Julie Anderson

3 weeks ago | omaha.com | Julie Anderson

Mayor Jean Stothert told a story during Friday's State of the City address about the highs and lows of Omaha in 2024, in which even the lows marked points of pride. Among the highs cited by Stothert, who is seeking her fourth term as mayor, are rapid development, significant investment in affordable housing, investments in rehabilitating deteriorating streets and the construction of new public facilities and spaces for youth and families.

1 month ago | omaha.com | Julie Anderson

Four future flood control reservoirs and recreation areas in the Omaha area may not have water yet, but they now have names. The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District board recently chose names for all four, two of which will open in the Gretna area this year. Completion of the four will leave only two more such projects yet to finish from the district’s current list of priority flood mitigation projects, said John Winkler, the NRD’s general manager.

1 month ago | journalstar.com | Julie Anderson

Three geese found dead at Heartland of America Park near the Missouri River in downtown Omaha have tested positive for bird flu, the Douglas County Health Department said Thursday. Reports of several dead birds at the park led to the discovery of seven dead geese. Tests on three geese, conducted Monday, confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, the next day. At the time of the discovery, an estimated 60 to 90 birds were present in the area.

1 month ago | omaha.com | Julie Anderson

Two or three geese found dead at ConAgra Lake near the Missouri River in downtown Omaha have tested positive for bird flu, the Douglas County Health Department said Thursday. The risk to humans is thought to be minimal, said Phil Rooney, a health department spokeswoman. The health department is working with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on a response. Game and Parks officials could not be reached immediately Thursday for details about what such a response might entail.

1 month ago | omaha.com | Julie Anderson

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska said Friday that it has laid off 13 employees as a result of the Trump administration's suspension of refugee resettlement and the cessation of federal funds for resettlement agencies to assist new arrivals. The end of refugee resettlement programming, coupled with non-payment for contracted services, forced the agency, which also serves southwest Iowa, to immediately absorb a loss of approximately $2.5 million, the agency said.