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By MIKE CATALINI, Associated Press TRENTON, N.J. — A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim have both gone out on drone hunts, hoping for answers. The FBI, Homeland Security, state police and other agencies are investigating. Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety, but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft — and to be allowed to shoot them out of the sky. What’s the deal with the drones? Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones statewide since mid-November, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Murphy, a Democrat, said Monday that equipment supplied by the federal government has yielded little new information. He declined to describe the equipment except to say it was powerful and could even “mitigate” the drones, though he added that’s not currently legal on U.S. soil. The state tallied 12 sightings Saturday and just one on Sunday. Murphy urged Congress to give states more authority to deal with the drones. Do the drones pose a threat? The growing anxiety among some residents is not lost on the Biden administration, which has faced criticism from Trump for not dealing with the matter more aggressively. White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Monday said the federal government has yet to identify any public safety or national security risks from reported drone sightings in the northeast, saying officials believe they were lawfully flown drones, planes or even stars. “There are more than 1 million drones that are lawfully registered with the Federal Aviation Administration here in the United States,” Kirby said. “And there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones that are lawfully in the sky on any given day. That is the ecosystem that we are dealing with.” The federal government has deployed personnel and advanced technology to investigate the reports in New Jersey and other states, and is evaluating each tip reported by citizens, he said. The FBI received more than 5,000 tips in recent weeks, he added, with only “about 100” deemed credible enough to require additional investigation. Who is operating the drones? Authorities say they do not know. The Department of Homeland Security and FBI said they have no evidence that the aircraft pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” Speculation has nevertheless raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents. Officials stress that ongoing investigations have found no evidence to support such concerns, but U.S. Rep Chris Smith, a Republican, on Saturday echoed such speculation. “The elusive maneuvering of these drones suggests a major military power sophistication that begs the question whether they have been deployed to test our defense capabilities — or worse — by violent dictatorships, perhaps maybe Russia, or China, or Iran, or North Korea,” he said. On Monday, Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder cast doubt on the idea that the drones are engaged in intelligence gathering, given how loud and bright they are. He said about 1 million drones are registered drones in the U.S. and about 8,000 flying on any given day. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh has said the aircraft are not U.S. military drones. Ohio Air Force base closes airspace Drones flying around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, forced base officials to close its airspace for about four hours late Friday into early Saturday, said Robert Purtiman, a base spokesperson. It was the first time drones had been spotted at the base, one of the largest in the world, and no sightings have been reported since, Purtiman said Monday. He said the drones had no impact on any facilities on the base. Officials urge action Trump has said he believes the government knows more than it’s saying. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted on Truth Social. Kim said he’s heard no support for the notion the government is hiding anything. He said a lack of faith in institutions is playing a key part in the saga. “Nothing that I’m seeing, nothing that I’ve engaged in gives me any impression of that nature. But like, I get it, some people won’t believe me, right? Because that’s the level of distrust that we face,” Kim said Monday. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut last week called for the drones to be “shot down.” Rep. Smith urged the Pentagon to authorize the use of force to bring down one or more drones to try to figure out who deployed them. The objects could be downed over the ocean or in an unpopulated area on land, Smith said Saturday. “Why can’t we bag at least one of these drones and get to the bottom of it?” Smith said.Green arms scrap $600 million bond offeru777 。

Fine Gael candidate Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has become the first person to be elected as a TD in the Irish General Election. The junior minister was re-elected as a TD on the first count in the Dublin constituency of Dun Laoghaire getting 11,685 first preference votes. The quota was 11,134. Fianna Fáil's Cormac Devlin received 8,831 votes, Fine Gael's Barry Ward got 8,337, while Richard Boyd Barret of People Before Profit-Solidarity received 6,795 votes. The next count will see the distribution of Ms Carroll MacNeill's surplus votes. READ MORE: Live updates as counting continues at pace READ MORE: Ireland General Election 2024: Green Party face wipeout -'It's not a good day' She was followed a short time later by Patrick O'Donovan (FG) in Limerick County. He received 11,563 votes, exceeding the quota by 178. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has paid tribute to his coalition colleagues from the Green Party. His comments come amid the possibility that the Green Party may suffer an electoral wipeout. "I think the Green Party made a very positive contribution to government," he said. "I think some good, constructive, positive policies emerge from the last government." He added: "The Greens, to their credit, didn't buckle over the four and a half years. Being in government can be difficult for any political party. "It is to the credit of the Greens that they went into government. We had challenges, we had different priorities of three political parties, but this government went full term, and I think Ireland was for the better for that." Follow updates, breaking news and top stories as they happen below. Join our Election 2024 WhatsApp group here to get live election results and updates. You can leave the group at any time if you don't like it.I’m A Celebrity fans furious over ‘new low’ on show during gruesome eating trial as Rev Richard Coles and Tulisa gagCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left and Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday, likely ending the Buckeyes ’ hopes of returning to the Big Ten title game. Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State's 17-yard line with two minutes remaining in the game. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Ohio State (10-2, 7-2, No. 2 CFP) got the ball back but couldn't move it, with Will Howard throwing incomplete on fourth down to seal the Wolverines' fourth straight win over their bitter rival. “You come to Michigan to play this game,” Zvada said. “So, it's the biggest one of the year. It's the one that everyone looks forward to, and to be able to come in here and take the win, it's amazing.” This Ohio State loss in the “The Game” might have been the toughest of the past four because Michigan was unranked and wrapping up a disappointing season. The Wolverines were also playing without a couple of top players: tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for this rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Records — and point spreads, for that matter — rarely mean much when these two teams meet. “Our defense played outstanding," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. "We held a high-powered offense to 10 points, 77 rushing yards.” The Buckeyes were off all afternoon. Howard was 19 for 33 for 175 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and Jayden Fielding missed two field-goal attempts. The run game was hardly there. “It's hard, man,” an emotional Howard said. “I really don’t have much right now. I do know we're a two-loss team. We're going to get into the playoffs and make a run. But, I mean, this one hurts.” Mullings was Michigan's primary weapon. He rushed for 116 yards and the Wolverines only touchdown of the game in the first half as neither team could get much going offensively on the frigid afternoon. “They made plays, we made plays, so as the game wore on you could definitely, slowly feel them starting to lose confidence, lose that energy and lose that faith,” Mullings said. Howard was clunky all day. In the first half he threw an interception from deep in his own territory that led to Michigan's touchdown. He went out for a play in the second quarter to be checked for a head injury. After the game, he said he was fine. “We're very disappointed, and never thought this would happen right here,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten championship game.” After the game, Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield and were confronted by Ohio State players. A skirmish ensued as both teams pushed and shoved before being separated. Michigan: Did just enough and caught Ohio State on an off day. Ohio State: It's inexplicable how badly the Buckeyes played in their biggest game of the season. They would need No. 4 Penn State and No. 10 Indiana to lose later Saturday in order to make it into the Big Ten title game next week. The Buckeyes will fall. There has been talk all season about how many of the Ohio State team leaders, including receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end Jack Sawyer, chose to return for another year instead of entering the NFL draft because they wanted to beat Michigan at least once. Those players were inconsolable after the game. One of them, linebacker Cody Simon, was asked how he felt. “I just can't speak that right now,” Simon said. “I feel like we let the whole Buckeye nation down.” Michigan will wait for a minor bowl game. Ohio State, assuming either Penn State or Indiana wins on Saturday, will see how the final College Football Playoff rankings shakeout on Dec. 8. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25

Crown Royal Paints Nashville Purple During "The 58th Annual CMA Awards" Week from launch of Crown Royal 31 Year Old in Partnership with Daniel Diamond to Generous Moment on CMA Awards Stage NASHVILLE, Tenn. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In its seventh year as the exclusive whisky partner of the CMA Awards, Crown Royal spread generosity through Music City across the week, culminating in a special announcement on Country Music's Biggest Night. Woven into the fabric of country music, Crown Royal brings people together through shared values and experiences that define the genre. This year, the brand raised the bar and 'painted the town purple' like never before with a packed presence in Nashville . To kick off the week, the award-winning whisky brand partnered with Daniel Musto of fashion brand DanielxDiamond to debut Crown Royal Aged 31 Years. Musto shared a collection of iconic looks from country music's biggest stars along with his tips for luxury western styling. The duo adorned guests with their very own custom DanielxDiamond Crown Royal jacket, a perfect accessory for CMA Awards week. Side-by-side with this rare whisky, the two icons cheers to craftsmanship, excellence and country music. Continuing the star-studded week of celebrations, Crown Royal teamed up with New Artist of the Year nominee Nate Smith and veteran-turned-country-artist Scotty Hasting to raise a glass to Crown Royal partner, CreatiVets, a non-profit organization helping veterans navigate life after service through music. Last night, Crown Royal and Smith hit the stage at "The 58th Annual CMA Awards," highlighting the story of veteran Scotty Hasting's life-changing journey from Purple Heart recipient to one of country music's own. During an intimate conversation, Hasting shared how the support of CreatiVets led to him writing his first debut single and making his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage. He also recounted moments from a recent performance in Nashville . "I am so proud to be able to use music to reach people and help Veterans like myself, after returning home," said Hasting. "It's an honor to support CreatiVets and Crown Royal in their mission to continue to help people through music, too." Amid roaring applause and a standing ovation, Smith announced a $50,000 donation to CreatiVets on behalf of Crown Royal. Since the start of their partnership, Crown Royal has spearheaded efforts to raise over $370,000 in support for this cause.* "I'm humbled to put a spotlight on an organization as incredible as CreatiVets on country music's biggest stage," said Smith. "Crown Royal has been my go-to in the songwriting room and while on tour, and I've long admired their commitment to supporting veterans. Learning about CreatiVets' mission and Scotty's personal story is something I'll never forget." Crown Royal first partnered with CreatiVets in 2022, and through Crown Royal's continued commitment and support over the past two years, CreatiVets has significantly fueled their mission, nearly doubling their annual number of veterans served in 2024. The brand's support has also helped enable a thirty-five percent increase in songwriting programs, while also facilitating the launch of new chapters and community initiatives.* "As we returned to Music City for the seventh year, it was important for us to extend our presence and plant our purple flag in the heart of country music. We are proud to have celebrated the country music community from our new partnership with DanielxDiamond for Crown Royal Aged 31 to celebrating iconic artists at the 72nd Annual BMI Country Awards," said Jesse Damashek , Senior Vice President, North American Whiskeys at Diageo. "And of course, with generosity at the core of our brand we closed out the week with a memorable giveback moment. What an honor to have teamed up with Nate Smith and Scotty Hasting , to support our partner CreatiVets and highlight the incredible work they are doing for our veterans." CMA Awards viewers at home had the opportunity to join in on the generosity by scanning a QR code that appeared onscreen or by visiting https://stage.crownroyal.com/cmacreativets . Each visit to the website (including by QR code scan) on or before November 21 will result in the brand donating an additional $1 . These donations will be in addition to the $50,000 Crown Royal will contribute to CreatiVets mission.*** Crown Royal also sponsored the 72nd annual BMI Country Awards, the Creative Artist Agency watch party, and continued celebrations as a sponsor of William Morris Endeavor's official CMA Awards after party. Country stars and industry alike gathered to toast with specialty cocktails crafted exclusively for the occasions, rounding out a week of unforgettable moments. Crown Royal reminds everyone 21+ that living generously is not about what you have, but about what you give. And, most importantly, to always drink responsibly. About Crown Royal Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com . Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly. About Diageo North America Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker , Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit diageo.com . Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. About the CMA Awards The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. ABC is the network home of the CMA Awards and CMA's other two television properties, "CMA Fest" and "CMA Country Christmas." About Nate Smith Bursting onto the scene a few short years ago, country vocal powerhouse Nate Smith has accumulated over 2 billion career streams, scored three multi-week No. 1 records ("Whiskey on You," "World on Fire" and "Bulletproof"), garnered multiple gold and platinum records, sold-out shows across the US and received numerous nominations for best new artist from the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, iHeart Radio Awards and so many more. Most recently, Smith received the award for ACM New Male Artist of the Year, Billboard's Rookie of the Year and Amazon's Breakthrough Country Artist for 2024. Smith's sophomore album, California Gold, was just released and debuted Top 15 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart. About Scotty Hasting In April of 2011, former Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Cavalry Scotty Hasting was left fighting for his life, flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot ten times. Narrowly escaping death, Hasting is now on a mission to help anyone struggling through his music. Despite only first picking up a guitar in 2020, Hasting signed with Black River Entertainment in 2023 and has already opened for incredible artists, including Dave Grohl , Tanya Tucker , Jelly Roll, Lee Brice , Chris Janson , and more. Hasting recently partnered with Operation Democracy and represented the U.S. with multiple performances in Normandy , France , during a week-long celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day . Hasting released his debut EP, I'm America (5/3), stepped into the coveted Circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut (7/28), and shared the notable release, his own special version of "Til The Last Shot's Fired" with Lee Brice and Dolly Parton (10/15) . About CreatiVets CreatiVets' is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide wounded veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury with opportunities to use art, music, and creative writing to heal their unseen wounds of war. Their goal is to empower veterans with tools they can use for the rest of their lives and enable them to see their own capacity for success in an arena outside the battlefield. Learn more at creativets.org . Media Contacts: DIAGEO jazmine.settles@diageo.com TAYLOR crownroyal@taylorstrategy.com For Scotty Hasting : Dawn Delvo | Black River Entertainment ddelvo@blackriverent.com **Source: CreatiVets Financial Statements ***Diageo Americas, Inc. to donate up to $1,000,000 to national and local charities between 9/7/2024 & 6/30/2025, including this initiative in support of CreatiVets. Donation made via the Crown Royal Generosity Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by Fairfield County's Community Foundation, organized under IRS Section 501c(3). No minimum donation. Dispersal of funds subject to approval of Fairfield County's Community Foundation. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crown-royal-joins-forces-with-nate-smith-and-scotty-hasting-to-support-veterans-as-the-award-winning-whisky-donates-50-000-to-creativets-on-country-musics-biggest-night-302313677.html SOURCE Crown Royal

China unveils new futuristic fighter jets in surprise flybyDaily scores two TDs to help No. 25 Army hold off UTSA 29-24One man is now in police custody after officers blocked Feild St. in downtown St. John's and surrounded a home with rifles drawn on Saturday afternoon. Const. James Cadigan told CBC News police received information about activities inside the house and were attempting to make contact with the residents inside. Officers had rifles drawn and pointed at the house around 2 p.m., and tactical police entered the house around 2:30 p.m. A man exited the house without resisting and was taken into custody. Police had Feild St. blocked and asked residents to stay inside their homes. They say residents are now free to move around. (Abby Cole/CBC) During the incident, police asked residents of the area to stay in their homes and the public to avoid the area. In an update, the RNC posted on social media that residents are now free to move around; however, officers will remain in the area while an investigation continues.The NCC has authorized Exchange Telecommunications Limited's separation from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited Exchange Telecoms was found to have provided insufficient justification for its inability to cover the expenses, according to NCC The business is currently the sole supplier of international call transit from all Nigerian MNO networks to A-Z destinations abroad CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market . Due to unpaid interconnect fees, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited. In a statement released on Friday, Reuben Mouka, director of public affairs made this known. He said that after a careful examination of the application and the debt's conditions, Exchange Telecoms was deemed to have insufficient explanation for its incapacity to pay the costs. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! As per the commission, Exchange was permitted to reply to the disconnection application and make its case; nonetheless, its justifications were judged inadequate. Read also Apply: Nigeria Customs releases update on 2025 recruitment, states requirements Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the 2012 Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators both authorize the disconnection, which will go into effect five days after the notice date. “At the expiration of five days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.” BusinessDay reported that the commission made it clear that until further notice, the disconnection will continue. The company is now the only provider transiting international calls from all Nigerian Mobile Network Operators (MNO) networks to A-Z locations overseas, according to Exchange Telecoms' website. BusinessDay reported that Exchange has the most minutes for each of Nigeria's main MNOs and is also connected to them. MTN will use alternate methods to connect with other Network Service Providers after the two telecom behemoths cut off their services. Read also NECA reacts to Lagos Govt decision to seals 3 manufacturing companies MTN speaks on increasing call, data tariffs Legit.ng reported that MTN Nigeria is advocating for the support of higher telecom rates in reaction to the devaluation of the naira and the high cost of foreign exchange. According to the telecommunication company, there would be no incentives for more investments in the sector unless a new traffic structure is authorised. MTN Nigeria's chief financial officer (CFO), Modupe Kadri, stated this during a panel discussion organised by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), The Punch reported. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng