The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative

North Dakota Faces Measles Outbreak Amid Vaccination Decline

In this episode, we discuss the recent measles outbreak in North Dakota, marking the state's first cases in over a decade. Journalist Michael Standaert shares insights on the timely reporting done by the North Dakota News Cooperative, detailing the rapid spread of the disease and the significant role declining vaccination rates have played. We explore the outbreak's origins, current status, and efforts to mitigate further spread, including the response of local health officials and the rising vaccine hesitancy since the COVID-19 pandemic. This important story underscores the critical nature of in-depth journalism in keeping communities informed about public health crises.

Federal funding cuts prolong anxiety for North Dakota institutions

Federal funding cuts are putting pressure on key institutions in North Dakota. In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about how these cuts could impact the state library and major research universities. Programs like interlibrary loans, online databases, and services for people with reading impairments are at risk. At UND and NDSU, canceled CDC and NIH grants threaten ongoing and future research. This episode explores the growing uncertainty, the financial fallout, and how communities are responding.
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Proposed VA staffing cuts have local veterans worried

In this episode, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert delve into the anxieties local veterans are facing regarding proposed staffing cuts at the VA, which could potentially affect as many as 72,000 positions nationwide. The discussion includes insights from various veterans, who express fears about longer wait times and diminished care quality. Despite reassurances from the VA, veterans remain skeptical about how these cuts will affect their care.

United for Ukraine parolees in North Dakota awaiting fate.

In this episode, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert unpack what it means to be a “humanitarian parolee” in the U.S.—specifically focusing on Ukrainian immigrants in North Dakota under the “United for Ukraine” program. They break down how humanitarian parole differs from refugee status, why these distinctions matter, and what’s at stake as parolees face an uncertain legal future. The conversation also looks at how national attitudes toward Ukraine are shifting and what it could mean economically for local communities if these newcomers are forced to leave.

USDA upheaval brings uncertainty to farmers, rural communities

Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert discuss USDA funding freezes and program cuts impacting farmers and rural communities. They discuss the sudden end of key initiatives like Local Food Purchase Assistance, and Food for Schools, along with broader effects on Climate Smart Commodities and Rural Energy Assistance. Standaert discusses what he heard from foundation directors, farmers, and other stakeholders as they discuss the challenges ahead and what it all means for the future of farming.

Trade wars add stress to North Dakota’s $41 billion ag economy

In this episode of The Backstory podcast by the North Dakota News Cooperative, CEO Sabrina Halvorson and lead reporter Michael Standaert delve into the effects of President Donald Trump's trade wars on North Dakota's $41 billion agricultural economy. The discussion highlights concerns and uncertainties faced by local farmers and agricultural leaders regarding tariffs and trade barriers, including insights from farmers and state farm leaders.

North Dakota summer tourism prospects uncertain

In this episode of The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative, CEO Sabrina Halvorson and lead reporter Michael Standaert discuss the ramifications of Trump's policies on North Dakota's summer tourism. Key issues such as national park staff cuts, informal Canadian travel boycotts, and postponed marketing campaigns due to US-Canada frictions are explored.