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Restoring the land through ranching

In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson and lead reporter Michael Standaert explore the story behind a North Dakota family that has turned to regenerative ranching to restore their land. Listen now: Backstory 260:00/968.1213151× Facing declining crop yields and deteriorating soil, the Maddock family adopted

Has violent crime trended downward in North Dakota over the last decade?

No. Violent crime in North Dakota has increased slightly over the past decade, according to FBI Crime Data Explorer statistics. In 2015, the state’s violent crime rate was 1,934 incidents per 100,000 people. By 2024, it had risen to 2,046 per 100,000, an increase of

Roots matter for award-winning regenerative ranch family

Nurturing soil to support cattle ensures livelihood, family and community

Medora’s Presidential Transformation

In this episode of The Backstory, we explore the sweeping changes taking place in Medora as the town prepares for the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, scheduled for July 4th next year. Listen now: Backstory 250:00/641.0643991× The conversation highlights the transformative impact of the

Did Argentina’s temporary suspension of taxes on agricultural exports have an effect on U.S. farmers?

Yes. Argentina’s temporary suspension of export taxes in September 2025 briefly increased competition for U.S. farmers, especially in the soybean market. The measure removed export duties on soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef until a $7 billion sales limit was reached. Within days, Argentine exporters filled that quota, prompting

Medora prepares for ‘presidential’ transformation with hope and some anxiety

Opening of presidential library could mark Medora’s transition to year-round destination

Has the median age of a homebuyer in the US increased from 31 to 56 in the past few decades?

Yes. According to Apollo Global Management, the median age of a homebuyer was 56 in 2024, against 31 in 1981.  In the past few decades, the median price of a house has risen faster than the median household income, though both rose faster than inflation for the overall economy. In

Keeping local news strong because of you

Hello, On the first Monday of every month, I get to write to you to share what’s going on here behind the scenes. I always sit here with the cursor blinking on the screen before me and take a few minutes to look back on what we did that

Squeezed from all Sides: North Dakota farmers face new pressures

In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson speaks with Michael Standaert about the looming expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits and how this policy shift could lead to significant increases in health insurance costs for North Dakota farmers.  Listen now: Backstory 240:00/853.164241× “This is the family

Expiration of tax credits could mean larger health insurance bills for ND farmers

Frustrations grow about fate of soybean crop, storage and long-term impacts

Does North Dakota lead the nation in low voter turnout?

No. While North Dakota’s voter turnout is often below the national average, it does not rank lowest in the country.  In the 2022 midterm election, turnout in North Dakota was 41.7 percent compared to a national average of 46.2 percent. In the 2024 presidential election, 63.1

More than a marathon: How local races boost community and tourism

In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of race events across North Dakota. From small-town trail races to the nationally recognized Fargo Marathon, explore how these events are more than just athletic competitions. They’re engines of tourism, community connection, and local pride. Listen now: Backstory 230:00/

Are peer-to-peer gun sales legal in North Dakota?

Yes. Private, or peer-to-peer, gun sales are legal in North Dakota. The state does not require background checks, permits, or waiting periods for private transfers between individuals who are North Dakota residents, as long as both parties are legally allowed to own firearms. Federal law prohibits sales to certain groups,

North Dakota’s running and biking events boost health, tourism, and local spirit

From marathons to mud runs, races have something for everyone