DESTROYED RUSSIAN tank near Mariupol in Ukraine (Wikipedia).

Ukrainian forces are retaking some of the ground from Russian troops in the area north of the capital city of Kyiv, but not without some anxiety.

According to the Associated Press, fear of mines and “booby traps” are making reclaiming the territory a nerve-wracking experience potentially full of danger.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, said Saturday that the Russians were leaving explosives around homes, equipment and even the bodies of the dead.

Six civilians were allegedly killed by Russian troops without provocation.

Zelenskyy also said that his nation’s forces were not allowing the retreating invaders to withdraw unmolested. Ukrainian troops are “shelling them. They are destroying everyone they can.”

Sarah Palin’s back in politics

Former governor of Alaska and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has announced she will seek a seat in the House of Representatives. She is entering the field in a special election in Alaska to fill the seat held by Don Young, who died last month.

She is one of 51 candidates on the ballot for the elections set for June 11. The top four vote-getters will face off in a special election on Aug. 16, according to NBC News.

Sports: Jayhawks, Tar Heels in the Finals

Kansas University defeated Villanova 81-65 in Saturday’s NCAA National Basketball Championships to propel the Jayhawks into Monday’s title game. Ochai Agbaji scored 21 points for the winners, after scoring 12 of his team’s first 19 points.

The other finalist will be North Carolina, which defeated Duke 81-77 to end legendary coach Mike Krzyewski’s college career with a loss.

Weather: Turning corner to warmer

Clouds can be nice but as summer approaches it’s nice to feel some sun on our faces, too. Sunday should continue to be cool and cloudy (high of 67, 54 overnight), but Monday will warm to 73 (54) and the sunlight will break through on Tuesday with a high of 78 (56). Temps will rise to 87 (61) on Wednesday.