November 18, 2011 - In the 1940s, the stories of two fictional Minnesota girls named Betsy and Tacy became a sensation. Author Maud Hart Lovelace based the stories on her own happy childhood in Mankato in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This month HarperCollins is publishing a new Betsy-Tacy Treasury. The collection includes the first four books of the ten book series. Over the years, the stories have inspired generations of devoted fans. Today those fans can visit the Betsy-Tacy Society in Mankato and tour the childhood homes of Lovelace and her best friend. The society's president is Susan Brown and she joins me now from Mankato. Welcome! Maud Hart Lovelace was born in Mankato in 1892. She based the character of Betsy on herself. She was a stickler for historical accuracy-- how accurate a portrayal are the books of growing up at the turn of the century in Minnesota? What was Maud like as a girl growing up in Mankato?
November 28, 2011 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews James Hormel, the first openly gay U.S. ambassador, about his memoir "Fit to Serve." Hormel details the fight to become U.S. Ambassador was a long and ardous process but he says it was worth it.
December 1, 2011 - On Being’s Krista Tippett talks with Diane Wilson, professor of Media and Religion, about TV shows that make audiences empathize with bad and evil.
December 2, 2011 - Jerry Dennis and Darby Nelson have written about lakes, great and small. What do we most value about lakes and what should be done to protect them? Guests: Darby Nelson: Author of "For Love of Lakes." Aquatic ecologist and professor emeritus, Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Served three terms as Minnesota State Representative. Former board president, Conservation Minnesota. Currently on the board of the Freshwater Society.
December 13, 2011 - Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton reflects on the first year of his four-year term and answers questions about taxes, the budget, education policies, public employee unions, Vikings stadium, and more. Dayton also answers listener questions.
December 21, 2011 - MPR’s Sasha Aslanian talks with members of a Catholic family about their take on upcoming marriage amendment vote. Maureen Scallen, a lesbian in a long-term relationship, wonders whether the loyalty of her siblings will be tested by a proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment that would define marriage as only being between a man and woman.
January 13, 2012 - A Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor joins Midday to talk about his long career in radio and where his popular program is headed. Keillor also answers listener questions.
January 16, 2012 - Midday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a discussion about race and religion in America with guest Keith Ellison (D-MN), U.S. representative for the Minnesota 5th District.
January 20, 2012 - A broadcast of "Heckuva Farewell," an event for MPR’s Gary Eichten, held at the Fitzgerald Theater on January 19, 2012. For his last Midday show, Gary interviews Vice President Mondale, Minnesota's senior statesman. The two hold a wide-ranging political discussion.
January 20, 2012 - MPR's Cathy Wurzer and Minnesota Public Radio listeners turn the tables and ask questions of legendary host Gary Eichten as MPR's pre-eminent news host retires on January 20, 2012, after 45 years of radio broadcasting.