The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative

In this episode, Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert dive into the vibrant world of running and biking events across North Dakota. From small-town trail races to the nationally recognized Fargo Marathon, they explore how these events are more than just athletic competitions—they’re engines of tourism, community connection, and local pride.
Michael shares his personal experiences with trail and obstacle course races and reflects on how a chance encounter led to reporting on these dynamic community gatherings. The hosts also highlight the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into organizing races, the economic boost they provide to local businesses, and the unifying atmosphere they foster among participants—no matter their background or political views.
Whether it's a Fourth of July fun run in Mandan or the endurance challenges of the Badlands Trail Run, this episode shines a light on how races throughout the state are building healthier, more connected communities.
Topics Covered:
The inspiration behind reporting on North Dakota’s race scene
Local events like the Cooley Run in Washburn and the Medieval Rush in Bismarck
The economic and tourism impact of events like the Fargo Marathon
Volunteerism and community effort in organizing races

In this episode, Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert dive into an inspiring arts and ecology initiative titled "Thinking Like a Prairie," where high school students from the North Valley Career and Technology Center engaged in a unique, hands-on learning experience. With support from the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust, the program partnered with artist Austin Camille to help students connect with the prairie landscape through art, ecology, and community storytelling.
Michael shares details from his recent article and interviews, discussing how students visited a bison ranch near Grafton, collected natural materials, and used them to create art, including soil-based pigments and clay plates for a future "prairie potluck." Sabrina highlights the broader environmental importance of preserving native prairie, much of which has been lost to agriculture and development.

In this episode of The Backstory, Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert of the North Dakota News Cooperative unpack a new initiative aimed at reshaping the future of local journalism and why community support may be the key to its survival.
The conversation centers around the findings of a statewide survey conducted with journalists, publishers, and news consumers as part of the Future of Local News project.
They discuss the continued public trust in local newspapers, the disconnect between consumer support and publisher concerns, and how communities might help ensure their local news outlets survive and thrive. Topics include generational preferences for print vs. digital, declining ad revenues, and the need to shift public mindset toward supporting journalism through subscriptions or donations.
Key Takeaways:
Broad community support exists for local journalism, especially in rural areas.
Younger audiences still value print, but expect digital access.
Sustainable funding models must replace traditional advertising.
Publishers and editors need to actively engage their communities.
80% of surveyed consumers said losing a local newspaper would harm their community.

In this episode, journalist Michael Standaert joins Sabrina Halvorson to discuss the ongoing housing shortage in rural North Dakota. They explore the root causes, including infrastructure challenges, floodplain restrictions, and developer disinterest. Standaert also highlights Senate Bill 2225, a widely supported $50 million proposal that aimed to expand infrastructure and kickstart housing development but failed quietly at the end of the legislative session. The conversation examines why this failure received little public attention and how a similar proposal might return in the future.
Key Discussion Points:
The rural Grand Forks region faces a shortfall of approximately 4,800 homes, excluding the city itself
Floodplain restrictions and valuable farmland limit geographic expansion in small towns
Developers are reluctant to invest in rural areas, preferring high-profit urban projects
Senate Bill 2225 proposed infrastructure funding for housing development, but failed despite broad support and no opposition testimony
The bill's failure occurred in the final hours of the session (around 2:10 a.m.)
 

In this episode of Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson speaks with Ryan Janke, the new owner and publisher of the Wishek Star and Ashley Tribune. Janke discusses his unexpected path from city employee and freelance reporter to small-town newspaper publisher, and the steps he took to keep two long-standing rural newspapers in operation following the passing of longtime publisher Tony Bender.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the North Dakota News Cooperative’s latest statewide poll. Host Sabrina Halvorson is joined by Michael Standaert, lead reporter at NDNC, to unpack how polling results are transformed into in-depth, unbiased journalism. They explore the full editorial process, from receiving raw data to selecting compelling story angles and conducting follow-up interviews.
Michael shares why maintaining independence from the polling process is critical to journalistic integrity and how he approaches sensitive topics with a neutral lens. You'll also hear about the challenges and benefits of polling in a state like North Dakota and how increased participation this year adds value to the insights.
Key Topics Covered
How NDNC ensures neutrality in reporting poll results
Behind-the-scenes look at the reporter’s role after poll data is released
Why separation between poll design and reporting matters
The value of expert commentary for context and clarity
Expanding poll reach: What 625 participants means for accuracy in North Dakota
Mentioned in This Episode
Learn more about NDNC’s polling process: www.newscoopnd.org
About The BackstoryThe Backstory offers a look into the reporting process behind top stories from the North Dakota News Cooperative, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to serving communities across the state.
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In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with Mary Jo Hotzler, board member of the North Dakota News Cooperative, about the meticulous process behind their latest statewide public opinion poll. From selecting a polling company to crafting nonpartisan questions, Mary Jo explains the meticulous process behind ensuring accuracy, credibility, and a truly representative sample. Discover why live phone interviews still matter, how sample size impacts accuracy, and what it takes to reflect the true voice of North Dakotans.
This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of reliable state polling data.
Topics Covered:
Why NDNC chose Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy
How live phone interviews capture a representative demographic mix
Balancing sample size with accuracy (625 respondents = ±4% margin of error)
Maintaining strict nonpartisanship in question design
The importance of wording, clarity, and avoiding leading questions
The role of polling in connecting state leaders with the public

In this episode, we look at how shifting U.S. tariffs are impacting North Dakota’s farmers and agricultural businesses. As new tariffs take effect, especially those on imports from Canada and China, farmers are seeing increased equipment costs, delayed deliveries, and growing uncertainty about future trade relationships.
Michael breaks down what’s happening on the ground, including insight from soybean growers, ag suppliers, and business owners caught in the crosshairs. The discussion touches on fertilizer price hikes, disappearing orders from China, and how ripple effects from global trade decisions are being felt across rural communities and supply chains.
Key Topics:
The impact of July 31st tariff announcements on ag imports
North Dakota soybean exports and the stalled China trade relationship
Fertilizer prices and Canada’s key role in U.S. ag input supplies
Rising equipment costs from tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper
Why rural communities feel the shockwaves from global trade
The urgent need for certainty in agriculture policy and planning
Related Links & Resources:
Article: North Dakota Farmers & Ag Businesses Brace for Tariff Blowback by Michael Standaert

In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson is joined by reporter Michael Standaert to explore a forward-thinking agricultural initiative in North Dakota: using rotational grazing practices to capture and store carbon in soil. Michael breaks down the science of carbon credits and the economics of carbon markets, sharing insights from his reporting and interviews with researchers and ranchers like Louis Heaton.
They dive into how ranchers are trialing sustainable land management techniques that not only sequester carbon but also improve biodiversity, cattle health, and even bee productivity. Learn how these practices could lead to certification opportunities (like bird-friendly beef), revenue through carbon credits, and broader ecological benefits—all while navigating the complex and evolving voluntary carbon market.
Topics Covered:
Pilot projects in North Dakota led by researcher Rebecca Phillips
Economic challenges and opportunities in the carbon credit market
Co-benefits for ranchers: healthier cattle, improved biodiversity, and certification potential
The future of sustainable ranching and environmental economics
 Resources & Links Mentioned:
Article: Projects Demonstrate Carbon Capture Ranchers Can Get BehindRead on the website

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