July 17, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on Governor Al Quie’s announcement of administration reorganization, with three “chief of staff” roles being created and merging of governor and lieutenant governor staff positions.
July 23, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Aronson interviews Arne Carlson, Minnesota’s state auditor, about what his office is focused on, including a fiscal stress program. The goal of program is to prevent a serious economic problem.
August 5, 1981 - MPR’s Bob Aronson interviews Eugene McCarthy on the possibility of him running again for Minnesota U.S. Senate seat.
August 7, 1981 - Lou Breimhurst, executive director of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, discusses various environmental and hazardous waste issues in the state. Breimhurst also answers listener questions.
September 5, 1981 - On this Weekend program, MPR host and moderator Lee Axdahl speaks with former U.S. senator Eugene McCarthy, who speaks about his possible candidacy for United States Senate in 1982 and other issues.
October 14, 1981 - Don Fraser, Minneapolis mayor, speaking at Macalester College on the economic, military and defense policies of the Reagan administration. Program includes a brief introductory report from MPR’s Bob Potter.
October 21, 1981 - Ralph Nader, author and consumer activist, speaking at the annual convention of the Minnesota Education Association in Minneapolis. Nader’s address was on the topic of consumerism. He also talks on various topics such as contaminants and competency tests. Nader has been active in consumer affairs for nearly two decades. Auto safety, hazards in the workplace and contaminants in the environment are just a few of the areas that Nader and his associates have investigated. A few years ago, the Nader organization examined the competency tests given to students seeking college admission.
December 12, 1981 - On this Weekend program, Clyde Allen, Minnesota Commissioner of Revenue, and Gene Merriam, DFL state senator, discuss the budget and revenue crises in Minnesota. Allen and Marriam also answer listener questions.
December 16, 1981 - Former U.S. Senator Eugene McCarthy speaking in Collegeville on "Christian Humanism Relative to Politics."
December 21, 1981 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten presents a report from MPR’s Pat Kessler, who details the fight between Governor Al Quie and the Minnesota Legislature over a state budget. Segment includes debate excerpts from the floor of Capitol.