RUSSIA is poised  to annex four provinces of Ukraine (Shutterstock).

Russia appears ready to annex four provinces of Ukraine, claiming that a “referendum” conducted in those areas showed overwhelming support for the move.

According to Reuters, the upper house of the Russian parliament was poised to vote on the matter on Tuesday.

Ukraine and Western allies term the referendum a “sham” and new sanctions against Russia are on the way.

Also, the U.S. will be sending 18 high-tech rocket launchers, ammunition and other military aid, bringing American security aid to $16.2 billion.

Hurricane Ian gathers strength

HURRICANE IAN began battering Florida on Wednesday (Shutterstock).

What’s being described as one of the strongest storms ever to hit Florida has brought heavy rains. strong winds, deadly storm surges and downed power lines.

According to The New York Times, the damage could end up with a price tag of up to $40 billion. Some local governments have declared sundown curfews.

Travel plans into and out of Florida have ben disrupted as about 4.000 flights have been cancelled. The Associated Press estimates that power is out to 2 million people in the southwest area of the state.

Sports: Judge ties Maris at 61

AARON JUDGE

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge hit his 61st home run for the season, tying the American League record set in 1961 by Roger Maris, also a Yankee. 

He hit the historic home run in the seventh inning of against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

The Los Angeles Angels defeated the Oakland A’s 4-1 in Anaheim Wednesday night. Taylor Ward homered, drove in a run and scored twice in the win. Mike Trout hit his 38th homer of the season as well as the Angels improved to 69-86, still third in the AL West.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (107-48) and San Diego Padres were locked in a scoreless pitching duel that ended when the Blue Crew scored a run  in the top of the 10th inning. Freddie Freeman drove it in on a single to center, bringing in Mookie Betts. Julio Urias pitched six innings, giving up six hits. He struck out five batters and walked two. The win in relief went to Alex Vesia (5-0).

Weather: Back to the Seventies

It’s starting to look a lot like autumn. The National Weather Service forecast calls for a cooling trend for the West Orange County area. Thursday should have dense fog before 11 a.m., gradually turning into sunny skies with a daytime high near 86. The fog will return after 11 p.m., with an overnight low of 65. 

Friday will be similar, except that the daytime high will dip to 80 (62). Saturday? Similar with a daytime high of 78 (62).