May 8, 1986 - Midday presents the late John Ciardi delivering an address called "Why Read?" Following speech, a segment of New Letters on the Air with Ciardi reading some of his poetry (The Collectors; The Glory; Happiness; For Myra, John L. and Benn; Mutterings; Obsolescence; Habitat; and Perversity).
May 12, 1986 - Father Robert Drinan, a lawyer, author and former congressman who has long been active in the anti-nuclear movement, gave an address in Minneapolis in honor of World Law Day. Speech was titled "Possibilities for Peace in the Nuclear Age." Father Drinan’s appearance was co-sponsored by the World Federalist Association of Minnesota, the Lawyers Alliance for Nuclear Arms Control and the United Nations Association of Minnesota. He was introduced by Minneapolis Mayor Don Fraser.
May 16, 1986 - Ely’s Jackpine Bob Cary predicts a big fish opener for Minnesota anglers. Cary comments on fish…and politics.
May 16, 1986 - Deb Brown answers listener questions about spring lawn care.
May 16, 1986 -
May 17, 1986 - On this Weekend program, MPR’s Bob Potter talks with Kathy Heidel, naturalist with the Hennepin County Park Reserve System. They discuss the early appearance of spring. Topics include birds, wildlife and plants. Heidel also answers listener questions.
May 18, 1986 - On this Sportfolio program, Libby Riddles, professional dogsledder, discusses racing and answers listener questions. Riddles was the first woman to win Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
May 20, 1986 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on Minneapolis band The Replacements. Wareham interviews lead singer Paul Westerberg, who discusses the band’s reputation and “style” of music. Segment contains music clips of Replacements songs.
May 21, 1986 - MPR’s Jim Bickal presents a profile of the 1986 Minnesota Music Awards. Bickal describes the elaborate scene, talks with a limo driver, interviews an unimpressed Soul Asylum, and hears from a disgruntled guest. Segment also highlights Prince accepting honor as first charter member of the Minnesota Music Academy.
May 22, 1986 - New York Times reporter Andrew Malcolm, author of Final Harvest: An American Tragedy, speaks to the Minnesota Press Club about his story of the murder of Ruthton, Minnesota, bankers Rudy Blythe and Toby Thulin.