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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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: [email protected]

About The Backstory:

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.

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.