Guest: University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law Timothy Johnson

The founders of the United States envisioned the Supreme Court as the weakest of the three branches of government. But even a one-term president can nominate Supreme Court justices who, if confirmed by the Senate, can sit on the bench for life. The presidential impact on public policy can extend well beyond their tenure in office. Despite the founder’s intentions, many scholars now believe that the Supreme Court is the most powerful branch of government. University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law Timothy Johnson—a nationally recognized Supreme Court expert—shares his insights on how the Court functions and why its influence has grown over the decades. You can hear Professor Johnson speak on this topic at the U of M College of Continuing and Professional Studies Headliners event on October 10.

Guest: University of Minnesota Professor of Economics Timothy Kehoe

The United States and China are in the midst of a tariff battle that has roiled markets. There are also signs that the world economy is slowing, and that’s prompted fears of recession. University of Minnesota Professor of Economics Timothy Kehoe joins us to discuss trade tensions, their impact on Minnesota-based companies such as Best Buy and Target, and the overall state of the economy.

Guests: Department of Agronomy & Plant Genetics Assistant Teaching Professor Mary Braake & Associate Professor Peter Morrell

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) is ordering state agencies to prepare for the potential legalization of marijuana for recreational use. During the last legislative session, the Republican-controlled Senate rejected a bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana in 2022, and Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says he has no interest in revisiting the issue. Marijuana use for medical purposes is currently permitted in the state. The controversy over legalization is sparking greater interest in cannabis. This semester, the University of Minnesota is offering a course on cannabis, focusing on its scientific properties, societal impact and the state and federal regulation of the crop. The course is being offered by the U’s Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics. This week on Dialogue Minnesota, we chat with the faculty members who are co-teaching the class, titled “The Science of Cannabis.”

Guest: University of Minnesota Professor & History Department Chair Ann Waltner

Authoritarian governments are on the rise throughout the world. But organized resistance to the policies these governments are implementing are underway. This week on Dialogue Minnesota, a look at the protest movement in Hong Kong, and how it may signal a growing pushback to authoritarian leaders and governments. Ann Waltner, a professor and chair of the English Department at the University of Minnesota and an expert on Chinese history, shares her insights.

Guest: University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Center Extension Educator Megan Weber

One of Minnesota’s most valued resources are our lakes, rivers and streams. But those waters are increasingly threatened by aquatic invasive species…living things that are not native to our state. Aquatic invasive species include fishes, plants, invertebrates and microbes that can harm our health, environment and economy. The University of Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center has identified roughly three dozen such species. This week, a look at a program offered through the Center that trains citizen scientists to monitor aquatic invasive species. We’ll learn how these volunteers are providing researchers with the necessary data to help prevent the spread of these harmful animals and plants. We chatted with Megan Weber, an extension educator at the Center.

Guest: University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs Senior Fellow Art Rolnick

Fifty years ago, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota created a partnership that continues to have a profound impact on economic theory and policy. Several young economics professors were instrumental in forging this partnership and became known as the Four Horsemen of the Economic Revolution. U of M Humphrey School of Public Affairs Senior Fellow Art Rolnick discusses The Four Horsemen, their enduring impact on economics, and an upcoming event he’s moderating on the U of M campus where all four will discuss contemporary economic issues.

Guest: Veteran journalist and former executive director of the Minnesota News Council Gary Gilson

In mid-July, President Donald Trump unleashed a Twitter tirade directed at the so-called Squad—four Democratic US Congresswomen who are also people of color. His Tweets have been characterized by some as racist in content. Several prominent news outlets have taken the unusual step of labeling the president’s Tweets as racist, and this has triggered a broader discussion about how the media approaches issues of race. Veteran journalist and former executive director of the Minnesota News Council Gary Gilson offers his insights.

Guests: University of Minnesota History Department Chair Ann Waltner & Adjunct Professor Joseph Haker

The student government at the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus recently led a charge to rename four campus buildings whose namesakes were accused of racism, anti-Semitism and promoting eugenics. Former U President Eric Kaler, who stepped down on July 1, created a task force to research the actions of the men after whom the buildings are named. The panel released its findings earlier this year, and recommended that the buildings be renamed. In late April, the University’s Board of Regents voted against renaming the buildings. This fall semester, a class titled Prejudice and Protest at the U of M will take a critical look at the University’s history. History Department Chair Ann Waltner and course instructor Joseph Haker discuss the renaming controversy and the challenges of dealing with past injustices.

Guest: University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Political Science Kathryn Pearson

Twenty Democratic presidential contenders squared off in two debates late last month in Miami. University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Political Science Kathryn Pearson analyzes the candidates’ performances during the forum and what will likely be the key issues in the Democratic presidential primary campaign. Also, a look at Minnesota’s legislative session that adjourned in May and the controversy surrounding 5th District Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

Guest: University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Professor of Political Science Timothy Johnson

This past week, the U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its term and delivered several significant decisions. Among them was a ruling that federal courts cannot intervene in gerrymandering disputes and another that prevents the Trump administration from including a question regarding citizenship on the 2020 Census. University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Professor of Political Science Timothy Johnson discusses some of the key Supreme Court decisions this past term, and how the ideological leanings of the justices can influence their opinion