February 17, 1997 - If you're the type of person who enjoys the spotlight, then maybe you wouldn't mind being Lincoln or Washington or Jefferson, all of whom are being scrutinized this week. But if you're a shy person, it might be better to be Millard Fillmore. Safe to say you could walk down the street in any major city without being recognized. Millard Fillmore was President of the United States from 1850 to 1853, serving the remainder of Zachary Taylor's term after Taylor died in office. As President, he served without distinction, and without stain. But Fillmore is not forgotten. If memory serves, the Brady Bunch went to a school named after Fillmore, and his qualities are remembered in a punk song. The group Showdown Showcase, from the Boston area, has a minute-long song called "Last of the Whigs."
February 17, 1997 - A state Senate Committee heard testimony from some of the state's top law enforcement officers who favor a bill creating a statewide Gang Strike Force. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports.
February 18, 1997 - A Minnesota-Iowa border flap has erupted over a perceived slight to Iowa's largest city. Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson said during the weekend that Des Moines is dead. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad sought an apology yesterday, but it was rebuffed. Carlson later hedged on his remarks, noting that his wife is from Iowa and proud of her heritage. Des Moines mayor Arthur Davis has offered Governor Carlson a tour of his city, and Carlson is apparently considering the offer. James Lileks, a columnist with the St. Paul Pioneer Press, has been watching the situation.
February 20, 1997 - MPR's Bill Wareham takes a look efforts by Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton to spend $35 million to help finance a Target store and other development on the south end of Nicollet Mall. The two-story Target would anchor a 14-story office and retail complex on the 900 block of Nicollet. Meanwhile, a block away the University of St. Thomas plans to expand its graduate school campus and link it to a K-12 magnet school also on the drawing boards.
February 20, 1997 - A group of female lawmakers say it's time all responsible adults had the right to carry concealed firearms. The lawmakers say concealed firearms are an inexpensive way to cut the rates of murder and other violent crimes in Minnesota but gun-control forces promise to fight any relaxation of concealed weapons rules every step of the way. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.
February 20, 1997 - At the Capitol a row is brewing over how much of the Governor's cellular phone records ought to be made public. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports.
February 26, 1997 - As part of Minnesota Public Radio's Voices of Minnesota series, a presentation of excerpts from an interview with George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor.
March 3, 1997 - MPR’s Gary Eicthen talks with Minnesota's most prominent statesman, Walter Mondale, who recently retired from public service. Mondale discusses political issues, business, and his years as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Vice President, Presidential candidate, and U.S. Senator from Minnesota. Mondale also answers listener questions.
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 10, 1997 - Midday presents two Minnesota Public Radio documentaries by producer Stephen Smith and Michael Montgomery. The first, Face of Mercy, Face of Hate, is about the life and mysterious death of a Bosnia Serb. The second, A Plague of Plastic Soldiers, is about efforts to clear land mines in Cambodia.