June 7, 1988 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on the troubling conditions facing farmers as drought conditions set in across many areas of the state. Meersman interviews farmers and officials about the potential impact.
June 14, 1988 - MPR’s Dan Olson talks with local climatologists about the patterns that led to extreme drought and what might change to break the dry conditions.
July 19, 1988 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews Jim Zandlo, state climatologist, about the potential reasons behind and forecasting of extreme drought conditions seen in Minnesota.
September 7, 1988 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on the largest influx of Hmong refugees to arrive in Minnesota since 1981. Meersman speaks with numerous officials about the challenges that arise for both the refugees and organizations trying to assist.
September 23, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Gold: New Prospects on the Iron Range.” The documentary focuses on the search for gold in the Iron Range and the effect one Canadian gold mine has had on community life. Following the documentary, Bill Brice, director of mineral division at Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, answers listener questions.
September 28, 1988 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on Delta Lambda Phi, the first fraternity for gay, bisexual, and progressive men at the University of Minnesota. Olson interviews numerous students and officials about the creation of organization on campus.
October 17, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Migrant Farm Workers.” The documentary profiles migrant farm workers in St. James who came to Minnesota, and wound up staying here. Following the documentary, Jose Trejo, executive director of the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council, answers listener questions about issues facing Hispanics in Minnesota.
November 12, 1988 - MPR’s Mark Steil takes a look back at the November 12th, 1933 dust storm that hit South Dakota. Steil presents recollections of those who lived through the event.
December 10, 1988 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Brian Walter, spokesperson of Our Fair Carousel, who shares the news of a last-minute purchase of the longtime carousel at the Minnesota State Fair. It was up for auction and going to be pieced out.
December 17, 1988 - MPR’s Kate Smith looks back at the extreme drought that enveloped Minnesota in 1988. Smith speaks with a farmer and climatologist to get their stark take of the weather event.