urban park between Manhattan's Upper West and East Sides; America's most-visited city park
New York City officials have issued cease-and-desist orders to 42 online retailers selling high-speed e-bikes and scooters, while lawmakers push for broader oversight. The mayor has stopped short of requiring vehicle registration, citing safety concerns, as inspections continue ahead of an Aug. 18 deadline. A council hearing will review enforcement and possible new legislation.
Mangione has pleaded guilty in a federal case accusing him of stalking and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024. A state murder trial is set for September 8, while the federal case could lead to a life sentence. Prosecutors say a large trove of evidence supports the guilt, including surveillance video and a 3D-printed pistol.
UK drought conditions persist despite a spell of heavy rain. Morecambe records 52.5mm in 24 hours, a third of the region’s rainfall for June–mid-August. Reservoirs sit at 62.6% capacity as the National Drought Group urges continued vigilance and a longer period of sustained rainfall.
Boutique fitness and luxury hotels are pivoting toward wellness, offering cross-training programs, advanced sleep aids, and nutrition-driven stays. Brands are expanding beyond single-activity niches to attract health-conscious guests who track metrics and seek long-term well-being.
The Guardian reports that Patrick Clancy and his wife Rachel Danis are sharing their experiences from the Massachusetts triple-murder trial of Lindsay Clancy. In excerpts aired by 60 Minutes, Patrick describes his grief and says he did the best he could; Danis defends her husband amid online speculation while the couple discusses mental health concerns and potential retry of a trial.
Documentary NAZA relies on anonymous Israeli military testimonials alleging AI-enabled targeting in Gaza. While the film has won Venice’s Special Jury Prize and will stream via The Guardian, Israeli officials deny the allegations and threaten legal steps against the filmmakers. The Guardian cooperates on distribution; filmmakers argue for public access amid ongoing debate.
A slow-moving nor'easter has battered the US Northeast since Friday, bringing heavy rain, high winds and dangerous coastal flooding from New Jersey to New England. Officials have declared states of emergency, cancelled hundreds of flights and events, and reported multiple deaths, widespread power outages and severe coastal erosion risks through the weekend.
Israel marks three years since the Hamas-led attack of Oct. 7, 2023, with memorials, vigils and protests across the country. Activists demand a state commission of inquiry into security failures. The day features national ceremonies, regional gatherings, and a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m. as communities reflect on the war’s toll.
The Medway West branch of a pet charity has launched a low-cost clinic to provide affordable care for pets of people on low incomes or benefits. The service aims to keep animals at home while reducing vet costs, with the branch noting high demand and a growing pet food bank
New York City Council is poised to approve a bill that would phase out horse-drawn carriage rides by 2028. The proposal follows a fatality last summer and renews decades of debate over safety, heritage, and workers’ livelihoods. The mayor and speaker say the bill has broad support and would include a transition plan for drivers and humane handling of horses.
The Plaza Hotel will shut its façade for a restoration beginning in January, with work expected to last four years. The project, announced by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, will affect residents and visitors while preserving historic details of the landmark building.
Protests in Delhi escalate as opposition groups demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations that a 20-year voter-roll update is purging millions of voters, an issue sparked by an Indian Express report. Authorities have cracked down on demonstrations while the opposition coordinates a broader push to challenge Modi’s government.
New York City Council is moving to outlaw horse-drawn carriages by June 2028, following safety concerns and a fatality earlier this year. Mayor Mamdani is directing a workforce transition plan for the drivers, who number about 150, with potential compensation and career support.
City Council has approved Romanch’s Law to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028, with Mayor Mamdani poised to sign. The measure ends a decades-long fight over Central Park’s carriage rides, citing public safety, animal welfare, and the city’s evolving economy. The plan includes worker transition provisions and potential compensation, while drivers vow legal action.
Sweden’s Andreas Almgren has won the men’s New York City Marathon on his debut, finishing in 2:06:01 after a late surge to beat Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa by 13 seconds. Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui defends the women’s title in 2:24:36, edging out USA’s Jessica McClain. Marcel Hug wins the men’s wheelchair race as Catherine Debrunner takes the women’s title.
A runner has died at the New York City Marathon from rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle-damage condition, two miles from the finish. Runners and bystanders provided CPR before she was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she died. She had been running her first marathon as part of a Parkinson’s Champions team in memory of her grandfather.