Zohran Mamdani is re-writing the political rules around support for Israel | Kenneth Roth

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has shifted his stance from advocating to defund the police to selecting a transition team that raises concerns about public safety. His appointments suggest a potential departure from his previous commitments to reform policing in New York City.

Final preparations are underway for the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with a significant police presence established along the route in New York City. The NYPD has reported no specific threats to the event, while closely monitoring a recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C., and maintaining heightened security measures.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani recently held a cordial meeting with former President Donald Trump at the White House, marking a significant shift in their previously contentious relationship. Despite the friendly tone of the meeting, many New Yorkers, particularly immigrants, continue to feel anxious about the implications of this political dynamic.

Crews in New York City began inflating giant balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved annual event that marks the start of the holiday season. Iconic characters, including new additions like Super Mario and Derpy from 'K Pop Demon Hunters', were showcased during the inflation process, attracting thousands of spectators eager to witness the spectacle.

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker announced he has not received any communication from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's team since resigning after Mamdani's election victory on November 4. Tucker's resignation follows a brief tenure of less than 18 months, raising concerns about the transition of leadership within the fire department.

Susan Herman, the former director of the controversial $1 billion ThriveNYC mental health initiative, is now running a boutique in DUMBO and has joined Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team. This development raises questions about her past role in ThriveNYC, which faced criticism for its effectiveness and spending.

Officials from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar convened in Cairo to discuss the next phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which remains fragile amid allegations of violations. Currently, two hostages are still held in Gaza, complicating the negotiations for a more stable agreement.

Israel has returned 15 more Palestinian bodies to Gaza, marking a significant step in the ongoing ceasefire agreement as the first phase approaches its conclusion. Hospital officials in Gaza confirmed the handover, which is part of a broader negotiation process involving multiple stakeholders.