Illinois
Illinois Democrats, Republicans respond to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union
Contentious exchanges between President Donald Trump and Democratic lawmakers erupted during the longest-ever State of the Union address, in which Trump touted economic success, defended immigration policies and pushed to preserve tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.
Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood walked out of the House Chamber mid-speech, saying in a video posted afterward, “…I had to leave the State of the Union. After hearing him make light of the health care crisis that he created and then to not be even serious about prescription drugs, acting like Trump Rx is some real solution, give me a break. It’s outrageous and I couldn’t stay in there a moment longer.”
Several Illinois Democrats blasted the president’s remarks, while republicans lauded his accomplishments.
Here’s how a number of Illinois lawmakers responded.
Republican Rep. Darin LaHood
“Tonight, President Trump delivered a State of the Union address that highlighted the victories we’ve secured for the American people and laid a vision of strength for the future of our great nation. With Republican leadership in the White House and Congress, we have secured our southern border, cut taxes for working families, strengthened our economy, and restored American leadership on the world stage. While there is more work to be done, President Trump outlined a clear path to build on our success, strengthen our national security, make life more affordable, and expand opportunity for American families.”
For all those who didn’t watch tonight, allow me to summarize:
The liar lied again.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) February 25, 2026
Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider
“If you were fortunate to be watching the State of the Union at home tonight, you could have changed the channel after the USA Men’s Hockey Team was honored for bringing home gold. That was the best part of the longest-ever State of the Union Address. Congratulations to them – and to the USA Women’s Hockey Team and to all of our winter Olympians.
“Nearly two hours later, the President presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to two war heroes. It was a moment that rightly united the entire chamber inspired by these two heroes’ sacrifice for our nation.
“Unfortunately, the rest of the President’s address was just more of Mr. Trump’s tired old grievances and lies. It’s obvious he has no serious plan to help hardworking Americans get ahead, no plan to lower the cost of groceries, to make it easier to buy a home or afford healthcare for their families.
“Because of President Trump’s failed agenda, Americans are paying too much at the grocery store. Housing and utility costs are preventing families from reaching the American dream. Healthcare costs are so high, millions of Americans are being priced out of basic care altogether.
“Instead of offering real solutions, the President bragged about kicking millions of people off food stamps, including children and seniors. He defended and doubled down on his illegal tariff taxes that raised costs for consumers and pushed small businesses to the brink of disaster. He brushed aside his administration’s vicious, violent, and cruel immigration policies that have resulted in the killing of American citizens.
“I want to make life better for all Americans, to lower costs, to keep our communities safe and healthy, to preserve democracy, and to protect our national security. I wish that was the case as well for our President. Unfortunately, all the American people continue to get are broken promises, higher costs, and endless chaos.
“Our nation deserves better. While Republicans continue to bury their heads in the sand and bend their knees in supplication to their failed, corrupt President, Democrats are fighting back, using every tool available to stop Trump and Republicans’ extreme policies and make life better for the American people.”
After spending the last year wreaking havoc on our communities, Donald Trump yet again spewed lies and attempted to gaslight the American people.
We endured baseless claims, shameless propaganda, and the ramblings of a wannabe dictator outlining his plans to steal our elections.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@govpritzker.illinois.gov) February 24, 2026 at 10:15 PM
The President is putting his name on failed policies that cost Americans more:
TrumpRx.
Trump taxes.
Trump performing art centers.
Trump accounts.At least we all know who to blame, then, for higher healthcare costs, higher taxes, and higher costs of living.
— Robin Kelly (@RepRobinKelly) February 25, 2026
He lingers, salaciously over people who were hurt and murdered. But there is no joy, no happiness in this speech. Just an angry, bitter, hateful, man who knows no one in this room loves him any more than he loves them.
— Sean Casten (@SeanCasten) February 25, 2026
The American people deserve the truth. Instead, tonight, they heard lies from President Donald Trump.
While families struggle with rising costs for housing, health care, and groceries, billionaires and big corporations continue to reap record profits.
I will continue fighting…
— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) February 25, 2026
Like last year, I gave myself 5 bald-faced lies before I walked out of Trump’s joint address.
Less than one hour into his speech, I’m out.
— Congressman Bill Foster (@RepBillFoster) February 25, 2026
— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) February 25, 2026
My thoughts on the President’s #SOTU Address👇
Tonight, we heard the ramblings of a President dangerously disconnected from the real issues keeping families up at night – issues his own policies have made worse.
The harsh truth is that people are struggling. People like Laura,…
— Nikki Budzinski (@NikkiBudzinski) February 25, 2026
Illinois
How to buy Illinois Final Four gear, hats, shirts, hoodies, more
No. 3 Illinois knocked off No. 9 Iowa on Saturday night in Houston, now they’re advancing to the Final Four in the men’s NCAA Tournament.
The Fighting Illini pulled away late and ended their the Hawkeye’s Cinderella run in the Elite Eight with a 71-59 victory.
SHOP: Illinois Final Four tickets
Illinois fans know this is special, it’s the team’s first Final Four appearance since 2005, so now it’s time to celebrate.
Get the gear the players wore on the court, including Illinois Final Four hats, Illinois Final Four shirts, and more.
Shop ALL Illinois Final Four gear
Illinois Final Four hat
Illinois Final Four shirt
Illinois Final Four game location
Illinois will play its Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Get your Illinois Final Four NCAA Tournament tickets now.
Shop Illinois Final Four tickets
Illinois Final Four appearances
The last time the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team made the Final Four was in 2005. They also made it in 1989, 1952, 1951 and 1949.
When is the Final Four?
The 2026 NCAA Tournament concludes with the Final Four on Saturday, April 4 and the National Championship game on Monday, April 6. Saturday’s games are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET respectively, while the National Championship game is set to tip at 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 6.
March Madness 2026 full schedule for the men’s tournament
- 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
- April 6: National Championship
Shop ALL March Madness tickets
Illinois
Champaign places temporary restrictions on alcohol sales as city gears up for Illini-Hawkeyes game
Saturday, March 28, 2026 1:30PM
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WLS) — As the Fighting Illini take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight, there will be new liquor laws in place in Champaign.
The mayor signed an executive order, citing concerns to public health.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
After 3 p.m. Saturday, bars and restaurants cannot serve alcohol in glass containers.
And retailers are banned from selling packaged alcohol or to-go cocktails after 6 p.m.
Alcohol deliveries are also being banned after 6 p.m.
The restrictions will remain in place until 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Illinois
Illinois vs Iowa prediction, analysis, Elite Eight expert picks for men’s March Madness
The men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with Elite Eight action Saturday with No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 9 Iowa on the two-game schedule.
USA TODAY Sports’ college basketball experts have analyzed all the angles and determined a path to victory for each side. Here’s everything you need to know before the Elite Eight matchup tips off.
USA TODAY has a team of journalists covering the men’s NCAA Tournament to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.
Illinois will win Elite Eight game vs Iowa if…
- John Leuzzi: It replicates what it did defensively against Houston.
- Jordan Mendoza: It controls the interior.
- Ehsan Kassim: Wagler can win the matchup against Stirtz.
- Austin Curtright: If its defense plays like it did against Houston.
Iowa will win Elite Eight game vs Illinois if…
- John Leuzzi: It limits Illinois on offensive rebounds, and second chance opportunities.
- Jordan Mendoza: it’s knocking down 3-pointers.
- Ehsan Kassim: Hawkeyes can make the game slower paced and Illinois misses shots.
- Austin Curtright: Its bench contributors of Alvaro Folgueiras, Tate Sage and others continue their strong play.
Illinois vs Iowa: 1 Stat to watch
- John Leuzzi: Bennett Stirtz vs. Keaton Wagler at the point guard battle.
- Jordan Mendoza: 3-point shot.
- Ehsan Kassim: Illinois 3-point shooting.
- Austin Curtright: Illinois’ defense has been outstanding in the NCAA Tournament, despite ranking outside the top 20 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency.
Illinois vs Iowa Elite Eight prediction
- John Leuzzi: Iowa
- Jordan Mendoza: Illinois
- Ehsan Kassim: Illinois
- Austin Curtright: Illinois
3 Illinois vs 9 Iowa
- Opening Moneyline: Illinois (-275), Iowa (+227)
- Opening Spread: Illinois (-6.5)
- Opening Total: 139.5
How to Watch Illinois vs Iowa in the Elite Eight
No. 3 Illinois takes on No. 9 Iowa at Toyota Center on March 28 at 6:09 PM The game is airing on TBS.
Stream March Madness on Sling
2026 Men’s March Madness full schedule
See the schedule, live scores and results for all of the NCAA Tournament action here.
- March 17-18: First Four
- March 19-20: First Round
- March 21-22: Second Round
- March 26-27: Sweet 16
- March 28-29: Elite 8
- April 4: Final Four
- April 6: National Championship
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