UKRAINIAN FORCES are stubbornly resisting Russian attacks while the U.S. seeks to rush aid to their country (Shutterstock).

While Russian forces rained missiles and artillery shells on targets in Ukraine, the U.S House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation that will speed military assistance to that besieged nation.

According to the Associated Press, the house voted 417-10 in favor and the bill now goes to President Joe Biden to sign.

It’s the latest effort by Congress and the White House to help Ukraine to resist the attack from its larger neighbor to the east. Last month Congress approved $14 billion in new aid and Biden will ask for another $30 billion in help.

In related developments, Russian forces bombarded sites across Ukraine, including the capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv. Russian fire was also reported in southern and eastern parts of the nation.

United Press International is reporting that computer hackers supporting Russia are conducting cyberattacks against Ukraine in concert with the ground invasion. Microsoft issued a report on Wednesday saying it has documented at least 237 “operations” aimed at infrastructure including broadcasting, power plants and supply chains.

Sports: NFL draft gets defensive

The 2022 NFL Draft opened Thursday with the first six picks going to defensive players, reports USA Today.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia defensive end Travon Walker at the event in Las Vegas. He had six sacks and 37 tackles as the Bulldogs won the college football title.

Second was defensive end Aidan Hutchinson of Michigan by the Detroit Lions. Picking third, the Houston Texans selected cornerback Derek Stingley of LSU. Going fourth to the New York Jets was cornerback Ahmad Gardner of Cincinnati.

Fifth was defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux of Oregon to the New York Giants. Sixth was offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu of North Carolina State, to the Carolina Panthers. Seventh was offensive tackle Evan Neal of Alabama to the Giants on a pick from the Chicago Bears.

Weather: Sunny days are here again

It’s all warm – but not hot – weather for the West Orange County area for the next four days or so. Friday’s forecast calls for a daytime high of 75 and an overnight low of 53. Saturday should be a bit toastier at 78 (55). Temps will dip to 74 (57) on Sunday and Monday, and remain in the mid-70s throughout the coming week.

Business: Biden touts “boom”

Taking credit for a “small business boom” during this time in the White House, President Joe Biden will also direct the Small Business Administration to offer more than $300 billion in loans and equity investments over the next eight years.

According to CNN a report from the Biden administration claims that over 5.4 million new businesses have started in the U.S over the last year, with those enterprises creating 1.9 million new jobs for the first nine months of 2021.