July 2, 2008 - MPR’s Mark Steil profiles New Ulm’s Ali Bernard, the first Minnesota female Olympian to come out of the state's high school wrestling program.
July 23, 2008 - Seven Democrats are running in the September DFL primary in hopes of winning their party's nomination to take on Republican Senator Norm Coleman in the November election. Comedian and author Al Franken is the favorite to win that primary. Franken has raised millions of dollars, he has the DFL endorsement and he's a household name throughout the state. Of all of Franken's challengers, attorney Priscilla Lord Faris appears to be putting together the most aggressive primary campaign. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik has this profile of Lord Faris.
September 17, 2008 - A day before his 85th birthday, former Republican Gov. Al Quie joins Midday to reflect on his years in office, as Governor and in Congress, as well as discuss the future of the Republican Party.
January 6, 2009 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen presents a profile of Carl Pohlad, local businessman and owner of the Minnesota Twins, who passed away on January 5th, 2009. Minnesotans in business, sports, and philanthropic circles are looking back on the life of Pohlad.
April 24, 2009 - MPR’s Laura Yuen profiles Somali activist Omar Jamal, who has both supporters and detractors inside his own community. Yuen tracks Jamal's media footprint and has this profile.
August 11, 2009 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles the Minneapolis band The Pines. Roberts interviews co-founders Benson Ramsey and David Huckfelt about Midwestern music sensibilities and their album "Tremolo."
October 2, 2009 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Grant Cutler and Maggie Morrison, the duo that make up the Minneapolis synth-pop duo Lookbook. The two share thoughts on creating an ‘80s sound and their love for Phil Collins.
November 13, 2009 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Solid Gold, a Minneapolis-based indie rock band with an electronic pop and R&B sound. Roberts speaks with band members about experimenting with pop music formulas. Roberts also interviews local music critic about band’s ascension.
December 22, 2009 - Singer-songwriter and steel guitarist Cam Waters died in Minneapolis, at the age of 51. MPR’s Tom Crann interviews one of Water’s musical friends, guitarist Dave "Dakota" Hull, who shares his reflections on the late musician.
January 15, 2010 - MPR’s Dan Olson profiles Twin Cities musician and educator Cyril Paul. A native of Trinidad, Paul has lived in Minnesota for more than 50 years performing the music of his homeland and also serving as a music resource person in schools and churches.