VENEZUELA is one of the world’s leading oil producers (Shutterstock).

From 30 to 50 million barrels of oil will be provided to the United States by Venezuela “at market price.” President Donald Trump said on Tuesday.

The Associated Press is reporting that the president said the sale of the oil would be used to “benefit the people” of both countries.

Representatives of major U.S oil companies are being summoned to a meeting on Friday on the issue of investing in the Venezuelan petroleum industry.

Venezuela has not agreed to such a deal.

Also on Tuesday, Venezuelan officials announced that at least 24 Venezuelan security officers were killed in the American military operation to capture that nation’s president and take him to the U.S. for prosecution on drug trafficking charges.

An additional 32 Cuban military and police officers working in Venezuela were also killed in the action, the Cuban government announced.

Walz won’t seek third term

KAMALA HARRIS and Tim Walz were the nominees of Democratic Party for president and vice president in 2024 (Shutterstock).

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz – who was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2024 –won’t run for a third term because of allegations against him and his state, he said on Tuesday.

“I don’t think any governor in history has had to fight a war against the federal government every single day,” said Walz, who made his announcement on seeking re-election on Monday, according to The New York Times.

The federal government is investigating alleged misuse of money aimed for feeding children during the COVID-19 epidemic and an immigration crackdown on a state with a substantial Somali population.

Many of those being investigated in the misuse of those federal funds are of Somalian background, reported The Times.

“The attacks on Minnesota are far beyond me,” said Walz, :and it’s hurting Minnesotans.”

France, Britain would send troops, if …

The governments of Great Britain and France would send troops to serve in Ukraine if a peace deal to end the war between Ukraine and Russia is achieved.

RUSSIA AND Ukraine are still at war (Shutterstock).

United Press International is reporting that French president Emmanuel Macron hosted a meeting with leaders of the “Coalition of the Willing.”

Once a peace deal is signed, France and Great Britain would establish “military hubs” across Ukraine to enforce a cease-fire.

The United States is not part of the group, but has promised to have a role in “monitoring” the deal, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Weather: Getting some sun soon

Now that the rain is behind us, our West Orange County will be getting warmer temperatures and – toward the weekend – some sunshine. The forecast for Wednesday is for a daytime high of 65 with an overnight low of 47, with party cloudy skies. Thursday will be similar at 63 (44) and partly cloudy. The warming begins on Friday with a high of 66 (47) and mostly sunny skies. Saturday will be warmer at 73 (50) and mostly sunny.

Great Thoughts

“Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.”
– Bill Watterston

“A real friend is one who walks in when the the rest of the world walks out.”
– Walter Winchell

“A friend is one of the best things you can be and the greatest thing you can have.”
– Sarah Valdez