SPEAKER of the House Mike Johnson (Wikipedia).

In a rare act of bipartisanship, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives joined with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown.

Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), the new Speaker of the House, said “Making sure that government stays in operation is a matter of conscience for all of us. We owe that to the American people.”

The continuing resolution passed 336-95. Needed was two-thirds, or 290 votes.

Johnson has advanced a unique two-part process that will keep some government agencies funded until Jan. 19 and others to Feb. 2. It includes none of the deep spending cuts sought by far-right Republicans but none of the $106 billion asked by President Joe Biden for aid to Israel, Ukraine and border security.

Tunnels under hospitals, says U.S.

PALESTINIANS at rally supporting Hamas (Shutterstock).

A spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council added America’s weight to Israel’s contention that Hamas militants were using hospitals, and tunnels beneath them in their military operations and to hold hostages.

The comments by spokesman John Kirby come as Israeli troop surrounded the Al-Shifa hospital and the Israeli government claimed it has video that supported its contention of the use of hospitals.

Palestinians sources deny the allegations.

Senator challenges witness to fight

SEN. MARKWAYEN MULLIN (R-Oklahoma).

“Bad blood” between a Republican senator and a union president might have come to real blood on Tuesday during a congressional hearing.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) challenged witness Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to a fist-fight.

“This is the time, this is the place,” said Mullin, citing critical comments O’Brien had made about him in the past.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) shouted at him to sit down.

“You are a United States Senator.”

Clippers fall, Lakers rise to win

The Los Angeles Clippers (now 3-7) opened the new “In  Season Tournament” against the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets (9-2) on Tuesday night, losing 111-108.  The Los Angeles Lakers (5-50 defeated the Memphis Grizzlies (2-8) by 134-107,

Weather: The rains are coming

It won’t be a downpour, but some rain is coming our way in West Orange County. The forecast for Wednesday calls for a 66 percent chance of showers. The high is expected to be 70 with an overnight low of 58. Thursday is expected to have morning clouds and afternoon sun. Showers will likely return on Friday with temps of 72 (58). Morning rain is forecast for Saturday with a daytime high of 69 (54).