January 23, 1997 - Midday looks at education funding in Minnesota. Studio guests are DFL Representative Becky Kelso of Shakopee, who is chair of the K-12 Budget Committee in the House; and Republican State Senator Gen Olson of Minnetrista, who is a member of the Senate K-12 Budget Division. Kelso and Olson share their views on funding and also answer listener questions.
February 3, 1997 - Midday looks at the health care system, how it works, and how it can be improved. Studio guests are Michael Scandrett, executive director of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans; and Stuart Hanson, a representative of the Minnesota Medical Association. Scandrett and Hanson also answer call-in questions from listeners.
February 7, 1997 - Midday examines aviation safety with pilot and author John Nance, a commercial pilot and a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. He's written a number of aviation thrillers, the most recent, Medusa's Child. Nance also answers listeners call-in questions.
February 10, 1997 - Midday looks at drunk driving and the proposal to reduce the legal blood alcohol limit for driving to .08 with Steve Simon, University of Minnesota law professor and director of the MN Criminal Justice System DWI Task Force; and Lynn Goughler, public liaison and legislative chair of the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
February 13, 1997 - Midday rebroadcasts award-winning MPR documentary Song Catcher, Frances Densmore of Red Wing. Following documentary, MPR’s Gary Eichten holds a discussion with guests Marcia Anderson, chief curator and head of the Museum Collections Department at the Minnesota Historical Society; and Faith Bad Bear, assistant curator of Ethnology at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
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 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.
February 28, 1997 - A Midday special edition on the last day of a membership drive, with Gary Eichten and Melanie Sommer. Program includes caller commentary.
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.