The trial of U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska is set to begin Wednesday. Fortenberry is accused of lying to federal authorities who were investigating an illegal donation to his campaign from a foreign national. The nine-term Republican has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that he intentionally misled investigators about his knowledge of the campaign donation.
A South Dakota House committee examining whether Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg should be impeached will meet to plan how to wrap up its investigation. Ravnsborg is under fire for his conduct after killing a pedestrian with his car in 2020.
Three directors at newspaper publisher Lee Enterprises have been reelected over the objections of the hedge fund that has been trying to buy the company since last fall. Lee says its chairman, CEO and lead independent director were all reelected as expected at its annual meeting today, with each receiving support from more than 70% of the votes cast. Alden Global Capital had urged shareholders to vote against two of those directors after a judge blocked its effort to nominate its own directors.
A Swiss company's cruises along the length of the Mississippi River are a step closer to reality — its new 386-passenger ship has touched water for the first time. Viking River Cruises of Basel celebrated the “float out” of the Viking Mississippi this week in Louisiana. Two U.S. companies already offer cruises up and down the river. American Queen Voyages, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has three paddlewheel cruise boats on the river. American Cruise Lines, based in Guilford, Connecticut, has five boats on the Mississippi and plans to launch a sixth late this year. Viking says its ship will make its first voyage in June.
