July 2, 1997 - It was a bit of nostalgia and a bit of wide-eyed curiosity for the people who got the chance to try out a commuter train yesterday (TUESDAY). The train ride was one of several demonstration trips travelling between Minneapolis and St. Cloud. As Minnesota Public Radio's Gretchen Lehmann (lay-mun) reports, riders are eager to see if commuter rail may be the answer to easier travel in and out of the Twin Cities.
July 3, 1997 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports that local officials expect cleanup from the July 1st storm to last weeks, as several of the city's schools sustained heavy damage. One of the most damaged was Edison High School in Northeast community of Minneapolis.
July 4, 1997 - State Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe will become the latest white Minnesotan to be adopted by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians on Saturday. Like several others prominent Minnesota politicians before him, Moe will become an honorary member of the band. Red Lake leaders say they feel a real sense of friendship and kinship with Moe and the other white people who've been adopted by the tribe. Minnesota Public Radio's Christina Koenig (KAY-nig) reports.
July 10, 1997 - Midday discusses issue over health care and public sector salaries with guests Michael Osterholm, member of the Minnesota Department of Health; and former State Senator Gene Merriam, who is now chief financial officer of ECM Publishers. The two share their views on topic and answer listener call-in questions.
July 11, 1997 - Midday discusses a report showing that the cost of college in Minnesota has more than doubled since 1982. Host Gary Eichten talks with guests State Representative Lyndon Carlson, who chairs the House Education Committee; and Ann Schluter, deputy director of Minnesota Planning, about the potential reasons behind cost increase and answers listener call-in questions.
July 21, 1997 - Midday discusses urban sprawl. Is there a role for the government to conduct land use planning to control urban development? Should statewide land use plans be prepared? Guests are former Republican State Senator Fritz Knaak of White Bear Lake and Lee Ronning of the Land Stewardship Project. Listeners call in with questions.
July 27, 1997 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports outside All God’s Children’s Metropolitan Church, where picketers from Fred Phelps anti-gay group were met by hundreds of gay rights supporters. Attenddees at service included four of the DFL gubernatorial candidates.
July 31, 1997 - MPR’s Perry Finelli talks with Becky Rom, of the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness; and Mike Forsman, St. Louis County Commissioner about BWCA legislation in Congress and the mediation process.
August 1, 1997 - Midday presents converations with former Governor and Agriculture Secretary Orville Freeman and the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Vessey, as part of the continuing "Voices of Minnesota" series, with reporter Dan Olson.
August 5, 1997 - Midday provides an update on the Twins ballpark situation, and a chance to hear comments and suggestions from Minnesota Public Radio listeners. Guest Jay Weiner, sports reporter at the Star Tribune; and MPR's reporter Bill Wareham provide details and analysis of the stadium debate.