Good morning, this is Omaha Local Pulse for Friday, November 22, 2024. We're starting off with some breaking news from the last few days in our city. A major development in West Omaha caught our attention, where a new tech firm announced its plans to set up a headquarters, promising over 500 new jobs in the next two years. This is a significant boost to our local economy, especially in the tech sector.

Moving on to today's job market snapshot, we see a positive trend with several major hiring announcements. The University of Nebraska Medical Center is looking to fill over 200 positions, ranging from medical staff to administrative roles. Additionally, a leading retail chain is expanding its operations in Central Omaha, with plans to hire around 150 new employees. The current unemployment rate in Omaha stands at about 2.5%, reflecting a strong job market.

In real estate news, a notable commercial property sale took place in Downtown Omaha, where a historic building on 16th Street was sold to a local developer for over $10 million. This sale is expected to lead to a major renovation project, potentially bringing new businesses and residents to the area. Weekly median home prices are around $280,000, with inventory levels slightly down from last week. There's also a significant zoning change proposed for the North Omaha area, which could pave the way for new residential developments.

From City Hall, we have updates on decisions that affect our daily lives. The Omaha City Council approved a new public transportation plan, which includes expanded bus routes and improved bike lanes. This is a step forward in making our city more accessible and environmentally friendly.

Weather-wise, today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 52 degrees. This should make for a pleasant day for outdoor activities, such as the Omaha Farmers Market at the Old Market, which is happening this weekend.

In new business activity, we have a couple of openings to mention. A new boutique hotel is set to open its doors in the Old Market area, offering a unique lodging experience for visitors. On the other hand, a long-standing restaurant in Council Bluffs announced its closure, citing economic challenges.

Looking ahead to community events, the Omaha Symphony is performing at the Holland Performing Arts Center this weekend, and the Henry Doorly Zoo is hosting a holiday lights event starting next week.

In local school achievements, the Omaha Westside High School football team won their division championship, and we congratulate them on their success.

For a feel-good community story, we highlight the efforts of a local non-profit that organized a food drive, collecting over 10,000 pounds of food for local food banks. This is a testament to the generosity and spirit of our community.

Finally, in today's crime report, we note a significant incident from the past 24 hours. There was a reported burglary in the Northwest Omaha area, and the police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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