Grateful for the glimmers of goodness

Is North Dakota better off today than it was a year ago?"

That's the question asked by Craig Blumenshine, host of the PBS "Main Street" radio program, to a panel of journalists last week.

"We have no way to go but up," I replied.

The year 2023 was not one of my best, not even close. There were definitely some high points, and I'm grateful for that. Yet, I felt more anxious than I have in years. I'...