Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Friday, December 13, 2024.
We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. A tragic house fire in Westfield has left one person dead, and authorities are still investigating the cause. Meanwhile, the Indiana State Police are dealing with a challenging case where the parents of a missing child are no longer cooperating with the investigation. This development has raised concerns about the child's safety and the effectiveness of the search efforts.
Moving on to the job market, there's some positive news. According to recent reports, hiring is expected to pick up in the first half of 2024, with nearly 60% of companies planning to add new full-time jobs and 39% looking to fill vacated positions. This is exciting news for job seekers, especially in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, which are seeing significant growth. The current unemployment rate in Indiana stands at 3.6%, slightly below the national average of 3.7%.
In real estate news, we're seeing some notable developments. Construction on I-465 Northbound is set to restrict traffic, so commuters should plan their routes accordingly. Additionally, a new memorial is being built to honor a fallen Indiana State Trooper, a touching tribute to the officer's service.
From city hall, we have some updates that affect daily life. A new law, Jake's Law, is going into effect, which could restrict students' access to mobile devices in certain situations. This is part of ongoing efforts to improve public safety and reduce distractions.
Weather-wise, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster. We're expecting a brief break from the 90s today, with showers exiting this morning. However, we're looking at a warmer weekend with storms on the horizon, so stay tuned for updates.
In business news, we've got some openings and closings to report. While we don't have any major announcements today, it's worth noting that Amazon's Prime Day is set to return on July 16 and 17, 2024, which could be a big boost for local retailers and shoppers alike.
Looking ahead to community events, there's plenty to get excited about. The Colts training camp is kicking off on July 25th, and we're just a few days away from the NBA All-Star Weekend, which promises to bring some economic benefits to the city.
In local school achievements, we're proud to see our students excelling in various fields. While we don't have any specific updates today, it's always great to see our young talent making waves.
On a feel-good note, a local mom is pleading for help in solving a pair of homicides in Crown Hill, a reminder of the importance of community support and cooperation.
Finally, in today's crime report, we have some significant incidents to share. A homicide suspect was arrested after a second unrelated shooting, and a Lebanon mom was arrested for choking her son in a trailer park. These incidents highlight the need for vigilance and public safety awareness.
This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.