Mysterious drones over NJ: FBI now investigating

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Monday:

⬛ These survivors represent 12% of NJ's homeless population

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Sometimes escaping an abusive relationship means entering a scenario involving limited options and financial means.

According to advocates, survivors of domestic violence make up nearly 12% of New Jersey's homeless population, which is counted each year through an in-depth survey of shelters and streets.

Domestic violence is considered a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in the Garden State and nationwide.

⬛ Trump wants pardoned NJ real estate developer for US ambassador

Donald Trump (AP Photo/Alex Brandon), Charles Kushner (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France.

Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker."

Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm based in Florham Park. Jared Kushner is a former White House senior adviser to Trump who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka.

⬛ Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to

President Joe Biden accompanied by his son Hunter Biden and his grandson Beau in downtown Nantucket Mass., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.

The Democratic president had previously said he would not pardon his son or commute his sentence after convictions in the two cases in Delaware and California. The move comes weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges, and less than two months before President-elect Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.

⬛ Fleeing driver hits NJ man and kills his dog, police say

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ABSECON — An Atlantic County man has been arrested after a hit-and-run hospitalized a man and killed his dog.

Absecon police said it happened in the city shortly after midnight early Saturday morning.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Syed Hoque, was with his dog near the intersection of Highland Boulevard and Marlborough Avenue when they were both hit.

⬛ FBI investigates mysterious drones over NJ

Cacnva/FBI/Townsquare Media illustration

The FBI is now looking into the mysterious drones that have been flying over parts of North Jersey for weeks.

Residents have been reporting the flights, seemingly every night, since at least Nov. 18.

Local police and the prosecutor's office initially said there was no danger to the public. Now, no one is saying anything.

Some of the drones have appeared to be as big as a car.

While the FBI confirmed an investigation to the Daily Record, they had no comment and provided no details about the probe.

The Morris County prosecutor, local police and the FAA also have no comment.

NJ drivers: These are the top reasons officers issue tickets

Not just police officers in New Jersey, but anywhere for that matter

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

A list of NJ malls where you can get photos with Santa for the 2024 holiday season

The annual New Jersey tradition is back for the 2024 holiday season, along with pet photos, special events, exclusive sensory sessions, and more. Malls are listed in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant