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It’s Friday, August 9 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s newsletter:

• Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, Russia

• Utah’s ban of a Judy Blume book in school libraries

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Ukraine invades Kursk

Ukrainian troops made a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region. Bloomberg says the bold move puts Putin on his back foot.

Forbes says the move is a huge gamble: Ukraine sent the last of its spare troops over the Russian border.

CNN: Sure, the move was risky. But the headlines embarrassing Russia's army may be well worth it -- and the move could eventually turn the tide of the Ukraine-Russia war.

A Telegraph Op: The gamble's a bad look for Putin. With Ukraine's F-16s in tow, things aren't looking good for Russia.

For what it's worth, Ukraine has publicly justified its attack: Zelensky's aide says Russia's “unequivocal aggression” in invading Ukraine justified the move.

Utah bans a Judy Blume book

Utah banned “Forever...” by Judy Blume in school libraries. The Guardian says this move imposes “dystopian censorship”.

NPR agrees: Utah's ban on Judy Blume books is a form of government censorship.

Judy Blume has a take herself -- she says the censorship stems from fear, not morality. Parents are desperately clinging to control over their children's lives.

But this X user says the book does have explicit content -- there's a detailed description of sex in it.

This Redditor thinks it's a pointless argument -- you really can't prevent your kids from mature themes, especially in the internet era!

1) COVID concerns rise as Noah Lyles and over 40 athletes test positive amid lax restrictions at the Paris Olympics.

2) US, Egypt, and Qatar call for immediate resumption of Gaza talks between Israel and Hamas, aiming to end the war.

3) Karen Read's defense seeks to dismiss charges after a mistrial, arguing double jeopardy. A new trial is scheduled for Jan. 27.

4) Harris and Walz hit Wisconsin, emphasizing freedom. Their visit underscores the state's critical role in upcoming elections.