The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative

Federal Cuts Threaten Senior Services in North Dakota

Federal cost-cutting measures are putting some North Dakota senior programs at risk. In this episode of The Backstory, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert discuss Michael’s recent reporting on the uncertainty facing Senior Companions programs due to AmeriCorps funding delays. With more than 375 volunteers helping isolated older adults across 53 counties, the potential loss of this support could have a profound impact—not just on those receiving care, but on the low-income senior volunteers who rely on modest stipends.
Michael shares how he uncovered the story, what it means for communities statewide, and the often-hidden role federal programs play in everyday lives. Plus, the team reflects on the importance of listener tips in surfacing critical local stories.
🎧 Tune in for insight on:
What’s happening with AmeriCorps and how it affects North Dakota
Who depends on Senior Companions programs—and why
The ripple effects of federal funding gaps on vulnerable populations
Behind-the-scenes of how journalists investigate underreported issues
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Read the full article: "Federal cost-cutting imperils North Dakota senior programs"
Learn more about the AmeriCorps Seniors programs: https://americorps.gov
💬 Got a tip or story idea? Reach out to the North Dakota News Cooperative: info@newscoopnd.org

NDNC's Reporting Featured in Award-Winning Series

In this special episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his work featured in an investigative series that received the Arthur E. Rowse Award for Excellence in Examining the News Media from the National Press Club.
Michael’s reporting, produced in collaboration with FLOODLIGHT, uncovered the sudden appearance of a newspaper in Morton County, North Dakota. Although it appeared to be local, the paper promoted biased content just before a major trial involving Greenpeace. His article was part of a larger series focused on media manipulation and the influence of dark money in journalism. All contributing reporters share in the recognition for the award.
In this episode:
How a misleading newspaper appeared ahead of a high-profile trial
Why its content and timing raised serious ethical concerns
The connection to national media influence campaigns
How collaboration with FLOODLIGHT supported the investigation
What this award means for local journalism and media accountability
This conversation highlights the importance of media literacy and the role of strong investigative reporting. Congratulations to Michael and all the journalists involved in the award-winning series.
🔗 Links mentioned:
Read Michael’s story: “Weird newspaper calls out pipeline protests eight years later” (Published November 1, 2024) at ndnewscoop.org
Learn more about the award from the National Press Club: press.org
Explore the full series at floodlightnews.org
Got a tip? Contact the North Dakota News Cooperative at info@newscoopnd.org

Cyber attacks, grocery stores, and the ripple effect in rural North Dakota

A cyber attack on a national food distributor made headlines — but how does that trickle down to rural grocery stores in North Dakota? In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson speaks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about his recent story, Grocery Stores in North Dakota affected by cyber attack on distributor. They unpack how supply chain disruptions disproportionately impact small-town stores, the real-world challenges reporters face covering cyber security incidents, and why local news tips are critical to uncovering stories that matter.
Key Topics Covered:
How a cyber attack on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) disrupted grocery supplies across North Dakota
The unique vulnerability of rural communities reliant on a single grocery store
The ripple effect on small businesses and food accessibility
Behind the scenes: The difficulties of reporting on cyber attacks and sourcing reliable information
The role of local news in amplifying community concerns
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Read the full article: Grocery Stores in North Dakota affected by cyber attack on distributor
Share your news tips: info@newscoopnd.org
About The Backstory:Produced by the North Dakota News Cooperative, The Backstory gives listeners a deeper look into the news shaping North Dakota. Each episode features candid conversations with the journalists behind the headlines.

Storytelling Meets Soil: How Mini-Docs Are Fueling Interest in Regenerative Agriculture

In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson speaks with journalist Michael Standaert about the growing interest in regenerative agriculture and how mini-documentaries are bringing attention to this important topic. Michael explains how farmers are working to restore soil health, reduce chemical use, and adapt to changing consumer demands.
The discussion highlights a recent mini-documentary by Kiss the Ground that showcases North Dakota farmers experimenting with regenerative practices. Sabrina and Michael explore how younger generations are leading this shift and how consumer awareness around soil health is reshaping agriculture.
Tune in for insights on the future of farming, soil sustainability, and the power of storytelling to drive change.

Nowhere to turn: Ukrainian refugees in legal limbo

In this update episode, reporter Michael Standaert returns with a powerful follow-up on Ukrainian refugees living in North Dakota under the Uniting for Ukraine program. As the two-year parole period nears its end for many, families now face the threat of losing their legal ability to work — and the looming question of whether they'll be forced to leave. From a mother trying to keep her son in high school to a man who fled Mariupol through minefields, these personal stories reveal the human toll of policy limbo. Host Sabrina Halvorson and Michael discuss what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how both refugees and their sponsors are grappling with a system offering few answers.

Impact of Medicaid Changes on North Dakota's Rural Hospitals

In this episode, the Michael Standaert and Sabrina Halvorson explore the implications of proposed Medicaid changes on rural hospitals in North Dakota. Initial concerns suggested significant potential harm, but further research reveals that exemptions and low percentages of affected individuals might mitigate these effects. The discussion covers the specifics of Medicaid work requirements, tribal exemptions, and how hospitals might adapt to these changes. They also delve into the challenges of reporting accurately and avoiding fear-mongering, while emphasizing the importance of representing facts correctly. Additional insights include potential future storylines and the ongoing investigation into long-term effects of policy changes on healthcare systems.

AmeriCorps cuts hit rural North Dakota schools, communities

This week on The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his latest article uncovering the impact of federal funding cuts to AmeriCorps programs in rural North Dakota.
Standaert shares what he learned from educators and community members who relied on AmeriCorps support, particularly in small towns where one volunteer could make the difference between a functioning daycare or afterschool program and none at all. From paraprofessionals improving math scores in Elgin/New Leipzig schools to vital staffing support in Cooperstown, the ripple effects of these cuts are already being felt.
They also break down the reporting process, what it takes to track down stories like this, and why it’s important to shine a light on programs that many take for granted.
Episode highlights:
The unseen roles AmeriCorps members fill in rural communities
Why some programs were more effective, and more vulnerable, than others
The challenges of covering cuts with little government transparency
Tune in for the full story behind the headlines.

VA Cuts: Extended Version Featuring Keli Berglund

In this episode, we expand on an earlier Backstory discussion with reporter Michael Standaert with an additional guest. Keli Berglund, the former Department Commander for Disabled American Veterans in North Dakota and current mayor of Lincoln, joins us to discuss the critical challenges faced by veterans in accessing healthcare, especially in rural areas. She highlights the impact of potential funding cuts on the VA’s administrative staff and how it could increase wait times and reduce the quality of care for veterans. Bergland emphasizes the importance of telehealth and mobile clinics in serving rural veterans and urges the community to voice their concerns to protect these essential services.
The added interview with Berglund begins at 5:53.
Keli Berglund (image provided by https://www.veterans.nd.gov/heroes/keli-berglund)

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.
Listen to the Backstory, then read the full article here.