Latest News from the Governor's Office

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Appoints Fliam as County Court Judge in the Seventh Judicial District

LINCOLN, NE -- Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Danielle J. Fliam as county court judge in the Seventh Judicial District. That district includes Antelope, Cuming, Madison, Knox, Pierce, Stanton, and Wayne counties. Fliam’s appointment is effective May 15.

Currently, Fliam is an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she handles the prosecution of federal crimes including sex and human trafficking, weapons and narcotic violations, child exploitation and other criminal offenses. Before joining that office in 2022, Fliam was an attorney for Legal Aid of Nebraska, overseeing domestic and sexual violence cases, divorce proceedings, child custody matters and protection orders. Prior to that, she was with the Scotts Bluff County Attorney’s office from 2015 to 2021.

Fliam received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She earned her juris doctor at the University of Nebraska College of Law.

The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Donna Farrell Taylor.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Nebraska Honoring Fallen Firefighters

LINCOLN, NE – Today, Governor Jim Pillen directed that all U.S. and Nebraska flags be flown at half-staff on Sunday, May 3 in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Trump honoring our nation’s fallen firefighters. May 2 – 3 is National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

“We most recently experienced the grit and perseverance of our Nebraska firefighters as they worked tirelessly to extinguish the destructive wildfires that impacted our state. Without their efforts, there would have been greater loss of property, livestock and human life. We owe them, and those firefighters who have previously lost their lives, our great respect and appreciation,” said Gov. Pillen.

Ninety-seven firefighters died in the U.S. in 2025. To learn more about their sacrifices and information concerning the services that will take place this weekend at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD, log onto Fire Hero Website.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Says Farmers Will See Benefits from Proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger

LINCOLN, NE -- Governor Jim Pillen says the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads will ultimately benefit American farmers, proving a more reliable and efficient way to move their products. Today, the railroads announced the refiling of their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board.

“Farmers operate on tight timelines,” said Gov. Pillen. “When crops are ready, they need to move. Today’s rail system forces too many shipments through time-consuming, costly handoffs between carriers. That’s not competition. That’s a structural constraint.”

By providing single-line service across the country and access to nearly 100 ports on the East, West and Gulf coasts, the merger will give agricultural shippers a faster, more reliable option, with just one carrier responsible from origin to port and a clearer accountability for performance.

“This is about giving farmers more control and greater flexibility,” added Gov. Pillen.  “Whether it’s responding to weather, adapting to shifting export demand or managing tight harvest windows, better rail service leads to better outcomes.”

CONTACT:  

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495 

Gov. Pillen on Transatlantic Visit to Tout Nebraska Beef, Ethanol and Energy Production

LINCOLN, NE -- A short trip to London this week will provide Governor Jim Pillen an opportunity to tout Nebraska beef, ethanol production, and discuss business opportunities related to energy production.  The Governor’s transatlantic visit kicks off Wednesday and will wrap up Thursday night. During that time, he will meet with members of the U.S. Embassy and others, including the UK’s chief trade negotiator, Graham Floater, to discuss bilateral trade opportunities.

“Given the recent trade framework that exists between the U.S. and the UK and the favorable conditions for exporting more beef, ethanol and other American products, this is a good time to build relationships and understand better how Nebraska can play a role in meeting the short and long-term needs of that nation,” said Gov. Pillen.

The first scheduled event of the trip is a dinner hosted by the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), which will feature beef from Nebraska. During the event, attended by importers from the UK as well as chefs and others in the culinary industry, Gov. Pillen will have an opportunity to share what goes into raising Nebraska’s cattle, including insight into the state’s natural resources, sustainable practices and the generations of producers who work tirelessly to create a quality product.

Gov. Pillen will also have an opportunity to meet government representatives, and those in private industry interested in taking advantage of new trade opportunities around increased ethanol quotas. Under the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD), finalized in June 2025, the United Kingdom implemented a duty-free quota allowing 370 million gallons of U.S. ethanol to be imported annually, eliminating previous tariffs of approximately 20%.

Prior to his return, the Governor will have another chance to promote U.S. beef during a dinner event at Smith & Wollensky, an upscale steakhouse in London. The invited crowd includes more than 100 importers, distributers and others in the British foodservice and retail industries.  For the first time in nearly six years, duty-free shipments of U.S. beef are now being sent to the UK, thanks to the new trade framework implemented last year.

CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Gov. Pillen Issues New Order to Aid Wildfire Supply Deliveries

LINCOLN, NE – To help facilitate additional deliveries of feed and supplies to ranchers in areas destroyed by recent wildfires, Governor Jim Pillen is re-issuing an executive order for commercial motor carriers.  The order relaxes hours of service, load and weight limits, as well as other regulations. It will expire May 14.

A copy of the order is included below.

Executive Order 26-12 Commercial Motor Carrier Relief PDF