News without the noise · New York Edition
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 · 71 stories
An electrical fire near Penn Station disrupted rail service last week, caused by a metal skirt board on one of Amtrak's NextGen Acela train cars making contact with an electric third rail. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and reliability of transit infrastructure in the area.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is proposing a comprehensive housing plan for areas south of Prospect Park in Brooklyn, aiming to address local housing needs. The initiative is part of broader efforts by the city to implement zoning changes in various neighborhoods, including the North Bronx, to encourage housing development.
The New York State legislature has approved an extension of the 421a tax break program for the River Ring housing project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, developed by Two Trees. This decision is part of the state budget and aims to support the development of the waterfront complex.
A woman named Donika Gocaj fell into an open manhole after exiting her car near 52nd Street and Fifth Avenue. According to police, the incident occurred in front of the Cartier store, and Con Edison has indicated that a truck may have caused the manhole to be left open.
Severe thunderstorms are affecting New York City and the Tri-State area, with a watch in effect until 9:00 p.m. Some storms may bring damaging wind gusts. Following the storms, cooler temperatures and lingering clouds are expected, with rain continuing into the weekend, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.
Following a fire at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on May 4, the reopening plans for 'The Book of Mormon' have been adjusted. Performances are now set to resume on May 27, later than the initially planned date of May 21. ATG Entertainment is ensuring the safety and comfort of all involved, including the cast, staff, and audience.
Advocates in Canada are urging for an investigation into the death of 22-year-old Rodiyat Alabede, who died after donating plasma. They attribute her death to a combination of inadequate safety protocols and insufficiently trained staff, highlighting systemic issues at plasma donation centers across the country.
Dr Peter Stafford’s wife and four children are also being monitored for symptoms amid Ebola outbreak in Congo An American doctor who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been flown to Germany for treatment, along with his wife and four children, as the World Health Organization warned of the “scale and speed” of the outbreak. But that’s not quite enough to prevent an Ebola exposure.” WHO chief said he was ‘deeply concerned’ after at least 500 suspected Ebola cases and 130 deaths reported in outbreak of Bundibugyo strain ‘It’s heartbreaking’: panic in eastern DRC over return of Ebola.
A legal challenge has been initiated against the Albanese government's $2.5 billion deal with Nauru, which involves the deportation of hundreds of non-citizens to the Pacific island. The case is brought forth by the legal representatives of Abdul, a Hazara man who claims to have been sexually abused by a carer and is currently facing imminent deportation.
The US has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals and other crimes related to the 1996 downing of two planes, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three Americans. The charges, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, include murder and destruction of aircraft, with potential penalties including life imprisonment or death. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has condemned the charges as politically motivated and lacking legal foundation, asserting that Cuba acted in self-defense during the incident.
Aaron Rodgers announced that the 2026 NFL season will be his last, stating, "This is it." The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who recently signed a one-year deal to return to the team, emphasized his excitement about reuniting with head coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he previously won a Super Bowl in Green Bay.
The United States has issued a federal criminal indictment against Raúl Castro, the former president of Cuba, along with five others, for their alleged involvement in the shooting down of exile planes in 1996. This action marks a significant escalation in efforts to challenge the long-standing communist regime in Cuba.