DONALD TRUMP and Vladimir Putin (Shutterstock).

Alaska could be the meeting place between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin next Friday as the two leaders meet to discuss an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

That’s what Trump announced today (Friday) according to the Associated Press. The Russian government has not confirmed the arrangement.

The two nations have been at war since February 2022 when Russia invaded in a “special military operation” widely expected to be brief and one-sided.

But fierce Ukrainian resistance, backed by billions of dollars in military aid from the U.S and European allies have resulted in a bloody stalemate and hundred of thousands of casualties, but Russians and Ukrainian.

Texas AG requests removal of Democrats

In the latest move in the struggle over redrawing Congressional districts in Texas in an effort to switch five districts to Republican control, state Attorney General Ken Paxton has asked the state Supreme Court to remove 13 Democratic state representatives from office for their departure from the state.

The Democrats are seeking to block a vote in the Texas State House of Representatives on a GOP-drawn map which could add five Congressional seats to the narrow Republican majority in the U.S. House.

With the 13 Democrats absent, the Texas House can’t vote on bills.

In response to the Texas GOP effort, California and – two strong Democratic states – are considering a similar redistricting plan to offset any increase in Republican seats in Texas.

Canyon Fire burns Ventura area

An area one-third the size of Manhattan Island in New York City has been burned in Ventura County and remains zero percent contained, according to United Press International.

At least, 2,700 people have been evacuated from their homes and over 400 firefighters from a variety of agencies are battling the Canyon Fire.

Another 14,000 residents in northern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County are under evacuation alerts, reports UPI.

Hot and dry weather conditions are blamed for the spread of the fire.

Weather: Cooler, but still 80s

The forecast for our West Orange County cities through the weekend is for daily highs to remain in the 80s but to cool slightly, with partly cloudy skies. Saturday is expected to have a daytime high of 83 with an overnight low of 65. Sunday should cool to 81 (66), with Monday and Tuesday to drop to highs of 80 (lows of 66 and 67).

Great Thoughts

“Everyone sees the 2,000 points, but nobody sees the 2,000 days of hard work.”
– Paige Bueckers, basketball player

“No one can see his reflection in running water, but only in still water.”
Taoist saying

“There is nothing permanent except change.”
– Heraclitus, Greek philosopher