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 - Members of the environmental group Earth First! are stepping up their protests against logging practices in Minnesota. In December, Earth First demonstrators blocked the cutting of mature white pines in the Superior National Forest. Now the group says a council charged with protecting the state's forests is dragging its feet. Earth First! wants a ban on logging on public land until the Minnesota Forest Resources Council comes up with a plan to ensure forests are protected from overcutting. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure 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 25, 1997 - On this pledge drive Midday program, MPR’s Gary Eichten and guests talk about the first sign of spring…baseball. Listeners also call in with questions.
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.
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 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 3, 1997 - Hour 2 of Midmorning features a Voices of Minnesota segment with Doug Wood. Arne Fogel samples a new four-volume compact disc set of Louis Armstrong music entitled, "Louis Armstrong: the Complete RCA/Victor Label Recordings." Also included is Odd Jobs - lie detector.
March 5, 1997 - A Midday special on history, examining museums and how they decide what to collect and display, hosted by Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Farrell.