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It’s Thursday, August 15 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s newsletter:

• Ukraine’s continued advance into Russia

• Banksy’s new art series throughout London

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Ukraine continues its advance

Ukraine's recent offensive in Kursk marks the largest attack on Russian soil since WWII. Al Jazeera says Zelenskyy claims strategic gains as Belgorod declares emergency.

CNN agrees: Ukraine's incursion into Russia embarrasses Putin and boosts Kyiv's morale. Ukraine has now taken more territory than Russia has this year!

BBC adds: Ukraine's advance in Kursk region challenges Putin's “Mr Security” image.

NYT: Ukraine's surprise incursion looks like it's forcing Russia to shift troops. It could reframe the war entirely. But it could also make Ukraine vulnerable.

New Banksy art

Street artist Banksy recently unveiled a series of animal artworks around London. The NYT said the sudden emergence of the animal images sent fans on a giddy hunt around the city.

But what do they mean? BBC had a theory: Banksy's animal artwork are about “incarceration“ and escape.

Metro agreed with that theory: Banksy's animal artwork at London Zoo queries captivity and freedom.

The Guardian had a different take, though: Banksy's animal artwork is about amusement and creativity -- the goal is to cheer up Londoners during bleak times.

Still, Ynetnews says London police would call Banksy's animal art “criminal damage”: He painted swimming piranhas on a police sentry box!

1) Rachael “Raygun” Gunn speaks on the “devastating” hate received after her viral Olympic breakdance performance.

2) Arrest made in connection with the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry, known for his role on “Friends”.

3) Israel and Hamas to hold new ceasefire talks in Doha amid regional tensions and a high Palestinian death toll.

4) Gena Rowlands, celebrated for her roles in independent cinema and mainstream hits like “The Notebook”, has passed away at 94.