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Talking Sense

MPR News and the nonprofit organization Braver Angels have created Talking Sense to help Minnesotans have hard conversations, better.

Talking Sense is a reporting project that explores the roots of polarization in communities, families and homes, and looks at how Minnesotans are navigating these divisive times. It’s also a series of live events and online tools that help Minnesotans have challenging political conversations without letting the need to change minds stand in the way of preserving important relationships. 

Has political polarization affected your family or community? Send us your Talking Sense story at talk@mprnews.org

How a Guatemalan immigrant and a 4th-generation farmer see immigration issues in Worthington

As passions flare over the topic of immigration in national debates, residents of Worthington engaged in a much more nuanced conversation on the topic, sharing stories of how their families settled in the town in search of common ground.
by Catharine Richert

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It’s the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. Except maybe in farm country

It’s the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party. Except maybe in farm country

In Minnesota, there are fissures between rural and urban Democrats, and they’re front and center with Gov. Tim Walz emphasizing his rural roots as a vice-presidential candidate. Some Democrats feel like their party is out of touch with rural voters.
by Catharine Richert

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Republicans are talking about Walz’s policing record. Why do voters in low-crime communities care?

Republicans are talking about Walz’s policing record. Why do voters in low-crime communities care?

With Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz now a vice-presidential candidate, his response to civil unrest in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s murder has become a campaign talking point. Paradoxically, the message that he’s soft on crime plays well in areas that experience little crime.
by Catharine Richert

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Talking Sense: How we talk about immigrants and immigration

Talking Sense: How we talk about immigrants and immigration

Polls show immigration is a key election issue with voters having sharply different views. Assumptions and misinformation also cloud discussions about immigrants and immigration. What’s accurate and what’s not? 
by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

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If roughly 40 percent of Americans avoid the news, what does that mean for political engagement?

If roughly 40 percent of Americans avoid the news, what does that mean for political engagement?

About 40 percent of Americans avoid the news at least some of the time, and the reasons for doing so are complicated. As one expert points out, some news avoiders are put off by scary headlines, and others have a hard time making sense of the news, especially when it comes to politics.
by Catharine Richert

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In Minnesota’s deep red 7th District, Otter Tail County GOP feuds over pretty much everything

In Minnesota’s deep red 7th District, Otter Tail County GOP feuds over pretty much everything

There’s a feud unfolding among Republicans in northwest Minnesota. The Otter Tail County GOP is currently deeply divided, with traditional area Republicans pitted against a more conservative, activist faction of the local GOP.
by Catharine Richert

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Why both liberals and conservatives latch onto conspiracy theories

Why both liberals and conservatives latch onto conspiracy theories

In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, conspiracy theories have swirled. Christina Farhart, a political science professor at Carleton College, unpacks why both liberals and conservatives latch onto conspiracy theories.
by Annie Baxter

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Talking Sense: How to have contentious workplace conversations

Talking Sense: How to have contentious workplace conversations

Are you struggling with what to say and what not to say at work when it comes to what’s in the news? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two guests who help facilitate challenging conversations in the workplace.
by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

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Can ‘wolf haters’ and ‘wolf lovers’ talk without howling?

Can ‘wolf haters’ and ‘wolf lovers’ talk without howling?

As controversy once again swirls around wolf management in Minnesota, two educational groups continue their work to insert science into the debate around wolves without dismissing people’s fears.
by Dan Kraker

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