All Things Considered for June 21, 2011 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Ask Dr. Hallberg: Is watching TV unhealthy?
TV may be killing you. It's not some righteous bumper sticker. It's backed up by research. Americans spend an average of five hours in front of the TV, by some estimates. Now a new study shows that two hours a day can have a negative impact on your health.4:48 p.m.
With no budget deal, GOP prepares shutdown lawsuit
With just over a week before a potential state government shutdown, officials failed to meet to negotiate a budget deal, sending some lawmakers to prepare a lawsuit.5:20 p.m.
Expect further investigation, crackdown on fraud violations
The sweeping extent of fraud in the mortgage and foreclosure crisis has the public clamoring for the government to punish those involved in the meltdown, most recently, two Twin Cities men who were found guilty of racketeering.5:24 p.m.
Supreme Court's ruling in Wal-Mart suit could have ripple effect in Minn.
Some employment-law attorneys in the Twin Cities say the ruling will likely make it more challenging for employees and consumers to bring forward class-action lawsuits even in state court, which the ruling doesn't touch.5:51 p.m.
Timberwolves hoping Rubio will be marquee player for franchise
Ricky Rubio made his public debut at Target Center Tuesday, the 20-year-old basketball phenom was originally drafted two years ago and the Timberwolves have finally brought what they hope will be a franchise player home to Minneapolis.5:55 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Former Utah Governor Announces Run For Presidency
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman throws his hat in the presidential ring Tuesday.
Looking At Huntsman's Record As Governor
Jon Huntsman's tenure as Utah governor provides a window on his approach to policy and his governing style. Michele Norris talks with University of Utah political scientist Matthew Burbank.
Obama's Awkward Dance On Gay Marriage
When gay and lesbian organizers planned an Obama fundraiser in New York for this week, they didn't know it would coincide with a debate over legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. That puts the president, who opposes gay marriage, in a tricky position.
New Cigarette Labels Are Gruesome On Purpose
The FDA's revamp of its anti-smoking campaign might make us a bit squeamish, but isn't that the point? The agency enlisted 18,000 people to help it pick the images that made people want to quit or never start smoking.
DVD Picks: 'Cedar Rapids'
Ed Helms stars as a naive but lovable insurance salesman, thrilled to be attending a conference in Iowa. The movie is a nifty little charmer that clearly didn't strike audiences as a must-see at the multiplex — but it turns out to be just perfect for the rec room.
Tunisia's Ousted President Convicted In Absentia
Tunisia — where one man's protest sparked a wave of popular uprisings that spread through the Middle East — experienced another watershed moment this week. It was the first of the so-called Arab Spring countries to put its ousted leader on trial. After only one day of consideration, a Tunisian judge handed down a sentence of 35 years a piece to Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife. Robert Siegel talks with Philippe Sauvagnargues, a Tunis-based reporter for the French news agency Agence France-Presse. Sauvagnargues discusses the brief trial — and how it's being received in Tunisia.
Palestinians Plan Trappings Of A State Before U.N. Bid
Palestinians say they will take their drive for statehood to the United Nations in September. An Israeli spokesman says the move could "backfire." But Palestinians are making preparations — like new stamps being designed at the post office. And one artist is sending a message by embossing passports.
Old Rebel Group Looks For Foothold In Modern Peru
In Peru, remnants of the former pro-Maoist Shining Path rebel group are reorganizing along two different paths. One fueled by former Shining Path leaders is throwing off violence and trying to forge change in Peru through politics. But another Shining Path splinter group is involved in violent, narco-fueled organized crime.
'The Onion' Campaigns For Pulitzer Prize
"America's Finest News Source" finally wants its due. The Onion, responsible for headlines like "Black Man Given Nation's Worst Job" and "Drugs Win War On Drugs," is demanding arguably the most prestigious award in American journalism: a Pulitzer Prize. Robert Siegel talks to Will Tracy, associate editor at The Onion, about the fake newspaper's campaign to get a Pulitzer — any Pulitzer.
Summer Sounds At The Solstice
Tuesday is the first day of summer, so we review all the listener submissions to our series, "Summer Sounds" and present a number of writers, who highlight things they hear this time of year that have a deep, rich meaning for them.