North Dakota News Cooperative

01/16/2026

As we get into 2026, we want to take a moment to say thank you for all your support in 2025. Last March, we launched The Backstory podcast to give a deeper look into the stories we cover. We became the only newsroom in North Dakota to partner with Gigafact, to bring bring clear, concise fact briefs to readers across the state. We also expanded our reporting reach, strengthened partnerships with local newspapers, and continued our mission to provide free, high-quality journalism to North Dakota communities that need it most. You helped make all of it possible.
Read the full update and see what’s ahead:
👉 https://www.newscoopnd.org/jan2026/

We’re grateful to be on this journey with you and look forward to another great year of reporting that matters.
What are you most looking forward to in 2026? Let us know in the comments.

Welcome to a new year! As we look forward to everything 2026 has to offer, I wanted to take just a moment to thank you for all of your support through 2025. You helped us accomplish a lot last year. With your support, we started The Backstory podcast, a short,

01/15/2026

This is why we do what we do: to get information out to rural North Dakotans. Thank you for your support of that mission.

Look how well newspapers are read -- especially in rural counties!

01/15/2026

What makes you most proud to call North Dakota home? North Dakotans are feeling proud and satisfied with life according to the latest North Dakota Poll. A striking 91% say they are proud to be from North Dakota, with many citing safety, strong communities, and shared values as reasons for that pride. The poll also found that 84% of residents feel satisfied with their lives, and 66% say they are optimistic about the year ahead.

Read the full results and learn what is driving pride and optimism across the state:
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Sentiment rooted in safety, community and faith

01/15/2026

Recent polling offers a closer look at how North Dakotans are experiencing economic conditions.
In the newest episode of Backstory, reporter Michael Standaert explains what the data shows, how inflation affects people differently, and why careful interpretation of polling matters.
Listen here:

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 diff...

01/13/2026

Did you see this NDNC article in the Bismarck Tribune? If you missed it, you can also find it on our website: https://www.newscoopnd.org/roots-matter-for-award-winning-regenerative-ranch-family/

Roots Matter! Check out the front page of the Bismarck Tribune today!

Travis Maddock Shane Miles Maddock Justin Maddock

01/13/2026

Most North Dakotans say giving back matters, even with rising costs. According to the latest North Dakota Poll, 78% of residents say charitable giving is personally important, and many support local organizations right here at home. The data also shows how people choose to give, when they give, and why community connections drive generosity across the state.

Read more about how North Dakotans show up for causes big and small and what the numbers tell us about giving today:
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Giving important, despite some limitations

01/13/2026

What do the numbers really show about North Dakota’s economy?
In the latest episode of Backstory, reporter Michael Standaert breaks down recent polling, the uneven effects of rising costs, and what the data does — and does not — tell us.
Listen here:

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 diff...

01/12/2026

Despite a viral video's claims, Lutheran Social Services does not get a special payment for bringing Somali immigrants into Minnesota and North Dakota. In addition, Lutheran Social Services hasn't operated in North Dakota since January, 2021, due to a lack of funding. Read more in this fact brief at: https://www.newscoopnd.org/refugeepayments/

12/25/2025

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting independent journalism in North Dakota. We’re grateful to be part of your community.

12/24/2025

Thank you North Dakota Newspaper Association & NDNA Education Foundation for sharing a bit about NDNC! Here's a look at how we put together the Backstory podcast.

12/24/2025

No wonder Santa feels right at home in North Dakota!
We had a little fun with this week’s fact brief.

Yes. North Dakota can experience colder temperatures than the North Pole during certain winter cold snaps. The North Pole sits in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, where sea ice and water help moderate temperatures. Even in winter, average temperatures at the North Pole are often around minus 20 to