DONALD TRUMP (Gage Simon photo).

Former president Donald Trump invoked the Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination on Wednesday when called to testify in a civil investigation by the State of New York into his business activities.

According to The Associated Press, Trump put out a statement “pleading the Fifth,” which states that no person can be compelled to testify against himself.

The New York State Attorney General’s office is investigating allegations that The Trump Organization unlawfully exaggerated the value of its real estate holdings in an effort to receive favorable terms on loans, insurance and tax deductions.

Trump has denied any impropriety.

Russian warplanes in Crimea explode

At least eight and possibly more Russian war planes were destroyed in Crimea in what may be an attack by Ukrainian forces.

AT LEAST eight Russian warplanes were destroyed in Crimea (Shutterstock).

According to The New York Times, the planes were destroyed at the Saki Air Base, near the Black Sea. At least two adjacent buildings were destroyed as well.

Ukraine has not announced any involvement in the incident and some Russian sources suggest the explosions were caused by a careless smoker.

Crimea was seized from Ukraine in 2014, but Ukraine has never accepted that the area is now part of Russia.

Also in the news: The U.S. Department of Commerce reported on Wednesday that consumer inflation declined in June from 9.1 percent to 8.5 percent …An Iranian citizen was charged Wednesday with planning the murder-for-hire of John Bolton, a former national security adviser, in retaliation for a 2020 air strike that killed an Iranian military leader …

Sports: Angels and Dodgers post wins

The Los Angeles Angels defeated the A’s 5-4 in Oakland in 12 innings on Wednesday. Magneuris Sierra doubled in Steven Duggar with the winning run. The win improved the Angels’ record to 49-63.

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Minnesota Twins 8-5 on Joey Gallo’s three-run pinch hit home run in the ninth inning. It was the Dodgers 10th consecutive win and improved their record to 77-33.

Weather: Sunny and warm

Real summer weather is here for the West Orange County area. The forecast calls for daytime highs ranging from 90 to the mid-80s for a week. Thursday is predicted to be 90 with an overnight low of 67 and sunny. Friday will have mostly sunny skies with a high of 89 (69). Sunny skies resume on Saturday and will continue through the middle of next week.