Why does the Illinois state seal have the date of Aug. 26, 1818? What’s with the year 1868 on the rock? And why is the word “sovereignty” upside down?

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois — Illinois lawmakers are debating legislation that could seal the criminal records of up to 3 million residents who have served their sentences for non-violent offenses ...

Ousted governor pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Tuesday, as political watchdogs tally cost of state's long history of graft and cronyism.

Illinois didn’t even have an official state flag for the first 97 years of its existence. In 1915, a flag with only the state seal on a white background was officially adopted.

Giannoulias’ office oversees the 21-member Illinois Flag Commission that was impaneled in 2023 to determine if a new flag design was necessary, or wanted, in an effort to better market the state.