Michael Anderson views the Mississippi River as the country's great connector. It flows through 10 states — both red and blue — weaving its way through major population centers and small towns.

Few people see the Mississippi River the way John Ruskey does. ... The tune feels written for just this moment, as the muddy waters deliver us downstream. This segment aired on June 9, 2025.

The Mississippi River upriver from New Orleans, La. Thursday, May 8, 2025. Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas are to the right. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune) ...

Michael Anderson views the Mississippi River as the country's great connector. It flows through 10 states — both red and blue — weaving its way through major population centers and small towns.