Guest: University of Minnesota Family Social Science Professor Marlene Stum

People often avoid the topic of mortality and how their affairs should be managed following their death. Nearly three years ago, the news that music legend Prince died without a will served as a wakeup call for many Minnesotans.  University of Minnesota Family Social Science Professor Marlene Stum discusses the estate planning process and the importance of preparing in advance for end-of-life decisions.

Guest: University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Entomology Vera Krischik

Scientists are expressing concern about the declining numbers of pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. Urbanization, the loss of prairie land and the use of pesticides have all contributed to the problem. But there are things that land owners and homeowners can do to make their properties more pollinator-friendly.  University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Entomology Vera Krischik discusses the role of these beneficial insects.

Guest: Hamline University Political Science Professor/University of Minnesota of Minnesota Visiting Professor of Law David Schultz.

The longest partial federal government shutdown in U.S. history came to an end when President Donald Trump gave Congress three weeks to come up with a plan that would include funding for a border wall. Recently, the President expressed doubt that legislation acceptable to him will pass Congress before the February 15th deadline. Trump is threatening to either declare a national emergency to fund the wall or partially shut down the government again if he doesn’t get his way. Hamline University Political Science Professor and University of Minnesota Visiting Professor of Law David Schultz discusses the reasons why government shutdowns occur, the difference between funding for border security versus a physical barrier, and the prospects that Minnesota could experience a state government shut down.

Guests: Dr. Elise Sarvas, DDS, dental director of the Minnesota Oral Health Project & Dr. Amos Deinard, MD, University of Minnesota pediatrician.

Many young Minnesota children from low-income families lack access to dental care. When oral health issues arise, caregivers often seek temporary and expensive treatment in hospital emergency rooms. But there’s a simple, low-cost procedure that protects kids from developing cavities. Dr. Elise Sarvas, dental director for the Minnesota Oral Health Project and Dr. Amos Deinard, University of Minnesota pediatrician discuss the benefits of applying fluoride varnish to children’s teeth to prevent caries, more commonly known as cavities.

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

The US Supreme Court is the final arbiter of legal issues that can alter the course of history.  Yet, much of its decision-making process takes place in private. A citizen scientist research project aims to shed light on these closed-door deliberations. University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law Timothy Johnson describes his efforts to transcribe the justices’ handwritten notes for broad public access.

Guest: University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Sociology and Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice faculty member Michelle Phelps.

The probation system as we know it dates back to the Progressive Era. Created to provide offenders with a supervised path to reintegrate into society, contemporary critics say that probation is often arbitrarily enforced and is frequently a pipeline back to prison. University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Sociology Michelle Phelps discusses her research on the probation system and how it disproportionally impacts African-Americans.

Guest: University of Minnesota Regents Professor Emeritus of History Sara Evans

As we close out 2018, we continue our look back at the extraordinary year of 1968. This week, part 2 of our conversation with University of Minnesota Regents Professor Emeritus of History Sara Evans about some of the events that shaped that tumultuous year.

Guest: University of Minnesota Regents Professor Emeritus of History Sara Evans

As we close out 2018, we continue our look back at the extraordinary year of 1968. This week, a conversation with University of Minnesota Regents Professor Emeritus of History Sara Evans about some of the events that shaped that tumultuous year. It's the first in a two-part series.

Guest: University of Minnesota Professor of African American and African Studies Keith Mayes 

As 2018 winds down, we look back at the extraordinary year of 1968. University of Minnesota Professor of African American and African Studies Keith Mayes discusses the significant events of that year in the the civil rights movement.

Guest: University of Minnesota Economics Professor Timothy Kehoe

President Donald Trump is taking credit for the current state of the economy, citing low unemployment and robust economic growth. But the president’s trade wars are generating controversy. University of Minnesota Economics Professor Timothy Kehoe returns to discuss trade and tariffs, their potential impact on Minnesota's farmers and big box retailers and the overall state of the nation's economy.