Belinda Daniels panicked in 2018 when the pediatrician said her 1-year-old son, Jovanni, had lead in his body. The toxic metal could stunt his brain, the doctor told her, but catching it early meant she could prevent more damage.
Jovanni Daniels, 8, climbs a tree in Omaha. His mother, Belinda, found out her son had high lead levels when he was young, allowing her to take steps to prevent further damage.
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Belinda Daniels helps her son, Jovanni, climb the monkey bars. She thinks all kids in Omaha should be tested for lead.
Jovanni loves riding his bike, wrestling and playing soccer.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of April 2026
Creighton's Lew Rice (3) celebrates after hitting a walk off three-run home run during the eighth inning of a college baseball game against North Dakota State at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Nebraska's Taya Fettig competes in the women's 3000 steeplechase during the Husker Spring Kickoff in Lincoln on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Augustus Henry competes unattached in the men's javelin throw during the Husker Spring Kickoff in Lincoln on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Nebraska's Max Odden competes on the high bars during the Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Championships at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Nebraska's Hannah Coor (23) leaps into the air to catch a fly ball against the outfield fence during the second inning of a college softball game against Rutgers at Bowlin Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
LOVB Nebraska's Jordan Larson (10) is embraced by her teammates after her final game before retiring from volleyball, in Omaha on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Nebraska's Ryan Harrahill (35) pitches during the seventh inning of a college baseball game against Kansas at Hawks Field in Lincoln on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
LOVB Nebraska's Jordan Larson (10) shares a moment with her stepfather Pat Clough after her final game before retiring from volleyball, in Omaha on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Bellevue West’s Rylee O’Brien (14) kicks the ball away from Elkhorn South’s Blu Keiper (10) during the girls Metro Conference soccer tournament final at Omaha South in Omaha, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Bellevue West’s Vanna Reitsma (2) celebrates her second goal against Elkhorn South during the girls Metro Conference soccer tournament final at Omaha South in Omaha, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Elkhorn South’s Kenzie Thompson (0) tries to stop a shot from Bellevue West’s Zoe Ryan (5) during the girls Metro Conference soccer tournament final at Omaha South in Omaha, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Papillion LaVista South’s Caden Erwin (7) kicks the ball toward Omaha Creighton Prep’s Lucas Krist (19) during the boys Metro Conference soccer tournament final at Omaha South in Omaha, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The sun sets as Omaha Creighton Prep takes on Papillion LaVista South during the boys Metro Conference soccer tournament final at Omaha South in Omaha, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Looking west on Vinton Street from 34th Street, snow covers roofs of houses in Omaha, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Snow and ice cover tulips near 42nd and Pacific Streets in Omaha, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Janey McCoy prepares cinnamon rolls behind a case containing bagels in the bakery section at Baker’s supermarket 888 S. Saddle Creek road in Omaha, on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Omaha Central’s Luke Neujahr (5) fields a ball hit by Omaha South’s Zane Carroll (14) during a high school baseball game at Boyd Park in Omaha, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Neujahr had a hand warmer in his mouth as temperatures were in the upper 40s.
Dylan Espinoza, poses for a portrait inside Very Important Pizza, which he recently opened at 2502 Farnam St. in Omaha, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Preston Love Jr. announces political endorsements during a press conference at 24th and Lake Streets in Omaha, on Thursday, April 16, 2026. That section of 24th Street is named after after his father, Preston Love Sr.
