[Michael_Michaelangelo]

Is there nothing left we can rely on with any degree of certainty?

I was wondering the same thing! Then I saw this article this morning and felt all warm and fuzzy again:

Fundamental physics constants stay put

[R. Scott]

Meanwhile, Webb's original observations have also been questioned by French and Indian astronomers who have been unable to see any change in alpha in their survey of quasars (Physical Review Letters, vol 92, p 121302).

This is what I like about Science versus Magic.
Theories and observations can be - and are - challenged. The questioned results must be verified by others. Remember “cold fusion”? No one else could duplicate the experiment so it was tossed.
There is no way to challenge magical theories about the universe.