February 4, 2016 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews the creators of new play “George Bonga: Black Voyageur.” The History Theater pulls together a dream team of playwright Carlyle Brown, director Marion McClinton, and actor James A. Williams to tell the story of African American voyageur George Bonga.
February 15, 2016 - MPR’s Dan Kraker reports from Duluth's Portman Park, where outdoor hockey is alive and well. The city is home to one of North America's last all-outdoor youth hockey leagues.
February 29, 2016 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on Penumbra Theatre’s opening run of The Dutchman and The Owl Answers - two surreal one-act plays that explore race relations, sexual politics and biracial identity.
March 16, 2016 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews experimental composer and musician Laurie Anderson, who has been on the forefront of musical experimentation in the U.S. for more than 40 years. The two discuss the sounds, imagery, and juxtaposition.
March 17, 2016 - An MPR News Presents broadcast of Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential biographer Jon Meacham speaking at the Pen Pals Lecture Series. Meacham has written about Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and President George H.W. Bush. Author says he writes biography rather than history, because history is shaped by individuals who, despite their flaws, do the right thing in moments of crisis.
April 14, 2016 - MPR’s Tim Nelson reports on expansion plans at the Minnesota State Fair. The architects that created the West End Market for the Fair in 2014 showed off a makeover for the north end of the fairgrounds. The project includes a new exhibit hall, a more intimate amphitheater, and some changes to favorites like the Giant Sing Along and the Pet Center.
April 18, 2016 - As part of MPR News series “Minnesota's Opioid Epidemic,” MPR’s Jon Collins talks with Dave Baker, Minnesota state representative (R-Willmar), about the addiction and overdose death of his son, Dan Baker.
April 19, 2016 - As part of MPR News series “Minnesota's Opioid Epidemic,” MPR’s Jon Collins profiles Rita Rogers, a mother from White Earth who lost her pregnant daughter Tiffany to heroin overdose.
April 19, 2016 - As part of MPR News series “Minnesota's Opioid Epidemic,” MPR’s Jon Collins profiles Lexi Reed Holtum and her legislative efforts against opioid epidemic after the death of her fiance, Steve Rummler. The two were engaged when Rummler died from a heroin overdose of in 2011.
April 20, 2016 - As part of MPR News series “Minnesota's Opioid Epidemic,” MPR’s Jon Collins profiles Lee Hertel, a Minneapolis activist who hands out clean needles and medicine that can reverse overdoses. Hertel says he's trying to save the lives of people he believes society has forgot.