jlbet1 Elon Musk wants to turn SpaceX's Starbase site into a Texas cityThe common murre, a large black-and-white seabird native to northern waters, has become far less common in Alaska over the past decade due to the impacts of climate change. A study published Thursday in Science reveals that a record-breaking marine heat wave in the northeast Pacific from 2014 to 2016 triggered a catastrophic population collapse, wiping out four million birds -- about half the species in the region. Strikingly, they have shown little signs of rebounding, suggesting long-term shifts in the food web that have locked the ecosystem into a troubling new equilibrium. "There's a lot of talk about declines of species that are tied to changes in temperature, but in this case, it was not a long term result," lead author Heather Renner of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge told AFP. "To our knowledge, this is the largest mortality event of any wildlife species reported during the modern era," she and her colleagues emphasized in their paper. The finding triggers "alarm bells," Renner said in an interview, as human-caused climate change makes heat waves more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting. With their dapper, tuxedoed look, common murres are sometimes called the "penguins of the north." Their slender wings power them across vast distances in search of food and make them expert divers. But even these hardy seabirds were no match for an unprecedented environmental catastrophe. The largest marine heat wave ever recorded began in the late fall of 2014, spanning a massive swath of the northeast Pacific Ocean from California to Alaska. It persisted for over two years, leaving devastation in its wake. During this time, some 62,000 emaciated murres washed ashore along the North American Pacific coastline -- dead or dying from starvation. Experts point to two key reasons for the bird deaths: elevated ocean temperatures reduced both the quality and quantity of phytoplankton, impacting fish like herring, sardines, and anchovies -- the mainstay of the murre diet. At the same time, warmer waters increased the energy demands of larger fish, such as salmon and Pacific cod, which compete with murres for the same prey. "We knew then it was a big deal, but unfortunately, we couldn't really quantify the effects," explained Renner. For years after the event, breeding colonies failed to produce chicks, complicating efforts to assess the full impact. Earlier estimates pegged the number of deaths at around a million, but a more robust analysis -- drawing on data from 13 murre colonies -- revealed the toll was four times higher. "It is just so much worse than we thought it was," Renner said of the new findings. The marine heat wave didn't just impact common murres. Pacific cod stocks collapsed, king salmon populations dwindled, and as many as 7,000 humpback whales perished. Yet the crisis created an uneven playing field: some species emerged unscathed, while others even thrived. Thick-billed murres, which often share nesting cliffs with common murres, were largely unaffected, possibly due to their more adaptable diet, Renner noted. For common murres, however, the fallout lingers. Despite nearly a decade since the heat wave, their numbers show no sign of bouncing back -- and the losses may well be permanent. Part of the reason lies in the long-term decline of some of their prey. Another factor is murres' survival strategy relies on numbers: they aggregate in massive colonies to protect their eggs from opportunistic predators like eagles and gulls. With their populations slashed, these birds have lost their critical safety buffer. Still, Renner offered a glimmer of hope. While addressing global warming is essential for curbing long-term climate change, conservation efforts can make a difference in the short term, she said. Removing invasive species like foxes and rats from murre nesting islands could also provide the beleaguered birds with a fighting chance. ia/desNebraska soon will seek federal Perkins canal permit as urgency grows, DNR says

AP News Summary at 5:42 p.m. EST

1978 Formula One Champion Mario Andretti will still be a part of the Cadillac F1 entry, as a director on the board. Formula One confirmed earlier today that it had provided General Motors with an "agreement in principle" to join the Formula One grid in 2026 under its Cadillac branding. However, it was not clear how the Andretti name might fit into this. The racing legend has since spoken out on still being involved in the team. Mario Andretti commented : "My first love was Formula 1 and now – 70 years later – the F1 paddock is still my happy place. "I'm absolutely thrilled with Cadillac, Formula 1, Mark Walter, and Dan Towriss. "To still be involved at this stage of my life — I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming." Andretti Global had partnered with General Motors to bolster its F1 bid which had originally been approved by the FIA in the October 2023. However, the American team was later rejected by Formula One Management in January 2024. Despite this, Andretti continued pushing to join the grid by unveiling a UK headquarters in Silverstone, England, hiring former F1 technical director Pat Symonds, and continuing with the development of an F1 car under the 2026 regulations. After Michael Andretti, Mario's son, recently stepped down as Andretti Global CEO, rumors began to intensify surrounding an F1 entry for General Motors/Cadillac. Michael explained at the time: "Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organisation, and I am so proud of what we have built," he said at the time. "But decades of running flat out doesn't come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back." Speaking about the "agreement in principle" Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali commented: "General Motors and Cadillac's commitment to this project is an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport. We look forward to seeing the progress and growth of this application, certain of the full collaboration and support of all the parties involved." Michael Andretti has also broken his silence after the news today, posting to social media: "The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!" The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team. I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!Black Friday has officially come to a close but Amazon is keeping the momentum going with great deals all weekend long and into Cyber Monday. If you’re looking to score some fantastic bargains, you’re in luck! Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best deals available this Black Friday / Saturday . See all deals at Amazon Best deals for Black Friday: See all deals at Amazon Amazon has completely changed the Black Friday shopping experience and took it to new heights all across the globe. By offering massive discounts on premium brands (Apple, Dyson, Samsung, Sony, and more) and a vast array of products across multiple categories (tech, beauty, fashion, cuisine, video games...), Amazon has created a shopping experience that perfectly aligns with the holiday season. Black Friday Gifts for Holiday Season The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s where it was used by police to describe the heavy vehicle traffic that would occur after Thanksgiving. Over time, retailers began to embrace the term and promote sales events to attract shoppers, and Amazon has brought it to another level. The day is now synonymous with massive discounts and doorbuster deals. In recent years, Black Friday has evolved into a multi-day shopping event that now includes online sales: The rise of e-commerce has allowed retailers like Amazon to expand their reach and offer deals not just on Black Friday but throughout the entire weekend leading up to Cyber Monday . This shift in shopping behavior has made it easier for consumers to access deals from the comfort of their homes. One of the standout features of shopping at Amazon during Black Friday is the user experience it offers. Customers can easily navigate through record-low prices displayed transparently on the website. Moreover, Amazon provides free and fast shipping options for Prime members so that your purchases arrive quickly and just in time for holiday gifting. For those who may be concerned about gift returns, Amazon has extended its return policy this year, allowing customers to return items until January 31, 2025 . This flexibility means that you can shop with confidence, knowing that if any gifts don’t meet expectations or preferences after the holiday season, you can easily return them. While Amazon is the biggest player during Black Friday, it’s not the only retailer to consider: Best Buy, Target, Costco and Walmart are also active and you might find that one store runs out of stock while the other still has items available. This year, direct-to-consumer brands are making a big splash as well: Samsung is offering huge discounts on its entire catalog and NordVPN has some of the lowest prices on the market. Amazon Deals for Saturday As we dive into Saturday morning of this Black Friday weekend, there are still some great deals available on Amazon. The Apple MacBook Pro M4 is seeing a major price cut this weekend which makes it an ideal choice for anyone in need of a powerful laptop for work or play. Same for the latest 2024 MacBook Air. The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is also available at a lower price point. For those interested in smart home technology, Roborock robot vacuums are currently discounted for Black Friday and allows homeowners to keep their spaces clean effortlessly (S8 MaxV Ultra, S8, Q5 Pro, and more). The Google Nest Wifi system is another great option for anyone looking to enhance their home network with reliable connectivity throughout their living space at a cheaper price. Gamers will be pleased to find Sony’s PSVR2 headset available at a massive discount as well. The PS5 Slim and the DualSense Controller as also at a bargain. As Black Friday wraps up but continues through Cyber Monday on Amazon, you have a great opportunity to score record-low prices on premium products across various categories. Be sure to check out our updated deals list above and grab your favorite before they run out of stock. See all deals at Amazon

• seeks more citizens’ support, collaboration The Coalition of Civil Society for Promotion of Human Rights (CCPHR) on Thursday commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa for their robust approach to tackling the nation’s security challenges. In a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Dr Amana Moses Amana, the group said that it became necessary to appreciate the progress made in combating the nation’s security problems to inspire key players in the security architecture to do more, knowing that their efforts were recognised. The statement said that the Coalition’s review of developments in the security landscape showed that ” General Musa, is successfully executing President Tinubu’s marching orders for the Armed Forces and other security agencies to eliminate Nigeria’s security threats, which is translating into a curtailment of terrorists and other threat groups”. According to the Group, “Since President Tinubu placed General Christopher Musa, as a round peg in a round hole, the military has made significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, with prioritisation of joint and collaborative efforts that created an atmosphere conducive for kk the services of the Armed Forces to cooperate and deliver on set targets without rancour or rivalry. “The Coalition of Civil Society for Promotion of Human Rights has observed how his leadership blended kinetic and non-kinetic approaches that have proven effective in various conflict zones across the country. We have also seen how his leadership has improved intelligence-gathering capabilities, which has led to more precise and effective military operations against insurgents and criminal elements. “A consequence of this is the reassuring of note that troops took out 8,034 terrorists; arrested 11,623 and rescued 6,376 hostages in different operations across the country in the year 2024, which is a clear message to those who want to undermine Nigeria that they are on a doomed mission. “The military under the current leadership has been able to stop the economic saboteurs, who compromise oil exploration, such that for the first time in many years, Nigeria met 99% of its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) output of 1.5 million barrels per day. “The leadership style of blending kinetic and non-kinetic approaches has also produced and implemented innovative strategies to address the root causes of insecurity. We have documented such initiatives to include initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, education, and social development in conflict-prone areas, which address these underlying issues to reduce the appeal recruiting capabilities of insurgent groups. “As an organisation focused on safeguarding human rights, what we count as the most profound about the Armed Forces under the incumbent Chief of Defence Staff is the emphasis he placed on civil-military relations. “General Musa’s collaborative approach that involves local communities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders in the security architecture has helped to improve trust between the military and the civilian population, which has, in turn, facilitated better intelligence sharing and cooperation in security efforts. We have also seen fewer infractions on the rights of civilians.” The Group, however, canvassed citizens’ support for Tinubu, the military and other security agencies with their leadership, stating that, “Nigerians must realise that terrorists are notorious for violating the human rights of citizens, which everyone must join hands to put a stop to. “Supporting the Armed Forces in their fight against terrorism and security threats to Nigeria is necessary to ensure the safety and stability of our country, allowing citizens to live and thrive without fear of falling victim to the mindless destructive acts of the enemies of Nigeria. “By supporting the Federal Government’s security approach and collaborating with the Armed Forces, Nigerians can collectively defeat the threats that undermine our nation’s peace and progress.” ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Group commends Tinubu over new appointments in NNPCLSnowflake students complain after uni rowing club ranks members’ abilities by comparing them to willies

NEW YORK (AP) — Free agent pitchers Luis Gabriel Moreno and Alejandro Crisostomo were suspended for 80 games each by Major League Baseball on Friday following positive tests for performance-enhancing substances under the minor league drug program. Moreno tested positive for Nandrolone, and Crisostomo tested positive for Boldenone and Nandrolone, the commissioner’s office said. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

The best ASX tech stocks to buy in 2025

Special Counsel Jack Smith on Monday moved to dismiss the federal cases against US President-elect Donald Trump -- including one for election subversion -- citing an official policy of not prosecuting a sitting president. Trump, 78, was accused of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden and mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House, but neither case ever came to trial. Smith, in a filing with the district judge in Washington presiding over the election case, said it should be dropped in light of the long-standing Justice Department policy of not indicting or prosecuting a sitting president. He cited the same reasoning in withdrawing his appeal of a ruling by a district judge, a Trump appointee, who dismissed the classified documents case earlier this year. Smith asked District Judge Tanya Chutkan to dismiss the election interference case "without prejudice" -- leaving open the possibility it could be revived after Trump leaves office four years from now. The special counsel paused the election interference case this month after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election. "The Government's position on the merits of the defendant's prosecution has not changed," Smith said in the filing with Chutkan. "But the circumstances have." "It has long been the position of the Department of Justice that the United States Constitution forbids the federal indictment and subsequent criminal prosecution of a sitting President," Smith said. "As a result this prosecution must be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated." In a separate filing, Smith said he was withdrawing his appeal of the dismissal of the classified documents case against Trump but pursuing the case against his two co-defendants, Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira. - 'Empty and lawless' - Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the cases were "empty and lawless, and should never have been brought." "Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party's fight against their Political Opponent, ME," he said. "Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before." Trump is accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding -- the session of Congress called to certify Biden's win, which was violently attacked on January 6, 2021 by a mob of the then-president's supporters. Trump is also accused of seeking to disenfranchise US voters with his false claims that he won the 2020 election. The former and incoming president also faces two state cases -- in New York and Georgia. He was convicted in New York in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election to stop her from revealing an alleged 2006 sexual encounter. Judge Juan Merchan has postponed sentencing while he considers a request from Trump's lawyers that the conviction be thrown out in light of the Supreme Court ruling in July that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution. In Georgia, Trump faces racketeering charges over his efforts to subvert the 2020 election results in the southern state, but that case will likely be frozen while he is in office. cl/bgs