November 2, 1988 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles Minnesota author J. F. Powers. Segment includes an interview with author about the topic of religion and his book, Wheat that Springeth Green.
October 28, 1988 - MPR’s Jim Bickal looks at the history of Anoka beyond its reputation as “Halloween Capitol of the World.”
October 17, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Migrant Farm Workers.” The documentary profiles migrant farm workers in St. James who came to Minnesota, and wound up staying here. Following the documentary, Jose Trejo, executive director of the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council, answers listener questions about issues facing Hispanics in Minnesota.
September 28, 1988 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on Delta Lambda Phi, the first fraternity for gay, bisexual, and progressive men at the University of Minnesota. Olson interviews numerous students and officials about the creation of organization on campus.
September 23, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Gold: New Prospects on the Iron Range.” The documentary focuses on the search for gold in the Iron Range and the effect one Canadian gold mine has had on community life. Following the documentary, Bill Brice, director of mineral division at Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, answers listener questions.
September 7, 1988 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on the largest influx of Hmong refugees to arrive in Minnesota since 1981. Meersman speaks with numerous officials about the challenges that arise for both the refugees and organizations trying to assist.
August 25, 1988 - MPR’s Bill Catlin talks with some of the workers at the Minnesota State Fair. It’s hard work, including overcoming negative “carnie” stigmas.
August 18, 1988 - MPR's Stephen Smith observes an average day in the life of a nuclear missile crew based at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. He finds out that there is no button to launch a nuke; it's actually a set of keys…and keeping the keys can be pretty dull work.
August 16, 1988 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua near Bayfield, Wisconsin. It is a 900-seat music venue and performing arts center.
July 27, 1988 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy reports on young musicians striving to make it in the Twin Cities music scene. Mulcahy interviews members of The Stragglers about recording/finding gigs, and director of Metro Studios about the changes in audience over last decade.