Looking for some news that is not about COVID-19?  Here's a selection of news items from across the tri-state region.

Finalists announced in Rutgers first middle school Battle of the Bands: The finalists are Hillsborough Middle School, Warren Middle School, Readington Middle School, Neptune Middle School and East Hanover Middle School. Voting will take place online at RUBattleoftheBands.com through May 17.

Family claims Bronx woman's death during childbirth could have been avoided:  A 26-year-old teacher lost her life last month while giving birth to her first child, and her family claims it was preventable. The family of Amber Isaac says there were signs that she was at high risk, which they claim Montefiore Medical Center ignored. 

Body found in apparent abandoned house fire in Hillcrest:  Fire officials say an old bungalow colony, where the controversial high density Pascack Ridge development is slated to be built, on Christa Lynn Drive caught fire just after 1 a.m. A body was found inside after the flames were extinguished. Ramapo PD says the home appeared to be abandonded, but the area has a history of squatters.

As Hurricane Prep Week arrives, FEMA expects unique challenges this year: National Hurricane Preparation Week is here, and with the 2020 Atlantic season less than a month away, it is time to make sure that you and your family are ready. This annual week is a nationwide effort to inform the public about hurricane hazards and to provide knowledge to help people prepare and take action. 

Suffolk police ordered to release Shannan Gilbert 911 tape: The Suffolk County Police Department has been ordered to release the 911 call made by Shannan Gilbert the night she disappeared a decade ago. The state Supreme Court denied the department's request to withhold the 23-minute recording and its transcript.