June 18, 2008 - In a recent Twin Cities appearance, bestselling author David Sedaris read from his new book, "When You Are Engulfed in Flames." Midday broadcasts part of his reading, as well as his interview with Minnesota Public Radio reporter Nikki Tundel.
June 11, 2008 - In this special music edition from MPR’s Voices of Minnesota series, the spotlight shines on Minnesota gospel singer Tom Tipton and Celtic music performer Laura MacKenzie, both musicians who have become famous beyond Minnesota's borders.
April 9, 2008 - Five religious women speak about their views on social justice. Four of them are sisters, and also Catholic nuns. The Rev. Peg Chemberlin is president-elect of the National Council of Churches. Guests: Kate, Rita, Brigid & Jane McDonald: Sisters and Catholic nuns, Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul. Rev. Peg Chemberlin: President-elect, National Council of Churches. Executive director, Minnesota Council of Churches.
April 8, 2008 - Analysis of Iraq war testimony. Broadcast: Midday, 04/08/2008, 12:00 p.m. Two U.S. Senate committees are hearing testimony about the progress of the Iraq war from Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. Gen. David Petraeus, the top American commander in Baghdad tells a pair of Senate committees that a troop surge in Iraq has been successful, but that the success is fragile. Ambassador Ryan Crocker echoes Petraeus' concerns. During a break in the hearings, Midday hears some analysis from a foreign policy expert. Guest: Colin Kahl: Professor, Georgetown University Center for Peace and Security Studies. Fellow, Center for a New American Security.
April 1, 2008 - Midday remembers Ralph Rapson, the prolific architect and dean of the Architecture School at the University of Minnesota, who died on March 29th, 2008. Rapson may be best known for designing the first Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis.
March 27, 2008 - During the Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps helped propel the conservation of Minnesota's natural resources, and it gave jobs to more than 77,000 Minnesotans. Author Barbara Sommer captures the stories of these workers in her new book, "Hard Work and a Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota." She joins Midday to discuss her book as part of our coverage of Minnesota's sesquicentennial. Guest: Barbara Sommer: Author of "Hard Work and a Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota.Part of MPR's original series "Minnesota Arrival", stories relating to Minnesota's 150th anniversary of statehood.
March 25, 2008 - Midday remembers Jon Hassler in his own words, rebroadcasting an interview he did with MPR in 1999. Midday host Mike Edgerly then talks with two of Hassler's longtime friends - Bill Holm, a fellow Minnesota literary figure and author of Windows of Brimnes: An American In Iceland;” and Nick Hayes, friend and colleague of Hassler, and a professor at St. John's University. The two remark on the impact of his work, both as a writer and a teacher.
March 13, 2008 - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman joins Midday to discuss the challenges facing his city, and the achievements that have been made in the past year. Coleman also answers listener questions.
March 12, 2008 - Midday presents recording of prominent Minnesotans sharing stories about Minnesota during a story telling event put on by the 2008 Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission. Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Climatologist; Carl Eller, professional football hall of famer; Al Quie, former Minnesota Governor; Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator (D-MN), and more gathered to wax Minnesota during a story telling event put on by the 2008 Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission.
March 6, 2008 - R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, discusses crime and the economy with Midday host Gary Eichten. Other topics include bridge collapse and city initiatives. Rybak also answers listener questions.