- Best books of the year, 2009 edition
The traditional sharing of long lists of favorite fiction and nonfiction continues. The book editors from two newspapers share their thoughts on what books were celebrated and ignored.9:06 a.m.Ron Charles: Fiction editor at the Washington Post.
Marjorie Kehe: Book editor at the Christian Science Monitor. She also writes the Chapter & Verse blog.
- Judge rules against unallotments
A portion of the billions of dollars in cuts Gov. Tim Pawlenty made to balance the budget last summer are now on hold. Ramsey District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled that a $5.3 million food program cut from the budget should be restored. In question are the remaining cuts.10:06 a.m.Rep. Marty Seifert (R-Marshall): Former minority leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He's currently running for governor.
Sen. Tarryl Clark (D-St. Cloud): Assistant majority leader in the Minnesota Senate. She is challenging Republican Michele Bachmann for Congress.
David Lillehaug: Former Minnesota U.S. attorney. He's an attorney with Fredrikson and Byron.
Sen. Julianne Ortman (R-Chanhassen): Serves on the Minnesota Senate Transportation committee.
- The toll of grief on a marriage
A new debut novel explores the connection between chronic pain and the emotional pain of loss. St. Paul writer Kate Ledger brings her experience observing and writing about doctors to her contemplation of marriage and grief.10:30 a.m.Kate Ledger: Author of the new novel "Remedies."
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You can follow Kerri Miller on Twitter at @KerriMPR
Midmorning Podcast
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