A movement to create the 51st state in the US by separating much of Illinois from Chicago's Cook County is gaining momentum, NBC Chicago reported. Advocates argue that Chicago's political dominance has marginalized rural communities and shut them out of decisions that affect their lives. Can Illinois become a symbol of the growing political divisions in America?

A movement to create the 51st state in the US by separating much of Illinois from Chicago's Cook County is gaining momentum, NBC Chicago reported. Advocates argue that Chicago's political dominance has marginalized rural communities and shut them out of decisions that affect their lives. Can Illinois become a symbol of the growing political divisions in America?