House OKs $61 B for Ukraine

Breaking a months-long deadlock, the House of Representatives voted for a series of bills on Saturday that will supply $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and Gaza.

The most urgent was for $61 billion for Ukraine’s military, mostly in ammunition for artillery to hold back Russian invaders.  The vote was 311-112, with almost all Democrats in favor and a slim majority of Republicans opposed.

Now, the bills go to the Senate – where swift approval is expected – and on to President Joe Biden for his signature.

The bills came to the floor as a result of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) agreeing to do so, defying hard-right Republican conservatives who opposed the bills either on the grounds of wanting the money to be devoted to border security or opposition to America’s overseas commitments.

“We did our work here, and I think history will judge it well,” said Johnson.

Angels lose to Reds, Dodgers fall to Mets

The Los Angeles Angels lost 7-5 to the Cincinnati Reds in Ohio on Saturday, their third straight defeat. Patrick Sandoval had another rough outing, giving up seven earned run on six hits, including a grand slam by Tyler Stephenson.

Miguel Santo had the best day at bat for the Halos, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, a run scored and a home run.

Now 9-13 and in third place in the AL West, the Angels will take on the Reds again on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their slump on Saturday, losing 6-4 to the New York Mets at home. Starling Marte starred for the Mets, batting 2-for-5 with four RBIs and a homer. Freddie Freeman was 2-for-3 with three RBIs and two walks. Shohei Ohtani was 1-for-2 with a run scored and three walks.

It was the Dodgers third consecutive loss and fifth in six games, but they remain in first in the NL West at 12-11.

Lakers lose to Denver Nuggets

The Los Angeles Lakers lost their opening NBA Western Conference playoff game on Saturday, falling 114-103 to the Denver Nuggets on the road. A first quarter edge melted in the second. The Lakers couldn’t contain Nikola Jokic, who scored 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Anthony Davis had 32 for the Lake Show and grabbed 14 rebounds.

Game Two of the series will be in Denver on Monday night.

Weather: Coolish days ahead

A gradual cooling trend is in place for our West Orange County area for the next few days. Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a daytime high of 71 and an overnight low of 57. Monday will have morning fog and afternoon sun with a high of 69 (57). Tuesday looks like morning clouds and afternoon sun with a high of 68 (54). Wednesday will see the trend continue with partly cloudy skies ahead and a high of 67 (55).