Is the United States energy independent because it is a net exporter of energy?
Record energy production has changed America’s role in global markets, but the meaning of energy independence is more complicated.
ND News Cooperative
Rising costs deepen uncertainty for North Dakota farmers
Higher diesel and fertilizer costs are colliding with trade tensions and uneven growing conditions, making harvest and future planning more difficult for North Dakota farmers.
Is the EPA proposing to let states eliminate public notice and comment for some air pollution permits, including those for data centers and power plants?
Yes.
The EPA is proposing to remove public participation as a federal minimum requirement for state and local minor New Source Review programs. Those programs govern permits for new minor stationary pollution sources and minor modifications to existing sources.
Current federal rules generally require agencies to make permit information publicly
Are U.S. soybeans being exported to China in record numbers?
U.S. soybean exports to China fell from 26.8 million metric tons in 2024 to 7.2 million in 2025, a 73% decline.
Why a majority isn’t enough to pass a school bond in North Dakota
A school bond can win support from a majority of voters in North Dakota and still fail. The Backstory looks at the state’s 60% approval requirement and what it means for school districts trying to pass bond measures.
Do all three ACA marketplace insurers in North Dakota cover gender-affirming care?
Yes.
All three insurers offering individual Affordable Care Act plans in North Dakota in 2026 provide coverage for at least some gender-affirming care.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota’s marketplace policy covers gender-affirmation services and requires precertification for surgery.
Sanford Health Plan covers medically necessary treatment
What the ‘Whooper Highway’ revealed about North Dakota’s remaining prairie
In part two of this Backstory interview, conservation photographer Mike Forsberg and Andrew Caven of the International Crane Foundation reflect on the North Dakota portion of their completed 2,500-mile bicycle journey from Texas to Canada.
Listen here:
Backstory 580:00/900.0004541×
Forsberg describes riding through the Missouri