January 3, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks Walter Mondale, U.S. ambassador to Japan and former U.S. vice president. Mondale discusses Japan, and the greater Asia Pacific region. Mondale also answers listener questions.
January 5, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eichten speaks with Walter Mondale, U.S. ambassador to Japan, on news that Tomiichi Murayama is stepping down as Japanese prime minister, and the potential ascension of Ryutaro Hashimoto to the position.
January 15, 1996 - Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton reflects on the mission and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 25, 1996 - MPR’s John Rabe talks with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton about what is taking place at Mayors' Conference in Washington D.C. Interview topics include professional sports teams obligations to cities, education funding, and crime.
February 1, 1996 - As it hovers around -20 degrees outside, Midday’s Gary Eichten asks headhunter Mark Sathe about how one is able to lure someone to move to Minnesota for a job or career.
February 1, 1996 - Joe Dowling, Guthrie Theater's new artistic director, visits the Minnesota Public Radio studios to discuss the new season of Guthrie plays and the theater world in general. Dowling also answers listener questions.
February 2, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with officials in Embarrass, Minnesota about losing out on low temperature record to Tower, a town just to the north.
February 2, 1996 - MPR’s Gary Eichten discusses the record setting cold temperatures found throughout the state with meteorologist Mark Seeley, who explains the atmospheric scenario that created the frigid conditions.
February 8, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, a day after she gave her State of the City address. She talks about the condition of Minnesota's biggest city, with topics including mayoral role, violent crime, Minneapolis police, community programs, elementary education, and street drugs. Sayles Belton also answers listeners questions.
February 23, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, who previews his State of the City Address. Coleman discusses the current conditions and future prospects for the city of St. Paul. Topics include local crime, riverfront development, taxes, and reinvestment. Coleman also answers listener questions.