January 14, 1997 - As part of a series on poverty, MPR’s John Biewen looks at the "rent-to-own" industry and issues regarding interest rates.
January 15, 1997 - As part of a series on poverty, MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on low-income housing.
February 27, 1997 - Midday talks with car expert Jack Gillis, who is out with his 1997 editions of "The Car Book" and "The Truck, Van, and 4-by-4 Book." Gillis also writes a used car book. He answers call-in questions from listeners about safety features, warranties, complaint ratings, prices, and showroom strategies.
March 6, 1997 - Midday looks at proposals to cut taxes, give tax rebates, or reform the tax system. Studio guests Jim Girard, commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Revenue; and DFL State Representative Dee Long, who chairs the House Tax Committee, provide details of the tax proposals and answer listeners call-in questions.
March 26, 1997 - Midday discusses the U. S. economy with author and well-known economist Lester Thurow, a professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Topics include interest rates, inflation, stock market, health care, labor market, and monetary policy. Thurow also answers listener call-in questions.
May 22, 1997 - Midday discusses saving for retirement with guests Jean Johnson, senior vice president for Programs at Public Agenda, a research group in New York; and Chris Farrell, Minnesota Public Radio's senior business and economics editor. Listeners call in with questions for the guests.
June 30, 1997 - Midday discusses welfare reform and jobs with guests Bill Brumfield, director of training and employment assistance for Hennepin County; Ann Sessions, director of assistance payments for the State Department of Human Services; and Mimi Molina of the Minnesota Welfare Rights Coalition. The guest also answer listener call-in questions.
October 6, 1997 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil revisits the southern Minnesota town of Good Thunder and takes a look at the continuing economic development struggles on Main Street. With the state’s economic boom in the 1990s, officials would love to bring some of those jobs to their town, but that just hasn't happened.
October 14, 1997 - Midday guest Andrew Tobias, a personal finance writer, talks about his book My Vast Fortune. Tobias wrote the best-selling book The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need, and beginning in the fall, is the host of a public television series Beyond Wall Street. Listeners call in with questions.
March 1, 1998 - On this MPR Special Report, the American RadioWorks documentary “The World Turned Upside Down: An End to Inflation?” looks at inflation, deflation, and how the U.S. Federal Reserve keeps a watchful eye for BOTH.