Stock Markets Soaring Under Trump: Are the Critics Wrong?

Nine months into Trump's second term, the U.S. stock market is showing remarkable resilience. Remember all those predictions of market doom? They haven't exactly panned out.

Record-Breaking Week!

Last week saw markets hitting record highs, culminating in a Friday that shattered expectations. The Dow surged over 450 points (1%), the S&P 500 climbed 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite leaped a whopping 1.2%, or 263.07 points!

These gains pushed the Dow past 47,000 for the first time. Will we see 50,000 by the end of 2026? Perhaps even by the midterms?

Doubling Down on Success

The naysayers love to dismiss good news as a fluke. But Monday brought another round of all-time highs, marking the second consecutive day of record-breaking performance.

• S&P 500: Up 1.2% to close at 6,875.16.
• Nasdaq Composite: A significant 1.9% jump to 23,637.46, fueled by Qualcomm's AI chip news.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Increased 0.7% to finish at 47,544.59.

What's Driving This?

It's not every day that all major markets reach record highs simultaneously. And to do it two days straight? That's something special.

What's truly remarkable is that this surge is happening amidst a backdrop of mixed news. This isn't just a bull market on sunshine and rainbows; it's a market that's flexing its muscles despite headwinds.

Navigating Mixed Signals

Last week brought a mixed bag: The Consumer Price Index rose an annualized 3% (negative), but that was slightly less than predicted (positive). The monthly price index also saw a slight cooling, falling below expectations.

Could it be that the anti-Trump crowd has consistently underestimated the resilience and optimism of small businesses, stockholders, and consumers?

Tariffs and Inflation? Not So Much!

Remember all the warnings about Trump's tariffs triggering inflation? The CPI figures simply aren't showing it.

The market's strength suggests a potential rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week, and perhaps another in December. These moves could further fuel the upward momentum.

The markets have shrugged off political noise, including the cessation of trade talks with Canada and continued skirmishes with narcoterrorist ships. Even Trump's trip to Asia and the ongoing government shutdown haven't derailed the rally.

It's a mixed bag, folks, but the markets are pushing higher.

Tuberville Demands Clarity on D.C.'s Ties to Beijing

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is leading the charge to get answers about Washington D.C.'s relationship with Beijing, the capital of Communist China. The big question? Has D.C. officially cut ties in their "Sister City" arrangement?

Tuberville, joined by fellow Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Tom Cotton, and Rick Scott, fired off a letter to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Why? Because the agreement vanished from the city's website back in August without a peep!

What's the Deal With Sister Cities?

These programs are supposed to foster cultural exchange, boost education, and even promote healthcare initiatives. The goal is greater global understanding and peace, but some worry about the potential for exploitation.

"We're concerned," the Senators stated in their letter. "We need to make sure foreign governments, especially China, aren't using these agreements to push their own agenda, spread propaganda, or silence those who disagree with them."

Asking the Tough Questions

The Senators are demanding answers:

1. Was the agreement formally terminated, or just put on hold?
2. Can they get copies of any agreements between D.C. and Chinese governmental bodies?
3. Is D.C. reviewing other international partnerships to minimize potential risks?

The Sister City Integrity Act

Senator Blackburn even introduced "The District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act" earlier this year. This act would essentially ban D.C. from having Sister City relationships with adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It would also cut off federal funding for international outreach if D.C. doesn't comply!

Beyond the Scoreboard: Faith Takes Center Stage in Tuscaloosa!

Forget the usual social media noise! This past Sunday, something truly special happened in Tuscaloosa that went way beyond sports and politics. Alabama Crimson Tide football players organized a powerful worship event called "Audience of One" right in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Thousands Gather for a Night of Worship

The night drew thousands, and the buzz quickly spread across social media. Imagine the energy as fans shared images and testimonies from the very field where victories are won! Held in the north end zone, "Audience of One" brought together an estimated crowd of over 2,000 students and fans.

Players Leading the Way

This wasn't some university-sponsored event; it was the brainchild of #5, senior wide receiver Germie Bernard! He and teammates Ty Simpson, Isaiah Horton, Wilkin Formby, and Tim Keenan III led the night, sharing their personal stories, praying, and worshiping alongside everyone in attendance.

Germie's Vision:

"This has been on my heart for a couple of weeks now," Bernard shared during the event. "Tonight is all about God, all about giving glory to Him, and about just turning hearts."

A Team Motto Worth Sharing

Quarterback Ty Simpson even shared the team's motto: "How can you have a bad day if you know that your savior died for you?" He emphasized, "Whether you lose... or barely beat South Carolina, it's a good day."

A Spiritual Movement?

Coming just one day after Alabama's victory over South Carolina, the event had a revival-like feel. Social media exploded with praise for the players, calling the gathering "incredible" and highlighting the "revival happening among our young people." One user summed it up: "This is what it’s all about… it’s easy to forget what matters most but these guys haven’t. It’s so awesome to see them using it for good and spreading what matters most, the word of the Lord."

Some are even calling it a growing spiritual movement within the team and the student community. It's definitely a story worth cheering for!

Alabama Teacher Jobs on the Line?

Alabama teacher associations are understandably concerned! Declining student enrollment in public schools could mean fewer teaching positions. No one wants to see valued educators lose their jobs.

It's Not a Jobs Program!

Let's be clear: public education isn't a make-work program. But some folks seem to think it is! As Alabama parents get more educational choices, public school enrollment is likely to drop.

Limiting Parental Choice?

Could this be why certain groups, media outlets, and their Democrat allies will keep pushing to restrict educational options for Alabama parents? Something to think about!

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Dale Jackson, the sharp mind behind Yellowhammer News and the host of WVNN's talk show (weekdays 5-9 a.m.), is definitely keeping an eye on this situation.

Weather Vibes for ChumCity!

Hey ChumCity peeps! Get ready for a mostly dry day across Alabama, but don't get too excited – we're talking more clouds than sun today with highs chilling in the 60s and low 70s. Cloud cover will be beefing up as the day goes on, and rain's making a comeback tonight as a little weather system swirls on in.

Rain, Rain, Go Away... Or Stay?

Expect some rainy periods tonight and tomorrow. The Tennessee Valley might see around an inch of rain, while our southeast corner will just get a light sprinkle (around a tenth of an inch). No need to prep for thunder, though – the air's cool and stable.

Sunshine (Maybe!) on the Horizon

Thursday through the weekend are lookin' partly to mostly sunny, with cool days and chilly nights. Highs will hover in the 60s. North Alabama friends, bundle up! Temps might dip into the 30s early Friday and Saturday morning, so keep an eye out for frost.

Next Week's Weather Roulette

Next week's forecast is a bit of a gamble early in the week. One model is pointing to a possible chance of rain for southern Alabama Monday and Tuesday, while another says we're in the clear. For now, it's looking dry Wednesday through Friday with temps perfect for early November.

Tropical Update: Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa is one serious storm with sustained winds up to 175 mph, but it's moving away, heading north/northeast. This beast is projected to move near Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the Southeast Bahamas. Catastrophic conditions are expected in those areas.

Good news for us, though! Melissa will stay far east of the U.S., and no tropical storms or hurricanes are expected to mess with the Gulf for at least the next 10 days. Whew!

Football Weather Forecast

Calling all Auburn fans! Saturday night's game against Kentucky at Jordan-Hare Stadium (kickoff at 6:30 p.m.) is looking good! The sky will be mostly clear with temps dropping from around 60 degrees at kickoff to the upper 40s by the end.

Don't Forget to Turn Back Time!

Time change alert! We're going back to standard time this weekend. Set your clocks back one hour late Saturday night. Sunset on Sunday will be around 4:50 p.m. for most of Alabama. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!