OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s biomechanics program is getting a new home, thanks to a plan approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

The board on Friday approved a plan to build an $11.6 million addition to the three-level Biomechanics Research Building, which was erected four years ago. The addition will be privately funded.

The regents expect construction on the addition to start in April and to be completed in September 2019, more than doubling the size of the existing building.

Biomechanics is the study of movement and mechanics of biological activity. The program offers a bachelor’s degree, and UNO also has a doctorate in exercise science with a focus in biomechanics.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska state agency that awards grants for environmental projects has logged another uptick in applications, and the executive director expects to see even more in the future as federal and private grants shrink.

Mark Brohman, executive director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust, says the organization received a record 130 new applications for the current year. That number has increased slowly but consistently over the last several years.

Brohman says part of his increase is due to cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies that have traditionally awarded grants.

The trust has given away $275 million for more than 2,000 projects statewide since it was created in 1992.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska authorities are reminding hunters that state recreation areas are closed to hunting until Sept. 5.

Several hunting seasons, including one for archery deer, open Sept. 1, and the early teal season opens Sept. 2.

State regulations say some state recreation areas are open to hunting from the first Tuesday following Labor Day through the end of the spring turkey hunting season, unless restricted. A park entry permit is required for vehicles entering the areas.

Hunting is barred within 100 yards of any public use facility or activity area, including picnic areas, campgrounds, private cabins, concession areas, boat ramps, and parking lots.

For summaries of hunting regulations, read the Small Game, Waterfowl and Big Game guides at www.OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides. Purchase permits at www.OutdoorNebraska.org.

NEW YORK (AP) — The “Conjuring” spinoff “Annabelle: Creation” scared up an estimated $35 million in North American theaters over the weekend, making it easily the top film and giving the lagging August box office a shot in the arm.

The opening came close to matching the film’s predecessor, “Annabelle,” which opened with $37.1 million in October 2014. Warner Bros. could celebrate not only the month’s biggest debut but also having the week’s top two films. Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” followed in second with $11.4 million in its fourth weekend according to studio estimates Sunday.

Last week’s top film, the poorly received Stephen King adaptation “The Dark Tower,” slid dramatically. It toppled nearly 70 percent on its second weekend with an estimated $7.9 million.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Treasurer’s office says assets of the NEST college savings plan have reached a record $4.5 billion.

State Treasurer Don Stenberg says the state-sponsored 529 college savings program hit the mark as of June 30. The program maintains more than 252,000 active accounts across the country, and 76,000 of those are owned by Nebraskans.

Stenberg says more than 20,000 new accounts have been added annually since 2011, with 10,162 new accounts added so far in 2017. Stenberg says the total assets in NEST have increased by 87.5 percent since December 2010.

He attributed the growth, in part, to ongoing efforts to make parents and grandparents aware of NEST and the benefits it offers families looking for ways to save for college for their children and grandchildren.