January 11, 2010 - MPR’s Steven John interviews U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar about China’s use of cadmium in children's items. The chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning Asian manufacturers against the use of cadmium in children's items. That's after lab tests found that Chinese manufacturers were substituting the heavy metal in place of lead in cheap charm bracelets and pendants being sold in this country. Cadmium is known to cause cancer, and, like lead, it can hinder brain development in the children. Senator Amy Klobuchar led the fight to ban lead from toys manufactured in China. She's traveling in southern Minnesota today and we caught up with her.
November 11, 2009 - The outgoing head of the National Trust for Historic Preservation calls Fort Snelling the most important historic site in the state. Former Minnesotan Richard Moe announced last week he was retiring after 17 years as president of the trust. Moe is also the author of a book about the First Minnesota Volunteers who played a big role fighting for the Union in the Civil War. The Duluth native says those soldiers enlisted and trained at Fort Snelling. But, Moe says the site where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers meet represents more than just a former military post.
August 26, 2009 - Midday presents the documentary “Divorced Kid: Stories from the 1970's divorce revolution.” MPR’s Sasha Aslanian reports on the long-term impact of the divorce explosion in U.S. during the 1970’s.
February 18, 2009 - In its latest effort to stem the financial crisis, the Obama administration announced the details of a $75 billion plan to help struggling homeowners. The plan is more ambitious than initially expected - and more expensive. It aims to aid borrowers who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are currently worth, and borrowers who are on the verge of foreclosure. Afterwards, Ben Bernanke speaks at the National Press Club live here on Midday with Gary Eichten
January 15, 2009 - As part of a weekly NewsCut focus, MPR’s Bob Collins embarks on a set of college tours to see how the tough economy is impacting young people. In this segment, Collins visits Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
November 10, 2008 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on the “dark folk” sound hitting the Twin Cities music scene. Groups highlighted are Roma Di Luna, The Pines, Murzik, and Spaghetti Western String Company.
October 31, 2008 - Independence Party candidate for U.S. Senate, Dean Barkley, speaks last week at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute as part of a Candidates Forum series put on by the Institute's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. Following his opening remarks Barkley took questions from the audience and moderator, Larry Jacobs.
October 30, 2008 - Republican Senator Norm Coleman speaks last week at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute as part of a Candidates Forum series put on by the Institute's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. Following his opening remarks Coleman took questions from the audience and moderator, Larry Jacobs.
October 29, 2008 - Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Al Franken, speaks last week at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute as part of a Candidates Forum series put on by the Institute's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. Following his opening remarks Franken took questions from the audience and moderator, Larry Jacobs.
March 14, 2008 - MPR’s Steven John interviews renowned poet Maya Angelou, who shares thoughts on her life and politics.