While North Dakota’s overall economy remains relatively strong, recent polling shows that rising costs are affecting residents unevenly. In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson talks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about what the data reveals, how inflation is being felt differently across the state, and why methodology matters when interpreting poll results.

Michael explains that on the surface many statewide indicators suggest economic stability. But the polling also points to disparities beneath those topline numbers. He notes that inflation does not affect everyone equally, and that people with less financial flexibility are more likely to feel its effects. The conversation also touches on how broader economic forces could shape conditions moving forward.

“Trade policies and tariffs might impact the economy even more going forward.” — Michael Standaert, NDNC

Michael also walks through how polling works, including margins of error and methodology, and why careful interpretation is essential when drawing conclusions from survey data.

The episode examines what polling data suggests about economic pressures in the state and how those pressures are felt unevenly.

To learn more about the North Dakota Poll, tune in to a previous podcast featuring NDNC board member Mary Jo Hotzler who explains what goes into conducting the poll.

How electricity prices are determined is often less visible than other parts of the energy system, but they’re shaped by a mix of infrastructure, demand, and long-term planning. In this episode, we take a closer look at how those forces interact in North Dakota and what they mean for future energy costs.

Reporter Michael Standaert explains how electricity rates are influenced by infrastructure upgrades, transmission costs, and the growing demand from large industrial users such as data centers. While North Dakota continues to benefit from relatively low power prices compared with much of the country, utilities are navigating the challenge of modernizing the grid while keeping costs from shifting onto residential customers. The discussion also explores how renewable energy projects, backup generation, and long-term planning factor into price stability.

“They’re trying to balance bringing in new projects without passing those costs on to existing users, especially residential consumers,” said Michael Standart, NDNC reporter.

The episode places today’s energy price questions in a broader context of economic development, grid reliability, and long-term affordability for North Dakota communities.

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 where the biggest challenges are emerging.

Standaert explains how teachers are simultaneously excited about AI’s potential for individualized learning and overwhelmed by the lack of consistent policies or time for training.

“Students in many cases are far ahead of teachers in using these tools, and districts are trying to manage it all with guidance that’s already outdated.” – Michael Standaert, NDNC reporter.

Sabrina and Michael also discuss concerns around student misuse, the promise of adaptive learning systems, and what school leaders may need as AI becomes a larger part of everyday education.