March 3, 1977 - John Trudell testimony from recent hearings held by the Minnesota Citizens' Review Commission on the FBI. The commission, a coalition of some 20 Minnesota organizations put together an independent hearing panel including DFL chairpersons Rick Scott and Ruth Caine. Union leaders, representatives of church and community groups as well as private citizens also participated. The panel took testimony on alleged FBI abuses in the area supervised by the Minneapolis office - Minnesota and the Dakotas. Much of the testimony centered around alleged FBI violations on South Dakota Indian reservations. One whole day was devoted to testimony concerning the Pine Ridge shootout in June 1975. The shootings resulted in the deaths of two FBI agents and one Indian, Joe Stuntz. No one has yet been charged with Stuntz's death. Two Indians, Dino Butler and Robert Robideau, were charged with the murder of the FBI agents, but they were acquitted last fall. One other man charged was never indicted for lack of evidence, and another, Leonard Peltier, will go on trial in Fargo, North Dakota this month.
March 4, 1977 - Midday presents segments of a sound portrait on Strasburg, North Dakota, a town rich in old-world heritage. It examines the town through music and discussion by the people of Strasburg.
March 4, 1977 - A news feature highlighting poetry written later in life and on presenting poetry to diverse audience on public buses.
March 12, 1977 - On this regional public affairs program, MPR’s George Fisher presents work of some young radio producers and performers, with highlights from KSJN's Young People's Radio Festival entrants.
March 18, 1977 - Midday presents segments of a sound portrait on Dunn Center, Mayville, a North Dakota prairie town rich in culture and heritage.
April 1, 1977 - As part of KCCM's Our Home Town series, this program is on Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, located in north central North Dakota, and home to Chippewa Indians. Through various interviews and music segments, program highlights Michif culture, religion, powwow dance, identity problems, the BIA, poverty, and alcoholism.
April 2, 1977 - Bruce Watson, consulting meteorologist to the U.S. Weather Service, and Ron Willis, meteorologist at the National Weather Service, discuss weather, drought, effect of ozone, and results of elm tree cut down. Also includes an audio tour with Willis of the Twin Cities National Weather Service office.
April 8, 1977 - Midday presents an MPR Special report on the Minnesota Supreme Court's unanimous decision that Reserve Mining Company be allowed to use the "Milepost 7" site for its taconite tailings on-land disposal. Program includes various reports, interviews and commentary from both sides of the court fight.
April 12, 1977 - MPR’s Rachel Krantz talks with makers of ‘bone’ instruments for use in theater and dance. Segment includes examples of sounds created by the various instruments.
April 19, 1977 - During a special hour-long evening program, Governor Rudy Perpich answers questions from callers. Topics include education, energy, environment and social issues.