Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, December 27, 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 update is the approval of a new mixed-use development project in downtown Omaha, which is expected to bring in new businesses and residential units.

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 are over 59,000 job openings advertised in the Omaha area.

Moving on to the real estate pulse, we've seen some notable commercial and residential property sales in the past week. A new residential development project in West Omaha has broken ground, offering over 200 new homes. The weekly median home price in Omaha is around $340,000, with inventory levels remaining steady. There have been significant zoning changes in the Council Bluffs area, paving the way for new commercial developments.

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The city council has approved new funding for community programs, focusing on education and workforce development. This is expected to have a positive impact on our local economy and job market.

Weather-wise, today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 38 degrees. We're expecting some light snow showers later in the week, so be sure to check the forecast before heading out. This weather might impact some of today's activities and events, including the holiday lights display at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

In new business activity, we have a few openings and closings to report. A new coffee shop has opened in the Old Market district, offering a variety of specialty coffees and pastries. Unfortunately, a local restaurant in South Omaha has closed its doors after 20 years in business.

Looking ahead to the next few days, we have some exciting community events lined up. The Omaha Symphony will be performing at the Holland Performing Arts Center on Saturday, and the Omaha Children's Museum is hosting a holiday-themed event on Sunday.

In local school achievements, we'd like to congratulate the Omaha Westside High School basketball team on their recent win. And in sports news, the Omaha Lancers hockey team is gearing up for their next game at the Ralston Arena.

On a feel-good note, we'd like to share a story about a local non-profit organization that's been making a difference in our community. The Omaha Food Bank has been working tirelessly to provide food and support to those in need, especially during the holiday season.

Finally, in today's crime report, we have a few incidents to report from the past 24 hours. There was a burglary reported in the Benson neighborhood, and police are investigating a theft at a local retail store in West Omaha. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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