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spin.0h TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — 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. 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. 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 5000 tips in recent weeks, he added, with only “about 100” deemed credible enough to require additional investigation. 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. In Boston, city police arrested two men accused of operating a drone “dangerously close” to Logan Airport on Saturday night. Authorities said an officer using drone monitoring technology detected the aircraft and the location of the operators. A third man fled police and remains at large. Authorities said the two men face trespassing charges and could face more charges and fines. 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. 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. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said members of the public must not try to shoot down drones, as that would violate state and federal laws. Drone sightings were also reported in New York, where a permit is required. Mayor Eric Adams said the city was investigating and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials. The runways at Stewart International Airport — about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of the city — were shut down for about an hour Friday night because of drone activity, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This has gone too far,” she said in a statement. The governor called on Congress to strengthen the FAA’s oversight of drones and give more investigative authority to state and local law enforcement. Associated Press writers John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; Bruce Schreiner in Shelbyville, Kentucky; and Aamer Madhani in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!NonePercentages: FG .490, FT .636. 3-Point Goals: 3-12, .250 (Pettway 3-4, Horton 0-1, Tillmon 0-1, Bryant 0-2, Anderson 0-4). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 1 (Terry). Turnovers: 16 (Bush 3, Horton 3, Pettway 3, Tillmon 3, Anderson 2, Bryant, Ricks). Steals: 8 (Anderson 2, Ricks 2, Sawyer 2, Horton, Pettway). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .700, FT .577. 3-Point Goals: 10-17, .588 (Roberts 2-4, Clark 1-1, Dease 1-1, Jackson 1-1, Parker 1-1, Potter 1-1, Villegas 1-1, I.Williams 1-2, Wright-Forde 1-2, S.Williams 0-1, Walker 0-2). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 4 (Walker 2, Dease, Wright-Forde). Turnovers: 15 (Jackson 3, Dease 2, Giwa 2, I.Williams 2, Clark, Parker, Roberts, S.Williams, Walker, Wright-Forde). Steals: 9 (Parker 2, Walker 2, Dease, Dennis, Potter, Roberts, Wright-Forde). Technical Fouls: None. A_1,155 (10,000).

How to buy Oregon vs Penn State 2024 Big Ten Football Championship ticketsBy Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun (TNS) HOUSTON — When Michael Vick was a young boy growing up in the Ridley Circle housing project in the impoverished East End neighborhood of Newport News, Virginia, he spent endless hours playing what he called “hot ball.” “Playing football in the backyard, you’d throw the ball up in the air and you gotta dodge like 12 people,” the former NFL quarterback told The Baltimore Sun. “I got used to playing with no cleats and in tennis shoes and slides and learned to be balanced and time out where people are going.” It took Vick all the way to the top of the sport and made him a generational star. His career spanned 13 seasons from 2001 to 2015 (interrupted for two years by his imprisonment over his involvement in a dogfighting ring) with the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. Along the way, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, became a video game icon and cultural phenom and set the NFL record for career rushing yards by a quarterback with 6,109. On Wednesday, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson broke that mark , running for 87 yards in a Christmas Day blowout of the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, where a 6-yard scramble in the third quarter pushed him past his childhood idol by a yard. “It feels unreal, to be honest with you,” Jackson, 27, said. “I’m grateful because that’s a record that’s been there for a long time. Michael Vick is one of my favorite players. That’s just dope.” The man whose mark he was chasing agreed. “It’s really cool knowing that guys like Lamar looked up to me and so many kids is looking up to Lamar,” Vick, 44, told The Sun. “We’ll always be connected, intertwined. It’s a credit to all his success and how hard he’s worked. Certainly the Baltimore Ravens, who put the right people around him to get the most out of what Lamar Jackson could do, from [offensive coordinators] Greg Roman to Todd Monken now. [Former Jets and Ravens offensive coordinator] Marty Mornhinweg as well, drafting him. I told Marty, ‘You gotta get him!’ I seen what he could become years ago.” Vick, who held the record for 13 years after surpassing Randall Cunningham in October 2011, needed 143 games to reach his total. Astonishingly, Jackson surpassed him in only 102 over seven seasons. New York Jets' Michael Vick acknowledges the crowd during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) AP Jackson also did it in a season in which he is running less often than in the past with 8.4 attempts per game, the first time he has averaged fewer than nine carries a game in his career. He was even chided by his mother for not running more in a Dec. 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. But on Wednesday he showed that he can break opponents with quality over quantity. He ran just four times, but his electrifying 48-yard touchdown run on the Ravens’ second play of the second half helped blow the game open. It was the third-longest run of Jackson’s career and he reached 21.25 mph, per NextGen Stats, for the fastest speed of any run he’s had in the NFL. It was also his fourth rushing scores of at least 40 yards, tying him with Kordell Stewart for the most by any quarterback since 1950. None of it comes as a surprise to Vick, who sees shades of himself in the reigning and two-time NFL Most Valuable Player but sees the differences, too. “I was doing it at a time when you never really seen it,” he told The Sun. “It was the evolution of the position. “My style was a little more make you miss. I think Lamar makes you miss as well, but it’s just different how he gains ground. Lamar, once he gets to that second level, it’s different. I think Lamar’s got better long speed than me as well.” Yet, that is not the skill set that impresses Vick the most. “He’s playing the game the way he should be playing it — pass first then be running it,” Vick told The Sun. “I think he’s a better passer than runner. “Lamar’s always been able to run — that’s a natural instinct. The passing game is something you have to learn, and it has to be coordinated with timing and receivers and routes and you got to be on the same page and thinking on the same page. “He’s accurate, threading the needle, seeing the field. And understanding what the defense is doing supersedes any throw that you can make.” In that sense, Jackson is having the best year of his career with highs in completion percentage (67.9), passing yards (3,955) and touchdowns (39), with the latter also tops in the league. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Beyoncé’s halftime performance has Baltimore flavor, but no Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Let’s just skip to Ravens vs. Chiefs rematch now | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 31-2 win over the Houston Texans Baltimore Ravens | The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Position-by-position grades for 31-2 win over Texans Baltimore Ravens | Ravens, MVP hopeful Lamar Jackson crush Texans, 31-2, to take AFC North lead He has thrown just four interceptions, his 8.9 yards per attempt is a career-high and leads the NFL; ditto his passer rating of 121.6. “That kind of speaks for itself,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “Sometimes, I just shake my head and say, ‘That was really a great play. That was a great play.’ I’ve seen a lot of great plays from Lamar Jackson. I told him I was proud of him. I’m not just proud of him just because he makes great plays. I’m proud of him for all the things that go into making great plays and also for all the things he’s overcome along the way.” Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates after a 48-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP And as for who would win in a game of “hot ball” between Vick in his prime and Jackson now? “I trust Lamar Jackson on a QB run as much as I trust myself,” Vick said. “It comes down to vision. What lane are you willing to take, because there’s different paths that you can take.” Now it’s Jackson’s that everyone else is chasing. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com , 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1 . ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. More sports news Eagles offensive linemen drive away with some cool gifts from Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears: How to watch final Thursday night NFL game of 2024 Eagles’ Nick Sirianni shows his surly side again during a reported altercation with former player Insider reveals Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 quarterback plans

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom will publish a memoir next spring, fueling further speculation that the California Democrat is preparing to run for higher office after he leaves Sacramento in 2026. Penguin Random House will publish “Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery” on May 13, 2025, according to a pre-order listing. Politico first reported the publication date Tuesday. Presidential candidates often publish memoirs to introduce themselves to a national audience before launching their campaigns. While Newsom, 57, has not confirmed his plans, he has taken a series of steps to burnish his image after Vice President Kamala Harris lost earlier this month to former President Donald Trump. He cannot run again for governor after his current term ends in November 2026. Nathan Click, a Newsom campaign consultant, referred a request for comment to a Los Angeles Times story from May that first announced the governor was writing a memoir. Most recently, Newsom called for a special legislative session that begins Monday to bolster state resources and “protect California values” in preparation for potential protracted litigation against Trump. The state sued Trump more than 120 times during his first term. Newsom has positioned himself as a Democratic foil, racking up millions of dollars in political campaign dollars , and appearing on national TV to attack the former president. He ardently defended President Joe Biden even as other Democrats called for Biden to withdraw from the presidential race after a disastrous debate performance in June that called Biden’s mental acuity into question. Biden withdrew in July, after which Newsom endorsed Harris . Newsom’s memoir set for publication in May will trace his familial history from his ancestral roots in southwestern Ireland, to his childhood in San Francisco and his first foray into politics as a city supervisor, then mayor, and later lieutenant governor and governor. Newsom has previously written two books. He published a children’s book, “Ben and Emma’s Big Hit,” based on his struggles with dyslexia, in 2021. He published the other, “Citizenville,” in 2013, as a guide for people to use technology to “dissolve political gridlock” and get involved in local politics. ©2024 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Exploring the Investment and Gaming Tech Nexus MicroStrategy, primarily known for its enterprise analytics and mobility software, has become a remarkable player in the domain of cryptocurrency investments. The company’s extensive commitment to Bitcoin has effectively tied its stock price to the cryptocurrency market’s volatile performance. In recent times, as Bitcoin and other digital currencies play an increasingly vital role in virtual economies, MicroStrategy’s movements offer intriguing insights into the future of gaming and digital transactions. A New Player in Gaming Economies? The gaming industry, riding the wave of blockchain technology, is exploring how decentralized currencies can enhance in-game economies and transactions. While not originally linked to gaming, MicroStrategy’s substantial Bitcoin holdings hint at potential synergies. As games increasingly incorporate blockchain and cryptocurrencies—whether via NFTs, play-to-earn models, or digital asset ownership—the company’s fortunes could indirectly impact gaming ecosystems. Investors and gaming industry stakeholders have their eyes on MicroStrategy’s strategic decisions as potential early indicators of broader trends. Betting on the Future? MicroStrategy’s stock, traditionally analyzed through the lens of enterprise solutions, now finds itself scrutinized through a dual lens; its integration with crypto influencing its potential role in the gaming world. As gaming companies explore new economic models, those observing MicroStrategy’s stock movement might glean unique foresights, especially considering the company’s bullish stance on Bitcoin. While the interplay between these domains remains speculative, the connection between technological adoption and investment opportunities creates a fascinating narrative worthy of avid monitoring. In conclusion, as digital economies evolve, MicroStrategy’s stock price offers an unexpected, yet captivating window into emerging trends at the intersection of finance and gaming. The Future of Crypto and Gaming: MicroStrategy’s Unlikely Influence As the lines between digital finance and gaming continue to blur, MicroStrategy has emerged as a key player not only in cryptocurrency investments but also as a potential influencer in gaming economies. Here’s an in-depth look into the evolving nexus between investment strategies, digital currencies, and gaming innovations. Insights into MicroStrategy’s Crypto Strategy MicroStrategy’s deep dive into Bitcoin investment has opened new avenues for understanding the dynamics of cryptocurrency markets. Their staunch support of Bitcoin reflects a broader trend towards embracing digital currencies as a strategic business asset. This move aligns with the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies in global financial systems, providing a framework for companies looking to diversify their investment portfolios with digital assets. Impact on Gaming Economies While not a gaming company, MicroStrategy’s influence extends indirectly into gaming economies. Here’s how: – Decentralized Finance and Gaming : As blockchain technology permeates gaming, decentralized currencies offer secure, transparent, and efficient transaction processes. MicroStrategy’s crypto-heavy portfolio signals confidence in these technologies, and their business model showcases the potential of crypto integration in other verticals, including gaming. – Play-to-Earn Models : Cryptocurrencies facilitate innovative play-to-earn models, enhancing player engagement and monetization strategies. MicroStrategy’s actions could drive further exploration into how Bitcoin can fuel these evolving models, providing robust investment platforms for gaming companies. Pros and Cons of Crypto Investments Pros: – Diversification : Incorporating cryptocurrencies provides portfolio diversification, hedging against traditional market fluctuations. – Early Adoption Benefits : As crypto adoption rises, early adopters may benefit significantly from price surges and technological advancements. Cons: – Volatility : Cryptocurrencies are notorious for their price volatility, which can impact stock values and investor sentiments. – Regulatory Uncertainty : Without clear regulations, companies face risks from potential government crackdowns or policy changes. Future Trends and Predictions – Increased Crypto Adoption : As digital finance becomes mainstream, more companies may mimic MicroStrategy’s model, integrating crypto assets into their strategies. – Blockchain Expansion : Expect to see a further merger of blockchain with gaming, enhancing decentralization, ownership rights, and digital economies. Conclusion The interplay between MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investment strategy and the gaming industry highlights the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. While the direct connection remains speculative, the broader implications for digital financial models are significant. Companies, investors, and stakeholders should monitor these developments closely to stay ahead in an increasingly digital and decentralized world. For more insights on digital finance and technology trends, visit MicroStrategy .Israel Strikes Houthi Rebels in Yemen’s Capital While the WHO Chief Says He Was Meters Away

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Spencer Knight made 20 saves, Mackie Samoskevich scored with less than a second left in the second period, and the Florida Panthers got four goals in the third to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-0 on Saturday and complete a two-day sweep. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues and Adam Boqvist also scored for Florida, which won 6-3 at Carolina on Friday. The Panthers have won three straight — that streak following a stretch of six losses in seven games for the Stanley Cup champions. It was Knight's fourth career shutout, his first since Nov. 9, 2022 — also at home against Carolina. Spencer Martin made 23 saves on 28 shots for the Hurricanes, who have dropped four of their last six games (2-3-1). It was Martin's fourth consecutive start for Carolina. Hurricanes: This was the first time all season that the Hurricanes failed to get a point in the game immediately following a loss. Carolina was 4-0-1 after a defeat entering Saturday. Panthers: A big day for Samoskevich — his alma mater on Saturday, that game ending just before the Florida-Carolina game started. The Panthers are 5-0-0 when he scores this season. Sam Reinhart had each of the four most recent Florida goals at 19:59, before Samoskevich got his Saturday. The Panthers scored two goals 11 seconds apart in the third to make it 5-0, and Yaniv Perets replaced Martin in the Hurricanes' net with 8:12 remaining. It was the second NHL appearance for Perets, who came on once in relief for Carolina last season. Ekblad's goal was his first in a span of 1,045 regular-season shifts since Feb. 20. Carolina starts a two-game homestand Tuesday against Seattle. Florida goes to Pittsburgh to start a two-game trip on Tuesday. AP NHL:Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social media