December 4, 2009 - Director Jason Reitman seems to have a thing about writers with Minnesota connections. He had a huge hit with "Juno" written by Diablo Cody. Now he's getting a lot of buzz for "Up in the Air," which is based on Minnesota native Walter Kirn novel. The movie opens this weekend. Reitman came into the Minnesota Public Radio studios recently to talk with Euan Kerr about his career, and how he decided against being a director.
December 11, 2009 - MPR’s Sasha Aslanian reports on how the State has provided names and personal information , including social security numbers, of new state agency employees to Lookout Services of Bellaire Texas to do its E-verify checks. Now the state is informing approximately 500 employees their personal data may have been accessible on the company's web site.
December 16, 2009 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Twin Cities singer/songwriter Jeremy Messersmith and Zach Coulter of Solid Gold about their cover of The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” for "Minnesota Beatle Project" CD.
December 16, 2009 -
December 21, 2009 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on concertina clubs, concertina jam sessions and even concertina makers found across the state. Olson speaks with numerous players who carry on the musical tradition.
December 22, 2009 - Singer-songwriter and steel guitarist Cam Waters died in Minneapolis, at the age of 51. MPR’s Tom Crann interviews one of Water’s musical friends, guitarist Dave "Dakota" Hull, who shares his reflections on the late musician.
December 24, 2009 - MPR’s Annie Baxter profiles the Peterson family as they prepare for a holiday season after a job loss.
December 27, 2009 - Krista Tippett speaks with Canadian philosopher and Catholic social innovator Jean Vanier. He founded the L'Arche movement, over 130 communities in 34 countries centered around people with mental disabilities. To many, Jean Vanier is simply one of the wise men in our world today. He has spent his life practically exploring the most basic, paradoxical teachings of Christianity-notions about power in humility, strength in weakness, and light in the darkness of human existence.
December 31, 2009 - As part of MPR's Youth Radio Series, Youth Radio reporter Mara Kumagai Fink reflects on an event that profoundly changed her family's life…the New Year's Day when her mom fell on a ski trail and was paralyzed from the neck down.
January 7, 2010 - MPR’s Rupa Shenoy reports on advocates push for more end-of-life rights for domestic partners. A 2009 bill that would have protected the rights of surviving members of domestic partnerships to make end-of-life decisions did not pass before the legislative session ended, but advocates hope state lawmakers will support it when they return to the capitol.