Iran's Underground Air Force Base Was Hit Earlier in the War
->New York Times | More on "Iran underground air base attack" at BigEarthData.ai | #Iran

Iran-US peace talks continue into night, as Trump says 'no difference' to him if deal struck Trump continues by telling reporters that whether or not a deal is reached with Iran "makes no difference to me". He repeats previous assertions the US has taken out Iran's air force, navy and leadership, and is now working to open up the Strait of Hormuz, which he says the US is doing on behalf countries who are either "afraid or weak or cheap". "We were not helped by Nato," he says. Coming back to the talks, Trump says: "Let's see what happens, but from my standpoint I don't care." 'Regardless what happens, we win,' Trump says While talks continue in Pakistan, US President Donald Trump is now delivering remarks to media on the White House lawn. He says he's "getting a lot of reports" from the talks in Islamabad which he says have been going on for many hours. "Regardless what happens, we win," he says. "We've totally defeated that country." Iran denies US destroyers sailed through Strait of Hormuz Iran has denied a US claim that two US Nay destroyers have sailed through the Strait of Hormuz. "The claim by the CENTCOM commander regarding American vessels approaching and entering the Strait of Hormuz is firmly denied," Iran's Fars...

Iran-US peace talks continue into night, as Trump says 'no difference' to him if deal struck
->BBC | More on "Iran-US peace talks Islamabad" at BigEarthData.ai | #NoDecency #Peace #TrumpFascism

Hungary's Orban headed for landmark election defeat in early results
->MSN News | More on "Orban Hungary election defeat results" at BigEarthData.ai | #Democracy #Election

A new bird species has been discovered in Japan after 45 years For decades, the research community thought that the small, olive-green songbirds found on two Japanese islands were identical. But a new study has revealed these birds are actually two distinct species, ones that have been evolutionarily isolated for millions of years and are now facing the risk of extinction. Researchers discovered a population of the newly named Tokara leaf warbler (Phylloscopus tokaraensis) on the remote Tokara archipelago in 1988. Back then, it was considered to be Ijima’s leaf warbler (Phylloscopus ijimae), found in the Izu Islands, some 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away. An international team of researchers, led by Per Alström from Uppsala University in Sweden and Takema Saitoh of the Yamashina Institute of Ornithology in Japan, has now analyzed the genetic data and songs of the birds on the two islands. Genetic analysis showed that a “deep split” between the two lineages occurred approximately 3.2 million years ago, the authors write. The researchers also found that while the two bird populations are virtually indistinguishable in appearance, their songs say otherwise. In an email to Mongabay, Saitoh said the Tokara species’ songs are lower in pitch and faster in pace than those of its Izu relatives. This acoustic divide is...

A new bird species has been discovered in Japan after 45 years
->Mongabay | More on "New Japanese bird species discovered" at BigEarthData.ai | #Biodiversity #Species #Bird

Iowa farmers talk climate change, insurance rates at Josh Turek campaign roundtable 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy...

Iowa farmers talk climate change, insurance rates at Josh Turek campaign roundtable
->Daily Nonpareil | More on "Iowa farmers climate insurance politics" at BigEarthData.ai | #ClimateChange

Climate change is outpacing evolution. Scientists are using DNA to catch up. Evolution works over millennia. Climate change is moving far faster. That mismatch is killing some of the planet’s most vital ecosystems, from California’s towering redwoods to the seagrass meadows along its coast, both of which store vast amounts of carbon and support complex webs of life. Marine heat waves, record wildfires and coastal development are pushing these systems beyond their limits as climate change, driven by emissions of fuels like oil and gas, accelerates. An estimated 1 million species face extinction, many within decades, largely due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution and overuse of natural resources, according to a 2019 report by a United Nations-affiliated intergovernmental scientific body. Scientists are working to close the gap with an emerging discipline called conservation genomics: sequencing an organism’s complete genetic blueprint to pinpoint individuals with traits suited to survive drought, disease and other climate extremes, then using that information to guide restoration. Coral reefs are among the first ecosystems where these genomic tools are being put to use. Repeated marine heat waves, which have caused mass bleaching, have devastated reefs worldwide. By sequencing corals and the algae that live inside them, researchers have identified colonies that naturally withstand higher temperatures...

Climate change is outpacing evolution. Scientists are using DNA to catch up.
->Times of San Diego | More on "DNA evolution outpacing climate change" at BigEarthData.ai | #Evolution #Science #ClimateChange

Beyond "Safe Levels": Study Challenges What We Know About Pesticides and Cancer Pesticide exposure is associated with increased cancer risk and early cellular disruption, especially in heavily exposed communities, calling for new approaches to health risk evaluation. A new study published in Nature Health reports a strong association between environmental exposure to agricultural pesticides and an increased risk of cancer. Researchers from the IRD, Institut Pasteur, the University of Toulouse, and the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) in Peru combined environmental data, a nationwide cancer registry, and biological analysis to better understand how pesticide exposure may contribute to certain cancers. Pesticides are commonly found in food, water, and the environment, often as mixtures of multiple chemicals. Studying their health effects has been challenging because most research focuses on single substances under controlled conditions that do not reflect real-world exposure. This study takes a broader approach by examining how combined exposures affect populations in everyday settings. In Peru, agricultural intensity varies widely across regions, alongside diverse climates, ecosystems, and significant social inequalities. Cancer is now a major public health concern, and pesticide contamination is widespread. The findings show that some groups, especially Indigenous and rural communities, face higher exposure. On average, these populations are exposed to 12 different pesticides at elevated levels...

Beyond "Safe Levels": Study Challenges What We Know About Pesticides and Cancer
->SciTechDaily | More on "Pesticides cancer risk safe levels" at BigEarthData.ai | #Pesticide #Toxic

The most polluting LNG project in the US is being built in Louisiana When Louisiana launched the country’s liquefied natural gas export boom in 2016, LNG was touted as a cleaner, climate-friendly alternative to coal and oil. But the state’s first LNG terminal, Sabine Pass LNG, quickly became one of Louisiana’s largest sources of climate-warming pollution, releasing more greenhouse gases than the state’s biggest oil refineries. An even larger source is on the way. A sprawling LNG facility under construction near Lake Charles, about 40 miles east of the Sabine Pass terminal, is projected to produce substantially more emissions — eclipsing every LNG export terminal built in the United States so far and exceeding the dozens of LNG projects proposed for the next decade, according to a Verite News analysis of state and federal records. “Wow, that’s really distressing,” said Anne Rolfes, executive director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, an environmental group, in response to the findings. Louisiana faces several climate threats exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, including rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes. “As Louisiana becomes more vulnerable, we’re just adding to that vulnerability by producing more greenhouse gases,” Rolfes said. “That’s insanity.” The terminal, called Louisiana LNG, is owned by Woodside Energy, Australia’s biggest oil and gas producer. Construction costs...

The most polluting LNG project in the US is being built in Louisiana
->Grist | More on "Louisiana LNG pollution climate impact" at BigEarthData.ai

Iran and the crescent of fire: The Middle Eastern pivot between Russia's cross and China's roads Three interlocking forces are shaping Eurasia’s geopolitical future. Russia bears the historical cross of confrontation, China builds its quiet roads of economic connectivity, and Iran projects the crescent of fire, extending influence across the Middle East through strategy, patience, and regional alliances. Standing at the pivot of this triangular system, Iran demonstrates how a nation can leverage geography, culture, and networks to shape outcomes far beyond its borders. By Nadia Ahmad In today’s turbulent geopolitical landscape, three forces increasingly shape the future of Eurasia. Russia carries what might be called the cross of the world — the weight of history and the burden of military confrontation that stretches from the steppes of Eastern Europe to the frozen frontlines of Ukraine. China advances through the new Silk Roads, building corridors of trade, ports, railways, and digital infrastructure that quietly link Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Iran, meanwhile, projects the crescent of fire, extending its reach through alliances, regional networks, and strategic patience across the Middle East. Understanding how these three forces interact is essential to understanding the emerging global order. At the intersection of these dynamics stands Iran — volatile, resilient, and strategically positioned between two larger powers reshaping Eurasia...

Iran and the crescent of fire: The Middle Eastern pivot between Russia's cross and China's roads
->Liberum | More on "Iran Russia China Eurasian geopolitics" at BigEarthData.ai | #Iran #RussiaUkraineWar

Gadsden County issues burn ban as drought conditions continue

Gadsden County issues burn ban as drought conditions continue
->WCTV | More on "Gadsden County drought burn ban" at BigEarthData.ai | #Water #Climate #Drought

Investigation: Western companies miss deadline to exit Russia's main drone production site Manufacturers from Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the U.S. continue operating in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where Russia produces thousands of Shahed drones capable of reaching the EU. A huge industrial site in Tatarstan, a region in central Russia, has gained notoriety for its outsized role in Russia's war against Ukraine. The site, known as the Alabuga Special Economic Zone (SEZ), is Russia's main facility for producing Shaheds, its primary long-range attack drones used in the war against Ukraine. Launched after the Kremlin invaded Ukraine in 2022, the drone plant has produced tens of thousands of Shaheds, known in Russia by the domestic name Geran. The Russian army launches waves of Shaheds across Ukraine nearly every night, targeting power plants, trains, residential buildings, hospitals, kindergartens, and other civilian facilities. Most of them are made in the Alabuga zone. When Russia bought the Shahed drone technology from Iran, the agreement was made directly by the Alabuga SEZ's management company. It was revealed by the leaked emails from the Iranian company Sahara Thunder, analyzed by C4ADS, a Washington-based research organization focused on illicit networks and global conflicts. This production hub that powers Russia’s assaults on Ukrainian civilians has unlikely neighbors: Western...

Investigation: Western companies miss deadline to exit Russia's main drone production site
->The Kyiv Independent | More on "Western firms in Russia drones" at BigEarthData.ai | #Drone #RussiaUkraineWar

Industry scrambles to stop fatal bird flu in South Carolina | Stories Headline: Red Flag Warning from SUN 12:00 PM MDT until SUN 9:00 PM MDT Bulletin: .Warm temperatures, low humidity and breezy southwest winds will lead to critical fire weather conditions over portions of the area this afternoon. The strongest of the winds are forecast to occur during the mid afternoon hours. Breezier winds are forecast to occur Monday along with lower humidity values. Confidence is high enough to issue a Red Flag Warning for Greeley, Wichita, Logan and Gove counties while the Fire Weather Watch has been expanded into Sheridan, Graham and Norton counties. ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT /10 PM CDT/ THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 013, 014, 027, 253, AND 254... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 013 Sherman, 014 Thomas, 027 Wallace, 253 Kit Carson and 254 Cheyenne CO. * TIMING...Until 9 PM MDT /10 PM CDT/ this evening. * WINDS...Southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 9 percent. * IMPACTS...Unpredictable fire behavior. Any fires that develop may rapidly grow and spread out of control. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Comply with burn bans and regulations. Avoid driving on dry...

Industry scrambles to stop fatal bird flu in South Carolina | Stories
->KAKE | More info at BigEarthData.ai | #BirdFlu #Pandemic

Hungary's Viktor Orbán concedes defeat, ending 16 years in power
->WAMC | More on "Orbán defeat ends Hungary rule" at BigEarthData.ai

Government to undertake 'fundamental security review' after fuel protests
->MSN News | More on "Government security review fuel protests" at BigEarthData.ai | #Protest

800 Years Ago, Ancient Japanese Astronomers Recorded a Massive Solar Storm-and Modern Space Weather Technology Just Confirmed It Ancient Japanese writings are guiding the use of modern cutting-edge technology, as researchers investigate medieval solar storms for important clues to the safety of space flight today. While volatile solar activity may produce beautiful auroras, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections can also create space weather conditions that are dangerous to our near-earth and even ground-based infrastructure. As the commercial space economy grows, keeping that infrastructure and human astronauts safe from solar storms becomes an increasingly pressing concern. Now, a new study published in the Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B, aims to help by providing a long-term understanding of the phenomenon. Tracking Solar Storm Dangers Solar storms have come close to coinciding with crewed NASA missions in the past. Between the Apollo 16 and 17 moon missions, the Sun produced major solar proton events (SPE), blasting deadly radiation in the form of high-energy particles at rates approaching the speed of light. Such an event would have been catastrophic to the crew aboard these missions, and would still be today. In light of this, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers have developed a new method to track historical solar weather events back to the medieval period, providing...

800 Years Ago, Ancient Japanese Astronomers Recorded a Massive Solar Storm-and Modern Space Weather Technology Just Confirmed It
->The Debrief | More on "Ancient solar storm space weather" at BigEarthData.ai | #Astronomy #Technology #Space

Ontario backs clean, affordable electricity with announcement of 14 renewable energy projects “Yesterday, the Independent System Electricity Operator announced the selection of 14 projects as part of its competitive, technology-agnostic procurement process. The projects were selected based on cost-competitiveness, and all are renewable. This procurement truly demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy, not only around the world, but to power Ontario’s future. “Clean Energy Canada welcomes the announcement of the 12 solar and two wind energy projects, which will supply Ontario with 1,315 megawatts of affordable, clean energy—enough to power more than 350,000 homes. This announcement from the IESO—the first competitive procurement in over a decade—is an important step toward embracing the opportunities that a clean electricity grid can provide. “Offering both affordability and energy security benefits to ratepayers, wind and solar are not subject to the geopolitical pressures that lead to insecure supply chains and seesawing fossil fuel prices. In a market where weighted wholesale prices swung from $25/megawatt-hour to nearly $140/MWh over the last 12 months, locking in 20-year contracts at an average of $87.80/MWh through an open and competitive process provides long-term price stability for households in the coming years as overall demand continues to rise. “Renewables also provide the benefit of fast deployment. The projects announced yesterday will...

Ontario backs clean, affordable electricity with announcement of 14 renewable energy projects
->Clean Energy Canada | More on "Ontario renewable energy projects announced" at BigEarthData.ai | #RenewableEnergy

ACEN Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026: Navigating Geopolitical Challenges with Renewable Energy As geopolitical tensions continue to create uncertainty in global energy markets, ACEN Corporation, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, remains optimistic about its growth trajectory. The company’s President, Eric Francia, recently articulated a robust vision for 2026, emphasizing that ACEN is strategically positioned to leverage the rising demand for renewable energy amidst ongoing global challenges. Resilience Amidst Global Turbulence In a recent address at the Philippine Energy Forum, Francia underscored ACEN’s unique operational advantages that insulate the company from the adverse effects of geopolitical crises. Unlike traditional energy firms that depend heavily on fluctuating fuel prices, ACEN’s operations are characterized by fixed tariffs. This strategy not only stabilizes revenue streams but also shields the company from the volatility associated with international oil and gas markets. Competitive Pricing and Economic Advantages Francia highlighted the economic benefits of renewable energy (RE) pricing, indicating that ACEN is poised to offer competitive rates in a landscape where traditional energy sources are becoming increasingly unstable. With a growing interest in renewable energy solutions, ACEN plans to capitalize on this momentum to foster growth and expansion within the sector. Focus on Renewable Energy Development ACEN’s commitment to renewable energy is reflected in its extensive...

ACEN Sets Ambitious Goals for 2026: Navigating Geopolitical Challenges with Renewable Energy
->The Tech Edvocate | More on "ACEN renewable energy 2026 goals" at BigEarthData.ai | #RenewableEnergy

'Substantial' new supports being finalised; Garda declares 'exceptional event' A meeting between several Ministers and industry representative groups has ended with the Government confirming a “significant and enhanced support package” is being finalised Up to 500 forecourts could run out of fuel this evening, the National Emergency Co-ordination Group has said A small group of protesters, including spokesman John Dallon, failed to get access to the meeting between industry representative groups and Ministers. The Taoiseach said because of the blockades Ireland is now “on the precipice” of having to turn oil away in the middle of an international supply crisis. One of the leaders of the fuel protests has convictions for animal cruelty and neglect involving large numbers of cattle. Dublin Bus warned of severe service disruptions and Luas Green line services were partially suspended. See full details of where the protests are and what roads are impacted. Best Reads Friday transport update: which roads are blocked? The Irish Times view: patience is running out Have your say: How have home-heating oil price rises affected you? Delayed hospital appointments and “unnecessary heartache”: Readers on fuel protests’ impact. Total of 113 vehicles blockading O’Connell Street and immediate vicinity As of 11:20pm on Friday, the number of vehicles blockading O’Connell Street...

'Substantial' new supports being finalised; Garda declares 'exceptional event'
->The Irish Times | More on "Ireland fuel protests government response" at BigEarthData.ai

US ally calls out Trump's fibbing about helping to 'clean out' the Strait of Hormuz
->Raw Story | More on "Trump Hormuz claims UK denial" at BigEarthData.ai | #NoDecency #TrumpFascism

The Chip That Could Survive Venus Every electronic device you have ever owned shares a critical weakness. Push it past roughly 200 degrees Celsius and it begins to fail. Your phone, your car's computer, the satellites orbiting above your head right now, all of them have the same thermal ceiling baked into their design. For decades, that ceiling has been one of the most stubborn walls in engineering. Now, a team at the University of Southern California may just have broken through it. Full-scale model of the Venera 1 in the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics (Credit : Armael) In a paper published in the journal Science, researchers led by Professor Joshua Yang report a new type of memory device that kept working reliably at 700 degrees Celsius. That is hotter than molten lava. Hotter than the surface of Venus, which has defeated every lander ever sent there, destroying their electronics within hours of touchdown. And crucially, 700 degrees was not the limit, it was simply as hot as their testing equipment could go. The device showed no signs of failing. "You may call it a revolution, it is the best high temperature memory ever demonstrated.” - Professor Joshua Yang from University of Southern California. The device...

The Chip That Could Survive Venus
->Universe Today | More on "High-temperature chip survives Venus" at BigEarthData.ai

Dollar jumps as failed US/Iran peace talks spark fresh safe-haven push
->Reuters | More on "US-Iran peace talks collapse" at BigEarthData.ai | #Peace

Carney issues call for unity, says no time for 'politics as usual'

Carney issues call for unity, says no time for 'politics as usual'
->The Canadian Press | More on "Carney unity call political leadership" at BigEarthData.ai

The Market Law of One Price - How the Donald Bombed Energy Consumers, Too The Donald plunged into one hell of a hornets nest when he took the bait from Bibi Netanyahu and launched an all out “kinetic” war on Iran (as distinguished from the brutal economic war Washington has been waging for decades). But now that the gasoline pump price has breached $4/gallon and is heading higher, he’s desperately looking for an off-ramp. Yet the one he has seized upon in the last 48 hours or so is not even remotely fit for purpose. To wit, he threatens to pick up Washington’s military football and go home, leaving what’s left of the Iranian government – mainly the brutish IRGC – in charge of the Strait of Hormuz. That is, operating a toll booth and military checkpoint on a waterway that had been open to world commerce free of charge until the Donald foolishly unleashed bombs and missiles on Iran on February 28th. “we don’t import much oil from there anymore… within 2-3 weeks, we’ll leave. That’s not for us. A guy can take a mine, drop it in the water. That can be for France or whoever is using the strait”. The presumption, of course, is that because the US imports virtually no...

The Market Law of One Price - How the Donald Bombed Energy Consumers, Too
->Antiwar.com | More on "Iran war energy price impact" at BigEarthData.ai

AP plans 3,000 MWh battery storage systems Vijayawada: In a major step toward strengthening power reliability and supporting renewable energy integration, Andhra Pradesh is set to establish large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across the state. The initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted supply, manage peak demand efficiently, and stabilise the grid as renewable capacity expands. Projects with a combined capacity of 3,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) are planned in phases, with 1,000 MWh targeted for completion by January 2027. Tenders are expected to be invited soon, with private participation anticipated. The investment is pegged at around ₹1.68 crore per MWh, with viability gap funding and central assistance likely to play a key role. Co-location with solar and wind plants is also being explored to maximise efficiency. Battery storage systems act as a bridge between generation and consumption. Excess daytime solar power can be stored and released during evening peaks, reducing reliance on costly thermal power. Officials estimate that peak-hour purchase costs could drop from ₹10 per unit to about ₹4.85 once BESS units are operational, saving ₹400–₹500 crore annually. Multiple substations and load centres have been identified, with priority given to regions of high renewable penetration. The move is expected to reduce outages, improve supply quality, and strengthen the...

AP plans 3,000 MWh battery storage systems
->The Times of India | More on "Andhra Pradesh battery energy storage" at BigEarthData.ai | #RenewableEnergy #Battery

UK regulators are urgently reviewing the cyber risks linked to Anthropic's new model
->MSN News | More on "Anthropic AI model cyber risks" at BigEarthData.ai | #Anthropic #ArtificialIntelligence

EPA adds microplastics, pharmaceuticals to contaminant list Microplastics and pharmaceuticals have made the Environmental Protection Agency’s newly published draft list of substances in public drinking water that warrant scientific scrutiny. This marks a first for the EPA, which, along with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced last week that microplastics and pharmaceuticals are two of four contaminant groups and dozens of chemicals included on the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List. The April 2 announcement kick-started a 60-day public comment period. The Trump administration hailed the additions to the list, also referred to as CCL 6, as “a landmark set of actions to safeguard the nation’s drinking water.” “For too long, Americans have vocalized concerns about plastics and pharmaceuticals in their drinking water. That ends today,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated in a release. “By placing microplastics and pharmaceuticals on the Contaminant Candidate List for the first time ever, EPA is sending a clear message: we will follow the science, we will pursue answers, and we will hold ourselves to the highest standards to protect the health of every American family.” The announcement comes as the Trump administration is actively pursuing rolling back drinking water standards for several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, established under...

EPA adds microplastics, pharmaceuticals to contaminant list
->Coastal Review Online | More on "Microplastics pharmaceuticals drinking water EPA" at BigEarthData.ai | #Microplastic #EPA

Why is the US threatening to block Iranian ports and how would it work? | Strait of Hormuz
->The Guardian | More on "US Iran Strait of Hormuz" at BigEarthData.ai

Artemis II Crew Reunites With Families and Fellow NASA Astronauts
->New York Times | More on "Artemis II crew family reunion" at BigEarthData.ai | #Astronaut #NASA #Space

4 New EV Fast Chargers Running On Solar Power Launched In California Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. Four new EV fast chargers running on solar power have been launched in California between LA and Vegas at 65857 Rasor Rd, Baker, CA. The company that launched them is PowerStation, which is making the charging sessions at the new station free until the end of May. The four charging ports are CCS, and there are six more fast chargers planned for this summer which will have NACS ports. The charging station has 1,080 solar panels to generate clean, renewable electricity and battery storage to store excess electricity to provide charges at night. One EV driver said he was able to charge at 170 kW. The CCS chargers have a peak of 360 kW, but not all EVs can charge at such a high rate. The NACS chargers coming in summer will be much faster than 360 kW. The new charging station is located close to I-15 and is open 24/7. It must be stated that EV chargers can be operated using clean, renewable electricity. Gas pumps at gas stations can only use dirty, toxic fuels that will never be clean or renewable. Video comments “So cool, I live in...

4 New EV Fast Chargers Running On Solar Power Launched In California
->CleanTechnica | More on "Solar-powered EV fast charging California" at BigEarthData.ai | #SolarPower

AI as infrastructure: How Cargill is rewiring food innovation
->Food Ingredients First | More on "AI food industry innovation infrastructure" at BigEarthData.ai | #Food #AI