December 3, 2010 - A special broadcast of Kevin Kling's play, "Scarecrow on Fire." Based on the classic tale "The Wizard of Oz," the play picks up where that story left off. The production was commissioned by Minnesota Public Radio as part of the Fitzgerald Theater's 100th anniversary. The ensemble cast features Dan Chouinard as the Tin Man, Stephen Yoakam as the Lion, the Wizard, and others, Simone Perrin as Dorothy, and Kevin Kling as the Scarecrow.
December 5, 2010 - On Being’s Krista Tippett explores the essence of Sitting Bull's spiritual legacy as a vital source of identity and healing for the living. During program, Tippett interviews Ernie Lapointe and Cedric Good House.
December 6, 2010 - There's just over a week left in the Minnesota Governor's race recount, and Democrat Mark Dayton's lead still stands at nearly 9,000 votes. Republican Tom Emmer's odds are dwindling. This past weekend, party leaders directed their frustration at Republicans who supported Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Tom Horner. The Republican State Central Committee enacted a two-year ban on 18 prominent Republicans who publicly endorsed Horner. Former Republican Governor Al Quie was one of them, and he joins us this morning on the phone.
December 7, 2010 - As part of MPR's Youth Radio Series, Youth Radio reporter Brenda tells what it's like to live in the United States illegally.
December 13, 2010 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Bill Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, about the status of Metrodome after roof collapse from heavy snow on December 12, 2010.
December 23, 2010 - MPR’s Kate Smith interviews author Greg Breining and photographer Layne Kennedy about their book “Paddle North,” which explores the Quetico-Boundary Waters. The two discusse the method, madness and philosophy of paddling Minnesota's big lakes and small streams.
December 23, 2010 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with former Republican U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger about landmark health care law signed by President Barack Obama earlier in 2010, and the push by some in Congress to already repeal the law. Durenberger also answers listener questions.
December 27, 2010 - The year 2010 brought Republican electoral gains, in Minnesota and across the country, as well as another recount in a statewide election. Midday's political analysts look ahead to politics in 2011.
January 5, 2011 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann checks in with U.S. Representative Tim Walz as the new session of legislators are set to be sworn in, with Republicans taking control of Congress. It is a different experience for Walz, when Democrats took control of Congress four years ago. Walz comments that all are there to serve, no matter the party affiliation.
January 5, 2011 - Former Twins pitcher Bert Blyeven finally learned that he has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. To be selected, a player needs to be listed on at least 75% of the ballots submitted by baseball writers. After 13 straight years of falling short of that threshold, Blyleven was picked by 79% of the writers this year to earn his spot in the Hall.