Extra, Extra

Let’s Do it at Your Place: “Last week, Ukraine tried something new. Its own forces marched miles across the Russian border in a surprise operation. They now control some Russian land in the region of Kursk, including dozens of towns and villages.” Ukraine’s Surprise Attack. Politico: Putin pulls units out of Ukraine to defend Russia.

+ Middle East on Edge: Reuters: “Only a ceasefire deal in Gaza stemming from hoped-for talks this week would hold Iran back from direct retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on its soil, three senior Iranian officials said.” (This standoff would be remarkably intriguing if we didn’t have so much at stake.)

+ Ballot Boxing: Probably the biggest election news of the day: Arizona certifies abortion access measure for the November ballot. (When choice is on the ballot, it usually wins. And it draws in a lot of non-MAGA voters.)

+ The Bucks Stops Here: “The Starbucks CEO revolving door keeps spinning as the company struggles with sinking sales.” Starbucks’ CEO is out. Chipotle’s Brian Niccol is taking over. (So your Venti might soon seem a little less grande…)

+ Getting the Bandage Back Together: “Researchers have developed an inexpensive bandage that uses an electric field to promote healing in chronic wounds.” Electric Bandages Could Heal Wounds Faster.

+ The Rent Is Not Too Damn High: San Franciso’s downtown was hit extremely hard during the pandemic and parts of it haven’t really come back to life. The city is trying to lure businesses back with quite an offer. NYT (Gift Article): Can Free Rent Revive Downtown San Francisco?