AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response: The Trump administration is reportedly planning to send Americans exposed to Ebola while abroad to a new quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya, rather than bringing them back to the U.S., with care potentially provided in Kenya and some patients moved onward for advanced treatment. UNMC Leadership: UNMC interim chancellor Dr. Dele Davies is visiting Nebraska campuses to connect with students and staff as he campaigns for the open chancellor role. Marijuana Policy Fight: Nebraska, Indiana and Louisiana attorneys general sued to block the Trump Justice Department’s marijuana reclassification, arguing the federal move skipped normal rulemaking and may violate a 1967 narcotics treaty. Public Health Watch: In Omaha, ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with experts pointing to increased reporting and urging simple prevention steps. Local Safety: Omaha police say a 26-year-old man with multiple stab wounds was stabbed by his father after he walked into a clinic near 50th and Ames, and Scottsbluff police are investigating a dog-triggered shotgun incident that injured a nearby woman.

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.

Online Child Safety Fight: Nebraska AG Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition opposing the federal KIDS Act, saying it would weaken state authority to protect kids online and shield big tech from meaningful oversight, while backing the Senate’s KOSA approach that preserves state enforcement. Hantavirus Quarantine Update (Nebraska): Monroe native Jake Rosmarin, quarantined at Nebraska’s National Quarantine Unit after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, says he’s testing negative and is getting daily care, temperature checks, and updates. Rural Health Access Pressure: Montana is moving to enforce Trump’s Medicaid work mandate first, raising concerns that more people will lose coverage just as state health departments face staffing and budget strain. Nebraska Public Health & Care: Nebraska Community Blood Bank declared a blood emergency as summer approaches, warning hospitals to prepare for higher demand. Local Health System Lawsuit: UNMC/Nebraska Medicine’s Pancreatic Cancer Center director alleges discrimination and retaliation tied to his termination from a clinical role. Firearm Safety Reminder: In Scottsbluff, police say a dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun in a parked truck, injuring a woman; officials reiterated Nebraska’s ban on transporting loaded shotguns in vehicles. Food Support: Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) is set to begin in June, with Nebraska among participating states.

Blood Supply Alert: Nebraska Community Blood Bank has declared a blood emergency as summer trauma season nears, with supplies dropping below a two-day total and under one day for type O—the most used in emergencies—urging eligible donors, especially type O, to book appointments now. Public Safety: In Scottsbluff, police say a dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun inside a parked truck, firing pellets that hit a woman near a traffic light; her injury was not life-threatening and the case remains under investigation. Local Health & Care Access: Community Hospital-Fairfax launched an advanced TeleStroke program with Nebraska Medicine, bringing remote stroke specialists to rural emergency rooms faster. Community Recovery: Nebraska’s adult drug courts continue to mark progress, including recent graduations in Saline County and Adams County. Health in the Newsroom: A Lancaster County girl is using her Make-A-Wish experience to help raise funds through a special 402 Creamery ice cream flavor.

Hantavirus Update: The Andes-strain hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius continues to drive U.S. monitoring, with Nebraska patients and others quarantined after the cruise outbreak that has already killed three worldwide; HHS also moved to shield drugmakers and clinicians working on a potential favipiravir response under the PREP Act. Public Safety (Nebraska): Scottsbluff police say a dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun inside a pickup during a convenience store stop, injuring a woman waiting nearby—another reminder that loaded firearms in vehicles can turn into medical emergencies fast. Care Delivery & Tech: Children’s Nebraska is planning for 2027 “vibe coding” so clinicians can build apps safely in-house, while Banner Health highlights research momentum in Arizona. Policy Pressure: Medicaid cuts are starting to bite, with hundreds of hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes at risk of closure as funding reductions take effect.

Medicaid squeeze hits care access: More than 900 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes nationwide are now at risk of closure or already cutting services as federal Medicaid/CHIP funding reductions begin to bite, with maternity, mental health, and rural emergency services flagged as the hardest hit. Nebraska leadership spotlight: UNMC’s priority chancellor candidate Dele Davies, M.D., will tour Nebraska campuses and UNMC sites starting May 27, holding public forums with faculty, staff, students, donors, and community members. Public health friction: A CNN report says key U.S. infectious-disease researchers have been barred from direct communication with the WHO during the hantavirus outbreak, limiting participation to “listening” roles. Local safety incidents: In Scottsbluff, police say a dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun inside a parked truck at a convenience store, injuring a woman; and in Omaha, police are investigating a North Omaha homicide after a woman died from a shooting near 28th and Franklin. Human-interest healthcare lens: A Nebraska City veteran’s son says an Australian influencer’s Memorial Day visit brought unexpected support amid her medical and financial struggles.

Hantavirus Watch: The WHO says the hantavirus threat is “stable for now,” as the Dutch cruise-ship outbreak continues to be tracked and Americans exposed on the MV Hondius remain in Nebraska quarantine at UNMC—officials say none are showing symptoms, but the length of isolation is still being worked out. Nebraska Health & Safety: The quarantine has put a spotlight on rodent-borne risk and how long incubation can stretch public-health precautions. Legal/Policy: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers sued proxy advisory firm ISS over alleged covert DEI/ESG conduct, signaling more state-level pressure on big business governance. Local Public Safety: Omaha police reported a North Omaha homicide after a woman was shot near 28th and Franklin; investigators also responded to other recent crashes and shootings. Healthcare People: SSM Health nurse Melanie Rolfes won a DAISY Award after rapid escalation helped save a patient’s life.

Hantavirus Watch (Nebraska): 18 Americans exposed on the MV Hondius are still being monitored at UNMC’s National Quarantine Unit, with officials saying none show symptoms so far—but the CDC is weighing whether they’ll stay for the full 42-day quarantine as the Andes strain raises rare concerns about spread between people. Public Safety (Omaha/Scottsbluff): Omaha police are investigating a North Omaha shooting that left one woman dead after she was taken to Nebraska Medicine; in western Nebraska, Scottsbluff officers say a dog accidentally fired a loaded shotgun inside a truck outside a convenience store, injuring a woman. Courts & Consequences (Omaha): An Omaha teen has been sentenced to 8–12 years for a fatal high-speed crash that killed another teen in 2024. Cancer Care (Local): An Elkhorn salon is helping cancer survivors rebuild confidence with post-chemo hair extensions. Health Systems (State): DHHS released a new Nebraska EMS dashboard covering response trends from 2018–2025.

Hantavirus Quarantine in Omaha: Eighteen Americans exposed on the MV Hondius are still being monitored at UNMC, with officials saying none show symptoms so far—but the CDC’s plan for whether they’ll stay for the full 42 days remains unclear as a 12th illness tied to the ship is confirmed in the Netherlands. Ebola Escalation: The WHO declared an Ebola emergency as a rare strain spreads through central African cities, and the U.S. temporarily expanded entry limits by banning green-card holders who recently traveled to DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. Local Safety Watch: Omaha police are investigating a North Omaha shooting near 25th and Ames after casings were found and a victim later arrived at Nebraska Medical Center. Tribal Rights vs. Drilling: Nine tribes sued to stop exploratory graphite drilling in the Black Hills near a sacred ceremonial meadow. Nebraska Health Systems: DHHS released a new Nebraska EMS dashboard tracking response types and times from 2018–2025.

Hantavirus Quarantine Explained: The long 42-day quarantine for Americans exposed on a Dutch cruise ship is tied to how hantaviruses spread from rodents and the need for careful monitoring, not a sign of a fast-moving outbreak in the U.S.; officials say general risk remains low while 18 people are being monitored at UNMC. Ebola Border Moves: The U.S. temporarily restricts entry for green-card holders who recently traveled to Ebola-affected countries, expanding screening and quarantine planning. Nebraska Health Systems: DHHS released a new Nebraska EMS dashboard covering 2018–2025 response trends, and Regional West is partnering with UNC and WNCC to expand remote dietetics training options. Community Care & Safety: Aspirus St. Luke’s Clinic hired a new PA, while Scottsbluff police investigated a dog-triggered shotgun discharge that injured a passerby. Local Life: Nebraska advanced in the NCAA softball Super Regional, and a farm-ranch support group hit its 1,300th case across 11 states.

Ebola screening expands: The U.S. temporarily blocks green-card holders who recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan from entering, citing public-health “resource constraints” as officials ramp up Ebola prevention. The move follows an earlier rule that hit non-U.S. passport holders only, and it adds new screening at airports including Atlanta. Nebraska quarantine focus: In Omaha, 18 Americans exposed to hantavirus on the MV Hondius are still being monitored at UNMC’s National Quarantine Unit, with officials waiting on CDC guidance on how long quarantine will last; reports say none have symptoms. Local health transparency: Nebraska DHHS released a new EMS dashboard showing where and how EMS is used across the state from 2018–2025. Rural support milestone: Farm Rescue marked its 1,300th family assistance case, highlighting ongoing strain on farm and ranch households. Workplace risk map: A new national visualization flags stark state-by-state differences in worker fatality rates, with energy and agriculture-heavy regions topping the list.

Ebola border crackdown: The U.S. temporarily bars green-card holders who recently visited Ebola-hit Congo, Uganda or South Sudan from entering the country, citing public-health “resource constraints” and expanding an earlier rule that had covered only people without U.S. passports. Hantavirus quarantine in Nebraska: At UNMC’s National Quarantine Unit in Omaha, officials say the 18 MV Hondius passengers have no symptoms, but how long they must stay remains unclear as CDC guidance is awaited; some were ordered to remain longer after trying to leave. Local health access dispute: A disabled Omaha veteran says a beauty school wouldn’t accommodate her weekly VA medical appointments, raising questions about ADA obligations in education. Nebraska readiness for outbreaks: Gov. Pillen says the quarantine unit could be available for Ebola help after the current hantavirus cohort is done. Community health & safety: Severe storms brought tornado warnings across parts of Nebraska and Iowa, while a Siouxland Feedlot Forum opened registration for June 16.

Hantavirus-to-Ebola Readiness: Nebraska officials say the National Quarantine Unit at UNMC will be available to help with the Ebola outbreak once the current hantavirus quarantine period ends, with leaders stressing there’s no immediate need for patients to come in. Quarantine Friction in Omaha: Cruise passengers exposed to hantavirus remain under strict monitoring; officials reiterated that some CDC-ordered stays continue even as others were asked to remain through the end of the month, after complaints that quarantine felt like detention. Digital Health Security Warning: Children’s Nebraska leaders warn the biggest digital health threat isn’t EHRs—it’s identity management, as AI tools rapidly find software vulnerabilities. Rural Water Funding Push: States are exploring ways to improve data transparency, reduce financing barriers, and build partnerships for small rural water systems that face outsized compliance violations. Workforce Snapshot: Nebraska’s unemployment rate held near 3.0% in April, with private education and health services among the biggest job gain areas.

Hantavirus Watch: University experts say the current hantavirus outbreak tied to the MV Hondius is not a repeat of COVID-19, with the general public risk described as low—though 10 suspected cases worldwide (Andes strain) and multiple Americans remain under monitoring and quarantine in Nebraska. Ebola Response: U.S. officials are diverting and screening passengers coming from Ebola-affected countries as the global outbreak response intensifies. Nebraska Health & Housing: HUD Secretary Scott Turner visited Omaha to promote “red tape” cuts and opportunity-zone style redevelopment, highlighting the Highlander model in North Omaha. Federal Health Enforcement: DOJ announced criminal charges tied to more than $90 million in alleged Medicaid fraud in Minnesota. Policy Fight in Washington: Senate Republicans shelved an ICE funding vote amid a revolt over Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund and added spending items. Local Spotlight: A 14-year-old in Elkhorn honored a Korean War veteran with letters from South Korea, bridging generations through shared gratitude.

Ebola response in the spotlight: A new report says the White House resisted letting an American doctor infected with Ebola return to the U.S., delaying evacuation and care; the CDC says the patient is now in Germany in stable condition, while his wife and children were also exposed and moved for monitoring. Hantavirus quarantine tensions in Nebraska: In parallel, federal quarantine orders are keeping an American passenger from the Hondius cruise ship in an Omaha-area facility for up to 42 days, and he’s calling it “prison” while saying he wants to quarantine at home. Public trust strains: Coverage also highlights how COVID-era fear and misinformation are shaping reactions to both outbreaks, with officials facing questions about rights and volunteer willingness. Local watch: Omaha’s South Omaha deputy-involved shooting remains under investigation with involved deputies on administrative leave. Health workforce: UNK pharmacy student Carter Schultz is preparing for a small-town practice, reflecting continued momentum in rural health staffing.

Ebola response friction: The White House denied it delayed bringing an American doctor with Ebola exposure back to the U.S., after a report said CDC and others pushed for faster evacuation; the patient was ultimately treated in Germany and is stable, while more high-risk Americans are being moved to Europe for care. Hantavirus quarantine in Nebraska: CDC ordered two former MV Hondius passengers to stay at UNMC’s National Quarantine Unit in Omaha through at least May 31, as 18 Americans remain under monitoring after the cruise-linked outbreak; officials keep stressing public risk is low. Measles pressure on hospitals: Georgia is tracking measles exposure tied to an unvaccinated traveling family, while infectious-disease leaders warn measles is a bigger day-to-day threat to U.S. healthcare than Ebola or hantavirus. Local healthcare leadership: MercyOne named Robert Baxter as its next president and CEO, starting June 22. Nebraska policy watch: Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers sued proxy firm ISS over alleged DEI/ESG practices, signaling more legal fights over corporate governance.