Minnesota Now

America is a land divided between those who dwell in cities — diverse, educated and growing economically — and those who live in the country — white, uneducated and dependent on dying industries.

Or so the narrative goes.

But research shows the so-called urban-rural divide is mostly a myth that is hurting the country as a whole.

Monday, on a special Minnesota Now, MPR News host Kerri Miller and two guests — both of whom have deep roots in rural America — debunked some myths and shed some light on the realities of rural America.

Guests:

For more on Kerri Miller’s series of town halls throughout Minnesota focusing on the rewards and challenges of making a home in rural America, check out Rural Voice.

Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or RSS.

Ukraine has taken back a thousand square miles of the country from Russian control this week. We get the latest from a local reporter whose been in Ukraine for the past 20 plus years.

It's the anniversary of the death of a Black man named Dred Scott. You may have heard of the historic U.S. Supreme Court case that bears his name - but we have the story of his time in Minnesota.

Our friends from 10,000 Takes sports talk program are here with the latest sports news you need to know.

There's tons of sports news right now: football with the Vikings, Gophers and Prep high schools plus the NHL and news on the Twins. Cathy Wurzer talks with Wally Langfellow and Eric Nelson from “Ten-thousand Takes” sports talk show.

Dred Scott was a Black man enslaved in the 1800s who sued his slave owners to gain his freedom. His famous case for freedom was rejected by the Supreme Court back in 1857.

Scott died in Missouri 150 years ago this month. The Minnesota connection? He lived for a time at Fort Snelling. For more, we're joined by Bill Convery, PhD, Director of Research at the Minnesota Historical Society.

This week’s headlines on the war in Ukraine include President Zelensky’s visit to reclaimed territory in Ukraine after Russian troops retreated. There are also revelations of a provisional deal Russia struck with Kyiv at the beginning of the war. To explore these stories and more, MPR reporter Tim Nelson has been in touch with his longtime friend and colleague Brian Bonner. Brian is a former journalist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the former editor of the Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s premiere English language newspaper. Tim spoke with Brian earlier this morning.

A report from the New York Times shows that three Minnesota members of Congress had conflicts with trading stocks, bonds and other financial assets that intersected with their congressional work. To explain this ethical issue, Cathy Wurzer talks with Professor Larry Jacobs. He is Chair of Public Affairs and Political Studies at University of Minnesota’s Humphry School of Public Policy.

Three Minnesota members of Congress are being called out for stock trades. We get the back story on what's going on; we remember a true hero from East Grand Forks Minnesota who passed away this week; Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner has a deep dive into what's happening with our weather; a reporter with the Rainy Lake Gazette talks about her top stories and this weekend a handful of media personalities are being inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting hall of fame - including the wonderful Freddie Bell.

On September 17th, six media personalities are being inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame - including MPR’s Cathy Wurzer and KMOJ’s Freddie Bell. The two talk about their path, their craft and what this honor means to them both.

Laurel Beager, editor of the Rainy Lake Gazette in International Falls, has been following the story about how the town is trying to find solutions for working class families who are struggling to afford food. She talks with Cathy Wurzer about the situation.

If you like cool nights and warm days - you are loving this weather right now! MPR’s Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner talks with Cath Wurzer about what’s happening in our weather world including the smoky skies, drought in portions of the state, the possibility of seeing the Aurora and an extended detailed forecast.