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Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Sends 4-Word Response on Trade Saga

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Las Vegas Raiders’ star defensive end Maxx Crosby found himself at the center of swirling trade rumors this week. What began as a simple social media rumor quickly turned into one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Raiders heading into their bye week.

It all started when longtime NFL insider Trey Wingo tweeted on X, “Breaking: according to sources the Dallas Cowboys have made inquiries with the Raiders about a potential trade for Maxx Crosby.” The post immediately sent shockwaves. After all, Crosby is the face of the franchise.

As speculation began to spiral, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero provided some much-needed clarity just hours later, reporting, “The #Raiders met with star DE Maxx Crosby today to let him know they aren’t shopping him and won’t trade him, sources tell me and @SlaterNFL. While some other teams are interested, the Raiders aren’t interested in moving their best player, and Crosby wants to stay in Las Vegas.”

### Maxx Crosby’s Response

Following the Raiders’ practice, reporters crowded around Crosby’s locker, eager for a comment. As Raiders’ columnist Paul Gutierrez described it, “With reporters flittering about his locker like so many rumors and reports, Maxx Crosby was not in the mood Wednesday afternoon.”

Crosby, who has long been the team’s leader, was noticeably brief. “I plead the 5th,” he said, flashing what Gutierrez called “a sly smile crossing his face.” It was a perfectly vague yet calculated response.

For his part, Crosby has continued to lead by example despite the distractions. Everyone knows just how much he loves being a Raider, and even having the thought of the team possibly trading him must have rattled Crosby’s heart.

### A Symbol of the Raiders’ Identity

For the Raiders, keeping Crosby is about more than just retaining a star player; it’s about maintaining the heartbeat of their locker room. His passion, intensity, and relentless effort embody the culture the team has been desperately trying to build.

Even as trade rumors and growing pains persist, Crosby’s presence offers stability amid a cloud of uncertainty plaguing the Raiders. Whether his “I plead the 5th” remark was a clever way to deflect questions or a quiet expression of frustration, it perfectly captured the mood around the team — tense, mysterious, and uncertain about what comes next.

Still, the message from both the front office and Crosby himself seems clear: he’s not going anywhere. The Raiders may have their struggles, but moving their franchise guy isn’t on the table.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/las-vegas-raiders/maxx-crosby-i-plead-the-5th/

Ari Lennox Announces New Album Vacancy: Hear “Under The Moon”

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Vacancy, the third album from Ari Lennox, is coming soon. The follow-up to the singer’s 2022 album *age/sex/location* is set for release in January, and today we get a preview in the form of “Under The Moon.”

The single leans into a retro R&B sound, complete with smoky lead guitar, plinking piano chords, and “shoo-bop shoo-bop” backing vocals. Lennox feels plenty modern when describing her lover, though: “So majestic / Fuckin’ vicious / Like a werewolf / When you’re in it.”

Soon she’s howling — an over-the-top bit that works because the song is so smooth.

Listen below.
https://www.stereogum.com/2327498/ari-lennox-announces-new-album-vacancy-hear-under-the-moon/music/

31-Years-Owned 1973 Hodaka 125 Wombat at No Reserve

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This 1973 Hodaka Wombat was acquired by the seller in Colorado in 1994, reportedly from its first owner. Powered by a 123cc two-stroke single paired with a five-speed transmission, this classic bike features a distinctive chrome fuel tank and fenders, complemented by a black vinyl solo seat.

Additional details include a chrome cross-braced handlebar equipped with run and lighting switches, bright levers, and a twist-grip throttle. The bike also sports a rear cargo rack, a headlight with replacement rubber mounts, a taillight, a K&W Enterprises fork brace, twin front mud flaps, folding serrated foot pegs, and a side stand. Wire-spoke wheels measuring 21″ up front and 18″ at the rear are laced to drum-brake hubs and were mounted with Shinko tires by the seller in 2025.

Suspension is managed by a conventional telescopic fork at the front and a pair of chrome adjustable shocks attached to the swingarm. The Nippon Seiki 100-MPH speedometer features a five-digit odometer showing 916 miles, approximately 39 of which were added under the current ownership.

The bike’s 123cc two-stroke single is equipped with a kick starter and a high-mount upswept expansion chamber exhaust system with a perforated heat shield. Notably, an HPI electronic ignition was installed in 2025, along with new tires, battery, front brake cable, headlight, grips, fuel petcocks, air cleaner and carburetor intake rubbers, as well as kick starter and shift lever seals.

Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a multi-plate wet clutch, a five-speed transmission, and a chain drive protected by upper and lower guards. The black grips and front brake cable were also updated in 2025.

Cosmetically, the bike features a chrome two-gallon fuel tank paired with chrome fenders, set over a black-finished steel double-cradle frame with a black airbox adorned with red and white graphics. The solo seat was recovered in black vinyl. The turn signals are currently nonfunctional, and some corrosion is noted on the tool kit compartment located on the rear fender.

Included with the Wombat are a photocopied parts list and owner’s manual, a tool kit, the removed points ignition components, and a bill of sale. Please note, the bike does not have a title or registration and is being offered at no reserve in New Mexico for off-road use only.

This Hodaka Wombat is a well-maintained vintage trail bike that combines classic styling with recent mechanical updates—an excellent candidate for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-hodaka-125-wombat-5/

$75,000 A Year Is How Much An Hour? and Best Jobs To Give You 75K

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Making a yearly income of $75,000 seems like a good deal, but is it really enough? Do you know how much you have and owe at the end of each pay period? Or are you wondering: **$75,000 a year is how much an hour?**

In this article, you will find out how much $75,000 is hourly, daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly. We will also factor in several other variables that affect your income and offer some tips on how to live within your salary. Read on.

—

## $75,000 a Year Is How Much an Hour?

A $75,000 yearly salary translates to approximately **$36.06 or $36 an hour**.

To calculate this, first find the total number of hours worked in a year. Assuming you work full-time:

– 5 working days each week
– 8 hours per workday
– 40 hours per week (5 days × 8 hours)
– 52 working weeks in a year

Total working hours per year = 40 hours/week × 52 weeks = **2,080 hours**

Then, divide your annual salary by total working hours:

“`
$75,000 / 2,080 = $36.06 per hour
“`

If you have a part-time job working 4 hours a day instead of 8, your total annual pay will also be halved to $37,500. With 1,040 working hours per year (4 hours/day × 5 days/week × 52 weeks), your hourly rate remains roughly the same:

“`
$37,500 / 1,040 = $36.06 per hour
“`

—

## $75,000 a Year Is How Much After Taxes?

When you earn $75,000 a year, your take-home pay typically ranges between **$55,286 and $59,995** after taxes, depending on your location and personal circumstances.

Different U.S. states have different tax rates:
– Texas has no state income tax
– Colorado has a flat income tax rate
– California has a graduated tax rate

Other deductions include federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

For example:
– In California, after deducting $19,714 in taxes, your net annual income is approximately **$55,286**.
– In Texas, with only $15,006 in total taxes, your net take-home pay is **$59,995**.

For part-time workers earning $37,500:
– California taxes of approximately $6,875 bring your net pay to **$30,625**.
– Texas workers would take home around **$31,891** after $5,609 in taxes.

—

## $75,000 a Year Is How Much per Month?

Dividing $75,000 by 12 months gives a **monthly gross income of $6,250**.

Tax deductions vary by state:
– In California, monthly taxes are approximately $1,643, leaving a **net monthly income of $4,607**.
– In Texas, monthly taxes are around $1,250, with a **net monthly take-home of $5,000**.

Part-time workers earning $3,125 gross monthly income will take home:
– $2,552 in California (after $573 in taxes)
– $2,658 in Texas (after $467 in taxes)

—

## $75,000 a Year Is How Much per Week?

To calculate weekly gross pay:
“`
$75,000 / 52 weeks = $1,442.31 per week
“`

After taxes:
– California residents pay $379 weekly in taxes, resulting in **$1,063 net weekly income**.
– Texas residents pay $288 in taxes, taking home **$1,154 weekly**.

Part-time workers earning $721 gross weekly income take home:
– $589 in California (after $132 taxes)
– $613 in Texas (after $108 taxes)

—

## $75,000 a Year Is How Much Biweekly?

Multiply your weekly gross income by two:
“`
$1,442 × 2 = $2,884 biweekly gross pay
“`

After taxes:
– California: $984 deducted, with a **net biweekly pay of $1,900**.
– Texas: $731 deducted, leaving a **net biweekly pay of $2,153**.

Part-time biweekly gross income is $1,442, with net pay around:
– $1,063 in California (after $379 taxes)
– $1,154 in Texas (after $288 taxes)

—

## $75,000 a Year Is How Much per Day?

Your gross daily income is based on 8 working hours:

“`
$36 per hour × 8 hours = $288 per day
“`

After taxes:
– California residents take home about **$212 daily** (after $75.63 in taxes).
– Texas residents take home about **$230 daily** (after $57.58 taxes).

Part-time workers working 4 hours daily at $36/hour earn $144 gross daily income. After taxes:
– California: $118 net daily pay (after $26.38 taxes).
– Texas: $122 net daily pay (after $21.53 taxes).

—

### Important Note:

These figures may vary based on your exact tax situation and work attendance. Using a free tax calculator during tax season and when planning finances is highly recommended to better understand your true income.

—

## Tips for Living on $75,000 a Year

### 1. Saving
Aim to save at least 10% to 15% of your income for future needs. Consider investing your savings to grow your wealth over time.

You can also save money through cashback apps such as:
– **Rakuten:** Earn cashback while shopping at over 3,500 stores.
– **MyPoints:** Earn points by shopping and doing surveys.
– **Fetch Rewards:** Earn points redeemable as gift cards or cash.

### 2. Investing
Invest wisely in stocks, cryptocurrency, or other platforms after thorough research. Investment options include:
– **M1 Finance:** Invest in stocks and ETFs with as little as $100.
– **EstateGuru:** Crowdfunding real estate investment platform.
– **Mintos:** Peer-to-peer lending platform offering cashback incentives.

### 3. Avoiding Debt
Avoid unnecessary debt to preserve your income. Use savings instead of loans to purchase luxuries.

### 4. Budgeting
Create a monthly budget that allocates:
– 10% to 15% for food
– 15% to 20% for utilities
– 5% to 10% for personal entertainment
– 10% to 15% for savings and investments

### 5. Cutting Expenses
Manage subscriptions and bills wisely. Apps like **Trim** can help negotiate bills and cancel unused subscriptions to save money.

### 6. Engaging in Online Money-Making and Side Hustles
Boost your income through side gigs such as:
– Freelance work on Fiverr, Upwork, or FlexJobs
– Online tutoring on platforms like Magic Ears
– Delivery services with DoorDash or Postmates
– Content creation on YouTube or blogging via BlueHost hosting
– Pet sitting or dog walking with Rover
– Data entry jobs from home
– Flipping items for profit on Craigslist, eBay, or Amazon
– Taking online surveys via Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie

—

## What Jobs Pay $75,000 a Year?

Here are some careers with median salaries at or above $75,000:

– **Commercial Pilots:** Median salary $78,740 | Growth rate: 4%
– **Detectives and Criminal Investigators:** Median salary $79,970 | Growth rate: 5%
– **Elevator Installers and Repairers:** Median salary $79,480 | Growth rate: 12%
– **Funeral Service Managers:** Median salary $78,040 | Growth rate: 7%
– **Power Plant Operators:** Median salary $77,180 | Growth rate: 1%

—

## Is $75,000 a Year a Good Salary?

Yes, $75,000 annually is considered a good salary, especially if you manage your expenses wisely. Living in states with low tax rates further improves your purchasing power.

While $75,000 is around the average annual salary for Americans, it can comfortably cover basic expenses and allow for some personal entertainment.

—

## Can You Live on $75,000 a Year?

If you live alone, $75,000 can provide a very comfortable lifestyle. For families, the luxuries might be fewer, but the salary will generally cover all your basic needs.

—

## Frequently Asked Questions

### $75,000 a Year Is How Much an Hour?
Approximately $36 per hour based on 2,080 working hours annually.

### How Much Will I Take Home if I Earn $75,000?
If taxed at a 25% overall rate, your take-home pay will be roughly **$56,250**. This varies by state and personal deductions.

### What Is the Tax on $75,000 a Year?
Here are approximate annual taxes by state for a $75,000 salary:
– New York: $19,161
– New Mexico: $18,092
– New Hampshire: $15,006
– Nevada: $15,006
– Nebraska: $19,051
– Montana: $19,084
– Massachusetts: $18,914

### Is $75,000 a Year Considered Middle Class?
Yes. According to Pew Research Center, the middle-class income range in America is approximately $46,000 to $126,000, with 52% of Americans falling into this category.

—

## Conclusion

Earning $75,000 a year provides a solid gross income. You can expect to make approximately **$6,250 per month** before taxes, with net monthly income varying from $4,607 to $5,000 depending on your state.

Understanding how much you earn per hour, day, week, or month—both pre- and post-tax—helps you manage your finances better and live within your means.

If you find it challenging to cover expenses on your current salary, consider exploring side hustles or investment options to boost your income.

For more information on pay scales and managing your finances, be sure to check out our related posts.

—

*Thank you for reading!*
https://radicalfire.com/75000-a-year-is-how-much-an-hour/

PeeWee Goebbels Unhappy Robert De Niro Called Him A Nazi

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Stephen Miller Rants on Sean Hannity’s Show After Robert De Niro Calls Him a “Nazi”

Stephen Miller, known as President Donald Trump’s top aide, went on an unhinged rant during an appearance on Sean Hannity’s show this Wednesday. The outburst came in response to actor Robert De Niro labeling Miller a “Nazi” during a heated exchange on MSNBC over the weekend.

Here’s what set Miller off: While appearing on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” on Sunday, the Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, 82, launched into a sweeping critique of the Trump administration. At one point, De Niro singled out Miller, comparing him to Joseph Goebbels—the chief propagandist for the Nazi Party.

De Niro stated, “We see it, we see it, we see it… all the time he will not want to leave. He set it up with… I guess he’s the Goebbels of the cabinet, Stephen Miller. He’s a Nazi.”

The “Goodfellas” star didn’t stop there. He added, “Yes, he is and [Miller’s] Jewish, and he should be ashamed of himself.”

When Sean Hannity invited Miller to respond to De Niro’s comments, Miller eagerly launched into a fierce attack. Notably, Miller completely ignored the Goebbels comparison and instead directed his ire at those he described as tracking what he called “their ICE Gestapo.”

The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions and heated rhetoric surrounding key figures in the Trump administration, with Miller defending his role amid increasingly personal attacks from public figures like De Niro.
https://crooksandliars.com/2025/10/peewee-goebbels-very-unhappy-robert-de

50k-Mile 2007 Cadillac Escalade AWD at No Reserve

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This 2007 Cadillac Escalade has been refinished in striking Red E over a luxurious Cashmere leather interior. It is powered by a robust 6.2-liter Vortec V8 engine that delivers 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission paired with a locking rear differential, providing confident handling in a variety of conditions.

Acquired by the current owner in 2025, this GMT900 Escalade shows approximately 50,000 miles on the digital odometer, with only around 250 miles added under the current ownership. Maintenance includes an oil change in September 2024 and a transmission fluid change in May 2024.

The exterior features include xenon headlights with IntelliBeam technology, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, running boards, roof rails, a power sunroof, and a power-operated liftgate. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a receiver hitch, rear parking sensors, and 22″ seven-spoke chrome-aluminum wheels fitted with 285/45 Bridgestone Dueler tires in front and Fullway HS266 tires in the rear. The Remus quad-exit exhaust system adds a sporty and aggressive touch to the vehicle’s sound and appearance.

The Escalade benefits from several advanced handling and safety systems, such as all-speed traction control, Magnetic Ride Control, StabiliTrak stability control, and an optional Suspension Package. The latter includes a Road Sensing Suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers and automatic level control to enhance ride comfort and stability. Braking is managed by discs on all four corners.

Inside, the cabin offers exceptional comfort and convenience. The seats are upholstered in Cashmere leather, featuring heated power-adjustable front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and removable third-row seats to accommodate flexible passenger and cargo configurations. Additional appointments include power-adjustable pedals, three-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel that frames a 160-mph speedometer, a 6,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level.

Entertainment is well catered to with a six-disc CD stereo, a 10-speaker Bose surround sound system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, ensuring a pleasurable driving experience for all occupants.

Documentation provided with the vehicle includes the owner’s manual, a Carfax report, and a clean Arizona title. The Carfax report reveals an accident likely occurring between June 2012 and August 2013. Additional damage entries note front-end damage in July 2017, disabling damage to the left side, left rear, and rear in December 2019, and further damage to the left rear in January 2021. There is also one open recall reported.

Potential buyers should note that the tire pressure warning light is currently illuminated, and the seller mentions that a “service suspension” warning intermittently appears.

Offered for sale by the current owner on behalf of their spouse, this 2007 Cadillac Escalade combines luxury, capability, and a comprehensive equipment list at no reserve. It presents a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts of full-size luxury SUVs.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2007-cadillac-escalade-22/

Top Ride race mode returns in Kirby Air Riders

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In the original Kirby Air Ride, there was a lighthearted mode known as Top Ride that offered a top-down racing experience reminiscent of classic games like Off Road and Super Off Road. Fans will be pleased to know that Top Ride is making a return in Kirby Air Riders, now featuring significant upgrades and supporting up to eight players.

Top Ride was a major highlight in today’s Kirby Air Riders Nintendo Direct. In this mode, players race around tracks from an overhead perspective. The camera is dynamic—it can follow a single player, scan across groups of racers, or display the entire track when many players are competing.

One of the exciting features of Top Ride is its multiplayer support. You can race solo against seven bots, compete with up to four players locally on the same Switch, or go online and play with up to eight players. Any open slots can be filled with computer-controlled bots to keep the competition lively.

Kirby Air Riders promises to deliver a unique Kirby party game experience. Beyond the traditional Air Ride races, players can enjoy a battle royale-style City Trial mode along with the revamped Top Ride. These varied gameplay options ensure there’s something for everyone.

Having had the opportunity to try early versions of the game, we’re optimistic about how Kirby Air Riders is shaping up. It looks set to be a fun and engaging addition to the Kirby series with plenty of multiplayer thrills.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146481/kirby-air-riders-top-ride-mode

Commanders bold predictions for blockbuster Week 8 clash vs. Chiefs

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It’s going to be a tough challenge for the Washington Commanders against the Kansas City Chiefs in their blockbuster Week 8 clash. Even with some of their top players potentially returning to the lineup, the Commanders face an uphill battle.

Washington enters the game with a 3-4 record, having lost two straight games. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are 4-3 and riding a two-game winning streak, winning four of their last five contests. Complicating matters for Washington is the absence of standout second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, which makes predictions for this game particularly challenging.

### Marcus Mariota’s Passing Outlook

QB Marcus Mariota will likely throw for fewer than 250 yards in this matchup. In his two full games this season, Mariota completed passes for only 156 and 207 yards. Furthermore, the Chiefs boast one of the NFL’s stingiest pass defenses, allowing just 174.6 yards per game — ranking No. 4 overall.

To combat this, the Commanders will need to focus on running the football to move the chains. Expect Washington to run some play-action on early downs to give Mariota chances to find open windows downfield. While Mariota may connect on a few big plays, the ground game will be the key to any offensive success. Ultimately, Washington will not rely solely on Mariota to carry the offense.

### A Difficult Situation for the Commanders

According to the Rich Eisen Show, the outlook without Daniels is bleak. “Dan Quinn just announced it’s Marcus Mariota on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead,” Eisen said. “What an absolute nightmare of a first half of a season it has been for Jayden Daniels, coming off of his unicorn rookie campaign where he was an absolute revelation. A non-stop yards and points and hope machine in the Mid-Atlantic area for the Commanders. And the Daniels-McLaurin connection put on the rocks by a holdout.”

### Chiefs’ Dominance Over the Commanders

These teams have met 11 times, with the Chiefs winning 10 of those matchups. The Commanders have never won on the Chiefs’ home turf. However, there’s a small glimmer of hope: Mariota holds a 2-0 record against Kansas City. One of those wins came during the 2017 playoffs when the Tennessee Titans stunned the Chiefs 22-21 in the Wild Card round, overcoming a 21-3 deficit. That was before Patrick Mahomes arrived in Kansas City, of course.

Still, the Chiefs are favored for good reason. The Commanders remain without key weapons on both offense and defense, while Kansas City has only grown stronger—especially with the return of wide receiver Rashee Rice.

### Patrick Mahomes Playing With Confidence

Kansas City Star quotes Mahomes on his current form: “Yeah, for sure. I think I kind of went through variations of being too aggressive and maybe not aggressive enough. And now I’m just going out there and playing—just having fun.”

He added, “I’m going through my progressions, making reads, and not trying to overthink things. At some points in the last few years, I overthought it, trying to be perfect with every single read. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to go out there and play football.”

Mahomes’ confidence is bolstered by a solid offensive line. “The line is blocking really well,” he said, “which has given me a lot of confidence to just sit in the pocket and go through the reads. Guys are getting open, and that makes my job easier whenever what I anticipate before the play actually happens, and the guys get open. That’s the simple version of it.”

### What to Expect from WR Terry McLaurin

Assuming he plays, WR Terry McLaurin’s return won’t significantly boost the Commanders’ offense. Even healthy earlier this year, McLaurin struggled. His offseason holdout negatively impacted the team, and his ongoing performance has continued to be a liability. Much of Washington’s 3-4 start can be partly attributed to his absence and limited contribution.

With Mariota at quarterback, don’t expect McLaurin to be a major factor. He may catch three or four passes but will likely finish with fewer than 50 yards and no touchdowns.

### Deebo Samuel to Lead Commanders in Receiving

Look for WR Deebo Samuel to be the team’s top receiving threat. Samuel is expected to catch underneath routes and make plays with his legs. He could tally around seven receptions for over 70 yards and is a solid candidate to find the end zone.

Samuel has had a challenging first season with Washington, fueling critics who believed the Commanders acquired a past-his-prime player who wouldn’t produce much. However, he has managed two WR1 finishes this season, proving he can still perform at a high level.

—

The Week 8 showdown at Arrowhead Stadium presents a daunting test for the Washington Commanders. With key players out and facing a confident Chiefs squad led by a free-flowing Mahomes, Washington’s best hopes lie in a strong ground game and limiting mistakes. Still, with Mariota’s playoff-winning experience over Kansas City, there remains a spark of hope for an upset.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/washington-commanders/commanders-bold-predictions-week-8-clash-chiefs

Wings closing in on giving Paige Bueckers new head coach

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After a disappointing season for the Dallas Wings, the team decided to part ways with head coach Chris Koclanes. Following the conclusion of the year, the Wings began their search for a new leader to guide the team forward.

Now, it appears they have identified his successor. Reports indicate that USF’s Jose Fernandez is next in line for the head coaching position, according to SB Nation’s Mitchell Northam.

“According to multiple sources, the Dallas Wings are zeroing in on USF’s Jose Fernandez to be their next head coach. Deal could be finalized as early as today,” Northam wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Fernandez was among the candidates mentioned during the coaching search, and his consideration comes as no surprise given his impressive accomplishments at USF.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/dallas-wings/wings-news-dallas-giving-paige-bueckers-new-head-coach

Phosphorus Prepared Earth For Complex Life And Could Be A Valuable Biosignature

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For its first three billion years, Earth’s atmosphere was vastly different from what we experience today. There was no free oxygen, and while nitrogen dominated—as it still does—the levels of other gases were strikingly different. Carbon dioxide was far more abundant, possibly up to 100 times higher than modern concentrations. The atmosphere also contained water vapor, trace amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and notably higher levels of methane.

Methane played a critical role during this early period, largely because it was produced by some of Earth’s first life forms known as methanogens. These microbes generated energy in an oxygen-free environment, using metabolic processes that released methane as a byproduct.

This ancient atmospheric landscape changed dramatically during the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE), which began about 2.4 billion years ago. The GOE marked the rise of a new kind of microbe called cyanobacteria. Unlike methanogens, cyanobacteria used photosynthesis to produce energy, releasing oxygen rather than methane as a byproduct. Over hundreds of millions of years, the oxygen produced by cyanobacteria accumulated in the atmosphere, ultimately enabling the emergence of complex life.

The availability of oxygen allowed lifeforms to harness far more energy through respiration, which is believed to have been a key driver in the evolution of multicellular organisms. However, new research reveals that the GOE could not have occurred without another critical element: phosphorus.

### The Critical Role of Phosphorus in the GOE

A recent study titled *“Marine phosphorus and atmospheric oxygen were coupled during the Great Oxidation Event,”* published in *Nature Communications*, sheds light on the indispensable role phosphorus played during this transformational time. The lead author, Dr. Matthew Dodd from the University of Western Australia’s School of Earth and Oceans, explains the interconnectedness of phosphorus availability, biological productivity, and oxygen levels during the GOE.

While carbon is often highlighted as essential for life—giving rise to the term “carbon-based life”—all the elements in the acronym CHNOPS (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur) are vital. Of these, phosphorus acts as a throttle on biological activity: more phosphorus means greater biological productivity, while less phosphorus restricts it.

Earth’s crust contains abundant phosphorus; it is the 11th most abundant element and the backbone of DNA. However, up to 99% of Earth’s phosphorus is locked away in the core, bound in metal alloys and thus unavailable to support life. The new research shows that during the GOE, enough phosphorus was periodically released into the oceans to trigger blooms of photosynthetic microbes. These microbial blooms, fueled by phosphorus, increased organic carbon burial and led to significant oxygen accumulation in the atmosphere.

“By fueling blooms of photosynthetic microbes, these phosphorus pulses boosted organic carbon burial and allowed oxygen to accumulate in the air, a turning point that ultimately made complex life possible,” Dodd said in a press release.

### Tracing Phosphorus in Ancient Oceans

Investigating phosphorus levels from billions of years ago is no simple task. The GOE was a complex, multilayered event with multiple fluctuations in ocean chemistry across different regions.

One of the strongest pieces of evidence supporting the GOE comes from banded iron formations—alternating layers of iron oxides and iron-poor chert. These sedimentary features formed in seawater as a result of oxygen produced by photosynthetic bacteria.

The researchers’ findings are based on analyses of ancient carbonate rocks—sedimentary rocks like limestone and dolomite that form predominantly in marine environments. Carbonate minerals incorporate elements from seawater into their crystal structures in proportion to their ambient concentrations.

The team utilized a proxy called carbonate-associated phosphate (CAP) to estimate ancient ocean phosphate levels. CAP records phosphorus concentrations as preserved within carbonate minerals, factoring in seawater chemistry such as pH, alkalinity, temperature, and mineralogy.

Dodd and colleagues discovered that CAP variations tracked tightly with carbon isotope signatures that reflect biological activity and carbon burial. Their thousands of simulations revealed that transient spikes in oceanic phosphorus coincided with rapid oxygenation events and specific isotopic fingerprints in marine sediments.

“Using the carbonate-associated phosphate proxy, we reconstructed oceanic phosphorus concentrations during the GOE from globally distributed sedimentary rocks,” the authors state. “We find that CAP and the inorganic carbon isotope composition of marine sediments co-varied during the GOE, suggesting synchronous fluctuations in marine phosphorus, biological productivity, and atmospheric O₂.”

### What Was the Source of Phosphorus?

The Precambrian oceans had phosphate present but often chemically locked away. Iron in seawater scavenged phosphate, making it unavailable to life. Additionally, low sulfate concentrations limited efficient recycling of phosphorus bound in organic matter.

However, during parts of the GOE, these limitations eased, releasing pulses of bioavailable phosphorus. This surge in phosphorus availability accelerated photosynthesis in the oceans and allowed free oxygen to accumulate in the atmosphere.

“Oxygen is the hard currency of complex life, and when phosphorus levels rose in the early oceans, photosynthesis revved up,” Dodd explained. “When more organic carbon was buried, it resulted in oxygen being free to build in the atmosphere—that’s how Earth took its first big breath.”

### Implications for Astrobiology and the Search for Life

Understanding Earth’s oxygenation and nutrient cycles holds valuable clues for the search for life beyond our planet. Astrobiologists often use oxygen as a key biosignature because, on Earth, oxygen rose due to biological activity. Yet oxygen can also be produced abiotically, complicating interpretations.

This new research highlights phosphorus as a potentially critical biosignature because of its role in regulating biological productivity and oxygen buildup.

“Astronomers increasingly treat oxygen-rich atmospheres as prime targets in the search for life beyond Earth, but oxygen can, in principle, arise without biology,” said Dodd. “By identifying a nutrient throttle that couples oceans, biology, and the atmosphere, we offer a testable, biological pathway for creating and sustaining oxygen on living worlds.”

“We also provide a framework for interpreting oxygen detections on planets outside our solar system,” he concluded.

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This groundbreaking study enriches our understanding of the intricate interplay between Earth’s geology, oceans, biosphere, and atmosphere during one of the most pivotal transitions in planetary history. It underscores the essential role of phosphorus in powering the rise of oxygen and complex life on our planet—a story that may well echo across other worlds in the cosmos.
https://www.universetoday.com/articles/phosphorus-prepared-earth-for-complex-life-and-could-be-a-valuable-biosignature