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 Backstory The 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 Behind Read 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

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