
The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative
by North Dakota News Cooperative
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On the show
From 10 epsHosts
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Recent episodes
Connecting food, health, and rural communities
Jun 12, 2026
20m 01s
Chasing longevity in rural North Dakota
Jun 5, 2026
15m 20s
When asking for help feels hard: Male suicide in North Dakota
May 29, 2026
26m 28s
The many voices of North Dakota voters
May 1, 2026
20m 43s
Ripple effects across North Dakota from farming uncertainty
Apr 24, 2026
15m 00s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/12/26 | ![]() Connecting food, health, and rural communities | In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson talks with Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist, about the programs helping North Dakotans learn more about food, movement and health at every age. Garden-Robinson discusses Extension’s Field to Fork program, On the Move to Better Health, Nourish, youth health programs, and the work being done to update nutrition curriculum for students. She also explains how Extension reaches rural communities through county agents, online classes, statewide partnerships and resources available through the NDSU Extension website. “Food connects to everything." - Julie Garden-Robinson, NDSU Extension Food and Nutrition Specialist The conversation also touches on Garden-Robinson’s background as a food scientist and dietitian, her long-running Prairie Fare column, and the recipes and educational materials that help make food and nutrition information accessible to people across the state. Read more on the topic here. | 20m 01s | ||||||
| 6/5/26 | ![]() Chasing longevity in rural North Dakota | A federal push for rural wellness is underway, aiming to tackle state health concerns and get North Dakotans moving. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his latest article on the Rural Health Transformation Program and the "Make North Dakota Healthy Again" initiative. The conversation highlights how federal funding is being used for grassroots solutions like community gardens, school "zero-hour" PE programs, and local walking groups, while exploring the challenges of rural health access and the power of social connectedness in creating "Blue Zones" of longevity. “This is a big piece of these areas that are blue zones, the people are very connected with their communities, they're out farming together, walking together,” Standaert said. The discussion also dives into the practical realities of rural wellness, such as how to keep a walking program active when it drops to 20 below zero in January, and why state officials are looking for innovative, community-led ideas to help the program expand. | 15m 20s | ||||||
| 5/29/26 | ![]() When asking for help feels hard: Male suicide in North Dakota | Why do so many men struggle in silence before reaching out for help? In this episode of The Backstory, Melissa Markegard, Suicide Prevention Administrator for North Dakota Health and Human Services, discusses the factors that can increase suicide risk, the warning signs friends and family should recognize, and the role communities can play in supporting mental health before a crisis develops. "We need you here. No matter what your brain is telling you, your family, your friends, your community, they all need you here. They are not better off without you." - Melissa Markegard, Suicide Prevention Administrator for North Dakota Health and Human Services The conversation stems from a recent North Dakota News Cooperative article by Michael Standaert examining male suicide and the challenges that can keep men from seeking support. Markegard discusses the unique pressures facing farmers and veterans, how major life stressors can compound over time, and why reaching out to someone who may be struggling can make all the difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 FirstLink 211 Helpline: Dial 211 or 701-235-7335 Mental Health America of North Dakota Help Line: 701-255-3692 or 888-705-5763 | 26m 28s | ||||||
| 5/1/26 | ![]() The many voices of North Dakota voters | The latest North Dakota Poll takes a closer look at how residents are responding to major national issues and reveals some notable divides across the state. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about the latest North Dakota Poll results, which examine presidential approval ratings along with opinions on issues such as the war in Iran, immigration, and the economy. The conversation highlights how responses break down across party lines, regions, and independent voters, groups that often signal shifts in broader public opinion. “People were pointing out this kind of east-west divide and what it might mean going forward,” Standaert said. He noted that approval ratings differed sharply between Fargo-Cass County and western parts of the state. The results show that while party affiliation remains a strong predictor of opinion, independent voters and regional differences continue to shape the political landscape. In particular, the contrast between eastern population centers and western communities offers insight into how demographic growth may influence future elections and policymaking. The episode also underscores how statewide polling helps move beyond assumptions about North Dakota as a single group of voters, offering a clearer picture of how residents across different regions view national issues and leadership. | 20m 43s | ||||||
| 4/24/26 | ![]() Ripple effects across North Dakota from farming uncertainty✨ | farming uncertaintyeconomic impact+3 | John Bitzan | fertilizeragricultural equipment+3 | North DakotaNorth Dakota’s | North Dakotaagriculture+2 | — | 15m 00s | |
| 4/10/26 | ![]() The hidden backbone of family care✨ | family caregivingNorth Dakota+2 | Michael Standaert | North Dakota Aging & Disability Resource LinkNorth Dakota Family Caregiver Support Program+4 | North DakotaNDNC | caregiversfinancial management+2 | — | 9m 52s | |
| 4/3/26 | ![]() Bakken boom lessons still shaping North Dakota communities✨ | Bakken oil boomNorth Dakota communities+5 | Sebastian Braun | Bearing the Burden of the BoomsThe Backstory+1 | BakkenNorth Dakota+1 | Bakken boompublic infrastructure+3 | — | 9m 57s | |
| 3/20/26 | ![]() Candid conversation on the future of agriculture✨ | agriculturefarming+4 | — | North Dakota News CooperativeNDSU+3 | — | agricultural roundtableNDSU+3 | — | 19m 05s | |
| 3/13/26 | ![]() Inside North Dakota’s new diversion and reentry programs✨ | diversion programsreentry programs+2 | Michael Standaert | The BackstoryStandaert | North Dakota’sNorth Dakota+3 | House Bill 1425Cass County+3 | — | 15m 35s | |
| 3/6/26 | ![]() Reporting North Dakota: The Walsh County Press✨ | community journalismlocal news+2 | Allison Olimb | The Walsh County PressNorth Dakota News Cooperative+2 | North DakotaPark River | Walsh County PressPark River+2 | — | 16m 55s | |
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| 2/27/26 | ![]() New federal nutrition standards pose challenges for North Dakota schools✨ | nutrition standardsschool meals+2 | Michael Standaert | NDNC SchoolThe Backstory | North Dakota | sodium reductionsugar reduction+2 | — | 19m 54s | |
| 2/20/26 | ![]() A lost sailor's possible return to North Dakota✨ | World War IImilitary history+2 | Ted DarcyMurray Sagsveen+1 | the USS PolluxNDNC+1 | North DakotaNewburg+2 | Orlan Robert CoolUSS Pollux+2 | — | 13m 18s | |
| 2/13/26 | ![]() NDNA’s Cecile Wehrman on the Future of North Dakota’s Newspapers✨ | North Dakota newspapersownership transitions+3 | Cecile Wehrman | NDNAThe Backstory | North Dakota’s | succession planninggenerational shift+2 | — | 18m 51s | |
| 2/6/26 | ![]() Insights on Information in North Dakota Communities✨ | North Dakota newspaperslocal journalism+2 | Michael Standaert | The BackstoryNDNC+1 | North DakotaNorth Dakota’s | data-driven studynewspaper ecosystem+2 | — | 16m 29s | |
| 1/30/26 | ![]() Immigration concerns cross state lines | Concern over immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota is rippling beyond state lines, raising questions about how communities in North Dakota are responding, and whether similar fears could take hold closer to home. In this episode of The Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert talks with host Sabrina Halvorson about his reporting on how faith leaders in North Dakota and Minnesota are navigating growing anxiety among immigrants and mixed-status families. The conversation offers insight into both the substance of the story and the careful reporting process behind it. “I think one thing that surprised me was just the level of concern about talking about these issues. I mean, I think a lot of these discussions are going on behind closed doors right now.” – Michael Standaert, NDNC reporter Standaert explains that while much of the public attention has focused on visible enforcement actions in Minnesota, many of the responses he encountered were quieter and more cautious. Faith leaders described balancing the desire to address fear and uncertainty in their congregations with concerns about internal division and potential backlash. The discussion also explores why the story focused on longer-term community impacts rather than day-to-day developments, and how NDNC reporters handle sourcing when people are afraid to go on the record. As Halvorson notes, the situation is changing rapidly, but the underlying questions about safety, trust, and responsibility remain. The episode offers a closer look at how complex, fast-moving stories are reported with care, and how local concerns in neighboring states can shape conversations in North Dakota communities. | 14m 28s | ||||||
| 1/23/26 | ![]() Jerry VandeWalle: A Career Defined by Service | A new biography examines the life and long career of North Dakota’s longest-serving Supreme Court chief justice, tracing how decades of public service shaped both the man and the court he led. In this episode of The Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert discusses his reporting on former Chief Justice Jerry VandeWalle, whose 65-year career in state government included 45 years on the North Dakota Supreme Court. Standaert describes learning about VandeWalle’s upbringing in Noonan, his commitment to service over personal recognition, and his reputation for approachability and fairness. The reporting also examines VandeWalle’s strong belief in judicial nonpartisanship at a time when courts are increasingly politicized. Standaert shares insights from reading the biography Call Me Jerry and from speaking directly with VandeWalle and people who know him well. “He’s kind of married to service, and married to service to the state. It just comes out in the book quite a bit.” – Michael Standaert, NDNC Reporter The story examines how VandeWalle’s career intersected with the evolution of North Dakota’s Supreme Court over several decades. | 8m 33s | ||||||
| 1/9/26 | ![]() Economic Stability but Uneven Pressures in North Dakota | While North Dakota’s overall economy remains relatively strong, recent polling shows that rising costs are affecting residents unevenly. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about what the data reveals, how inflation is being felt differently across the state, and why methodology matters when interpreting poll results. Michael explains that on the surface many statewide indicators suggest economic stability. But the polling also points to disparities beneath those topline numbers. He notes that inflation does not affect everyone equally, and that people with less financial flexibility are more likely to feel its effects. The conversation also touches on how broader economic forces could shape conditions moving forward. “Trade policies and tariffs might impact the economy even more going forward.” — Michael Standaert, NDNC Michael also walks through how polling works, including margins of error and methodology, and why careful interpretation is essential when drawing conclusions from survey data. The episode examines what polling data suggests about economic pressures in the state and how those pressures are felt unevenly. To learn more about the North Dakota Poll, tune in to a previous podcast featuring NDNC board member Mary Jo Hotzler who explains what goes into conducting the poll. | 16m 40s | ||||||
| 12/19/25 | ![]() Shaping North Dakota's Electricity Prices | How electricity prices are determined is often less visible than other parts of the energy system, but they’re shaped by a mix of infrastructure, demand, and long-term planning. In this episode, we take a closer look at how those forces interact in North Dakota and what they mean for future energy costs. Reporter Michael Standaert explains how electricity rates are influenced by infrastructure upgrades, transmission costs, and the growing demand from large industrial users such as data centers. While North Dakota continues to benefit from relatively low power prices compared with much of the country, utilities are navigating the challenge of modernizing the grid while keeping costs from shifting onto residential customers. The discussion also explores how renewable energy projects, backup generation, and long-term planning factor into price stability. “They’re trying to balance bringing in new projects without passing those costs on to existing users, especially residential consumers,” said Michael Standart, NDNC reporter. The episode places today’s energy price questions in a broader context of economic development, grid reliability, and long-term affordability for North Dakota communities. | 8m 44s | ||||||
| 12/12/25 | ![]() The rise of AI in ND schools | Artificial intelligence is entering North Dakota classrooms, and while some educators see new opportunities, some are struggling to keep pace with the fast-moving technology. In this episode, reporter Michael Standaert joins Sabrina Halvorson to break down how schools are navigating AI use, what guidance exists at the state level, and where the biggest challenges are emerging. Standaert explains how teachers are simultaneously excited about AI’s potential for individualized learning and overwhelmed by the lack of consistent policies or time for training. “Students in many cases are far ahead of teachers in using these tools, and districts are trying to manage it all with guidance that’s already outdated.” – Michael Standaert, NDNC reporter. Sabrina and Michael also discuss concerns around student misuse, the promise of adaptive learning systems, and what school leaders may need as AI becomes a larger part of everyday education. | 16m 25s | ||||||
| 12/3/25 | ![]() When shelters are full and winter sets in | North Dakota’s first major winter storm has arrived, and while many families are settling into the holiday season, others are facing a harsher reality: rising evictions, limited shelter space, and growing housing insecurity. In this episode, reporter Michael Standaert joins Sabrina to break down the shifting landscape of homelessness services and the renewed effort to address it statewide. Standaert explains how federal funding changes could leave major gaps in support, especially for organizations like the YWCA of Cass Clay, which may lose nearly half of its permanent supportive housing units. As he notes in the conversation, “If the state or other organizations can’t step up, they may have to lose those 45 out of 97 units. Their emergency housing is not affected, but this shift in funding is a big concern.” Sabrina and Michael also discuss the reestablishment of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, the rise in evictions across the state, and what communities should be watching in the months ahead. | 12m 29s | ||||||
| 11/21/25 | ![]() North Dakota’s Childcare Challenges | In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson and NDNC lead reporter Michael Standaert discuss his recent reporting on childcare in North Dakota. Michael outlines what he heard from parents, providers and community leaders about the ongoing difficulties many families face in finding reliable, affordable care. He highlights the innovative program at the James Valley Career & Technology Center, where high-school students can earn a child-development associate certification while working in a childcare center housed within the school. As Michael puts it: “Affordability, availability, staffing shortfalls — these kind of challenges are persisting, they probably always will.” - Michael Standaert, NDNC. The conversation also looks at policy efforts underway, how regional differences shape needs, ongoing affordability programs and what changes may be on the horizon for families and providers. | 8m 38s | ||||||
| 11/14/25 | ![]() For North Dakotans, By North Dakotans: NDNC’s Founding Story | This week on a special edition of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson takes listeners behind the scenes to explore how the North Dakota News Cooperative came to be. She sits down with NDNC board co-chair Steve Andrist, one of the organization’s original founders and a lifelong champion of local journalism. In their conversation, Andrist reflects on the changing landscape of the news industry, the challenges facing community newspapers, and the growing need for a nonprofit model that could provide fair, in-depth reporting across the state. He also describes how a wide group of leaders from North Dakota’s media and business communities helped shape the early vision. One quote from Andrist captures the heart of NDNC’s mission: “One of the things we said from the beginning is that our work would be for North Dakotans, about North Dakota, by North Dakotans.” The episode highlights why trusted, nonpartisan journalism remains essential for informed communities and a healthy democracy—and what makes NDNC uniquely positioned to fill that need. | 16m 08s | ||||||
| 11/7/25 | ![]() The High Cost of Keeping Teachers | Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert discuss NDNC’s latest story examining how a proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas could impact schools, hospitals, and universities across North Dakota. From tribal districts that rely on international teachers to rural schools already struggling to fill classrooms, the added cost could worsen a statewide teacher shortage. The episode also explores related federal policy changes affecting commercial driver’s licenses, revocations that have already hit some North Dakota communities, and what these shifts reveal about how immigration rules ripple through local economies. “No school could probably afford $100,000 just to get a teacher in,” said NDNC reporter Michael Standaert. “They’re really trying to avoid overcrowded classrooms by using these visas, particularly in areas where it’s difficult to attract teachers.” School leaders told NDNC they’re already facing challenges hiring qualified teachers, especially in small towns and tribal areas. | 14m 44s | ||||||
| 10/31/25 | ![]() Powering North Dakota’s Future | Special Guest: Josh Kramer, General Manager and Executive Vice President, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives Electricity costs and data centers have been making headlines across North Dakota, but what’s really driving the changes in rates and demand? In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson first sits down with Josh Kramer to unpack the complexities behind the state’s electric grid, rising costs, and the pressures of modern energy needs. Kramer explains how a surge in consumption—particularly from oil and gas operations—has reshaped infrastructure planning over the past decade and what that means for rural cooperatives today. Together, they discuss the broader picture of transmission congestion fees, grid strain, and North Dakota’s unique position in national energy trends. Kramer also offers insight into how electric cooperatives are balancing reliability, affordability, and innovation as the grid evolves to meet new demands—from industrial growth to emerging technologies. “For the first time in 20 years, electricity load growth is being seen across the country. And in North Dakota, we’re the exception—it’s been growing steadily for years, driven by oil and gas, and now, new industries like data centers.” Following the discussion with Kramer, reporter Michael Standaert joins to talk about other key issues, including the loss of funding for a solar project and how it will affect tribal communities around the state. He also discusses the possible loss of LIHEAP, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps lower-income people cover energy costs. This episode goes beyond headlines to reveal how cooperatives are preparing for the next era of energy use, and what it will take to keep North Dakota’s power reliable and affordable in a changing economy. | 25m 25s | ||||||
| 10/24/25 | ![]() Restoring the land through ranching | In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halverson and lead reporter Michael Standaert explore the story behind a North Dakota family that has turned to regenerative ranching to restore their land. Facing declining crop yields and deteriorating soil, the Maddock family adopted innovative grazing techniques that use cattle to naturally rebuild soil health. Their efforts earned them the Aldo Leopold Conservation Award, a national recognition for land stewardship. Michael shares insights from his reporting and firsthand observations from the ranch, highlighting how these sustainable practices are not only improving the land but securing a future for generations to come. The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at how underreported rural stories like this one come to light and why they matter. | 16m 08s | ||||||
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