Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, October thirty-first. Our morning starts cloudy and cool, with a chance for some drizzle here and there across Douglas County. We can expect highs around fifty this afternoon, so grab a jacket if you are heading out for Halloween festivities. Skies should stay mostly dry, but keep an umbrella handy just in case, especially if you plan to watch high school football under the lights.

Breaking overnight, Omaha police are on the lookout for Ricardo Kirk, age thirty-two, who’s wanted in connection with a North Omaha shooting and a recent homicide. If you live or work near North Twenty-fourth Street, stay alert and contact authorities via the tipline if you spot anything out of the ordinary. Public safety remains a top concern as we head into the weekend.

At City Hall, the debate continues over an apartment project at Thirty-second and Pacific in Hanscom Park. Neighbors have rallied with a petition against a proposed twenty-unit complex, worried about increasing parking congestion and changes to the historic feel of the area. The developer, Urban Village, says transit options would offset the reduced parking but residents say it’s still a problem for families and seniors navigating already crowded side streets. The City Council has not yet given its final approval, so this conversation is far from over.

Food insecurity is making news as Whispering Roots, one of Omaha’s largest food pantries, is struggling to keep up with demand following the federal SNAP benefits pause. The nonprofit, which usually feeds over sixty-five thousand families a year, is now forced to limit support to only the most vulnerable as shelves empty. The city has responded with a new food drive launched by Mayor John Ewing Junior, urging all of us to pitch in with nonperishables. If you want to help, Whispering Roots is located on Edward Babe Gomez Avenue, near the South Omaha YMCA.

Looking to the local job market, Molina Healthcare is hiring across tech positions in Omaha right now, with a focus on artificial intelligence and security roles. Recent job board data shows openings offering pay up to approximately two hundred thousand, a bright spot for mid to senior level professionals looking to land meaningful work before the holiday season.

Housing news has been busy too. With neighborhood development turning heated, real estate agents say homes in Midtown and Dundee are selling faster this fall than last year, averaging under two weeks on the market and median prices just above three hundred thousand dollars. Prospective buyers should move quickly if they see a property they like.

On a lighter note, we’re seeing plenty of Halloween spirit around town this morning. Benson is hosting its annual Trick-or-Treat parade at noon, and the Old Market Ghost Walk sets off at six this evening. No shortage of live music either—local band The Prairie Sons play Slowdown tonight, expect a big crowd and plenty of costumes.

In high school

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Thursday, October 30th, 2025.

We start on a chilly note with a dense fog advisory across eastern Nebraska until mid-morning, with some spots near freezing, so we urge everyone to take it slow on the roads—especially on thoroughfares like Dodge Street and the I-680 corridor. The fog should lift by mid-morning, but bundle up for morning errands—temperatures are not likely to climb much above the 50s today.

Our eyes are on Omaha City Hall, where it’s been a quiet week on major citywide decisions, but the larger story in our area involves the suburb of Blair. Late last night, the Blair City Council voted 6-2 to deny Omaha Rapid Response’s request for a ten-year permit to establish a headquarters in Blair. According to KMTV, debate ran deep, with neighbors raising safety and traffic concerns, while supporters highlighted the nonprofit’s vital support for at-risk families. This leaves Omaha Rapid Response’s plans in limbo—we’ll have more as this story develops.

On the employment front, Omaha’s job market continues to reflect the broader trends of growth and churn in logistics and healthcare. While exact numbers are always in flux, local job boards show around 4,000 open positions within a 10-mile radius, with especially strong opportunities in the Aksarben area and along Center Street. For residents, this means persistent opportunities, but also the local challenge of matching skills to expanding sectors.

In real estate, we’re seeing a slight dip in median home prices, now hovering near $290,000, as inventory inches up. New listings are concentrated in Benson, Dundee, and West Omaha, so for potential buyers, it’s a good time to scout out what’s available before winter tightens the market further.

On the cultural side, Baxter Arena is buzzing not just with sports, but community spirit. Tonight, Omaha Volleyball hosts South Dakota State in a Summit League showdown—a rematch from a marathon five-setter last month. Even better, it’s a Halloween treat: before the match, kids are invited to trick-or-treat around the concourse starting at 6 p.m., with candy stops staffed by Omaha student-athletes. Tickets are available online or at the Baxter box office. Omaha High School athletics are wrapping up their seasons, with standout performances in cross country and football—local runners made strong showings at state qualifiers, and the Millard West football team’s defense earned special praise from coaches after last Friday’s shutout.

Looking ahead, this weekend promises family fun with “Spooktacular” events at the Durham Museum and the annual “Harvest Happenings” at the Old Market. And for a quick feel-good note, North Omaha community gardens are wrapping their season by donating thousands of pounds of fresh produce to area food banks—a reminder of how grassroots efforts nourish our whole city.

On the crime front, the overnight police blotter shows a typical pre-holiday uptick in minor thefts, especially near ret

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Sunday, October 26, 2025. We start our day with breaking sports excitement as the UNO Mavericks hockey team delighted fans at Baxter Arena last night, clinching a comeback win with a 5 to 2 victory over thirteenth-ranked UMass. Omaha struck early with goals from Maxime Pellerin and Aidan de la Gorgendiere. The Minutemen tied it up in the third before Omaha pulled away, capped off by an empty-netter and a rapid follow-up goal. It’s a big morale booster as the Mavericks now break even for their season record.

Keeping the sports momentum rolling, Creighton men’s basketball showed fans what’s ahead for the season at CHI Health Center. In their preseason exhibition, the Bluejays outpaced Colorado State 76 to 64, with strong defense in the first half and sharp shooting by Kyle Jorgensen. Those attending caught a small preview of what’s expected to be an energetic season for the Jays.

Omaha’s high school athletes had a standout weekend, with Omaha Skutt Catholic taking home the River Cities Conference volleyball championship, sweeping Omaha Roncalli in straight sets. On the football side, area schools are gearing up for playoff action following some intense games last night.

Looking ahead, Maverick women’s basketball tips off their preseason this afternoon at Sapp Fieldhouse, hosting Avila at 3:30. Admission is free and it’s a great first look at coach Jamie Carey’s rebuilt squad, including three returning players and twelve new faces. It’s a family-friendly way to spend your afternoon before those October winds kick in.

Speaking of weather, today we’re waking up to brisk temps in the low forties and a stiff breeze out of the northwest. We can expect sunny skies, but temperatures will struggle to hit the mid-fifties by mid-afternoon. Keep those jackets handy if you’re heading downtown for the Old Market Coffee Crawl or planning a stroll through Lauritzen Gardens. The evening cools off quickly, so bundle up for any outdoor plans.

From City Hall, we’re keeping close watch on the city council’s upcoming vote this Tuesday regarding traffic calming measures along Dodge and Pacific streets. The vote could mean new bike lanes and reduced speed limits, especially near schools. Residents are encouraged to weigh in, as this could alter morning commutes for many families in the Dundee and Midtown areas.

Turning to business news, local favorite Daily Dozen Donuts has announced they’ll open a second Midtown location near 40th and Farnam by Thanksgiving. Several small retail spaces have gone under contract in the Blackstone District, signaling more boutiques coming soon. On the job front, Omaha’s unemployment rate remains low, hovering just under three percent. Several large employers, including Mutual of Omaha and Nebraska Medicine, list over 250 open positions across a variety of roles.

In our real estate market, agents report that median sale prices in Omaha have leveled off this fall, now sitting near 270,000 dol

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Saturday, October 25th, 2025.

We wake up today to news of a dramatic rescue that unfolded yesterday morning at the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The Omaha Fire Department is being credited with saving the life of a man who was in distress on the bridge. According to KIOS FM, quick action from rescue crews made all the difference, and thanks to their training and teamwork, a life was saved right in the heart of downtown.

Shifting gears to City Hall, Omaha’s council has just wrapped up a series of public input sessions about proposed changes to the city’s recycling program. Residents along Dodge and Maple Street neighborhoods voiced concerns about scheduled pickups and possible limits on plastics. City leaders are expected to announce the final decision next week, changes that could alter what we toss in our blue bins each day.

Let’s check in on the weather. A chilly start this morning with patches of fog across west Omaha, but sunshine is expected to break through by midday. Highs should climb to the lower sixties. It’s a good day for any outdoor plans, but keep a light jacket handy for those cool breezes, especially if you’re catching soccer at Caniglia Field.

And speaking of sports, Omaha Men’s Soccer faces Denver this afternoon at 2:30 at Caniglia Field for their penultimate home game of the regular season. The Mavericks are currently sitting just on the bubble for postseason play, so every point counts. Meanwhile, several local high school teams chalked up wins last night—congratulations to Millard North’s volleyball squad for claiming back-to-back district titles.

In the world of business, a new bakery called Sunrise Hearth has just opened its doors over in Benson on Maple Street, already drawing crowds for its sourdough and Saturday morning cinnamon rolls. On the jobs front, local employment agencies report around 850 new postings in Omaha this week, with a big uptick in healthcare and hospitality sectors ahead of the holiday season.

Real estate continues to bustle, with about 320 new listings hitting the market across Douglas County in the past week. Open houses are on tap today in the Blackstone and Aksarben areas, and realtors say buyers are out early to get ahead of the winter lull.

A heads-up from the police blotter: Omaha Police responded to an incident late last night near 72nd and Pacific involving a car break-in. Officers made a quick arrest and are reminding everyone to lock vehicles and remove valuables, especially as Halloween approaches and foot traffic picks up after dark. Otherwise, the department reports a quiet night citywide.

For community events, the annual Jazz on the Green fall festival kicks off tonight at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing, promising a family-friendly evening with live music, food trucks, and local artists. Tomorrow, the Henry Doorly Zoo is hosting its popular Boo at the Zoo event, with costume parades and treat stations for the kids.

One feel-good stor

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, October 24, 2025.

We wake up today to skies that are partly cloudy, with temperatures in the mid 50s across the metro and a brisk breeze coming off the Missouri. By afternoon, we can expect highs around 65 with sun breaking through, perfect for getting outside or checking out local events. No rain in sight, so weekend plans are looking good.

The big news from City Hall is last night’s decision by the city council to reject a controversial ordinance that would have criminalized homelessness in Omaha, carrying jail time and hefty fines. The mayor had pledged a veto if the ordinance passed, but after impassioned testimony from residents and organizations like the Nebraska ACLU, council members voted to focus on more supportive measures for our homeless community. This moves the city toward investing in affordable housing and more compassionate approaches, rather than criminal penalties.

On the business front, Union Pacific announced strong quarterly earnings of about $1.8 billion as conversations continue around its potential merger with Norfolk Southern. If approved, this $85 billion deal could create America’s first transcontinental railroad, headquartered right here in Omaha. The merger has picked up national attention, with labor unions and some local businesses voicing support, while competitors urge regulators to consider the impact on market competition.

Turning to real estate, homes in midtown neighborhoods like Dundee and Aksarben continue selling quickly, with average prices hovering around three hundred twenty thousand dollars. Realtors say inventory is tight and open houses this weekend on Dewey Avenue and Poppleton are expected to draw large crowds. For job seekers, the market remains vibrant as healthcare, transportation, and tech companies—especially those tied to the rail industry—advertise hundreds of new openings citywide.

As we look to community activities, Baxter Arena will be buzzing tonight as our Omaha Mavericks hockey team kicks off homecoming weekend against No. 13 UMass. Puck drops at 7 p.m., and after a big win over Minnesota State last week, excitement is high. If you want something more laid back, Saturday’s Riverfront Arts Festival brings local artists and live music to Heartland of America Park.

Local schools are celebrating strong fall sports results. The Central High Eagles volleyball team clinched a spot in the state semifinals with a decisive win on Tuesday. Omaha South’s robotics club placed in the top three at last night’s STEM showcase, drawing praise from educators citywide.

For today’s crime report, police responded late yesterday to an incident near 24th and Lake. No injuries were reported, and two suspects are in custody. Officers are reminding us to secure vehicles, as there’s been a spate of break-ins north of Dodge this week.

On a feel-good note, volunteers helped renovate the playground at Miller Park Elementary yesterday, installing new equipme

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Thursday, October 23. We’re starting off today with a look at a major topic from City Hall. After two months of heated debate, the Omaha City Council has officially voted down the proposal that would have imposed fines on people living in homeless encampments on public property. This decision comes after passionate discussion from both sides about how best to address homelessness while balancing public safety and compassion in our city. Although the council chose not to move forward with fines, city officials say they’re still exploring long-term solutions to help our homeless neighbors.

On the jobs front, concerns about the beef market are making headlines. Senator Pete Ricketts yesterday called for market-based solutions to address rising beef costs, urging the administration to reconsider plans to import beef from Argentina. The Nebraska Farm Bureau echoed concerns about how such imports could drive prices down for local cattle, impacting jobs and rural communities across Douglas County. While there’s no immediate change to import policy, area ranchers and processors are watching closely for updates.

Local schools have been busy this week. Millard North’s debate team clinched first place in the district tournament Tuesday night, pulling ahead after a tiebreaker round. That’s a big win for the Mustangs, and we send them our congratulations. Meanwhile, Omaha South’s volleyball team snagged a victory over Lincoln High, bumping them to second in the metro standings.

When it comes to real estate, the latest numbers show about 350 new homes listed in Omaha just this past week, with average prices holding steady around 320 thousand dollars. Realtors say interest from out-of-state buyers remains strong, driven by our growing tech sector and university neighborhood demand.

Turning to weather, we can expect cloudy skies most of the day with occasional light showers through the late morning hours. Temperatures will hover in the mid-sixties, warming up slightly for the afternoon. Tonight, skies should clear and lows will dip into the forties, so keep a jacket handy if you’re out for evening events or high school football games.

Let’s touch briefly on crime. Omaha police report a quiet stretch overnight, with just one significant incident—a burglary on 108th Street near Westroads Mall. Officers responded quickly, recovering stolen property and making an arrest. No injuries reported, and authorities say patrols will be increased in that area today. Throughout the city, police remind us to lock vehicles and watch for suspicious activity, especially as holiday shopping season approaches.

New business activity is buzzing in Midtown, with a local bakery called Honeycomb opening its doors just off Farnam Street. The owner, a recent graduate of UNO, started with pop-up sales at farmers markets and is now expanding thanks to community support. Meanwhile, a long-time fixture, Old Market Books, will close at the end

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Sunday, October nineteenth, twenty twenty-five.

We wake up to a crisp, clear autumn morning here in Omaha, and the sun’s expected to linger through most of the day. We’re looking at light winds and highs just touching the low sixties, perfect for outdoor plans, soccer matches, maybe even a walk down Elmwood Park. Skies are likely staying dry until late evening, so it’s a great day to enjoy the city.

Big news from City Hall: City Council members are preparing for this Tuesday’s public hearing on the ongoing downtown revitalization proposal. The main topics include plans for infrastructure updates on Farnam and 16th Street, with special attention on pedestrian safety and traffic changes expected to affect our commutes over the next year. There are also updates to recycling collection schedules being considered, so it’s worth double-checking your neighborhood’s upcoming pickup days.

As for Omaha’s job market, hiring continues to show resilience. Local staffing agencies report about four hundred new job listings since midweek, with demand especially high for healthcare staff, warehouse roles near the airport business park, and in tech support downtown. Several area restaurants are hiring ahead of seasonal rushes, and a new pet supply shop, Happy Paws on Pacific Street, will be hosting open interviews this afternoon.

In real estate, the supply of homes on the market remains tight, but average selling prices are holding steady, right around three hundred twenty thousand dollars for a single-family home in central Omaha. Real estate agents say open house traffic is brisk in Dundee and West Omaha, with first-time buyers particularly active this weekend.

Cultural and entertainment highlights are picking up as we head into the end of October. Tonight brings the closing show of the Midtown Community Players’ autumn production at the Rose Theater, and reservations are nearly full for the Jazz on the River event at Miller’s Landing. Keep an eye out for the annual Autumn on the Plaza fall festival starting this Friday in Old Market, featuring live music, local food trucks, and pumpkin carving for all ages.

Now to sports, today is a big one for our Omaha Mavericks women’s soccer team, as they host Denver at noon at Caniglia Field. The team returns home after a tough battle against South Dakota State, determined to finish the regular season strong. Fourteen different Mavericks have scored this year, showing impressive team depth. Listeners are encouraged to come out or tune in—the atmosphere should be electric.

Omaha Public Schools are celebrating a win, with Benson High’s robotics team taking first place in the regional qualifiers yesterday. Congratulations to those students and coaches for representing us so well.

Looking at public safety, Omaha police have increased patrols in the North 24th Street corridor following a series of late-night car break-ins over the weekend. There have been no reports of injurie

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Saturday, October 18, 2025. We are waking up to a brisk fall morning, temperatures hovering in the upper forties, with a light breeze from the north. Expect it to warm up to near sixty by midafternoon, but grab your jacket if you are heading to the farmers’ market or out for an early walk around Memorial Park. The sky should stay mostly clear, making this a picture-perfect autumn Saturday for outdoor plans all around Omaha.

We begin with breaking news from city hall. The Omaha City Council has just approved funds to accelerate repairs on Dodge Street, with lane closures expected between 38th and 52nd over the next two weeks. This should ease some of the ongoing traffic headaches we have all felt during the morning rush. Mayor Stothert also announced a new initiative to support small business recovery grants, specifically aimed at helping locally owned shops along North 24th and South 13th Street rebound after this summer's construction disruption.

Turning to the job market, the Omaha metro continues to show resilience. The Nebraska Department of Labor reports more than five thousand new job postings this week, primarily in healthcare, education, and logistics. Local tech startups in Aksarben Village are also hiring, with several new positions in software engineering and data analytics. And for those eyeing a career change, Amgen is seeking experienced managers for their clinical insights division, with hybrid work options available.

Real estate news is looking bright for sellers. Average home prices in West Omaha reached three hundred and fifteen thousand this month, up nearly seven percent year over year. Inventory remains tight, but realtors note open houses on Regency Parkway and in Dundee have come with multiple offers within days. On the rental side, demand for apartments near UNMC and Blackstone is outpacing supply, driving rents up modestly.

On the cultural front, the Holland Performing Arts Center hosts the Omaha Symphony tonight with a program featuring Mozart and Gershwin. Details from the Box Office say there are still tickets available. Meanwhile, the Benson neighborhood is alive with the annual Autumn Arts Crawl, running through Sunday. If music is your thing, don’t miss Jocelyn’s all-ages show at Slowdown tonight.

In sports, our high school football scene delivered excitement last night. Millard South pulled off a win against Bellevue West in the final minutes, securing the top seed heading into next week’s playoffs. Congratulations also go to the Central High marching band, taking first place in the River City Invitational.

Turning to public safety, Omaha police responded overnight to a reported break-in near 60th and Center. No injuries have been reported and a suspect was detained just after midnight. Authorities urge us to remain vigilant about locking vehicles and homes as daylight hours shorten.

For a feel-good story, students from Walnut Hill Elementary joined volunteers yest

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, October seventeenth, twenty twenty-five. We wake up today to cool, cloudy skies and a high around fifty-three degrees, so if you’re headed out this morning, grab a light jacket. Some light showers are expected this afternoon, but nothing that will wash out your weekend plans. Looking ahead, we can expect a slight warm-up on Saturday, with drier conditions returning by Sunday.

Kicking things off with today's breaking news, homicide detectives are investigating a suspicious death discovered last night in north Omaha. Detectives cordoned off the area near North Thirty-Third and Fowler Avenue, and investigators say there is no ongoing threat to neighborhoods nearby, but are calling for anyone with information to reach out. We’ll continue following updates as more details become available.

Meanwhile, at City Hall, redistricting is heating up. With Nebraska’s Second Congressional District—right here in Omaha—seen as a key battleground, state lawmakers, led by Republicans, are debating whether to redraw district lines ahead of the twenty twenty-six election. Gov. Jim Pillen supports the move, but some legislators remain hesitant, aware that pushing too far could make other seats unexpectedly competitive. For everyday Omaha residents, it means our voices could carry extra weight as these changes ripple through future election cycles.

On the real estate front, Omaha’s housing market held steady this week, with just over three hundred new listings coming online. Average home prices continue to hover just below three hundred thousand dollars, a slight uptick from summer months. According to local realtors, west Omaha neighborhoods near Zorinsky Lake are especially hot this fall, with homes moving quickly and several bidding wars erupting, a clear sign of demand outpacing supply.

Turning to jobs, the outlook remains positive for job seekers this October. The Omaha Chamber reports about two thousand open positions across health care, manufacturing, and information technology. Mutual of Omaha and CHI Health lead the list of employers hiring in bulk, while several small businesses in Benson and Blackstone have put out the call for seasonal help ahead of the holidays.

In new business activity, greetings to Good Grounds coffee, which opened its doors this morning on Maple Street in the heart of Benson. The local owners hope to be a community hub with live music and open mic nights starting next week. Over in Midtown Crossing, residents bid farewell to Blue Fern gift shop, which closed after five years but hinted at popping up for holiday markets.

Sports fans in Omaha have a big weekend ahead. Tonight at the CHI Health Center, the Creighton men’s basketball team, ranked twenty-third in the nation, takes on number sixteen Iowa State in a highly anticipated exhibition. Tip-off is at seven thirty, and tickets are nearly sold out. And, at one p.m., the Mavericks Cross Country team hosts their second and final

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Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Thursday, October sixteenth, twenty twenty-five. We are starting off with a development that could shape our downtown area for years to come—the City Council has already approved a forty-million-dollar public incentive for the Little Bo Village project near Old Market, aiming to create a new front door for Nebraska’s largest downtown. While this is approved, the debate over zoning changes is still underway, so the full impact on Old Market and nearby neighborhoods is yet to be decided. If greenlit, expect new retail, residential, and community gathering spaces to start rising along Capitol Avenue and adjoining streets. If you haven’t made it by the proposed Little Bo Village site lately, now’s a good time to see what may be ahead—this is the city making a big bet on our urban core.

At City Hall, there are no major new ordinances or votes to announce today, but the conversation continues about transparency and public records. According to the Nebraska Examiner and Flatwater Free Press, community members and advocacy groups are pressing the Governor’s Office for more information about the transition of the McCook Work Ethic Camp to a federal immigration detention facility. While state leaders say they are following the law, many locals and even some legislators feel this is a situation where we deserve more detail, especially as this could have ripple effects on Omaha’s agencies, services, and communities.

On the housing front, the real estate market remains steady, with median prices holding around two hundred and ninety-five thousand dollars—a tad higher than last year, but with signs the surge may be slowing. The job scene is similar, with major employers in health care and logistics leading in open positions—UNMC, for example, is hiring across multiple departments and says Pathways students are getting early glimpses into their future careers there. If you’re looking for work, now is a good time to connect with Omaha’s hospitals and logistics hubs.

Downtown, weather is on our side for now—mild mornings, crisp evenings, and no rain in the immediate forecast. Expect highs in the low seventies and plenty of sunshine, making it a great day to get outside for a walk along the Gene Leahy Mall or catch the last of the fall events before we move into the chill of late October.

Speaking of events, this weekend brings the opening of a new farmers market on Pacific Street, with local vendors, food trucks, and live music starting Saturday morning. Also on Saturday, the Omaha Film Festival kicks off at the Baxter Arena with local filmmakers and special guests in attendance. For something more active, the Omaha Marathon is set to lace up on Sunday morning, closing some downtown streets but bringing plenty of energy and spirit.

High school sports are heating up as well, with Millard North and Omaha Westside squaring off in one of the most anticipated football games of the year. Both teams are having strong seas

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