LIRR Back To Normal Friday

has finally repaired the torn-up tracks in an East River tunnel that caused delays all week to the Long Island Rail Road. MTA says commuter service will return to normal Friday morning and afternoon.

Each day the "5 Things" column will tell you five essential pieces of information you need to know today, like events happening or community topics being covered on the site later on in the day. Have an event or topic that should appear in this column? Add it to the calendar or send us a news tip.

Friday's highlights:

1.  says it will operate on a normal peak schedule Friday after a week of delays caused by an Amtrak derailment in the East River tunnel. A full complement of 143 trains will operate in the morning peak and 126 trains for afternoon rush. You can check MTA's web site @ www.mta.info.

2. In celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day,) presents "Impressions of Israel:  featuring artistic and creative images of the sights of Israel: This week-long event is free and open to the general public. Friday night also brings a reception at the Temple, prior to Shabbat service. Click of the exhibit in Plainview Patch.

3. There's lots to do at the riday, like the regular meeting of the Photographic Federation of Long Island, at 7 p.m. For more, check out the library's web site.

4. It's the second Friday of the month, and that means will feature its adult choir during tonight's Shabbat services, from 7:30–9 p.m.

5. Did you read about the that was robbed in Plainview Thursday? This week we told you about the  WTC artifact  that will be the centerpiece of a memorial park? We also told you the remarkable story of a  We'll be focused all this week on the school board elections and budget vote set for May 17. Let us know your ideas for other family-friendly features and news stories for, or browse our "events" calendar for other happenings around town.