August 23, 1997 - There's something different in your St. Paul Pioneer Press. This week the paper began an 11-part newspaper novel called "Murder on a Stick." Each chapter of the novel is written by a different reporter--kind of like a long group chain letter. The project is the brainchild of Editor Walker Lundy--his inspiration came from the Miami Herald's "Naked Came the Manatee" and Newsday's "Naked Came the Stranger" series. The initial title for THIS project also included a "naked" reference. But the reporters thought "Naked Came the Corn Dog"--might overstep the boundaries of good taste. "Murder on a Stick" includes references to Corn Dogs, butter sculptures and other state fair traditions. Here now are reporters Larry Millett, Linda McDonald and Jim Ragsdale reading part of their contributions.
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 15, 1997 - While the Metrodome is being cast as the albatross around the Minnesota Twins' neck, just 16 seasons after it was built, sports commentator Kevin Hennessy mourns the passing of the Dome and its unique attributes.
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.
December 11, 1997 -
January 3, 1998 -
January 24, 1998 - The fate of Vikings coach Dennis Green remains uncertain this morning. Green has one year left in his contract--but Green may be planning to quit next week. Vikings president Roger Headrick says Green's chances of staying with the Vikings are "failing" and "declining." At a Super Bowl party yesterday Green says he has "no comment" on the situation. In other football news, Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Carl Eller, safety Paul Krause and offensive tackle Ron Yary are among the 15 finalists for induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
February 6, 1998 - MPR’s news director, Bill Buzenberg, moved to the Twin Cities from the East Coast just before Christmas. Weather-wise, he says, this was not what he was expecting. Frankly, he’s disappointed with the ‘tundra.”
February 13, 1998 - Romance and glamor are words often attached both to Valentines day, and the heady world of publishing.... although not by commentator Debby Bull. Debbie Bull is the author of "Blue Jelly" When she's not on book tours she lives in Chippewa Falls.
March 18, 1998 - This MPR special report, titled The World Turned Upside Down: An End to Inflation, examines the potential end of a long period of inflation and the growing focus and concerns of possible deflation. Program includes various interviews and commentary and is hosted by Chris Farrell, MPR's senior economics and business editor.