New York Desk
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

CITYWIDE
City’s Unemployment Rate Hits All-Time Low
The city’s unemployment rate hit an all-time low for October, Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday. The 4.1% rate is the lowest since the government began collecting unemployment data in 1976 and is lower than the national rate for the second consecutive month, the mayor’s office said. By comparison, the city’s unemployment rate was 4.5% in September and 5.8% last October. Mr. Bloomberg pointed to dip as a surefire sign that the economy was on the up-and-up. “The fact that our unemployment rate is the lowest ever makes clear that our growth is creating opportunities for New Yorkers citywide,” Mr. Bloomberg said. “Today’s news is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our economy.”
— Staff Reporter of the Sun
Mayor’s Health Chief Won’t Be Leaving His Post
Mayor Bloomberg’s health commissioner, Thomas Frieden, the mastermind behind the city’s smoking ban, has been approached about taking over the State Department of Health under governor-elect Eliot Spitzer. But a source close to the commissioner said Dr. Frieden was staying at his city post, where he is one of Mr. Bloomberg’s most trusted commissioners and has the freedom to push an aggressive public health agenda. Dr. Frieden, who is also pushing a ban on trans fats in restaurants, has been key in helping Mr. Bloomberg leave his public health mark on the city. Other names that have been mentioned as possible state health commissioners are Jon Cohen, a former chief medical officer at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, and the head of the United Hospital Fund, James Tallon.
— Staff Reporter of the Sun
Port Authority Considering Adding Airport
The Port Authority is aggressively exploring Stewart International Airport near Newburgh, N.Y. as a site for a fourth major airport in the region. Yesterday the board voted unanimously to hire outside consultants to review the site of the former air force base as a way to expand the region’s aviation capacity. Port Authority is very interested in Stewart International Airport because of its unencumbered airspace as well as the sale of its lease this year. Newark International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy International Airports are nearing their peak capacities. The airports are expected to handle 103 million passengers by the end of the year and 150 million in combined annual traffic is expected by 2025. The Port Authority has been looking for a fourth airport to handle growing air traffic needs for more than a year.
— Special to the Sun
Mayor Suggests Taking Tours of the White House
Mayor Bloomberg danced around an endorsement for four of the early presidential hopefuls yesterday, including three that he has worked closely with in New York: Mayor Giuliani, Governor Pataki, and Senator Clinton. After mentioning each of the three by name as potential candidates, as well as Senator McCain, the mayor was asked which one he wanted to win. A sly grin crept across his face, and he turned to his press secretary, Stuart Loeser, for help dodging the question. He settled on offering his strong support for the White House – the building, that is. “I think one of the things is every American should go and take a tour of the White House,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd. He added: “It was very impressive, and I think our country is very lucky to have such a wonderful building as the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.” The mayor did not say whether he would like to live there himself someday.
— Staff Reporter of the Sun
POLICE BLOTTER
Police Investigate Death In Greenwich Village
Police are investigating the death of a 60-year-old Manhattan woman, police said. Police said the woman’s husband called police around 11 a.m. yesterday. When officers arrived at the couple’s apartment on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, they discovered the woman unconscious, with bruises on her elbows. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not immediately release her name. According to police, the Medical Examiner’s office would determine the cause of death. Sources familiar with the investigation said the woman and her husband had been fighting prior to her death.
— Special to the Sun