JEFFREY EPSTEIN and President Donald Trump. This image is a computer-created illustration; not a photograph. While they are believed to have been associates, there no evidence connecting the president to any sex crimes (Shutterstock).

Thousands of files about the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released by the Department of Justice on Friday, but those people expecting blockbuster revelations are likely to be disappointed.

According to the Associated Press, the incomplete set of documents and photos revealed little new about the alleged connections between Epstein and powerful people.

The material released included photos of former President Bill Clinton with Epstein, but little about another Epstein friend, President Donald Trump.

The records included call logs, photos and grand jury testimony, but portions were redacted.
Trump had originally opposed the release of the files, but many Republicans in Congress joined Democrats in demanding release of the files, which – so far – have contained not much news.

Settlement reached in Skaggs death

An undisclosed settlement was reached Friday in the wrong-death suit of the family of Angels’ pitcher Tyler Skaggs against the Los Angeles Angels.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the agreement was released after 31 days of trial testimony. Some observers indicated that some of the jurors believed that the baseball team had at least some responsibility for Skaggs’ accidental death in 2019.

The pill that is said to have been connected to the fatality was given to the pitcher by-then-Angels communications director Eric Kay, who is now serving a 22-year sentence in federal prison.

U.S. forces attack in Syria

What are being described as carrying out “major air strikes against the Islamic State in Syria are being done by United States forces.
According to the New York Times, the actions come as vengeance for the deaths of two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian U.S interpreter last Saturday.
Fighter jets, attack helicopters and long-range artillery blasted at 70 targets suspected to be located across central Syria in what President Donald Trump called a “massive strike.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a social media post, said, “This is not the beginning of a war – it is a declaration of vengeance.” He added: “Today, we hunted and killed our enemies. Lots of them. And we will continue.”

Weather: Look out (up!) for the rain

Cooler says and nights, along with some rain are coming to our West Orange County cities. Daytime temps will range from 68 to 64. The forecast for Saturday predicts a daytime high of 67 with an overnight low of 53 with mostly cloudy skies. Sunday will warm slightly to 68 (53) with morning fog and afternoon clouds. Monday will cool to 66 (53) with mostly cloudy skies. Afternoon rain is expected Tuesday with temps of 64 and 58.

Great Thoughts

“A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation.” – James Freeman Clarke.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” – Ronald Reagan.

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – Lord Action.