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SAINT PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Rich Byhre had 15 points in St. Thomas' 100-61 victory over Crown (MN) on Sunday. Byhre went 6 of 9 from the field (3 for 4 from 3-point range) for the Tommies (9-4). Ryan Lafferty scored 13 points and added 13 rebounds and six assists. Jermaine Coleman shot 5 for 8, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc to finish with 12 points. The Polars were led by Rayquan Moore, who posted 23 points. Tyrus Buckner added 13 points and seven rebounds for Crown (MN). Parker Behne also put up eight points. St. Thomas visits Bowling Green in its next matchup on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Tech companies led a broad rally for U.S. stocks Tuesday, a boost for the market in a holiday-shortened trading session. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 177 points, or 0.4%, as of 11:20 a.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite was up 1%. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.6%, while semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 1.1%. Super Micro Computer jumped 4.6%. Tesla climbed 5.2% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Amazon.com rose 1.5% American Airlines slipped 0.4% after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. U.S. Steel edged up 0.1% a day after an influential government panel failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of the nearly $15 billion proposed sale to Nippon Steel of Japan. NeueHealth surged 70.1% after the health care company agreed to be taken private in a deal valued at roughly $1.3 billion. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Monday. European markets were mostly higher. Markets in Asia mostly gained ground. U.S. markets will close at 1 p.m. Eastern and stay closed Wednesday for Christmas. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to this week, including a weekly update on unemployment benefits on Thursday. Tuesday’s rally comes as the stock market enters what’s historically been a very cheerful season. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. The so-called “Santa rally” also correlates closely with positive returns in January and the upcoming year. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the stock market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up about 26% so far this year and remains within roughly 1.3% of the all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year.
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LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Cavan Reilly's 18 points helped Delaware defeat Rider 72-66 on Saturday. Reilly went 6 of 12 from the field (4 for 10 from 3-point range) for the Fightin' Blue Hens (4-3). Izaiah Pasha added 15 points while finishing 7 of 10 from the floor and also had six rebounds. Erik Timko shot 5 for 9, including 3 for 7 from beyond the arc to finish with 15 points. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Bulls On Tap Tasting Flight: Chicago Bulls News for Nov. 30, 2024
Why Is Costa Rica A Hot Retirement Spot? Costa Rica is perhaps the world’s best-known foreign retirement haven. It began its bid to attract U.S. retirees back in the 1980s when the Costa Rican government hired a Madison Avenue advertising agency to put the country on the map as the world’s premier overseas retirement haven. The campaign was a success and tens of thousands of foreign retirees, many of them North Americans, made the move. They were lured in by Costa Rica’s attractive pensionado program of discounts and tax savings, its low cost of living, and its abundance of natural beauty and vast stretches of pristine Pacific coast. In the years since, there’s been a lot of change in Costa Rica, its pensionado program was reformed losing many of its tax breaks, the cost of living rose considerably, and its soaring popularity with travelers means deserted beaches are harder to come by than they once were, however, it remains a popular choice for North Americans looking to retire outside home borders. It’s easy to see why Costa Rica remains in favor with U.S. retirees. Here, you can live an active lifestyle in a tropical climate, enjoy an abundance of fresh produce, settle into a welcoming community, have easy access to excellent, affordable health care, and likely lower your cost of living from the U.S. How Many Americans Retire In Costa Rica? According to U.S. Department of State figures, some 120,000 private U.S. citizens, including many retirees, live in Costa Rica. The country also welcomes around 1.5 million U.S. tourists each year. What Are The Pros And Cons Of Retiring In Costa Rica? Some of the pros of retiring in Costa Rica include... Pro: An Extensive And Diverse Expat Community Costa Rica has a long history with American expats so settling in and finding friends with common interests shouldn’t pose a problem. The support network on offer is wide reaching. There are expat communities throughout the country—some of the biggest for retirees are found in Tamarindo, Santa Ana, and the Central Valley. Costa Rica also offers lots of volunteering opportunities, which is both a great way to meet new people and give back to your new community. From helping protect the sea turtles to cleaning up the countryside to educational assistance, there are plenty of charities and causes to get involved in. Pro: Impressive Health Care Costa Rica boasts excellent health care options and has become increasingly popular with North Americans as a medical tourism destination. Treatment costs are lower and the standard of treatment is often better than in the U.S. Plus, Costa Rican companies are going all-out to appeal to Americans and offer VIP health care packages which include everything from chauffer pick-up from the airport to recovery in a luxurious spa or five-star hotel. Pro: Stunning Natural Beauty With over 600 miles of coastline, Caribbean to the east, Pacific to the west, mountains, jungles, and even volcanoes, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. Whales, dolphins, jaguars, sloths, turtles, and monkeys, number among the half a million species known to live in Costa Rica. Hiking, kayaking, boating, swimming, and surfing are just some of the activities on offer here that let you enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of this geographically blessed region. The country’s tropical climate varies considerably depending on what region you choose to base yourself in. The Pacific side offers a hot and dry climate; the Caribbean side is humid and warmer; while in the highlands, there’s more rain and lower temperatures. Pro: Lifestyle Costa Ricans are extremely friendly and welcoming, with a laid-back attitude to life. If you can learn to go with the flow and embrace this relaxed attitude then Costa Rica could be a great fit for you. Some of the cons of retiring in Costa Rica include... Con: Cost Of Living When U.S. expats first began arriving in Costa Rica in the 1980s, the cost of living was remarkably cheap. In the years since, it has risen considerably. For those who wish to maintain the same lifestyle as they had in the U.S., they may find their budget remains the same, too. For a couple living in a popular expat area, renting a modern home, and owning and running a car, a monthly budget of $4,000 is a good guide. That said, for those who opt to embrace local life, shopping at local produce markets, using public transport, etc., the cost of living can be considerably lower than in the U.S. Con: Language Barrier Spanish is the official language in Costa Rica so to get the best from life here, you will need to speak Spanish. Outside of tourist areas and expat havens, most people don’t speak English. Con: Safety Generally, Costa Rica is a safe country but, as anywhere, you need to take basic safety precautions. In more recent years, crime has become more of an issue and the U.S. State Department recently issued a new travel advisory for Costa Rica, updating it from Level 1 to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, due to crime. According to the update, petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica and more serious violent crime is also impacting tourists. A level 2 advisory doesn’t mean you need to reconsider your travel plans but it does mean you should exercise increased caution when traveling in Costa Rica. How Does Retiring In Costa Rica Affect Your Taxes, Retirement Investments, Social Security Benefits, Etc.? Moving to Costa Rica does not remove your obligation to pay U.S. taxes. U.S. citizens must file a return with the IRS every year, no matter where in the world they choose to live. However, Costa Rica uses a territorial approach to taxation, so expats can live there without a local tax burden depending on the source of their income. For retirees that means you do not have to pay local taxes on your Social Security or other retirement income sourced from outside of Costa Rica. In addition, living abroad can reduce your U.S. tax bill. For Americans overseas there are three main tax advantages available. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) is one of the most well-known and most often used expat tax advantages. The FEIE allows you to exclude up to $126,500 (for 2024 ) of your income from U.S. taxation. The income must be earned outside the U.S. and your tax base must also be outside of the U.S. The Foreign Housing Exclusion (FHE) allows expats to exclude thousands in foreign housing expenses from their U.S. taxes. Through the Foreign Tax Credit, you receive a U.S. tax credit for every dollar you pay in tax to a foreign government. This may suit people who don’t qualify for the FEIE, or Americans who are tax resident in countries with a higher tax rate than the U.S. If you pay more abroad than you would have in the U.S, you can carry the excess taxes paid as a credit for 10 years. The FTC can also apply to so-called unearned income, such as dividends, interest, and royalties. Do You Need A Visa to Retire In Costa Rica And How Easy Or Difficult Is It To Get? Yes, you need a visa to retire in Costa Rica. The most popular choice for retirees is the Pensionado residency visa. To qualify, you will need to be able to show a monthly income of at least $1,000 in retirement income. This income can take the form of a pension, social security, an annuity, etc. Other visa options include the Rentista visa which requires a monthly transfer of $2,500 from a guaranteed source into a Costa Rican bank account for a two-year period. Alternatively, you can deposit $60,000 into a Costa Rican bank account with a disbursement schedule of $2,500 a month over a two-year period. Costa Rica’s Inversionista residency requires a $150,000 investment in real estate, stocks, bonds, a Costa Rican business, or similar. The country also offers a digital nomad visa which requires a monthly income of at least $3,000. Is It Ethical To Retire In Costa Rica? As anywhere in the developing world, wealth disparity can be very obvious in Costa Rica. Although expat retirees can create unnatural inflation in areas such as real estate, they also spend money and create the need for new jobs, businesses, and services. They can also help out their new communities in a positive way through volunteering in local projects, bringing their experience and resources to those in need. Tourism also plays a vital role in Costa Rica’s economy and a rapidly growing sector of that is eco-tourism, which not only contributes significant income for the country but also allows visitors to enjoy Costa Rica’s attractions in a sustainable way. Who Should Consider Retiring In Costa Rica? For those with a comfortable retirement income, a passion for nature, a relaxed attitude to life, and a willingness to learn a new language, Costa Rica could be a dream retirement destination. MORE FROM FORBES
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The Israeli Ambassador has urged candidates in the General Election to address antisemitism and claimed that many Jews in Ireland “do not feel safe”. Ireland has a very small Jewish population and in 2016, only 2,557 people recorded their religion as Judaism in the census. Nevertheless, numerous members of the community have raised concerns about a rise in antisemitism since the October 7th attack on Israel and some have even left the country . “A few weeks ago, a Jewish student was attacked in a pub in the city centre in Dublin,” Ambassador Dana Erlich told The Pat Kenny Show . “The Jewish community [and] the Israeli community are not feeling safe - this is antisemitism.” Ms Erlich said she can “accept criticism” but added that many people continue to hold Irish Jews and Israelis personally responsible for the actions of the Government of Benjamin Netanyahu. “I will separate political opinions - which every person and every Jewish person is entitled to - and attacking all of the Jewish community or all of the Israelis based on the political position of our current Government,” she said. “This is what antisemitism is and if the Jewish community in Ireland are not feeling safe at the moment, I’m asking Irish politicians running in the upcoming election, how are they making sure that the communities are safe? “This is something that needs to be addressed.” Yesterday, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Mr Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Israeli Government described the warrants as “anti-semitic” and argued the IDF’s actions in Gaza amount to self-defence. Supporters of the ICC have accused the Israeli Government of misusing the word ‘antisemitism’ but Ms Erlich claimed international institutions single Israel out for special treatment. “What we see repeatedly is an attack on the most threatened and targeted nation in the world,” she said. “Which is the only State of the Jewish people; we see it by the UN - which has failed Israel and Israelis time and time again. “We see it now in the abuse of the international law mechanism. “We do see it as modern antisemitism when you delegitimise the existence of Israel, when you deny the Jewish people their right to a homeland - that is antisemitism.” According to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance , which the Irish Government joined in 2011, antisemitism includes “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination”. The IHRA also describes “drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis” and “holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the State of Israel” as antisemitic. The definition is controversial among some pro-Palestinian activists, who believe it mischaracterises their solidarity as racism. You can listen back here: Main image shows Israel Ambassador Dana Erlich. Image: Newstalk
When Shylo Malcolm’s week in Cuba came to an end, she assumed her vacation romance was ending, too. Not that she wanted the romance to be over — far from it. Shylo just assumed all vacation flirtations have an obvious end date. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” Shylo tells CNN Travel today. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today To her surprise, the object of her affections, Frenchman Yann Dervaux, was keen to share numbers, emails and social media information. In fact, he told her they’d “stay in touch”. “Yeah, right,” Shylo thought. She was returning to her life in Ontario, Canada. Yann was going back to his home near Lille, France. Over 3500 miles (5600km) would soon stretch between them. Still, when Shylo boarded her flight back home, she surprised herself by not feeling sad. Instead, she felt a twinge of excitement. “I’d had such an amazing week, and maybe we wouldn’t see each other again, the future was uncertain,” recalls Shylo. “But I went to Cuba, had the best vacation, had fun with my friends, and I met him ...” Meeting in Cuba Shylo’s trip to Cuba coincided with her 27th birthday in the summer of 2016. When she imagined turning 27, Shylo envisaged herself lounging on a beach, a drink in her hand, the sun’s warm rays on her skin. Shylo recruited two of her oldest and best friends — persuading them with the allure of beaches and cocktails aplenty. The trio picked a resort in coastal Varadero, Cuba, known for its stretch of sandy beaches and vibrant bars. “We were ready to have fun, party it up,” recalls Shylo. But when the trio arrived at their hotel late one June evening, Shylo had to swallow her disappointment. Nothing seemed to be open, and no one seemed to be around. It definitely wasn’t the party atmosphere she’d anticipated. Still, after walking around the resort, Shylo and her friends eventually tracked down the only bar at the resort showing signs of life. They walked inside and glanced around. It was pretty empty. A soccer game blared from a television, and a handful of guys were sitting, beers in hand, watching the screen. Shylo and her friends raised eyebrows at one another. This still was not the vibe they were after. But they decided if the party wasn’t coming to them, they would have to bring the party. So the trio went to the bar, ordered a round of fruity cocktails and grabbed a table. Before long, a couple of the guys in the bar turned their attention away from the soccer and to the group of women. “We all just started talking,” recalls Shylo. A couple of the men were German — Germany, it turned out, was the soccer team playing that evening. While the German guys were happy to chat to Shylo and her group, they were still half-watching the game. But one of the guys was French and less bothered by the soccer happenings. And when he mentioned he was French, Shylo was intrigued — she’d always been a bit of a Francophile, dreaming of visiting Paris. Helping matters, Shylo and her friends were all French speakers. Their high school had run a French immersion program, where some of the classes took place entirely in French. “My friends and I were excited to practise our French, since we hadn’t used it in years,” Shylo recalls. “Immediately we were having a good time.” The Frenchman — of course — was Yann, a 29-year-old tech expert who was in Varadero with a group of friends, all of whom had retreated to bed before Shylo and her friends turned up that night. Shylo thought Yann seemed friendly and sweet but didn’t immediately pinpoint him as a romantic prospect. Yann, on the other hand, fell for Shylo right away. “I remember I looked at Shylo, and she was beautiful,” he tells CNN Travel today. “And also attractive — the way she was speaking, and she seemed so happy.” More rounds of drinks were ordered. The soccer game ended, and the German guys left. But Yann, Shylo and her friends were still in full swing. “We ended up hanging out late that night,” says Shylo. “Then we went to the beach. I don’t even know what time it was. We were up into the early hours of the morning, hanging out as a group.” For Shylo, the prospect of a romantic connection with Yann didn’t cross her mind until the group got down onto the beach. Shylo’s two friends suggested a nighttime swim and immediately ran into the water and started frolicking in the ocean. Meanwhile, Shylo stood back. It looked fun, but she was more than a little apprehensive about the inky black water, illuminated only by moonlight. “I don’t like going into the water when I can’t see,” says Shylo. “Everyone was being spontaneous and going out into the ocean. And I was like, ‘No, I’m not going to do that’.” Noticing Shylo’s hesitance, Yann suggested they could go in together. He offered to give Shylo a piggyback to keep her at a decent distance from the murky depths. “Come, I’ll take you on my back,” he said, smiling. Something about Yann’s presence — teamed with Dutch courage from multiple rounds of fruity cocktails — reassured Shylo. She agreed, leaping onto his back. And that’s when it happened. Shylo realised Yann wasn’t just helping her counter her fear of the ocean. This was definitely flirting. As they waded into the water, laughing and splashing Shylo’s friends as they went, Yann started whispering “sweet nothings” in Shylo’s ear, telling her she was “très belle”. Growing closer It was flattering, and Shylo allowed herself to get swept up in the moment. Still, deep down she remained a little sceptical, assuming Yann was a player who said that kind of thing to all the women he encountered. She figured he’d disappear as soon as they left the beach. But to her surprise, over the next week, Shylo kept crossing paths with Yann. Often Yann was out on day trips, exploring Cuba with his friends. Meanwhile Shylo and her travelling party enjoyed relaxing by the pool. “But we usually found each other, as a group, at night,” says Shylo. “And as the week went on, and we spent more time talking, feelings of romance were definitely there. We enjoyed each other company, and the chemistry between us was great, too.” “Little by little, we talked a little bit more in depth about our lives,” recalls Yann. “We hung out as a group, but Shylo and I were always side by side. I was attracted to her and I liked her joy, her way of thinking and every evening we were looking for each other so we could spend more time together.” Shylo and Yann’s friends were aware of their obvious connection. “My friends were like, ‘You’re on vacation, live it up,’” recalls Shylo. “They said, ‘You don’t know if you’re going to see him, but just have fun while you’re here, get to know him’. They were supportive in that way.” Meanwhile Yann’s friends could see he was falling for Shylo and teased him that it was a “crazy way” to meet someone. “But they were happy for me,” he says. As Yann and Shylo grew more comfortable with each other, they started spending more time with no one else around. It was exciting, but for Shylo, the excitement was also laced with a tinge of panic. “I was like, ‘I’m getting in over my head. I’m kind of screwing myself over’,” she recalls. ‘I thought, ‘This guy’s going to go back to France and he’s so nice and kind to me, but we’re going to go from seeing each other all the time to not seeing each other at all, and then I’m going to have to get over this guy that I just met’.” Shylo had to stop herself mourning the end of the connection before it began. She tried to enjoy the moment. Then, when it came to saying goodbye, things with Yann were left open-ended. That’s why Shylo figured they’d never see each other again. And assuming the worst was a bit of self-protection, as much as anything else. Yann was more hopeful. And when he told Shylo they’d “stay in touch,” he meant it. He looked her up on Facebook as soon as he got home from Cuba and sent a friend request. And when Shylo got home and checked her socials and emails, she spotted the Facebook notification. She was surprised but pleased — and the excitement she’d been tentatively feeling on the aeroplane spilled out into full on happiness. “I thought, ‘OK maybe he’s not going to totally disappear on me,’ ” she says. “This could work.” Long distance After all Shylo’s fears about the vacation romance not lasting and Yann dropping off the face of the Earth, staying in touch happened quite seamlessly, to her surprise. “We ended up talking every single day,” she recalls. “Sending pictures, lots of pictures.” In Cuba, they’d largely communicated in French. Now the messages were a mix of “broken French, broken English”. “Google Translate helped a lot,” says Yann. “We also had some video chat dates, although it was hard because of the time difference,” adds Shylo. On one of their video calls, when Yann was talking about France, an idea crossed Shylo’s mind. “I’d dreamt of going to Paris forever, and I was like, ‘This guy lives in France, maybe we could kill two birds with one stone, I could finally get to see Paris, and I could see this guy again’,” Shylo recalls. At first, Shylo dismissed the idea as “kind of crazy”. “We’d been talking for two months, and I met him once,” she says, “But then I just decided to look up flights, and I found some flights that weren’t too expensive.” When she mentioned the idea to Yann, he was immediately enthusiastic. He encouraged her to book the tickets. “I was really happy to have the opportunity to see her again,” Yann says. “We had shared great memories together when we met, I wanted to share these same moments again.” And so at the end of August 2016 — a couple of months after the Cuba trip — Shylo arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, ready to spend a few days there with Yann, before they went to Paris together. On the journey over, Shylo was wracked with nervous excitement about reuniting with Yann. “I was like, ‘OK, how is this interaction gonna be? Do we hug? Do we kiss?’ I was just going over, over and over it,” she recalls. In the end, their reunion was “a little awkward” but in a sweet way, as Shylo recalls it. “We were both kind of shy and didn’t know what to do,” says Shylo. “We had a little hug, and then started walking together. But then as the day progressed, we got more comfortable.” Yann was happy that they soon settled back into the easy conversation they’d enjoyed in Cuba. “When we were together over those Cuba evenings, we would always talk to each other, learn everything about each other,” he says. “And when we met in Europe, it was the same mood. We were very happy to see each other again.” It was also exciting for Yann and Shylo to spend time without any friends around, to see how they might work as a couple. “I wanted to see how it would be to be together, how you interact with each other,” says Yann. “It was really important to me to experience that.” Shylo was also encouraged by the fact she felt very cared for by Yann. She was a little apprehensive about being in Europe for the first time, but he made her feel at ease. “He took care of finding accommodation, and planned out activities,” she recalls. “I went for two weeks. And we packed a lot into those two weeks.” The highlight of the trip was the time Yann and Shylo spent together in Paris. “Every day he took me to nice restaurants,” Shylo recalls. “It was such an amazing time. It was like a dream come true for me. I’d been dreaming of it, and then getting to go with this guy who was so sweet. No one had ever spoken to me, how he spoke to me.” When Shylo’s time in Europe came to an end, there were no longer any question marks in her head about whether she and Yann would stay in touch. Yann promised to come and visit Canada a couple of months later, around the holiday season, and he kept to his word. “I wanted to see her as soon as possible,” says Yann. This trip happened to coincide with Yann taking a break between jobs, which allowed him to spend six weeks in Ontario with Shylo. “I took him to see all the things here,” says Shylo. “And because he was here for a longer period of time, we lived together.” It was a taste of what a life together full-time might look like. Shylo also introduced Yann to more of her loved ones, who had time to get to know him over the six weeks, including at a New Year’s Eve party that Shylo hosted. “Everybody loved him,” she says. Closing the distance From then on, Shylo and Yann saw each other every couple of months — visiting one another in France and Canada, and also travelling the globe together — taking vacations to destinations including the Dominican Republic, New Zealand and the UK. “We always had a really good time,” says Shylo, with Yann adding that the time they spent together was filled with “powerful moments.” In between, the time spent apart was always tough. “It’s just not the same, seeing somebody through the screen,” says Shylo. The couple navigated the ups and downs of long distance for some years. They enjoyed some incredible adventures together, but by 2019, they were looking for ways to be together longer term. “We needed to figure out how to close the distance,” says Shylo. Thanks to Shylo’s love of France, the couple had always imagined she might be the one to move. But by the time they came to discuss the idea more seriously, Shylo’s family ties to Canada made the thought of relocating across the world less appealing. “My family was growing at the time, both my sisters had young kids, and I was a little worried about missing out on them growing up, because we’re a pretty close family,” says Shylo. “We do all the holidays together. We do family dinners and stuff like that. So it would have been really hard for me to leave.” For the first time, the couple talked seriously about the idea of Yann relocating to Canada. Yann was open to the idea — he’d grown to love Ontario over the years. He started looking into the logistics of making this dream happen. “And then in November 2019, he came and never left,” says Shylo. It was an exciting step — and a little surreal that after almost four years of travelling across the globe to visit one another, Yann and Shylo were finally living together. It wasn’t always an easy transition. Speaking “Frenglish,” as Shylo describes it, sometimes led to miscommunication. “Add in that he’s a European White male and I’m a Canadian with Jamaican roots Black girl, we’ve definitely come across our share of differences,” she says. “But we manage it and talk things out and try to communicate a little more to avoid problems. “There was a lot of navigating to do. But I’m thankful that he is a very loving person, which is perfect for me.” Yann also highlights Shylo’s “kindness and joy” as some of his favourite traits of hers, as well as “the spontaneity, the projects and ideas she comes up with and so much more”. Navigating the challenges of living together full-time only made Shylo and Yann stronger. And in time, Yann became more anchored in Canada. He took English classes to perfect the language. He got a job he enjoyed in the tech world. He got closer to Shylo’s family and friends. Yann and Shylo felt more connected than ever. Proposal and marriage After a few years of living together in Canada, Yann and Shylo found themselves discussing marriage. It was something they’d talked about before, but as the pandemic waned, the couple began considering the prospect more seriously. “I said, ‘I don’t want to just be a girlfriend forever. It’s important for me, for us, to get married’,” Shylo recalls. “Then Yann started looking at rings, and he proposed with my whole family here, which was really nice.” The proposal, in early 2023, was a surprise for Shylo. Her family had gathered together under the guise of celebrating her sister’s birthday. “Almost everyone was in on it, letting me believe we were having a birthday gathering when in actuality, Yann was going to purpose,” says Shylo. “It perfect that everyone was there for this special moment.” “We were married a couple months later, because we’d already been together seven years. We felt like we didn’t need a long engagement.” The wedding took place in spring 2023, in Canada, with Yann calling it “a wonderful day”. “Shylo was beautiful,” he says. “We rented an Airbnb on a lake and kept it small to just immediate family and bestest friends,” adds Shylo. “It was a crazy day that went by so fast, but it turned out to be absolutely beautiful and everyone enjoyed themselves.” Looking to the future Today, Shylo and Yann are still basking in the joy of their wedding, having enjoyed an extended “extra honeymoon period,” as Shylo puts it. Shylo’s also busy with her business, designing, making and selling travel-themed gifts. She’s also got a blog, Simply Blessed Shy where she chronicles her travel adventures with Yann. “We travel really well together,” says Shylo. “And the fact that he loves travelling just as much as I do, it’s great. He’s my favourite travel buddy.” It’s fitting, says Shylo, that they met and fell in love while travelling. “We met on vacation, he was in France, and I’m from Canada, and we ended up choosing the same resort and being there for almost the same amount of time,” reflects Shylo. “I don’t know if it’s fate. Yann thinks it is. I guess it was meant to be.”Village townships to curb rural migration in Bhagalpur districtJones scores 20 in Cent. Conn. St.’s 69-56 win against Holy Cross
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PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Macron’s political woes Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices raised in song flooded the space, filling it with harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, is resounding for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Historical details enrich the occasion Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security is tight for this global event Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. ___ Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Thomas Adamson And John Leicester, The Associated PressAP News Summary at 5:04 p.m. ESTNetflix series re-ignites JonBenet Ramsey case but gives no answers
LUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It’s brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan’s culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity.” At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity’s cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. People are also reading... Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts after the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was officially named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Marta Escurra, Associated Press A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan’s broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Japanese sake, a nominee for UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list, are displayed on Japan's delegation table, during a UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Wednesday. Marta Escurra, Associated Press The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake’s image as Japan’s premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country’s export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture,” Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. “I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts as the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Marta Escurra, Associated Press Japan’s delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. “This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO’s recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition. How to host the ultimate wine tasting How to host the ultimate wine tasting The crisp autumn air ushers in more than just pumpkin spice latte season. Consider cozying up inside with friends for a wine tasting and sharing delicious food and drinks with more complex flavors than cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps once thought of as stuffy affairs only for wine connoisseurs, today a tasting can be as casual as pouring a few bottles while doing another activity—say, bar games like darts or art activities like painting. The tasting can also be more traditional, especially if held at a winery or local wine shop, which is a great way to learn about what wines you might like to later serve at home. To host the ultimate wine tasting, it pays to do some R&D. One of the best aspects of hosting a wine tasting at home is that you get to establish the mood, tone, and guest list for the gathering—you can't pick a playlist when you sample wines at a bar or wine shop or make the dress code loungewear. So whether the mood is serious or playful, sophisticated or laid-back, the key to a successful tasting is enjoying and appreciating the wine and having fun with friends and family. Of course, there are a few other things to figure out along the way. Peerspace put together a few tips for hosting your wine-tasting party. Canva Tip 1: Determine the vibe A tasting party is all about sampling different wines and evaluating and hopefully enjoying them—and there are a variety of ways to do that. Would you like to host a playful gathering where each guest brings a mystery bottle of wine within a certain price range—a BYOB affair? Or would it be better to have more control over which wines are featured by curating and supplying all the wines as a host? This decision sets the tone—a tasting where guests contribute wine can be a bit of a free-for-all, whereas one where you select wines you supply allows guests to sit back and simply enjoy. And you don't have to break the bank to buy excellent wines—there are lots of wine experts ready to share their affordable picks. How much folks know about wine differs—and that's a good thing. Tastings are group learning experiences. Expertise isn't necessary to host or attend a tasting, but it is helpful to think about what will keep guests comfortable and having fun. Decide whether the vibe will be relaxed and laid-back, like friends sipping wine fireside, or more upbeat and formal. Think about elements like the atmosphere and the location, and consider whether folks will be seated or standing. Will you have a spirited playlist (couldn't resist) or live music? Do you want an expert to introduce each wine, or will you be that expert? Consider how guests will share their thoughts on what they are tasting. Do you want to just talk about them or do something more organized, like take notes or give ratings? Then supply notebooks or notecards and pencils, with categories or questions established ahead of time—all of which can reflect your evening's tone as well. Canva Tip 2: Know your numbers How many people to invite is a question largely informed by the answers to tip #1: Are you having a big, formal affair or an intimate catch-up with close friends? Or something in between? Whatever the case, an RSVP is essential because not only do you need to plan the setup of the space, but you must also make sure there's enough wine for everyone to taste, including each of the wines featured. There's nothing worse than a tasting that runs dry! The math to determine how much wine you need considers the size of the tasting pours—a full glass of wine at a restaurant is usually around 5 ounces, which yields around five glasses of wine from a standard bottle. For tastings, you'll want to do less, depending on how many wines you are featuring—say, 2 ounces if you'll be trying a lot of different wines. Experts agree, having more wine than you need is always a good idea—that way you can send guests home with a bottle should there be a prize at the end of the night. Canva Tip 4: Don't forget food Don't let food be an afterthought for the festivities—after all, food can enhance particular qualities of wine and vice versa. There are many rules around what foods to pair with which wines, but consider this simple advice from Alder Yarrow's Vinography : "Stick with eating good food and drinking good wine." Since the focus is on the wines, allow the drinks to determine what food makes sense, but don't overthink it. Food is a supporting character here—at the very least, guests will need something to soak up all the alcohol (unless you are spitting it out). Eating foods that contain a mixture of protein, fats, and carbs when drinking helps increase the rate of alcohol elimination . Whether it's a full meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres, thoughtful noshes are necessary. Canva Tip 3: Set a theme Picking a theme is essential to curating the selection of wines—it's the organizing principle behind your selections. Otherwise, your tasting might as well be just walking down the wine aisle at the grocery store and taking sips from random bottles. There's too much wine out there not to be strategic about this. Plus, a theme helps you to tell the story of each wine better—it's the plot line of the night, if you will. Common themes are types of wine, regions they are from, or even price points—really, one can get as creative as they wish. For inspiration, check out local wine shops and see what they do for tastings. Often, they will follow seasonality and group wines in novel ways for their own in-house tastings. DavideAngelini // Shutterstock Tip 5: Small pours = big fun The bottom line is, however you do it, hosting the ultimate wine tasting should be fun. Wine can feel intimidating to many people, but most wine experts are passionate, inspired folks who want to share what they know and help you find wines you like. So visit your local wine store or winemaker and ask questions. There are good guides specifically concerning how to taste wine. Dig a little, taste a lot, and have fun. It's all research for your next ultimate wine tasting. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Canva Be the first to knowArizona State makes College Football Playoff with 45-19 win over Iowa State in Big 12 title gameIt's the festive season—a time for family, togetherness, and the joy of giving. But imagine this: it's Christmas Eve, and you're driving with loved ones to see sparkling lights or deliver gifts, only to have the dreaded check engine light flicker on. Such an unexpected disruption can easily cast a shadow on the holiday cheer. This very scenario echoes the experience that inspired Mr. Jin, the founder of VDIAGTOOL , to create tools that ensure no journey, whether a holiday trip or a routine errand, is derailed by car troubles. Where It All Began The spark for VDIAGTOOL ignited in 2015. Mr. Jin was preparing for a delightful spring outing with his family when car troubles unexpectedly put their plans on hold. Hours of waiting for a mechanic dampened the day, leaving him thinking there had to be a better way. When a friend later recounted a similar experience, it clicked: Why can't drivers handle car diagnostics on their own? Fueled by this vision, Mr. Jin began a journey to turn frustration into innovation. He assembled a team of mechanics worldwide who has over 20 years of hands-on experience average. Step by step, they achieved milestones, bringing the vision of empowering drivers to life. Building a Vision VDIAGTOOL set out with a clear mission: simplify car diagnostics, testing, and maintenance for everyone. Catering to DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians alike, the brand combines affordability with intuitive design. Whether it's an amateur checking their car's health or a seasoned mechanic fine-tuning a vehicle, VDIAGTOOL tools are designed to make the process efficient and hassle-free. From Concept to Creation True to Mr. Jin's philosophy, "We are customers first, then merchants," VDIAGTOOL's journey began with a deep understanding of user needs. The first product—a code reader—was crafted to balance simplicity and functionality. Over time, the team expanded its offerings, overcoming challenges through open collaboration and persistence. Each product, from automotive diagnostic tools to battery testers and circuit testers—all engineered for quality, reliability, and innovation. A Glimpse at Our Milestones Throughout its history, VDIAGTOOL has built a diverse product lineup, including: Battery Service Tools : The BT500 and BT300, which deliver precise battery diagnostics for professionals and enthusiasts. Circuit Testers : The V500/500Pro and V200Pro, designed for effective troubleshooting of electrical systems. Code Readers : The VD30Pro and VD10, enabling seamless engine code reading and clearing for drivers and technicians. Introducing the VD70S As we celebrate our progress, we're thrilled to unveil the VD70S —Building on the success of the VD70 and VD70 Lite.The VD70S is the artwork of the dedication and expertise of our 200+ technicians and mechanics. Their passion and hard work have driven every innovation, enabling the release of this cutting-edge scanner tablet. This relentless pursuit of excellence continues to push boundaries, bringing easy, accessible car repair to families worldwide. With its advanced connectivity and upgraded features, the VD70S represents the pinnacle of our efforts to combine innovation with reliability. Spreading Joy Worldwide Unti l to day, VDIAGTOOL has grown to a team of over 200 engineers worldwide, with numerous patents and intellectual property under its belt and available in over 50 countries. Our mission is simple: to create user-friendly, affordable tools that make car repairs easy and accessible , j ust like the guiding star of the holiday season, our tools provide drivers everywhere with peace of mind, and ensuring every journey is as smooth as possible. Your Trusted Holiday Companion This Christmas Holidays season and beyond, VDIAGTOOL is here to keep your travels safe and joyful. Whether it's a Christmas road trip or a daily commute, let us light the way, ensuring you and your loved ones arrive safely and happily wherever the road leads. Happy Holidays from VDIAGTOOL—Your Trusted Partner in Every Journey! For more information, please visit https://www.vdiagtool.com/ For Purchase, please visit https://vdiagtools.com/ ABOUT VDIAGTOOL Established in 2018 by a team of industry experts with over 20 years of experience in automotive repair and maintenance, VDIAGTOOL is dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of automotive diagnostic and maintenance tools, as well as testing equipment. Make automotive diagnostics, maintenance and testing easier, affordable and more efficient. Media Contact: Full company name: VDIAGTOOL Company website: www.vdiagtool.com Name: Jerry Chen Email id: Support@vdiagtool.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vdiagtool-makes-car-diagnostics-great-again-302331963.html SOURCE VDIAGTOOL Technology Co, Ltd
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US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says
Nakigtambayayong ang Asticom Technology Inc. (Asticom), shared services company sa Globe, sa Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) aron suportahan ang global nga inisyatiba nga “Working with Cancer.” Kini nga programa nagtinguha nga mapalambo ang inclusivity ug pag-atiman alang sa mga empleyado nga nag-atubang sa kanser. Nagtinguha ang “Working with Cancer” nga batukan ang stigma sa kanser sa trabahuan ug magmugna og kultura sa suporta alang sa mga empleyado nga nag-atubang niining makamatay nga sakit. Isip usa ka nangungunang shared services company sa nasud, ang Asticom nag-una sa pag-atiman sa mga empleyado pinaagi sa mga wellness program, preventive measures, ug non-discrimination policies nga nagtugma sa misyon sa Working with Cancer. “For almost a decade, Asticom has been driven by a clear purpose: to improve people’s lives. And at the heart of that mission is our people. They are the backbone of everything we do. We strive to provide support to our employees, especially in facing health challenges,” matod ni Asticom President ug CEO Mharicar Castillo-Reyes atol sa signing ceremony. "Together with AC Health, we are setting the stage for a more compassionate and supportive workplace culture. By committing to the Working with Cancer pledge, we’re taking tangible steps to ensure our employees feel secure, especially when they need support the most,” dugang niya. Gidayeg ni AC Health President ug CEO Paolo Borromeo ang dedikasyon sa Asticom nga nagpunting sa kumon nga responsibilidad sa duha ka organisasyon sa pag-transform sa trabahoan ngadto sa pagka-cancer care ug pagpalambo sa kultura sa suporta ug compassion. “Asticom joining the Working with Cancer pledge is a powerful testament to the growing commitment among companies to prioritize employee well-being. At AC Health, we are proud to support like-minded partners in creating workplaces that champion compassion and inclusivity, setting a benchmark for how organizations can offer more care for their employees,” matod niya. Ang dedikasyon sa Asticom sa paghatag og talagsaong pag-atiman ug suporta sa ilang mga empleyado dili lamang nag-una sa kaayohan sa mga trabahante, apan nahimo usab nga sumbanan nga sundon alang sa komunidad sa negosyo. Alang sa dugang inpormasyon bahin sa Asticom ug sa mga inisyatiba niini, bisitaha ang asticom.com.ph. / PR
Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.