The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.