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

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.