Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., opens up about the aerial systems spotted in the Garden State on 'The Story.' A U.S. Coast Guard official said one of its vessels was trailed by dozens of drones off the coast of New Jersey recently, according to Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. Smith, a guest on "The Story with Martha MacCallum" Tuesday, said he spent Monday night on the beach in Ocean County and spoke to several people, including a U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer stationed in Barnegat Light. Smith learned from the Coast Guard commander that the night before, "one of their 47-foot vessels, boats, was trailed very closely by more than a dozen of these drones ." "Now, that to me, is very, very, not just suspicious, provocative, and this could be a foreign power, whether it be [Vladimir] Putin, or it could be Xi Jinping in China, or the Middle East, we can’t rule any of that out," the congressman said. NEW JERSEY DRONES: NORTHCOM NOT YET ASKED BY LOCAL OFFICIALS FOR HELP Photos taken in the Bay Shore section of Toms River of what appear to be large drones hovering in the area at high altitudes in New Jersey on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. The drones seemed to be well above the 400-feet height FAA regulations allow. (Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press) A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed with Fox News Digital that "multiple low-altitude aircraft were observed in [the] vicinity" of one of the military branch’s vessels near Island Beach State Park, New Jersey. "While no immediate threats or disruptions to operations were identified, the Coast Guard is assisting the FBI and state agencies to understand the type, origin, and intent of these aircraft and address potential risks to safety and security," the spokesperson said. "We take any and all aircraft activity near federal assets seriously and urge the public to report any suspicious activity to local authorities." Reports of large drones flying over different parts of the Garden State, including President-elect Trump’s Bedminster golf course and near military research sites, have been on the rise in recent weeks. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., said Wednesday that "very qualified" and "reliable" sources believe the mystery drones flying over New Jersey are originating from an Iranian "mother ship" parked off the U.S. East Coast. FBI LEADER SAYS IT'S ‘CONCERNING’ HOW LITTLE HIS AGENCY KNOWS ABOUT MYSTERIOUS DRONES SEEN OVER NEW JERSEY Rep. Jeff Van Drew speaks to the press as he meets with President Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on Dec. 19, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) "Here is the real deal," Van Drew told Fox News’ Harris Faulkner. "I'm on the Transportation Committee, on the Aviation Subcommittee, and I've gotten to know people. And from very high sources, very qualified sources, very responsible sources. I'm going to tell you... Iran launched a mother ship probably about a month ago that contains these drones. That mothership is off the East Coast of the United States of America." Van Drew did not provide the names of the sources who provided the information, citing confidentiality. The lawmaker later said Iran made a deal with China to purchase drones, mother ships and technology. NEW JERSEY DRONE SIGHTINGS: MILITARY ANALYSTS BREAK DOWN NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS, DOUBT HOBBYISTS AT PLAY New Jersey drone sighting map (Fox & Friends/Screengrab) "... These drones should be shot down," Van Drew said. "Whether it was some crazy hobbyist that we can't imagine, or whether it is Iran – and I think it very possibly could be – they should be shot down. We are not getting the full deal, and the military is on alert with this." Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh told Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin during a press briefing on Wednesday that there is no evidence that the mysterious drones spotted over New Jersey residential neighborhoods and military bases come from a foreign adversary. Singh also said the drones pose no threat to U.S. military installations. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP When asked about Van Drew’s comments, Singh said there is "not any truth" to his claims. Fox News’ Liz Friden and Taylor Penley contributed to this report. Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.Monday, 8:30 p.m. EST, ESPN BetMGM NFL Odds: Falcons by 4 Series record: Falcons lead 8-7 Against the spread: Falcons 5-8, Raiders 5-8 Last meeting: Falcons beat Raiders 43-6 in Atlanta on Nov. 29, 2020. Last week: Falcons lost to Vikings 42-21; Raiders lost to Buccaneers 28-13 Falcons offense: overall (8), rush (12), pass (2), scoring (19) Falcons defense: overall (23), rush (17), pass (25), scoring (25) Raiders offense: overall (25), rush (32), pass (16), scoring (31) Raiders defense: overall (15), rush (14), pass (15), scoring (30) Turnover differential: Falcons minus-9; Raiders minus-17 OLB Arnold Ebiketie has been a key to Atlanta's suddenly improved pass rush. Ebiketie has three sacks in the past two games, giving him four for the season. Overall, the Falcons have had nine sacks in the past two games. They almost doubled their NFL-low total of 10 through their first 11 games. Whoever plays quarterback. Aidan O'Connell injured his left knee Sunday at Tampa Bay, so his availability is unknown. O'Connell is not a mobile quarterback, so if he plays, he likely wouldn't be as limited as a more athletic player at that position. If Desmond Ridder gets the call, he'll face the team where he started 13 games last season. Falcons QB Kirk Cousins vs. Raiders defense. Cousins has been intercepted the past four games, and he has been picked off six times combined the past two weeks. Las Vegas' best hope in forcing Cousins into even more mistakes is pressuring, and the Raiders have nine sacks over the past two weeks. They also had two interceptions against the Bucs. Falcons: Rookie RB Jase McClellan was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. The sixth-round pick earlier had missed time with a foot problem and had only 13 carries for 32 yards. RB Carlos Washington Jr. was signed to the active roster from the practice squad as depth behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. ... ILB Troy Andersen (knee) and WR Casey Washington (concussion) did not practice on Thursday. Raiders: RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) is expected to be activated after missing the past three games. CB Nate Hobbs (ankle) hasn't played since Nov. 3 at Cincinnati. The Falcons have won the past five meetings. ... Their 37-point victory in the most recent matchup in 2020 was the most lopsided game in the series' history. ... That game also was the second highest-scoring game by the winning team, behind the then-Oakland Raiders' 50-19 victory in 1979. Falcons WR Drake London needs only two catches to pass Calvin Ridley (217) for the most receptions in the first three seasons with Atlanta. ... London has 75 receptions for 866 yards and six touchdowns this season. ... Cousins has an unhealthy ratio of 17 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions. ... The Raiders' Brock Bowers has caught 87 passes to set an NFL rookie record tight ends record. Sam LaPorta had 86 last season for the Detroit Lions. Bowers also is 67 yards from becoming the third rookie tight end with 1,000 yards, joining Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts in 2021 and the Chicago Bears' Mike Ditka in 1961. ... DE Maxx Crosby is half a sack from becoming the third Raiders player since 1982 with 60 for his career. The other two are Greg Townsend (107 1/2) and Howie Long (84). ... LB Robert Spillane is one of seven players this season with at least 100 tackles, an interception and a sack. ... Las Vegas has committed 4.86 penalties per game since coach Antonio Pierce took over at midseason last season, best in the league. ... The Raiders have had at least one sack in 31 consecutive games, the third-longest active streak behind the Baltimore Ravens with 51 and Philadelphia Eagles with 41. Las Vegas has nine combined in the past two games, tied for best in the league with the Falcons. Raiders RB Sincere McCormick has secured the starting job, and he has averaged at least 5.2 yards per carry in each of his past three games. His rushing total keeps increasing, with McCormick gaining 78 yards against the Bucs. Especially given the uncertainty at quarterback, expect the Raiders to rely on McCormick. 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A woman was killed in an auto accident involving a police officer who was en route to respond to a bomb threat against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), according to the congresswoman. Greene identified the woman as Tammie Pickelsimer. “These violent political threats have fatal consequences. It’s an undue strain on our law enforcement who must treat them seriously. The officer was responding to protect my life. And now, a woman has lost her life because of this despicable act,” said Greene in her post. “I’m sick to my stomach, but I’m also angry. This should have never happened and I pray it never happens again.” The Epoch Times reached out to the police department in Rome, Georgia, for comment but received no response by publication time. The threat had pro-Palestinian language, according to Greene’s office. “Using a 1 x 8 inch threaded galvanized pipe, end caps, a kitchen timer, some wires, metal clips, and homemade black powder, I’ve constructed a pipe bomb which I recently hid in Marjorie Taylor Greene’s mailbox at [redacted address],” stated the threat. “It is set to go off during the weekend but it would also explode the next time anybody opens the mailbox. Even if Marjorie does not open the mailbox herself I’m still satisfied with the prospect of some pig cops losing their lives or being injured. Viva Viva Palestina.” This was not the first time Greene has been threatened.
Hyundai Motor concludes hydrogen bus trial in KSA Hyundai Motor Company has successfully concluded a strategic initiative to evaluate hydrogen-based mobility in the Kingdom. The project was conducted in partnership with Saudi Transport General Authority, Saudi Public Transport Company, Almajdouie Motors Company, Air Products Qudra, Abdullah Hashim Gases, and Aramco. The collaboration involved a two-month trial of the Hyundai Universe Fuel Cell Coach Bus in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The project assessed the feasibility and performance of hydrogen-powered transportation, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward sustainable mobility. Hyundai Motor supplied its advanced hydrogen fuel cell bus, leveraging its globally recognized expertise in hydrogen technology. Abdullah Hashim Gases managed the hydrogen supply, whereas Air Products Qudra and Aramco provided fueling infrastructure. SAPTCO oversaw the trial operations, including driver resources and implementation, while Almajdouie Motors offered technological and service support throughout the initiative. head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa headquarters, said: “Through pioneering hydrogen technologies, we are advancing carbon neutrality and sustainability. Collaborating with our trusted partners in Saudi Arabia, we have made a meaningful contribution toward emissions-free mobility, aligning with the region’s forward-looking strategies.” Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Acting President of the Transport General Authority Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih said the bus trial is part of the TGA’s efforts to support innovation and adopt sustainable transportation methods that help reduce carbon emissions, in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to continuing collaboration with public and private-sector partners to promote the use of modern technologies and develop the transportation sector, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness regionally and globally. , managing director at Almajdouie Motors Hyundai, added: Aligned with the directives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Energy is actively working to promote sustainable energy solutions. The adoption of sustainable transport, powered by clean energy sources, is a key component of this strategy, as it contributes to reduced carbon emissions and environmental protection. Hyundai Motor has long been at the forefront of hydrogen-powered mobility in the Middle East. This trial builds on Hyundai Motor’s earlier successes, including the export of ELEC CITY Fuel Cell buses and XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to Saudi Arabia in 2020, and its continued efforts to test hydrogen vehicles under extreme weather conditions. The completion of this trial reflects Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility and reinforces the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals for a cleaner, greener future. the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hyundai Motor concludes hydrogen bus trial in KSA, Hydrogen-Powered Heavy-Duty Truck Establishes New Threshold by Traveling 1,800 Miles on a Single Fill he U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) today highlighted a recent... Hympulsion Orders 4 New HRS Stations As Part Of The Hydrogen Mobility Program ‘zero Emission Valley’ In The Auvergne-rhone-alpes Region (France) Grenoble, 17 December 2024 – HRS, French designer and... Lhyfe now brings together 55 of the leading suppliers for hydrogen mobility on its digital platform Lhyfe Heroes, offering the largest catalogue of solutions available in Europe The insight gained by Lhyfe from its...
“We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that,” NFL (National Football League) commissioner Roger Goodell said on Wednesday after the conclusion of the league’s winter meetings. “We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.” A woman who previously sued musician Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13 years old, amended the lawsuit on Sunday to include a new allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, said the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt. The 24-time Grammy Award winner called the allegations “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement released by Roc Nation. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Kendrick Lamar will perform the Super Bowl halftime show at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9. Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. Beyonce, who is married to Jay-Z, will perform at halftime of the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game at Christmas. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Mr Goodell said. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.”
Millions of users are unable to send or receive messages as popular messaging app WhatsApp experiences big global outage. Reports have come in from all over the world, highlighting the nature of the disruption that’s leaving millions frustrated. Aside from WhatsApp, Meta’s other huge platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, are not exempted from this condition as they share the same infrastructure. The blackout has drawn a storm of complaints worldwide. Despite the widespread service disruption, Meta has still not issued an official statement on the cause of the outage nor given a timeline for full restoration of services. Meta Concedes On Problem Meta addressed the situation on social media platform X, acknowledging the technical issue that is impacting access to their apps. “We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps,” the company stated, while reassuring users that efforts are underway to resolve the problem. “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience,” the post added. A follow-up post on X relating to Instagram indicated that some users are also unable to access the photo-sharing service because of the technical issue. Again, Meta assured restoration of service in this update as well. What Instagram Responded? On X, Instagram posted, “Hi, we know there’s a technical issue impacting some people’s ability to access Instagram. We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and are sorry for any inconvenience. #instagramdown.” This outage follows a widely-reported two-hour disruption that hit in March 2024, coinciding with Super Tuesday during the U.S. presidential primaries. Even as Meta continues working towards resolving the issue, users await some form of definitive update when normal operations will resume. ALSO READ | Rift Between Centre And Punjab On RDF Funds Eases, After Finance minister Meets AAP MP Over Widening Escalation On Pending Dues To StateBridgeline Announces Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2024Puberty blockers ban for under-18s in Scotland after UK-wide decision