Gov. Jim Pillen’s temporary fuel and hauling orders put agricultural costs at the center of Nebraska policy, while a new UNL chancellor search, an attorney general race guide and a Czech presidential visit shape the state’s public-affairs agenda.
Pillen orders 90-day ag relief
Temporary fuel-tax and hauling changes apply during harvest
Gov. Jim Pillen signed two executive orders Thursday that, for 90 days, suspend diesel taxes for vehicles hauling Nebraska seasonal products or livestock and allow refunds on qualifying fuel purchases. A second order lets those vehicles operate up to 25% above legal gross and axle-group limits without added permits or fees, as producers face high fuel and input costs.
Why it matters: The orders immediately change fuel-tax and hauling rules during harvest, offering producers temporary cost relief while placing the state’s policy response in the broader fuel-price debate.
Read the full story: Nebraska Examiner
UNL begins search for its next chancellor
University system plans a national search and hopes to present a finalist by June
University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold said Thursday that a search committee led by system provost David Jackson will help choose UNL’s next chancellor. Gold said the university plans to hire a national search firm, post the job by year-end, interview candidates in spring and present a finalist to the Board of Regents by June; interim Chancellor Katherine Ankerson plans to apply.
Why it matters: The search will shape leadership at Nebraska’s flagship campus after department cuts and a faculty no-confidence vote marked the previous chancellor’s tenure.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
Brasher and Hilgers set for Nebraska attorney general race
Nebraska Public Media’s guide outlines candidates’ records and priorities before Nov. 3
Nebraska Public Media published its guide to the 2026 attorney general race, where Republican incumbent Mike Hilgers faces Democratic challenger Jocelyn Brasher on Nov. 3. Brasher, a former county prosecutor and assistant attorney general, emphasized consumer protection and public safety; Hilgers highlighted future cases involving online platforms and his record challenging federal policies.
Why it matters: The contest will decide who leads Nebraska’s top legal office as it handles consumer-protection, public-safety and litigation priorities affecting residents, businesses and state agencies.
Read the full story: Nebraska Public Media
Czech president visits Nebraska to strengthen ties
Petr Pavel highlights potential cooperation in business, education and defense
Czech President Petr Pavel visited Wilber, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Gov. Jim Pillen on Thursday during a Nebraska trip centered on cultural, educational, business and defense ties. Pavel said he wants to expand cooperation with Nebraska, which he described as distinctive because of the state’s Czech heritage and people-to-people connections.
Why it matters: The visit put Nebraska’s Czech ties in an international setting and highlighted potential cooperation areas without announcing a specific agreement or project.
Read the full story: KETV NewsWatch 7
Around Nebraska
Watch Next
- Sept. 25, 11 a.m. CT: The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider four representatives for Nebraska Medicine’s governing board at a public special meeting in Lincoln.
- Sept. 28–29: Gov. Jim Pillen’s Governor’s Summit will convene in Kearney with sessions focused on investing in Nebraska’s youth, businesses and future.
Legislative Intelligence
Track Nebraska legislation, monitor bill movement, and understand what matters for your organization.
Search Bills