Illinois may be getting a new state flag next year, thanks to a public vote on 10 new flag design proposals that is scheduled for January.

Nearly 5,000 entries were submitted to the Illinois Flag Commission, with 10 of the entries making it to the public ballot.

Those flags, along with previous Illinois flags and the state’s current banner, will go up for a public vote, with the commission set to make their recommendations to the state’s General Assembly later in 2025.

“Having received nearly 5,000 entries, I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in all the submissions,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office convened the Flag Commission meetings.

Here are the 10 designs chosen by the commission:

Photos: Illinois flag design proposals released by commission

More information on the inspiration of each of the designs can be found on the Illinois Flag Commission’s website.

Under provisions of SB 1818, voters will get an opportunity to choose between the flag designs published by the committee, but the final say on whether the state will adopt a new banner, and which banner will fly over the Capitol, belongs to the General Assembly.

Illinois’ current flag incorporates the state’s official seal, which was adopted in 1869. The flag itself was adopted in 1915, with a small addition of the state’s name added in 1970, according to the Flag Commission’s website.

Numerous states have adopted new flags in recent years, including Minnesota, who designed and unveiled a new banner in 2024.

Mississippi and Utah have also unveiled new flags, though other states have made minor changes to their designs or have codified specific standards for their banners.

Rankings of state flags have routinely put Illinois on the lower end of the list, with critics pointing to the state’s use of the official seal rather than a unique design.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that former deputy Sean Grayson will remain in jail pending trial for the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman killed in her home after calling 911.

The decision overturns a previous appellate court ruling that found Grayson’s pretrial detention improper and ordered a hearing to determine conditions for his release. 

The appellate court had criticized prosecutors for failing to present sufficient evidence that Grayson posed a danger to the community if released.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel Antonio Romanucci, representing Massey’s family, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. In a statement, they called it “a relief for Sonya Massey’s family” and emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety and holding law enforcement accountable.

“Sonya’s family has shown incredible resilience in their pursuit of justice for her senseless killing. This decision affirms their efforts and underscores the importance of addressing police violence,” the statement read.

Grayson, 30, faces first-degree murder charges in the July 6 shooting, which occurred after Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler. During the police visit, an interaction in her living room escalated when Grayson fired three shots, killing her.

The case has drawn national attention and sparked outrage, seen as part of a broader pattern of police violence against Black Americans. It has also led to a Justice Department investigation and the resignation of Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, who had hired Grayson.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Illinois Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 12, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Pick-3 numbers from Dec. 12 drawing

Midday: 5-5-8, Fireball: 8

Evening: 1-5-4, Fireball: 8

Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-4 numbers from Dec. 12 drawing

Midday: 7-6-5-8, Fireball: 5

Evening: 2-7-2-7, Fireball: 5

Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning LuckyDay Lotto numbers from Dec. 12 drawing

Midday: 04-20-22-36-40

Evening: 03-09-37-44-45

Check LuckyDay Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto numbers from Dec. 12 drawing

07-25-29-40-41-42, Extra Shot: 03

Check Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

• Prizes up to $600: Claim at an Illinois Lottery retailer, a Claim Center, by mail, or via an e-Claim. By mail, send the required documentation to: Illinois Lottery Claims Department, P.O. Box 19080, Springfield, IL.
• Prizes from $601 to $10,000: Claim at a Claim Center, by mail, or via an e-Claim.
• Prizes over $10,000: Claim at a Claim Center or by mail.
• Appointments Required: Schedule an appointment for in-person claims.
• Documentation: Bring a photo ID and Social Security number proof.

When are the Illinois Lottery drawings held?

• Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
• Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
• Lucky Day Lotto (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
• Lucky Day Lotto (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
• Lotto: 9:22 p.m. CT on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
• Pick 3 (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
• Pick 3 (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
• Pick 4 (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
• Pick 4 (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Illinois editor. You can send feedback using this form.