Long Island Rail Road service has been suspended indefinitely after an MTA contract negotiation breakdown triggered a walkout on May 16, 2026. With about 250,000 to 300,000 daily commuters stranded, the MTA is rolling out limited free peak-hour shuttle buses to help riders reach subway lines and key transfer points in Queens. Officials warn of heavier traffic and crowded platforms, advise leaving early, and note monthly ticket holders may receive prorated refunds for strike days.
A strike by Long Island Rail Road workers has paralyzed New York’s busiest commuter rail system after contract talks with the MTA ended without an agreement. About half of the roughly 7,000 workers—across five unions—walked out at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. Around 250,000 weekday riders must find alternative routes or work from home, with highways expected to worsen. The dispute centers on pay: unions want 16% over four years, while the MTA is offering at least 9.5% over three years plus an effective 4.5% in year four.
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Odisha’s iconic dahi bara aloo dum is taking New York City by storm, with Chef Vikas Khanna’s restaurant selling out amid overwhelming demand. The crowd favorite pairs crisp lentil dumplings with creamy yogurt and a spicy potato curry, now offered for longer thanks to its popularity. Khanna calls it a dish rooted in memory, spice, comfort, and celebration.
Indian chef Vikas Khanna has made history as the first Indian to receive a Special Citation from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. Awarded during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the honor celebrates his artistic and culinary contributions. Khanna said the recognition deeply moved him, calling it a symbol of hope and diversity for many communities.
A newly released note linked to Jeffrey Epstein reportedly matches the handwriting of a message authorities found in his cell after he died. The note, attributed to the same writer by a former cellmate, includes claims about investigators “for month” finding “nothing” and references choosing the “time to say goodbye,” intensifying scrutiny around the timelines.
A sexual abuse and racial harassment lawsuit filed against JP Morgan executive Lorna Hajdini has sparked fresh controversy after a report claimed the allegations were fabricated. The case, reportedly lodged in New York County Supreme Court, also mentions an Indian banker complainant and questions the credibility of the accuser’s statements, intensifying scrutiny of the parties involved.
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Ben Pasternak, 26, founder of plant-based Simulate and once valued around $250 million, was arrested Tuesday over allegations that he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, influencer Evelyn Ha, on March 31. The case centers on what allegedly happened in a New York hotel room, with investigators accusing him of using physical force during the dispute.
New York is suing the federal government after Washington withheld nearly $74 million in highway funds. The dispute traces back to New York’s refusal to revoke thousands of commercial driving licenses held by immigrants. Federal officials said the licenses had validity and enforcement issues, while state officials argue they followed existing rules and call the move political payback.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has sued New York, arguing the state’s legal actions against prediction market platforms such as Coinbase and Gemini unlawfully encroach on federal authority. New York’s attorney general says the products function as gambling and violate state consumer protection rules. The CFTC calls the state’s approach overreach and seeks to block it.
Zohran Mamdani is at the center of a widening controversy after Citadel objected to New York Mayor’s use of Ken Griffin’s name in a tax push. The hedge fund claims the mayor is leveraging Griffin to support individual taxation efforts, escalating a dispute that also touches public political messaging tied to pro-Palestinian views.
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