Ukraine, Russia exchange fire

The war between Ukraine and its Russian invaders is not stopping for the holidays. Following a major attack by missiles and drones on targets in Ukraine, the Ukrainians struck back on Saturday.

Artillery shells fell on the Russian border city of Belgorod, killing 21 people and wounding another 110 people, according to Russian sources. Moscow blamed Kyiv for the attack and casualties.

At least 41 civilians are believed to have died in Russia’s attack on Ukraine 18 hours before. Ukrainian officials have a policy of not acknowledging attacks on Russia or Crimea (Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian forces).

No guns in some public places

A California gun control law banning the carrying of firearms in many public places such as libraries, playgrounds, public transit and stadiums has been upheld by a federal appeals court.

Senate Bill 2, which goes into effect on Monday, had been blocked by Judge Cormac Carney of the U.S. District Court for the California’s Central District as “unconstitutional.”

But the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals “paused” that injunction in order for a closer examination of constitutional issues.

Danish queen to step down

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced her abdication from the throne on Sunday after 52 years. The new monarch will be her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

She will step down on Jan. 14, the anniversary of her own accession to the throne at age 31 following the death of her father, King Frederik IX.

In Denmark, the monarch has primarily a ceremonial role and she sometimes walked the streets of Copenhagen, the capital, without much of an escort.

Rams edge Giants, grab wild card

In a game full of mistakes and near-miracles, the Los Angeles Rams (9-7) hung on to defeat the New York Giants 26-25 Sunday to clinch a NFC wild card spot.

Matthew Stafford passed for 317 yards and one touchdown. Kyren Williams rushed for three TDs. Puka Nacua caught five passes for 118 yards and rushed for 19 yards.

A 30-23 loss by Seattle to the Pittsburgh Steelers put the Rams into the post-season.

The key play of the game came when Mason Crosby missed a field goal attempt for the Giants with seconds to play.

The Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) lost 16-9 to the Denver Broncos.

Weather: Cloudy, then rain

Sunny days are still a few days away for our West Orange County area. The forecast is for partly cloudy skies for Monday and Tuesday, with morning rain on Wednesday. The daytime highs for the next two days are 66, with 47 and 51 in the afternoons. Wednesday is expected to chill to 59 during the day and 43 at night. Thursday will offer a break with mostly sunny skies and a high of 64 (45).