August 31, 2018 - At MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair, Politics Friday’s Mike Mulcahy hosts a gubernatorial debate at Dan Patch Park between U.S. Representative Tim Walz, the DFL candidate; and Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson, the GOP candidate. The two spar over President Trump, schools, gun control measures, and how to slow the rising cost of health care. The stakes are high for both parties. Republicans have complete control of the Legislature and could control all of state government if they win the governor's office this fall, but they haven't managed to win a statewide race in more than a decade.
September 11, 2018 - An MPR News Presents broadcast of the APM Reports education documentary “Still Rising - First Generation College Students a Decade Later.” A look back at two students ten years after their initial efforts to gain a higher education.
September 13, 2018 - An APM Reports documentary, titled “Hard Words: Why aren't our kids being taught to read?,” which looks at the science of teaching children to read, and the disconnect of that science with educators. It’s a battle between phonics and whole language theory…leaving millions of children unable to read.
September 19, 2018 - Republican Jeff Johnson and DFLer Tim Walz challenged the other’s approach to education during a Minnesota governor’s race forum. The debate was focused mostly on developing the next-generation workforce for high-demand jobs. Other topics included achievement gap between white students and students of color and restructuring of public schools.
October 16, 2018 - MPR’s Peter Cox reports on creation of Josie Robinson Johnson fellowship. The University of Minnesota is establishing a fellowship in the name of one of the state's foremost civil rights leaders. The Josie Robinson Johnson fellowship will go to graduate students at the Humphrey School for Public Affairs who have specific interest in addressing racial inequities and injustices - a subject Johnson and other luminaries reflected on at event announcement.
February 16, 2019 - MPR News Presents a discussion between MPR political reporter Briana Bierschbach and Minnesota's new governor, Tim Walz, at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School. The two talk about the major issues facing the state. Topics include pipeline debate, taxes, environment, transportation, education, voting rights, and state budget.
March 11, 2019 - As part of Women's History Month, MPR News host Angela Davis sat down with Ann Bancroft, one of the world's most respected polar explorers. Davis also interviews Kathy Lantry in this audio as well.
April 3, 2019 - MPR’s Marianne Combs presents a profile of Josie Johnson, renowned local civil rights activist. Feature includes interview with Johnson about her life and book, and comments from Vernon Jordan and Walter Mondale, amongst others. Johnson’s memoir is titled "Hope in the Struggle."
April 4, 2019 - MPR News Presents Governor Tim Walz's first 'State of the State' address. MPR political editor Mike Mulcahy hosts the broadcast and MPR political reporters Brian Bakst and Tim Pugmire interview key lawmakers after the address. Walz highlighted education, transportation, and healthcare.
April 5, 2019 - On this episode of MPR News with Angela Davis, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy talks with DFL Governor Tim Walz about his term so far and how he'll seek agreement with lawmakers on the state's next two-year budget. Walz also answers listener questions.