HEZBOLLAH rocket battery in Lebanon in 2023 (Wikipedia).

Israel’s bombing campaign in Lebanon has killed a leading commander of the Hezbollah militant group and left at least 560 people dead on Tuesday.

According to the Associated Press, thousands more are jamming roads in southern Lebanon to escape what could be a widening conflict.

Hezbollah sought to strike back by sending “dozens” of rockets into Israel, aiming at an explosives factory. The rain of rockets sent Israelis in the northern part of their country into bomb shelters.

Some schools in southern Lebanon have been closed to instruction and turned into shelters for those fleeing the attacks. Others are trying to escape by crossing into Syria.

An Israeli military spokesman said the bombing would be “as short as possible,” but that “we must be prepared for it to take longer.”

Hurricane coming to Florida?

TROPICAL STORM Helene could become Hurricane Helene (NHC).

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the lower Florida Keys as Tropical Storm Helene threatens to turn into a hurricane later Tuesday.

According to United Press International, the storm was about 180 miles east-southwest of Mexico and about 170 miles south-southeast of Cuba.

Forecasters say the storm system is moving northwest with “maximum sustained” winds of 45 miles an hour.

The storm/hurricane is expected to make landfall in or near the Big Bend region that includes the city of Tampa, sometime in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Routh indicted for “assassination” try

ARREST OF RYAN ROUTH (Wikipedia).

Attempted assassination charges have been brought against Ryan Routh, the man arrested with a rifle near a location where former president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was present.

According to USA Today, the Justice Department has indicted Routh with attempted assassination of a political candidate and other offenses. He is being held without bail.

Prosecutors say that they found a note written by Routh reading that his actions were “an assassination attempt.”

Routh’s son, Oran Routh, was also charged on Tuesday on allegations of receipt of, and possession of, child pornography.

Weather: As cool as autumn

The season takes hold in our West Orange County cities as daytime temperatures dip into the mid– and low-70s. The forecast for Wednesday is for a high of 74 with an overnight low of 62. Thursday will be just a nibble cooler at 73 (60) and Friday will be similar at 73 (61). Saturday will break the trend at 74 (59). There should be some morning clouds – or even fog – with afternoon sun each day.

Great Thoughts

“It is an easy thing for one who is outside of calamity to give advice and to rebuke the sufferer.”

––– Aeschylus, “Prometheus Bound.”