NUCLEAR POWER plant in Russian-occupied Ukraine (WIkipedia).

The Zaporizhzia nuclear power plant in Russian-controlled Ukraine is the subject of a verbal battle between the two nations.

According to Reuters, each side is accusing the other of planning to attack the plant.

Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, accused Russia of “dangerous” provocations” regarding the plant, which it captured in February 22.

A Russian spokesman said that Ukrainian military was planning to attack the plant “overnight on July 5.”

The reactors at the plant are not generating electricity, but attacks would be intended to “simulate” an attack by their foes, according to Reuters.

Judge curbs feds social media contacts

FEDERAL JUDGE issued ruling (Shutterstock).

Certain federal agencies have been ordered to back off on their contacts with social media companies.

According to United Press International, a federal judge ruled that the named agencies and people were to refrain from trying to get them to “remove, delete or reduce” content protected under the First Amendment.

UPI lists those named as the FBI, Justice Department, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Alejandfro Mayorkas, secretary of homeland security.

The judge is Terry A. Doughty of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

Five dead in Philadelphia shooting

FIVE PEOPLE fatally shot in Philadelphia (Shutterstock).

The plague of mass shootings continued on Independence Day even as a suspect opened fire in Philadelphia killing five people and wounding two children.

The New York Times reports the gunman was arrested but the name was not revealed and there was even some doubt about that person’s gender.

The two  children were in stable condition in an area hospital.

Witnesses said the person with the gun was wearing a ski mask and body armor, wielding what police describe as an “assault-style” rifle.

Bet he can’t eat just one …

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut won the annual Nathan’s Fourth of July hot dog eating contest in Coney Island, New York.

According to the Associated Press, Chestnut ate 62 franks and buns in 10 minutes, out-munching Geoffrey Esper, who consumed 49 hot dogs and buns. It was Chestnut’s 16th championship. The women’s winner was Miko Sido, who won her ninth title by downing 39.5 buns and dogs.

Sports: Trout out with wrist bone break

MIKE TROUT

June was pretty good for the Los Angeles Angels, but July is looking ugly.

After Mike Trout was sidelined for a one or two months with a broken wrist bone on Monday, Shohei Ohtani was treated roughly by the San Diego Padres 8-5, in part by a blister on his right middle finger.

After yielding two consecutive homers in the sixth inning, he came out of the game, having yielded seven hits and five earned runs He stuck out five batters but walked four as his record slipped to 7-4.

The Angels trailed 8-1 after eight innings, but rallied with four runs in the ninth to close the gap somewhat. With the loss, the Angels are 45-43 and lost six of seven games. They’ll play the Padres again on Wednesday.

In Pittsburgh, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost 9-7 as the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth to grab the win.

At bat, the Blue Crew got four home runs – two by James Outman – and 11 hits overall, but closer Evan Phillips had a rough night, giving up two hits, three earned runs and two walks in the ninth.

Jose Palacios’ double drove in two runs to decide the game for the visitors. The Dodgers are now 47-38 and still in second place in the National League West, 2.5 games back of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Blue Crew hosts the Pirates again for a 7:10 p.m. game.

Weather: Nice but boring weather

Who needs a weatherperson these days? Just look out the window. In our West Orange County area, the forecast doesn’t change much. Partly cloudy skies should continue through Saturday, according to forecasts. The temperatures are predicted to stay at 76 for the daytime high and 59 for the overnight low through Friday. Saturday will see a slight rise to 70 (60).