January 20, 2012 - MPR's Cathy Wurzer and Minnesota Public Radio listeners turn the tables and ask questions of legendary host Gary Eichten as MPR's pre-eminent news host retires on January 20, 2012, after 45 years of radio broadcasting.
January 23, 2012 - After 45 years in the newsroom, Gary Eichten is retiring. MPR’s Euan Kerr presents 5 things you don't know about Eichten.
February 3, 2012 - As part of Arts Week, MPR’s Marianne Combs has a conversation with scholar Paul Carter Harrison and Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy. The group discusses the history behind the Black Arts Movement and its impact.
May 10, 2012 - Penumbra Theater is presenting James Baldwin's The Amen Corner at the Guthrie. Director Lou Bellamy says he's waited 30 years to do the show, but now he has all the elements he needs, including his own perspective.
May 29, 2012 - President Obama speaks on awarding musician and Minnesota native Bob Dylan the Medal of Freedom.
June 19, 2012 - Minnesota's 1st Congressional District appears to be ripe territory for Republicans. Yet political observers say DFL Congressman Tim Walz stands a good chance of winning a fourth term despite voting much maligned Democratic priorities such as the health care overhaul and financial reform. MPR’s Brett Neely looks at how Walz has balanced a relatively liberal voting record in a somewhat conservative rural district.
September 6, 2012 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Lou Bellamy, artistic director of Penumbra Theatre, on the financial struggles affecting the organization. The nationally-acclaimed African-American Theater company will stage no shows this season and has laid off a third of its 16 full-time staff members.
September 27, 2012 - MPR’s Elizabeth Baier gives a summary report on first debate between DFL Congressman Tim Walz and his Republican challenger former State Representative Allan Quist as they battle for 1st Congressional District seat. The debate included some feisty exchanges between the candidates, who met in the town of Byron, just west of Rochester.
September 28, 2012 - MPR presents a debate for Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District between DFL Congressman Tim Walz and his Republican challenger former State Representative Allen Quist. The debate, held Thursday September 26, 2012 at Somerby Golf Club near Rochester, focused on jobs and the economy.
October 2, 2012 - On this Daily Circuit program, MPR’s Kerri Miller talks with Native American author Louise Erdrich about her book “The Round House.” Erdrich describes the writing decisions and background to book.