
🚨 White House says NJ sightings are not of drones 🚨 Feds address foreign involvement theories 🚨Retiterate: No threat to public safety Federal officials say people in New Jersey are just seeing things. That are not drones, that is. The White House says the drones that have been sighted over New Jersey since November may all be planes. During Thursday's press briefing, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby said there is no evidence to suggest they pose a national security or public safety threat. Kirby also said they do not appear to have any foreign connections. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are using "sophisticated sophisticated electronic detection technologies" to determine their origin, Kirby said. "We have not been able to, and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities, corroborate any of the reported visual sightings. To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully," Kirby said. Response to Iranian theory "The United States Coast Guard is providing support to the state of New Jersey and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels," Kirby said. That appears to be an indirect comment about the con tention of Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-NJ, 2ns District, about drones coming from an Iranian drone mothership. "There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any re stricted airspace," Kirby said. "We certainly take seriously the threat that can be posed by manned aircraft systems which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports even though they have uncovered no malicious activity or intent at this particular stage." ALSO READ: NJ county runs out of money, can't pay public safety workers Benchmark for action against drones? The Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County earlier this week confirmed 11 sightings over base property. The FAA has instituted a no-drone zone over the arsenal and President-elect Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster where he stays while in New Jersey. Kirby also echoed the suggestion of several legislators to extend and expand counter-drone authorities so threats can be better mitigated. When asked if there is any benchmark for when the military might take an action Kirby reiterated that there is no threat to the public. "If the president as Commander-in-Chief believed based in the information he'd been given that there was a national security threat at play here, or even a public safety threat here, he would issue the appropriate directives to not only law enforcement but the military if needed," Kirby said. What do they really know about the drones? The bottom line from Kirby was that they still don't know what exactly people are seeing. A federal ban on the use of drones is not imminent. "I cannot characterize definitively what these sightings are. I can just go back to what I said at the opening. We've looked at the imagery, we can't corroborate some of the reported sightings through our own expert analysis using sophisticated detection techniques. But that doesn't mean we're putting our pen down this afternoon and calling it a day," Kirby said. Assemblyman Brian Bergen, R-Morris, called Kirby an "idiot" during an appearance on Fox News. He accused the Biden Administration of ignoring serious national concerns. Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom A sad, desolate look at NJ's Old Monmouth Mall It was the last Christmas Eve for New Jersey's Monmouth Mall in Eatontown before major redevelopment began. Here's what it looked like on that day in 2023, the final Christmas season the enclosed mall would ever see. Gallery Credit: Mike Brant A list of NJ malls where you can get photos with Santa for the 2024 holiday season The annual New Jersey tradition is back for the 2024 holiday season, along with pet photos, special events, exclusive sensory sessions, and more. Malls are listed in alphabetical order. Gallery Credit: Mike Brant Items you're most likely to lose over the holidays in NJ These are the top items most New Jerseyans are most likely to lose, according to you. Gallery Credit: Mike Brant
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. announced Thursday night he's decided to enter the transfer portal, meaning the Terrapins will likely have a new starter at the position for a second straight season. Edwards said on social media he's excited for the opportunities ahead. He threw for 2,881 yards in 11 games this season, his first as Maryland's No. 1 quarterback after Taulia Tagovailoa held down the position for four years. The Terrapins went 4-8 this season. Maryland has signed four-star quarterback Malik Washington, one of the highest-ranked recruits in the country at the position, as part of next year's class. Elsewhere, ESPN reported Boise State quarterback Malachi Nelson intends to enter the portal. Nelson has been a backup this season for the playoff-bound Broncos. Nelson was one of the top recruits nationally in 2023 and went to Southern California before transferring to Boise State.Quick Links Gulfstream G550 features and specifications General Motors Google AT&T ConocoPhillips Calvin Klein The Gulfstream G550 is a large twin-engine business jet designed and developed by Gulfstream Aerospace in the early 2000s. Developed from Gulfstream V, the first production G550 flew in July 2002, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification was awarded in August 2003. The first aricraft was delivered to the customer in the same year. Compared to its predecessor, the G550 has an increased range of 6,750 NM and enhanced fuel efficiency. This is achieved through various drag-reduction techniques and engine upgrades. The G550's Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) was increased by 500 lb (230 kg), resulting in enhanced takeoff and climb performance. The entry door was relocated to increase the usable cabin length. Gulfstream G550 features and specifications Crew : 2 pilots, 0–2 attendants Capacity : 14–19 passengers / 6,200 lb (2,812 kg) payload Length : 96 ft 5 in (29.39 m) Wingspan : 93 ft 6 in (28.50 m) Height : 25 ft 10 in (7.87 m) Empty weight : 48,300 lb (21,909 kg) Gross weight : 54,500 lb (24,721 kg) Max takeoff weight: 91,000 lb (41,277 kg) Maximum landing weight: 7 5,300 lb (34,156 kg) Fuel capacity : 41,300 lb (18,733 kg) Powerplant : 2 × Rolls-Royce BR710 C4-11 turbofan engines, 15,385 lbf (68.44 kN) thrust each The aircraft is equipped with Honeywell Primus Epic Avionics Suite, head-up guidance system, and enhanced vision system, offering intuitive displays and greater situational awareness. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines, each generating up to 15,385 bf thrust at takeoff, offers high-speed cruise of Mach 0.85. Cabin dimensions: height × width × length 6 ft 2 in × 7 ft 4 in × 43 ft 11 in (1.88 m × 2.24 m × 13.39 m) Cabin length, including baggage hold: 50 ft 1 in (15.27 m) Cabin volume: 1,669 cu ft (47.26 m3); usable baggage compartment volume: 170 cu ft (4.81 m3) Cabin altitude : 6,000 ft (1,829 m) The Gulfstream G550 is a well-established aircraft in the long-range large-cabin jet market. The manufacturer delivered the 500th G550 in May 2015. By October 2019, the G550 was fully replaced with the G600, and limited production of the G550 was performed for special missions and governments. More than 600 examples of the G550 were produced between 2003 and 2021. The last commercially available G550 was delivered in June 2021 before the company ceased production of the type. Range : 6,750 NM (7,770 mi, 12,500 km) High-Speed Cruise: M0.85 at 41,000 ft (12,000 m) Long Range Cruise : M0.80 at 41,000 ft (12,000 m) Maximum Mach Operating (MMO) : M0.885 at 41,000 ft (12,000 m) Service ceiling : 51,000 ft (16,000 m) Take-off run: 5,910 ft (1,800 m) Landing run : 2,770 ft (840 m) Apart from individual and government customers, the G550 is popular among corporate customers. Hundreds of aircraft of this type fly with small and large corporations, primarily transporting executives. This article explores some large corporations that currently operate the Gulfstream G550. The jet boasts a combination of range, performance, and luxury – and is favored among business, government, and even the military. 1 General Motors Number of Gulfstream G550 operated: Three General Motors Company is an automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Known for its range of automobile brands, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, it is the largest automobile manufacturer in the United States and was the world's largest for 77 years before losing to Toyota in 2008. With its manufacturing plants in eight countries and offices worldwide, the company officials require numerous aircraft for corporate use. Three distinct Gulfstream G550s serve the company and are primarily used for transporting executives. The ultra-long-range jet is configured with 20 seats (including two pilots) and has a thrust rating between 14,750 and 15,385 Ibf. Data from FlightAware shows that the N283PH and N284PH were acquired in December 2019, whereas the company received the N285PH in February 2020. The G600 offers greater passenger comfort and superior flight performance. 2 Google Number of Gulfstream G550 operated: Two Founded in 1998, Google is one of the largest tech companies in the world. Its focus is on search engine technology, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence, e-commerce and advertisement, and quantum computing. Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., has strong market dominance thanks to technological advancements made in the last two decades. The Big Tech company operates two Gulfstream G550 jets configured for 18 passengers in a luxury cabin. With its presence worldwide, the company operates several private jets, including the two G550, for corporate transport. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR 700 series turbofan engines, the engines are rated between 14,750 and 15,385 lbf. Data from FlightAware shows that the N904G was acquired in February 2014, whereas the N10XG came into service in June 2014. The Gulfstream G550 private jet is a top choice for private individuals, corporations and governments. 3 AT&T Number of Gulfstream G550 operated: Two AT&T Inc. is a telecommunications holding company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Ranked 13th among Fortune 500 companies, the world's third-largest telecommunications company operates two Gulfstream G550 jets for its corporate travel needs. The two Rolls-Royce BR 700 series turbofan engines are rated at 15,385 lbf, enabling high-performance flight for the customer. FlightAware shows that the N75RP was acquired in July 2021, whereas the N79RP came into service in November 2024. Celebrities go for the gold standard in private jet travel: the Gulfstream G550. 4 ConocoPhillips Number of Gulfstream G550 operated: Two AT&T Inc. is an American company focusing on the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. Based in the energy corridor of Houston, Texas, ConocoPhillips operates in 15 countries, with production in the US, Norway, Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Libya, and Qatar. It is ranked 153rd among Fortune 500 companies. The company operates two Gulfstream G550 jets for its corporate travel needs. FlightAware shows that the N797CP was acquired in February 2026, whereas the N795CR came into service in June 2024. The G550 is no longer available directly from Gulfstream, let's therefore examine what the costs are to own one today. 5 Calvin Klein Number of Gulfstream G550 operated: One The clothing and beauty products giant Calvin Klein specializes in mass-market clothing and lifestyle accessories. The company operates a Gulfstream G550 jet for its corporate travel needs. The company has its initials on the aircraft registration. The two Rolls-Royce BR 700 series turbofan engines are rated at 15,385 lbf for optimized takeoff and climb performance. FlightAware shows that the N550CK was acquired in February 2020. The new Starbucks CEO will not have to relocate to headquarters, with unique travel benefits included in his compensation package.