NYC NOW

Episode 1: Wrongful Death In 2016, Amy Lam was at an exciting time in her life. She’d recently graduated from Columbia journalism school and was expecting her second child. But then tragedy struck. Shortly after giving birth at home, she was brought to Harlem Hospital where medical records show she bled to death under the care of several physicians. One of those doctors was Dr. Thomas J. Byrne, an OB-GYN with a concerning track record that spans more than three decades. In 1990, New York health officials declared Byrne an “imminent danger” to the public and stripped him of his medical license. And yet, Byrne is still seeing patients today. How does a doctor with a documented track record of medical negligence continue practicing for so long? Reporter Karen Shakerdge, along with WNYC’s investigative editor Christopher Werth, examine who’s responsible for ensuring patient safety. This series was supported by the Pulitzer Center. Illustration by Golden Cosmos

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is on a trip to Latin America sharing his concerns about the city welcoming too many migrants. Plus, WNYC’s David Brand and Karen Yi report on evictions at Tysens Park Apartments on Staten Island. And finally, WNYC’s Arya Sundaram visits Chinatown’s East Broadway Mall where merchants hope to survive the mall’s rebirth.

The man responsible for shooting 10 commuters on a subway train last year received 10 concurrent life sentences. Meanwhile, an ice skating rink is set to open at Brooklyn Bridge Park next month, staying operational until March. Additionally, following Kevin McCarthy's recent removal from his House Speaker position, Republican Representative Andrew Garbarino of Long Island joins us to discuss what’s next.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: Mayor Adams says his trip to Latin America isn't funded by taxpayers but WNYC's Elizabeth Kim reports that's not exactly the case. Meanwhile, the Bronx District Attorney says she's committed to making sure home day cares in the borough are safe. Also, WNYC’s parent company has laid off 20 employees and is ending two podcasts as it tries to plug a budget gap.

Representative George Santos’ former campaign treasurer is expected to plead guilty in federal court. Plus, a former NYPD officer accused of punching someone over a dozen times pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in court this week. And finally, WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with Lilo Stainton, healthcare reporter for NJ Spotlight News, about New Jersey’s plan to protect gender-affirming medical care for trans people.

Justice advocates say incarcerated people at Rikers Island are increasingly "isolated" and "idle" after millions in recent program cuts. Also, movie actor Julia Ormond is suing former producer Harvey Weinstein for sexual assault after an incident in 1995. Plus, 60-year-old Salvatore Vassallo of Jersey Shore was sentenced to 18 months for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot. Recently, after New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the “Live Performance Industry Council” emphasizing the city’s commitment to the arts, WNYC pulled together Anna Glass, Executive Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem; Casey York, President of The Off-Broadway League and Managing Director of Ars Nova; and Jake Rosenthal, Co-Founder and CMO of Elsewhere, to discuss the industry’s comeback with Sean Carlson at The Green Space.

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day. A new report from the MTA shows the climate crisis could paralyze mass transit. Also, people traveling to and from JFK Airport via the Airtran will now be able to use OMNY readers starting next Tuesday. Plus, as of yesterday, the general application window to start a legal cannabis business in New York State is now open for the next two months.

A New Jersey watchdog agency is criticizing two state-owned veterans homes over their initial response to COVID-19. Plus, some parents and teachers are raising concerns about a new curriculum for students at New York City schools. And, WNYC’s Michael Hill talks with Jake Bolster about his reporting on the city’s new curbside composting program.

The National Network to End Domestic Violence warns those dealing with domestic violence to turn off any hidden phones ahead of this afternoon’s FEMA emergency alert test. Also, Norton Blake has been indicted in Manhattan for beating a 60-year-old woman with a cane inside a Harlem subway station last month. And Mayor Adams is going to Mexico to learn more about the path asylum seekers take to the USA, and to discourage them from coming to New York. Finally, following yesterday’s historic ousting of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Congress member Jerry Nadler, representing New York’s 12th District including Manhattan, joins us to share his reaction.

Get up and get informed! Here's all the local news you need to start your day: The Adams administration is pushing forward with legal actions to suspend New York City’s right to shelter rules as an influx of migrants continues to strain the city’s shelter system. Meanwhile, the city’s Public Schools Chancellor David Banks is reviewing the education department's actions during last Friday's storm. Plus, the MTA is kicking off a campaign to remind commuters of proper etiquette on buses and trains.