NYC NOW - February 21, 2024: Morning Headlines

Episode Date: February 21, 2024

Get up and get informed! Here’s all the local news you need to start your day: A new federal class-action lawsuit argues that New York City's child welfare investigators routinely coerce parents to search their homes, traumatizing families. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Miles McNeal, has been indicted for allegedly sexually abusing an 8-year-old between 2022 and 2023 at a Harlem after-school program.

Welcome to NYC Now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WMYC. It's Wednesday, February 21st. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. A new federal class action lawsuit argues that New York City's child welfare investigators routinely coerced parents to search their homes traumatizing families. WNYC's ARIA Center Room reports. Lies, threats to call the police, and take

children away from their parents. These are some of the coercive tactics that the lawsuit says child welfare investigators routinely used to get into parents' homes. David Chalick-Kline is an attorney bringing the case on behalf of nine parents in the city. ACS leaves in their wake. Real fear, real trauma, and real consequences that need to be accounted for. A spokesperson for the administration for children's services said the agency is committed to keeping children safe and respecting parents' rights. But the lawsuit says ACS practices violate the Constitution's ban of unreasonable searches. And it says the investigations also traumatize families, especially in black and Latino communities, who are disproportionately investigated. A 25-year-old man has been indicted for

allegedly sexually abusing an eight-year-old at a Harlem after-school program. And there may be other survivors. Prosecutors said Miles McNeil was an after-school and camp teacher, and he's accused of abusing the child for nine months between 2022 and 2023. McNeil pleaded not guilty in court. His attorney was not reachable for further comment. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg says prosecutors believe there may be other victims and the investigation continues. 32 with some clouds out there right now, mostly sunny today and a high of 41, but feeling a bit colder than that. Again, 42 for a higher day. Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WNYC. be sure to catch us every weekday three times a day for your top news headlines and occasional deep dives

and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts see you this afternoon