PALESTINIANS at rally supporting Hamas (Shutterstock).

What’s now being called the Israel-Hamas War continued to rage on Tuesday, with air strikes on the Gaza Strip intended to punish the militants for attacking Israeli cities with rockets and ground raids.

The Associated Press is reporting that the fighting has claimed the lives of at least 1,900 people, with the toll certain to go higher. Many buildings on both sides – including residences – have been leveled or damaged, leaving an unknown number of people homeless.

President Joe Biden called the attack by Hamas to be “pure, unadulterated evil,” and announced that 14 Americans have been killed and others taken hostage. Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised “unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself.”

Santos hit with more charges

GEORGE SANTOS (R-NY).

Rep. George Santos (R-New York) was hit with more criminal charges on Tuesday.

The New York Times reports that the first-term Congressman will face 23 new federal charges including identity theft and misuse of credit card details of his campaign donors.

Additionally, he is accused of wire fraud, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission and falsifying records for the purpose of trying to “obstruct the commission.”

He was hit with 13 counts of federal law violations in May.

Santos, 35, is planning to run for re-election in 2024 and said he has no plans to resign his House seat.

Steve Garvey to seek Senate seat

STEVE GARVEY

Former major league baseball star Steve Garvey on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for a  U.S. Senate seat in the 2024 election.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Garvey, 74, who was a standout first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, will be seeking to become the first Republican elected to the Senate from California since 1988.

That seat was vacated upon the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the spot, but it’s not known if she plans to enter the 2024 race. Several Democrats has already thrown their hats into the ring.

Sports: Five new Olympic sports?

As many as five sports may be added to the field at the LA28 Summer Olympics.

The organizing committee for the 2028 games in the Los Angeles area is recommending that be included  baseball-softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash.

Adding those sports would have to win the approval of the International Olympic Committee. 

Weather: Up and down and …

Those of us in our West Orange County area will experience some quick changes in the weather for the next few days. Wednesday will be partly cloudy with a daytime high of 75 and an overnight low of 60. The thermometer will bounce up to 80 (59) on Thursday. But on Friday, it should cool a bit with a high of 77 (58) accompanied by morning clouds and afternoon sun Saturday will see partly cloudy skies with a high of 81 (59).