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Republican Says Trump Is Warning GOP: Don't Get on 'Naughty List'TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — 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.” ___ Associated Press reporters Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and reporter Darlene Superville and videojournalists Serkan Gurbuz and Nathan Ellgren in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. Bruce Shipkowski, The Associated Press
Menendez brothers' bid for freedom delayed until JanuarySome players have argued that this design choice undermines the immersion and realism of the game, as it forces them to suspend their disbelief and accept that these seemingly aggressive dogs cannot be neutralized in any way. Others have pointed out that the inability to defend oneself against hostile animals goes against the fundamental principles of self-preservation and survival that are often central to many video game narratives.
While some villagers were quick to sympathize with the lost graduate student, praising Mrs. Li for her compassion and willingness to help a stranger in need, others expressed skepticism and raised doubts about the young woman's true identity and intentions. Some whispered tales of espionage and conspiracy, suggesting that the graduate student might be a spy or an imposter sent to infiltrate the village for unknown reasons. These rumors quickly gained traction, fueling suspicion and fear among the villagers.
Handshakes, murals and ministry: A reopened Texas prison focuses on rehabilitationMoreover, the resilience and adaptability of Chinese exporters have played a significant role in driving the growth of foreign trade. Despite facing challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising costs, Chinese companies have demonstrated flexibility and innovation in responding to changing market conditions.
Trane Technologies PLC stock falls Tuesday, underperforms marketAs the morning session progressed, the downward trend in the A-share market became more pronounced, with intraday fluctuations and increased volatility seen across various sectors. Market participants were closely monitoring the developments in key industries, such as technology, finance, and consumer goods, for potential opportunities and risks."It's very difficult to avoid injuries when you have such a congested fixture list," Bootragno said. "But as a team, we must be proactive in our approach and ensure that we are doing everything we can to minimize the risk of players getting hurt."Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, have been in scintillating form in recent years under the management of Jurgen Klopp. With a squad brimming with talent and depth, the Reds are seen as favorites to dominate their group and potentially make a deep run in the tournament. Led by the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool's high-intensity pressing style and relentless attacking prowess have made them a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- Upbound Group, Inc. (“Upbound” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: UPBD), a technology and data-driven leader in accessible and inclusive financial products that address the evolving needs and aspirations of underserved consumers, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Brigit, a leading financial health technology company, for total consideration of up to $460 million consisting of cash and shares of Upbound common stock. This transaction is a logical next step reflecting Upbound’s strategic focus on expanding its technology-driven financial solutions for consumers who are underserved by the traditional financial system. Brigit, which offers a subscription-based model, was launched nationally in 2019 to expand financial inclusion and help consumers build a brighter financial future. It is consistently ranked among the most downloaded financial health apps and is a recognized leader in innovation in the industry. Built on proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning-powered cash flow data insights, Brigit’s core product is its direct-to-consumer Instant Cash advance product (earned wage access or EWA) which has saved its users approximately $1 billion in overdraft fees since inception 2. Brigit also offers a credit builder product that helps its subscribers build their credit history over time as they increase their savings, as well as financial wellness solutions and educational resources to help consumers better manage, save, and earn money. Brigit currently serves nearly two million monthly active customers, including over one million active paying subscribers and almost one million free subscribers. Their customers are highly engaged, with paid users logging in on average six times per month. The business is expected to generate revenues of approximately $215 million to $230 million in 2025 and approximately $350 million to $400 million in 2026. Brigit will expand Upbound’s offerings of innovative and flexible financial solutions, positioning the combined company to create an industry-leading technology platform for the financially underserved that meets the consumer wherever they are on their financial journey. In addition, Brigit’s proprietary data and sophisticated tech stack are expected to enhance Upbound’s existing brands, including Acima and Rent-A-Center (RAC), by improving risk management and fraud prevention, enabling more customer approvals while also mitigating net losses and enhancing account management. The combined company’s data-driven insights will create a more personalized customer experience with the ability to deliver, at the right time and through the right channels, a wider range of targeted solutions for consumers. Upbound expects these enhancements to boost conversion rates, lower churn, and increase customer loyalty and engagement. “We are thrilled to welcome Brigit, a company whose mission and target customer base are closely aligned with ours, into our family of brands,” said Upbound’s Chief Executive Officer Mitch Fadel. “Creating a financial solutions platform with Brigit as the backbone expands our addressable market and enables Upbound to innovate across even more product categories to improve the financial health of our customers. The ability to add new products for our customers beyond lease-to-own is an important part of our strategy and now we can offer liquidity solutions, budgeting, credit building, financial literacy and savings. We believe this transaction will position Upbound for accelerated growth, with greater scale and a more diversified financial profile, ultimately driving long-term value for our shareholders.” “Brigit has helped everyday Americans build a brighter financial future through a suite of innovative financial products that leverage cutting-edge cash flow technology,” said Brigit cofounder & CEO Zuben Mathews. “This transaction is a testament to our team’s continued passion for helping the underserved and our dedication to innovation. By combining forces with Upbound, we can accelerate our impact and better serve the millions of Americans who have been historically underserved by traditional financial institutions. Together, we are excited to widen our reach and bring financial freedom to even more people in need.” Brigit founders Zuben Mathews and Hamel Kothari will continue to lead the Brigit team as a business segment of Upbound. Brigit will continue to operate under its existing branding and will retain its headquarters in New York City, which is expected to serve as one of Upbound’s innovation hubs. Transaction Details Upbound is acquiring Brigit for up to $460 million, comprised of (1) $325 million payable at closing, 75% in cash and 25% in Upbound shares; (2) $75 million in deferred cash consideration over two years; and (3) a potential earnout of up to $60 million in cash based on achievement of certain financial performance metrics for the Brigit business in 2026. Upbound will fund the transaction through a combination of cash on hand, borrowing capacity under its $550 million revolving credit facility, and issuance of new shares of Upbound common stock to Brigit stockholders. The integration of Brigit’s all-digital, scalable platform is expected to expand Upbound’s addressable market outside of durable goods and enhance its strong financial profile while adding an additional complementary growth segment. With approximately 80% recurring subscription revenue, and an estimated total revenue growth in 2024 of 40% to 50% compared to 2023 with similar expectations in 2025, Upbound believes the transaction will accelerate its growth and is expected to be neutral to non-GAAP EPS in year one and meaningfully accretive to non-GAAP EPS in year two and beyond. Brigit will diversify Upbound’s revenue/Adjusted EBITDA mix; within the next four years, Upbound expects approximately two-thirds of revenue and Adjusted EBITDA 3 will be derived from virtual and digital platforms. Following the transaction, Upbound expects pro forma net leverage ratio of approximately 3x 4 and pro forma available liquidity of nearly $300 million 5. Upbound continues to target leverage of approximately 2x over the long-term. The acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2025, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Advisors Greenhill & Co. Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Upbound, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Mayer Brown LLP are acting as its legal counsel. FT Partners is acting as financial advisor to Brigit and Cooley LLP and Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP are acting as its legal counsel. Investor Conference Call Details Upbound will host a conference call on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 9:00 am (ET) to discuss this transaction. Interested parties can access a live webcast of the conference call via this link or through the Company's investor relations website. About Upbound Group, Inc. Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPBD), is a technology and data-driven leader in accessible and inclusive financial products that address the evolving needs and aspirations of underserved consumers. The Company’s customer-facing operating units include industry-leading brands such as Rent-A-Center® and Acima® that facilitate consumer transactions across a wide range of store-based and digital retail channels, including over 2,300 company branded retail units across the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Upbound Group, Inc. is headquartered in Plano, Texas. For additional information about the Company, please visit our website Upbound.com . About Brigit Brigit is a holistic financial health app that has helped millions of Americans budget better, get their earned wages early, build their credit through savings, protect themselves from identity theft, and find ways to earn and save money. Its mission is to help everyday Americans build a better financial future. Brigit is backed by Lightspeed, DCM, Nyca, Flourish Ventures, Hummingbird VC, DN Capital, Will Smith, Kevin Durant, and other prominent investors. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release and the associated investor presentation and webcast contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "could," "estimate," "predict," "continue," "should," "anticipate," "believe," or “confident,” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology and include, among others, statements concerning (a) the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, (b) the anticipated impact of the proposed transaction on the combined company’s business and future financial and operating results, (c) the anticipated closing date for the proposed transaction, (d) other aspects of both companies’ operations and operating results, and (e) our goals, plans and projections with respect to our operations, financial position and business strategy. However, there can be no assurance that such expectations will occur. The Company's actual future performance could differ materially and adversely from such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such material and adverse differences include, but are not limited to: (1) risks relating to the proposed transaction, including (i) the inability to obtain regulatory approvals required to consummate the transaction with Brigit on the terms expected, at all or in a timely manner, (ii) the impact of the additional debt on the Company’s leverage ratio, interest expense and other business and financial impacts and restrictions due to the additional debt, (iii) the failure of conditions to closing the transaction and the ability of the parties to consummate the proposed transaction on a timely basis or at all, (iv) the failure of the transaction to deliver the estimated value and benefits expected by the Company, (v) the incurrence of unexpected future costs, liabilities or obligations as a result of the transaction, (vi) the effect of the announcement of the transaction on the ability of the Company or Brigit to retain and hire necessary personnel and maintain relationships with material commercial counterparties, consumers and others with whom the Company and Brigit do business, (vii) the ability of the Company to successfully integrate Brigit’s operations over time, (viii) the ability of the Company to successfully implement its plans, forecasts and other expectations with respect to Brigit’s business after the closing and (ix) other risks and uncertainties inherent in a transaction of this size and nature, (2) the general strength of the economy and other economic conditions affecting consumer preferences, demand, payment behaviors and spending; (3) factors affecting the disposable income available to the Company's and Brigit’s current and potential customers; (4) the appeal of the Company’s and Brigit’s offerings to consumers; (5) the Company's and Brigit’s ability to protect their proprietary intellectual property; (6) the impact of the competitive environment in the Company’s and Brigit’s industries; (7) the Company's and Brigit’s ability to identify and successfully market products and services that appeal to their current and future targeted customer segments; (8) consumer preferences and perceptions of the Company's and Brigit’s brands; (9) the Company’s and Brigit’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations and the impact of active enforcement of those laws and regulations, including any changes with respect thereto or attempts to recharacterize their offerings as credit sales, (10) information technology and data security costs; (11) the impact of any breaches in data security or other disturbances to the Company's or Brigit’s information technology and other networks and the Company's and Brigit’s ability to protect the integrity and security of individually identifiable data of its customers and employees; and (12) the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including but not limited to, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect the events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This release and the associated investor presentation and webcast contain certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including (1) Adjusted EBITDA (net earnings before interest, taxes, stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for special items) on a consolidated and segment basis and (2) Net Leverage Ratio (total debt less unrestricted cash, divided by Adjusted EBITDA). “Special items” refers to certain gains and charges we view as extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring in nature or which we believe do not reflect our core business activities. Special items are reported as Other Gains and Charges in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Because of the inherent uncertainty related to these special items, management does not believe it is able to provide a meaningful forecast of the comparable GAAP measures or reconciliation to any forecasted GAAP measure without unreasonable effort. These non-GAAP measures are additional tools intended to assist our management in comparing our performance on a more consistent basis for purposes of business decision-making by removing the impact of certain items management believes do not directly reflect our core operations. These measures are intended to assist management in evaluating operating performance and liquidity, comparing performance and liquidity across periods, planning and forecasting future business operations, helping determine levels of operating and capital investments and identifying and assessing additional trends potentially impacting our Company that may not be shown solely by comparisons of GAAP measures. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is also used as part of our incentive compensation program for our executive officers and others. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures also provide supplemental information that is useful to investors, analysts and other external users of our consolidated financial statements in understanding our financial results and evaluating our performance and liquidity from period to period. However, non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations and are not substitutes for, or superior to, GAAP financial measures, and they should be read together with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Further, because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare such measures to the non-GAAP financial measures presented by other companies, even if they have the same or similar names. ______________________________ 1 Non-GAAP Financial Measure. See descriptions below in this release. Due to the inherent uncertainty related to the special items discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below, management does not believe it is able to provide a meaningful forecast of the comparable GAAP measure or reconciliation to any forecasted GAAP measure without unreasonable effort. 2 Assumes all Brigit’s cash advances since inception have assisted customers with avoiding overdraft fees at an estimated $34/overdraft. 3 Non-GAAP Financial Measure. See descriptions below in this release. Due to the inherent uncertainty related to the special items discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below, management does not believe it is able to provide a meaningful forecast of the comparable GAAP measure or reconciliation to any forecasted GAAP measure without unreasonable effort. 4 Non-GAAP Financial Measure. See descriptions below in this release. Due to the inherent uncertainty related to the special items discussed under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below, management does not believe it is able to provide a meaningful forecast of the comparable GAAP measure or reconciliation to any forecasted GAAP measure without unreasonable effort. 5 Pro forma net leverage ratio (total debt less unrestricted cash, divided by Adjusted EBITDA) and pro forma available liquidity (estimated available borrowings under the company’s revolving credit facility and unrestricted cash) assume the acquisition of Brigit is completed March 31, 2025 and the Company makes the closing date cash payment at that time. Above metrics reflect the Company’s estimates and are not reflective of actual amounts or indicative of future results. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212082702/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact Jeff Chesnut SVP, Strategy & Corporate Development 972-801-1108 jeff.chesnut@upbound.comMedia Contacts Kelly Kimberly 713-822-7538 Kelly.kimberly@fgsglobal.com Leah Polito 212-687-8080 Leah.polito@fgsglobal.com KEYWORD: TEXAS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: APPS/APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY FINANCE FINTECH HEALTH TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE HEALTH DATA MANAGEMENT SOURCE: Upbound Group, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 05:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212082702/enHe also emphasized the importance of having supportive teammates who were there to back him up when he needed it most. "Zhang's quick thinking and decisive action made all the difference in that final play," Lin said. "It's a reminder that we're stronger together, and that success on the court is a team effort."
GULFPORT, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 12, 2024-- Hancock Whitney Corporation (Nasdaq: HWC) today announced that at its December meeting, the Company’s Board of Directors (“the Board”) authorized a stock buyback program (the “Stock Buyback Program”) pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, purchase up to 5% of the shares of Company common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2024, replacing the previous stock buyback program that expires on December 31, 2024. The Stock Buyback Program is effective on January 1, 2025 and expires on December 31, 2026. The shares may be repurchased in the open market, by block purchase, through accelerated share repurchase plans, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, in one or more transactions, from time to time, depending upon market conditions and other factors, and in accordance with applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Stock Buyback Program may be terminated or amended by the Board at any time prior to the expiration date. About Hancock Whitney Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates a loan production office in Nashville, Tennessee. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212994097/en/ CONTACT: For more information Kathryn Shrout Mistich, VP, Investor Relations Manager 504.539.7836 orkathryn.mistich@hancockwhitney.com KEYWORD: MISSISSIPPI TEXAS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Hancock Whitney Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/12/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 12/12/2024 05:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241212994097/enSouth Korean prosecutors have officially requested the pretrial detention of former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin on charges of abuse of power and other alleged wrongdoings. This latest development has sent shockwaves through the country's political landscape, raising questions about the integrity of top officials and their involvement in corruption scandals.The move has sparked condemnation from the Syrian government, which has accused Israel of violating its sovereignty and launching an unprovoked attack on its territory. The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the Israeli incursion as a "blatant act of aggression" and warning of serious consequences if Israeli forces do not withdraw immediately.
In conclusion, Pep Guardiola's recent statement about wanting to escape from the pressures of football management and his decision not to take on another managerial role is a significant moment in the footballing world. As one of the most successful and respected coaches in the sport, Guardiola's words carry weight and resonate with many who understand the toll that the industry can take on one's mental and physical health. Guardiola's honesty and vulnerability are a reminder that even the most accomplished individuals can struggle with exhaustion and burnout, and it is crucial for the footballing community to support and prioritize the well-being of its members.The news of Vinegarberry Xu Xu's extended break and her denial of any relationship controversy sparked mixed reactions among her fans and followers. While many expressed support and understanding for her decision to prioritize self-care, others were disappointed by the temporary absence of their favorite internet personality.
Moreover, a pay-to-join approach can also create barriers to entry for deserving professionals who may not have the financial resources to afford membership fees. This can result in a lack of diversity and inclusivity within the society, limiting the opportunities for talented individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to network, learn, and grow within their chosen field.False advertising in the medical field is a serious offense that can have far-reaching consequences. Patients rely on accurate and transparent information when making decisions about their healthcare, and deceptive marketing can lead to misunderstanding, dissatisfaction, and even harm.
Regardless of how Evans' return will be realized, one thing is certain: his presence in "Avengers 5" is sure to bring a renewed sense of excitement and emotional resonance to the film. The character of Captain America has always stood as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and selflessness, and Evans' portrayal of him has embodied these qualities with grace and authenticity.
In conclusion, the temporary takeover by Wilcox, along with Waverly's decision to stay on in January, marks a period of transition and evolution in the media industry. As these seasoned journalists navigate the ever-changing landscape of news reporting, readers can look forward to a rich tapestry of stories that inform, educate, and inspire. The future of journalism looks bright with Wilcox and Waverly at the helm.Forrest-backed investor retracts default notice against rare earths miner, but the damage may have been doneNoneTOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — 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.” ___ Associated Press reporters Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and reporter Darlene Superville and videojournalists Serkan Gurbuz and Nathan Ellgren in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report. Bruce Shipkowski, The Associated Press