Nebraska
Nebraska lawmakers react to Trump’s State of the Union
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night.
In his speech, Trump touted his administration’s achievements and took aim at his predecessor, former President Biden. He also spoke on a number of topics such as current economic conditions and affordability.
Reactions from local lawmakers and the Nebraska Democratic Party are coming in following Tuesday’s speech.
DON BACON
Congressman Don Bacon says he liked the president’s focus on the economy.
“More a lot of good. A few things I would like to fine tune myself, but the emphasis on the economy and the, lower prices for gas, for prices, for energy inflation, lower than wages. That is a theme he needs to be doing all the time,” Bacon said in an interview.
Bacon also shared a full statement:
“The President highlighted several real accomplishments that are strengthening our economy and improving the lives of the American people. The border is secure, violent crime is declining, fentanyl deaths are falling, gas prices are down, and wages are rising faster than inflation for the first time in five years. These are the winning issues that the President should focus on every day.
He is right that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. A nuclear-armed Iran is a serious threat to America and our allies. I am glad he acknowledged the regime’s brutality, including the recent massacre of approximately 50,000 of its own people after they stood up against their government.
I was disappointed to hear the President double down on his approach to tariffs. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives tariff authority to Congress. The Supreme Court’s common-sense and straightforward ruling got it right. Broad-based tariffs are also not smart economic policy, functioning as a tax on American consumers, manufacturers, and farmers, and are unpopular nationwide by roughly two to one.”
DEB FISCHER
In a statement, Sen. Deb Fischer said she was pleased to hear Trump renew some of his commitments.
“Tonight, President Trump articulated the success of his policies to rebuild our military, keep our communities safe, lower energy costs, and realize the American dream for all U.S. citizens. I was pleased to hear the president renew his commitment to securing our borders, strengthening our economy, and cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. I look forward to continuing to partner with him to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
ADRIAN SMITH
Congressman Adrian Smith also released a statement with his thoughts.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, delivering meaningful tax relief for hardworking Americans across the country. We have seen robust engagement with key trading partners, helping to level the playing field for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and workers.
Americans have seen lower gas prices, decreased inflation, secure borders, and mortgage rates reach a three-year low. While our work is far from over, I am encouraged by the progress we have made and the direction our nation is headed.
I remain committed to working in Congress to build on this progress and ensure that Nebraska’s families, small businesses, and agricultural producers can continue to thrive. Together, we can make the Good Life even better for all Nebraskans.”
PETE RICKETTS
U.S. Senator for Nebraska Pete Ricketts took to social media after the president’s speech.
MIKE FLOOD
A statement from Rep. Mike Flood was shared on the Republican Main Street Caucus’s page.
“Together, we’ll work to deliver on this and much more to ensure that the next generation of American families can live the dream that has helped make our country great for the last 250 years.”
Read Republican Main Street Caucus Chairman @USRepMikeFlood‘s full statement right… pic.twitter.com/0c9zDkcSYV
— Republican Main Street Caucus (@MainCaucus) February 25, 2026
NEBRASKA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
The Nebraska Democratic Party also shared a statement with First Alert 6, describing the speech as “unhinged” and “decisive.”
“As Americans, we just witnessed the most unhinged and divisive State of the Union address to the nation this evening. Instead of uniting the country, President Trump further drove a wedge between the working class and the billionaires. We continue to witness the greatest shift of wealth from those who need healthcare and want to purchase their first home to those who receive pardons and are part of the Epstein Class.
Trump continued his lies about “no new wars” and how the United States has restored its standing globally. Back at home, Americans will continue to wonder what is happening to our private data that DOGE incompetently handled and voter roll information that was blackmailed from states like Nebraska.
Instead of being straight with us on affordability, he insults us with his alternative reality on grocery prices, energy costs, and unaffordable healthcare premiums. Trump also threw out a new “pledge” that data centers will build their own energy. If he were serious about needed regulations around data centers, this would be a law, not a pledge.
He continued to lie to us about “capturing the worst of the worst” by ICE agents when the administration has clearly detained children and murdered innocent Americans in the streets.
Trump continues to fatten his pockets via Emoluments Clause violations, making over $5 billion while in office, rather than tell us how he plans to return the average $1,700 he owes Nebraskans in illegal tariff revenue.
Donald Trump made no mention of the Epstein File survivors who attended, or the worst job market in over two decades, or the contributions by immigrants to this nation during his speech. Despite his assertions that our economy is benefiting all, he will continue to profit off the backs of working Americans like no president before, with cryptocurrency schemes, backroom deals with elites, and oil industry takeovers.
The Nebraska Democratic Party will continue to organize, ensuring Democratic candidates win back Congress in November and hold Trump and his radical administration accountable. This begins at home, where we will work harder than ever to ensure Nebraskans are fairly represented at all levels of our government.
Since 2025, Democratic candidates have won or outperformed 90% of key races nationwide, including here in Omaha and Lincoln, proving that the movement to oppose this administration will continue.
Trump’s polling numbers continue to tank as he continues to fail on his two big lies of unifying the country and making things affordable. If there ever was a time to register to vote and cast your ballot, the midterm elections could be the means to stop Donald Trump and his chaotic and dismantling of our great nation. The Nebraska Democratic Party stands ready to do our part to preserve and protect our democracy that has endured for 250 years.”
—
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Nebraska
What Troy coach Scott Cross said after first-round loss to Nebraska
Troy coach Scott Cross met with the media following his team’s 76-47 loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The victory was the first NCAA Tournament win in Nebraska basketball history.
The Huskers were led by Pryce Sandfort, who scored 23 points in the victory. The former Iowa Hawkeye shot 7-of-13 from the floor and 7-of-12 from the 3-point line. Rienk Mast contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds in the win.
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As a team, the Huskers shot 25-of-65 from the field, 14-of-39 from the 3-point line and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Troy shot 13-of-46 from the floor, 8-of-28 from beyond the arc and 13-of-14 from the charity stripe.
Cross told the press that while the defeat was difficult to take, he knows his team won’t let this season be defined by this one loss.
“Thank you for being here. I would like to thank the good Lord for the opportunity to just have your guts absolutely ripped out. It stinks, but I told our guys in the locker room, they’re not defined by this basketball game.”
Troy entered the NCAA Tournament on a four-game winning streak after earning the regular-season and tournament titles in the Sun Belt Conference. Cross acknowledged that this Nebraska team is one of the best teams he’s seen in his over 25 years of coaching.
“They played an amazing team. Nebraska is one of the best teams. I’ve been doing this since 1998. They’re really, really freaking good. The way they shoot the basketball and the way they defend, watching it on video, you’re, like, man, there’s no openings as you watch it on video.”
Nebraska and Vanderbilt will play on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast on TNT.
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: What Troy coach Scott Cross said after first-round loss to Nebraska
Nebraska
How to buy Vanderbilt vs. Nebraska 2026 March Madness tickets
No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the No. 12 McNeese State Cowboys in the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Vanderbilt eliminated McNeese by a score of 78-68 on Thursday afternoon in Oklahoma City. McNeese took the lead early in the first half, but Vanderbilt came back in the second half in a close, back-and-forth game.
Now, Vanderbilt will face off against the No. 4 Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second round at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City on Saturday, March 21.
Here is everything you need to know in order to buy Vanderbilt vs. Nebraska March Madness basketball second round tickets.
Shop Vanderbilt vs. Nebraska March Madness tickets
When is March Madness 2026?
The First Four tipped off the 2026 March Madness tournament on Tuesday, March 17. The two rounds run between Thursday, March 19 and Sunday, March 22. The tournament concludes with the Final Four on Saturday, April 4 and the National Championship game on Monday, April 6.
Vanderbilt March Madness next opponent
Vanderbilt earned a No. 5 seed in the South regional. They defeated McNeese in its opening game and have advanced to the Round of 32, where they will play the No. 4 Nebraska Cornhuskers. Tickets to Vanderbilt’s Round of 32 game start at $193.
Vanderbilt March Madness basketball tickets
Limited Vanderbilt NCAA Tournament tickets are still available for the Round of 32. Get your Vanderbilt March Madness tickets now.
Shop Vanderbilt basketball tickets
Vanderbilt March Madness schedule
After defeating McNeese on Thursday, No. 5 Vanderbilt Commodores will take on No. 4 Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, March 21. The tipoff time for that game is still to be determined. Shop Vanderbilt Round of 32 tickets now.
More March Madness: Everything fans need to know about the 2026 NCAA Tournament
Vanderbilt March Madness game locations
Vanderbilt will play their Round of 32 game at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City on Saturday, March 21.
Limited tickets for the Round of 32 March Madness in Oklahoma City are available. Shop your Vanderbilt NCAA Tournament tickets now.
Vanderbilt Sweet 16 tickets
If the Commodores were to advance to the Sweet 16, they’d travel to they’d travel to Houston, Texas. Sweet 16 tickets in Houston are already available starting at $207.
Shop Vanderbilt basketball tickets
March Madness 2026 full schedule for the men’s tournament
- April 6: National Championship
- March 19-20: First round
- March 21-22: Second round
- March 26-27: Sweet 16
- March 28-29: Elite 8
- April 4-5: Final Four
Shop ALL March Madness tickets
Nebraska
Has Nebraska won an NCAA Tournament game? Cornhuskers’ March Madness history
SGA’s cousin, Troy guard Javier Gilgeous-Glasgow, braces for March Madness
Troy guard Javier Gilgeous-Glasgow, the cousin of Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, goes through practice drills ahead of Troy’s first round matchup with Nebraska on Thursday in Paycom Center.
Nebraska men’s basketball is amid an historic season in 2025-26, earning a program-best No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. It’s unprecedented territory for the Cornhuskers, who have never experienced success in March Madness.
Literally.
Seventh-year coach Fred Hoiberg didn’t make the NCAA tournament with Nebraska until his fifth season with the program in 2023-24. The Cornhuskers missed the big dance again last season, although they won the inaugural College Basketball Crown championship before winning 20 consecutive games to start the 2025-26 season.
No. 13 seed Troy, who’s making its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, won’t be an easy out. Nebraska will also certainly be looking to lift some historical blunders off its shoulders with a win.
Here’s what to know of Nebraska’s NCAA Tournament history:
Has Nebraska ever won an NCAA Tournament game?
Nebraska is the only Power conference program to have never won a Men’s NCAA Tournament game, and has its best chance in program history to win its first when it faces Troy in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
It’s the Cornhuskers’ ninth-ever NCAA Tournament appearance, having last made the field in 2024. Nebraska lost to Texas A&M 98-83, despite being a No. 8 seed against the No. 9 Aggies in the first round.
Hoiberg said March 18 that he hasn’t addressed the program’s NCAA Tournament history leading up to the game, and that he doesn’t plan to. He did note, however, that there’s pressure involved with the game.
“I know the first question is going to be Nebraska has never won a tournament game,” Hoiberg said. “We realize that. Have I talked to our players about it? No, I haven’t. They know. They see it. Is there a pressure that goes along with that? Of course there is.”
Hoiberg’s son, Sam Hoiberg, is one of Nebraska’s top players. He also addressed what it would mean for the school to win a March Madness game.
“That’s what I’ve been dreaming of since I became a player in this program,” Sam Hoiberg said. “That’s the only thing left to do is get that tournament win. It’s the unsaid thing in every single room, is we don’t have a tournament win. So being able to do it as a senior would be pretty cool.”
Nebraska NCAA Tournament history
- 2024: No. 9 Texas A&M 98, No. 8 Nebraska 83
- 2014: No. 6 Baylor 74, No. 11 Nebraska 60
- 1998: No. 6 Arkansas 74, No. 11 Nebraska 65
- 1994: No. 11 Penn 90, No. 6 Nebraska 80
- 1993: No. 7 New Mexico State 93, No. 10 Nebraska 79
- 1992: No. 9 UConn 86, No. 8 Nebraska 65
- 1991: No. 14 Xavier 89, No. 3 Nebraska 84
- 1986: No. 8 Western Kentucky 67, No. 9 Nebraska 59
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