Today in Minot

If you’ve tried calling North Dakota’s Legislature lately, you might have unknowingly rung the wrong bell. The nonpartisan Legislative Council — a behind-the-scenes office of researchers and bill drafters — has been swamped with phone calls about hot-button issues like term limits and school funding. But here’s the twist: many callers don’t even know who they’ve reached. Fueled by robocalls and out-of-state campaigns, the flood of calls is jamming up the very people who aren’t writing policy — just supporting those who do.

Minot’s public schools are facing decisions that balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s unknowns. The School Board is considering whether to sell three long-closed elementary schools — Bell, McKinley, and Jefferson — recently appraised at a combined $1.7 million. But with enrollment trending down and future growth tied to uncertain development projects, board members are cautious. They want any sale to be transparent and deliberate, knowing once the buildings are gone, they’re gone. No decision was made — the conversation will continue at a future special meeting. Charles Crane with Minot Daily News has the full story.

The team at Forum Communications has taken a queue from our “On This Day” column, and they’ve begun mining their own historic content for news from the past that’s meaningful or interesting in our own time. And in today’s edition, the topic is Minot, and the legislative vote from 1983 on changing the name for our Minot State College to Dakota Northwestern University-Minot. Read all about the politics in this article from Inforum.

We all know the feeling — reaching for your phone when you’re stressed, tired, or just need a break. But what if moving your body could offer more relief than another scroll through social media? A new book from psychologist Diana Hill and movement specialist Katy Bowman makes the case that building small movement habits can reset your brain, lift your mood, and break the scroll-craving cycle. Diana Hill and Katy Bowman with MPR has the full story.

Russia’s war in Ukraine marked one of its deadliest days in recent months. At least 40 people were killed and 141 injured in attacks across the country, with the worst strike hitting the city of Sumy. There, a Russian missile killed 34 people, including two children, and injured 117. The attacks come as ceasefire talks continue, with Ukraine saying it is ready to agree if Russia accepts the terms. Tim Zadorozhnyy with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.