Big Ukrainian push underway?

The long-awaited “main thrust” of the Ukrainian counter-offensive against Russian invaders may now be underway, The New York Times is reporting.

Troops who had been held in reserve are now involved in the attack, many of them trained and armed by the U.S and NATO allies.

Two “massive assaults” were claimed to have been replaced by Russian forces.

Ukrainian forces are seeking to pierce Russian defensive works, and then push troops armor through the gap and force a major retreat of the enemy.

Kyiv has claimed that it has already regained one-half of the territory once conquered in this war which started in 2022.

Hunter Biden plea deal rejected

A proposed plea deal that would have allowed Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, to settle charges against him with a plea of guilty to minor charges was rejected by a federal judge on Wednesday, according to The New York Times.

Federal District Judge MaryEllen Noreika told both sides to meet to work out a new settlement of  tax and gun charges against Biden after she rejected the original deal.

Hunter Biden ended up entering a plea of not guilty on the tax charges, something he is expected to change if a new deal is reached.

Singer Sinead O’Connor dead at 56

The gifted but controversial Irish singer Sinead O’Connor has died at the age of 56, according to the Associated Press. She is best known for her hit “Nothing Compares To 2 You,” and her opinions on politics and religion, once calling the Catholic Church an “enemy.” No cause of death was disclosed.

Sports: Dodgers lose to Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-1 on Wednesday. Starter Tony Gonsolin (5-4) had a rough outing, lasting five innings and giving up seven hits and five earned runs. He struck out five and walked three. 

LAD had eight hits, which included one extra base hit: a double by Chris Taylor. The loss put the Dodgers record to 58-43, still first in the National League West, but allowed the San Francisco Giants (56-47) to move to within three games.

The Los Angeles Angels had their game rained out in Detroit, resulting in a double-header with the Tigers on Thursday. Off the field, the team acquired pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez from the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players.

Weather: One day of sun, then …

Our West Orange County area will get one day of sunny weather before partly cloudy conditions move in for over a week. The forecast for Thursday is for a daytime high of 89 with an overnight low of 68 with lots of sunshine. The party cloudy stuff moves in on Friday with a high of 86 (68), followed by Saturday with 88 (70) and Sunday with 87 (69).