Friday May 1, 2026  TGIF, May Day, Full Flower Moon

 Here's a bright, upbeat roundup of today's positive vibes from the USA:

Wall Street is shining bright! Stocks soared today, with the Dow jumping nearly 800 points amid reports of resilient GDP growth even as the economy navigates some global energy challenges. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 wrapped up their best month since 2020—proof that American innovation and markets keep powering forward with optimism and strength.

youtube.com

Job market momentum is building. Recent data shows the U.S. economy adding solid jobs (including strong gains in health care, construction, and transportation), with manufacturing showing encouraging signs of a comeback. Unemployment remains steady around 4.3%, and consumer confidence has edged higher—Americans are looking ahead with expectations of economic growth and stock market gains in the months to come.

bls.gov

Heartwarming stories lifting spirits: A Toy Story character shared a viral ASL moment with a deaf girl that melted hearts across the country. Disney is also rolling out innovative ways to bring beloved songs to deaf fans. Plus, phone-free social events have exploded in popularity (up over 500% globally, with strong U.S. participation), helping people reconnect in real life. Teachers and health care workers are getting free Chipotle treats this month as a thank-you—small gestures that remind us of everyday kindness.

goodnewsnetwork.org

America's adventurous spirit is alive: From Artemis II astronauts dedicating a Moon crater in a touching tribute to a commander's late wife, to communities rallying with inspiring acts of help (like Boston Marathon runners supporting an injured competitor), the U.S. continues to showcase resilience, exploration, and human connection.

Something positive about President Trump: 

President Trump has demonstrated remarkable energy and focus in his second term, delivering on key promises with a "365 wins in 365 days" pace that highlights bold action on border security, reshoring investments, and restoring American strength. His leadership style continues to energize supporters and drive a narrative of unapologetic patriotism and results-oriented governance—qualities that keep millions inspired by his "America First" commitment to putting working families and national prosperity front and center.

whitehouse.gov

All in all, it's another day where American resilience, markets, and human kindness shine through. Keep smiling—there's plenty to feel good about!

and from Perplexity.ai

Here’s a positive snapshot of U.S. news today: the House moved to end the long Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which should help get key security workers paid and restore more normal operations. President Trump also signed an executive order to expand access to retirement savings accounts for millions of workers who don’t get a plan through their job, a move aimed at helping more Americans build long-term financial security.

A few upbeat themes stand out:

• Retirement access got a boost, with the new order designed to make it easier for workers to open and use low-cost IRAs.

• The DHS funding breakthrough helps reduce uncertainty for federal security personnel and keeps the government functioning more smoothly.

• For a positive note on President Trump, he is pushing a worker-focused retirement initiative that could help millions of Americans save more for the future.

Overall, the day’s better news is that Washington produced some concrete action instead of gridlock, and one of the biggest items is a plan that could improve retirement access for ordinary workers.

[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 forecast for St. Louis, MO (May 1–15, 2026), combining local weather conditions (focusing on cloud cover, precipitation, and nighttime suitability), moon phases, and notable astronomical events. Forecasts are approximate and based on current models—cloud cover is the biggest factor for stargazing, as even "mostly sunny" days can lead to variable evenings. Clear or mostly clear nights are best for observing the Moon, planets, stars, or meteors.

Moon Phases in May 2026

• May 1: Full Moon (Flower Moon, 100% illuminated). Bright all night; washes out faint stars and meteors.
  moongiant.com

• May 2–8: Waning Gibbous (gradually decreasing illumination).

• May 9: Last Quarter (half-illuminated, rises around midnight).

• May 10–15: Waning Crescent (thinner each night, setting earlier in the morning; darker skies toward mid-month).

• May 16: New Moon (ideal for deep-sky observing, but just outside this window).

A second Full Moon (Blue Moon) occurs on May 31.

Key Astronomical Events

• Eta Aquarid meteor shower (peaking May 5–6): Caused by Halley's Comet dust. Up to 30 meteors/hour possible in the Northern Hemisphere under dark skies, best viewed pre-dawn. However, a bright waning gibbous Moon will interfere significantly around the peak.
  timeanddate.com

• Planetary conjunctions and close approaches (visible in evening or morning skies later in the period):

  • Around May 13–15: Crescent Moon near Saturn and Mars (low in the southeast before dawn or early evening depending on exact timing).

  • May 18–20 (slightly beyond window): Moon-Venus conjunction, with Jupiter nearby—promising for evening skies.

• General May sky: Jupiter and Venus are prominent in the evening; Saturn and Mars in the morning. The Full Moon on May 1 will dominate early nights.

St. Louis has light pollution in the city, so darker suburban or rural spots (e.g., away from downtown) improve views. Local star parties, like those at the Saint Louis Science Center, may occur around the first Friday (May 1).

Day-by-Day Skywatching Outlook (May 1–15, 2026)

Forecasts synthesize temperature, precipitation chances, and general cloudiness from multiple sources. "Good" stargazing = mostly clear skies after dark; "Fair" = some clouds but usable; "Poor" = mostly cloudy/overcast or rain likely. Moon impact noted separately.

• May 1 (Fri): Full Moon. High ~62–63°F, low ~42–45°F. Mostly sunny with some clouds; low precip chance. Evening: times of clouds and sun—fair for bright Moon viewing, but limited deep-sky due to moonlight and possible clouds.
  accuweather.com

• May 2 (Sat): Waning Gibbous. High ~60°F, low ~40–44°F. Mostly cloudy with stray sprinkles possible; cool. Poor to fair—clouds and bright Moon reduce visibility.

• May 3 (Sun): Waning Gibbous. High ~73–77°F, low ~54–57°F. Mostly sunny. Good potential after dark as skies clear; Moon still bright but waning.

• May 4 (Mon): Waning Gibbous. High ~78–83°F, low ~56–60°F. Warmer; isolated thunderstorms possible later. Variable/fair—check evening clouds.

• May 5 (Tue): Waning Gibbous (84% illuminated). High ~65–70°F, low ~45–53°F. Chance of rain/showers (60% in some forecasts). Poor for Eta Aquarid meteors due to Moon + possible clouds/rain.

• May 6 (Wed): Waning Gibbous. High ~63–67°F, low ~44–50°F. Mixed; possible lingering clouds or showers. Poor for meteor peak (bright Moon interference anyway).

• May 7 (Thu): Waning Gibbous. High ~67°F, low ~46°F. Mostly clear or partly cloudy. Good—darker post-sunset as Moon rises later.

• May 8 (Fri): Waning Gibbous. High ~70°F, low ~49–52°F. Partly cloudy. Fair to good.

• May 9 (Sat): Last Quarter. High ~75°F, low ~52°F. Mostly sunny. Good—half Moon rises near midnight, allowing some darker evening hours.

• May 10 (Sun): Waning Crescent. High ~75–77°F, low ~53–54°F. Partly to mostly sunny. Good—thinner Moon means improving dark skies.

• May 11 (Mon): Waning Crescent. High ~70–71°F, low ~57°F. Variable clouds possible. Fair.

• May 12 (Tue): Waning Crescent. High ~70°F, low ~57°F. Mixed. Fair.

• May 13 (Wed): Waning Crescent. High ~71°F, low ~58°F. Partly cloudy. Fair to good—possible Moon-Saturn/Mars views in darker morning skies.

• May 14 (Thu): Waning Crescent. High ~71°F, low ~58°F. Similar conditions. Fair.

• May 15 (Fri): Waning Crescent (very thin). High ~71°F. Mostly clear trends. Good—excellent for fainter objects as Moon sets early.

Notes on conditions: Early May starts cool with a mix of sun and clouds, warming mid-week before possible showers around May 4–6. Later days trend milder with more sun. Precipitation chances are generally low-to-moderate early, higher mid-week. For real-time updates, check local astronomy weather (e.g., cloud cover forecasts) or apps like Clear Sky Chart.Tips for St. Louis skywatchers:

• Best times: After astronomical twilight (~9 PM early May) for evenings; pre-dawn for meteors/planets.

• The Full Moon on May 1 is great for casual Moon-gazing or photography but poor for stars/meteors.

• By mid-month (waning crescent to new Moon), skies get darker—prime for constellations, galaxies, or clusters if clear.

• Dress for cool nights early in the period; watch for thunderstorms mid-week.

Enjoy the sky! Conditions can change, so verify the latest forecast closer to your observing date. If you're near the Science Center, their star parties offer telescopes and guidance.

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.

Clear skies for stargazing this week in Glen Carbon—Jupiter should be stunning.

Here is a 15-day weather forecast for St. Louis, Missouri (starting from Friday, May 1, 2026), based on current extended forecasts. Note that forecasts beyond about 7–10 days become less reliable and are subject to change.

timeanddate.com

May 1 – May 7 (Next Week)

• Fri, May 1: High 62–65°F / Low 42–45°F. Mostly sunny to times of clouds and sun, cool. Low precipitation chance (~3–15%). Winds NNW.
  timeanddate.com

• Sat, May 2: High 60–63°F / Low 41–45°F. Mostly to partly cloudy, cool. Possible stray shower. Low precip chance (~10–20%). Winds NNW.
  timeanddate.com

• Sun, May 3: High 73–77°F / Low 42–58°F. Mostly sunny. Warming up nicely. Very low precip chance. Winds WSW.
  timeanddate.com

• Mon, May 4: High 78–82°F / Low 56–60°F. Scattered thunderstorms possible, especially late. Higher precip chance (~20–50%).
  timeanddate.com

• Tue, May 5: High 63–65°F / Low 46–54°F. Heavy rain likely, overcast. High precip chance (~80%+), with potential for 1+ inch of rain. Much cooler.
  timeanddate.com

• Wed, May 6: High 63–68°F / Low 42°F. Sprinkles or showers possible, mostly cloudy/overcast. Moderate precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

• Thu, May 7: High 66–74°F / Low 40–48°F. Sunny. Low precip chance. Cooler start to the day.
  timeanddate.com

May 8 – May 15

• Fri, May 8: High 72°F / Low 51°F. Showers possible early, then cloudy to partly clearing. Moderate precip chance early.
  timeanddate.com

• Sat, May 9: High 72°F / Low 55–57°F. Mostly sunny. Low precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

• Sun, May 10: High 70°F / Low 56°F. Afternoon clouds. Very low precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

• Mon, May 11: High 71°F / Low 57°F. Rain showers likely, overcast. High precip chance (~70–80%).
  timeanddate.com

• Tue, May 12: High 70°F / Low 57°F. Cloudy. Low precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

• Wed, May 13: High 71°F / Low 57°F. Morning clouds, then improving. Low precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

• Thu, May 14: High 71°F / Low 58°F. Afternoon clouds. Low precip chance.
  timeanddate.com

• Fri, May 15: High 71°F / Low 58°F. Showers possible late. Moderate precip chance in the evening.
  timeanddate.com

Summary & Trends

• Early period (May 1–3): Cooler than average for early May, with highs in the low 60s and plenty of sun.

• Mid period (May 4–6): Significant warmup on Monday followed by a strong cool-down and heavy rain on Tuesday. This looks like the wettest period in the forecast.

• Later period (May 7–15): Temperatures moderate into the low-to-mid 70s with a few additional shower chances, but mostly dry and pleasant days mixed in.

Current conditions (as of early May 1): Around 45–55°F, mostly clear to partly cloudy overnight, with a cool and crisp feel.For the most up-to-date information, especially for planning outdoor activities or travel, check a local source like the National Weather Service, AccuWeather, or a St. Louis TV station (e.g., KSDK), as forecasts can shift with new models. Spring weather in St. Louis can be variable with occasional severe potential during thunderstorm periods. Stay safe!

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!