# Subway Horror: Man Pleads Not Guilty to Setting Woman on Fire

**A 33-year-old man, Sebastian Zapeta, has pleaded not guilty to the horrific murder of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam.**  The incident occurred on December 22nd on a New York City subway train.  Zapeta faces four counts of murder and one count of arson.

The attack left the city reeling and sparked renewed concerns about **subway safety**.

This tragic event adds to the ongoing debate surrounding **crime and safety on the NYC subway system.**



Sebastian Zapeta, 33, was indicted last month on four counts of murder and one count of arson in the Dec. 22 death of 57-year-old Debrina Kawam. CBS News New York&#039;s Natalie Duddridge reports.

Subway Horror: Man Pleads Not Guilty to Setting Woman on Fire

# Congestion Pricing in NYC: DOJ Admits Weak Case Against Tolls

An internal Department of Justice memo reveals a weak legal standing in the Trump administration's attempt to end New York City's congestion pricing program.  The memo casts doubt on the success of their case, stating there's a "considerable litigation risk" in challenging the program.

## The Fight Over Tolls

The Trump administration, under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy,  has repeatedly ordered the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to halt the Manhattan tolling program.  The MTA, along with New York City, has refused to comply.  Duffy even threatened to halt non-essential construction projects in Manhattan if the tolls aren't stopped by May 21st.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/your-video-id" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

## DOJ's Admission of Weakness

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York expressed serious concerns about the administration's legal strategy in a letter to the Department of Transportation.  They highlight the unlikelihood of prevailing in court, citing concerns about the legality of the administration's actions.

**A DOT spokesperson responded with a statement calling the SDNY lawyers incompetent and suggesting their memo shows resistance to the administration's aims.**  The spokesperson argued that the congestion pricing program was hastily approved and unfairly burdens working-class drivers, suggesting the DOT may halt projects and funding for New York State if the tolls remain in effect. 

## Ongoing Legal Battles and Toll Effectiveness

New York officials maintain that congestion pricing is legal and will not be stopped.  The tolls have already demonstrably reduced traffic in Manhattan's Central Business District by 13% in March, with the MTA reporting over $51 million collected in February alone.

A judge has already rejected arguments from groups opposing the tolls and refused to halt the program during the ongoing legal battle.  

## Read More:
* [Link to article about NYC congestion pricing being halted](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-halted/)
* [Link to article about the May 21 deadline](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-new-may-deadline/)
* [Link to article about the agreement to continue tolls into the fall](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-mta-trump-administration-deal/)
* [Link to article about the judge dismissing arguments against the tolls](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-judge-dismisses-arguments/)
* [Link to article about the judge refusing to halt the tolls](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-congestion-pricing-lawsuits-federal-judge-ruling/)


The judge presiding over the case to end New York City congestion pricing is unlikely to side with President Trump&#039;s transportation secretary, according to an internal DOJ memo obtained by CBS News New York.

Congestion Pricing in NYC: DOJ Admits Weak Case Against Tolls

# NYC Air Quality Alert: Smoky Haze from NJ Wildfire

An air quality alert is in effect for New York City due to smoke drifting from a massive wildfire in central New Jersey.  The Jones Road wildfire, which has burned thousands of acres, is expected to continue burning for several days.

## Unhealthy Air Quality

New York City Emergency Management predicts that air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, with residents likely to see and smell smoke.  The alert covers Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, as well as surrounding counties in New York and Long Island. 

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## Wildfire Impact

The Jones Road wildfire, started on April 22nd, has already burned 13,250 acres and is currently 50% contained.  While firefighters have made progress, officials expect it to continue until significant rainfall.  The fire has led to thousands of evacuations in New Jersey, with several structures destroyed and more threatened.  **One business owner described the destruction of his building as 'gut-wrenching'.**

## Air Pollution Concerns

This air quality alert comes at a time when a recent American Lung Association study found that **tens of millions more Americans are breathing polluted air than last year.**  Wildfires are contributing significantly to this alarming trend. 

## More Information

The cause of the New Jersey wildfire is still under investigation. For updates on the air quality alert, check the official sources. 


The Jones Road wildfire continued to burn thousands of acres in central New Jersey. Smoky air could be wide-reaching.

NYC Air Quality Alert: Smoky Haze from NJ Wildfire

# Stowaway Caught on Camera Sneaking Onto NYC-Paris Flight

New surveillance footage reveals how Svetlana Dali, a 57-year-old Russian citizen, managed to board a New York-to-Paris flight without a ticket.  The video, obtained by the Associated Press, shows Dali cleverly slipping past gate agents at JFK Airport by blending in with a group of ticketed passengers.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-04/250423-svetlana-dali-security-video-snip-ac-715p-71f807.jpg" alt="Svetlana Dali walking past gate agents">

## Dali's Daring Journey

Dali's journey began with an initial failure at a security checkpoint.  Unable to show a boarding pass, she was initially turned away. However, she then found a way into a restricted employee lane, bypassed security checks, and slipped onto the Delta Air Lines flight.

## The Chase Continues

The incident came to light when Delta crew members discovered Dali mid-flight.  After being detained in Paris, she was returned to New York and charged.  Further complicating matters, Dali was later arrested in Buffalo after attempting to flee to Canada and removing her electronic monitoring device.

She's currently being held in a Brooklyn federal lockup awaiting trial.  Prosecutors and her lawyer are currently exploring a possible plea deal.

## Key Events:

* **Initially stopped at security:** Dali's attempt to board the flight began with an unsuccessful attempt to pass security without a boarding pass. 
* **Sneaking past security:** She then cleverly bypassed security by infiltrating an employee lane and navigating through a screening area.
* **Boarding the flight:**  Dali expertly blended in with other passengers, slipping past gate agents unnoticed.
* **Discovery and arrest:** Dali was discovered mid-flight and detained in Paris, then extradited to New York, and arrested again in Buffalo while attempting to flee.
* **Ongoing legal proceedings:** A trial is pending, but a plea deal is a possibility.

The woman who was able to sneak onto a New York-to-Paris flight without a boarding pass late last year was able to get on the plane by glomming onto a group of ticketed passengers as they passed gate agents, new surveillance video shows.

Unbelievable! Stowaway Sneaks Onto NYC-Paris Flight, Surveillance Video Reveals All

# NYC Air Quality Alert: Smoke from New Jersey Wildfires Impacts City

New York City and Long Island are under an air quality advisory due to smoke from the Jones Road wildfire in New Jersey.  The state health and environmental conservation departments issued the alert for fine particulate matter, impacting the air quality. 

<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.nydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/AP25113455217946_175364.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1" alt="Firefighters battle a house fire in New Jersey">

The advisory, in effect from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Thursday, covers the NYC metro area (including Rockland and Westchester counties) and extends to Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.  The New York City Department of Health advises **young children, older adults, and people with heart or breathing conditions to avoid strenuous outdoor activities.**

Even for healthy individuals, the city advises caution: If you experience symptoms like watering eyes, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, or coughing while outdoors, take a break and head indoors. 

The New Jersey wildfire, engulfing the Pine Barrons and closing parts of the Garden State Parkway, has already reached 12,500 acres and is expected to grow. Thousands have been evacuated, and a state of emergency is in effect.

**For more information:**

* [New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Advisory](https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/4/air-quality-health-advisory-issued-for-new-york-city-metro-long-island-regions)
* [New York City Department of Health alert on X](https://x.com/nycHealthy/status/1915118848035954870)
* [Learn more about the New Jersey Wildfires](https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-new-jersey-garden-state-parkway-67aa9857c28eadfaeb54ebc9f0ce1028)

Smoke from the Jones Road wildfire in New Jersey was slated to swath New York City skies on Thursday, prompting air quality advisories for the metropolitan area and Long Island, health and environment officials said Wednesday. The state health and environmental conservation departments issued an air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter “due to […]

NYC Air Quality Alert! Wildfires Send Smoke Billowing Over City

# New York Democrats Propose Reviving Stock Sales Tax

The Trump administration's potential deep cuts in federal funding have spurred New York Democrats to propose a revival of the state's tax on stock sales.  This move aims to address crucial funding needs across the state.

**The Proposal:**

The proposed legislation, backed by a group of Democratic state lawmakers, envisions a levy akin to a sales tax. Stock buyers would pay, on average, about half a penny per dollar of stock traded.  Lawmakers project this could generate a substantial **$16 billion annually**.

**Where Would the Money Go?**

This significant revenue stream would be earmarked for critical infrastructure and services, including:

* **New York City's transit system**
* **K-12 education**
* **Healthcare**
* **Renewable energy projects**

This ambitious plan is a direct response to the threat of reduced federal funding and underscores the Democrats' commitment to maintaining essential state services.

The threat of deep cuts in federal funding from the Trump administration is reigniting a push to bring back New York’s tax on stock sales.

NY Democrats' Bold Plan: Revive Stock Sales Tax for $16B Windfall?

# Lorde Surprise Concert in Washington Square Park?

**Get ready, NYC!** According to whispers on Reddit, the enigmatic Lorde might be treating us to a surprise performance tonight at 7pm in Washington Square Park.

The news broke when Lorde allegedly texted fans in her “community text thread,” hinting at a meet-up in a park.

While the initial message was vague, the buzz quickly pointed to Washington Square Park – the very spot where Lorde filmed the sound bite for her new single, "What Was That," set to drop soon (as reported by Variety).

<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/lorde/comments/1k5g3a6/anyone_on_her_text_threads/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Reddit</a> users are sharing their excitement and plans to attend, reporting a growing crowd already gathering. 

**Will you be there?** This impromptu concert promises an unforgettable night of alternative pop in one of NYC's most iconic locations. Head downtown now!

<a href="https://variety.com/2025/music/news/lorde-new-single-what-was-that-1236370905/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Variety Article about Lorde's New Single</a>

Head to the downtown park at 7pm to catch Lorde perform a surprise concert.

OMG! Lorde's Secret NYC Pop-Up Gig Tonight?!

# NYC's Largest Union Rejects Cuomo, Endorses Adams for Mayor

**District Council 37 (DC37)**, representing 150,000 predominantly Black and Latino New York City municipal workers, has shocked the political landscape by endorsing **Adrienne Adams**, City Council Speaker, for mayor.  This decision marks a significant break from the widespread union support Andrew Cuomo has enjoyed since announcing his candidacy.

<br> 

DC37's endorsement also includes **Zohran Mamdani** and **Zellnor Myrie**. This strategic move by the union, led by executive director **Henry Garrido**,  counters Cuomo's near-unanimous backing from other city unions.

<br>

**Why is this significant?**

*   **Adams needs the support:** She's a late entrant in the race, facing fundraising challenges and lagging in the polls.
*   **Cuomo's dominance:**  Cuomo's endorsements from powerful unions like the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ SEIU give him significant political leverage and campaign resources. DC37's endorsement offers a powerful counterbalance.
*   **Voter Impact:** DC37's internal campaigning efforts could significantly boost Adams' chances, given the organization's extensive reach. The union's potential independent expenditure could also counteract a pro-Cuomo Super PAC with nearly $5 million.
*   **Race Dynamics:** DC37's choice challenges Cuomo's strategy of attracting Black voters in the outer boroughs. Adams' strong presence in Southeast Queens adds to the complexity.
*   **Ideological Contrast:**  Mamdani's inclusion offers a stark contrast to Cuomo, representing the Democratic Socialists of America and openly criticizing Israel. 

<br>

**The Union's Rationale:**

According to Garrido, the endorsement reflects a commitment to pro-worker candidates at a time when workers' rights are under pressure at the federal level.  The union prioritizes local candidates who will fight for working families and essential services.

<br>

**What's Next?**

Other major labor organizations, including the United Federation of Teachers and 1199 SEIU, remain undecided. The outcome of this mayoral race is far from certain, with this union endorsement adding a new dimension to the campaign dynamics.

DC37, the city’s largest municipal union, also supported Zohran Mamdani and Zellnor Myrie.

NYC's Largest Union Sides with Adams, Rejects Cuomo's Mayoral Bid

# NYC Scandal: Prosecutors Resign Following Adams Case Dismissal

Three more federal prosecutors resigned this week, citing pressure to admit wrongdoing after the controversial dismissal of corruption charges against **NYC Mayor Eric Adams**.  The prosecutors, Celia Cohen, Andrew Rohrbach, and Derek Wikstrom, refused to confess to any misconduct, stating they followed all legal and ethical guidelines.

<p>This follows the resignation of former Acting U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon who also cited pressure from the Justice Department to drop the case against Adams.  The Justice Department’s actions were reportedly not based on merit but rather on political motivations and Adams' cooperation with the Trump administration on immigration issues. </p>

<p>Judge Dale E. Ho dismissed the charges against Adams with prejudice, stating there was no evidence of improper motives by the prosecutors.   The case, which included accusations of illegal campaign contributions, sparked controversy and raised concerns about potential abuse of power within the Justice Department.  Jay Clayton, former SEC chairman, was recently appointed as interim U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.</p>

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Three prosecutors are resigning amid a probe into their handling of New York City Mayor Eric Adams&#039; corruption case, which was dismissed by the Trump-era Department of Justice.

Subway Horror: Man Pleads Not Guilty to Setting Woman on Fire

Summary:

Sebastian Zapeta pleaded not guilty to the murder of Debrina Kawam.

Zapeta faces four counts of murder and one count of arson.

The incident occurred on a NYC subway train on December 22nd.

The case has raised concerns about subway safety in the city.

The attack adds fuel to the ongoing discussion on crime on the NYC subway.

Subway Horror: Man Pleads Not Guilty to Setting Woman on Fire

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