Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Saturday, November 30, 2024. We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days in our city. There have been significant developments in the local job market, with major hiring announcements from top employers like CHI Health and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These announcements are expected to bring hundreds of new job opportunities to the area, which is a welcome boost to our local economy.

In terms of new job postings, we've seen a surge in listings from companies like Union Pacific and First National Bank of Omaha. These postings range from entry-level positions to more senior roles, offering a variety of opportunities for job seekers. On the business expansion front, we've heard that a new tech startup is planning to open its headquarters in downtown Omaha, bringing with it dozens of new jobs and a significant investment in our local tech scene.

Moving on to real estate, there have been some notable commercial property sales in the past week. A large office building on Dodge Street has changed hands, and we're seeing a new wave of development projects in the Old Market area. In residential real estate, the weekly median home price has remained steady at around $280,000, with inventory levels holding at about 2,500 homes on the market. There have also been some significant zoning changes in the works, with the city council considering new proposals for mixed-use developments in the Benson and Dundee neighborhoods.

From city hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The city council has approved a new plan to improve public transportation in Omaha, which includes expanding bus routes and increasing the frequency of service. This is a big win for commuters and those who rely on public transportation to get around the city.

Weather-wise, today is looking chilly and overcast, with a high of around 45 degrees and a chance of scattered showers. This might impact some of the outdoor events planned for today, so be sure to check the latest forecasts before heading out. Looking ahead to the rest of the weekend, we're expecting more of the same, with temperatures staying cool and a chance of rain on Sunday.

In new business activity, we've seen a few notable openings and closings in the past week. A new coffee shop has opened its doors on 16th Street in the Old Market, and a popular local restaurant has announced its closure after 20 years in business. We're also hearing rumors of a new boutique hotel planned for the downtown area, which would be a great addition to our city's hospitality scene.

Looking ahead to the next few days, there are some exciting community events on the horizon. The Omaha Symphony is performing at the Holland Performing Arts Center on Sunday, and the Henry Doorly Zoo is hosting its annual holiday lights display starting on Monday. We're also seeing a lot of activity in our local schools, with several teams competing in state championships and a number of students receiving awards for their academic achievements.

On a more serious note, we have some updates on the crime front. There have been a few significant incidents in the past 24 hours, including a robbery in the Benson neighborhood and a public safety alert issued for a suspect in a string of burglaries in West Omaha. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Finally, we have a feel-good community story to share. A local non-profit organization has been working to provide holiday meals to families in need, and they're seeing a huge outpouring of support from the community. It's a great reminder of the kindness and generosity of the people of Omaha.

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