RUSSIAN PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (Kremlin.ru/Wikipedia).

What looked like a quick walk-over military victory at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has turned into a nightmare for President Vladimir Putin.

Not only has the initial thrust toward the capital city of Kyiv been repulsed with heavy losses, the invaders are now faced with the possibility of being ousted from the peninsula area of Crimea that was seized by Russians in 2014.

According to The New York Times, Ukrainian forces – using high-tech weapons from the U.S. and other Western nations – are pushing back in Crimea and inflicting heavy damage to enemy forces in the strategic Black Sea.

Walmart to expand abortion services

America’s largest employer, Walmart, will be expanding its abortion coverage for employees, according to USA Today.

The coverage will now include ending pregnancies “where there is a health risk to the mother, rape or incest, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or lack of fetal viability.”

This new policy will also cover “travel support” for covered workers needing services not available in a 100-mile radius of their homes.

Sports: Rams fall to Titans

The Los Angeles Rams lost 24-20 to the Houston Texans Friday in a pre-season game at SoFi Stadium, but the real contest was between John Wolford and Bryce Perkins for the backup quarterback spot behind Matthew Stafford.

It ended up roughly as a tie. Wolford – the incumbent – was 14 of 22 for 142 yards with no TDs or interceptions. Perkins was 11 of 13 for 123 yards. He threw no TDs or interceptions as well.

The Los Angeles Chargers will host the Dallas Cowboys at 7 p.m. 

Today, the Los Angeles Angels lost 4-3 to the Tigers in Detroit. The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting the Miami Marlins at 6:10 p.m.

Weather: Cooler, then warmer

The forecast for Sunday’s weather in the West Orange County area is for a daytime high of 81, with an overnight low of 66. There should be clouds in the morning and afternoon sun. After that, temps will begin rising with a high of 82 on Monday under partly cloudy skies. Tuesday will see the daytime temperature climb to 86 (67) also with partly cloudy skies. The sun should return on Wednesday.