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are far ahead of teachers in using these tools, and districts are trying to manage it all with guidance that’s already outdated.”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.

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 to break down the shifting landscape of homelessness services and the renewed effort to address it statewide.

Standaert explains how federal funding changes could leave major gaps in support, especially for organizations like the YWCA of Cass Clay, which may lose nearly half of its permanent supportive housing units. As he notes in the conversation, “If the state or other organizations can’t step up, they may have to lose those 45 out of 97 units. Their emergency housing is not affected, but this shift in funding is a big concern.”

Sabrina and Michael also discuss the reestablishment of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, the rise in evictions across the state, and what communities should be watching in the months ahead.

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.

He highlights the innovative program at the James Valley Career & Technology Center, where high-school students can earn a child-development associate certification while working in a childcare center housed within the school. As Michael puts it:

“Affordability, availability, staffing shortfalls — these kind of challenges are persisting, they probably always will.” - Michael Standaert, NDNC.

The conversation also looks at policy efforts underway, how regional differences shape needs, ongoing affordability programs and what changes may be on the horizon for families and providers.