September 3, 1996 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Irma Coleman, director of Teaching and Learning in Department of Children, Families, and Learning, about state testing requirements being instituted in order for student to receive a highschool diploma.
September 25, 1996 - As part of a series on immigrant voices regarding immigration and foreign policy, MPR’s John Rabe interviews Tou Ger Xiong, a Hmong comedian and entertainer.
October 3, 1996 - Midday discusses changes in the law concerning welfare reform with guest John Petraborg, commissioner at Minnesota Human Services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and what the changes mean for recipients and taxpayers is the focus of conversation. Petraborg also answers listener questions.
October 9, 1996 - All Thing’s Considered presents the MPR documentary “Janet's Children,” which profiles a parent fighting to keep custody of her children. It’s a story of parents, drug use, and permanency.
October 9, 1996 - All Thing’s Considered presents the MPR documentary “Janet's Children,” which profiles a parent fighting to keep custody of her children. It’s a story of parents, drug use, and permanency.
October 17, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on growing political involvement in Hmong community. 20+ years after the first Hmong refugees arrived in Minnesota, Hmong voter ranks have grown steadily, and more are involved in politics than ever before.
October 18, 1996 - MPR’s Lorna Benson profiles Pua Xiong, a first-year resident who works at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul. Xiong describes how her quest for a medical degree has forced her to confront a multitude of cultural barriers.
November 15, 1996 - This Midday program presents two parts: Part 1 a discussion with studio guest Minnesota's attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey III, who answers listener questions about the prevention of violence. Part 2 is an excerpt from a 1982 interview with writer Meridel Le Sueur, who died at the age of 96 on November 14th, 1996.
November 25, 1996 - Midday presents a Westminster Town Hall Forum with former St. Paul resident Gordon Parks. The writer, photographer, and artist address is titled A Life of Art. Parks recalls his family, time in St. Paul, and his art. Following the speech, Parks answers audience questions.
December 12, 1996 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports on Minnesota Supreme Court decision that State can commit convicted sex offender Dennis Linehan to a state hospital. The Court had to decide whether the government can lock up a person based on what the person may commit in the future. The ruling upholds Minnesota's Sexually Dangerous Person's law, a law that incarcerates sexual predators who've served their prison terms but who the court considers too dangerous to set free.