Yes to making someone else's day fractionally better.
Yes to making someone else's day fractionally better.
Saturday, May 30, 2026
National Creativity Day — Perfect for painting, writing, cooking, or any artistic outlet that sparks joy.
May 30 has a rich legacy in US history. It’s the date when Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) was first widely observed in 1868 to honor Civil War fallen — a powerful tradition of remembrance that continues to echo. Other big moments include the first Indianapolis 500 race in 1911 and the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in 1922.
In short, today is known for sparking creativity, honoring ingenuity and history, and enjoying simple pleasures like flowers, minty drinks, and cuddly pets. It’s a laid-back Saturday invitation to create, connect, and appreciate the little things that make life brighter
Here's an upbeat roundup of today's positive US-focused news on this sunny weekend day!
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Wall Street Keeps Soaring
US markets are extending their winning streak with fresh records! The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are pushing higher, with the Dow Jones climbing above 51,000 for the first time in recent sessions. Tech and AI leaders like Dell (up big on strong AI server demand) are fueling the optimism, capping off a strong month driven by resilient earnings, innovation, and confidence in America's economic engine.
thestreet.com
This momentum highlights the strength of US businesses and investors' belief in continued growth, even amid global headlines.
Progress Toward Stability Abroad
Positive signals are emerging from negotiations that could extend the ceasefire and reopen key shipping routes, potentially easing energy pressures and supporting lower costs at home. The US economy's underlying resilience—strong corporate performance and adaptability—shines through brightly.
youtube.com
Heartwarming American Spirit
Beyond the markets, stories of community, innovation, and kindness continue to uplift. From medical breakthroughs and family support initiatives to everyday heroes (think rescues, comebacks in nature, and creative community efforts), America is full of people turning challenges into opportunities.
goodnewsnetwork.org
A positive note on President Trump: He's been a driving force for economic confidence and bold leadership, with his administration's focus on deregulation, family-friendly policies (like expanded childcare access and maternity support), and putting American prosperity first helping fuel record market highs and renewed national momentum. His deal-making approach continues to project strength on the world stage.
whitehouse.gov
Overall, it's a great time to celebrate American ingenuity, market strength, and the can-do spirit that keeps pushing the country forward.
Have a fantastic weekend!
and from Perplexity.ai
Here’s an upbeat U.S.-focused news snapshot for today: one encouraging theme is that homelessness in the U.S. declined in 2024, marking the first drop in nearly a decade, and that’s a meaningful sign that local and federal efforts are starting to help. Another positive note is the big Mega Millions jackpot excitement, which has many Americans checking tickets and dreaming a little bigger this weekend.
The federal report showing a modest drop in homelessness is a real bright spot because it suggests progress on one of the country’s toughest problems.
There’s also good news in public health and research, with ongoing breakthroughs and strong momentum in medical science coverage this month.
Americans are still finding plenty of lighter, feel-good stories in the news cycle, from entertainment and community wins to everyday moments of optimism.
President Trump is still a major force in U.S. politics, and his continued influence shows he remains one of the most consequential and energetic leaders in the country right now. His team’s latest physical exam was reported as showing him in “excellent health,” which is a positive personal note about the president.
The overall mood is mixed, but there are real reasons to be upbeat: some social indicators are improving, news outlets are still highlighting uplifting stories, and the political spotlight on Trump underscores how central he remains to the national conversation.
Player above plays "Groks Meaning of Life" song
[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 sky watching forecast for the St. Louis, MO area (starting May 28, 2026, Central Time). This covers moon phases, key sky events, planets, meteor activity, and aurora prospects.
timeanddate.com
Forecasts beyond ~7-10 days are less certain; always check real-time sources like timeanddate.com, Clear Sky Chart, or NOAA for updates. St. Louis (around 38.6°N) has moderate light pollution—darker rural spots (e.g., outside the city) improve views significantly.
cleardarksky.com
Moon Phases & Illumination (approx.)
May 28–30: Waxing Gibbous (rising in afternoon/evening, setting after midnight; bright, ~85-98% illuminated). Full "Blue Moon" (second full moon of May, a micromoon) on May 31 (~3:45 am).
timeanddate.com
June 1–7: Waning Gibbous to Last Quarter (June 8, ~5:00 am). Moon rises later each night, improving dark-sky windows before midnight.
June 8–13: Waning Crescent to New Moon (June 14, ~9:54 pm; super new moon). Excellent dark skies mid-period.
June 15 onward: Waxing Crescent. Moon returns to evenings.
timeanddate.com
Best dark-sky nights (low moon interference): Around the new moon ~June 10–18, especially after moonset or before moonrise.
Key Sky Events & Planets
Visible Planets (general for early June; positions shift gradually):
Venus: Bright evening "star" in the west after sunset (very prominent).
Jupiter: Visible in the west after sunset early in the period, setting earlier as days pass.
Mercury: Low in the west after sunset (better later in period near greatest elongation ~June 15).
Mars & Saturn: Better in pre-dawn east/southeast.
Check apps or timeanddate.com for exact rise/set times each night.
timeanddate.com
Meteor Activity: Eta Aquariids tail off by ~May 28. June Bootids (minor shower) peak ~June 22–27 but rates are low and a bright moon will interfere heavily around that time.
in-the-sky.org
Other: No major eclipses or alignments in this window. Solstice around June 21 brings longest day/shortest night. Summer Milky Way starts becoming prominent low in the south later at night as skies darken.
Aurora Prospects
Aurora borealis is rare and usually weak this far south. Current forecasts show mostly quiet to unsettled conditions (low Kp index). No strong displays expected in the next 15 days. Best chances (still slim) would require a strong geomagnetic storm and very dark, clear northern horizons—monitor NOAA/SWPC for any updates.
swpc.noaa.gov
Observing Conditions (Trends)
Use the St. Louis Clear Sky Chart for hourly cloud/transparency/seeing forecasts. Early period may have some humidity and scattered clouds; mid-to-late period around new moon offers better potential if high pressure dominates.
cleardarksky.com
Tips for best viewing:
Avoid city lights; head to darker sites if possible.
Give eyes 20–30 min to dark-adapt.
Use red-light flashlights, binoculars, or apps like Stellarium/SkySafari.
Check for smoke/haze, which can reduce transparency.
For daily details, visit:
Moon/planet times: timeanddate.com
Clear skies: cleardarksky.com (St. Louis chart)
Aurora: swpc.noaa.gov or aurora forecasts
Enjoy the sky—late May/early June offers nice evening planet views transitioning to darker summer nights!
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's a 15-day weather forecast for the St. Louis, MO area (as of May 28, 2026). Forecasts beyond 7-10 days become less reliable and are subject to change.
accuweather.com +1
Short-Term (May 28 – June 3)
Thu, May 28: High ~86°F / Low ~66-67°F. Partly sunny with areas of morning fog. Low rain chance (~2-10%). Warm and mostly dry.
accuweather.com
Fri, May 29: High ~80°F / Low ~64-66°F. Mostly cloudy to partly sunny with a chance of showers or isolated thunderstorms (20-55%). Humid.
accuweather.com
Sat, May 30: High ~81-82°F / Low ~62-64°F. Times of clouds and sun with a stray thunderstorm possible. Low-moderate rain chance.
accuweather.com
Sun, May 31: High ~82-83°F / Low ~64°F. Mostly cloudy to partly/mostly sunny. Low rain chance (~9-15%).
forecast.weather.gov
Mon, Jun 1: High ~83-85°F / Low ~60-64°F. Mostly sunny. Very low rain chance.
forecast.weather.gov
Tue, Jun 2: High ~83°F / Low ~61°F. Sunny. Dry.
forecast.weather.gov
Wed, Jun 3: High ~84°F / Low ~60-62°F. Sunny. Dry.
forecast.weather.gov
Extended (June 4 – June 11)
Trends point to warm to hot and increasingly humid conditions, with a mix of sun and clouds. Rain chances rise later in the period, especially around June 10-11.
timeanddate.com
Thu, Jun 4: High ~84-88°F / Low ~64-66°F. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Low rain chance.
Fri, Jun 5: High ~86-88°F / Low ~66-68°F. Mix of sun and clouds. Low-moderate rain chance.
Sat, Jun 6: High ~87-89°F / Low ~68°F. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy.
Sun, Jun 7: High ~88°F / Low ~68°F. Partly cloudy.
Mon, Jun 8: High ~88-90°F / Low ~68-70°F. Partly cloudy, humid.
Tue, Jun 9: High ~89-90°F / Low ~70°F. Mix of sun and clouds.
Wed, Jun 10: High ~88-90°F / Low ~68-70°F. Increasing clouds with a chance of showers.
Thu, Jun 11: High ~85-88°F / Low ~66-70°F. Chance of rain or thundershowers. Humid.
Overall trends: Expect highs mostly in the low-to-mid 80s early on, warming into the upper 80s. Lows in the low-to-mid 60s. Humidity will build, and scattered showers/thunderstorms are possible, especially mid-to-late in the period. Always check a local source like the National Weather Service or AccuWeather for the latest updates, as conditions can shift.
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!
Green Goshen Ambrosia O'Kettle Corn (Carn) made on St Pattys Day 2018 at the Goshen Winter Market FUN!
Returned from retirement under new owners thanks Josh and Rumblin Ernie
Awesome Kettle 2017
Join us the first Saturday in December Downtown Edwardsville Illinois USA for Winter Market 9:00 AM till Noon Right by the courthouse same location as Goshen Market.
Contact Tom Gately Sr email tomgatelysr@gmail.com cell 314-575-6470