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k go ktv The 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/des

Manila: The Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte said she has contracted an assassin to kill the president, his wife and the House of Representatives speaker if she herself is killed, in a brazen public threat that she warned was not a joke. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin referred the “active threat” against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to an elite presidential guards force “for immediate proper action”. It was not immediately clear what actions would be taken against the vice president. Vice President Sara Duterte’s threat was taken seriously, though she later tried to walk back the remarks. Credit: AP The Presidential Security Command boosted Marcos’ security and said it considered the vice president’s threat, which was “made so brazenly in public”, a national security issue. The presidential security force said it was “coordinating with law enforcement agencies to detect, deter, and defend against any and all threats to the president and the first family.” Duterte, a lawyer, later tried to walk back her remarks and said they were not an actual threat but only an expression of concern over an unspecified threat to her own life. “If I expressed the concern, they will say that’s a threat to the life of the president?” she said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his wife Louise Araneta. Credit: AP “Why would I kill him if not for revenge from the grave? There is no reason for me to kill him. What’s the benefit for me?” Duterte told journalists. Under the Philippines penal code, such public remarks may constitute a crime of threatening to inflict a wrong on a person or his family and is punishable by a jail term and fine. The Philippines Constitution says that if a president dies, sustains a permanent disability, is removed from office or resigns, the vice president takes over and serves the rest of the term. Marcos ran with Duterte as his vice-presidential running mate in the May 2022 elections and both won with landslide victories after a campaign calling for national unity. The two leaders and their camps, however, rapidly had a bitter falling-out over key differences, including in their approaches to China’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. Duterte resigned from the Marcos cabinet in June as education secretary and head of an anti-insurgency body. Like her equally outspoken father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, the vice president became a vocal critic of Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president’s ally and cousin, accusing them of corruption, incompetence and politically persecuting the Duterte family and its close supporters. Her latest tirade was set off by the decision of House members allied to Romualdez and Marcos’ to detain her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, who was accused of hampering a congressional inquiry into the possible misuse of her budget as vice president and education secretary. Lopez was later transferred to a hospital after falling ill and wept when she heard of a plan to temporarily lock her up in a women’s prison. In a pre-dawn online news conference, an angry Sara Duterte accused Marcos of incompetence as a president and of being a liar, along with his wife and the House speaker in expletives-laden remarks. President Ferdinand Marcos jnr poses with Vice President Sara Duterte after his swearing-in ceremony in 2022. Credit: Getty When asked about concerns over her security, the 46-year-old suggested there was an unspecified plot to kill her. “Don’t worry about my security because I’ve talked with somebody. I said, ‘If I’m killed, you’ll kill BBM, Liza Araneta and Martin Romualdez. No joke, no joke,’” the vice president said without elaborating and using the initials many use to call the president. “I’ve given my order, ‘If I die, don’t stop until you’ve killed them.’ And he said, ‘Yes,’” the vice president said. Amid the political divisions, military chief General Romeo Brawner issued a statement assuring that the 160,000-member Armed Forces of the Philippines would remain nonpartisan “with utmost respect for our democratic institutions and civilian authority”. “We call for calm and resolve,” Brawner said. “We reiterate our need to stand together against those who will try to break our bonds as Filipinos.” Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos’ predecessor and the vice president’s father, was behind a police-enforced anti-drugs crackdown as a city mayor and later as president that left thousands of mostly petty drug suspects dead in killings that the International Criminal Court has been investigating as a possible crime against humanity. The former president denied authorising extrajudicial killings under his crackdown but has given conflicting statements. He told a public Senate inquiry last month that he had maintained a “death squad” of gangsters to kill other criminals when he was mayor of southern Davao city. AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here .( MENAFN - Caribbean News Global) KINGSTON, St Vincent – The long-term agreement, signed by the president of Cricket West Indies, Dr Kishore Shallow, and the co-founder, chairman and CEO of the CAGE Companies, Robert B. Washington, which strategic alliance was unanimously endorsed by the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on Cricket (“PMSC”); several other prime ministers were present during the PMSC meeting in Guyana and offered their endorsement of the proposed CWI/CAGE agreement. Commenting on the unprecedented deal, president Shallow expressed: “This agreement is the culmination of extensive dialogue and strategic planning to secure the future of West Indies Cricket. We have been deliberate in our approach, engaging stakeholders at various levels, including discussions with the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Cricket, to ensure the broadest consultation on such a pivotal agreement.” He further added:“The resources generated through this collaboration will not only empower the development of our men's and women's teams, but also strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across the region. The strategic alliance reflects our shared commitment to rebuilding West Indies Cricket as a global powerhouse and a unifying force for the Caribbean. Community.” Caribbean CAGE is the premier route operator of video lottery and video gaming terminals and licensed sports betting in the Caribbean and recently launched sports betting operations in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia and Puerto Rico. Co-founder and majority shareholder of the CAGE Companies, Robert L. Johnson, stated: “CAGE is elated to be a part of an arrangement that goes way beyond the development of a game. This agreement will go a long way to positively altering the lives of the people of the region, creating greater socio-economic opportunities for all citizens through the game of cricket, which has long been recognized as the region's metaphor for development. Cricket has brought great glory and recognition to the people of the region, but by so doing it has also created a platform for positive development that this pact fortifies. But more importantly, the CARICOM countries in which we operate will also benefit financially from legalized gaming revenue that will increase their ability to support additional educational, sporting, and cultural activities for their citizens.” The Caribbean CAGE chief executive officer, Bob Washington, who has worked in the region for the past 40 years with various Caribbean governments, sporting organizations, and private sector commercial entities in the region, also expressed“his satisfaction with the agreement” and spoke of the“confidence he had in the groundbreaking deal.” CEO Washington also stated that“West Indies Cricket, through this tripartite agreement and understanding, would go a long way to once again ruling the cricketing world.” CEO Bob Washington concluded: “The novel deal and technological first in Sports Betting and iGaming for the region, will aid and assist the region in eliminating the large unlicensed operator markets who take bets and pay prizes in the Caribbean Community without being properly licensed or paying taxes or gaming license fees to the governments of the Caribbean Community.” The Sports Betting, Virtual Sports and iGaming games and operations contemplated under this agreement commence from 01 April 2025 and based on forecasted revenues could be the single largest commercial agreement signed by Cricket West Indies. The post Cricket West Indies and Caribbean Cage signs landmark agreement projected to generate 100M for cricket development in the Caribbean appeared first on Caribbean News Global . MENAFN22122024000232011072ID1109021861 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.California's 'Care Courts' Are Falling Short - KFF Health NewsFrom Smaller Homes To Screen Time, Backyard Cricket Is Facing Challenges In Modern Australia

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From a 10-year-old to a Muppet to a president-elect, NYSE bell-ringers range from famous to obscureDubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today approved the formation of the Board of Directors of the Young Arab Leaders initiative, naming 11 leading and influential Arab figures from diverse fields to propel it forward. “These Arab leaders will oversee the expansion of the initiative in the next phase, lead its projects to fruition, grow the number of members and affiliates in this network, attract the best of emerging Arab talent, and support them to contribute more significantly to shaping the future of our Arab societies,” he said. The Board of Directors of the Young Arab Leaders initiative is chaired by Khalfan Juma Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, and includes prominent figures from across the region such as Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa (Bahrain), Dr. Tamam Menko (Jordan), Fahad AlGhanim (Kuwait), Aïssata Lam (Mauritania), Ibrahim Mohtaseb (Saudi Arabia), Mona Ataya (Palestine), Basil El-Baz (Egypt), Yazen Altimimi (Iraq), Nasser Al-Khater (Qatar), and Sami Daud (Oman). Additionally, Fatma Rashid Bujsaim has been appointed as the Secretary-General of the initiative. The initiative aims to attract 50,000 participants over the coming period and develop and implement several future projects and inspiring ideas with Arab youth. This will be achieved through the creation of a network of influential businesspeople and exceptional leaders in their respective fields to support, mentor, and guide young Arabs. The initiative will also leverage the skills and expertise of members from the regional Young Arab Leaders network to inspire and empower future leaders. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that the Young Arab Leaders initiative, launched 20 years ago, embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness’s unwavering belief in the capability of Arab youth to shape the region’s future. The initiative aims to prepare young leaders to sustain the Arab world’s development aspirations and safeguard its civilisational legacies. He added: “We want this initiative to be a platform to realise the aspirations and dreams of Arab youth, reenacting the region’s golden era in the vanguard of science, culture, technology, and intellectual endeavour. We will support these young Arab leaders to inspire a positive change in Arab societies so that their future will be better and brighter. He said, “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum believes that our Arab region possesses tremendous potential, with its 200 million young men and women constituting 200 million opportunities to design and shape a prosperous future. They are our most valuable resource, which calls for building capacities, honing skills, and providing opportunities to realise the hidden potential of youth by providing a comprehensive platform to empower them. Youth are the main pillar of all efforts to shape the Arab world’s future, and their active involvement is crucial in driving positive transformations toward growth, progress, stability, and prosperity.” Sheikh Hamdan added: “We look forward to this initiative inspiring remarkable accomplishments through its various skill development programmes for the youth and the opportunities it provides for them to showcase their abilities to innovate and succeed across diverse fields.” The Young Arab Leaders initiative is considered the largest specialised network aimed at supporting promising Arab youth and instilling in them a culture of entrepreneurship, belief in the future, and relentless pursuit of knowledge, thus strengthening comprehensive development plans across the region.Schmicko Melbourne Expands Premium Mobile Car Care Services Across Greater Melbourne

US senator says mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey should be 'shot down, if necessary'Raiden LeGall’s temporary assignment as a backup goaltender with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips has turned into a more permanent gig. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Raiden LeGall’s temporary assignment as a backup goaltender with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips has turned into a more permanent gig. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Raiden LeGall’s temporary assignment as a backup goaltender with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips has turned into a more permanent gig. On Friday, the 18-year-old from Morden was confirmed a WHL regular when the Silvertips traded veteran goaltender Alex Garrett, 19, to the Brandon Wheat Kings. LeGall is currently the No. 2 man behind 18-year-old veteran Jesse Sanche, who leads the league in goals-against average and is second in save percentage. ANDY GLASS / EVERETT SILVERTIPS Raiden LeGall has a 5-1-0-0 record with a .944 save percentage and 1.51 goals-against average in six starts with Everett. In six games since being called up from the MJHL’s Niverville Nighthawks in mid-November as a injury fill-in for Sanche, LeGall posted a 5-1-0-0 record with a .944 save percentage and 1.51 goals-against average for the No. 3-ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League. “It’s been awesome here — it’s another level compared to playing back home and they treat you well, so it’s been great,” said LeGall from Everett, Wash. The only serious blip in LeGall’s pre-Christmas stint in Everett came in a 4-1 loss to the Portland Winter Hawks on Dec. 11. Three nights later, he rallied to stop 30 of 31 shots in a 4-1 triumph over the visiting Tri-City Americans. “I feel like probably after that Tri-City game I felt like I belonged because they were a strong team and we were without two of our top defencemen,” said LeGall. “We were a little worried going into that one and then got a big win there going into the break. After that, I feel like I can play and compete at this level.” Silvertips GM Mike Fraser, who is expected to bolster his roster further prior to the league’s Jan. 9 trade deadline, said LeGall has met and exceeded expectations. “It wasn’t an easy decision, in the sense that Alex had been playing really well,” said Fraser. “In the end, what it came down to was we envision Raiden with us not only this year but next year. We wanted to invest more of the time in him.” LeGall, who posted a 7-7-1-0 record with a 2.46 goals-against average and .921 save percentage with Niverville, didn’t falter when he moved to a higher level of competition. “I knew he could play that way but in the same breath, I wondered what it was going to be like for him just adjusting to the league and that type of thing,” said Fraser. “But his demeanour is so calm and he doesn’t get too high or too low.” Entering Friday’s action, the Silvertips were running away with top spot in the Western Conference standings with a 25-5-2-1 record. “We’ve got a really good team — especially defensively,” said LeGall. “It’s crazy, because there’s not a lot of great scoring opportunities coming our way and we can put the puck in the net, too. It’s pretty cool to see.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sanche was scheduled to make the start Friday when the Silvertips faced the Seattle Thunderbirds at Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. How will ice time be distributed among the goaltenders? “Their play will dictate that,” said Fraser. “I think we have two very capable goaltenders now and they know that it’s going to be a friendly competition. In the same breath, they are teammates and they get along well and they both understand the situation. It’s taking us a little bit to get to this point with our goaltending, but I think we’re happy now with being able to put either one of those two guys in and against any team in our league.” The Calgary Hitmen acquired 19-year-old forward Lukas Hansen from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for 2009-born prospect Adam Halat. Hansen, a Winnipeg product, is in his fourth WHL season. Drafted by the Blades in the second round of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draf, Hansen had 22 goals and 43 points in 168 regular-season games. mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Mike Sawatzky is a sports reporter at the . He has been working at the newspaper since 2003. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement