Chinese drone company won’t stop users from flying over sensitive US sites
The United States’ top-selling hobby drone producer, DJI, is implementing a major change to its drone technology. The company announced on Monday, Jan. 13, it is abandoning its previous “geo-blocking” feature, which locks up a drone and initiates a mechanism forcing it to hover in place around a “geofenced” area if it entered a sensitive U.S. airspace.
Now, when users enter a no-fly-zone, in-app alerts will pop up and warn the operator that they are near U.S. Federal Aviation Administration controlled space.
The new feature leaves the choice to continue into restricted areas up to the operator of the drone, but banks on the alert discouraging users from going any further over fears of the legal consequences.
The company said the move puts the “final responsibility” on the person using the drone, and its initial move to implement geo-blocking over a decade ago was strictly voluntary. The FAA said it does not require “geofencing from drone manufacturers.”
The move to give users more control to go where they want, when they want is raising safety concerns.
A recent example of that was a collision involving a firefighting aircraft and a DJI drone in restricted airspace over the Palisades Fire, which forced the plane, known as a “Super Scooper,” to be grounded with a damaged wing.
The FBI said it is looking into the incident.
U.S. authorities are also concerned about DJI drones for other reasons. DJI is a Chinese company, and the United States is already concerned that Beijing is spying on sensitive military sites.
The U.S. is blocking some of the company’s imports through an essential ban over these concerns soon, and has called DJI a “Chinese military company.” DJI denies that it gives any data to China, but may be forced to, under Chinese law.
Ryanair proposes 2-drink limit at airports to tackle unruly passengers
Ryanair wants to limit passengers’ alcohol consumption. The airline is proposing a two-drink cap at airport bars, echoing CEO Michael O’Leary’s comments.
“We don’t want to begrudge people having a drink, but we don’t allow people to drink-drive –– yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000 feet,” O’Leary told The Telegraph. He believes stricter alcohol limits at airports could help prevent mid-air incidents.
Not everyone agrees with Ryanair’s stance, including a former Ryanair pilot. Still, the airline wants to take a hardline approach.
The cost of unruly passengers
Last week, Ryanair filed a legal claim against a passenger whose disruptive behavior delayed a flight overnight. The incident cost the airline more than $15,000 in accommodation expenses.
According to FAA data, there were nearly 6,000 unruly passenger reports in 2021. While that number dropped to 2,100 in 2024, O’Leary insists alcohol restrictions could reduce it further.
Legal consequences for passengers
Ireland-based Ryanair already limits alcoholic drinks on its flights. Under Irish law, passengers who “breach the peace” can face fines or even imprisonment.
The debate over airport alcohol limits continues, but Ryanair remains steadfast. For the airline, smoother skies may depend on keeping pre-flight drinks to a minimum.
Drone slams into aircraft responding to Palisades Fire, FAA issues warning
Los Angeles firefighters are facing additional obstacles as they battle raging wildfires. Drones are now complicating efforts to contain the blazes. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning after a drone crashed into a firefighting aircraft over the Palisades Fire on Thursday, Jan. 9.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said the aircraft, a Super Scooper plane used to drop water on the flames, landed safely despite sustaining damage to its wing. The plane is now out of service for repairs and pending an investigation.
Federal officials warn drones in the airspace are putting lives at risk and hindering firefighting operations.
“Your photos and video footage of the wildfires are not worth the lives and crucial operations they jeopardize,” the FAA’s website reads.
The FAA implemented temporary flight restrictions around wildfire zones, making it illegal to fly drones near active fires. The agency is investigating the unauthorized flight and has urged drone pilots to respect the safety of first responders.
The FAA stressed interfering with firefighting efforts is a federal crime. Those found in violation of the restrictions could face fines up to $75,000 and up to 12 months in prison.
The ongoing fires in Southern California have already posed significant challenges for firefighters, with dry hydrants, blocked roadways, and the intense winds. The addition of drones in the skies is adding further strain to the firefighting response.
Chinese-sponsored hackers behind ‘major’ breach: Treasury Department
Investigators accuse China of hacking U.S. Treasury Department computers. And funeral arrangements are set for America’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased updates for Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024.
Chinese-sponsored hackers are behind ‘major’ breach: Treasury Department
The U.S. Department of Treasury said it’s still working to determine the extent of damage from a data breach it called “a major incident.” In a letter sent to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on Monday, Dec. 30, the Treasury Department said a Chinese-sponsored “threat actor” was able to gain access to department employees’ workstations earlier this month and view “unclassified documents” maintained by those workers.
The letter said the hackers gained access through a third-party cybersecurity service called BeyondTrust and overrode certain department security measures. The department stopped using BeyondTrust after the attack.
The Treasury Department is working with the FBI and other members of the U.S. intelligence community to “fully characterize the incident and determine its full impact.” The department said it will provide Congress more information in a supplemental report within 30 days.
China’s ministry of foreign affairs denied any Chinese involvement.
Arrest warrant issued for embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
The court recently voted to strip Yoon of his presidential powers. He faces impeachment over his short-lived declaration of martial law.
The court granted the arrest warrant for Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Yoon is wanted for questioning in multiple investigations, including one over accusations of leading an insurrection — a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even the death penalty in South Korea.
President Joe Biden spoke with the nation’s interim president in recent weeks, expressing America’s commitment to democracy there. America has roughly 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea as a deterrent to communist North Korea.
Memorial events scheduled for late President Jimmy Carter
Details are now public about the nation’s plans to pay tribute to the late former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday, Dec. 29, at 100 years old. Biden declared Thursday, Jan. 9, a National Day of Mourning. New Year’s Day will begin an eight-day mourning period.
The Carter family will gather in the former president’s hometown of Plains, Georgia, over the next few days.
On Saturday, Jan. 4, the state funeral will be held. It starts at 10:15 a.m. ET with a motorcade from Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, and will travel through Plains, taking a brief pause at 10:50 a.m.
At that stop, the National Park Service will ring the historic bell on the Carter family farm 39 times in honor of the late president. At 10:55 a.m., Carter’s final journey to Atlanta will begin.
At 3 p.m., the motorcade will stop at the Georgia State Capitol for a moment of silence led by Gov. Brian Kemp. It will then go on to its destination, the Carter Presidential Center, for a service at 4 p.m.
Carter will lie in repose from 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, for the public to pay respects.
He will then be taken to Washington, D.C., where Congress will pay tribute in a private ceremony. Then Carter will lie in state for the public to pay respects until Thursday, Jan. 9, when Carter will be taken home to Georgia for a private family funeral service and internment. Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy at the funeral.
5 people charged in connection with singer Liam Payne’s death
Five people were charged in connection with the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne in Argentina, according to the country’s prosecutor’s office. Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October after police said he consumed “various substances,” including drugs and alcohol.
A friend of Payne, the hotel manager and its head of reception are accused of “negligent homicide” in connection with the singer’s death. If convicted, they face a maximum of five years in prison.
Two other hotel employees were charged with selling Payne drugs. They face up to 15 years in prison.
FAA investigating after Gonzaga Bulldogs’ jet ordered to stop at LAX
The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation after a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly crossed a runway as another flight took off from Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, Dec. 27.
The FAA has launched an investigation after a Delta plane almost hit the Gonzaga’s men’s basketball team’s private jet on Friday. 😳
The jet, operated by Key Lime Air, was ordered by air traffic controllers to stop as a Delta flight took off. No one was hurt. Gonzaga was in Los Angeles for its game against UCLA on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Over 1 million expected to ring in the new year at Times Square
The NYPD said while there have not been any “specific credible threats” to the Times Square celebration, the department has been operating in a heightened threat environment since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel.
As for the big celebration, fans braving possible wet weather and the many others watching at home will be able to enjoy musical acts from Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and the Jonas Brothers.
“Next stop launch,” Bezos said in a post on X that also featured a video of a rocket test.
New Glenn is reportedly set to lift off on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.
The first mission is expected to be launching technology related to its Blue Ring program, which is a business venture that reportedly offers spacecraft to the Pentagon.
Project Kuiper involves deploying more than 3,200 low-orbit satellites over roughly a decade to provide global broadband access. Blue Origin is also working on certifying New Glenn with the U.S. Space Force for the National Security Space Launch program.
American Airlines resumes flights after ‘technical issue’ on Christmas Eve
American Airlines reported a widespread “technical issue” on Christmas Eve morning, Dec. 24. The Federal Aviation Administration said the airline requested a ground stop for all its U.S. flights.
American Airlines responded to worried travelers on X, saying, “Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, we’ll have you safely on your way to your destination.” The airline lifted the nationwide ground stop around 8 a.m. ET, but no further details on the “technical issue” have been released.
American Airlines said it was expecting to fly nearly 12.7 million customers during the holiday period from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6.
The Transportation Security Administration said it expects to screen nearly 40 million travelers from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, a more than 6% increase from the same time last year.
Drones fall from sky after collision during holiday show, 1 injured
Holiday drone shows have become something of a tradition this time of the year. However, a show in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, Dec. 21, did not go as planned, leaving at least one person injured.
According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration provided to Straight Arrow News, the incident occurred around 6:45 p.m. Saturday.
“Several small drones collided and fell into a crowd during a holiday drone show over Eloa Lake in Orlando, Florida,” the FAA said in a statement.
The FAA said it’s investigating the incident.
The city of Orlando and the Orlando Fire Department told SAN one person was injured. They said paramedics rendered aid on-site before taking the individual to the hospital.
Multiple reports said the injured spectator was a 7-year-old boy who was struck in the chest by one of the falling drones.
So apparently they had to cancel the 2nd drone show at #LakeEolaPark tonight and I wonder if the drones that got knocked out during the 1st show was the cause 😬 #Orlandopic.twitter.com/xxySjbkohy
According to the boy’s mother, doctors had to perform open-heart surgery to repair one of his heart valves after the incident.
The city said Orlando police detectives met the victim’s family at the hospital and are assisting the FAA in its investigation.
According to the FAA, “Drone arrays and light shows are subject to FAA regulation.”
The FAA said these events require “a waiver to the regulation that prohibits operating more than one drone at a time.”
“We thoroughly review each drone-show application to make sure the flying public and people on the ground will be safe,” the FAA said.
The city of Orlando said the holiday drone show was a permitted event through the FAA. City officials said the event drew approximately 25,000 people for the third year in a row.
According to the city, this is the second year the city used the vendor Sky Elements to operate the drones.
In a statement of its own, Sky Elements told Straight Arrow News, “Sky Elements Drones wants to extend our sincere hope for a full and speedy recovery to those impacted at our Lake Eola show in Orlando on Saturday, Dec. 21. The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused.
“We are diligently working with the FAA and city of Orlando officials to determine the cause and are committed to establishing a clear picture of what transpired. Millions of people see our shows annually, and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety regulations set forth by the FAA.”
Following Saturday’s incident, the city of Orlando canceled a second holiday show planned for later that night.
The incident in Florida comes as drone sightings across the East Coast have led to questions from lawmakers and residents. Last week, the FAA issued a temporary ban on drones across several cities in New Jersey and New York.
78% of Americans believe government is withholding drone details
A recent CBS News/YouGov poll reveals that 78% of Americans believe the government is withholding information about the recent surge in drone sightings along the U.S. East Coast. About half of respondents view the drones as a potential national security threat, with concerns heightened among those suspecting foreign involvement.
According to federal agencies, residents have documented more than 5,000 drone sightings in recent weeks.
Officials say the majority of incidents involve lawful drones, misidentified aircraft or celestial objects. Despite these assurances, public skepticism remains high.
The issue has drawn attention from Capitol Hill, where intelligence officials recently briefed lawmakers behind closed doors. Representatives from agencies like the CIA and Department of Defense stated there’s no evidence linking the drones to foreign actors or malicious activity.
White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby indicated the sightings likely involve commercial, hobbyist or law enforcement drones.
Some lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing. Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., criticized the lack of detailed information. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., called for additional data to support claims that “manned aircraft” were mistaken for drones.
Speculation about foreign involvement persists. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, suggested some drones could be linked to China. McCaul described the drones as “adversarial.”
As investigations continue, the gap between official explanations and public perception remains significant. Federal agencies face mounting pressure to provide clearer answers as concerns about the sightings grow.
Long Island authorities approved to shoot down mystery drones
Long Island authorities have received the greenlight from Nassau County as of Thursday, Dec. 19, to shoot down mysterious drones that may pose a threat. Officials say that they are not waiting for disaster to strike before taking action.
The authorization came as the county showed off a new cutting-edge drone command center. The technology reportedly allows authorities to track drones from miles away and can intercept and take down aircraft posing a threat, but it still needs approval from the U.S. federal government.
As they await permission, county officials sayid they’re taking preemptive action against any possible threats. When asked if the authorization violates federal law, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman responded.
“No, no, we have the ability to stop a crime that could result in tremendous loss of life or tremendous loss of property damage,” Blakeman said. “We have that right. It’s not something that’s exclusive to drones. It would be with respect to, if we had to takedown a truck that was full of explosives.”
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said his officers are willing and ready to shoot, noting the department’s “world-renowned snipers.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., said the overflight restriction includes some of New York’s “critical infrastructure sites,” though she added there are currently “no threats to these sites.”
The FAA’s nearly monthlong ban allows for “deadly force” to be used to bring the drones down. While the White House has downplayed the drones as a non-threat to public safety, speculation is running wild.
A New Jersey mayor has claimed that the drones are sniffing out radioactive material, and a U.S. lawmaker raised concerns that they could be from an “Iranian mothership.” Others have suggested the sightings could be coming from space.
Ryder said he wants to use the new tracking tech to not just track drones but to shoot them down as well. In the meantime, he’s not waiting on the new technology.
“We have to do whatever means necessary to protect the people this county and we have been given that authorization,” Ryder said.
Government shutdown looms as House votes against latest funding bill
A government shutdown looms nearer after the House rejected a bill that would have kept it funded into March. And drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey after a spate of mysterious sightings. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
House votes against latest stopgap bill aimed to avoid government shutdown
The House rejected a stopgap bill Thursday, Dec. 19, that would have kept the government running. The vote came ahead of a potential shutdown starting at midnight Saturday, Dec. 21, when lawmakers head home for the holidays.
The bill fell short of the needed two-thirds majority to speed up its passage. More than three dozen Republicans joined 197 Democrats in voting against it. Republicans split with each other on how the bill handles government spending.
“Three hundred and thirty billion dollars. Congratulations. You’ve added to the debt since you were given the majority again on Nov. 5,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said.
Roy voted against the bill.
He added, “It’s embarrassing. It’s shameful. Yes, I think this bill is better than it was yesterday in certain respects. But to take this bill, to take this bill yesterday and congratulate yourself because it’s shorter in pages but increases the debt by $5 trillion, is asinine.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said on the House floor, “The deal on the table will keep the government open for the American people and if you guys so choose to shut it down, it will be on you but not the Republican Party.”
She added, “We will not be going back to the table. This deal stands as it is. So let you go back home on Christmas and explain to your people why you shut down the government because we won’t be doing it.”
The latest spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, is a quickly amended bill tailored to the liking of President-elect Donald Trump and his top ally Elon Musk.
Musk postedrepeatedlyonX condemning the original bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., worked on it with bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats.
However, when both Musk and Trump opposed the bill, that guaranteed most House Republicans would vote against it and forced Johnson to craft a new bill.
Now, there are two conflicting interests. Musk wants major government spending cuts, and while Trump agrees, he also wants to permanently suspend the debt ceiling.
The new plan lifts the debt limit, leading Trump to support the bill in a Truth Social post.
“Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish,” Trump posted.
But Democrats attacked the bill over what spending Republicans chose to cut.
“The Musk-Johnson proposal is not serious, it’s laughable,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. “Extreme MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown.”
The bill removed funding for a bipartisan program for pediatric cancer research, studying genetic conditions like Down syndrome and treatment options for sickle cell disease as well as cancers.
It will be on Johnson to craft a bill to secure votes from the majority of the House.
However, Johnson may not have the political leeway to rely on support from Democrats. He’ll need nearly every returning member of the House Republican caucus to vote for him next month to remain speaker.
The new Congress takes office in the new year.
New details of accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter’s plan emerge
Newly unsealed court documents put into perspective what led up to the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A federal complaint shed light on 26-year-old Luigi Mangione’s “hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.”
In a notebook found on Mangione when he was arrested, he allegedly wrote of his plans to “wack” an insurance company CEO at its investor conference. Federal prosecutors said he traveled from Georgia to New York to stalk and kill Thompson.
Magione appeared in a New York courtroom Thursday, and four new federal charges were levied against him. The charges included murder with a firearm, which is an offense punishable by the death penalty.
The hearing followed Mangione’s extradition from Pennsylvania, where police arrested him on Dec. 9, to New York.
Armed guards surrounded Mangione as NYPD officers walked him off a helicopter upon his arrival in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the walk.
“Police Commissioner [Jessica] Tisch and I all want to send a very clear and loud message that this act of terrorism and the violence that stems from it is something that will not be tolerated in this city,” Adams told the press at the site of the helicopter arrival.
Mangione already faces state-level charges in New York. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought charges against him Tuesday, Dec. 17, including for murder as an act of terrorism.
However, Mangione also received a hero’s welcome from protesters outside the courthouse. Thompson’s killing sparked backlash against the health insurance industry and its coverage policies.
While judges have not set any dates yet, Mangione will face state-level charges first. A federal trial will follow.
New York abolished the death penalty, meaning it’s not an option for Mangione in the state-level case. However, the death penalty can still be exercised in the federal case.
FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New York and New Jersey
Drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey — at least for the time being. It comes amid an investigation into multiple mysterious sightings over the last month that set off fear and speculation.
In a statement, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Federal Aviation Administration’s bans are “purely precautionary.” Meanwhile, the FAA’s restrictions in New Jersey are largely aimed at limiting drone flights over power stations and infrastructure.
The FAA implemented emergency flight restrictions across New Jersey, prohibiting drone operations until Jan. 17, 2025, for “special security reasons.” Unless operators obtain special government clearance, the directive bans uncrewed aircraft within a one-nautical-mile radius of designated areas and up to 400 feet in altitude.
The FAA designated areas such as Camden, Jersey City, Elizabeth and South Brunswick as “National Defense Airspace.”
Violators may face severe penalties, including interception, detention, certificate revocation and potential criminal charges. In extreme cases, authorities are authorized to use “deadly force” against drones posing an “imminent security threat.”
These restrictions follow a surge in unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey and nearby states that began in mid-November. Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense (DOD), received over 5,000 reports of drone activity.
Dow Jones snaps worst losing streak in 50 years
The Dow Jones Industrial Average snapped its worst losing streak in 50 years Thursday. The losing streak lasted 10 days.
During the losing streak, the market wiped out all of its post-election gains. The Dow ended Wednesday down 2.5% from when Trump won the election.
Also on Wednesday, Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, had its second-biggest percentage spike in history. The VIX shot up 74% after the Federal Reserve shared its outlook for the coming year.
On Wednesday, the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate for a third time in 2024, which was widely predicted.
Feeling the holiday blues?
The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the season can bring about sadness and stress for many. This -emotional shift, commonly known as the “holiday blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can affect millions of people across the country.
Licensed adult psychiatrist Dr. Patrice Mann said the holiday blues are due to several factors. They include social pressures, disruptive routines and financial strain.
“Things like having a bunch of holiday events on the calendar, not to say we don’t look forward to them oftentimes, but they take a toll on us,” says Dr. Mann. “You’re up late, interacting with a lot of people, and that’s not everyone’s nature.”
Grief and seasonal depression can also complicate these feelings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression affects millions of Americans every year, but many may not even realize they have it.
Symptoms of holiday blues and seasonal depression can include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities and changes in eating or sleeping habits. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, Dr. Mann said it could indicate a more serious depressive episode. In such cases, seeking professional help is important.
Dr. Mann recommended several self-care strategies to help manage both the holiday blues and seasonal depression. She suggested getting tested for vitamin D deficiency and taking supplements during winter. Vitamin D plays a vital role in mood and energy levels.
She also advised getting as much sunlight as possible during the shorter winter days. Light therapy boxes can mimic outdoor sunlight if natural sunlight isn’t available. Using them for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning can help trick the brain and improve mood.
For those experiencing grief during the holidays, Dr. Mann encouraged reflecting on personal needs and communicating with trusted friends or family members. She also recommended incorporating new social activities into your routine and checking in with yourself after attending events.
For those supporting others through grief, it’s important to recognize that everyone processes emotions differently. Dr. Mann suggested engaging in activities with those less open about mental health, such as cooking or playing games, to help create a comfortable environment for them to express themselves.
While the holiday season brings unique challenges, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining routines and reaching out for support are important practices to help manage holiday stress.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that professional help is available. The National Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988.
