News without the noise · New York Edition
Saturday, May 16, 2026 · 6 stories
Workers from five unions representing half of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) workforce initiated a strike on Saturday, marking the first such action since 1994. The strike has resulted in the suspension of services on the nation's busiest commuter train line, affecting thousands of daily riders.
The Long Island Rail Road has experienced its first strike in over 30 years, following three years of unsuccessful contract negotiations and two federal interventions. This disruption affects the busiest passenger rail service in the United States.
A strike by Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) workers began at midnight, leading to a complete service shutdown. The MTA has implemented contingency plans, including shuttle buses running between key LIRR stations and subway stops in Queens, with additional services to Howard Beach-JFK Airport. Commuters are advised to work from home if possible and to expect significant delays and congestion.
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza targeted the leader of Hamas' military wing, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, according to Israeli officials. The current status of al-Haddad, whether he was killed or injured, remains unclear.
The Eurovision Song Contest's grand final is set for Saturday, featuring heightened security measures and inclement weather. Despite these challenges, fans remain enthusiastic, while some critics express opposition to Israel's participation in the event.
US President Donald Trump announced that American and Nigerian forces have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second in command of ISIS globally, during a military operation in Africa. Al-Minuki, who was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US in 2023, directed ISIS-linked cells across Africa, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel regions. The Nigerian military has not yet commented on the operation, which Trump described as a significant blow to ISIS's operations in Africa.