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.

November 9, 2017 12:00 AM

Ground Level: About this project

Inspired by the 2016 elections, MPR News set out to gain a better understanding of how Minnesotans view their lives, their communities, their state and the nation.

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.

May 28, 2015 7:44 AM

Annandale watches special session for broadband help

Annandale managed to get an earmark for broadband funding in legislation this year, but Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed the bill, asking for more money for rural broadband but objecting to the city's special treatment.

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.

February 4, 2015 7:44 AM

DNR pushes ahead with its groundwater planning

The DNR's new approach makes it clear the agency retains ultimate authority over groundwater pumping but promises that stakeholders will get all the information they need.

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.

November 12, 2014 5:04 AM

Broadband providers seek $44 million from state fund

All the money must go to projects that will provide high-speed Internet access to areas that have no or poor service.

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.

October 28, 2014 6:14 AM

Shifting rain could be lowering groundwater

New satellite data shows a decline in Minnesota's groundwater supplies and one scientist suggests a reason in addition to irrigation pumping might be that rain is falling at different times.

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.

September 18, 2014 6:00 AM

Satellite: A better way to measure groundwater levels?

Researchers are using satellite data to measure groundwater use and how much is left. A key scientist will talk about the effort tonight in St. Paul.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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.

September 4, 2014 7:59 AM

Dayton panel seeks $200 million more for broadband

The state's task force advising Gov. Mark Dayton on high speed Internet access has told the administration it should seek another $200 million in next year's legislative session.

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.

September 3, 2014 8:59 AM

Judge won’t place blame for White Bear Lake water woes

Ramsey District Judge Margaret Marrinan refused to decide by summary judgment whether the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is at fault for the low water levels in White Bear Lake.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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.

August 15, 2014 5:07 AM

Who’s my neighbor? New Twin Cities maps tell the story

Wilder Research in St. Paul has revamped its demographic profiles of Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods, making the information much easier to use.

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.

August 5, 2014 6:00 AM

U of M flushes toilets with rainwater

New student housing at the University of Minnesota includes a system for collecting stormwater from the roof and using it to flush the toilets for 600 students.

by Elizabeth Dunbar

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.