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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

Two St. Paul council members reveal how they overcame deep divisions to pass cease-fire resolution

Two St. Paul council members reveal how they overcame deep divisions to pass cease-fire resolution

Late last month, the St. Paul City Council was at an impasse over a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. But then last week, they passed one unanimously, calling for a quote “immediate and permanent mutual cease-fire.” MPR News correspondent Catharine Richert sat down with council members Cheniqua Johnson and Rebecca Noecker to find out how the council found common ground.
by Catharine Richert

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5 tips for spotting and debunking disinformation this election year

5 tips for spotting and debunking disinformation this election year

People who study misinformation say it’s easy to fall for and spread falsehoods. MPR News host Angela Davis talked with experts about what makes us believe things that aren’t true and how to spot and debunk disinformation.
by Angela Davis, Maja Beckstrom and Catharine Richert

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In Crosslake, familiar concerns about election security take root ahead of 2024 election

In Crosslake, familiar concerns about election security take root ahead of 2024 election

With election season well underway, questions about ballot security are reemerging — and dividing — some Minnesota communities. In north-central Minnesota, Crosslake residents want the city to have more control over counting votes.
by Catharine Richert and Kirsti Marohn

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Minnesota photographer finds more civility than division in ‘Purpletown’ project

Minnesota photographer finds more civility than division in ‘Purpletown’ project

Since the 2020 election, photographer Paul Shambroom has mapped and photographed what he calls “purple towns” — communities where votes for presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump were statistically tied. Even though these communities are evenly divided politically, Shambroom says civility is often high.
by Catharine Richert

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From deep fakes to swatting, Minnesota lawmakers confront emerging threats they face

From deep fakes to swatting, Minnesota lawmakers confront emerging threats they face

Legislators are considering measures that would add additional teeth to state laws that deal with producing falsified content about elected officials and calling law enforcement to their homes on false pretenses.
by Dana Ferguson

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Through fufu and sambusas, Rochester students counter misinformed ideas about Africa

Through fufu and sambusas, Rochester students counter misinformed ideas about Africa

As part of our Talking Sense series, correspondent Catharine Richert visited John Marshall High School where the Black Student Union is using Spirit Day, movie nights and lots of food to help students expand their cultural knowledge about Africa.
by Catharine Richert

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How to have good conversations across political divides

How to have good conversations across political divides

During what promises to be a divisive election year, MPR News and the nonprofit organization Braver Angels are partnering to bring Minnesotans Talking Sense, an online and in-person platform to help people have hard conversations better.
by Angela Davis, Maja Beckstrom, Gretchen Brown and Catharine Richert

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Talking Sense: How to spot AI-generated content

Talking Sense: How to spot AI-generated content

Fake news, pictures, videos and podcasts have quickly become more sophisticated with the advent of widely available artificial intelligence tools. Experts say the best tool we have to fight disinformation is common sense.
by Catharine Richert

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AI fakes raise election risks as lawmakers and tech companies scramble to catch up

AI fakes raise election risks as lawmakers and tech companies scramble to catch up

As AI-generated deepfakes are being used to spread false information in elections in the U.S. and around the world, policymakers, tech platforms and governments are trying to catch up.
by Shannon Bond

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On the cusp of a contentious election year, Ely finds new ways to talk about divisive issues

On the cusp of a contentious election year, Ely finds new ways to talk about divisive issues

The northern Minnesota town has long been the epicenter of the state’s conflict around mining and the environment. Now, though, there’s a renewed effort in Ely to restart a civil discussion around long-standing divisions.
by Catharine Richert

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