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.
May 19, 1988 - With the suicide death of Roger Caldwell, MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten takes a look back at the 1977 murders of Duluth heiress Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse. Caldwell plead guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to time served, or five years. Despite this, Caldwell repeatedly claimed innocence, including in a suicide note.
June 6, 1988 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe reports from the Paul Bunyon Trail north of Brainerd. There are numerous paved bike trails now traversing areas of northern Minnesota, all routed along old railroad tracks. The development of the scenic recreation trails is a boon to both local cyclists and those visiting.
July 7, 1988 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten talks with Doris, a member of Ely’s centennial committee, about the city preparations for a special visitor during its 100 year celebration. A. Courtland Ely III, great-grandson of Ely's namesake, will be first time an “Ely” has visited the town.
July 11, 1988 - MPR’s Euan Kerr visits the Metrodome and interviews numerous new players, some called up to the majors for the very first time. The ball players discuss what it’s like to play both in dome and for newly minted world champion team.
September 15, 1988 - MPR’s Bill Wareham talks with Gary Eichten about Prince’s September 14th concert at Met Center in Bloomington. Wareham shares his thoughts of experience and of the Minnesota artist.
September 29, 1988 - MPR’s Jim Bickal takes a look back at the 1988 Minnesota Twins’ Major League Baseball season. Despite coming in second place in the American League West and missing post season play, the team had an impressive 91-71 record. That is the best regular season record in 18 years.
November 2, 1988 - MPR’s Stephen Smith profiles Minnesota author J. F. Powers. Segment includes an interview with author about the topic of religion and his book, Wheat that Springeth Green.
December 30, 1988 - As the year closes, MPR’s Gary Eichten focuses on a listener suggestion that MPR host Bob Potter runs for the office of U.S. presidency in 1992. Eichten gets some reactions to the idea from Potter’s colleagues, a political analyst…and Potter himself.
February 17, 1989 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten interviews Dick Such, pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins, about the potential he sees in the 1989 spring training pitching roster.
March 1, 1989 - MPR’s John Biewen visits Melvin McCosh’s “House of Books.” The longtime Minnesota bookseller hosts a book sale twice a year at his 42-room home, which is literally rooms full of books for shoppers to peruse.