1. North Dakota fair housing group reports uptick in discrimination based on disability
Fair housing advocates in North Dakota report that discrimination against people with disabilities is the most common complaint they receive, and those numbers have gone up in recent years.
Most commonly, those complaints involve denied service animals, burdensome forms, inaccessible buildings and landlords who don't allow modifications, said Kelly Gorz, the associate director of High Plains Fair Housing.
2. UND gets research funds to continue studying rare earth elements
UND is receiving funds from the U.S. Department of Energy for a feasibility study to better understand rare earth elements involved in coal.
The $150,000 grant, which has an option for up to $2 million, will be applied towards an engineering-scale study of a commercial rare earth element and critical mineral extraction plant.
3. Area road construction wraps up on schedule in Red River Valley
Road construction season in northeast North Dakota is coming to an end with most projects slated for 2020 completed.
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The North Dakota Department of Transportation Grand Forks District projects, which cost a total of $41.9 million, were launched in May and complete or nearly so, this month.
4. Minn. Secretary of State says we won't see final results on election night, but don't panic
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said Nov. 3 will be "an election like no other," but assured voters that they should trust the state's voting systems in place.
Simon made the comments in a Tuesday, Oct. 13, briefing with the media about the state's plan for election night.
5. How did North Dakota go from a blue state to a Republican stronghold? The 'Changing Colors' series looks for answers
In the early 1900s, North Dakota had a “live free or die” culture that encouraged self-reliance and independence from fiercely loyal political partisanship. Now, an overwhelming majority identify as Republicans. How did the electorate change from voting for a Congressional delegation of Democrats?