NYC Wants To Turn Subway Heat Into Building Heat — The city and MTA are studying a first-of-its-kind system at Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall and Chambers Street that would capture excess subway heat and reuse it to warm nearby government buildings in winter. The 4/5/6 station averaged 96°F during summer 2025.

The Pied-à-Terre Tax Is Back In Legal Limbo — A judge temporarily blocked the new tax Monday, but the city immediately appealed, which stays the judge’s order and allows implementation to continue for now. Oral arguments are scheduled for Aug. 31.

NYC Reading Scores Just Dropped Six Points — The decline nearly erased last year’s seven-point gain, while third- and fifth-grade scores fell 13 points. The unusually large swings are prompting calls for a closer review of the state exams and scoring.

The Elizabeth Street Garden Fight Is Back In Court — The city and the development team behind the abandoned affordable-housing project are due in court Thursday, with the possibility of a negotiated resolution now emerging after years of litigation.

New York Has A Major Recycling Data Problem — A state comptroller audit found that 341 of 1,065 required recycling-facility reports from 2021 through 2023 were never submitted, making it difficult to reliably measure how much waste New York actually recycles.

Grand Central Is Getting A Major Dining Upgrade — Plans include the 250-seat Osteria Centrale, Mercato Centrale, more grab-and-go counters and additional bars and cafés as the MTA turns underused terminal space into food and retail destinations.

You Can Now Buy An Actual MetroCard Machine — The MTA is auctioning dozens of its retired MetroCard vending machines through Aug. 19 as the city continues its shift to OMNY. The full-size machines weigh roughly 1,050 pounds.

Wed, Aug. 12, 11am–6pm: SharkNinja Test Kitchen — SharkNinja and the Institute of Culinary Education are opening a one-day test kitchen at Brookfield Place where guests can try unreleased products, watch demos and potentially win prizes. Free with RSVP.

Wed, Aug. 12, 11am–7pm: K18 TumbleHair Pop-Up — K18 is taking over Sephora Meatpacking with complimentary scalp analyses, product demos, prizes and a giant rolling “Tumblehair” installation. Free.

Wed, Aug 12, 6:30–8:30pm: Do Not Disturb: A Phone-Free Sculpt Pilates Experience — Head to The Pearl NYC on the Upper East Side for a unique phone-free sculpt pilates class and social event. Disconnect, focus on movement, and make connections over refreshments.

Wed, Aug 12, 9am–2pm: Pet Life Unlimited Pup Cups in the Park — Pet Life Unlimited and Have a Nice Day Moto are bringing their 'Pup Cups in the Park' coffee cart to Chelsea Waterside Dog Park. Enjoy free nitro cold brew for yourself and a pup cup for your furry friend. Free.

Thu, Aug 13, 6:30–8:30pm: Lectures on Tap - Hamilton vs. Jefferson: The Rivalry that Shaped America — Professor Louis Masur at Lectures on Tap dives into the rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Discover how their clashing visions shaped America's early politics, and are still relevant today, in the Lower East Side.

Fri, Aug. 14: Harlem Summer Nights — Harlem Week’s final weekend kicks off with an evening celebration along 12th Avenue featuring food, vendors and entertainment, followed by major neighborhood events throughout the weekend.

Tue, Aug. 11, 7–9pm: Reading Rhythms Greenpoint — Bring whatever you’re reading to Red Rover for a structured social reading night with quiet reading sessions and conversation breaks.

Wed, Aug. 12, 6–9pm: Salsa By The Water — Domino Square’s waterfront salsa series returns with a free beginner lesson followed by live music and open dancing. Free.

Wed, Aug. 12, 6–10pm: Akeelah And The Bee In Prospect Park — Prospect Park hosts a free outdoor 20th-anniversary screening of Akeelah and the Bee.

Fri, Aug. 14, 11:30am–6pm: CookUnity x Rocco DiSpirito Food Truck — CookUnity is giving away Rocco DiSpirito’s Mama’s Meatballs & Pappardelle at two Williamsburg stops: 238 Bedford Avenue at lunch and North 6th Street later in the afternoon. Free while supplies last.

Fri, Aug. 14, 7pm: Don Juan At Domino Square — Molière in the Park presents a free public preview of its upcoming production of Don Juan on the Williamsburg waterfront.

Sat, Aug. 15, 12–4pm: Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition — Watch — or enter — the annual beachfront competition at West 12th Street, with adult, group and family categories and prizes for the winners. Free.

Wed, Aug. 12, 6–10pm: Akeelah And The Bee In Prospect Park — Bring a blanket for a free outdoor 20th-anniversary screening in Prospect Park. Brooklyn.

Sat, Aug. 15: Summer Streets — Walk, bike, scooter or rollerblade through car-free Manhattan streets with free activities and programming along the route.

Sat, Aug. 15, 11am–3pm: Farmhouse Family Day — The Wyckoff House Museum hosts a free day of family activities at Brooklyn’s historic farmhouse. Designed especially for kids ages 4–12.

Sat, Aug. 15, 12–4pm: Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition — Families can build their own sand sculpture or just watch the competition on Coney Island Beach. Free.

Sat, Aug. 15, 8:15pm: Greenland 2: Migration At Pier 35 — NYC Parks hosts a free outdoor movie night on the East River waterfront. Manhattan.

Daily, 9am–9pm: Impulse Glowing Seesaws (Herald Square): Eight giant seesaws light up and make music as kids ride them. Free, with no reservation required.

Heras Beauty Salon (SoHo): A cute NYC studio opened up a salon with expert Russian manicures, eyelash extensions, Korean and traditional lash lifts, and more, offering 4 and 6-hand service (multiple salon specialists work on you at the same time). Learn more.

Ritual Bar (Williamsburg): Matchaful has opened a Japanese tea-focused tasting bar with guided classes and tastings. Walk-ins are welcome Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 3pm.

Apapachó (Park Slope): A new modern Mexican restaurant serving tacos, cocktails and larger dishes including octopus on Fifth Avenue.

Rossa Cafe (Koreatown): A Mexican-influenced café with tres leches lattes, espresso with orange juice, chile-spiked coffee, churros, quesadillas and colorful conchas.

Goop Kitchen (Upper East Side): Gwyneth Paltrow’s LA health food concept has opened its first walk-in NYC storefront, serving salads, wraps, pizzas and rotisserie chicken.

Redwhite Boneless Ramen (East Village): The Japan-born vegan ramen and sushi restaurant is soft-opening with limited hours ahead of its full Aug. 20 debut.

On This Day in NYC History: On August 11, 1929, Yankees legend Babe Ruth became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 500 home runs. Ruth reached the milestone against Cleveland at League Park, setting a benchmark that was almost unimaginable at the time. He eventually retired with 714 homers and helped turn the Yankees into a cornerstone of New York culture.