January 7, 1989 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on the deteriorating conditions around Fargo as a dangerous blizzard set in northwestern Minnesota. Zdechlik notes large amounts of falling snow, wind chills, and road closures.
January 12, 1989 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary on religion in Minnesota, entitled “Articles of Faith.” Highlighted are a Central Minnesota German Catholic community in Pierz-Lastrup, Mennonites in Mountain Lake, a Jewish family in Fergus Falls, and a non-believer who nevertheless attends a small town church.
January 20, 1989 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger visits some fish house residents on Lake Mille Lacs and finds that there is much more to the experience of ice fishing than the fish.
February 10, 1989 - On this Midday program, a presentation of a Mainstreet Radio documentary on rural homelessness. There are people in rural Minnesota who can't afford to put a roof over their heads and advocates for the poor say rural homelessness is a growing problem.
April 5, 1989 - MPR’s Leif Enger profiles John Lyght, Minnesota's first African American sheriff. Born and raised in Cook County, Lyght became sheriff of his hometown.
April 19, 1989 - MPR’s Stephen Smith and Tom Meersman present “Burning the Needles,” a documentary report on the issues of medical waste and the challenges in how to dispose of it.
May 9, 1989 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger reports on the concern over contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxin in northern Minnesota fish. Some are concerned that the contaminated fish might cause a decrease in fishing and tourism, but others said there are simply nothing to worry about.
May 20, 1989 - MPR’s Kathleen Hallinan profiles Karen Thompson, an activist and feminist, whose court fight over human rights issues captured national attention. Thompson speaks on racism, sexism, gay rights, and disability rights.
June 3, 1989 - MPR’s Mark Heistad reports on Hmong farmers in the Twin Cities area. Farming is a natural transition for Hmong immigrants settling in Minnesota. It is also an important factor towards independance and bonding of family.
September 8, 1989 - MPR’ Euan Kerr profiles Rufus Harley, a jazz musician whose instrument of choice is a bagpipe. Harley says the bagpipe has deep roots in many cultures, including North Africa.