November 4, 1997 - This Midday program features an election day special about voting with Elaine Voss, Minnesota’s Deputy Secretary of State. Issues covered are who votes and why; whether the elections system can, or needs to be, improved; citizenship; and meaning of a democracy. Listeners call in with questions.
October 29, 1997 - Midday features a discussion with candidates for mayor of Minneapolis…current Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton; and her challenger, former Minneapolis council member Barbara Carlson. Topics include crime, city investment, education, and local economy. Belton and Carlson also answer listener call-in questions.
October 28, 1997 - Midday offers live two-hour coverage of the legislative Special Session with a debate on the Twins ballpark/stadium in the Minnesota Senate. Debate includes gambling as a funding source. MPR reporter Martin Kaste joins Gary Eichten to provide analysis as debate plays out.
October 24, 1997 - On the 50th anniversary of the opening week of the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings on Communism in America, Midday looks at the time period often known as "The McCarthy Era."
October 21, 1997 - Midday discusses new federal guidelines affecting immigrants with guests Jennifer Prestholdt, director of Refugee and Immigrant Program at Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights; and Loan Huynh, legal and advocacy director at Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights.
October 20, 1997 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio's "Minnesota Family Strength Project," Midday features a discussion about the role of extended family with guest Miriam Reibold, past president of the Minnesota Senior Federation. Program also includes listeners call-in with questions.
October 17, 1997 - Midday examines the quality of new home construction in Minnesota, including how to determine good quality and how to deal with faulty construction with guests Dean Flackey, the president of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and contractor with Lifestyle Homes; and Scott Borchert, of the State Commerce Department, which oversees building contractors. Listeners call in with questions.
October 16, 1997 - Midday looks at the University of Minnesota and its future. The first part of the program features a discussion with Mark Yudof, University of Minnesota president, on the eve of his installation as the University of Minnesota's 14th president.
October 15, 1997 - Midday talks with Martha Raddatz, National Public Radio's Pentagon correspondent, about covering the military. Topics include the art of listening, gender, and access. Raddatz also answers listener call-in questions.
October 14, 1997 - Midday guest Andrew Tobias, a personal finance writer, talks about his book My Vast Fortune. Tobias wrote the best-selling book The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need, and beginning in the fall, is the host of a public television series Beyond Wall Street. Listeners call in with questions.