Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for December 23, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the past few days in our city. The 50 Mile March Foundation is moving forward with the 'Community of Hope Campus' in Papillion, aiming to provide vital services and support to the community. Additionally, the 55 Plus Club in Bellevue is helping community members stay active and connected with others, showcasing the importance of community engagement.

Moving on to 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 the Nebraska Department of Labor, there were over 59,000 job openings advertised on NEworks in May 2024, indicating a strong demand for labor.

In real estate news, new development projects are underway, including construction updates in West Omaha. The weekly median home prices and inventory levels remain stable, with no significant changes reported. From city hall, the Omaha City Council recently discussed zoning changes and new development projects, including a proposal to rezone a property near 72nd and Dodge Streets. We'll keep an eye on these developments and bring you updates as they become available.

Now, let's talk about the weather. A winter weather system is expected to impact our area today, with potential snowfall and freezing temperatures. Make sure to check the latest forecast before heading out today. In terms of new business activity, Malvern's grocery store has reopened three years after a fire, bringing essential services back to the community.

Upcoming community events include the holiday festivities in downtown Omaha, which will feature local vendors and entertainment. In local school achievements, the University of Nebraska at Omaha recently celebrated its graduates, who discussed the impact of AI on their future careers. In sports, the Omaha Mavericks are gearing up for their next game, so be sure to catch the action.

In a feel-good community story, the 'Street corner Santa' in Glenwood has been spreading joy to families for 30 years, embodying the spirit of giving during the holiday season. Today's crime report includes a public safety alert for a recent incident in North Omaha, where authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant. We'll provide more details as they become available.

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