May 31, 1996 - This Midday program features a live broadcast from the Republican State Convention with host Gary Eichten and MPR political commentators Bob Meek and Tom Horner. Program includes an interview with Republican State Convention Chair Chris Georgacas and listener questions.
June 6, 1996 - Midday discusses same-sex marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act. MPR’s Gary Eichten gets different perspectives on the ‘definition’ of same-sex marriage from guests Fritz Knaak, attorney and former State Senator; and Minneapolis family law attorney Suzanne Borne. Knaak and Borne also answer listener questions.
June 7, 1996 - Krista Parker was the 1996 Minnesota State A (not AA as announced) Highschool Storytelling champion from Murray County Central, Slayton.
June 14, 1996 -
June 20, 1996 - When you listen to news reports on the radio or television, or read the local paper, what do you expect? What IS the news of the day? Jim Baden, editor of the Mille Lacs Messenger, thinks the news he puts on the front page of the Messenger IS different from other places - further more, he thinks it SHOULD be.
July 5, 1996 -
July 9, 1996 - Midday takes up baseball at the Major League All-Star break with St. Paul Saints owner Mike Veeck and Minnesota Public Radio sports commentator Howard Sinker, who is also State News editor at the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Veeck and Sinker share their thoughts on the state of MLB baseball and also answer listener questions.
July 12, 1996 -
July 19, 1996 -
July 26, 1996 - Minnesota author Barton Sutter reads his essay on the BWCA, titled “The Backroad to Ely.” This is part one of two segments. Essay was later collected in "Cold Comfort: Life at the Top of the Map," published by University of Minnesota Press.