A cyber attack on a national food distributor made headlines — but how does that trickle down to rural grocery stores in North Dakota? In this episode of The Backstory, host Sabrina Halvorson speaks with NDNC reporter Michael Standaert about his recent story, Grocery Stores in North Dakota affected by cyber attack on distributor. They unpack how supply chain disruptions disproportionately impact small-town stores, the real-world challenges reporters face covering cyber security incidents, and why local news tips are critical to uncovering stories that matter.

Key Topics Covered:

• How a cyber attack on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) disrupted grocery supplies across North Dakota

• The unique vulnerability of rural communities reliant on a single grocery store

• The ripple effect on small businesses and food accessibility

• Behind the scenes: The difficulties of reporting on cyber attacks and sourcing reliable information

• The role of local news in amplifying community concerns

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Read the full article: Grocery Stores in North Dakota affected by cyber attack on distributor

• Share your news tips: info@newscoopnd.org

About The Backstory: Produced by the North Dakota News Cooperative, The Backstory gives listeners a deeper look into the news shaping North Dakota. Each episode features candid conversations with the journalists behind the headlines.

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