The man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway told detectives, “Oh, damn, that’s me,” when he saw video of the attack but said he couldn’t remember anything, according to a transcript released Tuesday. The interview was made public shortly after Sebastian Zapeta, 33, entered a plea of not guilty on murder and arson charges in a Brooklyn court. Prosecutors say he set fire to Debrina Kawam, 57, aboard a stopped train in the early morning hours of Dec. 22, fanned the flames with a shirt and watched the woman burn from a subway bench. Inside a…
Author: THE CONNECTING NEWSPAPER
WASHINGTON, USA – US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) is saddened by Louisiana’s report that a person previously hospitalized with severe avian influenza A(H5N1) illness (“H5N1 bird flu”) has passed away. While tragic, a death from H5N1 bird flu in the United States is not unexpected because of the known potential for infection with these viruses to cause severe illness and death. As of January 6, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the United States since 2024 and 67 since 2022. This is the first person in the United States who…
Prominent Pan-African activist Kémi Séba has announced his candidacy for Benin’s 2026 presidential election. Séba, who revealed his intentions in a January 5 video statement, outlined three potential strategies to navigate Benin’s restrictive electoral code, which mandates sponsorship by at least 28 elected officials. The first strategy is to seek backing from the opposition party Les Démocrates, led by former president Boni Yayi. The second is to push for reforms to the electoral code, which he described as corrupt. If neither of these strategies works, Séba intends to deploy an initiative, tagged “Operation Jericho,” to demand changes. This tripartite approach…
The Big Hash Teases New Track As Fans Call For Flvme Feature. The Big Hash is back to stirring up excitement among his fans, and this time, he’s blending his signature rap with soulful R&B vibes. The Big Hash Teases New Track As Fans Call For Flvme Feature Taking to Instagram, the multi-talented artist dropped a snippet of an unreleased track that showcases smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics, asking his followers the million-dollar question: “Who should I get on it?” The responses were swift and unanimous—fans flooded the comments section with one name: Flvme. Known for his ability to effortlessly…
Rescuers working in subzero conditions and bracing winds searched the rubble on Wednesday after a strong quake in Tibet toppled thousands of houses in a remote area near the northern foothills of Mount Everest. Tens of thousands of residents were being transferred to safety while dozens were being treated for injuries.At least 126 people have died and 188 were injured in the quake, which struck on Tuesday morning in Dingri County, near one of Tibet’s most historic cities, in western China, state media reported. The quake was China’s deadliest since December 2023, when 151 people were killed in a magnitude…
Collin Sexton electrified the home crowd in Salt Lake City with his game-tying 25-footer with four seconds left. Then Trae Young stunned them with a game-winner from beyond halfcourt. Young sank a 49-footer to give the Atlanta Hawks a 124-121 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. The Jazz fell to 9-26 with the defeat, and 2-13 at home. That’s the worst home record in the NBA this season. Season-ticket holders at the Delta Center have seen only two victories from the home team this season. Four of the Jazz’s 13 home losses have come by three points or…
President Maduro said the group included mercenaries and ‘hit men’, describing two US detainees as ‘very high level’.Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced the arrest of a group of foreign “mercenaries”, including Colombian and United States citizens, who he said were plotting to prevent his inauguration later this week. Maduro said on Tuesday that the group was planning “terrorist acts” ahead of the inauguration ceremony on Friday, describing them as two Colombian “hitmen”, three “mercenaries” from the war in Ukraine and two US citizens. He said the detained Americans were “very high level,” but he did not provide further details…
What to KnowSean Higgins is accused of aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide and other counts in the Aug. 29, 2024, Oldmans Township, New Jersey crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they biked the night before their sister’s planned wedding.Higgins was flanked by his attorneys as they entered a not guilty plea on his behalf in Salem County court on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.On Tuesday, the state of New Jersey revealed they offered Higgins a plea deal that would keep him jailed for 35 years. However, Higgins turned down that deal.The case will now move…
By Derek Shank MONTREAL, Canada, (CIC NEWS) – The Canadian federal government has announced a cap on the intake for permanent residence applications under the Agri-Food Pilot. Effective immediately, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will accept only up to 1,010 applications for this program in 2025. No further applications will be accepted after this cap has been reached, or after the pilot reaches its end date of May 14, 2025. Prior to the announcement of this year’s cap, IRCC limited applications to 2,750 per year. About the Agri-Food Pilot The Agri-Food Pilot is a pathway to permanent residence for non-seasonal workers in specific…
Usimamane Shows Love To Fans Following Creative Renditions Of “Uvalo.” Usimamane has taken to social media to express his gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans who’ve created TikTok covers of his hit song “Uvalo.” Usimamane Shows Love To Fans Following Creative Renditions Of “Uvalo” The emotional track touches on the complexities of love and romantic relationships and has resonated deeply with listeners, prompting countless fans to share their renditions. In his recent Instagram post, Usimamane shared a compilation of some of his favourite fan covers, giving special shout-outs to those who poured their emotions into their performances. He…