UKRAINE’S FLAG (Shutterstock).

Ukrainian forces have made a breakthrough an important Russian defensive line with their long-planned counteroffensive.

United Press International is reporting that Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the U.S. Chiefs of Staff, said Friday in an interview that Ukrainian soldiers had forced breaches along the southern front.

The Ukrainians, said Milley, “have attacked through the main defense belt.” His comments come just a day after some American military leaders suggested that the  Ukrainian forces had been deployed improperly.

SpaceX taking astronauts to ISS

A SpaceX Falcon X rocket blasted off on Saturday morning taking four astronauts toward a stint on the International Space Station.

The launch was from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. According to United Press International, the astronauts will use capsule Endurance to dock with the ISS – orbiting 250 miles above the surface of the Earth – on Sunday.

Bob Barker, 99, was game show icon

Famous not only for his hosting of the long-running TV game shows “Truth of Consequences” and “The Price is Right,” but also for his advocacy of animal rights, Bob Barker was a household name for over 50 years. reports the Associated Press.

Barker died Saturday at age of 99. The cause of death was not made known. He retired from television in 2007.

Sports: Trojans beat Spartans 56-28

The USC football team will open its 2023 season with a 56-28 victory over San Jose State. Caleb Williams threw touchdown passes for the Trojans.

The Los Angeles Angels defeated the New York Mets 5-3. Shohei Ohtani doubled and tripled in the win.

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost 8-5 to the Red Sox in Boston today. A four-run sixth inning was decisive for the home team. Mookie Beets was 3-for-6 with an RBI, while Max Muncy’s two-run home run was his 30th of the season.

Weather: We’re in the Nineties now

Our West Orange County will be living in the Nineties – that is, the 90-degree weather – through Wednesday. The forecast for Sunday is for a high of partly cloudy skies with a daytime high of 93 with an overnight low of 67. Monday will cool slightly to 91 (68), then the thermometer will tick up slightly to 92 (70). Sunny skies are expected to appear on Wednesday with a high of 90 (67).