The growing movement to secede from Illinois and become the 51st state

Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking the birth of a new nation. But if you read the Declaration closely, it’s not just about creating something new; it’s about ridding itself of something unwanted. It’s a break-up text, announcing secession from the British Crown. Today, that same spirit is fueling a modern-day movement in Illinois. A growing number of rural counties want to secede from Illinois and create a 51st state called “New Illinois.” Driven