Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

Ground Level®: Amplifying Community Voices

Your story is powerful. The stories you share with others honor the complexity of our communities while forging a more equitable and vibrant future.

Call 651-228-4800 and leave us a voice memo. If you're more comfortable texting, you can text “Hello” to 1-833-870-4111. You can also email us at tell@mpr.org and join in on conversations in our Ground Level Facebook group.

We’d like to hear your thoughts and questions. Your ideas about solutions. How are your communities? What are you seeing today? And what do you want to see tomorrow?

Note that while we will exercise editorial judgment for language, length and avoiding personal attacks, we will not sacrifice your meaning. We will ensure your main message comes through on air and online.

Have you ever used a gun in self-defense?

Have you ever used a gun in self-defense?

Judging by responses to an MPR query, most gun owners in our Public Insight Network have never used their weapons in self defense. Some reported that showing the gun was enough.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Domestic violence takes particular shape in rural areas

In rural areas, neighbors and police backup can be far away, making domestic violence dangerous for victims and law enforcement alike.
by Jennifer Vogel

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Safety, security and self-reliance — Part 2. Llamas

Safety, security and self-reliance — Part 2. Llamas

When it comes to taking responsibility for security from crime on his farm and those of his neighbors, Park Rapids farmer Ken Kalish turns to guard llamas.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Safety, security and self-reliance — Part 1. Guns

Safety, security and self-reliance — Part 1. Guns

People around Minnesota report owning guns for a variety of reasons, including self protection. Some use guns strictly to hunt and call the prospect of shooting another person unsettling or even horrifying.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
The Price of Safety: Law enforcement spending peaks

The Price of Safety: Law enforcement spending peaks

MPR News’ Ground Level project is launching a new topic page called “The Price of Safety,” looking at the pressure on public safety spending and new approaches to law enforcement that are resulting.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Why does Minnesota’s handgun permit map look like this?

Why does Minnesota’s handgun permit map look like this?

The concentration of handgun permits is much higher in northeastern Minnesota than in southwestern Minnesota, a distribution pattern common to many phenomena in the state. Why is that?
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

What Minnesotans want when it comes to health

After discussing health care concerns with more than 1,000 Minnesotans, two civic organizations report to state: Give people a bigger role in making their health care decisions.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Lake County strings broadband fiber; Cook County gets cash

As Lake County strings its first fiber for a big broadband project, neighboring Cook County is proceeding without the same acrimony over the public role in Internet extension.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Why do rural police solve more murders than urban police?

In contrast to Minneapolis police’ murder clearance rate, outstate Minnesota sheriffs and police departments solved 15 of the 16 murders in 2011.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Big Minnesota health provider moves into oil patch

Sanford Health, one of the main health care providers in rural Minnesota, has announced a merger with Medcenter One, which serves western North Dakota.
by Dave Peters

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!