QUEEN ELIZABETH II in 2012 (Wikipedia).

Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has died at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne.

Her eldest son became King Charles III upon her death, although a more formal coronation will follow. He is 73, making him the oldest ever to begin his role as m

Elizabeth served from 1953, enduring through the Cold War, the dissolution of the British Empire, turmoil within the royal family and much more.

In addition to her role as ceremonial leader of her nation, she was also technically head of state for most former colonies which are now members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand, for example, honor her as “head of state:” her image appears on their currency.

Charles’ wife Camilla, now the Duchess of Cornwall, will become Queen Consort, a lesser position than Queen.

More U.S military aid to Ukraine

At the same time that Ukraine is launching a counteroffensive to reclaim land occupied by Russian invaders earlier, U.S Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Thursday paid an unannounced visit to the capital city of Kyiv.

According to the Associated Press, he brought the news that America was sending $2.8 billion in “long-term” military financing for Ukraine and other nations on Russia’s borders which could be threaten  by aggression from Moscow

Sports: Rams open flat, lose to Bills

The matching of the defending Super Bowl champs with the team favored this season on opening night was a dream choice for most fans, but a nightmare for the home team.

Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns and nearly 300 yards to lead the Buffalo Bills to a 31-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams Thursday nit\ght at SoFi Stadium.

Allen also ran for 56 yards and a score.

Matthew Stafford threw for 254 yards and one score for the Rams, but was intercepted three times and sacked seven times.

The Bills jumped out to a 10-0 start, but the Rams came back tp o score 10 to send the game into halftime tied. But the second half was all Buffalo as the visitors outscored the home team 21-0.

Baseball: Before taking on the AL West leading Houston Astros on Friday, in Texas, the Los Angeles Angels have today (Thursday) off. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers also have a day off and will start a series in San Diego on Friday.

The Los Angeles Rams open their 2022 campaign this evening hosting the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Check back for results.

Weather: Heat to peak on Friday

The warm weather that’s expected to peak on Friday and decline afterwards may bring some rain to the West Orange County area over the weekend.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a high on Friday of 98 (overnight low of 79) with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. The sun should return in the afternoon, but there will be winds of up to 40 miles an hour.

Saturday should bring showers on and off all day. The predicted high will be near 81 with a low of 71.

Sunday may also have showers and thunderstorms with a high near 82 (70) with some sun.