THE WHITE HOUSE (White House Photo)

The puzzle over the three unidentified flying objects which flew over North America this week – all of which were shot down by U.S. fighter jets – has led to considerable speculation over their origin and  intent.

Theorizing in the absence of detail reached a point on Monday when White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had to tell reporters “there is no indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity,” according to Associated Press.

The aircraft  were shot down because they posed a threat to civilian aircraft, she added.

Shootings at Michigan State University

MICHIGAN STATE (Wikipedia).

“Multiple” people were shot at the Michigan State University in East Lansing on Monday night, and the shooter is still at large.

According to The New York Times, an alert was sent by campus police at 8:30 p.m. 

Five victims have been received at a local hospital. One person was killed, according to United Press International. Students and others on campus were told to “secure in place immediately” while police sought to find  the shooter. Texts urged them to “run, hide, fight.”

Also in the news … Russia is planning to “destabilize” the government of Moldava, that nation’s president claimed on Monday. Moldava was formerly a part of the Soviet Union and is located between Ukraine and Romania.

Sports: New rules for the diamond

The grand old game of baseball will be getting some new rules for the 2023 season.

Last year’s experiment with extra innings will be made permanent in Major League Baseball. To speed games up, extra innings will begin with a runner on second.

According to the Associated Press, even more speed is expected by the introduction of a pitch clock and other changes. With no runners on base, the pitcher must throw the ball within 15 seconds, or a ball will be called. With runners on base, he will have 20 seconds. Batters must be ready in the box or face a called strike.

Base size will be enlarged to 18-inches square from 15 inches, bringing them 4.5 inches closer. There must be two infielders on each side of second base, and they must remain within the outer limits of the infield.

The intent is to speed up and add more action to a game whose average length has grown from two hours a generation ago to three hours in recent seasons.

Weather: Some clouds and some sun

Lovers of variety may enjoy Tuesday, as the West Orange County area can expect morning clouds – a 24 percent chance of rain – and sunshine in the afternoon.

The daytime high should be 60 with an overnight low of 36. Wednesday will be a bit warmer with sunny skies and a high of 64 (41). Partly cloudy conditions will return on Thursday with a high of 66 (42).