RUSSIAN forces are believed to have suffered 200,000 casualities in the invasion of Ukraine (VOA/Wikipedia).

Russian forces fighting in Ukraine have suffered 200,000 killed and wounded with the number climbing every day as the invaders struggle to capture key locations in the eastern region of Donbas.

The New York Times is reporting that estimate of “American and other Western officials,” who also say that Moscow is sending poorly-training draftees and former convicts in risky frontal attacks against prepared Ukrainian positions.

One estimate of Ukrainian losses is 100,000 killed or wounded, along with 30,000 civilian deaths.

Winter storm chills Texas

WINTER STORM has slammed the South (Shutterstock).

An icy winter storm cut off power to thousands of homes in northern Texas on Thursday.

According to the Associated Press, the storm – which has struck wide areas across the South – has been responsible for at least 10 traffic deaths on ice-slick roads.

In the Austin area, 289,000 people were without power, but that’s an improvement from 430,000 on Wednesday.

Also in the news … Punxsutawney Phil, the weather forecasting groundhog, saw his shadow on Thursday, signaling six more weeks of winter.

Sports: Lakers edge Pacers, 112-111

With an epic fourth-quarter rally, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 112-111 in Indianapolis on Thursday night.

LeBron James had 26 points, bringing him within 63 points of becoming the all-time NBA scorer. Anthony Davis, who had 31 points, scored the game-winning basket with 35 second left to play.

With the win, the Lakers are 25-28 and have won six of their last 10.  The Pacers are 24-29 and have lost four straight and nine of their last 10.

Weather: The big drop-off

As we head toward the weekend, the weather in the West Orange County area moves around a bit. Friday is forecast to have morning clouds, followed by sun in the afternoon. The daytime high is expected to be 72 with an overnight low of 45. Saturday looks like a mostly sunny day with a high of 72 (52).  Sunday, however, should bring morning showers. The daytime high drops to 65 and the overnight low to 44.