Do you have a favorite invertebrate? If not, it’s time to choose one. The Guardian is running its third annual Invertebrate of the Year competition, asking the public to nominate their fave spineless creatures. The shortlist will be released early next month, at which point the competition goes to a vote. If you need inspiration for picking your nominee, the Wikipedia page for invertebrates may be able to help you out.
Illinois Names Its First Official State Bee Thanks to the Efforts of an 8th Grade Class
mtruchon—iStock/Getty Images Plus
Speaking of invertebrates: Illinois has officially named its first state bee — thanks to a year of campaigning by an eighth grade class in Naperville. On Wednesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law a bill designating the black and gold bumblebee as the Illinois state bee. The species is a critical prairieland pollinator, “boosting Illinois’ natural ecosystem, supporting agriculture, and even helping to sustain life on Earth,” according to Pritzker’s office.
Students in science teacher Barbara Bell’s class led the charge for the designation after they completed a research project on bee species native to the state. To bolster their case, they designed presentations for other Illinois schools, coordinated a statewide student vote, and testified before lawmakers. They were rewarded for their efforts.
“The students at Lincoln Junior High School recognized the impact the black and gold bumblebee has on our state’s natural environment, a source of great pride to all who call Illinois home,” Pritzker said in a statement. “They demonstrated the power of young people brought together by curiosity and civic engagement, and in doing so, left their mark on our state.” Learn more about the species.
Together With Quince
Slip Into Something Cool for These Summer Nights
Nothing feels better than slipping into something cooling and comfortable after a long, sun-soaked summer day. Meet your new favorite sleepwear: Quince’s silk pajama pants.
Made from 100% mulberry silk, these pants naturally regulate body temperature — keeping you cool even on the hottest nights of the season. Airy side slits add style and extra ventilation, while 18 natural amino acids in the silk fibers nourish your skin as you sleep. Plus, you can mix and match with the washable silk pajama button up, tank, or tee.
With Cross-Country Bike Tour, Motorcyclists Raised Over $1M for Wounded Warrior Project
Courtesy of Adam Sandoval
If you happened to see a horde of motorcyclists driving Harley-Davidsons through your town at some point over the past three weeks, you may have caught a glimpse of the Great American Convoy. Concluding today after cruising from Arkansas up to Maine and then over through the Midwest, the epic motorcycle tour collectively raised over $1 million for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Now in its fourth year, the convoy is the passion project of Adam Sandoval, a biker and philanthropist who’s been fundraising for veterans through motorcycle campaigns for over a decade. Sandoval didn’t serve in the military himself, a regret he said drives his passion to help those who did. It’s a principle he thinks all people should live by.
“The theory is if you did not serve in the military for whatever reason, that you should find time to serve those who did,” Sandoval, 48, told Nice News from a stop in upstate New York on July 2. “And that’s what we're doing out here. We’re serving the men and women who served our country bravely.” Watch touching footage from the tour and learn how you can support Sandoval’s efforts.
Culture
This Tiny Corgi Just Might Be the Cutest — and Shortest — Sheepdog in England
Charley Atkins / SWNS
Meet Daphne: She’s 7 years old, under a foot tall, and killing it on the career front. The Welsh corgi has been helping move the 1,200 sheep at her farm in northwestern England’s Cumbria county for the past five years. And while she likely isn’t what you picture when you hear the word “sheepdog,” she’s actually a shining example of her herding breed.
The canine, who stands just 9 inches from paw to shoulder, keeps her woolly charges in check, barking on command to ensure they continue in the right direction.
Her owner, 33-year-old Heather Hodgson, told SWNS the pup’s little legs don’t stop her from lending a useful helping paw (er, hand) during the lambing season, which reaches its peak in the spring. Now that it’s summer, Daphne is aiding with moving flocks between grazing pastures and assisting during the shearing process.
“Nowadays people don’t think of corgis working on farms because of the Royals — and they spend the day lounging on cushions,” Heather said, referencing the many corgis Queen Elizabeth II and her parents owned over the years. “But they are high-energy, very intelligent, and full of character. So when people find out about her driving sheep, they love it.” See Daphne in action.
In Other News
Boston historians unearthed one of the oldest-known gravestones of a formerly enslaved Black American (read more)
Prison inmates will soon get access to tablets for educational and rehab services through a new federal program (read more)
A Maryland teenager is hoping to score big when flag football debuts at the 2028 Summer Olympics (read more)
“Cosmic conjoined twins”: A spacecraft snapped a pic of a rare asteroid that’s actually two stuck together (read more)
TheBlue Ghost, a rare firefly species, was spotted in an area of North Carolina for the first time (read more)
Inspiring Story
Winning on and off the field
Meet Martin “Coach Jake” Jacobson, the 80-year-old winningest high school soccer coach in New York City history. Since his 1994 arrival at Manhattan’s Martin Luther King Jr. High School, once known for its troubled past, Jacobson has led the boys soccer team to 21 state championships. But the high graduation rate of his players may be his greatest accomplishment. “All those kids that I coached are winning,” said Jacobson. “They’re winners. I like that they’re winners and maybe that’ll help them through life because they’ve won.”
Photo of the Day
Justin Shin/Getty Images
Taking place over four days, from July 6-9, the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Week was a feast for the eyes. Only 30 design houses and luxury brands, including Armani Privé, Chanel, Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Robert Wun (whose design is pictured), and Christian Dior, were invited to showcase daring new runway collections featuring innovative, custom-made pieces. See more of the looks.
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