A JUDGE refused a request to recuse herself from the trial of Donald Trump on election interference (Shutterstock).

Former president Donald Trump’s request to the judge presiding over his election interference case to recuse herself has been refused.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied Trump’s request, writing that she saw no reason to comply.

Trump’s lawyers argue that she may not be fair and impartial, claiming that she said that Trump should be prosecuted and imprisoned. She wrote that she never made such a statement.

The trial is expected to commence in March.

Sen. Menendez pleads not guilty

SEN. ROBERT MENENDEZ.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey)  and his wife Nadine pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of bribery and extortion.

United Press International is reporting that Menendez  – along with his wife and three businessmen – is accused of scheming to get large amounts of cash, gold, a luxury convertible and more.

He has rejected requests from Democrats and Republican colleagues to resign his post.

52 arrested in looting in Philly

At least 52 persons have been arrested after a night of looting in Philadelphia.

According to NBC, the mass theft from Footlocker, Apple and other stores had nothing to do with a peaceful demonstration earlier in the day after charges were dismissed against the police officer who fatally shot a black man.

“This had nothing to do with the protests,” said Acting Police Commissioner John Stanford. “What we had was a bunch of criminal opportunists.”

Angels lose 5-0; Dodgers win 8-2

The Los Angeles Angels managed only three hits on Wednesday, losing 5-0 to the Texas Rangers in Anaheim.

Michael Stefanic tripled in the first inning, but that was the highlight of the Halo offense as the team’s record fell to 71-88. 

Griffin Canning (7-8) had a solid start, working six innings and yielding five hits and two earned runs. He struck out five batters and walked two.

The two teams will play again on Friday with Chase Silseth (4-1) making the start for the Angels.

After defeating the Colorado 8-2 on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be the number two seed in the National League playoffs after the Atlanta Braves. The Blue Crew will open the NL Division Series at home next Saturday.

Against the Rockies, Freddie Freeman hit a three-run home run (his 28th round-tripper) and James Outman (23rd) in the third. Emmet Sheehan (4-1) pitched six innings, giving up five hits and two earned runs. He struck out 10 batters and walked none.

Now 98-60, the Dodgers will take on the Rockies in Denver again on Thursday, with Ryan Yarbrough (8-6) on the mound.

Weather: It’s cool, citizens

The daily temperature in our West Orange County area will continue to drop all the way to the weekend. The forecast for Thursday is for mostly sunny skies with a daytime high of 74 and an overnight low of 64. Friday will be slightly cooler at 73 (64) and mostly cloudy. Saturday should bring some rain with a high of 69 (60). Scattered showers are forecast for Sunday with a high of 67 (57).