Julie Anderson

Iowa and Nebraska residents likely have heard about what federal health officials have called a larger-than-usual outbreak nationally of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea.

Omaha Mayor John Ewing introduces some of the members of his first Youth Advisory Council

As of Monday, the health department has identified 27 confirmed cases, including 12 additional cases reported over the previous four days.

Another view of a building that would house Omaha's new public safety headquarters at the Crossroads Mall redevelopment site. Julie Anderson

Construction of the $181 million public safety headquarters will hinge on voters' approval in November of a planned $151 bond initiative but will not come with a tax levy increase.

The Douglas County Health Department is investigating an increase in infections with cyclospora, a parasite transmitted through contaminated food or water best known for causing diarrhea.

The proposed city budget, which represents Ewing's first fully solo effort, would keep the property tax levy flat and capture expected increases in property valuations and sales tax revenues.

Omaha Mayor John Ewing said he signed the minimum wage ordinance into law after considering the importance of teen earnings to families.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, Fire Chief Kathy Bossman and Mayor John Ewing talks plans to build new public safety headquarters near the former Crossroads Mall site.

Omaha Mayor John Ewing said the decision on signing the minimum wage ordinance isn't an easy one, but he'll make it by early next week.