States and taken at least a symbolic blow in Congress, what once was billed as the next generation in making ethanol has been slower to build than expected.3:23 p.m.
No budget agreement on fourth day of closed-door negotiations
DFL Governor Mark Dayton and Republican legislative met for an hour Monday afternoon, marking four consecutive days of closed-door discussions with no budget agreement.5:20 p.m.
Bachmann's official 2012 announcement strikes chord with Iowa crowd
Rep. Michele Bachmann formally launched her bid today in her Iowa birthplace, after first making her intentions clear at a debate earlier this month.5:24 p.m.
Minnesota's ethanol industry faces uncertain future
Not only has ethanol production stalled out in the United States and taken at least a symbolic blow in Congress, what once was billed as the next generation in making ethanol has been slower to build than expected.5:50 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

'That's Racist!' How A Serious Accusation Became A Commonplace Quip
Once a loaded challenge, "that's racist" has become a staple of schoolyards and comedy routines. NPR's Neda Ulaby describes how the ironic diss went from meme to mainstream.
Supreme Court Overturns Calif. Video Game Law
The Supreme Court has struck down a California law that bans the sale and rental of violent video games to children. In a 7-2 vote, the justices ruled that the law was unconstitutional and that it violated the free speech rights of children.
High Court Strikes Down Ariz. Campaign Finance Law
The law offered public funds to state legislative and executive-branch candidates who abide by tight contribution and spending limits. The court ruled 5-4 that the First Amendment doesn't allow extra cash to publicly financed candidates when they face well-financed opponents or outside advocacy groups.
FDIC Chief Earned Rep As A Consumer Advocate
Sheila Bair is stepping down as one of the most high-profile chairmen of the FDIC. Bair, a Republican, transformed herself as a populist that fought both Republican and Democratic administrations to try to push her policies through.
Is Google Playing Fair With Its Search Results?
Allegations against Google claim the company puts its own results at the top search results — helping its business and hurting competitors. But Google denies that it tips the scales in its favor, adding if consumers don't like the results they can look elsewhere.
Hulu's Owners Consider Selling The Site
Hulu, the online television service, has become an online giant. It provides free content to millions of viewers every month, and its viewership continues to grow. Now, its ownership — a partnership that includes the parent corporations for ABC, NBC and Fox — isn't quite sure what to do with it. Robert Siegel talks Dawn Chmielewski, who covers how technology is changing the entertainment business for the Los Angeles Times.
In Mozambique, Grim Prospects For Mother And Child
Mozambique's rates of maternal and infant mortality are among the highest in the world. So the government is trying to encourage women to have their babies in maternity units. It's also training volunteers to help with basic medical care and nurses to carry out procedures like cesarean sections.
Letters: Jose Antonio Vargas; Tom Hanks
Robert Siegel and Melissa Block read emails from listeners.
Summer Sounds: Roaring Motorcycles
DJ and writer Meredith Ochs contributes to our Summer Sounds series with memories of roaring motorcycles.
Libyan Rebels Celebrate Gadhafi Arrest Warrant
In the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, rebels took to the street to cheer the International Criminal Court's decision to issue arrest warrants for Gadhafi, his son and the Libyan intelligence chief. Still, it's unclear what effect the warrant will have, as the ICC has no means of arresting him.