THE M2 BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Eric M. Garland II/Released).

Will tanks be the next military system sent by Western powers to help Ukrainian forces resist Russia’s expected springtime offensive?

The New York Times reports that the U.S. has already committed to send about 50 of its Bradley fighting vehicles, smaller than tanks, but armed with tank-killing missiles. France and Germany have made similar offers.

Now the pressure is to send main battle tanks, including Britain’s well-respected Leopard 2 model. German-made tanks are a possibility as well.

Some leaders are worried that such moves would mean an escalation that might prompt a worrisome response from Russia.

The U.S. is planning on sending Patriot air-defense batteries to defend Ukrainian cities from missile and drone strikes.

Special counsel picked for Biden inquiry

A special counsel has been appointed by Attorney General  Merrick Garland to investigate how classified government documents were located at President Joe Biden’s home and a former office of his.

According to the Associated Press, Robert Hur, a former U.S. attorney appointed by former president Ronald Reagan, will head the investigation.

Also in the news … Lisa Marie Presley, the sole child of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley, died on Thursday of an apparent cardiac arrest. She was 54.

Sports: SI.com‘s NFL picks

Sports Illustrated is getting a jump on the official process by selecting its own outstanding NFL players for the 2022 season.

The staff selected Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs as MVP, followed by Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. 

Offensive Player of the Year would be Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, with Defensive Player of the Year being Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys.

Weather: Don’t put umbrella away

If your lawn still isn’t green enough, help – in the form of rain – is on the way for the West Orange County area. The forecast for Friday is for mostly cloudy conditions with a daytime high of 67 and an overnight low of 52. But Saturday will likely usher in three days of precipitation with a high of 59 and a low of 50. Sunday is expected to bring afternoon showers and a high of 61 (52) with rain also on Monday with a high of 60 (45).