Nebraska First District Congressman Jeff Fortenberry thinks President Barack Obama is doing a good job handling the difficult situation in Iran. Fortenberry tells WJAG NEWS it is important that the world knows the United States will stand with people who are seeking basic human rights. Fortenberry also says it is time for Russia and China to "Join in on the side of history" and call for human rights in Iran.
***
Authorities say two people are dead after a boating accident on a southeastern Nebraska lake. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Department says the accident happened around 8:20 a.m. Sunday on the western end of Branched Oak Lake. Authorities say Eric Jarecki, 32, of La Vista and his cousin Jason Hafsaas, 25, of Omaha were driving a speed boat when they made a sharp turn and were thrown from the boat. The boat then hit and killed both men.
***
The latest report shows very little foreclosure activity in Nebraska, and the state still has one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the nation. RealtyTrac says the state's foreclosure rate ranked 45th in the nation in May, and stayed significantly lower than the national rate. RealtyTrac says court records show that one out of every 4,620 Nebraska homes were involved in foreclosure in May, compared with one in every 398 homes nationwide.
***
Concrete improvements begin on two Norfolk streets today. Assistant City Engineer Dale Bohac says work will begin today on 18th Street from Madison to Phillip Avenue. Work also begins today on Jackson Avenue from 1st Street to just west of 2nd Street.
***
For the first time in recent memory, both the Norfolk Oddfellows Parade and Big Bang Boom will be held on the same day, July 4th. The downtown parade begins at 10 a.m., while events in Skyview Park get underway at 1 p.m. New this year to Big Bang Boom is an event called "Boom's Got Talent," something organizers describe as a cross between American Idol and The Gong Show. Entry forms and more information are available at bigbangboom.org.
