New Yorkers ready to party again -- just not indoors

21 Sept 07:22 Key points summarised by AI

New Yorkers are eager to socialize after 14 months of pandemic restrictions, but a strong preference for outdoor gatherings persists.
Despite high vaccination rates and lifted mandates, many residents remain cautious, opting for parties in parks or homes with close, vaccinated friends.
Event organizers and party supply stores report a surge in demand for celebrations, predominantly for outdoor or tented venues, with bookings extending into 2022.
The city's return to major social events, like the rescheduled Met Gala, reflects a cautious recovery where open-air interactions are still favored.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.