THE STRUGGLE for Bahkmut is in the news (Shutterstock).

Have Russian forces captured the strategic city of Bakhmut in Ukraine, or is the struggle there still going on?

According to the Associated Press, the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, claimed in a video that its troops had conquered the war-ravaged city. But Ukrainian officials deny that. 

“The situation is very critical,” said Hanna Malair, Ukraine’s deputy defense minister. “As of now, our defenders control certain industrial and infrastucture facilities in the area.

Russian forces have controlled most of the area for weeks, but have not been able – so far – to root out the remaining Ukrainian soldiers.

Abortion, transgender laws in Nebraska

NEBRASKA has passed anti-abortion and gender laws (Shutterstock).

A new law banning abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy was passed by the Nebraska Legislature and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen.

Another new law bans “gender-affirming” surgeries for anyone under the age of 19, and directs the state’s chief medical examiner to restrict puberty blockers and hormone therapy who seek to change their body to another gender, according to United Press International.

Also in the news … President Joe Biden said on Saturday there’s still time to strike a deal with Republicans to avoid a default on the federal government’s debt.

Sports: Lakers’ back to the wall

Returning to Los Angeles didn’t do the Lakers much good Saturday night, as they lost 119-108 to the Denver Nuggets to fall behind three games to none in the NBA Western Conference finals.

Jamal Murray scored 37 points for Denver – 30 in first half – to lead Denver. Nikola Jokic added 24.

Anthony Davis was the top scorer for the Lakers; LeBron James and Austin Reaves each had 23 points.

Game Four will be in L.A. on Monday.

A late rally fell short as the Los Angeles Dodgers lost 6-5 to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.

Trailing 6-3 going into the ninth inning, the Blue Crew scored twice on Jayson Hayward’s double, but it wasn’t enough. With the loss, the Dodgers are 29-18, but still lead the National League West by 2.5 games over the second place Arizona Diamondbacks.

Earlier in the game. J.D. Martinez tied the game with a three-run home run in the top of the sixth. For the Cards, the game-winning hit was a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth.

Starter Noah Syndergaard had a relatively solid start, working five innings and giving up four hits and three earned runs he struck out four batters and walked one.

The Dodgers will play the Cards again on Sunday. Clayton Kershaw (6-3) will start for the Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Angels lost 6-2 to the  Minnesota Twins in Anaheim today (Saturday). Check back later for results.

Weather: Hotter and then cooler

The West Orange County area will undergo a bit of a roller coaster ride, weather-wise in the next few days. The forecast for Sunday is for partly cloudy conditions and a daytime high of 74, with an overnight low of 60.

On Monday, skies will still be partly cloudy, but the daytime high should drop to 71 (59). That will be followed by five days of morning clouds followed by afternoon sun. Daytime highs will be in the 66 to 68 degree range.