DONALD TRUMP (Shutterstock).

Former president Donald Trump fired back after Thursday’s conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by sticking to his claim that the judicial system, was “rigged” against him.

“We’re going to fight,” he said, at an appearance at the atrium of Trump Tower in New York City. He warned such alleged misconduct could be done “to anyone.”

He said, “I’m willing to do whatever I have to do to save our country and save our Constitution. I don’t mind. It’s a very unpleasant thing to do do. But it’s a great, great honor.”

President Joe Biden, almost certainly the Democratic candidate in the Nov. 5 election, said, “It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible for anyone to say this is rigged just because they didn’t like the verdict.”

News coverage was peppered with speculation that Trump loyalists would stick with him regardless of this conviction, or others in other cases. Alternately, some commentators wondered if – in what seems likely  to be a close election – there might be enough undecided voters and independents who might move toward Biden.

Sentencing of Trump is scheduled for July 11. The Republican National Convention – where the formal nomination takes place – is scheduled for July 15-24 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Biden unveils hostage release deal

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN (White House photo).

A three-stage plan to release the hostages held by Hamas militants was unveiled by President Joe Biden on Friday. It was put forth by Israel and was framed as a path toward ending the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Biden said that since Hamas was “no longer capable” of major action against Israel, it was time to release the hostages in exchange for “an enduring cease-fire.”

The first phase would be a six-week cease-fire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from crowded areas of Gaza. 

That would allow for the release of hostages held by Hamas, and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Humanitarian aid would be allowed to flow, Israeli troops would withdraw from Gaza and reconstruction of Gaza would commence.

Climate change damage liability

A law requiring that fossil fuels companies — such as oil production firms – pay some of the cost of damage caused by climate change has become law in Vermont.

CLIMATE CHANGE (Shutterstock).

Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, didn’t veto the legislation – as was considered possible – but allowed it to go into effect without signing it.

Vermont has been hit by flooding and other effects of “extreme weather.” In July 2023, the state was inundated by high water that destroyed houses and roads and inflicted damage that took months to fix, inflicting considerable economic misery on the small state.

Under the law, the state treasurer – with the assistance of the Agency of Natural Resources – will submit a report by Jan. 15, 2026 on the effects of climate change and its costs.

Sports: Dodgers host, Angels travel

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be at home, hosting the Colorado Rockies.

The Los Angeles Angels will be in Seattle, starting a series with the Mariners.

Check back later for results.

Weather: A wee bit warmer

If you can wait for a few days, warmer temperatures are coming to our West Orange County area. The forecast for the weekend and on to Monday calls for morning clouds and afternoon highs of 71 or 72 with overnight lows of 60. But by Tuesday the thermometer is expected to rise to 76 (61) under cloudy skies.