August 5, 1997 - Midday provides an update on the Twins ballpark situation, and a chance to hear comments and suggestions from Minnesota Public Radio listeners. Guest Jay Weiner, sports reporter at the Star Tribune; and MPR's reporter Bill Wareham provide details and analysis of the stadium debate.
August 8, 1997 - Michael Osterholm, state epidemiologist, answer listener questions about infectious diseases, bacteria and antibiotics, encephalitis, and much more. This was Osterholm’s last appearance on Midday. At end of program, he and Eichten share an appreciation of the other. [Please note program is joined “in progress”, and beginning of hour is not present]
August 18, 1997 - A Midday call-in program about ecumenism in religion and other trends in organized religion with studio guest Clark Morphew, St. Paul Pioneer Press religion writer and nationally syndicated columnist.
September 2, 1997 - On the first day of school, Midday features a a back-to-school show with guest Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. Topics includes charter schools and test scores.
September 2, 1997 - Midday offers a special back-to-school "Talk of Minnesota" program to hear from parents of school children and others on what they would like kids to learn this year. Listeners call in with comments and questions.
September 10, 1997 - Midday guests St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman and his challenger State Senator Sandy Pappas visit the Minnesota Public Radio studios to talk about issues facing the city and to answer questions from MPR listeners. Topics include partisanship, city development, housing, and downtown revitalization.
October 6, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with guest Emmett Carson, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation, about the foundation's Sunday newspaper supplement intended to encourage inter-racial understanding. Listeners call in with questions.
October 10, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten speaks with former Minnesota governor Elmer L. Andersen about his life and his book, Views from the Publisher's Desk. Andersen also answers listener call-in questions.
October 13, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Neil Witikko, Minnesota's teacher of the year. Witikko teaches English, German, and television production at Hermantown High School. Listeners call in with questions.
October 14, 1997 - Midday discusses qualifications of school board members and issues they must be prepared to address with guests Jan Rhode, director of board training and development for the Minnesota School Boards Association; and State Representative Mindy Greiling, who was a member of the Roseville School Board for many years. Listeners also call in with questions.