New York Police are now investigating an incident in which three individuals emerged from a Manhattan manhole, after months of similar incidents being deemed not to be a threat to public safety.
Three people wearing overalls and what looked like headlamps emerged from a manhole near Penn Station, Madison Square Garden and 7th Avenue in a video that was posted on TikTok Friday. According to NBC News, the incident occurred after 4 a.m. August 18, according to the person posting the video.
The New York Police Department confirmed that it was aware of this video, according to a spokesperson.
The police confirmed that the investigation was ongoing and there were no arrests.
A spokesperson from the Department of Environmental Protection of the City confirmed that an inspection of sewers near the scene of the incident revealed no structural damage. The statement stressed that entering sewers was “both illegal, and very dangerous.”
The statement stated that sewers could contain a number of hazards including gases which are noxious or potentially fatal, surfaces with unstable properties, flood risks and enclosed spaces. For these reasons, the statement said, “Members of the public are advised to never enter any pipe, drain or catch basin.
In May, videos of men emerging from manholes were posted online. The Aug. 18 incident may not be connected with those earlier in the year. However, both groups were wearing protective clothing as well as what looked like headlamps.
A man wearing a white shirt with shorts lifted a cover on a manhole in Brooklyn at 2 am in May, which allowed seven men to emerge from the sewers near McDonald Avenue and Bedford Avenue and put on different clothing.
A video taken hours later showed at least three men carrying shovels emerging from the manhole near Heyward Street, Bedford Avenue.
A senior official in law enforcement told NBC News that at that time, the most likely theory was that these individuals were scavenging valuables. The police said that an investigation had found no immediate danger to the public or damage to sewer systems.
The NYPD sent its highly-trained Emergency Services Unit into the sewers to ensure that nothing had been left by the individual – nothing was discovered, police reported in June.

The Northern District of California filed a class action lawsuit alleging that the fitness tracking device Oura Ring does not actually track sleep.
Oura cannot track sleep and sleep cycles because of the complaint filed by the company on August 20. It states that it is unable to measure electrical brain activity, eye movement, muscle tone and other signals through electrodes on the head, leads over the eyes and sensors under the chin.
It reads: “Oura’s AI model is guessing what might be happening based on incorrect inputs and taking advantage of desperate customers who are struggling with sleep or concerned about their health by marketing faulty AI based inferences as reliable science.”
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The lawsuit claims that even though Oura says in its technical documents that it does not track eye movement or brain activity, they still claim to be able to measure the stages of sleep and cycle. The complaint was filed by Clarkson Law Firm on behalf of Madison Surber. The complaint states that Surber purchased an Oura 4 Gold Ring for $513.68 from Oura around May 22nd, 2025. She believed it could give her accurate sleep data.
In the lawsuit, Oura is accused of fraudulent advertising, unjustified enrichment, breaches of implied and express warranties and violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law and Consumers’ Legal Remedies Act. More than 100 members of the class are seeking monetary damages totaling $5 million.
Mashable has reached Oura to get a comment.

Paramount Skydance representatives and the California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office will meet on Monday in order to talk about a possible resolution of the lawsuit filed to stop Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. for $110 billion. Discovery is reportedly the target of a lawsuit.
Talks are taking place as the court has agreed to put the deal on hold. The companies will face an antitrust trial in March 2027 if the issue is not resolved earlier.
Variety reported first Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Discussions are likely to center on a possible resolution of the antitrust lawsuit between states.
FOX Business has contacted Paramount and Bonta to get their comments.
Bonta was the leader of a coalition consisting of twelve state attorneys general who filed the lawsuit against the merger in July. They claimed that the combined entity would result in a reduction in competition for theatrical film distribution as well as basic cable programming.
MOVIE THEATER GROUP REVERSES COURSE, URGES CALIFORNIA AG TO SETTLE $110B PARAMOUNT-WARNER BROS LAWSUIT
States claim that the merger will combine Hollywood’s top five film distributors, giving the combined company 27% of wide release theatrical films. The states also claim that the merger would give it control over more than 30% top grossing films in theaters and around 27% of basic cable channel licensing.
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has rejected the state’s view on the transaction and argued that the merger would strengthen the competition in the rapidly changing media industries.
Bonta expressed openness toward a potential resolution during a CNBC Interview on Thursday, but said that any settlement required “robust structural remedy.”
Bonta, speaking to CNBC said that the state’s focus remains on the market outlined in the complaint.
MARC STAD HOLDS CONTROL OF TIMBERWOLVES AND LYNX, ALEX RODIGUEZ RETAINS WNBA FRANCHISE GOVERNOR
Paramount Studios and Warner Bros. agreed to a court order on July 24, 2018. Discovery has agreed to wait until the five-day period following a court ruling or the first day of June 2027 before closing the deal and integrating operations.
Araceli Martinez Olguin, U.S. district judge has set a 12-day jury trial to begin on March 2, 2027. The judge encouraged parties in an August 4 order to name potential magistrates to supervise a settlement conference.
Paramount and Warner Bros. agreed to buy each other in February. Discovery shares are available for cash at $31 each, which values the deal around $110 billion including all debt. Warner Bros. Discovery’s shareholders will begin to accrue additional compensation if the deal is not closed by September 30.
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Both companies said that the merger would make them a more competitive global media player, while still maintaining their respective film studios. They also stated they will continue to produce at least 30 films each year.

The fire and medical authorities have warned about the supplement given to wildland firefighters in Western Canada who are exposed to toxic chemical while fighting some of America’s largest blazes.
Experts say that the supplement glutathione given via an IV or nebulizer-like device has not proven safe and effective. It could also expose firefighters to disease if it is contaminated during production.
Two pharmacies have recalled this supplement due to the bacterial contamination that was found in their laboratories. One pharmacy reported receiving reports from people who were suffering from severe headaches, fevers and chills.
The International Association of Firefighters (a union that represents 360,000 firefighters) issued a warning last week that warned consumers to be wary of claims about the safety of glutathione and any product claims, including those about its ability to treat or prevent disease.
Spokane Wildfires: Warning issued after supplement use
Glutathione has been offered to firefighters in recent fires which destroyed hundreds of structures around Spokane. Medical unit leaders from California on the scene encouraged crews during morning briefings to visit a tent run by a non-profit run by licensed doctors of naturopathy.
The supplement was provided by a group of naturopaths, The Integrative Heath Action Network (IHAN), to Los Angeles County firefighters in January 2025 during wildfires which ravaged the county. This group began working with firefighters after a 2017 fire that destroyed thousands homes in California wine country.
Although there are no studies to support its use, firefighters who have used the supplement have reported that it helped them to feel better when they inhaled toxic smoke. They have also urged California pharmacists not to limit access.
Sean DeCrane is the assistant general president of the IAFF for safety and health. He said that the promotion of the supplement in Spokane led physicians and members to call the IAFF to express their concerns over health claims, despite the fact there was no evidence to support these claims. Some doctors warned about adverse effects.
IAFF received other reports that some firefighters became ill or felt worse after being treated. DeCrane stated that medical treatments marketed towards firefighters need to be tested and evaluated to ensure there aren’t any unintended effects.
Jen Riegle is a naturopathic physician and the co-founder The Integrative Health Action Network. She responded to the advisory by saying that the group recognizes the importance of peer-reviewed studies on the use of glutathione to reduce the chemical burdens among firefighters. They are “actively exploring partnership opportunities to this end.”
Inhaling smoke from wildfires can harm the body
Inhaling smoke from wildfires can have a wide range of negative effects on health. This is particularly true when fires ravage urban areas, destroying household appliances, chemicals, and batteries. In the U.S., wildfire smoke has a long-term impact on tens of thousands.
It is not practical for firefighters to wear a breathing apparatus with an oxygen tank. DeCrane explained that firefighters are subjected to “a slew” of chemicals which can have both short- and long term effects on their health.
Matt Caffey is a Pasadena fire captain and paramedic who has been working for 28 years. He helped put out the Eaton Fire in Southern California last year and says that smoke from burning areas causes coughing, nausea and brain fog.
You can’t recall things. Your memory is so bad. You’re just so far behind. “You’re still not recovered,” said he.
Caffey, a firefighter from Spokane, is one of the firefighters that say glutathione can help. He urged Integrative Health Action Network to bring their providers here. In 2025, the California Board of Pharmacy reversed its course after firefighters pushed back against regulations which would have made it more difficult for people to obtain glutathione.
Health claims not supported by science, say experts
Anecdotal evidence of relief is not enough, say experts.
These claims “are interesting and provocative, and they deserve further study,” Dr. Cora Sack said. She is a specialist in occupational and environmental lung diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine. We lack “clinical evidence” of the effectiveness.
The liver produces glutathione, an antioxidant that is able to neutralize other molecules which attack and damage cells. Sack says wildfire smoke can cause oxidative damage in the body. There is “interesting bioplausibility” that antioxidants might be able to help. Sack does not recommend glutathione use until there is clear evidence.
People with asthma and chronic lung diseases may experience airway constriction when using a nebulizer to administer glutathione. Sack stated that Glutathione was processed by sterile compounding pharmacy facilities. There have been instances of contamination in these facilities which has led to people being poisoned.
According to recent recalls of pharmacy products, injecting a contaminated drug “could lead to significant medical conditions including hypotension, fevers, inflammation reactions, anaphylactic reaction and death.”
Professor Luke Montrose of Colorado State University, who studies the effects of smoke from wildfires on diseases, says glutathione is anti-inflammatory.
He said, “But it’s not been researched and I am hesitant.”
Copyright: 2026, The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The material cannot be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or distributed without the permission of the author.

AFP
NEWARK, New Jersey – Scott Kirby claims he does not believe in vengeance.
The CEO of United Airlines, who was fired by American Airlines 10 years ago when he served as president, said: “Everyone believes I am, but I’m not.” “I compete aggressively.”
United hired Kirby as its president in August 2016, just a few days after American announced his departure. Kirby now runs the second most profitable U.S. carrier after Delta Air Lines. And his former employer, American, is a distant third of the big, more-than-century-old, U.S. carriers, though it’s working to ramp up revenue through a host of upgrades, including bringing back seatback screens.
Kirby has floated the idea for megamergers in the last year with Delta and American, combinations which would combine some of the largest airlines in the World. Antitrust experts were sceptical about this possibility. Kirby has been rejected so far.
The industry is facing ever higher costs and limited airport infrastructure, as well as a populace that will pay more for the privilege of flying to the latest “it” destinations.
Eyeing JFK From EWR
AFP
CNBC rode along with Kirby earlier this month from Midtown Manhattan’s west side to United Airlines hub in Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey. The 59-year old executive shared his vision of the airline before his flight.
Kirby wants United to have a bigger presence at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, after the airline’s return to this congested terminal. This will be done through JetBlue Airways, American’s old partner.
He said that United was working on ways to acquire the slots of carriers who don’t fly profitable routes from the airport.
United is already the leader in international flights among U.S. carriers, and these are highly sought after by U.S. travelers. But he would like to increase the company’s presence abroad. United Airlines is preparing to announce new routes this week. This will be the annual announcement of the airline, which has included dots like Bilbao in Spain and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
United Airlines has been promoting its expansion internationally for many years. It claims that its extensive network is a key factor in driving customer loyalty, and attracting customers to sign up for travel reward credit cards. The announcements of its routes are usually accompanied by a lot of fanfare.
Kirby is an airline executive with a long career. He’s also the most vocal CEO in America. He knows that his team has stopped informing him about the next set of Instagram-friendly route options well before they are announced.
He said, “They don’t tell me ahead of time because they are afraid that I will spill the beans. This is fair.”
Ed Bastian, the CEO of United Airlines’ parent company Delta Air Lines Inc. does not want to lose ground to Delta despite its lead in profits. The airline is expanding flights to the Pacific region, which has been a stronghold for United.
When is someone else going to get their turn?” It’s never my turn. Bastian said to students in Columbia Business School, April 2024: “It’s our turn.” We always have the chance to show it, every day. … It doesn’t really matter what happened yesterday. You can only think of today and tomorrow.”
One minute break
AFP
Kirby has been with United for a decade. In August 2016, he joined United after being fired by American Airlines when he held the position of president. He had no path towards becoming CEO.
United dropped its securities filing shortly after American announced Kirby’s resignation, stating that he will be taking on the role of president at Chicago Airlines. Robert Isom, then Chief Operating Officer of American Airlines at the time, was promoted to President that same day. This role used to be Kirby’s. Isom became American’s new CEO at the end of 2021.
I joked that people usually take a week or two to find a new job. Kirby replied, “I took 60 seconds.”
United promoted Kirby from President to CEO in May 2020 while the industry reeled from Covid, their worst ever crisis.
Executives at United and American can trace their origins back to America West, and even other airlines. A wave of mergers in the last two decades has left four carriers with more than 34 of the U.S. aircraft capacity.
As the number two, there’s only so many changes you can implement. “He said. You can be fired if you push yourself too far.
United had just begun upgrading its cabins in 2016 when Kirby was hired, including the Polaris pod seats in long-haul Business Class. He said that his first task was to highlight the money-losing routes in order to determine what worked and what didn’t.
It was considered that the company would close its Los Angeles International Airport base and Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia. Kirby stated that he halted the idea and they both remain open.
Airports are important for United. LAX is a major hub for United, but no other carrier can match their expertise at this airport. Kirby flew up from Brazil to the Oval Office to announce a $22.5-billion revamp of Dulles.
The future of AI and mergers in travel
Legal experts and stock analysts were very skeptical of a possible merger between United Airlines and another U.S. company.
According to people familiar with the situation, Kirby reached out to Delta and was rejected. This is what The Wall Street Journal reported first last month. These people discussed the discussions under the condition of anonymity. Delta refused to comment. Delta declined to comment.
American has publicly refused a United merger proposal this spring.
We spend our time on things that are likely to happen. In an interview with CNBC, Isom said that they don’t waste time on impossible things.
Kirby said to CNBC that his position has not changed and he isn’t interested in buying a smaller carrier, such as JetBlue. He said, “That is still the case.”
Kirby stated, “Everything that I would say requires a partner who is willing to listen.”
He said that when asked about the antitrust issues and the likely pushback by state attorneys generals, all objections were “…based on the premise” that the airline business is a commodity.
Kirby stated that the airline industry had evolved since then and Delta and United were now differentiating themselves with their route, cabins, and other services.
United’s CEO said that he wanted to see the airline grow in South America, and also in the Southeast U.S. but that there aren’t many places where it makes sense to create new hubs.
Kirby stated that “those are two areas that United has holes that would be difficult to repair on their own.”
Miami International Airport is the best airport to serve South America, said he. According to data from the airports, American had more than 60 percent of passengers enplanements during fiscal 2025.
Kirby, who is not interested in mergers, said that artificial intelligence will improve the travel experience for employees as well as customers. This would be a big step for an airline susceptible to bad weather, overcrowded airports, and other mechanical issues.
Customers should be informed in plain English about the delays.
He said, “I don’t believe in making excuses. We are not going to do that.”
Transportation Department data shows that United Airlines was still behind Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines in terms of on-time arrivals during the first six months of this year.
Kirby stated that external factors and outright crises would always be a challenge to the industry. He said he was focused on the future of the airline.
He said, “Our employees ask me, like, What keeps you up at night?’ And I say, ‘nothing’.” My job is to make sure that no one in the company has to worry about their jobs at night.
His goal was to not have any more furloughs at his airline.
Kirby replied, “I’m sure I will retire one day. I hope that it is gracefully and with the help of great people.