U.S. JUSTICE OF DEPARTMENT building (Wikipedia).

Carrying out President Donald Trump’s campaign promise of seeking retribution on people he considered his enemies, the U.S. Justice Department announced Monday it had fired 15 employees who had been involved in investigating him for possible criminal offenses.

According to the Associated Press, those discharged employees were fired because “the Acting Attorney General [Pam Bondi] does not trust these officials to assist in faithfully implementing the President’s agenda. This action is consistent with the mission of ending the weaponization of government.”

During her Senate confirmation, she testified that she did not rule out the possibility of investigating Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed to look into Trump’s alleged misconduct.

Cease-fire deal is holding, mostly

Despite some gunfire and casualties, cease fires on two fronts –Gaza and Lebanon – appear to be holding … for now.

FLAGS of Israel and Hamas (Shutterstock).

The New York Times is reporting that Israeli troops who were supposed to pull back from their positions in southern Lebanon didn’t do so because Hezbollah forces didn’t leave the area.

On the Gaza front, Israel is delaying the return of Palestinians back into their homes on the grounds that Hamas failed to release a female hostage as expected.

Lebanese officials say that 22 people have been killed by Israeli forces and in Gaza, one person has been killed.

Meanwhile, the White House announced that the truce would be extended until Feb. 18.

Weather: Cool days … for days

Our West Orange County cities will enjoy (or shiver through) some cool winter days. The forecast for Tuesday is for a daytime high of 61 and an overnight low of45. Skies should be partly cloudy with a 13 percent chance of rain.

Wednesday will be similar at 61 (44) with morning clouds, afternoon sun and a 16 percent chance of rain. Thursday will continue the trend with temperatures of 61 (42) under partly cloudy skies and a 6 percent chance of precipitation.

Friday is expected to warm slightly to 64 (44) with mostly cloudy skies and a 6 percent likelihood of showers.

MATT STAFFORD had a solid 2024 season. Will he back with the Rams in 2025 (Rams photo).