PRESIDENT Donald Trump signed the “big beautiful bill.”

The controversy and far-reaching “Big Beautiful Bill” that barely squeezed through both houses of Congress was signed into law Friday by President Donald Trump.

It contains tax breaks and reductions in some social safety programs and more funding for military defense and the deportation of migrants living illegally in the United States.

According to the Associated Press the bill includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and adds temporary new tax deductions on tips, overtime wages and automobile loans.

Among the tax cuts is a provision allowing businesses to immediately write off the cost of equipment and research.

The AP reports that – in general – the wealthiest households would get a $12,000 boost from the bill, while the poorest would lose $1,600 annually, as measured by reductions in Medicaid and food aid.

Texas floods take at least 24 lives

Heavy flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas has claimed the lives of at least 24 people and another two dozen are reported missing.

The New York Times is reporting that emergency workers had rescued 230 people but a flood at Camp Mystic left up to 25 girls missing.

The area affected is generally between Ft. Worth on the north and Austin, the state capital, on the south.

Flash flooding warnings were issued around 4 a.m. Friday urging people to “SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Life-threatening flash flooding along the river is expected.”

The flooding alert, given as a result of heavy rain, was in effect until 7 p.m. Friday.

Russia launches drone attack at Kyiv

What’s described as a record number of drones were launched by Russia at the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Friday.
According to United Press International, one person died and 26 were wounded in the air strikes.

RUSSIA VS. UKRAINE (Shutterstock).

The aerial attacks lasted eight hours, sending many into shelters such as subways and underground parking lots.
The war – termed a “Special Military Operation” by Russia,

has been raging since February 2022 when Russian troops invaded.

U.S. President Donald Trump reported there has been “no progress” in a plans for a cease-fire after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone.

Great Thoughts

“Life must be understood backward. But it must be lived forward.”
– Saren Kiekegaard.

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars and see yourself running with them.”
– Marcus Aurelius

“Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.”
– Isaac Asimov

Weather: Living in the 80s

It’s mid- to-low 80s for us in our West Orange County cities heading into the new week.The forecast for Saturday is for a daytime high of 84 with an overnight low of 61. Sunday and Monday will be a bit cooler at 81 (62) and then Tuesday will heat up to 85 (66). Partly cloudy skies will be in place through Monday, giving way to mostly sunny skies on Tuesday,