RESIDENT DONALD TRUMP with Ukrainian President Zelensky (Shutterstock).

President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered some surprising remarks on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, according to the Associated Press.

In the past, the president has expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s prospected and suggested that it might need to trade and for peace.

But after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he posted this on social media: “I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine in its original form. With time, patience and the financial support of Europe, and, in particular NATO, the original borders from where this war started is very much an option.”

“Trump is a game-changer by himself,” Zelensky said after their meeting.

Israeli forces move further into Gaza

To the sound of tanks, drones and gunfire, Israeli troops are pushing further into Gaza City.

HAMAS vs. Israel (Shutterstock).

United Press International reports that tanks have moved into the west of Gaza’s largest city, an area called Beach Camp on Tuesday. Others were spotted south of the Islamic University on Monday.

Israel has ordered inhabitants to leave the area, and an estimated 640,000 people have fled.

At the United Nations, more nations have joined in their recognition of an independent Palestine state.

The new supporters are Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino, all of them small European states.

They follow earlier action by Great Britain, Australia and Canada.

Play ball! With robot umpires

ROBOT UMPIRES will be the wave of the future (Shutterstock)

The competition committee of Major League Baseball voted on Tuesday to approve the use of what are called “robot umpires” in calling balls and strikes.

According to The Los Angeles Times the Automated Ball/Strike System will debut in the big leagues by 2026. It won’t be some C3PIO made of metal; it will be a video-computer system that won’t be calling the pitches except that each team will be allowed to challenge two calls per game, with more if a game goes into extra innings.

The challenge can be made by a pitcher, catcher or batter. As in football, a successful challenge is retained.

Weather: Getting a bit cooler

It’s not yet time to get out your sweaters, but there’s a cooling trend coming our West Orange County cities. The forecast for Wednesday is for a daytime high of 84 with an overnight low of 67 along with sunny skies. Thursday will see the thermometer drop to 80 (69) under partly cloudy skies. Friday should chill a bit to 78 (68) with mostly cloudy skies; Saturday will be the same at 78 (68).

Great Thoughts: Technology

“Science can never solve one problem without ten more more problems.”
– George Bernard Shaw

“One machine can do the work of 50 ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”
– Elbert Hubbard.

“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.”
– Isaac Asimov