July 17, 1990 - MPR’s Kitty Eisele profiles local writer Patricia Hampl, who has been awarded the MacArthur Award Fellowship. It is the latest honor bestowed on the author of numerous well-regarded works, including A Romantic Education and Spillville.
July 18, 1990 - MPR’s Beth Friend reports on playwright August Wilson’s departure from St. Paul to Seattle, Washington. Friend interviews Wilson about his writing experience while living in Minnesota.
July 19, 1990 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on the challenges Southeast Asians face in finding employment and social services in St. Paul. Roberts looks into a city plan that provides better access and avenues for those in the Hmong community to utilize.
July 25, 1990 - MPR’s Chris Tetlin reports on upcoming Civil Rights Commission hearing regarding complaint by Dignity, a national organization of gay and lesbian Catholics, against the Twin Cities Archdiocese. The Diginity Twin Cities chapter used space at the Newman Center for worship services and other meetings until the Catholic church decided group could no longer lease facilities.
July 28, 1990 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Kou Vang about the passing of his father, Blia Xang Vang. Kou discusses his father’s life and describes cultural elements of the Hmong in regards to death and burial.
July 30, 1990 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on the gathering of over 5,000 Hmong mourners from around the country to honor Major Vang after his death. Olson details the ceremony and the continuing struggle for some Hmong military veterans in adapting to new home in United States.
August 2, 1990 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten interviews Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Peter Popovich about studies on racial bias and discrimination in the court system.
August 18, 1990 - MPR’s Mark Heistad talks with Evelyn Fairbanks, author of the book Days of Rondo. Fairbanks reflects on growing up in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul.
August 24, 1990 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten interviews Lucia Wilkes, co-director of Women Against Military Madness, about group’s Persian Gulf position and concerns over a pending war.
August 25, 1990 - On this Midday, a conversation with literary agents Wendy and Jonathon Lazear about the publishing industry, books, and motion picture rights. The Lazear’s also answer listener questions.