Health care is often thought of as something that happens one patient at a time in a clinic or hospital. Public health takes a broader view and is focused on improving the health of entire populations. In 1854, a London physician helped stop a deadly cholera outbreak by removing a simple pump handle. That moment would become one of the earliest and most powerful examples of public health in action. Back then no one understood how cholera spread. Many believed it was caused by “bad air” or mysterious environmental forces. They did not know that it was actually caused by a bacterium that was spread through contaminated water sources.

Beginning Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, we celebrate National Police Week — a time that brings our nation together to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our brave law enforcement officers. We owe them a debt of gratitude for risking their lives every day to make the Good Life we all cherish a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.

This month, we celebrate Nebraska as the Beef State. Agriculture is the heart and soul of our state, and beef is a cornerstone.

In 1952, President Harry Truman formally recognized and proclaimed a National Day of Prayer. Every year on the First Thursday of May, the President of the United States and the Governor of Nebraska issue a proclamation and continue this practice, where millions of Americans join in prayer for their Country, State, and community.

When was the last time you thought about your neck? It’s easy to overlook, but your neck is a remarkably busy place. It houses the spinal cord, carrying signals between your brain and the rest of your body. It allows food to travel from your mouth to your stomach. It delivers blood to your brain. It contains muscles that support and move your head, along with your vocal cords, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.

As I’m sitting here through the annual athletic and academic awards night ceremony at my children’s school, it got me feeling nostalgic. Nearly 16 years ago, my wife and I took a small leap and moved our family from Lincoln to Cambridge. First, the move happened because of a job opportunity. But second and more importantly, we were thinking about the future.

Back in September, I wrote about the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. In the aftermath, I asked my fellow Nebraskans and Americans to settle our arguments the right way — by talking, not by picking up a weapon.

Last week, we learned of an incident at Offutt Air Force Base. A Chinese national was arrested and charged with illegally photographing the military installation. He photographed sensitive aircraft like the RC-135 and E-4B. This action puts Nebraska airmen and national security at risk. It threatens Offutt’s critical mission. It threatens our nation.

Most holidays commemorate a piece of history. We often remember a winning battle, the birth of a consequential leader, or the founding of a nation. But on the last Friday of April, we look to the future with hope and action. On Arbor Day, we plant trees with optimism that tomorrow’s world can be healthier and more beautiful than the world today. And remarkably, that idea was born right here in Nebraska.

We’re one week past Tax Day and Nebraskans are seeing benefits from the Working Families Tax Cuts. I’ve said before that this is a generational bill. And we are seeing how impactful it is. This historic tax relief will continue to support Nebraskans and put more money in their pockets.