Watchdog report exposes fraud and misconduct in schools...Brooklyn man slashed in botched robbery...Mamdani creates the Office of Community Safety
March 19, 2026·7 min
The episode opens with host Larry Mullins introducing top local stories on the All Local podcast from 1010 WINS. The first story focuses on a new watchdog report that uncovers fraud, sexual misconduct, and stolen funds inside the Department of Education in New York City. Mary Lynn Buckley reports on the findings, which are described as scathing, and notes that the DOE has not yet responded. Investigators took a close look at the largest public school system in the country, speaking with Special Commissioner of Investigation Anastasia Coleman. Coleman explains that recommendations from her office can range from policy changes to termination decisions made by the DOE. She reveals that her office received nearly 12,000 complaints in 2025, highlighting the scale of issues. The report also found nearly two million dollars in financial losses to the DOE and city retirement systems, doubling the amount from 2024. A specific example is given of a woman who worked for the system and embezzled money to put into her cheerleading business; she has since resigned and faces criminal prosecution. The segment ends with a note that 1010 WINS reached out to the DOE for comment and will provide updates. The episode then shifts to a second story set on Long Island, where a man is accused of killing two young girls in a crash in Hicksville. Prosecutors say he unplugged safety regulators from his car so he could freestyle, with emotional court statements from affected families. Frank Libidi pleaded not guilty, accused of driving 82 miles per hour in a modified BMW for racing and crashing into a tree without braking, killing his two 19-year-old parents. The episode maintains a neutral, news-focused tone throughout, covering multiple local incidents without editorializing. It blends investigative reporting with court updates, typical of hyper-local news podcasts. Recurring themes include accountability in public institutions and community safety issues. Key moments include the detailed watchdog findings and the emotional court scene, providing a comprehensive look at local concerns in the New York area.
