Bowser scores 16, Furman takes down South Carolina State 68-64This Strategy Just Beat the Market 5 Months in a RowInternational Artist Nikhil Chopra to Curate Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025Australia’s technology sector has not yet felt the “whistleblowing wave” that has torn through Silicon Valley and the European Union, and a new guide is aiming to encourage more insiders to come forward and expose corporate wrongdoing. The past year has been marked by scandals at local technology companies, including WiseTech Global , Grok Academy and Metigy , with executives at each organisation resigning after alleged misconduct was revealed by whistleblowers who raised concerns. American Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. Credit: AFR Other tech scandals this year include a secretive algorithm that was found to be determining the fate of Australia’s immigration detainees and revelations that photos of Australian children have been used to train AI tools without the knowledge or consent of the children or their families. As the federal government moves ahead with its aggressive plans to regulate Big Tech and reduce the harm caused by social media and artificial intelligence, there are concerns that the role of whistleblowers has been lost in the debate. Technology-Related Whistleblowing: A Practical Guide will be launched on Monday and is the work of The Human Rights Law Centre, Reset Tech Australia, Psst.org and Digital Rights Watch. It builds on equivalent resources in the US and the EU. Frances Haugen, the high-profile American whistleblower who leaked the so-called “Facebook Files” said Australia was, in many respects, a proving ground for many of the world’s incumbent tech giants and an incubator for the good, bad, and the unlawful. ‘Few people, if any at all, actively set out to be whistleblowers. It is a difficult and hazardous path, but sometimes it’s the only path we have to serve the public interest, and even save lives.’ Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen Haugen formerly served as a senior product manager at Facebook before quitting in May 2021 and leaking tens of thousands of internal documents that exposed how much the company knew about the harm it was causing, including knowingly promoting misinformation and hate speech, and pro-eating-disorder content to teenage girls. “Just in 2024, a wide variety of tech scandals came to light in Australia. These powerful investigations by top reporters detail a taste of what’s happening under the surface in data-powered digital companies. There are almost certainly more,” Haugen said.

Luke Richardson was fired as coach of the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, the NHL club announced, after the team stumbled to the league's worst record so far this season. Swede Anders Sorensen, coach of the Blackhawks' top developmental club, was named interim coach for the NHL squad. Richardson, a 55-year-old Canadian, went 57-118 with 15 overtime losses in three seasons with Chicago. The Blackhawks are 8-16 with two overtime losses this season for a league-low 18 points after going 19-54-9 last season, second-worst in the NHL, and 26-49-7 in 2022-23, third-worst in the league. "Today I made the difficult decision to move on from Luke as our head coach," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said. "As we have begun to take steps forward in our rebuilding process, we felt that the results did not match our expectations for a higher level of execution this season and ultimately came to the decision that a change was necessary." The Blackhawks are on a four-game losing streak and 3-9-1 in their past 13 starts with 2.42 goals a game this season, second worst in the NHL. They have reached the Stanley Cup playoffs only once over the past seven seasons. "I fully support Kyle's decision in making this change as he continues to do what is needed to move our team forward," Blackhawks chairman and chief executive Danny Wirtz said. "I have the utmost confidence in him and the rest of our hockey operations team as they begin their search for the next head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks." Richardson became the third NHL coach fired this season after Boston dumped Jim Montgomery last month. He was hired five days later by St. Louis after the Blues fired Drew Bannister. js/bbBOSTON, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beacon Biosignals, the global leader in at-home EEG and AI-powered brain health analytics, presented two scientific posters at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Annual Meeting. These posters highlight groundbreaking work resulting from collaborations with both Longboard Pharmaceuticals and UCB, focusing on advancing understanding of sleep disturbances in individuals with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and their caregivers. Innovative Research in LGS Caregiver Sleep Patterns The first work, created in partnership with Longboard Pharmaceuticals, presents preliminary findings from the Dreem LGS Caregiver Study. This study leverages Beacon's FDA-cleared Dreem 3STM EEG headband to explore sleep disturbances in caregivers of children with LGS. The results demonstrate that caregivers successfully utilized the at-home EEG device over multi-night recordings, capturing high-quality data without technologist intervention. Findings revealed significant sleep fragmentation among caregivers, likely due to the demands of nocturnal care. The study found a significant increase in Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO) in LGS caregivers of 37.79 minutes vs. 24.70 minutes in controls ( p

Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are not available for the San Francisco 49ers when they enter Green Bay with designs on finding their finishing kick on Sunday afternoon. Purdy is out with a right shoulder injury and won't leave the sideline at Lambeau Field, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, when he also declared Bosa out and confirmed journeyman Brandon Allen would make his 10th career start at quarterback. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said the 49ers are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy's long-term prognosis. Allen's last NFL start on the road was with the Bengals at the Ravens in 2020. Allen completed 6 of 21 passes for 48 yards with two interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 0.0 in a 38--3 loss. "It's definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game," Allen said Friday. "And obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that, but for time being, it is an opportunity for me." Purdy took the practice field Thursday with the intent to participate. His shoulder tightened significantly, and the 49ers ushered him off the field to meet with trainers. Purdy beat the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at San Francisco in January, but Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. A victory against the visiting 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Packers' playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat. Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don't shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown. San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. "That's what you've got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "What you could have done differently in that game. ... Just knowing that's the team that knocked us out, we're definitely hungry for this game." Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week's 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith's 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play. Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground. A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay. While they're dealing with plenty of not-so-good news on the injury front, the 49ers do anticipate the return of other contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks. "Very excited," Kittle said. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure." Allen was a three-year starter at Arkansas but has been a journeyman backup since entering the NFL in 2016 as the 201st overall pick of the Jaguars. Shanahan and LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called "dream team" staff in Washington that also included Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris; and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays. Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises. But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other's play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points. Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They'll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit. That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late. Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week's 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love's go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play. Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a "big part" of the attack. "He's a guy who's got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it's not like those were easy plays he was making," LaFleur said. "He was making tough, contested catches." San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece. Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay. The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1. --Field Level Media

Blake's career receiving day helps Charlotte beat FAU 39-27

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Equifax and Mastercard Join Forces to Combat Payment Fraud in Latin America

ALMOST 40 inmates at a prison collapsed in 24 hours after taking drugs — with one rushed to hospital. More than ten per cent of the jail’s population fell ill from a batch of fentanyl mixed with spice . Worried bosses then placed troubled Deerbolt prison in Co Durham on a two-day lockdown after the incident last month. Synthetic drug fentanyl can be 50 times more potent than heroin — and one inmate was feared to be dying from an overdose. A source said: “A prisoner was found collapsed in his cell, which was when the alarm was raised. “Shockingly, this was in the morning — and they got to him just in time. “He was rushed to hospital, where they saved him. But he was in such a bad way that ‘death in custody’ paperwork was prepared in case the worst happened.” They added: “Word got round that loads of the prisoners had taken a mixture of fentanyl and spice. Others started collapsing over a period of hours — and there were a total of 38 cases.” “No one has ever known an outbreak of illness as big as this. The prison was put in to lockdown and a fleet of ambulances arrived. “A lot of the inmates were treated in the jail with an antidote, and it is a sad sign of the times that they know they need to stock it.” The latest inspection report for Deerbolt — where most lags are under 21 — found more than one in four had substance abuse problems. The Prison Service said: “The new Government inherited a prison system in crisis and is determined to tackle supply and demand for drugs in our jails.”“Don’t chase money, chase making a difference.” Zscaler founder and CEO Jay Chaudhry said this to the graduating students of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) as he delivered the 104th Convocation address. Chaudhry, who’s an alumnus of IIT-BHU, shared his journey from a humble background to becoming a global technology icon. He recalled how his parents, who were small-scale farmers, struggled to make sure that their children got a good education. “Adversity makes you figure things out, what to do and how to do,” said Chaudhry while mentioning how adversities in his childhood helped him develop his work ethic. Chaudhry advised the students to embrace resilience and learn continuously as they step into their futures. Reflecting on his own experiences at BHU, Chaudhry spoke about his fond memories of the campus, walks along the ghats, and strolls in the Lanka area. Crediting BHU for his success, the 1980 pass-out inspired students to work hard, be diligent and honest, and strive with a positive outlook in life to achieve excellence. Noting the technological advancements made by India in the recent decades, Chaudhary said students were future leaders and would be taking the on-going journey forward. “There will be ups and downs, but there are tons of opportunities that will come along. Those of you who grab them, work on them, figure out, will do extremely well,” he said. The Zscaler founder acknowledged that more female students were conferred gold medals, mentioning that India needed to realize the power of women. In his address, vice-chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain spoke about the significant progress made by the university for its growth by hiring and nurturing talent, deployment of resources and building culture and governance. He listed the university’s initiatives for holistic development of students, empowering faculty members, infrastructure development and promoting excellence in education and research. The vice-chancellor mentioned the progress made by the university in strengthening its alumni engagement and informed that it now had a database of nearly 62,000 alumni. A total of 34 medals were conferred on 30 students during the convocation ceremony that took place at Swatantrata Bhawan. A total of 14,072 degrees were awarded. Out of them, 867 were Ph.D., 21 M.Phil., 5,074 postgraduate and 8,110 undergraduate degrees. Arts wing to confer degrees today BHU’s Faculty of Arts, also called the “mother faculty” of BHU, will be conferring over 4,300 degrees upon its graduating students on Sunday. In total 4,358 students from 22 departments will be the receiving degrees. These include 267 Ph.D, 1415 PG and 2676 UG students.COUGHS on the train, sniffles in the office and people complaining of a sore throat – it’s that time of year, again. Whether you have been hit with Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus or norovirus, winter bugs are rife . Advertisement 5 The best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated Credit: Getty Cases of all four illnesses have surged in recent weeks, and experts warn we are hurtling towards a winter “quadruple-demic”, with infections predicted to skyrocket over Christmas. That’s not to mention the common cold , which, although milder, wreaks havoc on millions of us every winter. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to boost your immune system and keep those pesky bugs at bay. Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical, tells Sun on Sunday Health: “There really are ways to improve your immune system and keep it in its best shape. Advertisement Read More on Health OWN GOAL Over 2m vapers could switch BACK to cigarettes due to govt's looming crackdown CHILL FACTOR Two signs of cancer that could be mistaken for cold weather symptoms “It’s less about making it impossible to get ill and more about helping your immune system to work more effectively so that it can easily fight illnesses. “Boosting your immune system helps it stay ready to handle winter bugs such as flu, norovirus Covid and the common cold. “When it’s in good shape, it’s better at spotting and fighting these viruses, which can help prevent you from getting ill or at least make any illness milder and shorter.” From yoghurt bowls to comedy nights, here’s his top 16 tips. Advertisement Most read in Health Breaking 'DO NOT EAT' Morrisons urgently recalls £1 kitchen staple over bacteria fears NIGHTMARE Millions of women wake up around 3am every night - here are the key reasons why Exclusive OWN GOAL Over 2m vapers could switch BACK to cigarettes due to govt's looming crackdown FIT FOODS Stock cubes to peanut butter - secret medicines hiding in your kitchen cupboard 1. TAKE A NAP Getting warm and snuggly under your duvet when it’s cold outside could actually be beneficial for your health, Dr Tang says. “Sleeping allows your body’s healing processes to go into full effect,” he adds. GP gives their verdict on cheap cold and flu home remedies “Aim for at least seven to nine hours a night. Long, quality sleep helps your immune cells work more efficiently.” 2. GET MOVING It can be hard to drum up the motivation to exercise when it’s pitch black and freezing outside. Advertisement But finding time to go to the gym, attend a yoga class or even take a walk in the park could help keep you healthy. “Moderate exercise boosts circulation, which helps immune cells move throughout your body,” Dr Tang says. “Think brisk walking, cycling, or dancing a few times a week.” 3. FIVE-A-DAY Fruit and veg are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep your immune cells healthy,” Dr Tang says. Advertisement Aim for five different types every day and remember, fresh, frozen, tinned and juiced count! For vitamin A, try leafy greens such as spinach and kale. For C go for oranges and strawberries, and avocados and mangos are packed with vitamin E. 4. GO PRO Another way to inject some immune-boosting goodness into your diet is through fermented foods. “Things like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yoghurt are full of probiotics that help keep your gut microbiome balanced,” Dr Tang says. Advertisement “Since about 70 per cent of your immune system is in your gut, this is really important.” Why not try switching your morning toast for a bowl of fruit and yoghurt? Pick one that contains “live and active cultures” for the full benefits. 5 Nothing feels better than jumping into a steaming hot shower when it’s chilly outside Credit: Getty 5. FUEL UP Protein is essential for building immune cells, so make sure you’re getting enough, the doctor adds. Advertisement For adults, this is 0.75g per kilo of body weight each day, according to the NHS, while children need at least two portions of protein from vegetable sources (beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu) or one from animal sources (meat, fish, eggs). 6. SLURP AWAY And ensure you drink enough fluid that your pee is pale yellow. “Staying hydrated keeps mucus moist, which is one of your body’s first barriers against viruses,” Dr Tang says. “Plus, it keeps immune cells moving.” Advertisement 7. CHILL OUT The run-up to Christmas can be stressful. But beware. “Chronic stress can wear down your immune response,” Dr Tang warns. “Mindfulness, meditation, or taking a few minutes to relax each day can reduce stress hormones and support immunity.” 8. HAVE A GIGGLE Laughter can also reduce stress and increase immune-boosting antibodies, according to the expert. Advertisement So get yourself down to a comedy club, watch a funny film or simply spend time with friends who make you cackle. 5 Laughter can also reduce stress and increase immune-boosting antibodies, according to the expert Credit: Getty - Contributor 9. GET TESTED Do you have a nutrient deficiency or other health issues that may be weakening your immune system ? Dr Tang says a blood test, booked through your GP or paid for privately through a firm like Nuffield Health, is a great way to check. Advertisement “They can test for markers of inflammation and white blood cell counts,” he adds. “You can then make targeted dietary changes, add supplements, or address issues early.” 10. STEP OUTSIDE Daylight hours are lacking during winter in the UK, but Dr Tang urges: “Get a little sunshine if you can.” Vitamin D is vital for the development and function of our immune system, he adds. Advertisement Taking a daily supplement may be a cheap and safe way to increase vitamin D levels, especially in the elderly. You can pick up a pot of 120 tablets for £4 in Tesco. 11. SEASON AWAY Grab a ginger shot or add the root to your meals and hot drinks, along with garlic and turmeric. “While not a magic fix, they are natural anti-inflammatories and immune-boosters — and they taste great,” Dr Tang says. Advertisement 12. STAY CLEAN It goes without saying you should wash your hands with soap before preparing food and after going to the toilet, but it’s particularly important over the winter. “Proper hand hygiene reduces your chances of catching infections, so wash your hands often,” Dr Tang says. 5 Cut back on the number of drinks you order or opt for low or no-booze options to stay within the NHS guideline of 14 units a week Credit: Getty 13. CUT BOOZE Whether it’s work parties or family get-togethers, the festive period is synonymous with drinking. Advertisement “But too much alcohol can weaken immune cells, so moderation is key,” Dr Tang says. Cut back on the number of drinks you order or opt for low or no-booze options to stay within the NHS guideline of 14 units a week. 14. TAKE THE PLUNGE Nothing feels better than jumping into a steaming hot shower when it’s chilly outside. But why not try turning the temperature down next time? Advertisement “Cold showers can stimulate immune activity and leave you feeling refreshed,” Dr Tang says. A study published in the journal PLOS One found that having a 30-second cold shower every morning for 60 days decreased the number of sick days by 30 per cent. 15. DON’T JUST POP PILLS There are loads of supplements on the market that promise to keep you healthy. And there is some evidence that zinc and elderberry provide immune support, says the GP. Advertisement “But they work best when your diet and lifestyle are already balanced, so prioritise those things first,” he adds. 16. GET JABBED The best way to stay safe is to get vaccinated. Read more on the Scottish Sun FESTIVE FIZZ Coca-Cola Christmas truck in Scotland: Dates, locations & all you need to know AND RELAX Scots seaside hotel with outdoor hot tub and firepit named UK's top spa resort “They’re one of the most effective ways to ‘train’ your immune system for the season’s threats and reduce the risk of passing infections on,” says Dr Tang. There are jabs for flu, Covid and RSV, so check if you are eligible and book it today. Advertisement 5 Coughs on the train, sniffles in the office and people complaining of a sore throat – it’s that time of year, again Credit: Getty

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Say cheese: Vancouver cheese shop increasing security over rise in theftFOOTIE superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 bill. Dr Roshan Ravindran — known as Dr Rosh — claims the former Man United star, 39, owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022. 2 Dr Roshan Ravindran claims Ronaldo owes him for treatments provided when he was at Old Trafford in 2021 and 2022 Credit: Getty The former cardiologist’s specialisms include botox and fillers , skin care and eyebrow lifting . He names Ronaldo — famous for his “siuuu” goal celebration — in a formal court form. He does not mention the player’s partner Georgina Rodríguez, 30, but the claim says he did work for Ronaldo “and members of his family and entourage” at his Cheshire clinic. When approached for comment, Dr Rosh, who also runs KLNIK branches in Manchester and London, said: “There is an ongoing legal matter and, as a professional, I do not discuss my patients.” Read More on Sport ARSENAL RATINGS Odegaard a class above as Jorginho hooked at half-time after yellow card TOP OF THE CLASS Liverpool's Salah is NOT world class... but here are five players who are A source said: “Dr Rosh is highly respected and is the silent expert behind figures including top politicians, royalty, sports stars and Hollywood icons. “When it comes to procedures like botox and fillers, Dr Rosh is undeniably the number one choice. “His clientele value absolute discretion as well as world-class treatments.” Ace Ronaldo — now playing in Saudi Arabia on £173million a year — was approached for comment. Most read in Football HEARTS 1 CELTIC 4 Ice cool Idah hits a hot streak at chilly Tynecastle as Hoops go 3 clear OFFICIAL CHANGE Bizarre moment Hearts v Celtic was delayed with three minutes to go SCOTT PROPERTY Celtic legend Scott Brown splashes out £2million on luxury pad with pool DOWN AND OUT Rangers boss Philippe Clement admits he has 'no credit left in the bank' 2 Cristiano Ronaldo is being sued by a cosmetic doctor over an alleged unpaid £40,000 bill Credit: EPA Cristiano Ronaldo breaks young fan's phone with wayward penalty and sends him collapsing to floor

Swede Anders Sorensen, coach of the Blackhawks' top developmental club, was named interim coach for the NHL squad. Richardson, a 55-year-old Canadian, went 57-118 with 15 overtime losses in three seasons with Chicago. The Blackhawks are 8-16 with two overtime losses this season for a league-low 18 points after going 19-54-9 last season, second-worst in the NHL, and 26-49-7 in 2022-23, third-worst in the league. "Today I made the difficult decision to move on from Luke as our head coach," Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said. "As we have begun to take steps forward in our rebuilding process, we felt that the results did not match our expectations for a higher level of execution this season and ultimately came to the decision that a change was necessary." The Blackhawks are on a four-game losing streak and 3-9-1 in their past 13 starts with 2.42 goals a game this season, second worst in the NHL. They have reached the Stanley Cup playoffs only once over the past seven seasons. "I fully support Kyle's decision in making this change as he continues to do what is needed to move our team forward," Blackhawks chairman and chief executive Danny Wirtz said. "I have the utmost confidence in him and the rest of our hockey operations team as they begin their search for the next head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks." Richardson became the third NHL coach fired this season after Boston dumped Jim Montgomery last month. He was hired five days later by St. Louis after the Blues fired Drew Bannister. js/bbBowser scores 16, Furman takes down South Carolina State 68-64BOSTON (AP) — After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , elected officials are urging action to identify and stop the mysterious flights. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said on “Fox News Sunday.” “’We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer,” he said. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat. But because they can’t say with certainty who is responsible for the sudden swarms of drones over parts of New Jersey, New York and other eastern parts of the U.S. — or how they can be stopped — has led leaders of both political parties to demand better technology and powers to deal with the drones. Sen. Chuck Schumer called Sunday for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify the drones and their operators. “New Yorkers have tremendous questions about it,” Schumer, the Senate Majority leader, told reporters about the drone sightings. “We are going to get the answers for them.” The federal government did little to answer those questions in its own media briefings Sunday morning. “There’s no question that people are seeing drones,” U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “But I want to assure the American public that we are on it. We are working in close coordination with state and local authorities.” Some of the drones reported above parts of New York and New Jersey have turned out to be “manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones,” Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter.” Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their remote identification, including the location of their operators. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is behind the drones plaguing locations over New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer wants the federal government to use a recently declassified radio wave technology in New York and New Jersey. The radio wave detector can be attached to a drone or airplane and can determine whether another flying object is a bird or a drone, read its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. Schumer said state and local authorities do not have the authority to track drones. On Sunday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over parts of New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems 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. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Drones are now being reported all along the northern East Coast, with suspicious sightings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to news reports. Some U.S. political leaders, including Trump, have called for much stronger action against these drones, including shooting them down. Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, Mayorkas said Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said. A bill before the U.S. Senate would enhance some federal agencies’ authority and give new abilities to local and state agencies to track drones. It would also start a pilot program allowing states and local authorities to disrupt, disable or seize a drone without prior consent of the operator. “What the drone issue points out are gaps in our agencies, gaps in our authorities between the Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement, the Defense Department.,” said Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., Trump’s pick to be his national security adviser, speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday. “Americans are finding it hard to believe we can’t figure out where these are coming from.’’ ___ Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut. More articles from the BDN