Kirt Manion

Wildlife officials say conditions in certain areas of Nebraska are suitable for the spread of deadly viral diseases among big game populations.

The University of Nebraska has taken a significant step forward to launch the most ambitious public-private partnership in its history.The NU Board of Regents today approved the program statement outlining initial plans for Project Health, a new $2.19 billion health care facility at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine that will serve as a clinical learning center to train the next generation of health care providers, conduct research and offer clinical trials.By approving the program statement, the board authorized spending $50 million in existing philanthropic funds on non-construction design work, essentially launching the project into the design phase.

With the annual dove season opener on Sept.