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Neb. (AP) – The latest Rural Mainstreet survey suggests the economy remains strong in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states, including the Dakotas. The overall index rose to 58.5 in May from April’s already healthy 57.1. Any score above 50 suggests growth in the months ahead.

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) – More than 300 people attended the Bakken Housing Summit in Williston this week. One was a Salt Lake City real estate developer who says the oil boom in western North Dakota is the biggest development opportunity in the country in at least 50 years. Organizers of the conference are calling for the construction of 5,000 homes within two years.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The state Aeronautics Commission says six of North Dakota’s eight commercial and regional airports had record boardings in April. Officials say the oil industry is fueling big increases in boardings in western North Dakota. And low-cost carriers are attracting more passengers.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota State University women’s softball team begins play in the NCAA tournament tonight against Arizona in the Tucson Regional. NDSU comes into the game with a 37-20 record and Arizona is 35-17. Notre Dame and Hawaii are the other teams in the regional.