NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: Hudson River Chopper Operator Shuts Down, Pataki Backs Hochul on Budget Standoff, and City Council Targets Immigration Fraud

Episode Date: April 14, 2025

The helicopter tour company involved in last week’s deadly Hudson River crash is shutting down immediately as federal authorities launch a safety review and search for missing wreckage. Meanwhile, former Governor George Pataki is praising Governor Hochul for holding firm on her budget priorities despite delays. Plus, the New York City Council is considering two bills to crack down on immigration service fraud after a spike in complaints statewide.

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Monday, April 14th. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. The comedy that operated last week's deadly helicopter crash in the Hudson River is no more. The FAA says New York helicopter tours is shutting down right away. The crash killed six people, including a family visiting from Spain. The FAA says it's launching a full review. the company's license and safety record and plans to host a helicopter safety panel later this month

to address broader risks. The NTSBs has the chopper-elect flight recording devices and hasn't had a major inspection since March 1st, limiting what investigators can learn. Key parts of the records are still missing this morning and the search is still underway. With New York State's budget late again, a former Republican governor is giving Democratic Governor Kathy Hokel credit, not criticism. George Pataki says Hockel is showing backbone by refusing to finalize the spending plan until lawmakers compromise on her key priorities, including changes to mental health law and evidence rules in criminal cases.

If you have a courage to stand up and take the heat, then you can make the changes that New York needs. And right now, in this budget battle, Governor Hockel is doing that, and I applaud her for it. Bataki made those remarks yesterday on the Katz Roundtable on W.A.B.C. The New York City Council is eyeing ways to fight immigration service providers fraud. Two bills are under consideration. One would get more information to consumers so they can protect themselves. Another would give prosecutors more tools to go after fraudsters. Complaints to the statewide office of New Americans' Immigration Hotline more than doubled last year to 58.

Common complaints include misleading ads, shoddy work, and excessive fees. A council hearing on the subject is on tap for Tuesday morning. Yesterday, Mark, the official kickoff to Coney Island's 2025 season with the 62nd annual Palm Sunday opening. Festivities are underway at Dino's Wonderwheel Park, where the first 105 guests rode the iconic Wonderwheel for free. The blessing of the ride's tradition began in 1985, but the Palm... Sunday opener dates back to 1956. Flamboyant press agent Milton Berger started it to give the boardwalk a unified opening day. The celebration honors his legacy with a restored street sign at Milton Berger Place.

We're at 48 now with mostly clear skies, mostly sunny today and 66 for a high. Showers likely late night and overnight and a low around 52. Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WMYC. Catch us every weekday three times a day for your top news headlines and occasional deep dives and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. More soon.