June 1, 1990 - Norval Morris, professor of law and criminology at the University of Chicago, speaking at a Phi Beta Kappa Lecture held at University of Minnesota Law School. Morris’s address was titled “The Honest Politician's Guide to Drug Control." He states that America's drug policy is in disarray, and that the war on drugs has failed. After speech, Morris answers audience questions.
June 26, 1990 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on St. Paul City Council passage of ordinance banning discrimination against homosexuals in employment, housing, education, and public services. Wareham interviews advocates and opponents of the measure.
July 4, 1990 - Benjamin Barber, American political theorist, speaking at a G. Theodore Mitau Lecture at Macalester College in St. Paul. Barber’s address is on the topic “How Democratic is the Constitution?”
August 2, 1990 - MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten interviews Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Peter Popovich about studies on racial bias and discrimination in the court system.
September 13, 1990 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on an increase in attacks on individuals of the gay community in the Twin Cities. Smith interviews Patti Abbott, a crime/victim advocate for the Minnesota Gay and Lesbian Community Action Council about the seriousness of problem.
November 8, 1990 - MPR’s Stephen Smith presents the documentary "Whom They Fear, They Hate," which explores the issue of hate crime in the U.S. by looking at two communities: Minneapolis/St. Paul and Portland, Oregon.
November 29, 1990 - Mainstreet Radio’s John Biewen looks at the changes taking place in Minnesota law enforcement after the Minnesota legislature created the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST), which in part requires college degree for police officers…including the local sheriff. The state is the first in the country to require two-year degree for beginning peace officers.
December 3, 1990 - MPR’s Catherine Winter interviews retired Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court Peter Popovich, and new Chief Justice Alexander MacDonald "Sandy" Keith. In Popovich interview, topics of the mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices, politics, and the future direction of the Minnesota Supreme Court are discussed. In Keith interview, topics of his unsuccessful run for governor, administrative practices, disproportion of minority incarceration, and the potential future of court are discussed. Following interviews, program presents Keith speaking to a meeting of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
March 4, 1991 - MPR’s Tom Fudge reports on a new bill being sponsored at state legislature that would give legal recognition to traditional Hmong marriages. Fudge interviews the politician behind bill and Hmong community leaders about their views and concerns of bill in how it relates to Hmong culture.
April 5, 1991 - Skip Humphrey (aka Hubert Humphrey III), Minnesota's attorney general, discusses various law enforcement issues, including gang violence, gun limits, and environmental law. Humphrey also answers listener questions.