Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new trail signs could change emergency response for Omaha riders

Be sure to catch Ohana Fun Weekend on the Omaha Patch calendar

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Hey there, Omaha! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new trail signs could change emergency response for Omaha riders
  • What OPS is changing this year to boost student reading
  • Why are Douglas County's child vaccinations suddenly dropping so sharply?

Also on today's calendar: Ohana Fun Weekend and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 91 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid with plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 85, low: 62.
  • Sunday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 78 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Omaha neighbor pushes for trail underpass street signs to help riders find their location in emergencies (3newsnow.com) — Trail users across Omaha will soon see new street signs on underpasses, making it easier to tell 911 exactly where they are in an emergency. After a decade of pushing the idea, cyclist Cindy Tefft says the city has begun installing more signs on key trail segments, helping both regular riders and visitors better navigate Omaha's growing trail system.
   

2. Omaha Public Schools entering second year of 'moonshot' program (wowt.com) — Omaha Public Schools students are starting the second year of the Moonshot literacy push, a long-term effort to get every child reading on grade level by 2030. The district is adding more physical books, rethinking classroom technology, and encouraging more handwriting so Omaha students, from pre-K up, spend less time on iPads and more time with print.
   

3. Douglas County child vaccination program sees steep drop (wowt.com) — Douglas County health officials in Omaha report a 39% drop this year in use of the Vaccines for Children program, raising concerns about risks for vulnerable kids and potential disease outbreaks. Local caregivers describe growing distrust around vaccines, while RFK Jr.'s comments at UNMC highlight ongoing debate; officials urge families to talk with trusted doctors.
   

4. Omaha road project on Leavenworth Street aims to reduce crashes, but some residents have concerns (3newsnow.com) — A major safety-focused overhaul is coming to Leavenworth Street between 49th and 60th in central Omaha within two weeks, reducing lanes, adding a bike lane, and changing turn rules under the city's Vision Zero plan. While officials cite 123 crashes since 2020 to justify the project, neighbors are split, weighing potential safety gains against fears of worse congestion.
   

5. Omaha Schools Ask Police to Stop Using Shock Gloves (newser.com) — Omaha police have agreed to stop using electric shock gloves inside most Omaha middle and high schools after public outcry and a request from Superintendent Matthew Ray. Bellevue police, who patrol two Omaha schools, will still carry the devices, and several nearby districts with Omaha officers haven't changed policies, keeping the debate over student safety tools active.
   

📸 Around Omaha

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The Reserves Network, Inc. posted a job opening for Assembler - Tarps in Omaha. Apply here.
  • US Foods posted a job opening for Transportation Manager- Omaha NE in Omaha. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Omaha here.

Ok Omaha! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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