Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Sunday, December 22, 2024.
We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days. A 22-year-old man was fatally shot in Avon, and a 19-year-old suspect is in custody. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. In another incident, a 24-year-old woman was found dead on the southside, and a homicide investigation is underway. We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Moving on to the job market, Indiana's unemployment rate for November was 4.4%, according to the latest report from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. While this is a slight increase from the previous month, the state's labor force participation rate remains strong at 63.2%. We're seeing major hiring announcements from top local employers, including IU Health, which is looking to fill over 1,000 positions across various departments. Additionally, the construction industry is booming, with new projects popping up around the city, including the new Indianapolis Animal Care Services shelter.
In real estate news, we're seeing a steady demand for housing, with the weekly median home price hovering around $240,000. Inventory levels are relatively low, but new listings are coming on the market daily. Notable commercial property sales include the recent purchase of the former Nordstrom building in Circle Centre Mall, which is set to be redeveloped into office space. We're also seeing new development projects, such as the rezoning of Irvington Plaza, which is expected to bring in new businesses and jobs.
From city hall, we're hearing about new initiatives to improve public safety, including increased funding for community programs and expanded police presence in high-crime areas. We're also seeing efforts to improve infrastructure, with road construction projects underway on major thoroughfares like Meridian Street and 38th Street.
Weather-wise, it's going to be a chilly day today, with temperatures in the mid-30s and a chance of scattered snow showers. If you're planning on heading out, make sure to bundle up and check the roads before you go.
In new business activity, we're seeing a surge in openings, including a new gas delivery service that will bring fuel to your car wherever you are. We're also seeing major changes, such as the closure of the Amazon facility in Greenfield after a shooting incident.
Looking ahead to the next few days, we've got some exciting community events lined up, including the Emma Donnan schools' 5th annual holiday shop, which helps students in need. We're also seeing local school achievements, such as the IU Football team's winning streak, which is boosting revenue for local businesses.
In a feel-good community story, a local organization is providing holiday assistance to hundreds of Hoosiers, including food, clothing, and toys. It's a great reminder of the kindness and generosity of our community.
Finally, in today's crime report, we're seeing a number of significant incidents, including a shooting at a west side apartment complex that left one person dead and another critically injured. We're also seeing public safety alerts, such as the restriction of visitors under 18 or with illness symptoms at Marion County hospitals.
This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.