PROTESTERS seeking to force the eastern entrance to the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6 in Washington, DC. (Wikipedia).

A prison sentence of 22 years – so far the longest one handed down in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by right-wing extremists – was imposed Tuesday on Enrique Tarrio, a former leader of the Proud Boys group.

The Associated Press reports that Tarrio, 39, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly – an appointee of former president Donald Trump – who said, “It can’t happen again.”

Tarrio pleaded for leniency after he was convicted of seditious conspiracy. He had been involved in planning efforts to keep Trump in the White House despite losing the 2020 presidential election to now-President Joe Biden.

Tarrio said “I am not a political zealot … Please show mercy on me.”

The attack on the Capitol – which Tarrio did not take a direct part in – was an effort to keep Congress from certifying the Electoral College tally that made Biden the next president.

Ukrainian forces pressing on

RUSSIA VS. UKRAINE (Shutterstock).

After breaking through the front lines of the Russian forces in the south and east, Ukrainian forces are seeking to make further breaches in inner defenses held by the invaders.

The New York Times is reporting that the Ukrainians are fighting to break through near the village of Verbove and is said to have cleared out obstacles to armored vehicles to come to grips with Russian infantry. Analysts speculate that the progress made has led to high casualties and a major cost in equipment.

Even if the infantry positions are overrun, advancing troops are expected to have to contend with large mine fields.

Lee comes storming toward East Coast

What’s been described as becoming “an extremely dangerous hurricane” is heading westward to the Atlantic coast and may make landfall by the weekend.

According to United Press International, Tropical Storm Lee is currently on course to strike the Leeland Islands between Cuba and Florida, but could change direction, the National Hurricane Center advises.

The new threat comes after Hurricane Idalia wreaked havoc across the southern region of the United States.

Doubt’s about McConnell’s health

MITCH McCONNELL (Wikipedia)

Last week – for the second time – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) froze when talking to reporters and appeared unable to speak.

The diagnosis from a physician was that McConnell was suffering from dehydration is being questioned by some.

According to USA Today, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) said, “Everyone has seen the clips; it’s not a valid medical diagnosis.” Rand is also a medical doctor.

McConnell, 81, was questioned whether he was planning to run for re-election when he froze for 28 seconds.

Weather: A warming trend

Our West Orange County area will start to warm up on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching the Nineties by the weekend. The forecast for Wednesday is for morning clouds and afternoon sun, with a daytime high of 83 and an overnight low of 63. Thursday will be similar but warmer at 89 (67). Friday and Saturday will be partly cloudy with highs of 89 and 91.