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The rise of AI in ND schools

Artificial intelligence is entering North Dakota classrooms, and while some educators see new opportunities, some are struggling to keep pace with the fast-moving technology. In this episode, reporter Michael Standaert joins Sabrina Halvorson to break down how schools are navigating AI use, what guidance exists at the state level, and

Has North Dakota only had four females on the state Supreme Court?

Yes. North Dakota has had only four women serve on its Supreme Court since statehood. The first, Justice Beryl Levine, was appointed in 1985 and broke nearly a century of all-male membership on the state’s highest court. Justice Mary Muehlen Maring followed in 1996, serving nearly two decades.  Justice

Schools hope to embrace the best of AI, shun the worst

Educators navigate delicate balancing act amid swift AI development

Does North Dakota have a law that any pharmacy in the state be majority-owned by licensed pharmacists?

Yes North Dakota law requires that pharmacy permits be issued only to entities majority-owned and actively operated by licensed pharmacists. Under North Dakota Century Code § 43-15-35, a permit may be granted to a licensed pharmacist, to a partnership whose active partners are licensed pharmacists, to a corporation in which licensed

When shelters are full and winter sets in

North Dakota’s first major winter storm has arrived, and while many families are settling into the holiday season, others are facing a harsher reality: rising evictions, limited shelter space, and growing housing insecurity. In this episode, reporter Michael Standaert joins Sabrina Halvorson to break down the shifting landscape of

In the spirit of giving, thank you for supporting local news

Dear friends, As we step into December, I have been thinking a lot about the spirit of giving. This season reminds us that generosity is not only about gifts. It is about strengthening our communities, caring for our neighbors, and making sure every North Dakotan has what they need to

Is the cost of the Thanksgiving meal less this year than last, despite most grocery prices being higher?

Yes The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey finds that the average price of the classic holiday meal for 10 people is about 5% lower than in 2024. The decline is driven primarily by a steep drop in turkey prices—down roughly 16% from 2024—as

‘The question our communities need to solve’

Housing insecurity, evictions rise as prices climb and assistance dwindles

North Dakota’s Childcare Challenges

In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson and NDNC lead reporter Michael Standaert discuss his recent reporting on childcare in North Dakota. Michael outlines what he heard from parents, providers and community leaders about the ongoing difficulties many families face in finding reliable, affordable care. Backstory 300:00/

Will North Dakota hemp growers be affected by the new federal hemp regulations passed in the recent continuing resolution?

Yes. The federal hemp changes included in the recent continuing resolution will affect North Dakota growers, although the direct impact is smaller than in many other states. The law narrows the federal definition of hemp by excluding cannabinoids that are not naturally produced by the plant or are synthesized from

Despite challenges, child care looks to innovate in North Dakota

Increased collaboration could help address persistent issues

For North Dakotans, By North Dakotans: NDNC’s Founding Story

This week on a special edition of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson takes listeners behind the scenes to explore how the North Dakota News Cooperative came to be. She sits down with NDNC board co-chair Steve Andrist, one of the organization’s original founders and a lifelong champion of local

Is the North Dakota Mill and Elevator Association the only state-owned milling facility in the United States?

Yes. The North Dakota Mill and Elevator Association is the only state-owned milling facility in the United States. State records describe it as the nation’s sole state-run flour mill, and no other state appears to operate a comparable milling enterprise. Established in 1922 to support wheat farmers and stabilize

News you can count on. Made possible by you.

Nearly four years ago a group of journalists, former journalists and community activists formed a journalism non-profit to journalistically tell North Dakota stories. We did it because more and more, the stories that were being told in our digital world were either made up, twisted into advocacy, or embellished in