July 18, 1997 - Midday discussion about Minnesota’s other state bird…mosquitos. Studio guests are Dave Noetzel, professor emeritus and extension entomologist at the University of Minnesota; and Jim Stark, public affair coordinator for the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. Listeners call in with questions about the pest.
July 18, 1997 - Midday features a special report on teen curfews, with a follow up discussion with guests Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman in the St. Paul studios; and in MPR's Collegeville bureau, Sherry Smolik, coordinator of the St. Cloud Area Violence Prevention Council. The guests also answer listener call-in questions.
September 2, 1997 - Midday offers a special back-to-school "Talk of Minnesota" program to hear from parents of school children and others on what they would like kids to learn this year. Listeners call in with comments and questions.
September 10, 1997 - Midday guests St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman and his challenger State Senator Sandy Pappas visit the Minnesota Public Radio studios to talk about issues facing the city and to answer questions from MPR listeners. Topics include partisanship, city development, housing, and downtown revitalization.
October 6, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with guest Emmett Carson, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation, about the foundation's Sunday newspaper supplement intended to encourage inter-racial understanding. Listeners call in with questions.
October 10, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with former Minnesota governor Elmer L. Andersen about his life and his book, Views from the Publisher's Desk. Andersen also answers listener call-in questions.
October 13, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Neil Witikko, Minnesota's teacher of the year. Witikko teaches English, German, and television production at Hermantown High School. 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 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 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.