Public Health & Safety: ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with local experts pointing to increased awareness and prevention tips like long pants and proper clothing tucking. Healthcare Workforce: UNMC chancellor priority candidate Dr. Dele Davies says fixing Nebraska’s healthcare shortage means better pay for educators and keeping students in-state after graduation. Medical Innovation: A small real-world study suggests a blood test after CAR T therapy may flag mantle cell lymphoma relapse earlier than PET-CT in some patients. Nebraska Policy & Access: Nebraska is suing the U.S. Justice Department over marijuana reclassification, while Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana criticizes AG Mike Hilgers for opposing voters’ medical cannabis decision. Care Delivery & Emergency Response: Regional West received FEMA funding tied to pandemic response costs, and LIFENET Medical Helicopter expanded service in the Siouxland tri-state region. Infectious Disease Watch: Australian passengers from the hantavirus cruise ship face an extended quarantine, underscoring how long incubation periods can affect public health planning. Community Health Culture: Omaha nurse Cy Xayarath launched the “Be Present” pledge to improve patient communication and respect for healthcare workers. Local Incidents: A north Omaha stabbing sent one person to Nebraska Medicine with critical injuries, and a dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun in western Nebraska, injuring a woman.