Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

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If political polarization has destroyed an important relationship in your life, you may be wondering if it's even possible to discuss topics like policing, abortion or climate change with family or friends who differ from you politically. 

During what’s sure to be another contentious election year, MPR News is launching Talking Sense. It’s a yearlong reporting project that helps you navigate challenging political conversations in a way that’s aimed at preserving your relationships. 

To launch Talking Sense, MPR News has partnered with 

, a nonprofit that facilitates civil conversations between people on different ends of the political spectrum.

 with videos about different communication styles, interactive prompts and responses on divisive topics, and tips on how to examine your own biases and stereotypes about “the other side.”

Use our tool to have hard political conversations, better

Talking Sense is also a series of in-person events held throughout Minnesota this year. Partnering with Braver Angles, our first is in Woodbury on Feb. 27 and will focus on the roots of political polarization. Sign up to 

Finally, Talking Sense is a reporting thread throughout our 2024 election coverage. We’ve already traveled to Ely to learn how people there are developing 

 a Minneapolis police officer and Minneapolis resident about a recent trip they took to the Legacy Museum, which explores the roots of slavery in America - and policing’s role in it. 

You can access all of this reporting and more on our 

And we want to hear from you! Is political division affecting your community? What issues are coming between you, your friends, your family and neighbors. Tell us your Talking Sense story 

Catharine Richert

Author

This election season MPR News is bringing you Talking Sense, an online and in-person platform to help you have difficult conversations, despite political differences.

Introducing Talking Sense

Catharine Richert discusses 'Talking Sense

Introducing Talking Sense: Have hard political conversations, better.

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