DR. MEHMET OZ, Republican nominee for Senate in Pennsylvania (Oz campaign).

The Republican nominee for an open U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania has finally been determined, setting the stage for what could be one of the most important races in the fall.

According to The Associated Press, celebrity heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz will be the GOP pick after his rival in the primary election conceded defeat on Friday.

David McCormick, who had run a close race, agreed that a recount wouldn’t close the gap enough to overtake Oz, who was endorsed by former president Donald Trump.

Oz will square off against Democratic nominee John Fetterman – currently lieutenant governor – in the fall. They are vying to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey. Fetterman, a rising star in his party is considered a progressive-centrist with a strong blue collar appeal.

With the two parties deadlocked 50-50 in Senate, the winner of the November election could tip the political balance in Washington.

Hiring improves for 17th month

THE JOBLESS RATE is down to 3.6 percent.

Employers added 390,000 jobs in May, extending a streak of 17 consecutive months of gains in the labor force.

The New York Times reports that the unemployment rate was at 3.6 percent, according to the Department of Labor/ A rate of 4 percent jobless has historically been considered “full employment.”

Those statistics may indicate that rising interest rates from the Federal Reserve system – implemented to cool inflation – have not slowed economic growth.

Sports: Angel tailspin continues

The Los Angeles Angels extended their losing streak to nine games on Friday, losing 10-0 to the Phillies in Philadelphia. With the loss, the Halos are 27-26. They remain in second place in the American League West but have fallen seven games behind the Houston Astros.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (35-17) defeated the New York Mets 6-1 at home Friday night. Three home runs – by Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor and Zach McKinstry – lead the offense. Tyler Anderson (7-0) remained unbeaten. He worked is scoreless innings, yielding just three hits. He struck out five batters and walked none. The Blue Crew remains atop the National League West, four games ahead of the San Diego Padres.

Weather: We’re warming up now

Daytime high temperatures are starting to rise in the West Orange County area and should reach the 80s by next week. The forecast calls for a high of 74 (overnight low of 62) on Saturday with morning clouds and afternoon sun.

Sunday will warm to 76 (63) under partly cloudy skies. Monday will see more of those clouds but an increase to 79 (83). Tuesday will reach 80 (63), starting two weeks of summerlike weather with sunny skies.