On a distant Italian island whose roots are shared by thousands of Omahans of Sicilian descent is a new and elaborate park carved into a cliffside: Parco Omaha. Also in that Sicilian town of Carlentini, a visiting Omaha artist is busy creating a podcast series expected not only to spotlight native treasures but also spark business and civic exchanges.

Meanwhile, a real estate-focused team with voices from both Omaha and Carlentini is exploring redevelopment of a cluster of Mussolini-era buildings into a haven for destination weddings and other retreats.