MPR News with Angela Davis

For nearly four decades, MPR News reporter Dan Gunderson told stories that remind us how much meaning can be found in everyday life. He’s covered floods and farming, faith and politics, the changing landscape of rural communities — and the people who live there.  But what’s made Dan’s work so memorable isn’t just what he’s covered. It’s how he’s covered it — with patience, curiosity, and a deep respect for the people he meets along the way. Now, after 38 years with MPR News, Dan is retiring. At an event in Moorhead in late October, MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talked with Gunderson about storytelling, some of the people he’s met over the years and what he’s discovered about Minnesota along the way. Guest:Dan Gunderson is a reporter based in Moorhead. He covers general news for a wide swath of western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota with a focus on the environment, agriculture and Indian Country. He has reported for MPR News since 1987. 2025 Dan Gunderson, longtime MPR journalist and master Minnesota storyteller, retires 2025 Minnesota minister rediscovers his faith among people in need 2025 In this west-central Minnesota town, fiddle jams draw players from ages 3 to 86 2025 Minnesota woman on a quest to preserve stories of disappearing towns 2025 ‘Loon lady’ turns passion into action to protect Minnesota’s iconic bird 2011 Researchers investigating movement of black bears into new habitats 2007 Moorhead orchestra students rock 2001 The land of the dancing tractors Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

When we think about what happens to our body after we die, some of us may picture a heavy, polished casket or an urn of ashes left after cremation.But a growing number of people are choosing to return to the earth in more environmentally friendly ways.Some are choosing water-based cremation, which doesn’t burn fossil fuels. Others are planning simpler death rituals that skip embalming, steel caskets and concrete burial vaults. Instead, the body is placed in the ground in a biodegradable basket or shroud and allowed to decompose as quickly and as naturally as possible. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about rising interest in these greener options and some of the questions and concerns that surround them. Guests: Angela Woosley has been a licensed mortician in Minnesota for 20 years. In 2020 she started her own funeral care business focused on natural death care, Inspired Journeys. She previously worked for a funeral home and taught in the Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota.   Taelor Johnson is the communications director for Interra Green Burial by Mueller Memorial in St. Paul and White Bear Lake. She’s the third generation working in the family-run funeral home.  MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker is based in Duluth and covered efforts to establish a green cemetery in Carlton County, Minn.

Health insurance is about to get more expensive for a lot of people — in Minnesota and across the country. Many older Minnesotans are scrambling to find new insurance plans after some insurers stopped offering or scaled back Medicare Advantage plans. People who buy their own insurance will see premiums jump next year as much as 26 percent on the individual market. Workers who get insurance through their employers are also looking at higher premiums. And the federal tax and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump this summer is expected to push as many as 140,000 low-income Minnesotans off Medicaid.  MPR News guest host Catharine Richert looks at how the rising costs of medical care along with changes in state and federal policies are reshaping health care in Minnesota. If you’re looking for more information, here are some resources that were mentioned during the showContact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICAREMinnesota Aging Pathways (formerly known as the Senior LinkAge line) at 800-333-2433Guests:Sayeh Nikpay is a health economist and an associate professor in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. Kelli Jo Greiner is a health care policy analyst for the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

President Donald Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard in a few U.S. cities in recent months has reignited debate about when — and whether — federal troops should be used on U.S. soil. Does a president have the authority to deploy state National Guard units against a governor's objection? If so, what does that mean for the balance of power between civilian and military authority?MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a political scientist who studies civil–military relations and a law professor who studies national security to help us understand what’s at stake — legally, politically, and for the U.S. tradition of keeping the military out of domestic affairs.   Guests:Laura Dickinson is a professor of national security law and constitutional law at the George Washington University Law School. She is also the author of “Outsourcing War and Peace.”Ron Krebs is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor and professor of political science at the University of Minnesota where he studies civil-military relations and security policy. He is also the author of “Narrative and the Making of US National Security” and “Fighting for Rights: Military Service and the Politics of Citizenship.” 

Traditionally, a college degree has been seen as a ticket to a secure future.But not today. Thanks to soaring tuition costs and weighty student loans, many people are questioning the value of college. A 2025 Pew Research poll found that only one in four U.S. adults says it’s “extremely or very important to have a four-year college degree” to get a well-paying job. And many young Americans — including Black, Latino and Indigenous students — contend they can build solid careers without seeking further education. In a 2025 survey by New America, a majority of young Americans agreed “there are lots of well-paying, stable jobs that people can find with only a high school diploma or GED.”So is college still worth it — especially when it comes to low-income or first-generation students? Is college still worth it? MPR News’ North Star Journey Live project teamed up with Sahan Journal Community Conversations in October to host a panel discussing the pros and cons of higher education. They also discussed other burgeoning post-secondary options, like trade schools, apprenticeships and becoming an entrepreneur. Guests: Frida Torres Macal is the founder of That Social Invite, an independent social media marketer focused on helping women-owned businesses and professionals grow.Marquan Harper is a sophomore at the University of St. Thomas, where he is double majoring in Digital Media Arts and Marketing Management. He’s also the founder of Ador Hospitality, a Midwest-based hospitality group dedicated to enhancing the nightlife experience for young adults aged 18-24. Jalayah Johnson is enrolled at the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest as a second-year glazer apprentice for the Empire House.Ali Osman is a high school counselor at South High School in Minneapolis. Jessica Yang is the senior implementation manager at the Get Ready GEAR UP Minnesota program administered through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. 

For centuries, witches have cast their spell on our imaginations and enchanted our stories. Throughout folklore and pop culture, some pointed-hat witches have established their unforgettable characters, both evil and good, from the Wicked Witch of the West, in the 1939 “Wizard of Oz” film, and Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” series. So, why are witches so popular? And why can’t pop culture seem to get enough? Coming up Friday at 9 a.m., MPR News host Jacob Aloi, reporter Alex V. Cipolle and editor Max Sparber spend an hour exploring witches across history and culture. With their guests, the MPR News arts team will talk about the witches in one of Shakespeare’s best-known plays, as well as witches in TV, film, music and books.

The fall harvest is wrapping up across Minnesota. But will farmers turn a profit? Following a meeting Thursday between President Trump and China’s president Xi Jinping, there is hope that China will resume buying at least some soybeans and other export crops from the U.S. But Minnesota farmers are still suffering from the fallout of the trade war. They’re also grappling with inflation, tighter credit and increasingly unpredictable weather. And, the federal government shutdown has slowed access to farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a farmer and Minnesota’s agricultural commissioner about these challenges and what’s next.

Sex education in schools tends to focus on how to avoid unplanned pregnancy — but that means a lot of Americans don’t learn much about fertility. One of the most common misunderstandings relates to age. A woman’s fertility declines as she ages, but many people underestimate just how much harder it can be to get pregnant in their 30s and 40s. And, most people also think fertility treatments are more likely to be successful than they are.  MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two doctors about what affects the likelihood of getting pregnant and the things people wished they’d known before trying to have a baby.Guests: Dr. Suzanne Darnell practices obstetrics and gynecology at M Health Fairview. She’s also an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School.   Dr. Tana Kim is a reproductive endocrinologist and the IVF director at Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Associates (RMIA) in the Twin Cities. She is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility.  

In its fourth week, the federal government shutdown has become the second-longest government shutdown in American history, with no resolution in sight.The funding dispute has halted paychecks for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupted key services — from food assistance and small business loans to national parks and research programs.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a political scientist about how we got here, how the budget impasse is affecting people and what it reveals about the balance of power in Washington.Guest:Kathryn Pearson is a professor of political science at the University of Minnesota. She is also an associate dean of undergraduate education and the director of the University Honors Program.

We’ve all been told that our credit scores matter — but what does that really mean?  A high credit score can open doors. It can help you get a lower interest rate on a car loan, qualify for a mortgage or even make it easier to rent an apartment. But a lower score? It can quietly cost you thousands of dollars in higher interest payments over time — money that could be going towards your savings, your home or your future. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a financial coach about what determines your credit score, simple steps to improve it and the smart choices that can strengthen your financial health for years to come. Guest:Demitri McGee is a financial coach, certified housing counselor and youth director at Build Wealth Minnesota, a nonprofit opportunity center dedicated to helping families through financial education, personalized coaching and community-based programs.

The big picture on rural healthcare is grim. Doctors are retiring. Hospitals are closing. There’s a lack of mental health care providers across the board. Plus, rural health facilities rely disproportionately on Medicaid reimbursement to stay afloat — and that program is facing $1 trillion in cuts thanks to President Trump’s self-titled Big Beautiful Bill. But if you zoom in to individual communities, the picture is tinged with determination. While they admit to discouragement, leaders are trying to find new ways to pay for needed health care, and concerned citizens are stepping forward to help each other. Kerri Miller heard that and more in Owatonna, at the final Rural Voice town hall of the season. Rural Voice in Owatonna Southern Minnesotans gathered on Sept. 29 at Mineral Springs Brewery to share personal stories of long waits to see doctors, of their hometowns losing cherished hospitals, of children in crisis with no therapists available to help. But they also shared ideas about how to face the challenges ahead, like public health and the private sector forming new partnerships, and community groups innovating to make sure health care is accessible and affordable.  Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

The moment your last or only child leaves home can feel like both an ending and a beginning. Some parents celebrate the new freedom. Others struggle with the sudden quiet. Most experience a bit of both. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a psychologist and a social worker about the emotional mix of pride, grief, and rediscovery that comes with an empty nest — and how to find balance and meaning in this new stage of life.Guests:Melissa Lundquist is an associate professor in the School of Social Work and director of the undergraduate social work program at the University of St. Thomas. David Nathan is a psychologist with Allina Health in St. Paul. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

In the last couple of years, at least a dozen data centers have been proposed across Minnesota. These are the facilities that power artificial intelligence, store medical data and save your family photos to the cloud. Data centers have promised jobs and investment in local communities, ranging from Twin Cities suburbs like Rosemount and Farmington, to small rural towns like Cannon Falls and Hermantown. But there are concerns about how they could impact the local electrical grid and water supply. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about the resources these centers use and what that means for Minnesota communities.Guests: Gabriel Chan is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota studying policy and institutions related to clean energy transitions and the environment. He’s also the co-director of the Center for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy and the Electric Cooperative Innovation Center at the University of Minnesota. Kathryn Hoffman is the CEO of Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. She leads a group of lawyers who take cases around the state to protect Minnesota’s environment. Currently her team has lawsuits against the cities of Faribault, Lakeville and North Mankato for a lack of transparency around data centers. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.  

In October 2023, Rural Voice co-founder and host Kerri Miller traveled to Little Falls to talk about social isolation in greater Minnesota. Community members said it’s easy to feel disconnected and alone, especially if they struggle with some kind of mental health challenge. This September, Miller took the same question to Wadena. Social isolation is when a person objectively doesn’t have relationships or contact with others. It’s similar to loneliness, which is when people subjectively feel isolated. Both are rampant in rural communities, especially among older residents. And because social isolation is tied closely to other health outcomes, it has implications for all. Rural Voice in Wadena Wadena residents swapped stories of recognizing isolation in their community. They also shared ideas for combatting it, which ranged from systemic overhauls, like bringing in more therapists, to more personal interventions, like how churches and community organizations can respond to neighbors who seem alone.  Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

Drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro were first developed to treat diabetes. They turned out to be so effective at helping people lose weight that new versions were approved for weight loss. And now, their use has skyrocketed. One in every eight American adults has taken what are known as GLP-1 drugs. They not only lead to health benefits associated with weight loss, like lower risk of heart attack and stroke, they also seem to tame addictive cravings and boost sleep. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a doctor and a dietitian about the exploding popularity of GLP-1 drugs, side effects and how to use them responsibly.

Sue Abderholden is retiring after more than two decades leading NAMI Minnesota, the state's chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness. As one of the state’s most influential voices for mental health, she’s helped raise awareness, change laws and expand access to care. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with Abderholden about how far Minnesota has come — and what work still lies ahead.

Communities, tribal nations and cities across Minnesota celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, Oct. 13. MPR News editor and guest host Leah Lemm talks with reporters from our Native News team about how they cover Minnesota’s Native communities, tribal nations and people every day. From cannabis to land return, cultural events and arts, they’re steeped in Native journalism all year long.Guests:Melissa Olson is an award-winning reporter for MPR’s Native News team. She is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.Chandra Colvin is a citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa and a member of MPR’s Native News team. She started at MPR News as an intern and now covers Native American communities in Minnesota for us through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. 2025 How to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day around Minnesota 2025 Center for Indian Country Development hosts data summit, looks to future of tribal economies 2025 National conference brings together Native scientists, engineers and educators 2023 What is Indigenous Peoples Day? A day of celebration, protest and reclaiming history 2023 Meet our new team working to strengthen coverage of Native communities Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

From shrinking newsrooms to less news coverage, local journalism faces many challenges.Since 2005, more than 3,200 print newspapers have vanished, according to Northwestern University’s 2024 report on the state of local news.But one thing that still makes local journalism powerful is when reporters live in the places they cover. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with reporters who do just that. They’ll talk about what it means to report on their own communities and why that connection matters. Guests: Tadeo Ruiz Sandoval is an MPR News reporter based in the Fargo-Moorhead area. He covers the region with a focus on agriculture. Tadeo started his journalism career as an intern at KMUW, the NPR Station in Wichita, Kan. In 2024, he interned at The Wall Street Journal where he produced and hosted a miniseries on Gen Z’s debt. Molly Castle Work is an MPR News reporter based in Rochester. She covers health care in southeast Minnesota. Prior to joining MPR News, Molly worked as an investigative reporter at the Rochester Post Bulletin and later as a correspondent for KFF Health News in California. Dan Kraker is an MPR News correspondent based in Duluth where he covers the people, economy and environment of northeast Minnesota. Before joining MPR News, Dan worked at KNAU Arizona Public Radio for 11 years. He covered northern Arizona’s Native nations and then served as news director. He also contributes regularly to National Public Radio programs and Marketplace.