April 29, 1997 - Midday looks at the President's Summit on America's Future, which calls upon volunteers to help America’s young people. Host Gary Eichten talks with Jim Kielsmeier, president of the National Youth Leadership Council, who is in Philadelphia for the summit. Program includes listener call-in questions.
May 9, 1997 - Midday discusses issues facing the state legislature in the final days of the session with Minnesota Public Radio's political commentators DFLer Bob Meek and Republican Tom Horner. Topics include transportation, stadium debate, property taxes, surplus, and education. Listeners call in with questions.
May 15, 1997 - Midday looks at Governor Arne Carlson's insistence that tax breaks for education expenses, including private school costs, be part of any education funding bill passed by the legislature. On this Talk of Minnesota, listeners call in and comment on whether the governor should stick to his guns or be willing to compromise.
May 20, 1997 - Midday discussion with the four legislative leaders from the State Capitol. Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, Senate Minority Leader Dean Johnson, House Speaker Phil Carruthers, and House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum share their thoughts on the close of the regular legislative session and the chances of a special session due to potential governor veto on education bill. The guests also answer listener call-in questions.
May 22, 1997 - Midday discusses saving for retirement with guests Jean Johnson, senior vice president for Programs at Public Agenda, a research group in New York; and Chris Farrell, Minnesota Public Radio's senior business and economics editor. Listeners call in with questions for the guests.
May 30, 1997 - Midday examines the ways segregation is affecting life in the Twin Cities with guests George Latimer, former St. Paul mayor and former official with the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Vivian Jenkins Nelson, president and CEO of Inter-Race. Topics include Listeners call in with questions.
June 4, 1997 - Midday examines the future of the Minneapolis Public School system with guests Bill Green, chairman of the Minneapolis School Board; and Gary Sudduth, president of the Minneapolis Urban League. Green and Sudduth discuss Public Strategies Group termination, test scores, superintendent search, concerns on infrastructure of school district, and answer listener call-in questions.
June 10, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Suzanna Sherry, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, about some current and past cases facing the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics include doctor-assisted suicide, line-item veto, and religious freedom. Sherry also answers listeners call-in questions.
June 11, 1997 - Midday talks with MPR Classical Music Host Eric Friesen as he prepares to leave Minnesota Public Radio. Friesen has accepted a position as a national music host with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Toronto.
June 25, 1997 - Midday previews the special session of the Minnesota Legislature with guests Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe and House Minority Leader Steve Sviggum. Education funding is the main topic. Listeners also call in with questions.