Guest: University of Minnesota Professor of Economics 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 and a growing budget deficit under his administration are stirring controversy. This week, a conversation with University of Minnesota Economics Professor Timothy Kehoe about trade and tariffs. It’s the first of a two-part series on the state of the US economy.

Guest: Professor Andrew Elfenbein, University of Minnesota English Department Chair

This week, a look at so-called “fake news.” Much of this misinformation is spread via social media. While we generally assume that we can separate fact from fiction, psychological research suggests otherwise. University of Minnesota English Department Chair and Professor Andrew Elfenbein discusses his new book titled The Gist of Reading, and how written content can distort our perception of reality.

Guest: Professor Mark Bell, University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Political Science

President Donald Trump is threatening to pull the US out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces--or INF--Treaty with Russia. Trump is also promising to bolster the nation’s nuclear arsenal until, in his words, other nuclear powers “come to their senses.”

What does a potential withdrawal from the INF mean for US relations with Russia and our European allies? Does it signal a return to a dangerous nuclear arms race and a revival of the Cold War?

University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Political Science Mark Bell is an expert on nuclear weapons and proliferation and American foreign policy. He offers his insights on the INF and the possible consequences if the US bows out of the treaty.

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

Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice following a contentious and partisan confirmation process. University of Minnesota Morse Alumni Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Law Timothy Johnson discusses the impact on our political and judicial institutions.

Guest: Professor Douglas Hartmann, University of Minnesota Sociology Department Chair

50 years ago, U.S. Olympic sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a gesture of support for the Black Power Movement during the medals presentation at the Summer Games in Mexico City. University of Minnesota Sociology Department Chair and Professor Douglas Hartmann draws parallels between the 1968 Olympics protest and the current controversy surrounding athletes who kneel during the National Anthem. He's written a book titled Race, Culture, and the Revolt of the Black Athlete: The 1968 Olympic Protests and Their Aftermath.