THE STRAIGHT OF HORMUZ satellite image (Shutterstock).

New strikes were launched early Wednesday by American military forces against Iran after Iran struck three merchant ships in the Straight of Hormuz.

The Associated Press is reporting that the attacks took place as funeral observances for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the beginning of the conflict.

U.S. Central Command posted a statement on social media stating that the strikes were “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway.”

The AP was told that the military focused its actions on targeting air defense systems as well as ground-to-air missiles. Additionally, the U.S attacked launch sites for anti-ship cruise missiles and drones, and Iranian port facilities were targeted.

Explosions were reported by Iranian state media in three cities, and Iran’s foreign minister said that U.S. had violated the interim agreement between the two nations.

Elections changes demanded by White House

States that refuse to change the way they conduct elections in conformity to President Donald Trump’s demands run the risk of losing federal terrorism prevention funds.

THE WHITE HOUSE (White House Photo)

According to The New York Times, states must transition their elections to paper ballots, demand proof of citizenship and conform to the White House’s stipulations.

The process would be for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to withhold 20 percent of some terrorism preparedness funds from states that don’t provide “proof of compliance” with what the administration describes as “election security measures.”

So far, federal courts have not been receptive to attempts by the federal government to change election procedures on grounds that the U.S. Constitution grants control of elections to the states, not the federal government.

Ukraine strikes back vs. Moscow

In what’s described as the biggest assault by Ukraine on Moscow, 430 unmanned aerial vehicles were launched overnight.

According to United Press International, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, most of the devices were knocked down, but 36 got “got close” to Moscow before being knocked out.

The attack by Ukraine was in response to an earlier assault by Russia on civilian targets in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. The attack, according to Ukrainian sources claim, did damage in their country that included an airport and a semiconductor factory.

It was the third night of attacks by Russia, and Ukraine claimed that 108 drones were knocked down but 12 got through to strike 10 locations.

Weather: A bit of rain this week

It’s warm, but there may be a bit of rain this week for our West Orange County cities. The forecast for Wednesday calls for a daytime high of 84 with an overnight low of 65 with partly cloudy skies and a 19 percent chance of rain. Thursday will also be partly cloudy with a high of 83 and a low of 65. Friday is expected to cool to 80 (65) with partly cloudy conditions and a 20 percent chance of rain. Saturday should cool more with mostly cloudy skies with a high of 78 and a low of 67.

Great Thoughts (golf)

“No matter how good you get, you can always get better –– and that’s the exciting part.”
– Tiger Woods

“Golf is a good walk spoiled.”
– Mark Twain

“Play the shot in front of you, not the one you fear.”
– Clara Bishop