Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Monday, December 23, 2024. We're starting off with some festive news that captures the spirit of the season. A long-standing Omaha tradition has once again brought joy to the community. Keegan Smutz, a Union Pacific worker, has been involved in cutting, delivering, and decorating the Durham Museum's annual Christmas tree for 10 years now. This year, despite the rainy weather, Smutz and his bridge maintenance crew successfully brought a 40-foot-tall spruce tree from a West Omaha front yard to the museum, marking the beginning of the Christmas season for many[1].

Moving on to our job market snapshot, Omaha continues to show resilience and adaptability. The finance sector, particularly, has maintained stability and seen growth, thanks to major corporations like Berkshire Hathaway. Emerging sectors like renewable energy and biotechnology are also creating new job opportunities. The tech sector remains a hotbed of job creation, with roles ranging from software development to AI and machine learning specialists. Recent labor reports indicate over 59,000 job openings advertised in the area, highlighting the city's diverse economy[2][5].

In real estate news, while there haven't been any major announcements in the past few days, the city's real estate market remains strong. We'll keep an eye on any significant developments and bring you updates as they happen.

From city hall, the Omaha City Council met on December 10 and 17, discussing various issues including zoning changes and new development projects. These discussions are crucial for understanding how our city is evolving and how these changes might affect our daily lives[3][5].

Weather-wise, today is expected to be chilly but clear, making it a great day to get out and enjoy some of the city's festive activities. However, we're keeping an eye on the forecast for any potential winter weather advisories.

In new business activity, the 50 Mile March Foundation is moving forward with the 'Community of Hope Campus', a significant development in Papillion/LaVista/Ralston/Bellevue. Additionally, the 55 Plus Club is helping community members stay active and connect with others, showcasing the community's commitment to supporting all age groups[4].

Upcoming community events include various holiday festivities around the city. We encourage everyone to check local listings and participate in these events to make the most of the holiday season.

In local school achievements, UNO graduates recently discussed AI's impact and being 'Gen Z' on their future careers, highlighting the innovative thinking coming out of our local educational institutions[4].

For a feel-good community story, let's revisit the 'Street corner Santa' in Glenwood, who has been bringing joy to families for 30 years. This kind of community spirit is what makes Omaha such a special place[4].

In today's crime report, there have been no significant incidents in the past 24 hours. We'll continue to monitor and bring you any updates as necessary.

This has been Omaha Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.