Greg Barron is a Peabody award winning reporter who worked in the MPR newsroom in the early 1970s.
April 6, 1973 - Rising meat prices have prompted a meat boycott movement headquartered in California, Fight Inflation Together. A local meat cutter?s union spokesman claims the boycott is being observed mostly in affluent neighborhoods. Families in those areas think it?s stylish to go along with the boycott. The state chapter chairman says the boycott is not intended to hit the farmers. She doesn?t think that?s where the price rise is. The group may ask homemakers to support two meatless days each week.
July 3, 1973 - Minnesota Public Radio's Greg Barron tours and discusses a northwest Chicago incinerator that produces steam used for the production of electricity. An explanation of the processing within the incinerator complex is provided, as well as the chief operator -- Walter Danning -- discussing how enviornmental concerns are handled.
July 5, 1973 - Greg Barron learns about the bottom feeding Mudcat at the unlikely fishing spot in downtown Saint Paul. Riley Haynie, a local expert on the scavenger fish discusses the methods for catching the fish, preparing the fish, and how they compare to other species of Minnesota fish.
October 11, 1973 - In light of recent criminal charges against Vice President Agnew, Dr. Harold Chase leads a discussion on the necessity of the 25th amendment, which further defined the process of succession in cases of presidential incapacitation or removal from office, as well as how to determine succession for the Vice President.
October 11, 1973 - Minnesota State Senators meet in committee to disucss a bill, in its early stages, that will provide new rules on state campaign financing. Limits on spending and transparency on donors are included. Debate feature here focuses on the idea of public funds for campaigns, with the DFL supporting a voluntary one dollar 'check box' on tax forms, while the Republicans support a tax credit system.
October 12, 1973 - Smith Park, located in the Twin Cities, gets ready to host a Celbration of Life. Greg Barron and the fair's director discuss what's on the agenda for this next celebration. Included in the festivities are a number of dance and theater groups, natural and old-time food stands, and a folk art extravaganza.
November 27, 1973 - While many media outlets worry about individual industries suffering from lack of fuel, economists such as Frank Booty see that the energy crisis will affect local and individual businesses, but will probably not derail the entire economy. Discussion of chain reaction of fuel shortages to economic shortfalls included in interview.
November 29, 1973 - Pierre Rinfret, a former Nixon advisor speaks and answers questions regarding a number of details relating to the greater energy crisis of the 1970s. He puts blame squarely on government intervention and private industry miscues, and the heightened concern for environmental issues. He also discusses the global economy, its potential for recession, and how that status is related to energy reserves.
January 8, 1974 - Nixon recently urged the country to increase carpooling efforts. 3M has a carpool plan in place already due to the need to reduce traffic congestion at the complex. The company supplies commuter vans for carpools. Helen Seaver talks about how drivers are chosen and how the system works. She said the program was so popular the company had trouble finding enough vans. Howie Woll talks about his experience as a driver with the van program. He says he sold the family?s second car, can use the van for personal use, and talks about van features. Seaver says employees are happy with the program. The company has received inquiries from companies wanting to start similar programs.
February 4, 1974 - The state?s gas allocation system is explained by James Ikehoff of the Civil Defense Office. Mandatory gas allocations affect how much gas suppliers have to sell. Gas stations could run short. The federal energy office has predicted a national gasoline shortage of 20 percent by summer. Right now the office handles more than 200 calls each day. Dixie Diehl says most callers are concerned with inadequate gas supplies. To compensate filling stations pump only two or three gallons of gas per customer to stay open.