A COUNTER-OFFENSIVE by Ukrainian forces is expected soon (Shutterstock).

The long-anticipated Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia invaders may be just about to begin.

“It’s time,” wrote Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhni, Ukraine’s top military commander, according to The New York Times. “It’s time to get back what it ours.”

Observers believe that with the influx of high-tech weapons and other support from the U.S and Western allies, Ukrainian forces are supplied with what they need to potentially push Russians not only out of eastern parts of their nation now held by their foes, but also to reclaim Crimea, taken by force in 2014.

Deal reached on debt limit

U.S. CAPITOL, seat of Congress (Shutterstock).

A deal to raise the nation’s ceiling on debts reached on Saturday. 

According to The New York Times, the agreement between President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy the compromise between Democrats and Republicans – if approved by Congress – would amount to a freeze in the growth of the federal budget without significant cuts.

The deadline for raising the debt limit is Monday, June 5, after which the U.S. government would be out of money to pay its bills, including Social Security benefits.

Texas atty. general is impeached

TEXAS STATE FLAG

The Texas House of Representatives voted to impeach state Attorney General Ken Paxton on Saturday.  He is accused of accepting bribes, abuse of public trust and more. Paxton dismisses the accusations as “political theater.”

The vote was 121-23, with two members abstaining.

This action by the House immediately removes Paxton from office, pending  a trial in the Texas Senate. The governor has the power to appoint an interim attorney general.

Sports: Dodgers dim the Rays, Angels fall

The Los Angeles Dodgers stopped – for at least a day – the juggernaut Tampa Bay Rays, defeating them 6-5 in St. Petersburg on Saturday.

With the win the Dodgers are 32-21 and remain in first place in the National League West, two and one-half games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rays are 38-16 and four games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East

Max Muncy homered and doubled, driving in two runs and scoring twice for the Blue Crew. Freddie Freeman doubled twice, walked twice and drove in a run.

Clayton Kershaw pitched five innings, giving up six hits and four earned runs. He struck out six batters and walked two. The win, in relief, went to Yancy Almonte (3-0).

The Los Angeles Angels lost 8-5 to the Miami Marlins in Anaheim, as the visitors scored four runs in the 10th inning. The Halos were their own worst enemies, committing three errors and walking nine batters, so only three of the Marlins’ runs were earned.

Shohei Ohtani had a good outing, working six innings and giving up six hits and one earned run. He struck out 10 batters and walked three. 

Gio Urshela had a home run and a double for the Halos, driving in three runs.

With the loss, the Angels are 28-25 and remain in third place in the American League West, six games out of first place.

Weather: More of the same

The Memorial Day weekend will continue its familiar pattern of morning clouds and afternoon sun for the West Orange County area. Sunday is expected have a daytime high of 69 with an overnight low of 50. Monday will be similar with 69 (58) and Tuesday a bit cooler at 66 (58).