Nebraska
Nebraska regents to consider multimillion-dollar health project, programs for AI and esports • Nebraska Examiner
LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider next week moving ahead with a multimillion-dollar health project meant to benefit the state’s health care capacity.
The regents will meet Aug. 8 to consider the $2.19 billion first phase of Project NExT at the University of Nebraska Medical Center as well as NU’s two-year budget request for the Legislature next session. The board will also consider creating new undergraduate programs in artificial intelligence and esports media and communication, among other items.
First phase of Project NExT
UNMC is seeking regent approval of its more detailed plan for the $2.19 billion first phase of Project NExT, and for a green light to spend $50 million more in existing philanthropic funds for related design work.
The first phase has been dubbed Project Health: Building the Healthiest Nebraska. Its focus is limited to Nebraska, providing expansions and improvements to boost research, education, clinical and community services aimed at benefiting the state’s health care needs.
On a broader scope, Project NExT’s overall investment could surpass $4 billion and include two future phases that partner with regional and federal agencies. That vision includes a civilian-military medical facility that would also respond to national catastrophic disaster events such as another pandemic or an overt attack.
The first-phase complex is expected to span about 1.26 million square feet on the former site of the now-demolished Munroe-Meyer Institute. Those boundaries are from Farnam Street to Dewey Avenue, between 44th Street and Saddle Creek Road.
The facility in part would replace the outdated,1950s-era Clarkson Hospital Tower as well as the Emergency Department and certain diagnostic spaces in the Hixson-Lied Center.
UNMC leaders say Project Health seeks to solve one of the biggest challenges in the current campus configuration: space. They say current facilities were not designed or constructed in a way that suits a modern teaching hospital.
“Project Health will provide the appropriate amount of room, support and ancillary space to continue the mission of training future healthcare professionals,” says UNMC materials prepared for the regents.
UNMC leaders say Project Health furthers the goal of growing professional student enrollment by up to 25% to meet Nebraska’s urban and rural health care needs.
They said the added capacity for teaching and research activities will also strengthen Nebraska’s competitiveness as it seeks readmission into the American Association of Universities.
University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold, who was UNMC chancellor from the time Project NExT discussions began and until he took his new role July 1, said UNMC’s mission is to “lead the world in transforming lives and communities.”
He said regent approval next week is a key step in moving the vision toward completion.
“This is critically important in making Nebraska healthier,” Dr. Gold said Thursday.
Biennium budget request
By Aug. 15, regents must complete their two-year budget request for state lawmakers to consider. The main contours that regents will consider for those two years:
- Annual 3% increases in salaries and fringe benefits and 5% increases in health insurance.
- $3 million for the Presidential Scholars Program, to expand the full-cost-of-attendance, $5,000 annual stipend for top-ACT-performing resident students. The plan is to include limited scholarships for students who score between a 32 and 35 on the 36-point scale. Top test takers would automatically receive the benefit.
- $3 million for “research excellence” that will expand NU’s research capacity and competitiveness in pursuit of readmission into the AAU.
- $10 million in funds to plan expansions for educational spaces in Omaha. These funds would be split between the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Peter Kiewit Institute and a new College of Allied Health building at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The proposal states that NU leaders continue to explore the processes and structures that will allow NU to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible while maximizing impact, keeping tuition affordable and moving “toward its vision for excellence.”
“The University recognizes that resources are finite and that strong fiscal discipline is necessary to allow for investment in priorities,” the proposal reads.
Artificial intelligence, esports
Regents will consider a new undergraduate degree program at UNO: an in-person Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, which would be one of the first of its kind in Nebraska.
The program would help students become specialists or leaders to construct and implement AI systems and AI-driven technologies, according to the degree proposal. It would leverage existing coursework at UNO in computer science and data science and add just two new courses, which would be open to other students, too.
Proposed amendments to the NU Student Code of Conduct, also up for consideration next week, include specifying that cheating includes work that “an entity,” like AI, prepared.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, regents might formally establish an undergraduate certificate in esports media and communication after offering a special topics course in the past year. That course, intro to esports, will become a permanent addition of UNL’s course catalog.
The 15-hour-credit certificate will be open to all UNL students as well as non-UNL students, such as from community colleges, other institutions or K-12 educators.
Among other items that regents will consider next week:
- Joining the Midtown Medical Center Bikeway Connection Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the City of Omaha for a dedicated bikeway in Omaha, through UNMC. The project is estimated to be $15,125,000.
- Agreeing to a partnership with the City of Lincoln for $350 million, paid by the city, for streetscape improvements near UNL’s Westbrook Music Building replacement project. This would include a larger pedestrian sidewalk and buffer zone.
- Establishing an undergraduate certificate in wildlife habitat management at UNL.
- Naming a new feedlot center at UNL at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead the “Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center.”
- Naming the exterior plaza by the Osborne Legacy Complex at UNL the “Sandhills Global Plaza.”
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
I recently read an article by Nate McHugh of SB Nation that stated the last two “sure things” to bring Nebraska football back failed. The first “thing” is back coaching at UCF, and the second “thing” is now wearing an Oregon uniform. Because these two “sure things” failed, McHugh points to them as reasons for Husker fan’s frustration. But did he miss the third reason? If I’m not mistaken, the hiring of Matt Rhule felt like one of those “sure things” as well. But after the ‘mythical’ year three and disappointment it became clear Rhule’s hiring was anything but a “sure thing” for success.
Because of that fans are torn how they feel about Rhule. I’m one of them. I catch myself saying Rhule is the right guy for Nebraska and then quickly point out that his overall record as a head coach is 66-62. Clearly mediocre compared to Kyle Whittingham (177-88) or James Franklin (104-45). But Rhule hasn’t stayed anywhere long enough to truly establish himself like Whittingham or Franklin either.
See what I mean, I’m quick to point out his shortcomings but still believe he can make the Huskers relevant again. Where Husker fans struggle is that Rhule has in fact taken us to back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2015-2016 yet allowed his team to get curb stomped by Penn State, Iowa, and Utah to end the season.
So, fans are leery going into the 2026 season. What are we going to get considering the schedule? The Huskers get Indiana, Washington, and Ohio State at home, and Oregon, Illinois, and Iowa on the road. While no game is a sure win, if they can’t notch victories against Ohio, Bowling Green, North Dakota, Michigan State, Maryland and Rutgers, then we’ll once again question if Rhule is the right man. Simply put, the fan base will be disappointed with another 6-6 season. Personally, with the coaching changes and improvement in talent, my expectation is a record of 7-5 or 8-4 on the season.
Tim Verghese of ‘Inside Nebraska’ got my attention last week when talking about fans giving recruits a negative vibe and possibly influencing their decision to commit to a program. He used Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M as an example. The fanbase was so negative about Fisher that it made recruits question how secure he was at A&M. Obviously recruits had reason to be worried.
Does that affect how I approach what I write or talk about? It does, but then again, I don’t think so much of myself to think it matters. I see myself as your typical fan. I’m just someone who shares their thoughts about Husker football. And frankly, like 50% or more of the fans, I’m torn between being supportive and negativity. We’ve been burned too many times and haven’t seen the things that we need to see to convince us a turnaround is about to happen. Whether it’s offense, defense, or beating the teams they are supposed to beat (Minnesota & Iowa) there just hasn’t been any consistency from Rhule’s teams. As fans we need to see Rhule’s teams win the games they are supposed to, then win the close games, and finally beat the teams they aren’t supposed to. Until we see Rhule’s teams take those steps, there will be doubt and a level of negativity.
As far as recruits are concerned, I don’t see Rhule going anywhere. He’s safe due to his contract, the investment being made on the stadium, and Trae Taylor making it clear he’s all ‘N’ as long as Matt Rhule is the head man. He may just be a senior in high school, but don’t think QB Trae Taylor doesn’t play a role here. He does. And I’m good with that. Taylor has the same expectations as the fans.
And no, those expectations aren’t too high. I’ve been a fan for over fifty years. The standard at Nebraska was set a long time ago. That standard hasn’t changed. Nebraska fans may be up and down on how they feel about Rhule, but they are consistent on their expectations. The standard is the standard and always will be.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Photo courtesy of the Falls City Journal Home – Falls City Journal – Falls City, NE
Stay on top of Husker football at CarrikerChronicles.com
The results are in for the Nebraska Lottery’s draw games on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on May 8.
Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing
37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 8 drawing
8-0-5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from May 8 drawing
01-03-12-24-26
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning 2 By 2 numbers from May 8 drawing
Red Balls: 02-20, White Balls: 09-11
Check 2 By 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning MyDay numbers from May 8 drawing
Month: 01, Day: 16, Year: 17
Check MyDay payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing
14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Nebraska Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, 5: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky For Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- 2 By 2: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- MyDaY: By 10 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Nebraska Athletics announced Friday that the expansion of John Cook Arena is in full swing.
The Nebraska Athletics Capital Planning and Facilities Department posted to social media that the effort to modernize amenities and provide new seating options is well underway.
According to the athletic fund, the renovation will enhance Nebraska’s home-court advantage, modernize amenities and provide new premium and general seating options. This includes adding:
- New and improved seats with cup holders in each seat.
- A new centralized student section.
- New and improved courtside seating with both end court and side court locations available. The Courtside Lounge offers access pregame and during intermission and includes private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food, beverage and alcohol.
- New Loge Box seating with hospitality lounge with access pregame and during intermission, including access to private restrooms, televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and beverage with a cash bar.
- Libero Club seating replaces the VIP seats. Located in the back row of the 100 level, seats include access to the Libero Club Lounge pregame and during intermission complete with televisions and all-inclusive gourmet food and soft drinks with a cash bar.
- Additional ADA seating with new vantage points and easier access from around the concourse.
The Husker Athletic Fund announced the first-ever reseating and parking process in October 2025. It is timed to coincide with the renovation of the arena to increase overall capacity to 10,000.
For more information about the reseating process, click here.
Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Copyright 2026 KOLN. All rights reserved.
-
Nebraska4 minutes agoWhere Are Nebraska Fan’s Heads – CarrikerChronicles.com
-
Nevada11 minutes agoBillionaire Tax Refugees Flock to Ritzy Nevada Lake Town
-
New Hampshire16 minutes agoNew Hampshire mothers’ labor force participation rate – Valley News
-
New Jersey22 minutes agoNJ ex-fireman ‘ready for war’ when he launched into violent rampage triggered by breakup: prosecutors
-
New Mexico29 minutes agoPhoebe Bridgers Debuts New Music at First Show in Three Years
-
North Carolina34 minutes agoNorth Carolina man found dead after falling overboard in East TN lake: TWRA
-
North Dakota40 minutes agoFederal judge agrees to toss $28M judgment related to Dakota Access Pipeline protests
-
Ohio46 minutes ago8th Annual Trumbull County Special Olympics Invitational held in Girard