NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: Gov. Hochul to Testify at Oversight Hearing on Immigration Policies, Queens Defenders Founder Indicted for Theft of Funds, and Bronx Casino Plan Advances

Episode Date: June 12, 2025

Governor Kathy Hochul is set to testify Thursday before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee on New York’s immigration policies. Meanwhile, the founder of Queens Defenders has been indicted in federal court for allegedly stealing funds meant for low-income legal services. And the Bronx moves closer to landing a casino, after the City Council approved a proposal to build one on the former Trump Golf Course site.

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WMYC. It's Thursday, June 12th. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. New York Governor Kathy Hochel will testify today in front of Congress over the state's immigration policies. She's one of three Democratic executives testifying before the Republican-controlled House Oversight Committee. Republicans say the hearing will look at how sanctuary laws to affect crime. Oversight Committee released a video montage of undocumented immigrants accused of serious offenses, while cities such as New York and Albany have sanctuary laws, New York State does not.

Hockel continued a 2017 executive order that directs state employees not to ask about a person's immigration status unless it's strictly necessary. The governor said the state will cooperate with federal immigration authorities in some cases. The founding. The founding of the public defender organization in Queens has been indicted in federal court. WNMIC Samantha Max reports prosecutors say she and her husband stole tens of thousands of dollars designated for legal services for low-income New Yorkers. A vacation to Bali, a steakhouse dinner, an 85-inch smart TV. These are just a few of the big ticket purchases that prosecutors say Lori Zeno and Rashad Ruhani

made with stolen funds. Zeno is the founder of Queen's defenders, and until recently, she ran the public defender organization. Her husband worked there too. The board placed both of them on leave earlier this year. Zeno and Rouhani faced charges of wire fraud, theft, and money laundering. Neither immediately responded to requests for comment. The Bronx is one step closer to getting a casino after the city council approved construction on the sign of the former Trump golf courts yesterday. Lawmakers approved a measure backing Bally's plan to build a casino and resort on the Ferry Point site it took over from Trump.

The company still needs to win a gaming license from New York State, and the city would need to pay the Trump Organization $115 million if the deal goes through. Counselor Speaker, Adrian Adams, says the economic boon to the Bronx would be worth it. We are looking to set Donald Trump aside and look more. towards economic equity in the district. Legislative leaders say Albany is likely to approve the project now that the council has approved it. 70 and sunny right now, sunny and a warm one today, up to 89, tomorrow with a slight chance of morning rush showers. Partly sunny and 78. Unhealthy air today.

Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WMYC. Check us out for updates every weekday. Three times a date for the day. the latest news headlines and occasional deep dives and subscribe wherever you get your podcast. I see.