COP29 in Baku: A Defining Moment for Global Climate Action 11-25-2024 08:06 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Press Release Agency The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded on November 22, with delegates from 198 countries reaching a critical juncture in global efforts to combat climate change. Central to the discussions was a groundbreaking proposal to mobilize $1 trillion annually for developing nations, a financial commitment deemed vital for addressing the escalating effects of climate change. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a sobering message, urging swift and equitable action to confront the climate crisis. He underscored the urgent need for new national climate action plans by 2025 and called for a 30% reduction in fossil fuel production and consumption by 2030 to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. He condemned the inequities of the crisis, pointing out that the wealthiest nations and individuals contribute most to global emissions, while the poorest communities suffer the harshest impacts. "They must chart a course to net zero by 2050, through milestones in 2025, 2030, 2035, and beyond," Guterres emphasized, underlining the urgency of coordinated and sustained global action. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-71.png Momentum for renewable energy took center stage at the summit, with projections showing global investments in clean energy expected to hit $2 trillion by 2024-almost double the funding allocated to fossil fuels. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, described the transition to clean energy as "irreversible" and underscored the importance of climate financing to help developing nations strengthen their resilience. "I've been very blunt: climate finance is not charity; it is 100% in every nation's interest, to protect their economies and people from rampant climate impacts," Stiell said, driving home the urgency of global collaboration. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-70.png As the host nation, Azerbaijan actively drove discussions at the summit. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev described the gathering as a pivotal moment for global climate ambitions, warning that the world is on a perilous path without bold and immediate action. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, highlighting a significant transformation in the country's economy. "Developed countries must race against the clock to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year by 2025," Babayev emphasized, underscoring the urgent need for global collaboration to tackle the climate crisis. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-69.png Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov emphasized Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing global efforts on critical climate priorities, including climate financing, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and transparency in climate reporting. He expressed optimism that the agreements reached in Baku could mark a historic turning point for global climate action. "We laid the foundation for the first industrial-scale solar power plant of 240 megawatts," Shahbazov said, showcasing Azerbaijan's tangible progress in renewable energy as part of its broader climate commitments. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-68.png Several nations unveiled ambitious initiatives during the summit. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to dramatically expand the country's wind and solar energy capacity from 31,000 MW to 120,000 MW by 2035. Highlighting Turkey's leadership in climate action, Erdogan noted, "We have increased the share of renewable energy in our total installed capacity to 59%. With this rate, we are ranked 5th in Europe and 11th in the world. Our key priorities for achieving the 2053 net zero emissions target are renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy." Additionally, Turkey's Zero Waste Project, which has already cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.9 million tons, aims to recycle 60% of waste by 2035. Erdogan also officially declared Turkey's candidacy to host COP31 in 2026. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-67.png The U.S. delegation pledged to sustain momentum on climate action despite domestic political challenges. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse emphasized the critical need to address methane leaks and rising sea levels, reaffirming his commitment to countering fossil fuel interests. "We will not give up the fight for climate action and against the fossil fuel corruption that's soon to take power in Washington," Whitehouse declared, underscoring the stakes of the global climate crisis and the need for unwavering leadership. Senator Ed Markey also pledged sustained U.S. leadership on climate issues, vowing to hold Big Oil accountable and protect the planet, regardless of political challenges. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-66.png Ben Goloff, senior campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity's Climate Law Institute, called on the Biden administration to act swiftly on climate policy, warning of the far-reaching consequences if former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement once again, returns to power. "Climate diplomacy on a boiling planet doesn't stop for a climate denier," Goloff said. "Before Trump takes office, Biden officials need to use the next two months to establish robust protections and secure their climate legacy." Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-65.png Shaosi Li, Deputy Director-General of China's Macroeconomic Journal at the National Development and Reform Commission, outlined China's innovative strategies for combating desertification. These measures include deploying solar power systems and utilizing biological soil crusts to rehabilitate degraded landscapes. Li noted that "China is extending its desert transformation efforts beyond its borders," citing partnerships with African nations to restore ecosystems in the arid Sahel region. She further emphasized, "By integrating satellite data, precision irrigation, and advanced ecological restoration techniques, China is not only reclaiming barren lands but also setting a global benchmark for addressing climate change." Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-64.png Delegates from the Global South brought renewed urgency to the call for climate action at COP29, emphasizing the disproportionate burdens they face. Adrian Martinez Blanco, director of the NGO La Ruta del Clima , accused fossil fuel companies of deliberately obstructing progress. "They seek to delay solving problems for the sake of profiting from fossil fuels, despite their commitments and the need for urgent action. However, we are here to protect the interests of people and nature," Martinez Blanco said. He stressed that the focus must remain on safeguarding humanity and the environment, emphasizing that the moment for accountability and justice has arrived. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-63.png Grace Dorong, founder of the NGO Root of Generations , issued a powerful call for urgent support for communities displaced by climate change, emphasizing the human toll of the crisis. "Refugees have no escape. You flee in one direction; you are met with danger. You flee in another direction; you are met with another danger. The climate crisis is drastically impacting our lives," Dorong said. She highlighted the mounting challenges people face in rebuilding their lives and advocated for community-driven solutions to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-62.png As the summit concluded, the pressure on nations to follow through on their commitments was greater than ever. From ambitious renewable energy targets to innovative financing mechanisms, the decisions made at COP29 could reshape the future of climate policy. With the world watching, the stakes for decisive action have never been higher. Media Contact Company Name: Global News Online Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=cop29-in-baku-a-defining-moment-for-global-climate-action ] City: NY Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info This release was published on openPR.

AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:02 p.m. ESTBy Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .

El Salvador president proposes ending country's metals mining ban

Man accused in burning death of a woman on New York subway appears in courtNFL Week 17 TV Schedule, Streams, Start Times, ChannelsMan accused in burning death of a woman on New York subway appears in court

Liberals’ holiday tax break and cash giveaway has winners and losers

Miami Heat player tears Achilles after recovering from torn ACL

HARRISBURG — Spending on public education, reforming aspects of health care, loosening regulations on business and strengthening the commonwealth’s workforce were among the legislative wins achieved in 2024 in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly. Lawmakers adopted Pennsylvania’s biggest budget, to date, a $47.6 billion spending plan with a deficit balanced by $3 billion transferred from the commonwealth’s reserves. Gov. Josh Shapiro and his supporters welcomed the move, spending down on what had been a combined $14 billion in savings they viewed as a reinvestment in taxpayers whose money sat dormant. Fiscal conservatives point to a five-year outlook in the budget that forecasts all of that money being spent by 2029, warning that the structural deficit risks fiscal insolvency. The budget included a $1.2 billion increase for public education as the commonwealth grapples with a late-2023 court decision that found its funding system unconstitutional. Schools collectively saw multi-million hikes in spending on special education, K-12 classroom subsidies plus additional funds for the poorest districts to backfill an “adequacy gap” identified by the court, plus more funding for mental health initiatives and security. Expect more record requests for spending on education in the immediate budget years to come as the commonwealth upturns its system on how public schools are funded. At the same time, a fight to establish a school voucher system will continue, too. Lifeline Scholarships were shunned two years in a row, however, Republicans remain committed to creating vouchers in the name of school choice. They’re emboldened by shifts in political party registrations and substantial victories in the 2024 election cycle. Budget battles might lead some in Harrisburg and beyond to seek libations for a brief escape and this year in Pennsylvania, those of legal age have a new option. Legislators advanced a bill into law creating a new permit for licensed bars, restaurants, grocery stores and more to sell canned cocktails to-go. The pre-packaged, pre-mixed drinks were only available in state liquor stores prior to the change. Estimates reached $145 million in new tax revenue, however, the gains will be offset to some degree by lost revenue within the state-owned system. Pennsylvania’s bars and restaurants also benefitted from other regulatory changes that expanded aggregate time allowed for happy hours from 14 hours to 24 hours a week and also permitted drink-and-meal combination discounts that were once illegal. Lawmakers approved reforms in health care with a new law that changes how pharmacy benefit managers operate in the commonwealth. The “middle men” are blamed for practices causing smaller pharmacies to close and consumer prices to rise. Pennsylvania’s legislation bars PBMs from lowering reimbursements for unaffiliated pharmacies, prevents them from spiking prices on medications above what customers might pay when using cash out of pocket, ends certain “steering practices” that lead to increased business for affiliated pharmacies and requires certain reporting requirements that will reveal which companies fail to pass on manufacturer rebates to customers. Aside from public education, state lawmakers made big changes in the realm of higher education. They created Pennsylvania’s first State Board of Higher Education directed to coordinate higher-ed across all levels and also develop recommendations to create a performance-based funding system for state-related universities including Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh. Funding for smaller schools, that is, community colleges and state-owned schools, was increased as was funding for student scholarships and grants along with a new program that for the first time will provide stipends to student teachers. A new telemedicine law assures patients that any medically necessary service they’d receive in person that’s covered by their insurance plan would also be covered if administered remotely through telemedicine. Disputes preventing Pennsylvania’s full participation in an interstate healthcare licensure compact were resolved through legislation concerning fingerprinting and background checks. With a resolution in place, nurses and doctors and others from Pennsylvania can now work in cooperating states without obtaining another license. Xylazine is now formally listed as a Schedule III narcotic in the commonwealth. Protections are included for veterinary use of the sedative developed for large animals. Illicit production of the drug led to it being cut into fentanyl and other opioids sold on the streets, greatly enhancing potency and the risk of death by overdose. Distracted driving was addressed with the passage of Paul Miller’s Law, named after a 21-year-old Scranton man killed by a distracted driver in 2010. The measure, building on an existing statute that bans texting while driving, authorizes traffic stops for similar actions on handheld mobile devices including sending an email, posting to social media, snapping a photo and recording a video. The use of hands-free functions, however, remains permissible. New state law also created a Solar for Schools program incentivizing K-12 public schools, career and technical centers and community colleges to pursue state grant funding that can fund half the construction cost of an approved solar energy project. Another law established the framework for carbon dioxide capture, utilization and sequestration toward storing the pollutant below ground, an initiative tied to the multi-billion dollar proposal to open a pair of hydrogen hubs in the Philadelphia region. The 2023-24 Legislative Session is now closed and the 2025-26 session began Dec. 1 with lawmakers already signaling the introduction of new bills and the reintroduction of old bills that haven’t yet cleared the House and Senate. When voting picks up again in January, expect continued debate and formal proposals for legislative initiatives that weren’t successful including legalizing marijuana for recreational use, enacting gun control measures, approving ballot measures for constitutional amendments on universal voter ID and opening a temporary legal window to sue alleged perpetrators or enablers of long-ago sexual abuse, creating Lifeline Scholarships for school choice, regulating skill games, expanding Sunday hunting opportunities and boosting Pennsylvania’s housing stock.

Hong Kong ex-democratic lawmaker among seven convicted for riotingStruggling Coventry families 'cry tears of joy' at hugely popular event on Christmas Eve

No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.

Molly-Mae Hague makes savage four-word comment about I'm A Celebrity as Maura Higgins enters campYear in review: What the Pa. Legislature achieved in 2024From Matt Gaetz to Pete Hegseth to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., several of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks have faced major blowback and media opposition campaigns aimed at derailing their nominations. But one pick conservatives were bracing for a knock-down, drag-out fight over is seemingly sailing toward confirmation despite early wailing from Democrats: would-be FBI Director Kash Patel. Patel was the former Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense and rose to prominence after being a vocal critic of the Mueller investigation into “Russian interference” during the 2016 election, which turned up nothing but caused a major distraction during Trump’s first term. Democrats viciously opposed the Patel pick, citing an “enemies list” from his book and his pledges to clean out the federal bureaucracy of disruptive and disloyal elements , but if the Senate is at all phased by it, it’s unnoticeable. Sources said Patel has been able to rise above the fray due to the legwork he’s put in with lawmakers in the years leading up to Trump’s second election. A source close to Patel said his commitment to advancing the MAGA agenda drove him to continue cultivating relationships with Senate Republicans even while Trump was out of office. That singular focus paid off, and the work he put in now has him on the cusp of serving in a critical position in the second Trump administration he hoped would eventually arrive. (RELATED: Kash Patel Wants The FBI Out Of The Spying Game — Here’s Where He Could Start) “I was aware of Kash Patel by reputation during the Trump administration, but really got to know him over the last couple of years. We’d often chat when he would swing through town. I found he had keen political instincts and was also just a delightful person to talk and strategize with,” Utah Sen. Mike Lee told the Caller. “Long before his name was on the shortlist to lead the FBI, I knew he was a dedicated patriot who has experienced firsthand the corrupt bureaucracy we’re going to hold accountable in Trump’s second term,” the senator added. Patel has met with more than a dozen senators since getting the FBI nod, and many have publicly come out in support of him. The Trump transition, Politico reported , expected more pushback to the FBI pick. But it hasn’t materialized, in part because senators already know Patel and what to expect from him in office. Several key senators told the Caller that over the last three years they have cultivated a relationship with Patel, discussing national security and the America first agenda. Working with Devin Nunes, Kash Patel was instrumental in dismantling the Russia Hoax. He was the author of the famous memo that exposed how the FBI lied in FISA warrants to spy on Carter Page. He exposed how the bogus Steele Dossier was funded by Hillary’s campaign and used... — Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 1, 2024 “I’ve been following his career for a while since he was working with Devin Nunes and exposing the Russia Hoax and FISA abuse. We connected at a few events and have stayed in touch over the years. He’s come by my office and been a great sounding board on national security and beyond,” Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall told the Caller. Ahead of Trump’s announcement, Patel was floated to be in the running for a top role in the FBI or the Department of Justice. When Gaetz withdrew his name from the attorney general running and former Florida AG Pam Bondi was tapped to replace him, the noise about Patel to the FBI got louder. The anticipated choice of Patel caused “shockwaves” – but only for a short time. One former official told CBS News that he was “by far the most dangerous pick.” NBC News wrote that he hosted a show for “a conspiracy-filled, far-right media organization,” the Epoch Times. Slate complained about Patel’s “terrifying” “enemies list.” (RELATED: James Carville Apparently Thinks All Indians Look Alike, Mixes Up Kash Patel With Daily Caller Publisher) But one by one, senators pledged their support. And perhaps the strongest sign yet that Patel is likely to be confirmed came when his would-be predecessor, Chris Wray, resigned this month . “Since I got to DC, Kash has been one of my go-to people to call with questions about defense or national security. His breadth of experience and handle on these critical issues is truly unmatched,” Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville told the Caller. Before Patel entered the Trump administration, he was known around the Capitol as a national security advisor and senior counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. That experience has proven fruitful in building relationships with Congressional leaders over the past few years. “His work to help uncover the FBI’s mishandling of the Russia collusion hoax, known as the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, make him uniquely positioned to begin a new day at the bureau, ensuring they can return to their number one mission of fighting crime and protecting the country,” a spokesperson for Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told the Caller. Ahead of his appointment, Patel earned attention for speaking out against the weaponization of the surveillance state and recently called for a “24/7 declassification office.” He has previously proposed taking the FBI headquarters, shutting it down and turning it into a museum. this kind of thing remains the bull case for Kash Patel: how many senior GOP officials are former public defenders (thankless work Patel did for 8 years in Miami)? Work echoed by a hostage rescue drive into Syria in summer 2020– when few in the world cared about Syria pic.twitter.com/XVz0LmbDLz — Curt Mills (@CurtMills) December 22, 2024 “Kash’s drive to lead the FBI is deeply personal, rooted in his family’s story. His father fled a genocidal dictatorship where there was no law and order, seeking the safety and opportunity America provides,” Erica Knight, a spokesperson for Patel, told the Caller. “He’s spent the last few years deliberately building relationships with senators, meeting with them, and preparing for this moment,” she continued.

Committee backs bill to formalise role of export industries in pay formation

Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state commentsCHARLOTTE — East Tennessee State owned the second half for a second straight game against a team from the Queen City. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 17 points, Marchelus Avery had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Oklahoma State beat Miami 80-74 on Friday in the consolation bracket of the Charleston Classic. Oklahoma State (4-1) will play in the fifth-place game on Sunday, while Miami (3-2) will try to avoid going winless in the tournament. Oklahoma State led 43-27 at halftime after making 8 of 15 from 3-point range, while Miami was just 8 of 27 overall. Four different Cowboys made a 3-pointer in the first half, with Brandon Newman making three. Thompson banked in a shot early in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 20-point lead at 49-29. Miami, which opened the game by missing 7 of 8 shots, went 1 for 8 from the field to begin the second half. Miami trailed by double figures the entire second half until Matthew Cleveland made a difficult shot in the lane while being fouled. He made the free throw to pull the Hurricanes within 75-67 with 49 seconds left. Arturo Dean restored a double-digit lead by making two free throws at 43.8. Thompson reached the 1,000 career points with the Cowboys on a shot in the lane with 13:01 left in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 55-38 lead. Nijel Pack scored 20 points and Brandon Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Miami. Cleveland finished with 11 points, and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet each had 10. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball