In the United States, the right to dissent and speak freely is essential to democracy.  

President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise of free speech. But under his administration some forms of speech and viewpoints carry harsh consequences.

MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about who feels free to speak, who feels silenced and whether it’s possible for everyone to be heard. It’s part of the MPR News Talking Sense series helping Minnesotans have hard political conversations … better.

Guests:

• Jane Kirtley is a professor of media ethics and law at the University of Minnesota where she directs the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law. She also served as executive director of The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press for 14 years, practiced law and worked as a reporter.  
• Manu Meel is the CEO of BridgeUSA, a national organization that helps young people engage in respectful, productive dialogue and disagreement through its chapters on university campuses across the country.  

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Sleep is more than rest. It is as important for our bodies as diet and exercise.  

Not getting enough sleep raises the risk of many diseases — from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia. 

And it’s not just the amount of sleep that’s important — quality matters, too.

MPR News Angela Davis and her guest talk about how our sleep gets disrupted and what can we do about it. 

Guest:

• Dr. Michael Howell is a professor of neurology and sleep researcher at the University of Minnesota.

For more information about volunteering for Dr. Howell’s research study, go to the Pre-screening Survey or call 763-913-8367.

From its origins in Black American communities to its influence on artists all over the world, jazz has always been about innovation, expression and connection. 

And here in Minnesota, one radio station has been keeping that spirit alive for more than 50 years — JAZZ88. 

Launched in 1970 as part of Minneapolis Public Schools, JAZZ88 has been a hub for jazz lovers, educators and musicians, introducing generations to a timeless genre while adapting to changing times. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with some of the voices behind JAZZ88, as well as a musician who performs in and around the Twin Cities. Together, they will explore the station’s impact, its evolution and the artists shaping the sounds we hear when listening to jazz.

Guests:

• Sean McPherson is the music director and afternoon host of JAZZ88. Previously he was an on-air host for The Current, Minnesota Public Radio’s alternative music station. 
• Emmanuel Hill is the executive producer of MPS Voices, a JAZZ88 livestream focused on broadcasting student voices in Minneapolis Public Schools.  
• Eli Awada is a Twin Cities musician, pianist and keyboardist for the jazz collective, Room3.

From tariffs and layoffs to persistent inflation and a fluctuating stock market, there are many questions about how the Trump administration could reshape the U.S. economy.

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the latest economic news and take your questions about how to build wealth and manage your money in an uncertain time.

Guests:

• Chris Farrell is senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.
• Tonia Brinston is a financial health and wellness coordinator at the University of Minnesota Extension’s Department of Family Health and Wellbeing. 

A growing number of Minnesotans can’t find an affordable place to live.

Along with the rest of the country, the state faces a worsening housing shortage.

The shortage especially hurts people with lower incomes. Rents are rising, along with evictions. And a growing portion of low-income residents are paying more than a third of their income on rent.

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talked about why building and maintaining affordable housing has become so expensive, and what we can do about it.

MPR News host Angela Davis talked with a dating coach and a therapist to break down the challenges of modern dating — and provide advice for what you can do to make it easier.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the president and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota about investing in women and girls to ensure their safety, health and economic success.

March Madness is underway and millions of Americans will be watching the games and placing bets on college basketball. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the appeal and potential addiction of sports betting.

From tariffs to funding cuts and inflation to climate change, Minnesota farmers are dealing with a lot.

Recent directives from the Trump administration have paused federal funding on some programs that support farmers.

Meanwhile, tariffs could lower prices farmers get for their crops while increasing prices they pay to produce them.

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about how recent changes from the White House could affect Minnesota farmers.

Five years ago, our world was turned upside down. Schools shut their doors, businesses closed, and our daily routines were completely upended by COVID-19. 

We learned new terms like “social distancing” and faced uncertainty in ways we could have never imagined. 

The COVID-19 pandemic was a global crisis, but it was deeply personal. It changed the way we work, the way we connected with one another, and even the way we think about our own health and well-being. 

Now, five years later, we’re taking a step back to reflect.  

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a doctor and a therapist about what we have learned and where we go from here.

Guests:

• Dr. Susan Kline is an infectious disease physician and a professor of medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine for the University of Minnesota Medical School. 
• Kendra Snyder is a therapist and founder of NobleTree Therapy, a group therapy practice in St. Paul that offers online therapy to individuals, couples and families.