
In the largest tribute to the country’s veterans, New York City hosted its annual “America’s Parade” to honor Veterans Day. The parade traveled up Fifth Avenue with over 20,000 participants . Unlike previous years, however, there was a high tech twist to this year’s event. Google (GOOGL) worked its magic and organized a virtual march for veterans who were unable to come to the Big Apple. Using virtual reality technology, Google filmed from all angles of the parade in order to create immersive footage. The company will distribute cardboard viewers to veterans and their families in Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals across the country on Thursday. Those without Google Cardboard will also have the opportunity to watch the parade online. Although this year’s parade included new and innovative components, conventional procedures were still part of the annual tribute, including a wreath-laying ceremony at 11:00 am. This year, former Manhattan District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau, 96, was the parade’s grand marshal. (New York Times)
Five mothers in Manhattan and Brooklyn are suing city health officials for the requirement of an annual flu shot for children ages six months to five years old. If children do not receive the shot, they can face expulsion from city-regulated daycares and preschools. In the lawsuit, the moms cite the Centers for Disease Control and express their concerns over thimerosal, a common ingredient in the flu shot that contains mercury. City officials argue that the benefits of the shot outweigh the risks, and advise concerned parents to request single-dose vaccines containing trace amounts of thimerosal. (NBC New York)
The number of public high school graduates enrolling in college has risen, according to data from the city Education Department. 53 percent of New York City’s 2014 high school graduates enrolled in college, a public service program or a vocational program, which is an increase of two percent from the previous year. City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña credited the rise in college enrollment with redesigned Quality School Guides. With this redesign, public school report cards now include lists of extracurricular activities and advanced placement courses at various colleges, helping parents and students make the best post-secondary school choices. (Daily News)
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a raise in state workers’ hourly wages yesterday. The wage hike will be gradual—state workers in the city will earn $15 an hour by the end of 2018, while state workers outside the city will wait until the end of 2021 for the pay increase. “New York is not just another state, my friends. New York is the progressive capital of the nation,” Mr. Cuomo said. “We fight for fairness. We fight for justice. We act first. We lead by example.” Mayor de Blasio would not commit to match Mr. Cuomo’s wage hike. (NY1)
A driver who crashed his car through a fence in Brooklyn has been found dead. James Miro, 31, crashed his Honda Accord into a fence in Marine Park around 5:00 AM on Monday, landing in Shell Bank Creek. Residents did not realize that a car was submerged in the