LINCOLN, NE – This Friday marks the deadline for student-athletes to enter the 2026 Patriot Games, an event sponsored by The White House in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Governor Jim Pillen is encouraging Nebraskans, ages of 14 – 17, to apply for this national competition.

LINCOLN, NE – A new report gives clear indication as to why Nebraska is “open for business.” Nebraska’s economic vitality is in the top tier of states, based on the Index of State Economic Momentum.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Mark L. Kovarik as county court judge in the 12th Judicial District. That district includes Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced the issuance of a federal disaster declaration by President Donald Trump for damage that resulted in several counties due to the Morrill, Cottonwood, Ashby and Minor fires March 12 – April 2.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen is taking two key actions to provide relief in the aftermath of a severe storm system that caused damage in central and western Nebraska. Tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flash flooding resulted in widespread destruction to public power, roads, and other infrastructure. One of the most significantly impacted areas was Morrill County.

LINCOLN, NE -- Flanked by members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, as well as others, Governor Jim Pillen unveiled objects that will be on display in the State Capitol through the end of the month to mark America’s 250th anniversary. A large homemade quilt and a framed life-sized reproduction of the Declaration of Independence will be available for viewing in the reception area of the Governor’s office. Additionally, more than a dozen Quilts of Valor are on display in the Legislative Chamber.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen approved permanent regulations for medical marijuana as drafted by the state Medical Cannabis Commission. His action comes one day after Attorney General Mike Hilgers affirmed that the regulations met statutory and constitutional authority.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has issued an emergency declaration for Sioux County due to weather conditions that ignited a wildfire northeast of Harrison. The Log Road Fire, which was reported on Monday, has now burned more than 1,000 acres.

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement upon a 6-3 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court permitting states to ban transgender girls and women from participating on female sports teams.

BLAIR, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen joined local leaders, housing advocates and contractors in Blair for the ceremonial bill signing of LB 1114. Advanced as a priority by the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee, the comprehensive package contains the Community Improvement District (CID) Act introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson. The new law provides a tool designed to allow property owners to voluntarily form specialized districts to finance, construct, and maintain vital public infrastructure within city or village limits.