Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to qualify for next week’s debate in Atlanta, according to host network CNN, as he fell shy of benchmarks for both state ballot qualification and the required polling figures. The missed markers mean that the June 27 showdown will be solely between Democratic President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee and former President, Donald Trump.

Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, has made landfall in Mexico. A dangerous heat wave is scorching parts of the Midwest and Northeast, where record-breaking high temperatures are forecast for dozens of cities. Meanwhile, authorities have reported that at least two people died as a result of wildfires in New Mexico. One fire has destroyed over 1,000 structures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed at least a dozen deals with his Vietnamese counterpart on June 20 in the course of his state visit, and offered to supply fossil fuels including natural gas to Vietnam over the longer term. His visit comes as Moscow is seeking to bolster ties in Asia to offset growing international isolation over its military actions in Ukraine.