Latest news with #MillerLite
Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Cold Beer From Fan Helps Santino Ferrucci Celebrate Hot Streak
INDYCAR Which was better Sunday at Road America? Santino Ferrucci's drive in the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America Presented by AMR or his catch of a fan's cold beer in Turn 1 after climbing from the car on this excruciatingly hot day? Give him high marks for both. The combination of the two continued what has been an outstanding few weeks for AJ Foyt Racing's veteran driver. This third-place finish earned him a fourth-consecutive top-five finish, pushing him to ninth in the championship standings as the second half of the season begins. The exhausted and likely dehydrated Ferrucci got to Road America's finish line and could do no more. Actually, his No. 14 Sexton Properties/AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet could do no more, as well. It was fuel deprived, and it came to a stop in Turn 1 with its fuel cell empty. The always-spunky Ferrucci climbed from the cockpit, slowly removed his helmet and then seemed inspired by the reception of the fans gathered in that part of the 14-turn, 4.014-mile road course. One tossed him a water bottle, although it sailed over his head and landed there in the sand trap. Ferrucci retrieved it and absorbed as much as he could in one long gulp. Then came a better offer from that same infield section – it was a cold can of Miller Lite. Ferrucci didn't miss that delivery. With a pull of the tab, his two-second chug was on, and he capped it with a defiant raising of his beer-holding left hand. Indeed, it tasted great at the conclusion of another productive race. 'And two podiums,' Ferrucci said of his recent run of success in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. 'We're back to where we were at the end of last year. I feel it. 'I've got to get my qualifying performances up, but until then I like padding my points for passing.' Ferrucci finished fifth in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, second in the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear and fifth in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at World Wide Technology Raceway. He is tied with Colton Herta of Andretti Global w/Curb-Agajanian for ninth in the standings, and they are only six points behind Team Penske's Scott McLaughlin for eighth. To secure this podium finish, Ferrucci had to climb from the 18th starting position and then overcome not only a stall on a pit stop but had to stretch his last supply of fuel 16 laps. Conventional wisdom was that the maximum any driver could manage was 15 laps, and that's how far race winner Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing did. So, Ferrucci went a lap farther, and he didn't have the benefit of drafting off a teammate as Palou did with Scott Dixon. Ferrucci admitted it was stressful not knowing if his fuel tank would grant what he asked of it, and he radioed to his crew to lay off any conversation, including a lap countdown. 'I told him, 'Listen, I've got to focus because this is getting stressful,'' the driver said of his strategist. 'He let me drive.' Ferrucci dedicated the podium finish to Marlyne Sexton, the team's longtime friend and supporter who passed away June 11 at age 86. Her memory was celebrated on the sidepod of the team's car. Team president Larry Foyt called honoring Sexton with this performance 'unbelievably special – it's hard not to get emotional.' Said Ferrucci: 'She was running with us today. I'm very proud. Yeah, this one tastes a little bit sweeter.' recommended
Eater
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
The Best Spots for Cocktails, Wine, and Beer in Athens
View as Map Athens, Georgia may be known as a party town, but its drinking scene has far more range than vodka cranberries and Miller Lite. Just 90 minutes northwest of Atlanta, this spirited college town packs more than 80 bars into its one-square-mile historic downtown, catering to everyone from UGA students to the more than 93,000 fans who roll in on fall Saturdays. Fortunately, Athens' quirky charm and blossoming foodie scene mean there are plenty of spots (including some of the best local restaurants) serving creative cocktails, precise wine lists, and brews with serious style. Here are some of the best places to relax and enjoy drinks in Athens. The bars are listed geographically from north to south. Read More This trendy spot from James Beard-nominated chef Pete Amadhanirundr is a must-visit for those craving something a little different in Athens. Housed in the historic Southern Mill complex (with plenty of free parking), the space blends industrial-chic vibes with intrigue, featuring exposed brick, a glowing patio, and moody lighting. The drink menu from beverage manager Ally Smith leans creative with cocktails like the Pink Lotus (tequila, stone pine liqueur, pomelo, and sudachi) and the Floating Market (Japanese whisky, coconut, sake, and lime), plus a solid lineup of organic wines and zero-proof cocktails. The drinks beautifully complement Amadhanirundr's modern Thai bites, creating a holistic off-the-beaten-path bar experience. Closed on Sundays. Tucked into a sleek, low-lit space on Tracy Street, Nighthawks offers a stylish snapshot of Americana that separates it from the typical college bar scene. The drinks are anything but ordinary, thanks to a playful menu designed by local sommelier and co-owner Krista Slater of Slater's Steakhouse. Look for signatures like the smoky-meets-herbal Burn the Witch with mezcal and Strega, or the Hillbilly Hymn, a bourbon-forward sipper with pawpaw liqueur and banana syrup. Even the bites are fun, with a menu of self-described 'grandpa snacks' (a Brasstown beef bologna sandwich and tinned fish) and local restaurant pop-ups from the likes of Flat Circle Pizza. This Normaltown lounge is that effortlessly cool bar where you feel like a regular, even if it's your first visit. The retro diner vibe with its checkered floors, funky art, and cozy booths makes it perfect for lingering over drinks and vegan (or not) bites. The craft beer selection is the draw here, with 16 taps swapped out every two weeks or so for an ever-changing lineup. Sips range from a limoncello cider to a velvety stout, with just about anything in between, plus more than 40 canned and bottled varieties. Throw in a chill, unpretentious crowd and a handful of unique cocktails (try the Japanese Breakfast with fermented wisteria flowers and gin), and it's easy to see why Hi-Lo is a local favorite. Tapped Athens Wine Tasting Market This laid-back gem in the Bottleworks district is worth seeking out for wine lovers looking to sip without the snobbery. With 24 wines on self-serve taps, you can sample everything from bold reds to crisp whites in one, two and a half, or five-ounce pours, making it ideal for finding your new favorite without committing to a full glass. The cozy space also hosts live music, themed tastings, and even biscuit-and-mimosa mornings, making it a comfortable (even educational) standout among Athens' other, rowdier bars. This newly opened Bottleworks restaurant is already drawing crowds for its eclectic, neon-tinged decor and daily happy hour specials. The modern menu draws inspiration from chef Kenny Nguyen's Vietnamese roots, and the cocktails follow suit, featuring Southeast Asian ingredients like pandan, matcha, and Sông Cái-spiced Roselle gin. The Pandan Colada is a must-try, though you really can't go wrong with any of the Instagram-worthy sips. A thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic drinks and a tight wine list round out the experience. Reservations are highly recommended at this popular spot, though you can also order the full menu at the first-come, first-served bar. With its marble columns, mosaic-tiled floors, and stained glass windows, South Kitchen + Bar is a special occasion kind of place. Brunch is a highlight here, with cocktails as thoughtfully prepared as the scratch-made hollandaise. Sip on a Lavender Espresso Martini, topped with botanical cold foam or a refreshing Italian Ice, a combination of house-made lemonade and limoncello with a gin floater. Don't skip the seasonal cocktail menu, packed with South Kitchen originals like the pisco-based Scarlett Glow. You'll want to make a reservation if you plan to dine in or snag a spot at the bar, where you can still enjoy the full menu. Sign up for our newsletter. Wonderbar on East Washington Street is your go-to for a night that's equal parts playful and boozy. Well-worn, like your favorite pair of acid-wash jeans, this cozy spot offers a taste of nostalgia with a collection of vintage arcade games, childhood-favorite board games, and an old-school Nintendo 64 projecting 16-bit Mario Kart onto a side wall. The games are free to play, so long as you keep ordering whimsical concoctions like the Princess Peach Tea and the Captain Falcon, and quirky bar snacks including corn dogs and boiled peanuts. Born and bred in the Classic City, Creature Comforts is hands down one of the best spots in Athens for craft beer, and not just because everyone's obsessed with Tropicália. This juicy, citrusy IPA is a local legend, but the brewery's lineup goes far beyond that, with crisp lagers, creative sours, and bold seasonal releases always on tap. Housed in a converted tire shop, the space has a cool, industrial vibe that sets it apart from your average close-shouldered college bar. It's a go-to for beer lovers who want something a little more craft on gameday, or any day of the week. This townie favorite is Athens' ultimate dive bar with a twist — think vintage charm meets cozy chaos. The red-lit interior is decked out with black-and-white photos, mismatched furniture, and just enough kitsch to keep things interesting. Drinks are strong, affordable, and delightfully offbeat. Try the house favorite: Maker's Mark with spicy Blenheim ginger ale, or go for an expertly made espresso martini. With free popcorn, a jukebox, and a porch perfect for people-watching, it's a beloved local hangout that feels like a well-kept secret in a town full of watering holes. Walker's Pub & Coffee / Blue Sky Bar On any given Saturday night, Walker's feels like your typical dive bar. But by day, this wood-panelled institution is a haven for beer lovers and coffee drinkers alike. Raised booths are filled with students hunched over laptops, sipping espresso drinks, and the hidden back patio provides a private enclave for conversation and hot chocolate concoctions. The Salty Turtle (hot chocolate, Godiva chocolate liqueur, Stoli vanilla vodka, caramel drizzle, and sea salt) in particular has been the budding foodie's first legal drink of choice for well over a decade. When the sun starts to set, head to Blue Sky Bar through Walker's back door and up a flight of stairs. The hidden gem boasts over 250 craft and import beers, a full bar serving classic cocktails, and a breezy atmosphere complete with twinkling Italian lights and outdoor seating. The Globe is the kind of place where professors, poets, and cocktail lovers all rub elbows. After a recent renovation, the space feels fresh while keeping the wood-paneled English pub charm that's made it a local favorite since 1989. As the first bar in Athens to serve Guinness, the Globe has an impressive roster of imported beers on tap and by the bottle, ranging from German pilsners to Russian imperial stouts. A small but creative cocktail selection leans classic with a twist — think a spiced pear old-fashioned and gin sippers kissed with scotch. A menu of hearty pub fare helps sop up those spirits, so you can keep on debating your thesis over a pint of Strongbow. This upscale Five Points restaurant is on the short list for Athenians searching for a sophisticated drinking experience. With 180 bottles and nearly two dozen by-the-glass selections, the stacked wine list appeals to sippers of all levels. Beyond wine, the bar offers beautifully balanced cocktails and hosts regular events, like Third Wednesday Wine Tastings, featuring five wines paired with tapas and charcuterie for $20. There's even a wine club for folks who want to dive deeper into their vino game. Be sure to stop in on Sunday evenings for an extended happy hour until 9 p.m. with $15 wine bottles — grab a spot on the patio if the weather is agreeable. Closed on Mondays. Inspired by Italian aperitivo hour, this Five Points bar offers a casual bistro-like ambiance complete with rattan chairs and a wine wall outfitted with twinkle lights. Outside, you'll find a handful of white-clothed tables shaded by Campari-hued umbrellas that are perfect for sipping silky espresso martinis or a selection from the dedicated spritz list. Can't decide what to try? Order a spritz flight, or tell the knowledgeable bartenders what you like, and they'll whip up something special. A massive espresso machine churns out coffee drinks and rich affogato for those who'd rather not imbibe. A menu of Italian bites, ranging from salted Marcona almonds to a porcetta sandwich, ensures you can linger a little longer over your next round of cocktails. © 2025 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Link copied to the clipboard. This trendy spot from James Beard-nominated chef Pete Amadhanirundr is a must-visit for those craving something a little different in Athens. Housed in the historic Southern Mill complex (with plenty of free parking), the space blends industrial-chic vibes with intrigue, featuring exposed brick, a glowing patio, and moody lighting. The drink menu from beverage manager Ally Smith leans creative with cocktails like the Pink Lotus (tequila, stone pine liqueur, pomelo, and sudachi) and the Floating Market (Japanese whisky, coconut, sake, and lime), plus a solid lineup of organic wines and zero-proof cocktails. The drinks beautifully complement Amadhanirundr's modern Thai bites, creating a holistic off-the-beaten-path bar experience. Closed on Sundays. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Tucked into a sleek, low-lit space on Tracy Street, Nighthawks offers a stylish snapshot of Americana that separates it from the typical college bar scene. The drinks are anything but ordinary, thanks to a playful menu designed by local sommelier and co-owner Krista Slater of Slater's Steakhouse. Look for signatures like the smoky-meets-herbal Burn the Witch with mezcal and Strega, or the Hillbilly Hymn, a bourbon-forward sipper with pawpaw liqueur and banana syrup. Even the bites are fun, with a menu of self-described 'grandpa snacks' (a Brasstown beef bologna sandwich and tinned fish) and local restaurant pop-ups from the likes of Flat Circle Pizza. This Normaltown lounge is that effortlessly cool bar where you feel like a regular, even if it's your first visit. The retro diner vibe with its checkered floors, funky art, and cozy booths makes it perfect for lingering over drinks and vegan (or not) bites. The craft beer selection is the draw here, with 16 taps swapped out every two weeks or so for an ever-changing lineup. Sips range from a limoncello cider to a velvety stout, with just about anything in between, plus more than 40 canned and bottled varieties. Throw in a chill, unpretentious crowd and a handful of unique cocktails (try the Japanese Breakfast with fermented wisteria flowers and gin), and it's easy to see why Hi-Lo is a local favorite. Open in Google Maps Foursquare This laid-back gem in the Bottleworks district is worth seeking out for wine lovers looking to sip without the snobbery. With 24 wines on self-serve taps, you can sample everything from bold reds to crisp whites in one, two and a half, or five-ounce pours, making it ideal for finding your new favorite without committing to a full glass. The cozy space also hosts live music, themed tastings, and even biscuit-and-mimosa mornings, making it a comfortable (even educational) standout among Athens' other, rowdier bars. This newly opened Bottleworks restaurant is already drawing crowds for its eclectic, neon-tinged decor and daily happy hour specials. The modern menu draws inspiration from chef Kenny Nguyen's Vietnamese roots, and the cocktails follow suit, featuring Southeast Asian ingredients like pandan, matcha, and Sông Cái-spiced Roselle gin. The Pandan Colada is a must-try, though you really can't go wrong with any of the Instagram-worthy sips. A thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic drinks and a tight wine list round out the experience. Reservations are highly recommended at this popular spot, though you can also order the full menu at the first-come, first-served bar. With its marble columns, mosaic-tiled floors, and stained glass windows, South Kitchen + Bar is a special occasion kind of place. Brunch is a highlight here, with cocktails as thoughtfully prepared as the scratch-made hollandaise. Sip on a Lavender Espresso Martini, topped with botanical cold foam or a refreshing Italian Ice, a combination of house-made lemonade and limoncello with a gin floater. Don't skip the seasonal cocktail menu, packed with South Kitchen originals like the pisco-based Scarlett Glow. You'll want to make a reservation if you plan to dine in or snag a spot at the bar, where you can still enjoy the full menu. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Wonderbar on East Washington Street is your go-to for a night that's equal parts playful and boozy. Well-worn, like your favorite pair of acid-wash jeans, this cozy spot offers a taste of nostalgia with a collection of vintage arcade games, childhood-favorite board games, and an old-school Nintendo 64 projecting 16-bit Mario Kart onto a side wall. The games are free to play, so long as you keep ordering whimsical concoctions like the Princess Peach Tea and the Captain Falcon, and quirky bar snacks including corn dogs and boiled peanuts. Open in Google Maps Foursquare Born and bred in the Classic City, Creature Comforts is hands down one of the best spots in Athens for craft beer, and not just because everyone's obsessed with Tropicália. This juicy, citrusy IPA is a local legend, but the brewery's lineup goes far beyond that, with crisp lagers, creative sours, and bold seasonal releases always on tap. Housed in a converted tire shop, the space has a cool, industrial vibe that sets it apart from your average close-shouldered college bar. It's a go-to for beer lovers who want something a little more craft on gameday, or any day of the week. This townie favorite is Athens' ultimate dive bar with a twist — think vintage charm meets cozy chaos. The red-lit interior is decked out with black-and-white photos, mismatched furniture, and just enough kitsch to keep things interesting. Drinks are strong, affordable, and delightfully offbeat. Try the house favorite: Maker's Mark with spicy Blenheim ginger ale, or go for an expertly made espresso martini. With free popcorn, a jukebox, and a porch perfect for people-watching, it's a beloved local hangout that feels like a well-kept secret in a town full of watering holes. Open in Google Maps Foursquare On any given Saturday night, Walker's feels like your typical dive bar. But by day, this wood-panelled institution is a haven for beer lovers and coffee drinkers alike. Raised booths are filled with students hunched over laptops, sipping espresso drinks, and the hidden back patio provides a private enclave for conversation and hot chocolate concoctions. The Salty Turtle (hot chocolate, Godiva chocolate liqueur, Stoli vanilla vodka, caramel drizzle, and sea salt) in particular has been the budding foodie's first legal drink of choice for well over a decade. When the sun starts to set, head to Blue Sky Bar through Walker's back door and up a flight of stairs. The hidden gem boasts over 250 craft and import beers, a full bar serving classic cocktails, and a breezy atmosphere complete with twinkling Italian lights and outdoor seating. The Globe is the kind of place where professors, poets, and cocktail lovers all rub elbows. After a recent renovation, the space feels fresh while keeping the wood-paneled English pub charm that's made it a local favorite since 1989. As the first bar in Athens to serve Guinness, the Globe has an impressive roster of imported beers on tap and by the bottle, ranging from German pilsners to Russian imperial stouts. A small but creative cocktail selection leans classic with a twist — think a spiced pear old-fashioned and gin sippers kissed with scotch. A menu of hearty pub fare helps sop up those spirits, so you can keep on debating your thesis over a pint of Strongbow. Open in Google Maps Foursquare This upscale Five Points restaurant is on the short list for Athenians searching for a sophisticated drinking experience. With 180 bottles and nearly two dozen by-the-glass selections, the stacked wine list appeals to sippers of all levels. Beyond wine, the bar offers beautifully balanced cocktails and hosts regular events, like Third Wednesday Wine Tastings, featuring five wines paired with tapas and charcuterie for $20. There's even a wine club for folks who want to dive deeper into their vino game. Be sure to stop in on Sunday evenings for an extended happy hour until 9 p.m. with $15 wine bottles — grab a spot on the patio if the weather is agreeable. Closed on Mondays. Inspired by Italian aperitivo hour, this Five Points bar offers a casual bistro-like ambiance complete with rattan chairs and a wine wall outfitted with twinkle lights. Outside, you'll find a handful of white-clothed tables shaded by Campari-hued umbrellas that are perfect for sipping silky espresso martinis or a selection from the dedicated spritz list. Can't decide what to try? Order a spritz flight, or tell the knowledgeable bartenders what you like, and they'll whip up something special. A massive espresso machine churns out coffee drinks and rich affogato for those who'd rather not imbibe. A menu of Italian bites, ranging from salted Marcona almonds to a porcetta sandwich, ensures you can linger a little longer over your next round of cocktails.
Wall Street Journal
06-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Americans Love ‘Lite' Beer. Here's Why—Plus 5 to Try
If America had an official national beer, it would be the light lager. These crisp, low-calorie crushers are a staple at stadiums and bars and as common in backyard coolers as burgers are on summertime grills. But as ubiquitous as these brews have become, they're also a relatively recent addition to the drinking landscape. This year marks the 50th birthday of Miller Lite, the 96-calorie trailblazer that proved to drinkers that beer could 'taste great' and be 'less filling.' 'It invented the new category,' said Ann Legan, Miller's vice president of marketing. Here, more on how these bedrock American beers got their start—and what's on the horizon. Americans have loved moderate-strength lagers ever since European immigrants brought brewing know-how across the Atlantic in the mid-19th century. But typically, flavor and refreshment trumped cares about carbs and calories. That began to change in the mid-1960s when the Brooklyn brewery Rheingold released the short-lived Gablinger's Beer. The recipe then became the basis of Chicago's Meister Bräu Lite, which was pitched as a 'diet' drink for women. After that (questionable) gambit failed, Miller Brewing (now part of Molson Coors Beverage Company) bought the brand from bankruptcy in 1972. The company reformulated the light lager as Miller Lite, taking it national in 1975. Memorable advertisements featuring athletes and celebrities like Mickey Mantle, John Madden and Rodney Dangerfield helped make light lager acceptable and desirable for men. Miller Lite's massive success powered Miller Brewing's rise to become, by 1977, the country's second-biggest brewery behind Anheuser-Busch. Sensing potential, Natural Light, Coors Light and Bud Light soon jumped on the light-lager bandwagon—one defined by flashy marketing, scant carbohydrates and brews that clock in at under 100 calories per 12-ounce serving. But not all players hit the mark. In 2018, Pabst Brewing Company rolled out Pabst Blue Ribbon Easy. At 110-calories, the lager was lighter than PBR—but as the tepid market reaction revealed, not light enough. 'We didn't hit the correct specs,' said Kim Oakley, the brand director for the company's new release, Pabst Light, which hit shelves in April 2025. Lesson learned: The updated version clocks in at 96 calories. 'It fulfills the needs of light beer consumers,' Oakley said. Today drinkers in search of a less-caloric buzz are spoiled for choice, from hard seltzers to canned vodka sodas. Sales of premium light lagers have been eroding on 'a steady downward trend for more than a decade,' said Danelle Kosmal of 3 Tier Beverages, a drinks-industry consulting firm. Despite that downturn, many breweries see light lagers as a category that's ripe for disruption. There are still millions of customers to reach. Mainstream premium light lagers represent one of beer's largest segments, accounting for nearly 18% of dollars spent and 22% of volume, according to NIQ consumer data analyzed by 3 Tier Beverages. In 2022, NFL star Troy Aikman co-founded Eight Brewing to produce a 90-calorie light lager brewed without additives like corn syrup. The company highlights Eight's healthful halo by packaging it in a slim can, which 'resonates as better for you,' said David Reny, the CEO. Historically, craft breweries have boomed by brewing everything but light lagers. However, not everyone loves IPAs or elevated alcohol levels. For craft brewers, light lagers present 'an opportunity to reach new consumers and occasions,' said Bobby Dykstra, the executive vice president of sales and marketing for Duvel Moortgat USA. Duvel Moortgat is the parent company to Boulevard Brewing in Kansas City, Mo., which recently released Boulevard Light, hoping to lure Midwestern consumers. Emphasizing a light lager's regionality is a key sales tactic for breweries such as Columbus Brewing, which recently introduced Ohio Light. 'Local matters almost more than anything else,' said Evan Magliocca, Columbus Brewing's senior vice president of sales and marketing. As for Miller Lite, the brand is rolling out limited-edition golden cans to celebrate its golden anniversary. Pittsburgh Brewing IC Light (4.2% ABV)First released in 1977, this 95-calorie Pittsburgh fave is finding fresh fans thanks to refurbished branding and a new brewery in a former glass factory. 30 (12-ounce) cans, $25 Garage Beer (4% ABV)Last year, NFL superstars and sibs Travis and Jason Kelce invested in this fast-growing, 95-calorie 'beer flavored beer' sold in all 50 states. 24 (12-ounce) cans, $26 Pabst Light (4.2% ABV)The Pabst team built this modernized 96-calorie lager from the ground up, using fragrant El Dorado hops—a craft beer fave—to lend a clean, citrus finish. 12 (12-ounce) cans, $11 K. Spoetzl Brewery Texas Special Light (4% ABV)In March, the Shiner Bock beer makers brought back 'everyman' icon Texas Special with a 98-calorie light lager exclusive to Texas. 12 (12-ounce) cans, $15 Boulevard Brewing Boulevard Light (4% ABV)Made with pilsner malt and Boulevard's house yeast, this Missouri craft brewery's debut light lager clocks in at a mere 89 calories. 12 (12-ounce) cans, $17 The Wall Street Journal is not compensated by retailers listed in its articles as outlets for products. Listed retailers frequently are not the sole retail outlets.
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Woman who encountered Rex Heuermann days before his arrest recalls his hair-raising comment, ‘I was on high alert'
A woman has recounted how suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann made an unwanted pass at her days before his arrest. Kaylin Morales, on her way home from a dinner date in the Big Apple, was riding a nearly empty Babylon-bound LIRR train on July 1, 2023, when Heuermann sat down beside her. It was around 7:45 pm, and Heuermann chose the seat right next to her even though most other seats were empty. 'I just thought he was this big, fat, ugly white man…I obviously didn't know who he was at the time,' Morales, 21, told the New York Post. 'It was just so weird that the rest of the seats were empty and he had to sit right next to me. I was on high alert at that point.' Morales recalled that she had her legs stretched out onto the seat across from her own. Recalling the creepy, hair-raising comment Heuermann made while sitting down, Morales said, 'He said, 'Oh, you don't have to move your pretty legs. I won't bother you.'' The 'uncomfortable' Bay Shore resident began secretly taking videos and photos of Heuermann as they pulled out of Penn Station. 'Just in case, for my own safety, I was like, 'Let me just get evidence of who this person is,'' she said. A Snapchat clip shared by Morales shows Heuermann wearing khaki cargo pants, holding a Miller Lite can. She captioned the video, 'Like why the f–k is there mad open seats and this guy sits right next to me and can't stop talking to me, like i literally can't ever catch a break.' Another clip shows Heuermann's stubby fingers cracking his second beer. His phone, placed on his right thigh, appears to show a New York Post article. The video is captioned, 'the cracking of a new drink is crazy [crying emoji] i simply cant.' 'I could have moved but I was like, 'Is he going to say something else to me?' Like, I just don't want to interact with this man any further — everything about him was sussing me out. So I thought the best thing to do was ignore him and put my AirPods in and look out of the window,' Morales said, explaining that felt 'boxed in' by Heuermann's 'large body.' Morales said she could 'see and feel' Heuermann talking to her, but she used the music in her AirPods to deliberately drown his voice out. Another video showed Heuermann exiting the train at Massapequa, where he had been living for several years before his arrest. Nearly two weeks later, Heuermann was nabbed. 'My heart immediately sank to the floor…it was literally the craziest feeling. I couldn't even believe it,' Morales said, adding that she submitted the videos taken in the train to Suffolk County Crime Stoppers 'in case it could be of use.' A detective on the case interviewed her, and confirmed that the person who sat next to her was indeed Heuermann. Morales shared her experience on TikTok nearly two years after the encounter. 'I was worried if I posted right after his arrest, if he had a partner, I didn't want them coming after me, so I waited. After I watched the Netflix documentary and see that he did this alone, I felt more comfortable sharing my experience,' she said. She told the New York Post, 'God was with me that day.' Heuermann, who is being held in Riverhead Correctional Facility, has pleaded not guilty to killing seven women. He is scheduled to return to Suffolk County Criminal Court on June 17. A trial date for the murders has yet to be set.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann made pass at ‘creeped out' Long Island woman days before his arrest: video
It was a killer commute. Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann made an unwanted pass at a 'creeped out' train-goer just days before his shocking arrest for the infamous murders, according to the commuter, who took secret videos of the chilling encounter. Kaylin Morales was on her way home from a dinner date in the Big Apple, riding a nearly empty Babylon-bound LIRR train around 7:45 p.m. on July 1, 2023, when things took a chilling turn – when Heuermann, 61, plopped down in the seat right next to her, despite the rest of the car being deserted. 'I just thought he was this big, fat, ugly white man…I obviously didn't know who he was at the time,' Morales, 21, told The Post. 'It was just so weird that the rest of the seats were empty and he had to sit right next to me. I was on high alert at that point.' Morales, who had her legs stretched out onto the seat across from her own, recalled the hair-raising comment Heuermann made to her as he sat down. 'He said, 'Oh, you don't have to move your pretty legs. I won't bother you,'' she said. Feeling 'uncomfortable,' the Bay Shore resident started secretly recording videos and pictures of Heuermann as they pulled out of Penn Station. 'Just in case, for my own safety, I was like, 'Let me just get evidence of who this person is,'' she explained. One Snapchat clip — which Morales captioned at the time, 'Like why the f–k is there mad open seats and this guy sits right next to me and can't stop talking to me, like i literally can't ever catch a break' — shows Heuermann, wearing khaki cargo pants, holding a Miller Lite can. The video then cuts to a close-up of Morales's face, which shows her frowning. Another vid, captioned 'the cracking of a new drink is crazy [crying emoji] i simply cant,' shows Heuermann's stubby fingers cracking his second beer, while the phone sitting on his thigh appears to show a New York Post article. 'I could have moved but I was like, 'Is he going to say something else to me?' Like, I just don't want to interact with this man any further — everything about him was sussing me out. So I thought the best thing to do was ignore him and put my AirPods in and look out of the window,' explained Morales, who also said she felt 'boxed in' by Heuermann's 'large body.' Although she could 'see and feel' Heuermann talking to her more, the music in her AirPods intentionally drowned his voice out, she recalled. Another clip she took shows Heuermann exiting the train at Massapequa, where he lived for years before getting nabbed for the infamous murders. When news of Heuermann's arrest broke nearly two weeks later, Morales was aghast. 'My heart immediately sank to the floor…it was literally the craziest feeling. I couldn't even believe it,' she recalled. She decided to submit the clips she'd taken of Heuermann to Suffolk County Crime Stoppers 'in case it could be of use,' and ended up getting interviewed by a detective on the case, who confirmed it had been Heuermann sitting next to her on the train, she said. A spokesperson for the Suffolk County District Attorney said their office could not confirm or deny details of ongoing investigations, and the Suffolk County Police Department declined to comment when asked about Morales's claims. Nearly two years after the creepy encounter, Morales finally felt it was safe enough to post them on her TikTok account May 5. 'I was worried if I posted right after his arrest, if he had a partner, I didn't want them coming after me, so I waited. After I watched the Netflix documentary and see that he did this alone, I felt more comfortable sharing my experience,' she explained. 'God was with me that day,' she told The Post. Heuermann – who has pleaded not guilty to murdering seven women — will return to Suffolk County Criminal Court on June 17. A trial date for the murders has not yet been set. Heuermann is being held in Riverhead Correctional Facility. Heuermann's lawyer did not return a request for comment from The Post.
