March 14, 1997 - This Midday program holds a discussion about questionable campaign fundraising in Washington. Guests are Minnesota Public Radio political commentators DFLer Bob Meek and Republican Tom Horner. They share their perspectives and answer listener questions.
March 21, 1997 - Midday discusses the results of the basic skills tests given to Minnesota eighth-graders. Guests Mike Tillmann, who coordinates graduation standards for the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning; and State Representative Becky Kelso, chair of the K-12 Education Finance Division, give their perspectives on the test numbers and answer listener call-in questions.
March 24, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Minnesota Public Radio producer and film expert Stephanie Curtis, the "Movie Maven" about the Academy Award nominees for the 69th Academy Awards. Curtis details nominees and the process behind nominating process. Program also includes call-in questions and commentary from listeners.
March 25, 1997 - With the Minnesota Gophers Basketball team appearance in 1997 NCAA Tournament’s Final Four, Midday discusses intercollegiate athletics and Gopher teams with guest Mark Dienhart, University of Minnesota Men's Athletic Director. Program also includes listeners call-in questions.
March 26, 1997 - Midday discusses the U. S. economy with author and well-known economist Lester Thurow, a professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Topics include interest rates, inflation, stock market, health care, labor market, and monetary policy. Thurow also answers listener call-in questions.
March 31, 1997 - Midday discusses basketball and baseball with Minnesota Public Radio's sports commentator Howard Sinker and reporter Bill Wareham. The focus is on on the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball season and the upcoming season for the Minnesota Twins.
April 2, 1997 - Midday discussion with two state legislative leaders to talk about issues facing lawmakers halfway through the session, including welfare reform bill, abortion, immigrant assistance, taxes, and education. Guests Speaker of the House Phil Carruthers and Senate Minority Leader Dean Johnson share their viewpoints and answer listener call-in questions.
April 11, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten has a conversation with former Senator Eugene McCarthy during a visit to the Twin Cities for a couple of public book readings. During the program, McCarthy reads from his publication, Selected Poems, and answers listener call-in questions.
April 17, 1997 - Midday focuses on education with guests Larry Pogemiller, DFL state senator, and Sandra Peterson, president of the Minnesota Federation of Teachers. Pogemiller and Peterson discuss common schools proposal, education standards, school choice, various programs, and answer listener call-in questions.
April 24, 1997 - Midday looks at health care with guests David Thorson, a family medical physician; and Jan Malcolm, vice president of Public Affairs and Philanthropy at Allina Health. Topics include family practice, managed care, and insurance companies. Thorson and Malcolm also answer listener call-in questions.