Chris Dunker

Lincoln

Higher Education and State Government Reporter at Lincoln Journal Star

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Articles

Nebraska AG sends cease and desist letters to 82 Lincoln stores that sell THC

1 week ago | omaha.com | Chris Dunker

LINCOLN — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers sent cease-and-desist letters to 82 THC shops in Lincoln on Wednesday, marking an escalation in a crusade against retail sales of the product in the state. In a press release, Hilgers' office said it has issued cease and desist letters to 204 stores across the state to date directing shop owners to "immediately cease sales of all THC-containing products" in order to avoid being sued.
University of Nebraska regents approve 5% tuition hike, $1.1 billion budget

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Chris Dunker

Students will pay more to attend the University of Nebraska’s four campuses this fall after the Board of Regents on Thursday approved a 5% tuition increase for the 2025-26 year. The tuition hike — adopted on a 6-2 vote — will help NU close a deficit in its $1.1 billion budget created by inflationary pressures, rising costs of employee benefits and a lower-than-requested increase to the university’s state aid.
Pillen appoints retired Nebraska judge to serve on liquor, medical cannabis commissions

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Chris Dunker

Gov. Jim Pillen named a retired district court judge from Omaha to serve as a member of the Liquor Control Commission. Judge J. Michael Coffey of Omaha, who retired as a judge in the 4th Judicial District in 2023, will represent Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District on the panel charged with regulating the state's alcoholic beverage industry. Coffey's appointment to the commission will be immediate but he will be subject to a confirmation hearing before a legislative committee next year.
Nebraska AG sends cease and desist letters to 82 Lincoln stores that sell THC

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Chris Dunker

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers sent cease and desist letters to 82 THC shops in Lincoln on Wednesday, marking an escalation in a crusade against retail sales of the product in the state. In a news release, Hilgers' office said it has issued cease and desist letters to 204 stores across the state to date directing shop owners to "immediately cease sales of all THC-containing products" in order to avoid being sued.
Lincoln-based construction company wins bid to build new prison

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Chris Dunker

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has chosen Hausmann Construction, a Lincoln construction company, to build its new 1,512-bed prison in northeast Lincoln. The department said in a news release it had signed an intent to award Hausmann the bid and is working to finalize the contract. Construction is anticipated to begin in early fall.
SCC enrollment growth driving revenue boost under new funding system

1 week ago | beatricedailysun.com | Chris Dunker

LINCOLN — Southeast Community College is anticipating 9% growth in revenue through a state fund meant to offset local property taxes in its 2025-26 operating budget. On Tuesday, SCC administrators said continued enrollment growth in key areas means the college will likely receive more than the 3.5% baseline increase granted through the Community College Future Fund.
SCC enrollment growth driving revenue boost under new funding system

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Chris Dunker

Southeast Community College is anticipating 9% growth in revenue through a state fund meant to offset local property taxes in its 2025-26 operating budget. On Tuesday, SCC administrators said continued enrollment growth in key areas means the college will likely receive more than the 3.5% baseline increase granted through the Community College Future Fund.
Nebraska's rural hospitals decry Medicaid cuts proposed by Senate Republicans

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Chris Dunker

The Nebraska Hospital Association said deeper Medicaid cuts proposed by Senate Republicans this week as part of President Donald Trump's proposed tax cut extensions would have a "devastating impact" on rural hospitals across the state. A version of the bill released Monday night by the Senate Finance Committee included language that seeks to rein in two mechanisms used by states to help hospitals continue operating.
University of Nebraska regents to consider 5% tuition hike for 2025-26

1 week ago | starherald.com | Chris Dunker

LINCOLN — The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider a 5% tuition increase for the 2025-26 school year to help close a budget gap created by rising operational costs and limited growth in state aid. The proposed hike will be part of a $1.1 billion state-aided budget that will also go before NU regents on June 19. The public meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in the Varner Hall Boardroom.
2 Lincoln firms among three bids Nebraska receives to build new $350 million prison

1 week ago | journalstar.com | Chris Dunker

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said it has begun a review of three proposals submitted to build a new 1,512-bed prison in northeast Lincoln. On Monday, the department said two Lincoln-based construction firms and one Papillion company submitted bids to build the $350 million multi-custody facility that broke ground in August 2024.