What We’re Reading: Helicopter crashes into Hudson River, autism research initiative and more

By Eleni Simatacolos, Staff Writer

Published Apr 10, 2025

A crane vessel lifts the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed into the Hudson River, Thursday, April 10, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Helicopter crashes into Hudson River in New York City, killing all on board

According to the New York Times, a sightseeing helicopter crashed into the Hudson River Thursday afternoon, killing all six on board, including the pilot.

The helicopter took off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and was headed south from the George Washington Bridge when it plunged into the river just off Jersey City, N.J., at 3:15 p.m.

Videos show the helicopter plummeting rapidly before hitting the water and witnesses said they heard a loud boom before seeing its rotor fall off and debris fly as it crashed.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. It marks the deadliest helicopter crash in New York City since 2018, when another sightseeing helicopter crashed into the East River and killed five of its passengers.

RFK announces autism research initiative to determine cause by September

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., right, is accompanied by Susan Levy, Native Health Communications and Community Relations director, during a tour of the Native Health Mesa Food Distribution Center, in Mesa, Ariz., Tuesday, April 8. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

According to AP News, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior announced an extensive research initiative to determine the cause of autism by September.

Kennedy and President Trump, both vaccine skeptics, have previously voiced concern over increasing autism diagnosis rates, which experts attribute to increased awareness, improved screening methods and broader criteria for diagnosis.

Autism is a developmental disorder caused by cognitive differences with a wide range of symptoms, and previous research has linked the disease to genetics and ruled out a connection between vaccines and autism.

Kennedy has not disclosed details on how research will be conducted or who will be involved, raising concerns.

Trump Administration to pursue federal supervision of Columbia University amid antisemitism concerns

Members of Columbia University’s student workers union and their supporters protest the detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and recent actions taken by the Trump administration against the university, Friday, March 14, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) (AP)

The Trump Administration plans to seek federal oversight of Columbia University and place the school under a consent decree following civil rights concerns, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A consent decree would give a federal judge oversight of the school to ensure changes occur in compliance with government policies. Columbia could face financial penalties for noncompliance.

The university lost $400 million in grants and contracts over antisemitism concerns and is currently negotiating to have its federal funding reinstated.

This move would mark a serious escalation in the federal government’s involvement in higher education. In the past, schools have entered into voluntary agreements over civil right issues, granting the government limited power to enforce policies.

Rising car prices could push demand for public transit

An American flag flutters in the wind in front of a Toyota logo at a dealership in Cerritos, Calif., Thursday, March 27. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (AP)

According to CNN, Trump’s 25% auto tariffs on imported cars could push consumers to seek public transit as a cost-saving alternative.

Besides housing, transportation is the second largest expense for Americans, hitting lower-income households the hardest by accounting for roughly 30% of average spending.

Switching to public transit could save Americans $13,000 a year, said Pat Skouteleas, the CEO of the American Public Transportation Association. Opting for buses and trains could also help the environment by producing up to two-thirds less emissions per passenger.

Historically, U.S. policy has prioritized roads over public transit infrastructure, but advocates hope these rising car prices will boost government investment in transit systems.

Maine parent silenced at school board meeting following speech opposing trans athletes in women’s’ sports

President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women’s or girls’ sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP)

According to Fox News, tensions rose in a school board meeting in Augusta, Maine, on Wednesday, when a parent wearing a “MAGA” hat was silenced multiple times for “defamatory remarks” in a speech criticizing transgender athlete inclusion in girls’ sports.

Nick Blanchard, the parent, discussed the controversial issue and appealed for the removal of Kim Liscomb, the president of the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA), from her position. After being ordered off the podium, Blanchard left the meeting yelling that it was “Communist China.”

The MPA supports the participation of trans athletes in school sports based on gender identity, which has been criticized by the Trump administration. Maine has been the subject of federal debate over the issue and has faced federal pressure since February to modify its policies that permit trans inclusion in girls’ and women’s sports.