What's behind the spike in whale deaths; hurdles to closing Rikers Island; gallery show devoted to street art and more

We are supported by our readers. Consider donating to fund the local reporting you rely on. [View in Browser]( Friday March 24, 2023 [Donate now]( ADVERTISEMENT [What’s behind an uptick in whale deaths on NJ, NY shores? Experts, advocates are divided.]( [Humpback whale necropsy on Jan. 15, 2023 in Brigantine, NJ.]( [No solid evidence ties whale fatalities along the New York and New Jersey coasts to offshore wind surveying, but activists are calling for a pause so the impacts can be investigated.]( ADVERTISEMENT More Stories From Today ["BIRDS OF AMERICA" BOOK BY JOHN JAMES AUDUBON]( [NYC Audubon drops ‘Audubon’ from name due to the artist and naturalist's slavery ties]( [A growing number of environmental groups across the nation are looking to put distance between their organizations and John James Audubon, the noted artist, naturalist and enslaver.]( [A woman stands in front of a wall that read "John Jay College" in the background.]( [A CUNY program credited with boosting grad rates and saving money faces the budget ax]( [The Accelerate, Complete and Engage program saves an average of $17,000 per graduate and narrows racial gaps in four-year graduation rates, according to a study.]( [Photos from Affordable Art Fair 2023]( [An NYC art show where the prices are kept within reach]( [The Affordable Art Fair, which is on display all weekend at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, is an alternative to the high-priced, blue chip art events that tend to dominate the scene.]( [Neon green signs display messages against evictions.]( [Evictions fuel spike in crime, new study finds]( [A Cornell University report reviewed the links between evictions and crime rates, with a warning for New York about the consequences of displacement.]( [Prison, stock photo]( [Complaint: Immigrants in Hudson Valley jail struggle to get medical attention]( [One detainee was not told he had a brain cyst for two weeks – then his lawyer found it in his paperwork, the complaint says.]( [A collage-art image depicting two female figures]( [See a gallery show devoted to a street-art favorite and more things to do this week in NYC]( [It’s impossible to keep up with everything happening in New York City arts and culture, but here are some recommendations for events you shouldn’t miss during the week ahead.]( [a headshot of a man]( [Gov. Kathy Hochul nominates new health commissioner]( [Dr. James McDonald has been serving as New York state’s acting health commissioner since January.]( [a billboard for a Netflix show in Times Square]( [Extra Extra: Adding a tax on Netflix subscriptions to fund the MTA is one idea]( [Because state lawmakers may or may not have looked around their living rooms for revenue ideas, here are your end-of-day links: dirty water dogs are more expensive, Bad Cinderella is bad, there's a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard and more.]( [A storefront in Bayridge displays red and purple decorations and a banner saying "Ramadan Mubarak."]( [NYC offers free halal iftar meals for Ramadan, Comptroller Lander says]( [The free meals will extend until April 19 on a first-come, first-served basis.]( ADVERTISEMENT [Support Us]( Follow Gothamist on [Gothamist on Facebook]( [Gothamist on Twitter]( NYPR Network [WNYC]( [Gothamist]( [WNYC Studios]( [NJPR]( [WQXR]( [New Sounds]( Copyright © New York Public Radio, 160 Varick St., New York, NY 10013. All rights reserved. [Terms of Use]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( from this list.