lazzybee

1. Biden-Trump debate offers rare chance for change in stubbornly tight race

- The electoral calendar is nearly devoid of marquee chances for this year's presidential race to have a major change.

- There are the two party nominating conventions, with the Republican confab in July likely coinciding with a vice presidential pick from Donald Trump.

- Trump is also set to be sentenced next month after being convicted of 34 felony counts in his hush money trail in New York. 

2. Russia vows retaliation against US for Ukraine's ATACMS missile attack on Crimea

- The Kremlin directly blamed the United States for an attack on Crimea with U.S missiles that killed at least four people and injured 151

- Moscow formally warned the U.S. ambassador that retaliation would follow.

- Russian officials have said that the conflict is entering the most dangerous escalatory phase to date.

3. US spokesman indicates Netanyahu misspoke in comments on hostage-ceasefire deal

- Matthew Miller indicates that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu misspoke that he only supports phase one of the hostage deal so that Israel can resume fighting Hamas afterward.

- Miller notes Netanyahu’s subsequent statements walking back the claim.

- “I think all of us who speak publicly at times make mistakes… and when we do so we have an obligation to come and clarify, and we’re glad he did,” Miller says.