Hormuz blockade is in place: more talks coming soon?

The blockade by the United States of the Straight of Hormuz is now in place, and the Iranian government is threatening to fight back by striking targets across the Mideast.

At the same time, reports the Associated Press, there is the possibility that a second set of talks including the U.S., Israel, Pakistan and Iran may resume. “Over the next two days,” said President Donald Trump.

Also, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon ambassadors have finished on a “productive note,” according to the U.S. State Department.

A key factor in relations between the U.S. and Israel is the presence of Hezbollah militants in that nation, a group backed by Iran and in conflict with Israel. Hezbollah doesn’t recognize Israel or its right to exist.

Virginia’s political redistricting

Voters in Virginia will go to the polls – in person or via mailed ballot – on Tuesday – to decide on a redistricting plan that would eliminate all but one “safe” Republican seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Polls noted by The New York Times are divided on the likely winner. The Washington Post/George Mason University survey shows 52 percent in favor and 47 percent opposed.

Roanoke College’s poll shows 52 percent opposed and 44 percent in favor. Christopher Newport University’s survey has 51 percent in favor and 43 percent opposed.

The election in the Dominion State is the latest effort by both major parties to tilt control of the lower house of Congress to their side. Texas began with new maps that eliminated most “Democratic-leaning” districts; California did the same for most “Republican-leaning” districts.

Woman accuses Swalwell of rape

Ex-Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-California) was hit with a new accusation of sexual assault on Tuesday.
According to United Press International, Swalwell on Monday announced his resignation from the House of Representatives. He had previously dropped out of the race for governor of California.

Swalwell had earlier been accused of misconduct by several women; Tuesday’s accusation came from Lonna Drewes of Beverly Hills, who claimed that Swalwell had in 2018 drugged, raped and choked her while they were in a California hotel room.

Swalwell apologized for “mistakes in judgment” but called the accusations against him to be “serious, false” claims

Weather: A sneak peak at summer

It’s spring on the calendar, but we’ll be be getting a bit of summer for the next few days. Wednesday’s daytime high is expected to hit 74 (with a low of 57) in our West Orange cities with mostly sunny skies. Thursday should cool a bit to 73 (55) with cloudy skies. Friday’s forecast calls for a rise to 77 (55) and cloudy. Saturday should warm to 82 (57) with mostly cloudy skies.

Great Thoughts

“Every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat.”
–Ellen Perry Berkeley

“A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way.”
– Mark Twain

“Dogs come when they are called. Cats take a message and get back to you later.”
– Mary Bly