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Podcast

The Backstory: Impact of Medicaid Changes on North Dakota's Rural Hospitals

What began as a potentially dire outlook for rural hospitals turned into a more nuanced story. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his latest article examining changes to Medicaid. Listen here: Backstory 90:00/693.1069391× Standaert breaks down the surprising

The Backstory: AmeriCorps cuts hit rural North Dakota schools, communities

This week on The Backstory from the North Dakota News Cooperative, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with reporter Michael Standaert about his latest article uncovering the impact of federal funding cuts to AmeriCorps programs in rural North Dakota. Listen here: The Backstory: AmeriCorps cuts hit rural North Dakota schools, communities0:00/

Podcast: Interview with Keli Berglund on VA Cuts

In this episode, we expand on an earlier Backstory discussion with reporter Michael Standaert with an additional guest. Keli Berglund, the former Department Commander for Disabled American Veterans in North Dakota and current mayor of Lincoln, joins us to discuss the critical challenges faced by veterans in accessing healthcare, especially

Podcast: North Dakota Faces Measles Outbreak Amid Vaccination Decline

In this episode, we delve into North Dakota's first measles outbreak in over a decade. Journalist Michael Standaert from the North Dakota News Cooperative joins us to unpack the critical role local reporting plays in tracking this fast-spreading disease.

Podcast: Federal funding cuts prolong anxiety for North Dakota institutions

Federal funding cuts are putting pressure on key institutions in North Dakota. In this episode, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about how these cuts could impact the state library and major research universities. Programs like interlibrary loans, online databases, and services for people with reading impairments

Podcast: United for Ukraine parolees in North Dakota awaiting fate

Podcast: United for Ukraine parolees in North Dakota awaiting fate

This episode of The Backstory looks at Ukrainian humanitarian parolees in North Dakota, the “United for Ukraine” program, how parole differs from refugee status, and what’s at stake for families and communities if temporary legal protections are lost.

Podcast: USDA upheaval brings uncertainty to farmers, rural communities

Sabrina Halvorson and Michael Standaert discuss USDA funding freezes and program cuts impacting farmers and rural communities. They discuss the sudden end of key initiatives like Local Food Purchase Assistance, and Food for Schools, along with broader effects on Climate Smart Commodities and Rural Energy Assistance. Standaert discusses what he