23 NOV 2024 · Good morning, this is Local Pulse for Saturday, November 23, 2024.
We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. A New York City Police officer and a bystander were both shot in the leg in Queens on Tuesday evening, and the suspect was shot and killed. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement and the importance of community safety.
In other news, the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is just around the corner, and this year's fleet of floats promises to bring both old favorites and new designs to the streets of Manhattan. Meanwhile, in New Rochelle, the 60th Annual Thanksgiving Parade is happening today, featuring floats, giant parade balloons, and performances along North Avenue. Ray Rice, the former NFL player, is leading the parade as its Grand Marshal, recognized for his community service and charitable work[3].
Moving on to the job market, there haven't been any major hiring announcements or significant layoffs reported in the past few days. However, the city's focus on infrastructure projects, such as the recent approval of Mayor Eric Adams' "City of Yes" rezoning plan, could lead to new job opportunities in construction and development.
In real estate, there's been a focus on addressing unlicensed parking lots, particularly near JFK Airport, which have been causing issues for travelers and inspectors alike. The city is working to crack down on these illegal operations to ensure safer and more reliable parking options.
From City Hall, the MTA has announced that congestion pricing has been given the green light by the Federal Highway Administration, with plans to start on January 5, 2025. This development could significantly impact daily commutes and traffic in the city[2].
Weather-wise, we're experiencing a shift in patterns that brought much-needed rain to the Tri-State Area earlier this week. Today, however, we're looking at a chilly start to the holiday weekend, with a Red Alert in effect due to snow and winter weather alerts. This could impact travel plans and outdoor activities, so be sure to check the latest forecasts before heading out[2].
In new business activity, a state-of-the-art trash system has been introduced in NYCHA's Polo Grounds Towers in Harlem, aiming to tackle energy, rodent, and recycling issues. This is a positive step towards improving living conditions in public housing.
Upcoming community events include the continuation of holiday celebrations in Harlem, which kicked off on Tuesday night. The New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade is a highlight today, offering a festive start to the holiday season.
In local sports, the New York Jets have made a significant change, with Joe Douglas stepping down as general manager following the team's 3-8 start. The New York Giants have also released quarterback Daniel Jones, with Tommy DeVito taking over as the team's starter.
On a feel-good note, families in Central Harlem will soon be moving into new homes at Marcus Garvey Village, which includes free gathering spaces and an LGBTQ center, enhancing community resources and living spaces.
In today's crime report, police in New Jersey are investigating a drone seen over Chatham on Monday night, and a 9/11 memorial was vandalized inside a church in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday. These incidents remind us of the importance of vigilance and respect for our communities.
This has been New York City Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.