June 14, 1981 - Proceedings of the United States Senate Field Hearing and High Sulfur Coal Export Conference held June 8–9, 1981, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. One of the central concerns confronting the hearing was “Factors Affecting the International Utilization of High Sulfur Coal.” More specifically, the committee addressed itself to “developing international markets and marketing mechanisms for America’s coal, evaluating the domestic potential for American coal production and exports, and Illinois coal’s potential as an emergency fuel in the event of an international energy shortfall.” Coal experts from American industry, labor officials, state and national government leaders, and dignitaries from Europe and the Far East gathered to discuss this important global issue. This program is on the topic of “Emergency Utilization of Coal,” one of a several items addressed at conference. Panel discussions were moderated by United States Senator Charles Percy, United States Representative Paul Simon, and John Castle, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.
June 18, 1981 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on lawsuits before the District Court of Appeals. The State of Minnesota case argues that the 1978 BWCA Wilderness Act gives the federal government too much power over waterways. Numerous landowner cases argue various property and land rights issues.
June 26, 1981 - Dr. Gough Reinhardt, physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California; and Dr. Frank Barnaby, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, debate at the Science Town Hall Meeting titled, “Nuclear Weapons Technology: Do We Need It?” The meeting was held at the St. Paul-Ramsey Arts and Science Auditorium and presented guests' differing views of nuclear weapons technology and the value and uses of nuclear science. MPR’s Rich Dietman moderated debate.
July 2, 1981 - Live debate coverage of the 72nd Legislature’s 1981 2nd special session. Debate includes enacting a short-term borrowing law so state can meet its financial obligations during cash shortage and correcting certain errors in 1981 laws.
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.