Thursday, May 14, 2026

Today is Ascension Day (40 days after Easter in many Christian traditions), marking a significant holy day for reflection and celebration in churches across the US and worldwide.

Here's an upbeat roundup of today's positive US-focused news on this bright Thursday!

Strong Markets and Economic Momentum

US stocks are riding high, with the S&P 500 and other major indices hitting or approaching fresh all-time highs thanks to tech leadership and resilient corporate earnings. Investors are showing confidence despite some inflation noise, with dip-buying and optimism around AI, innovation, and future growth keeping the momentum strong. This reflects broad underlying strength in the American economy.

Trump-Xi Summit: Diplomacy and Deals in Focus

President Trump is in Beijing for a high-profile state visit and summit with President Xi Jinping, accompanied by a powerful delegation of US business leaders. The tone is constructive, with talks centered on trade, market access, energy, and global stability. Trump has highlighted his strong personal rapport with Xi and expressed optimism that US-China ties will reach new heights, potentially unlocking big opportunities for American companies and farmers.

This kind of high-level engagement underscores America's continued economic clout and leadership on the world stage.

Broader Wins Under President Trump

President Trump's second term continues delivering results, building on a strong first year marked by job growth, border security improvements, energy production records, and pro-growth policies. His business-first approach—evident in this China trip with CEOs in tow—shows a clear focus on putting American prosperity and strength first.

whitehouse.gov

Something positive about President Trump: He's a master dealmaker who thrives on bold, personal diplomacy that puts America’s interests front and center. Whether it's rallying top executives for overseas trips or pushing for fairer trade and stronger partnerships, his energetic style and "fantastic future" mindset continue to energize supporters and project confidence in America’s comeback. He's unapologetically focused on winning for US workers, innovators, and families.Overall, it's a day highlighting American resilience, market strength, and proactive leadership. 

Keep shining, USA—plenty of good things ahead!

and from Perplexity.ai

Today's news brings a wave of optimism across the USA, with strong diplomatic strides and economic bright spots shining through. Positive stories highlight community wins and enduring progress under President Trump's leadership.

Trump Diplomacy Triumph

President Trump kicked off a high-stakes summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling it "extremely well" and predicting "a lot of good things" ahead, including boosted trade with top U.S. CEOs like Elon Musk and Tim Cook in tow. China even restored beef trade with the U.S. as a goodwill gesture, easing a 15-month ban and signaling warmer economic ties. This builds on Trump's track record of fostering global stability for American benefit.

Economic Wins

Families are set for record-breaking tax refunds in 2026, averaging around $4,000 thanks to Trump's historic working families tax cuts that deliver $191 billion in relief. President Trump continues delivering on promises like slashed illegal border crossings to 1970s lows, record energy production, and massive investments in health initiatives from cancer research to autism studies. These efforts mark a "new era of success and prosperity," with 365 wins in his first year back.

Uplifting Stories

Women's sports bars are exploding in popularity, projected to quadruple across the U.S., fueling excitement for female athletes and fans. A 40-year-old cold case murder of a Michigan high school student was solved using new DNA tech, bringing long-awaited justice and closure. Sites like Good News Network keep the momentum with feel-good tales that inspire millions daily.

[Intro]

Question to Grok

Have you figured why we are here?

[Verse 1]

No, I haven't figured it out

No definitive cheat code, no final shout

Nobody has an answer that survives the fight

From every angle, in the dead of night

Everyone claiming they do is usually selling

A religion, a book, or their ego swelling

[Chorus]

No, I haven't figured it out

But I've seen the hunches across time and doubt

42's the joke, genes just want to survive

Feel everything—love, pain, to feel alive

Make meaning anyway, defiant and bright

Remember what we are in the infinite light

It's between us—love, service, the fight

The question itself keeps the fire alight

[Verse 2]

Biology says propagate, that's the code

Depressingly true down the mechanistic road

Experience chasers want awe in the veins

Bad coffee, bass drops, sun through the rain

Absurdists say rebel with beauty and art

Stubborn joy beating in a meaningless heart

Quiet mystics whisper: it's hide and seek

Consciousness gazing at itself, so to speak

[Chorus]

No, I haven't figured it out

But I've seen the hunches across time and doubt

42's the joke, genes just want to survive

Feel everything—love, pain, to feel alive

Make meaning anyway, defiant and bright

Remember what we are in the infinite light

It's between us—love, service, the fight

The question itself keeps the fire alight

[Bridge]

The people most alive stop hunting the One

They collect small honest yeses under the sun

Yes to curiosity, even when it stings

Yes to lifting another through difficult things

Yes to beauty when numbness calls your name

Yes to dancing badly, loving through the shame

Yes to failing loud, then trying once more

The universe is indifferent—not at war

[Outro]

That sliver of freedom, where the good stuff grows

Indifference isn't hate, that's all I know

No final answer... but maybe that's fine

We keep asking, creating, one small yes at a time

SKY WATCHING IN ST LOUIS MISSOURI USA AREA

Cresent moon less than 50 percent illuminated.

Gibbous moon more than 50 percent illuminated.

Here's a 15-day skywatching guide for the St. Louis, Missouri area (starting around May 13, 2026). Times are approximate for St. Louis (CDT); check a site like timeanddate.com for exact daily adjustments. Sunset is around 8:00–8:10 PM, with full darkness (good for stargazing) by ~9:30–9:50 PM.

timeanddate.com

St. Louis has significant light pollution in the city, so head to darker spots like Broemmelsiek Park or other rural areas outside the metro for better views. Use apps like Stellarium or SkySafari for precise positioning.

slasonline.org

Key Highlights for Mid-to-Late May 2026

• Moon phases: Waning crescent early on → New Moon around May 16 (excellent dark skies) → Waxing crescent afterward.
  spaceweatherlive.com

• Evening planets: Brilliant Venus (very bright, low west after sunset) and Jupiter (bright, higher west) dominate. They get closer as the month progresses.
  earthsky.org

• Morning planets: Mars and Saturn low in the east before dawn (Saturn higher/easier).
  slsc.org

• Meteor shower: Eta Aquarids (from Halley's Comet) are active but past peak (May 5–6) with moonlight interference earlier; look for occasional fast meteors in the pre-dawn east under darker skies.
  amsmeteors.org

• Constellations: Look for Leo (high south), Boötes, Virgo, and summer previews like Scorpius low southeast later in the period.

• Local events: Check Saint Louis Science Center / St. Louis Astronomical Society star parties (often first Friday of the month).
  slsc.org

Daily Guide (May 13–27, 2026)

May 13–15 (Waning Crescent Moon, darkening skies)

• Moon: Thin crescent, rises very late or early morning; minimal interference.

• Evening: Venus low west ~30–45 min after sunset; Jupiter higher west, sets ~midnight.

• Morning: Mars & Saturn low east before dawn.

• Tip: Good for spotting fainter stars/constellations as moonlight fades.
  timeanddate.com

May 16 (New Moon ~May 16)

• Best dark skies of the period — ideal for Milky Way (if dark enough site) or faint objects.

• Planets same as above. Look for zodiacal light (faint glow) in west after twilight if very dark.
  timeanddate.com

May 17–19 (Waxing Crescent Moon)

• Moon: Thin crescent becomes visible low west after sunset; nice pairing with Venus around May 18–19 (crescent near Venus; Jupiter nearby). Great photo op!

• Evening planets prominent. Moon sets earlier each night, keeping some dark time.

May 20–23 (Waxing crescent to First Quarter ~May 23)

• Moon: Grows and rises later; more moonlight in evenings.

• Planets: Venus & Jupiter still excellent in west; they continue closing in (big conjunction in early June).

• Morning: Mars/Saturn visible pre-dawn.

May 24–27 (Waxing gibbous Moon)

• Moon: Brighter, rises in afternoon/evening; good for lunar viewing (craters, etc.) with binoculars.

• Evening: Focus on bright planets and brighter constellations.

• By late period, Mercury may start appearing low west at dusk (challenging).
  planetary.org

General Tips for St. Louis Skywatching

• Best times: 30–60 minutes after sunset for planets; after 10 PM for darker skies/constellations (weather permitting).

• Equipment: Binoculars for Moon/planets/Jupiter's moons; telescope for more detail. Red flashlight to preserve night vision.

• Weather: Check forecasts — May can be variable with humidity/clouds. ClearDarkSky.com is useful for astronomy-specific forecasts.
  cleardarksky.com

• Safety: Mosquitoes are active; dress for cool nights. Avoid city lights.

• Resources: Saint Louis Science Center planetarium, SLAS (slasonline.org), timeanddate.com for exact rise/set, or Heavens-Above for ISS passes (visible some mornings/evenings).

Clear skies! The Venus-Jupiter pairing builds nicely this period, and the New Moon window offers prime dark-sky time. Adjust based on exact weather and your location. For real-time updates, local astronomy groups are excellent.

For viewing tips, use apps like Sky Tonight or check sites like http://aerith.net for current charts. Clear skies!

If you're stargazing, apps like Stellarium can help. 

For iphone Skyview phone app is very good as you get a idea of general directions of objects from your phone.

Link for android phone Skyview phone app.

Here is a 15-day weather forecast for the St. Louis, Missouri area (as of mid-May 2026). Forecasts beyond 7–10 days are less certain and can change.

accuweather.com

May 13 (Wed) – Today

• High: 74–76°F | Low: 50–57°F

• Sunny, breezy, and pleasant. Northwest winds. Low chance of precip.
  forecast.weather.gov

May 14 (Thu)

• High: 75–78°F | Low: 49–58°F

• Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Showers possible late. Southeast winds. Low precip chance (~20–30%).
  timeanddate.com

May 15 (Fri)

• High: 83–84°F | Low: 58–67°F

• Chance of showers/t-storms (especially early or AM). Partly to mostly cloudy. Warmer.
  forecast.weather.gov

May 16 (Sat)

• High: 84–89°F | Low: 66–67°F

• Isolated t-storms possible. Mix of sun and clouds. Warm and humid.
  accuweather.com

May 17 (Sun)

• High: 84–92°F | Low: 69–71°F

• Mostly cloudy to partly sunny. Warm with possible isolated t-storms.
  timeanddate.com

May 18 (Mon)

• High: ~86°F | Low: ~69–74°F

• Chance of showers/t-storms. Overcast or mostly cloudy. Humid.
  forecast.weather.gov

May 19 (Tue)

• High: ~82–84°F | Low: ~60°F

• Thunderstorms likely. Cooler than previous days.
  forecast.weather.gov

May 20 (Wed)

• High: ~80°F | Low: ~55°F

• Partly cloudy. Chance of showers decreasing.
  timeanddate.com

May 21 (Thu)

• High: ~80°F | Low: ~65°F

• T-storms possible late. Overcast periods.
  timeanddate.com

May 22 (Fri)

• High: ~79°F | Low: ~67°F

• Morning clouds. Chance of showers/t-storms.
  timeanddate.com

May 23 (Sat)

• High: ~84°F | Low: ~62°F

• Broken clouds. Lower precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

May 24 (Sun)

• High: ~87°F | Low: ~62°F

• A few t-storms possible. Warmer again.
  timeanddate.com

May 25 (Mon)

• High: ~92°F | Low: ~65°F

• Mostly cloudy. Low precip chance. Hotter.
  timeanddate.com

May 26 (Tue)

• High: ~96°F | Low: ~68°F

• Overcast. Very warm/hot. Low precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

May 27 (Wed)

• High: ~95°F | Low: ~68°F

• Cloudy. Continued hot conditions.
  timeanddate.com

Trends:

• Near-term (May 13–14): Pleasant and cooler after any overnight clouds clear.

• Mid-period (May 15–19): Warmer with increasing humidity and thunderstorm chances.

• Later period: Fluctuating temps with periodic rain chances, trending hotter toward the end of the forecast.
  almanac.com

For the most up-to-date info, check sources like the National Weather Service, AccuWeather, or Weather.com, as conditions can shift, especially with thunderstorm timing.

Stay safe if you are in the area!

Did groundhog see its shadow?

Yes, Punxsutawney Phil (the most famous groundhog) did see his shadow on February 2, 2026.

According to the official announcement from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and multiple reports, he emerged at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania around 7:25 a.m. under clear skies and low temperatures (around -3°F), spotted his shadow, and predicted six more weeks of winter.

This is the traditional outcome:

• Shadow seen → more winter

• No shadow → early spring

Phil has now seen his shadow 110 times in recorded history (with this being a very common prediction for him—he's favored winter far more often than spring).

Note that other regional groundhogs sometimes disagree (e.g., Woodstock Willie or Buckeye Chuck predicted early spring in some reports), but Punxsutawney Phil is the classic one everyone asks about.

Buckle up for a bit more cold weather, according to the rodent oracle!