August 15, 1996 - Chris Farrell, MPR's senior business and economics editor, discusses proposals being put forth by the Republicans and the Democrats this election year dealing with taxes and the economy. Listeners call in with questions.
November 21, 1996 - R. J. Brown, Minnesota state commissioner of Department of Economic Security, discusses a research study that shows 70% of women in state are a part of workforce.
December 19, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Farrell talks about the controversy over adjusting the Consumer Price Index and the economic, political, and personal finance implications of these changes. Dale Jorgenson, professor of economics department at Harvard University and a member of the Commission which concluded that the CPI overstates inflation; and Judith Brown, former president of AARP, join Farrell to discuss CPI.
January 6, 1997 - Midday guests Peter Hart and Bill McInturff, national polling experts, answer questions about polling and talk about their new poll of Minnesota business leaders' opinions on dozens of issues, covering everything from Governor Carlson and taxes, to a stadium for the Twins and the quality of education.
January 13, 1997 - As part of a series on poverty, MPR’s John Biewen looks at the growth of so-called 'fringe banks'…pawnbrokers and check-cashing shops. A growing number of low-income Americans are relying on 'fringe banks' in place of traditional banking services.
January 13, 1997 - As part of a series on poverty, MPR’s John Biewen reports that while the Minnesota legislature passed regulations in 1996 designed to control interest rates so pawn customers wouldn't have to pay ten or fifteen times the rates charged for credit card loans, some of the state's pawnshops are using a loophole in the law to charge more than 200%.
January 14, 1997 - As part of a series on poverty, MPR’s John Biewen looks at the "rent-to-own" industry and issues regarding interest rates.
January 15, 1997 - As part of a series on poverty, MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on low-income housing.
February 27, 1997 - Midday talks with car expert Jack Gillis, who is out with his 1997 editions of "The Car Book" and "The Truck, Van, and 4-by-4 Book." Gillis also writes a used car book. He answers call-in questions from listeners about safety features, warranties, complaint ratings, prices, and showroom strategies.
March 6, 1997 - Midday looks at proposals to cut taxes, give tax rebates, or reform the tax system. Studio guests Jim Girard, commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Revenue; and DFL State Representative Dee Long, who chairs the House Tax Committee, provide details of the tax proposals and answer listeners call-in questions.