TOMS RIVER, N.J. — A U.S. senator has called for mysterious drones spotted flying at night over sensitive areas in New Jersey and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region to be “shot down, if necessary,” even as it remains unclear who owns the unmanned aircraft. “We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said Thursday, as concerns about the drones spread across Capitol Hill. People in the New York region are also concerned that the drones may be sharing airspace with commercial airlines, he said, demanding more transparency from the Biden administration. The White House said Thursday that a review of the reported sightings shows that many of them are actually manned aircraft being flown lawfully. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said there were no reported sightings in any restricted airspace. He said the U.S. Coast Guard has not uncovered any foreign involvement from coastal vessels. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” Kirby said, echoing statements from the Pentagon and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh has said they are not U.S. military drones. In a joint statement issued Thursday afternoon, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said they and their federal partners, in close coordination with the New Jersey State Police, “continue to deploy personnel and technology to investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.” The agencies said they have not corroborated any of the reported sightings with electronic detection, and that reviews of available images appear to show many of the reported drones are actually manned aircraft. “There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space,” according to the statement. The drones appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker briefed Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security. The number of sightings has increased in recent days, though officials say many of the objects seen may have been planes rather than drones. It’s also possible that a single drone has been reported more than once. The worry stems partly from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. In a post on the social media platform X, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia described the drones as up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter and sometimes traveling with their lights switched off. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Most, but not all, of the drones spotted in New Jersey appeared to be larger than those typically used by hobbyists. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey said he was frustrated by the lack of transparency, saying it could help spread fear and misinformation. “We should know what’s going on over our skies,” he said Thursday. John Duesler, president of the Pennsylvania Drone Association, said witnesses may be confused about what they are seeing, especially in the dark, and noted it’s hard to know the size of the drones or how close they might be. “There are certainly big drones, such as agricultural drones, but typically they are not the type you see flying around in urban or suburban spaces,” Duesler said Thursday. Duesler said the drones — and those flying them — likely cannot evade detection. “They will leave a radio frequency footprint, they all leave a signature,” he said. “We will find out what kind of drones they were, who was flying them and where they were flying them.” Fantasia, a Morris County Republican, was among several lawmakers who met with state police and Homeland Security officials to discuss the sightings from the New York City area across New Jersey and westward into parts of Pennsylvania, including over Philadelphia. It is unknown at this time whether the sightings are related. Duesler said the public wants to know what’s going on. “I hope (the government agencies) will come out with more information about this to ease our fears. But this could just be the acts of rogue drone operators, it’s not an ‘invasion’ as some reports have called it,” Duesler said. “I am concerned about this it but not alarmed by it.”
Payal.Dhawan@timesofindia.com Ludhiana: Political manoeuvring to make the MC house in Ludhiana reached new heights with a Congress councillor repeatedly flipping between two rival parties in a span of a few hours. Jagdish Lal Disha , a Congress worker who won from ward number 6, joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday at around 4pm. Two hours later, he returned to the Congress fold after district Congress committee president Sanjay Talwar visited him at his residence. The reunion was shortlived. Two hours later, Disha went back to AAP after cabinet minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, Punjab AAP general secretary Amandeep Singh Mohie and MLA from Ludhiana East Daljit Singh Grewal went to his residence. With no party getting a clear majority in the Municipal Corporation elections, poaching of winning councillors is being done brazenly. Earlier, AAP managed to get two councillors, including an independent councillor from ward number 11, Deepa Rani, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) councillor from ward number 20, Chatarvir Singh alias Kamal Arora. Jagdish Lal Disha, a veteran Congress worker, won the elections from ward number 6 on a Congress ticket. A day after, on Dec 22, district Congress committee president Sanjay Talwar visited him with a few other councillors. Talwar said that AAP was approaching their councillors and he was visiting them personally to get them to stay united. At around 4pm on Thursday, AAP released pictures of Jagdish Lal joining their party in the presence of MLA from East constituency, Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, MLA from North constituency Madan Lal Bagga, and Punjab AAP general secretary Amandeep Singh Mohi. He went back to Congress after two hours, nudged by a visit from Sanjay Talwar and other party workers. By 8pm, minister Bhullar and other party leaders went to Jagdish Lal's house, after which he joined AAP again. An irate Sanjay Talwar said, "AAP, which attacked the BJP for ‘operation lotus' of poaching leaders of other parties, is now forcing winners of other parties to join them since people rejected AAP by not giving them a clear majority. AAP claimed to be a different party and stated that they don't purchase leaders or pressurise them, however now it is pressuring winning councillors. I surely know that Jagdish has not joined AAP willingly but only under pressure. Also, it is ironic that MLAs and the minister who never visited any locality for work, huddled to get a Congress councillor. I would also not hesitate to say that when it comes to casting a vote, Jagdish Lal would vote for the Congress." Interacting with the media, Jagdish Lal denied being under duress. "I have joined AAP willingly for the betterment of my ward. Development of the ward is only possible with the ruling govt, which is why I have joined AAP." On being asked why he returned to Congress after Talwar met him, Lal said, "Parties could be different, however, Sanjay Talwar Ji is my brother and he will remain my brother." Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .It might’ve been Christmas, but it sure feels like Groundhog Day for the reeling SteelersThe Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”
50 questions looking back on the region's year in sport in 2024. or signup to continue reading Note, the answers are included after the 50 questions. Two hours, six minutes and 22 seconds. 4x100m medley relay alongside Kaylee McKeown, Emma KcKeon and Mollie O'Callaghan. Ollie Bleddyn. 203 runs. Nine. Atlanta Hawks. Melbourne United. Marianna Tolo and Sami Whitcomb. Gisborne's Braidon Blake and Brad Bernacki and Sandhurst's Lachlan Tardrew. Spring Gully's Nick Skeen with three. Two points. 15 points. Calder United. Gisborne's Pat McKenna with three. James Barri - 107 n.o. v Wangaratta. Dylan Klemm (66), Kaiden Antonowicz (65), James Harvey (57), Corey Grindlay (54), Liam Bartels (50). 93 goals. Nine games. Charlotte Sexton. Kangaroo Flat. 10 wins. Jack Reaper (captain) and Ashley Connick (coach). Number eight. Lucia Painter (West Coast, No.7), Alexis Gregor (Geelong, No.10), Lavinia Cox (Hawthorn, No.15). 37 disposals - 16 kicks and 21 handballs. 20 goals. Gabe Richards. Elmore (53-53) and Leitchville-Gunbower (42-42). Eight goals. Waverley. Melbourne, round one at the MCG. Pyramid Hill's Zach Alford. Gisborne's Torie Skrijel. 54.23 (347). James Barrat and Jemmika Douglas. South Bendigo's Brock Harvey and Sandhurst's Lachlan Wright. 150 years. Mitiamo's Carly Scholes. Travis Kelly, Cameron Keenan, Kevin Anderson and Alex Marshall. Sea King ridden by Declan Bates. Fifth. Tatura (men) and Spring Gully United (women). 28 votes. Chelsea Sartori (Kangaroo Flat, 20), Maddy Stewart (Gisborne, 18), Shae Clifford (Sandhurst, 15). Bendigo. Golden Square by 31 points. Four. Ollie Wines with 11. Max Delight. 36 years. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!Party essential is flying off Dollar Tree shelves for just $1.25 – it comes in two colors and shoppers are ‘amazed’
Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base. The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” Who regulates drones? The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use, and Congress has written some requirements into law. Who enforces the rules? With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. What does it take to become a drone pilot? To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a “mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Are drones allowed to fly at night? Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Are drones a hazard? Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023. Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Will drone rules get tougher? Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it’s up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It’s a brand new technology that’s not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” ___ Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.Today, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), announced an approval of more than $526 million to the Ministry of Finance of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to support the gas-to-energy project, a state-of-the-art natural gas separation plant which will enable Guyana to strengthen its energy security by doubling the country’s installed electric capacity. Commenting on the development, US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot said it is a historic moment for Guyana and the United States. “I am thrilled that the Board has approved the financing for this groundbreaking project.” She added, “By working with U.S. companies, Guyana will benefit from a first-in-class power plant where quality and safety are at the forefront. We look forward to even more transformational projects where U.S. and Guyanese companies can partner for the benefit of the Guyanese people.”