After more than 50 years, legendary broadcast journalist Chuck Scarborough stepped down from his daily duties anchoring the news at NBC 4 New York. His last day anchoring at the 6 p.m. news at WNBC was Thursday, Dec. 12. Chuck will continue to be a part of the WNBC family and provide special reports and contributions to special station projects and programming. Here's his message to viewers as he closed out his final broadcast: This is my final broadcast as anchor of the evening news on NBC 4 New York. First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful for your trust. Without that, I would not have survived for more than half a century in this job and been allowed to occupy this front row seat to the history of our fascinating metropolis and the world beyond for so long. Four months after I arrived in 1974, President Nixon, who won a landslide election just two-years earlier, resigned. The first presidential resignation in the nation’s history. In 1975, New York City plunged into effective bankruptcy and the Vietnam war came to a chaotic end. The pace of breaking news has been relentless ever since. We’ve been through blackouts together, riots, crime waves, hurricanes, blizzards, economic crises, corruption (public and private), 9/11, wars and a pandemic. But just as important were the stories of human achievement in the arts and sciences, of forgiveness, kindness, recovery, and resilience. If there is one overarching lesson I’ve learned, it is that we are more resilient than we realize – individually and as a city and nation. We get knocked down, and we come back stronger. I will be eternally grateful for the privilege of working with so many dedicated, brilliant and talented broadcast journalists on both sides of the camera, some risking their lives in dangerous places to bring you the news. In this age of algorithms and cable channels herding the citizenry into like-minded silos of A.I., and social media fictions suffocating truth, it has never been more important to do what they do so well: hue to the basic principles of accuracy, objectivity and fairness. I’m going to leave you with a final thought I shared with my NBC colleagues earlier this year when they gathered in the Rainbow Room to celebrate my 50th anniversary with the National Broadcasting Company – itself a quintessential American success story, founded by a Russian immigrant named David Sarnoff, who began by selling newspapers at age 15 to help support his struggling family. I urged my colleagues to do something I still do to re-establish perspective, appreciation, a sense of mission. Walk out on Fifth Avenue, and look back through the Channel Gardens, across the skating rink, above the statue, at this towering building with awe, and say: “I work here. I work here, and this is important. What I do is important. I work for the National Broadcasting Company, the oldest and largest television network in this country, with a storied history.” Feel the weight of that history. The weight of the responsibility that we all bear to get it right, to do it well, to make it interesting. It’s an honor to work with you. That message was aimed at our work here, the grinding challenges of daily news gathering. But it just as easily applies to our city, and to our country, and to all of you – all of us. We all need to lift our eyes occasionally from the political fevers and societal imperfections of the day and appreciate what we have, how far we’ve come, and the opportunity we’ve been given to continue our journey toward a more perfect union. Thank you, and good night.🍷 A popular South Jersey winery is all festive for the holidays ❄ It looks like a scene out of a Hallmark movie 🎅 Come enjoy all the festivities it has to offer EGG HARBOR CITY — An historic South Jersey winery wants to get everyone in the holiday spirit with the return of its “Vintner Wonderland.” Now through January 20, 2025, Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City has been transformed into a scene out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, according to the winery. Bundle up and gather around cozy fire pits, dine inside igloos, sip hot spiced wine, indulge in hot chocolate, and enjoy sweets and treats, all while taking in the sights, songs, and flavors of the season. This year’s highlights include: Vintner Ice Rink – Glide across a sparkling outdoor rink surrounded by festive lights. This year, special charity programs at the rink will support the local community and those in need. Vintner Village – Explore a marketplace featuring artisan shops and culinary delights. Watch artisans hard at work. Purchase a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Family-Friendly Activities – Enjoy games for children of all ages, visit Santa Claus in his workshop, try your hand at arts and crafts, or get your face painted with a festive touch. Festival of Trees – The Renault family gives back this season to support Faces 4 Autism with their enchanting festival of decorated trees displayed and auctioned off through Dec. 20. Barrel Tree – Renault’s famous “barrel tree” is known as one of the most unique trees in the U.S. It will be at the center of the outdoor holiday village with twinkling lights cascading from each side. New this year include The Vintner Express Barrel Train – Hop aboard this whimsical train for a ride around the vineyard village. Grinch’s Lair Pop-Up Bar – Enjoy festive cocktails and a playful atmosphere inspired by the Grinch himself. Santa’s Workshop – Create memories with Santa in a cozy, photo-ready space filled with holiday cheer Louie’s Lounge Wine Bar – Unwind with a glass of Renault’s wines in an elegant setting designed for relaxation and celebration. Buddy’s Sweet Shoppe – Delight in holiday-themed treats and confections, plus Buddy’s ginormous hot chocolate. Signature Holiday Events Stories with Santa – Santa Claus will host “Stories with Santa” on Dec. 7, 12, 14, 19, and 21 at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Gather for a classic Christmas story with Santa, complete with freshly baked cookies from Café La Fleur. Kids will receive a special gift from Santa, chat with the “big guy” and photos after storytime. Cost is $15 per person. Vintner Wonderland at Renault Winery (Renault Winery) Breakfast with Santa – Enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa in Renault’s Champagne Ballroom on Dec. 15 and 22, at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon. Cost is $30 to $60 per person. Cookies and Cocktails – This is for adults only. Treat yourself to three signature cocktails paired with festive cookies in a lively holiday setting on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. Cost is $30 per person. Family Fun Nights at the Rink – Every Friday in December, bring the whole family for an evening of fun and festive activities. Cost is $15. Noon Year’s Eve – On Dec. 31, starting at 11:30 a.m., join Renault for a New Year’s Eve countdown for kids at noon. Lace up your skates and hit the ice in the Vintner Wonderland. Hang out in the igloos, and indulge in bites from the food trucks and sweet shops. When the clock strikes noon, raise your glasses to 2025 with a toast of nonalcoholic sparkling cider. New Year’s Eve Countdown and Champagne Toast – Enjoy a champagne toast on Dec. 31 in a commemorative champagne flute to take home. Renault also offers a Renault Passport Vinter Edition - The passport comes with premium seasonal perks designed to enhance the guest experience. The passport includes priority access to the events, dedicated parking close to the venue, a two-hour ice skating session with skate rentals included, a vintner express tractor ride, a s’mores kit, 10% off at the Renault gift shop, and more. Prices are $39 per person or $139 for a family four pack. Reindeer Run – This annual holiday-themed race is part of Vintner Wonderland on Dec. 21, rain or shine, with the one-mile kids fun run at 9:45 a.m. and the 5K run at 10 a.m. The cost of the 5K run is $30, until 6 p.m. on Dec. 20. The one-mile fun run price is $20 until 6 p.m. on Dec. 20. Registration after that time, and on race day will be $35 for the 5K and $25 for the one-mile fun run. Holiday Artisan Markets – From shopping for handcrafted treasures to indulging festive treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out holiday ornaments, artisanal foods, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items on Dec.14 and Dec. 21. For a full schedule, passport details, and a full calendar of events, visit here . Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom New Jersey's 10 best holiday cookies Here's a little history lesson before you bake your favorite cookies! Gallery Credit: Jill CroceRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — CNN wants a court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson that attacks its report that he made explicit posts on a pornography website’s message board. The network says Robinson presented no evidence that the network believed its story was false or aired it recklessly. The September report says Robinson, who ran unsuccessfully for governor this month, left statements over a decade ago on the message board in which, in part, he referred to himself as a “black NAZI" and said he enjoyed transgender pornography. The report also says he preferred Adolf Hitler to then-President Barack Obama and slammed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as “worse than a maggot.” Robinson, who was seeking to become the state's first Black governor, said he didn’t write those posts and sued in October, just before early in-person voting was to begin. While filing a dismissal motion Thursday in Raleigh federal court, attorneys for CNN said Robinson’s arguments suggesting he was the likely victim of a computer hacking operation that created fake messages would require a series of events that is not just “implausible, it is ridiculous.” Generally speaking, a public official claiming defamation must show a defendant knew a statement it made was false or did so with reckless disregard for the truth. “Robinson did not and cannot plausibly allege facts that show that CNN published the Article with actual malice,” attorney Mark Nebrig wrote in a memo backing the dismissal motion, adding that the lawsuit “does not include a single allegation demonstrating that CNN doubted the veracity of its reporting.” For Robinson, who already had a history of inflammatory comments about topics like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights , the CNN story nearly led to the collapse of his campaign. After the report's airing, most of his top campaign staff quit, advertising from the Republican Governors Association stopped and fellow Republicans distanced themselves from him, including President-elect Donald Trump. Robinson lost to Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein by nearly 15 points and will leave office at year-end. Robinson's lawsuit was initially filed in state court. It says, in part, that CNN chose to run its report based on data from the website NudeAfrica, which had been hacked several years ago and ran on vulnerable, outdated software. His suit claims the network did nothing to verify the posts. He's seeking monetary damages. Thursday's memo highlights the network's story, including a section where the CNN journalists showed how they connected Robinson to a username on the NudeAfrica site. As the CNN story said previously, the memo says the network matched details of the account on the message board to other online accounts held by Robinson by comparing usernames, an email address and his full name. The details discussed by the account holder matched Robinson’s length of marriage, where he lived at the time, and that both Robinson and the account holder had mothers who worked at a historically Black university, the memo says. CNN also said it found matches of figures of speech used by both the NudeAfrica account holder and in Robinson’s social media posts. “This is hardly a case where, as Robinson alleges, CNN ‘disregarded or deliberately avoided the truth’ rather than investigate,” Nebrig said, adding later that the network “had no reason to seriously doubt that Robinson was the author” of the posts. Robinson's attorneys didn't immediately respond to an email Friday seeking comment. The lawsuit says anyone could have used Robinson's breached data to create accounts on the internet. His state lawsuit also sued Louis Love Money, a former porn shop worker who alleged in a music video and a media interview that for several years starting in the 1990s, Robinson frequented a porn shop where Money was working and that Robinson purchased porn videos from him. Robinson said that was untrue. Money filed his own dismissal motion in the state lawsuit. But since then, CNN moved the lawsuit to federal court, saying that it's the proper venue for a North Carolina resident like Robinson and a Georgia-based company like CNN and that the claims against Money are unrelated.

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West Virginia high school football playoffs get underway; opponents, times and historical information for local teamsBiden touts economic legacy, says Trump will inherit a strong economy President Biden touted his economic record during a speech on Tuesday, despite high prices being a key factor in President-elect Donald Trump's win. CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.

In a remarkable turn of events, BigBear.ai’s stock experienced a significant uptick on Thursday, with shares climbing 19.3% by mid-afternoon. This striking increase stands out, especially as the broader market, including the S&P 500, remained mostly flat, and the Nasdaq Composite saw only a marginal rise. What’s Fueling the BigBear.ai Rally? After facing a dip due to macroeconomic uncertainties, BigBear.ai, known for its AI software, is bouncing back alongside other so-called meme stocks. This rebound comes on the heels of investor concerns sparked by the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate adjustment. While the Fed cut rates by 25 basis points, its updated forecast of just two similar cuts in the near future—down from an expected four—prompted a temporary sell-off last week. The resurgence of interest in speculative stocks like BigBear.ai is also driven by potential synergies with industry leader Palantir. Rumors suggest that Palantir’s strategic moves in the defense sector, particularly its collaboration with Anduril, may offer new opportunities for BigBear.ai. The Road Ahead for BigBear.ai While the AI sector continues to heat up, raising hopes for sustained growth and potential partnerships in defense, caution remains essential. Despite recent momentum, BigBear.ai’s price volatility reflects its speculative nature, and any future gains may not directly align with its business fundamentals. Although exciting developments are on the horizon, investors are advised to weigh the risks before diving into this dynamic stock. Can BigBear.ai Sustain Its Meteoric Stock Rise? Prospects and Pitfalls Explored In a surprising surge, BigBear.ai experienced a notable 19.3% increase in its stock value last Thursday. This impressive growth occurred despite broader market constraints, with major indices such as the S&P 500 remaining stable and the Nasdaq Composite showing only a slight increase. However, the question remains: Is BigBear.ai’s upward trajectory sustainable, and what factors could influence its future? Influential Factors Behind BigBear.ai’s Stock Surge The recent uptick for BigBear.ai can be attributed to several key factors: 1. Interest Rate Adjustments and Market Sentiment: The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points has stirred market dynamics. Although initial investor reactions were cautious due to a lower-than-expected rate cut forecast, BigBear.ai’s classification as a speculative meme stock has allowed it to rebound as market sentiment evolved. 2. Potential Industry Synergies: Rumors of strategic alignments with major players, such as Palantir, are generating excitement. Palantir’s advancements in the defense sector, alongside its collaboration with Anduril, hint at promising opportunities for BigBear.ai to expand its footprint and capabilities in the AI domain. The Benefits and Challenges Ahead # Pros: – Innovation and Expansion: BigBear.ai’s position in the burgeoning AI sector offers significant growth potential, particularly through innovative solutions and possible partnerships. – Market Momentum: As part of the speculative stock category, BigBear.ai benefits from heightened investor interest, which can drive quick gains. # Cons: – Volatility Concerns: The speculative nature of BigBear.ai’s stock contributes to its volatility, posing a risk for investors seeking stability. – Financial Fundamentals: The recent rise in stock price may not necessarily reflect the company’s underlying financial health, urging cautious consideration from potential investors. Strategic Insights: Defense Sector Opportunities BigBear.ai’s association with defense industry giants suggests a promising avenue for sustained growth. Collaborations or partnerships in this high-demand field can solidify its market presence and explore new revenue streams. However, navigating regulatory challenges and aligning with defense sector needs will be crucial. Market Analysis and Predictions While BigBear.ai’s recent performance has captured investor attention, future directions will heavily rely on its ability to capitalize on emerging technologies and maintain strategic partnerships. Continued innovations in AI and data analytics could further drive excitement and demand. Yet, with high volatility and the speculative nature of its stock, the path forward is decidedly cautious. Conclusion: Navigating the Stock Market Odyssey For investors contemplating BigBear.ai, weighing the potential rewards against inherent risks remains essential. The current landscape offers opportunities but also demands vigilance. As AI technology continues to evolve, staying informed on market trends and company strategies will be pivotal for making informed investment decisions. For more information on BigBear.ai, visit their official website .

Latest Chargers Injury Update: Pass Catcher Moved To Injured ReserveBBC bosses want to make a Gavin & Stacey spin-off show after the finale scored the highest Christmas Day TV audience for 16 years. A peak of 12.5 million saw Nessa and Smithy get hitched in the sitcom’s highly anticipated conclusion. Millions more are expected to have watched on catch-up. Insiders say execs are keen to coax more material from co-writers James Corden and Ruth Jones . A source said: “It would be madness to close the door on such a hit.” The spin-off could come in the form of a sitcom following warring couple Dawn and Pete, insiders said. A TV source said: “James and Ruth are adamant this is the last of Gavin & Stacey. But, when a programme achieves such results, execs will always hope for more. “At the end of the day, ratings talk and it would be madness to close the door on such a hit forever when fans loved it so much. “Bosses have had casual discussions about whether options like a Pete and Dawn spin-off could work. "They were always more separate to the main group and a new universe could be developed which didn’t involve any of the core cast, so James and Ruth’s involvement could be a little different.” The 2019 Christmas special, when Nessa, played by Ruth, proposed to Smithy (James) was supposed to be the final episode. But The Sun then sensationally revealed the gang were coming back five years on. Our source went on: “No one thought James and Ruth would ever return following 2019’s special, so it’s definitely considered a ‘never say never’ situation and bosses live in hope. "Even when news of this Christmas special broke , Ruth denied it publicly, so any plans will always be shrouded in secrecy. “At this point they are rightly so proud of what they delivered and why would they risk ruining it all? But no one can be blamed for one day hoping for more.” The BBC last night said there were no plans for a spin-off. Christmas Day’s classic finale saw Nessa and Smithy get the happy ending fans were hoping for. But other characters have obvious room for more, after Pete and Dawn Sutcliffe divorced then were reunited. There is also Stacey’s mum Gwen West finding love with Nessa’s ex Dave Coaches. Fan favourites such as Smithy’s sister Rudi and his mates Budgie, Chinese Alan and Fingers are also candidates. The BBC has had huge success with spin-offs that are based within the same “universe” as a popular show, such as Beyond Paradise and now Return To Paradise for cop show Death In Paradise. The source said: “As with any big shows, options are always discussed in planning meetings and there are obvious options within Gavin & Stacey. "It’s all down to James and Ruth whether anything will be developed, though.” The 2024 special surpassed its 2019 predecessor by more than half a million viewers. Yesterday, photos were released of the cast and crew posing for final photos on set. Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Ruth Jones and James Corden created a magical finale fans will treasure forever. “Their exquisitely written comedy creation is a show all about family, love and joy and it proved to be the unmissable TV event of the year.” The special was packed with twists and big reveals, kicking off with the dreaded Sonia being Smithy’s bride-to-be at the start of the episode, not Nessa. Christmas Day on the BBC brought people together in their millions. Actress Laura Aikman, who plays Sonia, told on the night how she kept it a secret from loved ones. She posted a video of her family gasping when she appeared. Laura wrote: “I take an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) very seriously! The moment my family realise Sonia is ruining Christmas again.” The finale crowned an epic Christmas Day for the BBC, which had all the top ten most-watched programmes. The return of Wallace & Gromit with Vengeance Most Fowl drew in the next biggest tally, with a peak of ten million, followed by stalwarts including Call The Midwife, Doctor Who and Strictly. ITV’s best efforts came from The Chase’s celebrity special with 2.9 million and Freddie Flintoff’s Bullseye special on 2.4 million. Ms Moore said: “Christmas Day on the BBC brought people together in their millions. I’m very proud the line-up was a showcase for the very best in British storytelling.” IT’S not Gavin & Stacey’s fault, but I’d started hating the Christmas special long before it came to screen. A resentment you can probably put down to personal failings and the fact that rolling news, the print media and even the BBC’s main bulletins seemed to be hyping the 90-minute episode’s expectations way beyond a point it could possibly deliver. Without anything else worth watching on Christmas Day, since the last Gavin & Stacey special in 2019, the longing was as understandable as it was damning, I suppose. But for the first half, at least, it seemed like all the pre-publicity had been a dreadful miscalculation. The storyline was going nowhere and everyone, bar James Corden and Ruth Jones, who’ve written themselves the two best parts, seemed to be performing instead of acting, to an annoying degree in the cases of Rob “Bryn” Brydon and Alison “Pam” Steadman. They clearly knew something we didn’t, though. Because, as soon as Smithy and Sonia’s abortive wedding scene kicked in, everything made perfect sense. It was an old-fashioned love story that had momentum, heart, soul, staggeringly good stars, Anna Maxwell Martin and Sheridan Smith, and also the good sense to flag up its own plot holes, on the final chase to Southampton Docks. As I’m sure the whole audience was screaming “Give her a ring,” long before Joanna Page’s Stacey said “I’ll try her on her mobile” and Jason replied “Why didn’t we just call her in the first place?” They would have looked daft, of course, if the show hadn’t delivered the ending the audience craved and deserved. But it gave the people what they wanted, a Smithy and Nessa wedding, and spared them from the one thing that infected other significant parts of the BBC’s Christmas Day TV, preachiness. For there were no gear-crunching references to diversity, as we got in the King’s Speech and EastEnders, nor was there any bleating about the arms trade, as in Doctor Who. For 90 minutes on Christmas Day, TV was a glorious, happy, woke-free zone again. And if you think the BBC will learn from Gavin & Stacey’s triumph and cut the political lectures in 2025? Well, I’d settle back and watch the Christmas special again and again, if I were you.

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White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed the sightings of ‘drones’ over New Jersey's skies, denying that any evidence suggests a foreign adversary is responsible. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby claimed Thursday that many of the purported drone sightings spotted over New Jersey for the past several weeks are actually lawfully operated manned aircraft. "We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus," Kirby told reporters at the daily White House press briefing. "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are investigating these sightings, and they're working closely with state and local law enforcement to provide resources using numerous detection methods to better understand their origin." "Using very sophisticated electronic detection technologies provided by federal authorities, we have not been able to, and neither have state or local law enforcement authorities, corroborate any of the reported visual sightings," he said. "To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully. The United States Coast Guard is providing support to the state of New Jersey, and has confirmed that there is no evidence of any foreign-based involvement from coastal vessels. And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace." In a statement to Fox News Digital, Brian Harrell, a former DHS assistant secretary for infrastructure protection under the Trump administration, said Kirby missed a key opportunity to develop trust with the public. NEW JERSEY DRONES: HOUSE SPEAKER JOHNSON SAYS HE'S GETTING A CLASSIFIED BRIEFING TODAY White House national security communications adviser John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) "The government has a unique opportunity to build trust with the American public here, and they are fumbling the ball," Harrell said. "Yes, additional authorities are needed; however, we have the tools and radar capabilities today to understand the details of these drones. While I don’t think foreign nations are involved, it’s clear to me that the government or contractors are testing capabilities." A joint Homeland Security and FBI statement said federal authorities were working with the New Jersey State Police and would continue to "investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings." "Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities. We are supporting local law enforcement in New Jersey with numerous detection methods but have not corroborated any of the reported visual sightings with electronic detection," the statement said. "To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft, operating lawfully. There are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted air space." Both agencies said threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems are taken seriously. "To be clear, they have uncovered no such malicious activity or intent at this stage," they said. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring in New Jersey, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight the insufficiency of current authorities." Kirby appeared to pass the buck to Congress, calling on lawmakers to "expand existing counterdrone authorities," recognizing the potential threat of unmanned aircraft. "We certainly take seriously the threat that can be posed by unmanned aircraft systems, which is why law enforcement and other agencies continue to support New Jersey and investigate the reports, even though they have uncovered no malicious activity or intent at this particular stage," Kirby said Thursday. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities, and so we urge Congress to pass important legislation that will extend and expand existing counter drone authorities so that we are better prepared to identify and mitigate any potential threats to airports or other critical infrastructure. And so that state and local authorities are provided all the tools that they need to respond to such threats as well." In this image taken from video provided by MartyA45_, several drones appear to be flying over Randolph, New Jersey, on Dec. 4. (MartyA45_ /TMX via AP, File) Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., on Thursday decried the lack of information coming out of the White House. "We should be doing some very urgent intelligence analysis and take them out of the skies, especially if they’re flying over airports or military bases," Blumenthal said, according to The Independent. "The Biden administration ought to be acting more aggressively against these drones that have been reported. If only to tell the American people who owns them, who’s flying them, what they are. The lack of information is absolutely unacceptable." NEW JERSEY DRONE SIGHTINGS: MILITARY ANALYSTS BREAK DOWN NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS, DOUBT HOBBYISTS AT PLAY Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the reported 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. The FBI is among several agencies investigating, and it has asked residents to share videos, photos and other information they may have about the drones. At first, the drones were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state's largest aquifer, about 50 miles west of New York City. But soon sightings were reported statewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, according to The Associated Press. The aircraft have also recently been spotted in coastal areas. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre looks on as White House national security communications adviser John Kirby answers questions in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said a Coast Guard commanding officer told him a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend. During a congressional hearing on the matter, FBI Assistant Director Robert Wheeler testified that the bureau does not know who is responsible for the drones spotted over New Jersey in recent weeks, the Asbury Park Press reported. Smitth said he was told by officials at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst that they don't have permission from the Department of Defense to shoot down the unknown aircraft trailing their boats and retrieve them for analysis. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In an interview with Fox News , Smith said he's written to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin seeking permission. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on X: @danimwallace .NIGERIA AND ‘HUNGER GAMES’

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