Ground Level Blog

FCC: Minnesota under the average for broadband access
The FCC’s annual report on broadband access this week showed improvement. But Minnesota lags.
In the woods and isolated, Cloquet Valley looks for broadband options
Northern Minnesota’s Cloquet Valley in St. Louis County is a prime example of why some parts of America don’t have high-speed Internet access. But people are working on a patchwork of solutions.
Join a video chat on increasing interest in using drones among local law enforcement agencies.
The city of Nowthen, once reluctant to pay extra for sheriff’s patrols, reports a good relationship between city and county.
On Friday, we’ll talk drones with three experts in a Google Hangout, touching on how drones might be used by law enforcement and some of the legal and privacy implications.
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.
In rural areas, neighbors and police backup can be far away, making domestic violence dangerous for victims and law enforcement alike.
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.
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.