About this episode

The episode discusses the growing New Illinois movement and the challenges it faces amid skepticism regarding representation for rural and suburban communities.

Organizers behind the New Illinois movement say they are building long-term support for creating a separate state despite criticism. They argue rural and suburban communities lack fair representation in Illinois and often get overshadowed by Chicago politics. Comments by G. H. Merritt, chairman, Board of New Illinois State. Related article: https://www.heartlandnewsfeed.com/2026/07/14/new-illinois-rural-state-split/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support .

Topics covered

• statehood movement
• political representation
• rural communities
• suburban issues
• Illinois politics

Keywords

• New Illinois
• state separation
• G. H. Merritt
• Illinois politics
• rural representation
• suburban communities
• Chicago

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New Illinois

Places: Illinois, Chicago

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