Despite the challenges brought by war, Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities are filled with flowers
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In Ukraine, flowers have always held cultural significance, but since the Russian invasion in 2022, their symbolism has only grown. Flowers, particularly sunflowers, have become a symbol of resistance and hope for the war-torn country. Ukrainians seize every opportunity to adorn Kyiv and other cities with flowers from the rural heartland. These blooms are featured on banknotes, textiles, and murals in Ukraine. Throughout the country, young men on dates and soldiers, some missing limbs, carry bouquets upon their return home. In 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy notably brought a bouquet to a teenage girl who was injured while fleeing Russian forces outside Kyiv during a hospital visit.
Oldest inhabited termite mounds discovered to be 34,000 years old
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Scientists in South Africa were astonished to find that termite mounds still inhabited in an arid region of the country are 34,000 years old, making them the oldest known active termite hills. These mounds existed during the time of saber-toothed cats and woolly mammoths, as well as when large parts of Europe and Asia were covered in ice. Their age predates some of the earliest cave paintings in Europe and indicates that they have continuously housed termite colonies. The researchers are advocating for more research on termite mounds to gain insights into climate change, maintaining ecosystems, and potentially improving agricultural practices.
LeBron James agrees to two-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources say
LeBron James has decided to return for a record-tying 22nd season in the NBA, during which he could potentially share the court with his son Bronny as teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers. Sources report that James has signed a two-year contract to stay with the Lakers. The second year of the deal is at James’ discretion, allowing him to become a free agent again next summer. The Lakers have confirmed that Bronny James has signed his first NBA contract, which is a four-year deal.
US drops legal battle against Titanic expedition, future disputes still possible
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — The U.S. government has officially ended its legal dispute against an upcoming dive to the Titanic shipwreck, as the expedition will not be entering the ship’s hull or taking artifacts from the site. The U.S. has maintained that such actions would violate a federal law that designates the wreck as a memorial. RMS Titanic Inc., a Georgia-based company that holds the Titanic’s salvage rights, has reduced its dive plans significantly this year. Unmanned submersibles will solely capture images of the wreck and debris field during the mission scheduled for mid-July.
Police recover remains of girl taken by crocodile in northern Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police in northern Australia have located the remains of a 12-year-old girl two days after she was seized by a crocodile while swimming in a creek. Authorities confirmed that the injuries indicated a crocodile attack. Efforts are ongoing to capture the crocodile responsible for the incident. Saltwater crocodiles are territorial, and it is likely that the predator will remain in nearby waterways. The girl’s disappearance sparked an intense 36-hour land, water, and air search.
Banned NBA player Jontay Porter to face charges in betting case, court documents suggest
NEW YORK (AP) — Court documents suggest that former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter will be charged with a federal felony related to a sports betting scandal that led to his lifetime ban from the NBA. Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have filed a criminal information sheet, but details such as the court date and specific charges are not provided. The case appears to be connected to an ongoing prosecution of four individuals accused of profiting from insider information about a player’s early exit from two games. Porter’s lawyer has not yet commented on the matter.
Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” to showcase massive sharks and women in science
NEW YORK (AP) — Marine biologist Liv Dixon’s daring endeavor for Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” involves entering a life-sized whale carcass decoy to attract sharks and observe their behavior in deep water. The week-long event features 21 hours of new programming where scientists take risks to gain a better understanding of apex predators. Hosted by John Cena, “Shark Week” kicks off with Dixon’s one-hour special, “Belly of the Beast: Bigger & Bloodier.”
Jessica Campbell becomes first woman on NHL bench as assistant coach for Seattle Kraken
SEATTLE (AP) — Jessica Campbell has made history by becoming the first woman to join the coaching staff of an NHL franchise after being hired as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken. Campbell previously served as an assistant coach for Seattle’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley. A former player in the NCAA, the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, and Canada’s women’s national team, Campbell brings a wealth of experience to her new role with the Kraken.
Shohei Ohtani opts out of Home Run Derby during All-Star festivities
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has decided not to participate in the Home Run Derby on July 15, despite ranking second in the majors with 27 home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani cited his ongoing rehabilitation from an elbow injury and subsequent surgery as the reason for his withdrawal from the event. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that it is not solely Ohtani’s responsibility to carry the sport.
Rescued lion cub Freya finds safety in South Africa amid controversial lion breeding practices
PAARL, South Africa (AP) — Six-month-old lion cub Freya, rescued from the wildlife trade in Lebanon, has been relocated to a sanctuary in South Africa. As Freya settles in at the Drakenstein Lion Park, animal welfare advocates are drawing attention to South Africa’s contradictory stance on lions. While the country is known for conservation efforts, it also has a significant captive lion industry where lions are bred for “canned hunting” and the lion bone trade. Freya is safe from such a fate as she resides in one of the country’s ethical sanctuaries.
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