January 13, 1986 - MPR’s George Boosey reports on Potter v. LaSalle Court Sports & Health Club case being heard at the Minnesota Supreme Court. The case stems from a complaint by gay man that health club discriminated against him due to his sexuality. Report includes clips of arguments presented by attorneys.
March 24, 1986 - Faye Wattleton, national president of Planned Parenthood and pro-choice advocate, and John Willke, national president of "Right to Life" and leader of the pro-life movement debate the subject of abortion. Debaters were joined by St. Olaf seniors Erin Rasmussen and Cathryn Abresch. Moderator of the debate was Dr. Joan Gunderson, history professor at St. Olaf College in Northfield, where the debate took place.
June 2, 1986 - On this cover story of MPR Journal, a look at possible end of the nine month Hormel strike in Austin, Minnesota. MPR reporter Mike Mulcahy provides details of Federal District Court Judge Edward Devitt’s injunction on United Food and Commercial Workers Union local P-9, effectively ending strike. Even with court decision, some strikers are determined to continue fight against Hormel officials.
August 9, 1986 - On this Weekend program, Roger Ledding, chief State Patrol officer, discusses the new seat belt law, where all front seat passengers must wear seatbelt. Other topics include safe driving, highway traffic enforcement, and DWI. Colonel Ledding also answers listener questions.
October 28, 1986 - Tony Bouza, Minneapolis police chief, discusses various police matters. Topics include challenges in terminating officers, his views on civil service, privatization, rise in crime, and age/fitness of officers. Bouza also answers listener questions.
March 16, 1987 - The controversial bill allowing for the release of $24 million from the 2002 Fund for economic development on the Iron Range was recalled from the House during Senate session. News of an FBI probe of Endotronics, Inc., that surfaced after the Senate had voted final passage on the measure, prompted Majority Leader Roger Moe to make the motion for recall. The recall motion prevailed on a 51-15 roll call vote.
May 1, 1987 - MPR’s Jim Meumann reports on protests against Chippewa tribe spearfishing at Butternut Lake in Wisconsin.
August 27, 1987 - Dr. Mary Frances Berry, historian, civil rights activist, and commissioner on the US Commission of Civil Rights, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Berry’s address was titled "Civil Rights in America: Liberty and Justice for All." Following speech, Berry answered audience questions. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
September 2, 1987 - Jim Schaefer, director of the Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health, discusses community approaches to preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Topics include drunk driving, alcohol sales to minors, and informal social control. Schaefer also answers listener questions.
September 9, 1987 - MPR’s Dan Olson profiles protests of pornography businesses on St. Paul’s University Avenue. Report includes commentary from Archbishop John Roach, St. Paul Councilman Bill Wilson, and Ferris Alexander, owner of controversial Faust Theater.