US ARMY (USA) Soldiers assigned to B/Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, conduct a foot patrol through Nowabab, Afghanistan, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (U.S. Army photo).

Despite public suggestions that negotiations are underway for a resolution of the U.S.-Iran conflict, around 1,000 more U.S troops will be sent to the Mideast soon.

The Associated Press is reporting that soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division will soon be their way, based on sources close to the Pentagon.

As many as 2,500 Marines are reported on their way to the area.

According to sources, included in the 82nd’s commitment would be a battalion from the 1st Brigade Combat team, with its commander and division staff.

Soldiers of the 82nd are trained to parachute into “hostile or contested territory.”

Both military actions by the U.S. are believed to come in response to the closure of the Hormuz Straight – a key oil shipping route – by Iran, which is driving up gasoline and other petroleum prices.

Should asylum-seekers be turned away?

The question of what “arrives” means could be key to whether asylum-seekers can be turned away at the U.S border is reportedly a central point before the Supreme Court.

WHAT does it mean to “arrive” at the U.S. border? (Shutterstock).

According to The New York Times, at issue is whether existing federal law, which allows a “non-citizen” who is physically present in the “United States” or “arrives in the United States” can apply for asylum.

The issue becomes whether “arrives” means approaches the border, or crosses the border into the U.S.

Under President Barack Obama, a migrant would have to cross the border to be eligible to apply for asylum. President Donald Trump wants to revive that definition and stop asylum seekers at the border, typically referring to crossers from Mexico.

Moon base proposed by NASA

A permanent base on the moon, along with regular flights there, was proposed on Tuesday by NASA Administrator Jared Issacman.

United Press International is reporting that $30 billion will be needed to construct the facility on the lunar surface.

Once the base is built and the trips to the moon begin with the Artemis V missions, flights will carry astronauts there each six months.

The time line, Issacman said, is to return to the moon before the end of President [Donald] Trump’s term, build a moon base, establish an enduring presence, and do the other things needed to ensure American leadership in space.”

Weather: A summer-y spring

Conditions in our West Orange County these spring day days continue to feel a little summer-like. On Wednesday, the daytime high is forecast to hit 81 with an overnight low of 57 with mostly sunny skies. Thursday will be slightly warmer at 83 (57) and also mostly sunny. Friday is expected to be mostly cloudy with temps of 83 (59). The weekend begins with a high of 87 and a low of 60 and mostly cloudy skies.

Great Thoughts (rain)

“Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.”
– John Updike

“Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”
– Langston Hughes

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”
– Vivian Greene.