One writer travels across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island to explore some of the most exciting places in the city.

A n explosion was heard in New York City, one of the world's largest megacities, on Friday. Chilling videos circulating on social media show a massive cloud of black smoke rising from one of the city's streets. On Friday morning, around 10 am ET, a large fire occurred near 305 East 95th Street in Manhattan, not far from Central Park.

Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil kicked off the rally outside the New York Public Library near Bryant Park before those in attendance started marching across Manhattan. Protesters called for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and for the United States to stop sending aid to Israel. People from across the country attended.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the city's congestion pricing a "huge success" as it hit its six-month anniversary in July, according to Fox 5. And while some people, including President Donald Trump, complained that the pricing was "classist," others disputed this claim.

The zoning change aims at decreasing the amount of vacant office space in the city and increasing the amount of housing.

NYPD Detective Didarul Islam's widow Jamila gave birth to the couple's third son, Arham, the department shared on social media.

The City Council on Thursday unanimously passed a plan to invigorate Midtown Manhattan by allowing the development of some 9,500 additional homes, as New York City leaders continue a push to make room for more housing.

A possible motive for the shooting remains under investigation, but authorities have said it appears to be gang-related.

The Culligan WH-HD200-C Whole House Water Filter System is built to reduce sediment, rust, and scale at the point of entry, extending the life of appliances and improving overall water quality. With a built-in bypass valve and filter life indicator, it’s a low-maintenance solution for both city and well water homes.

The death of the 15-year-old mare named Lady was being investigated by the city’s health department, officials said.

Federal immigration agents have detained another New York City public school student at an immigration hearing amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented people, according to city officials.