The country has been gripped by bad news lately, from ridiculous protests turned violent to crazy foreign leaders thinking they need nukes to negotiate for international public assistance.

Fortunately there has been a spate of good news here at home as of late – it has remembered how to rain, for one.

Last Saturday’s downpour in the Magic City made everything smell fresh, and within days lawns that had been neglected began to green up again. Tuesday’s dreary weather was also a relief in that rain once again fell from the skies.

Also in the good news column: Trinity Health has begun the bonding process to finance a new hospital in Minot. How nice it will be to finally have a new hospital in the Magic City, like towns of even smaller size seem to be able to cobble together. Having the assurance that Minot will continue to have good health care service and providers and in a new hospital to boot should make everyone happy.

We certainly realize that there are other health care systems with a presence in Minot – and we look forward to congratulating them on their milestones as we all go forward with this “new normal” in health care, both nationally and locally.

Finally, good news came Tuesday in a reminder that the Norsk Hostfest is right around the corner. Hostfest, set for Sept. 27-30, announced Dale Watson as one of its side stage acts. The festival, now in its 40th year, is a treasure trove of good and positive news that staff of the Minot Daily News looks forward to reporting on each year.