6 things you need to know on Thursday Nov. 14 Daybreak

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - 6 News Daybreak has the headlines you need to know to get your Thursday started.

Former Nebraska Congressman fighting to prove innocence Jeff Fortenberry, a former Nebraska Congressman, is working to clear his name as he is expected to face trial in Washington D.C.

He resigned in 2022, after he was found guilty of lying to the FBI about an illegal campaign contribution of $30,000 from a foreign billionaire.

The court of appeals threw out his conviction in California after sentencing him to probation and fining him. They said that the trial should be happening where the alleged crimes took place.

"All along, the government says Fortenberry chose hubris over honesty, and they wanted to make him an example for other public officials," 6 News Reporter Brian Mastre says.

His D.C. trial is scheduled to start on Feb. 3, 2025.

Nebraska man fined over junkyard after neighbors' lawsuit A judge is fining a rural Nebraska man after frustrated neighbors took legal action for him to clean up his junkyard.

Mike McKnight led the 6 On Your Side investigation into the junkyard just north of the Omaha-metro in Fort Calhoun.

"Junkyard owner Michael Pick, acting as his own lawyer, argued that he's worked hard to cleanup his property. He claims 62 loads of scrap, 7,000 batteries and 150 vehicles have been hauled away," McKnight reports.

Pick says that he ran out of time cleaning after only being given a year.

The judge ordered Pick to pay $9,600, part of it being for his neighbors legal expenses.

Cases of 'whooping cough' reportedly up in Douglas County The Douglas County Health Department reports that cases of pertussis , also known as "whooping cough" has spiked in recent weeks.

They are urging isolation after one is exposed to whooping cough. They also are asking for the public to get vaccinations to help prevent the spreading of it - especially those that are around infants.

"We know that many individuals are not up-to-date with their vaccinations," Justin Frederick, DCHD deputy health director, said. "Vaccination is the best protection for your family."

Cases of pertussis in Douglas County has reached 60 as of Tuesday , which is reportedly well above the annual average of 39 reports.

Thursday construction update in Omaha-metro On Thursday, State Street will be closed for road construction between Highway 133 and Irvington Rd.

According to a release from the Douglas County Engineer, a detour will be posted.

The closure is only in effect for one day.

For more traffic updates, follow the 6 First Alert Traffic blog.

Omaha-metro officials honor those impacted by roadway crashes Officials in the Omaha-metro are observing the "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims " on Thursday.

The Nebraska Chapter of the National Safety Council is holding an event at 10 a.m.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Councilman Pete Festersen will be in attendance.

The public is invited to attend the event , which is meant to honor the lives lost and families impacted by roadway crashes in Nebraska, and globally.

"It is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of road safety and the measures needed to prevent further tragedies," the Nebraska Chapter of the National Safety Council says.

In October, Sheriff Aaron Hanson reported that 60 people have died in traffic crashes in Douglas County - but he number has only risen.

McDermott takes title of Bluejays career wins leader Creighton Basketball Coach Greg McDermott has made history after Wednesday night's 78-43 blowout.

McDermott has been named the Bluejays all-time coaching wins leader.

Former Creighton coach Dana Altman previously held the title, with 327 wins in his career from 1994-2010.

McDermott has now won 328 games since he took over after Altman, according to AP.