THE WAR in Ukraine has now spilled back into Russian territory (Shutterstock).

Ukrainian forces have gained “full control” of Sudzha, a town in Russia that’s the administrative center for the Kursk region, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

While having only 5,000 residents, the town is largest of any yet conquered by Ukraine in its week-long surprise thrust into Russia.

The unexpected move by Ukraine has scrambled the military situation in the three-year long war, and thrown into question Russia’s ability to either win the conflict or force Ukraine into making territorial concessions.

In response, the Russian defense ministry said that its forces have blocked any further advances by Ukrainian troops.

Additionally, U.S military sources indicate that Ukrainian drone attacks have inflicted damage on two Russian air bases.

Biden and Harris “pass the torch”

President Joe Biden – and person seeking be his successor, Kamala Harris – made their first joint public appearance of the campaign on Thursday

In Largo, Maryland, the two praised each other, Harris calling Biden an “extraordinary” human being and Biden said that Harris would make “one hell of a president.”

They used the event to trumpet price negotiations with pharmaceutical corporations, which would have saved Americans $6 billion if they had been in effect this year, according to the White House.

Trump: “I’m entitled” to attack Harris

Calling his Democratic opponent “grossly incompetent” and questioning her intelligence, former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump defended his criticisms of Kamala Harris because “she certainly attacks me.”

Trump held a news conference Thursday at his golf club in New York.

“I didn’t rant and rave,” he said, referring to his speaking style. “I’m a very calm person.” In addition to scripted remarks, he blamed Harris for inflation and promised that prices would come down if more oil drilling was done in the U.S.

Sports: Angels idle, Dodgers lost

The Los Angeles Angels have a day off on Thursday after Wednesday’s 9-2 loss the Toronto Blue Jays. They will start a series on Friday hosting the Atlanta Braves.

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost 6-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday to split the four-game series at two wins for each team. On Friday, the Blue Crew start a three-game series in St. Louis against the Cardinals.

Weather:  Middle of the road

In our West Orange County area, temperatures will stay mostly in the middle-range (for summer) with a warming trend following the weekend. Daytime highs range from 82 to 83 through Sunday, with Monday hitting 86. Overnight lows range from 64 to 67.