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 seasons, and the winner will have a clear path to the playoffs. On the local school front, several Omaha Public Schools have been recognized for outstanding STEM initiatives—Franklin Elementary and Benson High in particular were both named statewide leaders in science education earlier this week.

For a feel-good story, there’s a local campaign to help renovate the Adams Park Community Center near North 30th and Ames. Volunteers and city officials have come together to raise funds and repair the aging facility, which remains a vital hub for families in the area.

In the crime report, Omaha Police confirm a serious but isolated incident overnight near 72nd and Dodge, where a man was apprehended after a brief chase. No injuries were reported, and no other significant incidents have been announced in the last twenty-four hours.

We are also seeing new businesses opening their doors along Saddle Creek Road,...