LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska plans to ask lawmakers to approve a 5 percent increase in state aid next year to help pay for key initiatives.

The Board of Regents approved a budget request for $568 million in 2015-2016 and $600 million in 2016-2017.

This coming school year the University of Nebraska will receive $540 million in state tax money. That accounts for roughly 62 percent of NU’s publicly funded $864 million budget.

Interim University President James Linder says the additional funding to support programs that will help keep NU and the state economically competitive.

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — When some hawks started diving on people and pets in Kearney recently, wildlife officials brought out the fireworks.

Nebraska Game and Parks officials hope the fireworks will persuade the Cooper’s hawks to relocate.

Wildlife biologist Nick Fryda says the hawks that are causing problems are younger birds who are learning to hunt and don’t fear people much.

Fryda says the fireworks scream and bang to teach the animals to be afraid of humans. But he says he’ll probably have to return and set off pyrotechnics several times before the hawks learn.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Some of the most intense heat of the summer so far is expected in Nebraska and Iowa, so forecasters are urging people to take precautions.

The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for the eastern half of Nebraska and for 74 of Iowa’s 99 counties on Monday and Tuesday.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s across the region and humidity will be high, so heat stroke, heat exhaustion and sunburn are possible.

Leslie Schaffer with the Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross says it’s important to take precautions in the heat, especially for the elderly and young children.

Staying inside during the hottest part of the day can be a big help. People who must work outside should take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — A Ravenna man who was convicted of incest and sexually assaulting a child is seeking a new trial.

Buffalo County Deputy Public Defender Brandon Dugan raises questions about the evidence presented against the man in his motion for a new trial.

The Associated Press is not naming the man is to protect the identity of the girl who was younger than 12 at the time of the assault last September. The man was convicted earlier this month.

The girl testified that the man tried to perform oral sex on her while they were alone in a hotel room. She resisted and he stopped.

A hearing on the motion will be held this week. The man is scheduled to be sentenced in August.