Omaha Local News

Omaha, Nebraska - A 20-year-old Omaha man is now facing time behind bars after a confrontation with federal law enforcement escalated into violence, property damage, and a dangerous situation involving a growing crowd. Federal officials confirmed that Osmar Lorenzo-Genchi was sentenced on March 18, 2026, in Omaha to 22 months in prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers while intending to commit another felony. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher. In addition to his prison term, Lorenzo-Genchi will serve three years of supervised release after completing his sentence. He was also ordered to pay...

Omaha, Nebraska - A new effort to restore Omaha’s damaged landscape is set to take place this April, as local organizations come together to help residents rebuild after devastating storms. On Saturday, April 11, Keep Omaha Beautiful and the Arbor Day Foundation will host a tree distribution event aimed at providing 200 new trees to community members, including those still recovering from the 2024 tornadoes. The initiative focuses on restoring the city’s tree canopy, which suffered heavy losses during severe weather in recent years. Recipients of the trees were selected through the Tri-County Long Term Recovery Group, ensuring that support reaches...

Omaha, Nebraska - A major new effort aimed at shaping the future of one Nebraska city is now underway, as leaders turn directly to residents for guidance on how to improve everyday life across generations. The City of Omaha, alongside Age-Friendly Omaha (AFO), officially launched the Age-Friendly Community Survey during a press conference held at Fabric Lab. The survey is designed to gather input from residents and identify key priorities that will help shape Omaha’s first Age-Friendly Action Plan, a long-term roadmap focused on making the city more livable for people of all ages, with special attention given to older adults. City...

Omaha, Nebraska - A Nebraska man is facing additional time behind bars after a federal court found that he failed to return to custody during a temporary release and remained on the run for months before being located in Omaha. Jackson Williams, 41, of Omaha, was sentenced on March 13, 2026, in federal court for escaping from federal custody. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. ordered Williams to serve 40 months in federal prison. Officials confirmed that there is no parole in the federal system, and once he completes this sentence, Williams will begin a three-year term...

Omaha, Nebraska - Douglas County Emergency Management Agency welcomed Patti Motl last October, bringing on an experienced emergency management specialist whose mission is rooted in strengthening local preparedness and protecting the community she now calls home. Motl’s arrival reflects the agency’s continued effort to build resilience and ensure the county is ready to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters. Motl entered the field through a path shaped by healthcare and disaster response. She began her professional career as a nurse before transitioning into emergency management through volunteer disaster response work. That experience opened the door to a role as an emergency...

Omaha, Nebraska - For Douglas County Department of Corrections Officer Stephanie Sisley, strength is more than muscle. It is focus. It is calm under pressure. It is the steady belief that she can handle whatever the day brings. After two years on the job, the 30-year-old officer says her commitment to fitness has shaped the way she carries herself inside the facility. “My confidence has definitely gotten stronger,” she said. Stephanie began taking fitness seriously during her junior year of high school. What started with running slowly turned into something deeper. Over time, movement became routine, and routine became discipline. Today, she...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. is launching a focused, multi-year push to strengthen economic growth and improve daily life in both North and South Omaha. The effort brings together leaders from across levels of government with the goal of making development more intentional, coordinated, and visible to the public. In North Omaha, Mayor Ewing is joining a cross-government body for a targeted four-year effort centered on quality-of-life improvements. The group is charged with aligning policy, advancing legislation, taking administrative action, and reporting progress openly. It will include elected officials representing city, county, school, transit, utility, and state...

Omaha, Nebraska - Douglas County residents now have a more convenient way to get documents notarized without needing to travel to the courthouse. As of January 6, 2026, the Douglas County Clerk of the District Court has officially launched its Remote Online Notary (RON) service, offering secure and efficient online notarizations using two-way audio-visual technology. This new service is especially helpful for individuals with mobility issues, tight schedules, or those living far from the courthouse. By using RON, residents can complete their notarization process from anywhere in the country with internet access. “The new service allows customers greater flexibility and convenience and...

Omaha, Nebraska - A young man connected to a violent shooting outside an Omaha movie theater has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after changing his plea in the case, bringing a measure of resolution to an incident that unfolded in a busy public area. Shooting Outside Theater Led to Lengthy Sentence Rashaun Carodine, 21, was sentenced Tuesday in Douglas County District Court after previously entering a no contest plea to second-degree assault. Court records show Carodine changed his plea in November, moving the case closer to sentencing. A judge ultimately ordered him to serve 8 to 12 years in prison,...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has launched an intensive search for an Omaha man, Randy Webster, 46, who is accused of sending threatening emails to members of the Douglas County Juvenile Court. Among the recipients of these alarming messages was a juvenile court judge, who is currently overseeing a Termination of Parental Rights case in which Webster is allegedly involved. The threats emerged around 3 p.m. Tuesday when the DCSO was alerted to the disturbing emails received by the court officials. The content of these messages was not only threatening but explicitly aimed at inciting fear...

Omaha, Nebraska - In a recent Omaha incident, police were faced with a unusual situation on Friday near 25th and Marcy streets. A routine patrol took an unexpected turn when officers identified a man wanted on a felony shoplifting warrant. As they attempted to approach him and place him under arrest for his alleged crimes, the situation quickly escalated. The suspect, determined to evade arrest, fled from the officers. His desperate flight led him through the neighborhood, where he attempted to break into several homes and even a car in a bid to hide or perhaps find a means to escape....

Omaha, Nebraska - An incident on Tuesday morning led to the detention of four students from Northwest High School in Omaha. The situation prompted a swift response from the Omaha Police Department (OPD), underscoring concerns about safety in and around school premises. Omaha Police were called to the high school following a report that began off school property. The initial concern raised with the OPD involved a person, possibly armed, who was believed to be heading towards the high school. This report triggered immediate police action due to the potential threat it posed. Upon arriving at the scene, officers located the vehicle...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has been actively encouraging its customers to conserve energy during the recent cold spell, and their efforts are showing positive results. In a proactive step to manage energy usage during this period of extreme cold, OPPD made a significant move this past Sunday. A crucial action taken by OPPD was sending out a robocall to its customers. The message urged them to lower their thermostats by 2-to-4 degrees and to refrain from using major appliances during peak hours. These peak hours are identified as 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., times when energy...

Omaha, Nebraska - In a significant move to aid the homeless population, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a unique initiative called “Help for the Homeless” palm cards. These cards represent a thoughtful approach to addressing the challenges faced by homeless individuals in the community. The primary aim of these palm cards is to provide a practical and compassionate alternative to giving cash directly to panhandlers. The sheriff’s office highlights a crucial point: cash given on the streets often ends up being used for drugs and alcohol. To counter this, the “Help for the Homeless” cards are designed to direct...

Omaha, Nebraska - A pedestrian lost his life in a devastating accident late Tuesday night. The incident occurred on 13th Street, a bustling area near Interstate 80, marking a somber moment for the Omaha community. The Omaha Police Department (OPD) reported that the accident happened near the intersection of 13th Street and Bob Gibson Boulevard, just off Interstate 80. It was around 9:50 p.m. when dispatchers received the alarming news of a person being hit by a vehicle. The scene, described as chaotic and distressing, drew immediate attention from nearby residents and passersby. Upon arrival, Omaha Police confirmed the worst. The...

Omaha, Nebraska - Vinny Palermo, the former Omaha City Councilman embroiled in a public corruption scandal, has reached a significant point in his legal journey. He and his legal team have agreed to a restitution amount with the U.S. Attorney following his guilty plea to one count of wire fraud. Palermo, who has been a central figure in this high-profile case, agreed to pay $10,292 in restitution. This agreement comes just before his sentencing by a federal judge in Lincoln next week. The indictment against Palermo involved allegations of receiving personal and financial benefits in return for actions favoring the Latino...