Dominant defence has Green Bay Packers thinking of deep playoff run
NEW YORK (AP) — Keith Higgins Jr. had 16 points in Lehigh's 60-59 win over LIU on Saturday. Higgins also contributed three steals for the Mountain Hawks (4-6). Tyler Whitney-Sidney shot 4 for 12, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc to add 11 points. Ben Knostman had 10 points and shot 3 of 4 from the field and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line. Jamal Fuller finished with 20 points and eight rebounds for the Sharks (4-11). LIU also got 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks from Shadrak Lasu. Blake Lander finished with 10 points. Higgins scored eight points in the first half and Lehigh went into the break trailing 35-28. Knostman led Lehigh with nine points in the second half as their team outscored LIU by eight points over the final half. Lehigh plays Neumann at home on Sunday, and LIU hosts Le Moyne on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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New hope for flight MH370 families as Malaysia agrees to resume searchArtists left in the lurch as gallery ditches 2025 showsSquamish-based ., a startup that develops autonomous drone technology for wildfire management, announced it has $500,000 in funding from the . CICE is an independent not-for-profit corporation that funds "clean energy innovators." Other past projects it has invested in include the electrification of snow plows and funding for a company that aims to make lithium battery manufacturing cleaner, among others. In the spring, CICE put out a call to companies developing "ground-breaking solutions to better manage and mitigate the growing threat of wildfire." They awarded $3 million to six of the 74 companies that applied for the 2024 Wildfire Tech Call for Innovation, including FireSwarm Solutions. ( .) CICE claims this is Canada’s first-ever funding opportunity for wildfire technologies. The $500,000 will speed FireSwarm’s deployment of long-endurance, heavy-lift autonomous drone swarms to detect, map, and suppress wildfires. It is non-dilutive funding; this means financing that doesn’t require the business to give up any percentage of ownership of the company. “The CICE investment is fast-tracking our commercialization timeline, enabling pilot projects and integrated training exercises with B.C. communities and First Nations across B.C., which will be partially supported by the CICE grant,” said Melanie Bitner, co-founder of FireSwarm, in an email to The Squamish Chief. “As a Sea to Sky company, FireSwarm is committed to supporting wildland firefighters with tools that fill gaps in suppression, making aerial suppression safer and effective at night and in low visibility when helicopters and waterbombers can't fly,” she added. “We’ve already started building relationships with local governments, First Nations, and industry partners. Our goal is to collaborate with partners to build and pre-position a network of fleets across the region that can respond quickly in high-risk areas, enhancing wildfire management and safety.” Bitner said that scaled testing of its swarm algorithm—the drone-agnostic software that enables unmanned aircraft system technology to autonomously pick up water and perform manual drops—is well underway in Squamish. “Once we receive the ultra heavy-lift ACC Innovation Thunder Wasp drones in 2025, testing will expand to the Squamish Valley, pending approval from the necessary regulatory agencies,” she said. She added that as the company gains customers, the plan is to establish a local Operations Centre similar to the maintenance and support facilities provided by aircraft manufacturers. This centre would feature a research and development lab “to continually improve the solutions we offer our clients.” Currently, FireSwarm employs four locals, and Bitner expects this number could grow to up to 40 as its operation expands. According to the provincial government, wildfires in 2024 resulted in 51 evacuation orders, affecting more than 4,100 properties, and 112 evacuation alerts, which affected more than 12,500 properties. As of Nov. 1, the estimated cost of wildfire suppression this year alone was $621 million. According to , FireSwarm's drones will be able to carry up to 350kg and will be able to detect hotspots, execute precise water drops, and deliver real-time data to remote or nighttime operations. The company estimates its product could result in a 30% reduction in the amount of area burned by wildfire, potentially preventing up to 3,900 tons of CO2 emissions annually in high-risk regions. "This project is vital for addressing the escalating threat of wildfires with innovative, effective solutions," said Alex Deslauriers, CEO of FireSwarm Solutions Inc., in the release. "By supporting FireSwarm and our partner, Data Blanket, CICE is enabling us to revolutionize wildfire and forest management through autonomous drone swarms that detect, map, and suppress fires with precision and speed. CICE’s support is accelerating the development and commercialization of this transformative technology, which will allow us to support the wildland fire industry to protect lives, communities, and ecosystems."‘YELLOWSTONE’ EFFECT
What's New Prominent Democratic National Committee ( DNC ) fundraiser Lindy Li has announced her departure from the Democratic Party , citing a toxic internal culture and backlash over her critiques of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden . In a series of media appearances, Li has claimed that allies of Donald Trump have been more "humane" to her than her former party. Newsweek has reached out to Lindy Li, Donald Trump's spokesperson, and the DNC for comment. Why It Matters Li likened her exit to "leaving a cult," sparking debate about dissent within the party. Her departure follows a series of events in which she questioned Vice President Kamala Harris's political ambitions and President Joe Biden's fitness for office. She also voiced support for Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth. These statements triggered significant backlash, including accusations of disloyalty and social media campaigns to discredit her. Li reported losing 40,000 followers on social media within days. What To Know In an appearance on Fox News , Li described her departure as akin to escaping a restrictive and punitive environment. "It's like leaving a cult," she said, explaining that she was ostracized for questioning Harris's political ambitions and Biden's leadership abilities. "This past week has been harrowing for me," Li said during an interview with Piers Morgan on Wednesday. "On Saturday, I went on Fox & Friends and said, 'Democrats have a stench of loser hanging over them.' As soon as I said that, there were boycott campaigns against me—unblock, unfollow campaigns." Her criticism intensified after she expressed support for Pete Hegseth and again described the Democratic Party as having a "stench of loser." The remarks prompted swift retaliation, including accusations of disloyalty and coordinated efforts to undermine her online presence. "I lost tens of thousands of followers because I dared to tell the truth," Li said. "In a cult, you can't tell the truth or ask questions, but I'm done with that." Li's decision, seen by some as emblematic of growing discontent within the party, has provoked sharp backlash from current members. It has also sparked broader conversations about the Democrats ' future as the 2024 election approaches. Despite the criticism, Li expressed optimism about the incoming Trump administration. She noted tech billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos donating to Trump's inauguration and suggested that a new era of "prosperity" might be on the horizon. What People Are Saying Keith Edwards, Democratic strategist, on Bluesky: "Grifter @lindyli has announced she's leaving the Democratic Party. How long until she's wearing a MAGA hat?" Tim Ryan, former Ohio congressman, in The New York Times : "The Dems got pinned as the status quo party on inflation, instability, insecurity, and every other issue facing working people. Trump was the change candidate in a year when 65 percent of people thought we were on the wrong track." What Happens Next Li has hinted at aligning with conservative organizations, stating her desire to work with groups that exhibit "common decency." She also confirmed during an interview with Fox Business that she will attend Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025.
Federal regulators propose plan for evaluating self-driving vehicle techGRAYWORLD Many areas in Bago City in Negros Occidental are still to recover from the massive ashfall that rained on the town, turning verdant green vegetation, roads and rooftops into gray, after Mt. Kanlaon erupted on Dec. 9, as shown in this photo taken in Barangay Mailum on Dec. 11. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO BACOLOD CITY—Negros Occidental was declared under a state of calamity on Friday, Dec. 13, with a price freeze imposed on basic necessities and prime commodities to address the effects of last week’s explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon. The Provincial Board, in a special session, unanimously approved the state of calamity declaration, which will enable the provincial government to use its P78-million quick response fund to help about 33,806 residents living in the 6-kilometer radius of the volcano covered by the mandatory evacuation. READ: ‘Evacuate now,’ Marcos urges residents near Kanlaon Volcano The province-wide declaration will also allow other localities not affected by the eruption to extend help to the distressed towns and cities. The price freeze was imposed to curb “predatory pricing” by businesses and hoarding of goods, the resolution said. President Marcos on Friday assured the public that the government will step up its response to help those affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon. “We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response,” the President said in a video message amid concern by local governments on the mounting cost of the evacuations. The President said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense were already prepared for a worst-case scenario even before the volcano erupted on Dec. 9, adding that the Task Force Kanlaon would “coordinate the appropriate response based on the intensity of the volcano’s eruption and the destruction it brings.” Mr. Marcos said the target was to evacuate a total of 84,000 residents. The forced evacuation was being implemented amid a warning from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology that the volcano could erupt again in the coming weeks. “We will match the wrath of the volcano by extending the same degree of care and disaster response to you,” Mr. Marcos said. As of Friday, the 14,922 evacuees in shelters across Negros Occidental dropped to 10,864 residents because others opted to go home since they did not live within the 6-km radius danger zone and were only affected by ashfall, according to Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division. The remaining evacuees were 8,188 in La Castellana, 211 in Bago City and 2,465 in La Carlota City. Only those from within the danger zone were required to evacuate, said La Castellana Mayor Rhummyla Nicor Mangilimutan. Mangilimutan said she was happy the President had heard their cry for help, particularly that they were running out of municipal funds and were relying on donations from other local governments and the private sector. She said they also have to make a long term plan to relocate those living in the danger zone of an active volcano. Marcos has instructed the Department of Budget and Management to release funds for the victims of the calamity. The Department of Health (DOH) was also instructed to continue to be on alert against diseases caused by volcanic ash. “The forward-deployed relief items of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), such as family food packs and nonfood items, will be poured into the evacuation centers. This includes clean water, sleeping and hygiene kits,” Mr. Marcos said. The DOH-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) Center for Health Development also changed its status from “code white” to “code blue” following the declaration of the state of calamity. “It is intended to supplement the province’s request for more aid for the individuals and families impacted by the recent natural disaster,” said Razel Nikka Hao, DOH-NIR regional director, in a press statement. Code blue, she said, indicates the immediate deployment of health teams, experts and additional units during an emergency response, Hao said. She advised the public to continue to protect themselves from ashfall by staying indoors, wearing masks, and sealing windows and doors to prevent ash from entering their homes. “There is still an active threat with Mt. Kanlaon. The situation remains dangerous due to continuous volcanic activity. We urge the public to follow evacuation orders and safety instructions from your local government,” she said. Hao urged the public to use only clean, safe water for drinking and cooking. “Boil or disinfect water if its safety is uncertain,” she added. At the shelters, evacuees were also advised to maintain proper hygiene, wash hands regularly, and report any signs of illness to health personnel immediately. Meanwhile, the Provincial Veterinary Office reported that 26,006 farm animals have suffered from illnesses caused by the ashfall. These included 1,062 carabaos, 183 cattle, 603 goats, 1,246 swines, 22,250 poultry, 320 ducks, 284 dogs and 58 cats. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The animals are exhibiting respiratory and digestive diseases, damage skin, rashes, foot rot, cough, loose bowel movement and asthma, said Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian. —WITH A REPORT FROM JULIE M. AURELIO INQ
By ROB GILLIES TORONTO (AP) — Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the United States should President-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products, a senior official said Wednesday. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if the countries don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across southern and northern borders. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. A Canadian government official said Canada is preparing for every eventuality and has started thinking about what items to target with tariffs in retaliation. The official stressed no decision has been made. The person spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most comes from one plant in Wisconsin, home state of then-House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty. Another product on the list was whiskey, which comes from Tennessee and Kentucky, the latter of which is the home state of then-Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. Trump made the threat Monday while railing against an influx of illegal migrants, even though the numbers at Canadian border pale in comparison to the southern border. The U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone — and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian one between October 2023 and September 2024. Canadian officials say lumping Canada in with Mexico is unfair but say they are happy to work with the Trump administration to lower the numbers from Canada. The Canadians are also worried about a influx north of migrants if Trump follows through with his plan for mass deportations. Trump also railed about fentanyl from Mexico and Canada, even though seizures from the Canadian border pale in comparison to the Mexican border. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Related Articles National Politics | Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia National Politics | Trump’s tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different National Politics | Trump transition says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks National Politics | Southwest states certify election results after the process led to controversy in previous years National Politics | Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health? Canadian officials argue their country is not the problem and that tariffs will have severe implications for both countries. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. “Canada is essential to the United States’ domestic energy supply,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. Trump has pledged to cut American energy bills in half within 18 months, something that could be made harder if a 25% premium is added to Canadian oil imports. In 2023, Canadian oil accounted for almost two-thirds of total U.S. oil imports and about one-fifth of the U.S. oil supply. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is holding a emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday with the leaders of Canada’s provinces, who want Trudeau to negotiate a bilateral trade deal with the United States that excludes Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.”
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