Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Wednesday, December 25, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the last few days in our city. The Omaha City Council met recently, discussing various issues affecting our daily lives, including zoning changes and new development projects. One notable development is the 50 Mile March Foundation moving forward with the 'Community of Hope Campus' in Papillion, which aims to provide support services for veterans and their families.

Let's take a look at today's job market snapshot. Omaha's job market is showing resilience and adaptability, with a diverse economy that includes finance, agriculture, and technology. The finance sector, a stronghold in Omaha, has maintained its stability and even shown growth, thanks to the city's reputation as a hub for financial services and insurance. Emerging sectors like renewable energy and biotechnology are also creating new job opportunities. The tech sector, fueled by a vibrant startup scene, is a hotbed of job creation, with roles ranging from software development to AI and machine learning specialists. According to recent labor reports, there were over 59,000 job openings advertised in the Omaha area.

Moving on to the real estate pulse, we've seen notable commercial and residential property sales in the past week. New development projects are also underway, including construction updates in the downtown area. Weekly median home prices are around $340,000, with inventory levels remaining steady. Significant zoning changes were discussed at the recent city council meeting, including updates to the Fort Crook Road bridge in Bellevue, which has closed its southbound lanes indefinitely.

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The city council discussed various zoning changes and new development projects, aiming to balance growth with community needs. We'll continue to follow these developments and bring you updates as they happen.

Weather-wise, today is expected to be chilly, with temperatures in the mid-20s. We advise everyone to bundle up and stay warm, especially if you're planning on attending any outdoor events. Speaking of events, there are several community activities lined up for the next few days, including holiday festivities in the Old Market and a charity run in Council Bluffs.

In local school news, UNO graduates recently discussed the impact of AI on their future careers, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable in a rapidly changing job market. On the sports front, local teams are gearing up for their winter seasons, with several key matches scheduled for the coming weeks.

For a feel-good community story, we have the 'Street corner Santa' in Glenwood, who has been bringing joy to families for 30 years. It's heartwarming to see such dedication to spreading holiday cheer.

In today's crime report, we have no significant incidents to report from the past 24 hours. However, we remind everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Finally, in new business activity, Malvern's grocery store has reopened three years after a fire, providing a much-needed service to the local community. The 55 Plus Club in Papillion is also helping community members stay active and connected with others.

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