November 30, 2016 - Classical staff Brian Newhouse, Vaughn Ormseth, Mindy Ratner join Jack El-Hai to talk about the early days of MPR’s Classical station. In this MPR 50th anniversary interview, the staff talks about how the station started, how important the station is to the community, and the future of MPR Classical.
January 17, 2017 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews DFL U.S. Representative Tim Walz about President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, David Shulkin. Shulkin currently serves in the VA Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health. He was appointed to that position by President Barack Obama in 2015.
January 19, 2017 - This MPR News with Tom Weber feature takes a look back to January 20th, 1977, when Minnesota’s Walter Mondale was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States. Segment includes interview excerpts, descriptions of Inauguration Day, and audio of the complete swearing in of Mondale.
March 4, 2017 - MPR’s Mark Steil reports on southern Minnesota town hall meeting U.S. Representative Tim Walz had with constituents. There was a lot of interest regarding President Trump’s allegation that his phones were tapped and Trump’s recent immigration policies.
March 17, 2017 - Upon the announcement that Louise Erdrich’s novel ''LaRose” won the National Book Critics Circle Prize for Fiction, MPR’s Tom Crann presents an audio clip of Erdrich discussing book during a Thread live event. “LaRose” is set in an Ojibwe community in North Dakota and it opens with a brutal tragedy. A man shoots and kills his best friend's five-year-old son in a hunting accident. The guilt is so heavy that the man and his wife decide to give their own son, LaRose, to the bereaved couple.
March 27, 2017 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with MPR’s Brian Bakst about Congressman Tim Walz’s announcement that he is running for governor. They discuss how this shakes up the 2018 Minnesota political landscape.
April 20, 2017 - Although Prince's death had a profound impact on fans of all racial backgrounds, for some black Minnesotans his loss was especially meaningful. MPR’s Doualy Xaykaothao talks with two local musicians who reflect on Prince on a personal level.
May 10, 2017 - As part of MPR Day in Mankato, All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Minnesota's 1st District Congressman Tim Walz at the historic Kato Ballroom. Topics include the unique aspects of his district, Affordable Care Act, and Trump’s firing of FBI director.
August 7, 2017 - MPR’s Euan Kerr sits down with Garrison Keillor to talk about retirement, touring, and staying active even while turning 75 years old.
August 18, 2017 - The Minneapolis City Council chambers erupted in applause and a standing ovation Friday morning, as Medaria Arradondo was appointed the city's first African American police chief. One of the dozens of supporters in the chamber today was civil rights legend Dr. Josie Johnson. MPR’s Brandt Williams asked Johnson what Arradondo's appointment signals to members of the city's African American community.