Behind the scenes at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening
What was it like to cover one of the biggest events North Dakota has seen in years?
In this episode of Backstory, NDNC reporter Michael Standaert takes listeners behind the scenes of the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, including President Donald Trump's visit, the atmosphere throughout the community, and a peek inside the library itself.
Listen here:
Michael shares what it was like to report from the ground during three days of events, from watching the presidential motorcade and train arrival just yards away to talking with Medora residents about how the opening could shape the town's future.
"I think Medora was a special place before for a lot of people, and I think it's accentuated." — Michael Standaert, NDNC reporter
He also discusses the realities of covering a major presidential event, spending long hours in the summer heat, navigating security checkpoints, and finding the stories beyond the headlines.
Read our coverage of the library opening here:



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The North Dakota News Cooperative is a nonprofit news organization providing reliable and independent reporting on issues and events that impact the lives of North Dakotans. The organization increases the public’s access to quality journalism and advances news literacy across the state.
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