A civil debate of VP hopefuls

The only debate between vice presidential candidates in the 2024 election was held on Tuesday night and it was – according to most observers – remarkably civil and focused on policy issues.

Republican vice president nominee J.D. Vance leaned on issues such as problems at the border and inflation, seeking to tie Vice President Kamala Harris – the Democratic presidential nominee – to what he felt were failed policies of the administration of President Joe Biden.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, emphasize women’s reproductive rights and the defense of democracy, slamming former president Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Iran fires missiles at Israel

At least 180 missiles were fired by Iran on Tuesday at Israel, the latest step in what could be a widening of the conflicts in the Middle East.

According to the Associated Press, President Joe Biden ordered American forces in the region to join Israeli air defenses in shooting down the missiles.

“Make no mistake,” said Biden. “The United States is fully, fully supportive of Israel.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it. Whoever attacks us, we attack them.”

In what may be an unrelated incident, two suspects opened fire in Tel Aviv shortly before the Iranian missile barrage triggered alarms that sent people into bomb shelters.

The shooters killed six people before being killed themselves.

Israeli forces now in Lebanon

Israeli military units have crossed into southern areas of Lebanon, according to The New York Times. It’s the beginning of an announced incursion into areas held by Hezbollah after that militia launched missiles and drones in support of the Hamas militia that attacked Israel almost a year ago.

Israeli sources say that the force being sent into Lebanon to try to root out Hezbollah forces and infrastructure was about 10,000 soldiers conducting “limited, localized and targeted raids.”

People in more than two dozen towns in the area were ordered to relocate north of the Awali River to avoid being involved in the combat expected there.

Weather: Cooler, then warmer

Mother Nature can’t seem to make up her mind this week. On Wednesday, the daytime high in our West Orange County cities is 84 with an overnight low of 65 with morning fog and afternoon sun. Thursday will be cooler at 80 (64) with partly cloudy skies. Friday will be slightly warmer at 81 (63) and again on Saturday at 85 (65), both under partly cloudy skies.

Great Thoughts

“There is no arrival. Only the journey.”

– Jalen Hurts