FLAGS of Israel and Hamas (Shutterstock).

Israel’s rising military efforts in Gaza are sparking reactions from Western allies that could have an economic impact on that nation.

The New York Times is reporting that on Tuesday, Great Britain announced it was suspending talks with Israel on the possible expansion of a free-trade agreement.

This followed a reprimand on Monday of Israel by Britain, France and Canada over its actions to expand its control of Gaza.

‘We have always supported Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,” read the statement.

The increasing numbers of Palestinians – some of them civilians – and the Israeli threat to block humanitarian aide into the area have provoked rising criticism from nations which had been among Israel’s strongest allies.

That statement from the three powers contained a threat. “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take forth concrete actions in response,” according to the statement.

Chicago hiring practices investigated

An investigation is being launched into the hiring practices of the City of Chicago by the federal Department of Justice.

The Associated Press reports that the inquiry comes in the wake of comments by Mayor Brandon Johnson taking credit for the the increased number of Black people in his administration’s upper ranks.

That investigation was announced on Monday after remarks on Sunday at a Chicago church by Johnson. The Justice Department is alleging that the city has violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act which bans hiring on the basis of race.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Phillon suggested that the “prior administration” only looked at job discrimination from “a particular angle” and this was “a broader view.”
There was no immediate response from the mayor’s office.

Tax bill to “add over $3 trillion” to debt

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office issued a report on Tuesday stating that the “big beautiful budget bill” promoted by President Donald Trump and backed by Republican lawmakers would add over $3 billion to the the national debt.

United Press International is reporting that the tax policy in the new bill would reduce money coming into the federal government by about 10 percent in the coming decade, according to the CBO.

The potential impact would be over $3.8 trillion over 10 years, according to the separate Joint Committee on Taxation.

According to UPI, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that the bill would not increase the national debt.

Weather: Perfect holiday weather

The coming Memorial Day weekend should have just the right conditions for enjoying the Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove. Wednesday is forecast to be partly cloudy with a daytime high of 85 with an overnight low of 59. Thursday will cool to 80 (60) will similar skies. Friday will cool further to 74 (59) and mostly sunny skies. Saturday looks familiar at 74 (58) with partly cloudy skies.

Great Thoughts

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson, writer and philosopher.