MPR Journal was a daily half-hour regional news program, hosted by Gary Eichten, airing from 1984 until 1991. The program was initially titled Minnesota Journal, but in early 1985 changed to MPR Journal.
September 8, 1986 - MPR’s Euan Kerr profiles Minnesota mystery author Robert Dingwall (R.D.) Zimmerman and his book, The Red Encounter, a spy novel set in the Twin Cities. The plot revolves around a Russian agent sent to Minnesota to steal information about a super computer that is a vital link to ‘Star Wars’ defense system.
September 8, 1986 - On this MPR Journal program, a collection of reports, interviews, and a news rundown hosted by Gary Eichten.
September 9, 1986 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on local science fiction and fantasy comic Entropy Tales. Segment highlights characters from the Entropy Enterprises publication, including Goista The Philosopha, Nightwolf, and Star Fox.
October 7, 1986 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten talks with sports commentator J.G. Preston about his thoughts on what Minnesota Twins should do in preparing for 1987 MLB season.
October 9, 1986 - Hennepin County Park Commissioner Patti Baker talks about the nostalgia, declining usage, and rehabilitation needs of Parade Stadium outside of downtown Minneapolis. The field was Minneapolis's first public football stadium (even hosting NFL games), though it was mostly meant for high school, amateur, and small-college games. It also was host to a number of high-profile concerts over the decades.
November 24, 1986 - MPR’s Jim Bickal reports that interim Minnesota Twins Manager Tom Kelly has been named permanent manager. Announcement also included two new managerial positions in organization.
November 26, 1986 - General John Vessey, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shares his views on investigation of the Iran Arms-Contra deal. He also comments on the media and concerns of blowing situation out of proportion.
February 13, 1987 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on the 121st Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention. The event includes a typesetting competition sponsored by the Minnesota Newspaper Foundation. The organization highlights the lost art of typesetting in hopes of securing support for a functioning museum exhibit at Minnesota State Fair.
May 13, 1987 - An interview with playwright Marisha Chamberlain's about her play, Angels of Warsaw. It revolves around travelers on a train ride between Paris and Warsaw. The play premieres at the Cricket Theater, in Minneapolis.
May 19, 1987 - MPR’s Beth Friend profiles Patricia Hampl and her work, Spillville. The book is a narrative and reflection on Hampl and a few of her friends rode-tripping to Iowa to visit the same small town Antonin Dvorak visited when he wrote his String Quartet No. 12 in F major (nicknamed American Quartet).