The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is once again under the spotlight after a manager failed to consult a collections committee before purchasing a 21-star flag whose description as a rare banner marking Illinois’ 1818 admission to the Union is disputed.
NATO in Chicago -
A 19th Century Flag Purchased for More Than $15K Disrupts Leadership at an Illinois Museum and Prompts a State Investigation
May 27, 2024 0 Comments![This image provided by Heritage Auctions, shows 21-star U.S. flag. Illinois state investigators are scrutinizing the purchase by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum of this 21-star U.S. flag reportedly from 1818-1819 at the time that Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state. At the same time, one of the nation’s top vexillologists, or flag experts, says the flag is not from 1818 but from the Civil War period and is likely a so-called Southern exclusionary flag, reserving on its blue canton space for stars representing only those states remaining loyal to the Union. (Heritage Auctions via AP) This image provided by Heritage Auctions, shows 21-star U.S. flag. Illinois state investigators are scrutinizing the purchase by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum of this 21-star U.S. flag reportedly from 1818-1819 at the time that Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state. At the same time, one of the nation’s top vexillologists, or flag experts, says the flag is not from 1818 but from the Civil War period and is likely a so-called Southern exclusionary flag, reserving on its b](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/FlagAP.jpg)
![This image provided by Heritage Auctions, shows 21-star U.S. flag. Illinois state investigators are scrutinizing the purchase by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum of this 21-star U.S. flag reportedly from 1818-1819 at the time that Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state. At the same time, one of the nation’s top vexillologists, or flag experts, says the flag is not from 1818 but from the Civil War period and is likely a so-called Southern exclusionary flag, reserving on its blue canton space for stars representing only those states remaining loyal to the Union. (Heritage Auctions via AP) This image provided by Heritage Auctions, shows 21-star U.S. flag. Illinois state investigators are scrutinizing the purchase by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum of this 21-star U.S. flag reportedly from 1818-1819 at the time that Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state. At the same time, one of the nation’s top vexillologists, or flag experts, says the flag is not from 1818 but from the Civil War period and is likely a so-called Southern exclusionary flag, reserving on its b](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/FlagAP.jpg)
Illinois Senate Democrats Send $53.1B Budget to House. Here’s a Look at What It Includes
May 27, 2024 0 Comments![Lawmakers in the Illinois Senate celebrate late on May 26, 2024, after passing a budget. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois) Lawmakers in the Illinois Senate celebrate late on May 26, 2024, after passing a budget. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/CELEBRATE-0140.jpg)
The fiscal year 2025 spending plan, which came together over a stretch of late nights and closed-door dealmaking, spends $400 million more than what Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposed in his February budget address.
![Lawmakers in the Illinois Senate celebrate late on May 26, 2024, after passing a budget. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois) Lawmakers in the Illinois Senate celebrate late on May 26, 2024, after passing a budget. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/CELEBRATE-0140.jpg)
Cicadas Week 2: What’s New? For Starters, Chicagoans Have FOMO
May 27, 2024 0 Comments![Cicada sculptures, this one in Winnemac Park on the North Side, are as close as many Chicagoans are going to get to the real thing. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) Cicada sculptures, this one in Winnemac Park on the North Side, are as close as many Chicagoans are going to get to the real thing. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/CicadaParadeaSculpturePW.jpg)
Some of the early “They’re here!” excitement has definitely given way to “Wait, they’re staying for how long?” At the opposite end of the spectrum, Chicagoans are wondering why they got left out of the great 2024 emergence.
![Cicada sculptures, this one in Winnemac Park on the North Side, are as close as many Chicagoans are going to get to the real thing. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) Cicada sculptures, this one in Winnemac Park on the North Side, are as close as many Chicagoans are going to get to the real thing. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/CicadaParadeaSculpturePW.jpg)
Health Insurance Changes Targeting ‘Utilization Management,’ More Will Head to Pritzker’s Desk
May 25, 2024 0 Comments![State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, speaks in favor of her bill to limit the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage or steer individuals toward lower cost, and sometimes less effective, treatments. (Peter Hancock / Capitol News Illinois) State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, speaks in favor of her bill to limit the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage or steer individuals toward lower cost, and sometimes less effective, treatments. (Peter Hancock / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/Laura-Fine-2405231-700-700-p-C-97_Peter%20Hancock_CNI.jpg)
The Illinois House gave final approval Saturday to a pair of bills that limit the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage or steer individuals toward lower cost, and sometimes less effective, treatments and medications, strategies sometimes referred to as “utilization management.”
![State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, speaks in favor of her bill to limit the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage or steer individuals toward lower cost, and sometimes less effective, treatments. (Peter Hancock / Capitol News Illinois) State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, speaks in favor of her bill to limit the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage or steer individuals toward lower cost, and sometimes less effective, treatments. (Peter Hancock / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/Laura-Fine-2405231-700-700-p-C-97_Peter%20Hancock_CNI.jpg)
State Lawmakers Pass 250 Bills, Including Measure Targeting ‘Legacy’ Admissions at Public Universities
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![The Illinois State Capitol is pictured in Springfield. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois) The Illinois State Capitol is pictured in Springfield. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/Illinois_State_Capitol_CREDIT_Jerry%20Nowicki_CNI.jpg)
Amid the flurry of legislation was a measure prohibiting state universities from admitting students based on familial and donor ties, an expansion of the ban on sales of e-cigarettes to minors and a bill prohibiting stores from stocking alcoholic beverages near non-alcoholic lookalikes.
![The Illinois State Capitol is pictured in Springfield. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois) The Illinois State Capitol is pictured in Springfield. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/Illinois_State_Capitol_CREDIT_Jerry%20Nowicki_CNI.jpg)
Week in Review: ShotSpotter Debate; Legislative Session Wraps Up in Springfield
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/cwir052424_C2N.jpg)
Chicago City Council bucks the mayor and votes to keep ShotSpotter. And it’s a wrap — almost — on the legislative session in Springfield.
![](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/cwir052424_C2N.jpg)
Bill Banning Illinois From Aiding Other States’ Investigations Into Abortion Services Clears General Assembly
May 24, 2024 0 CommentsThe bill is one of several responses Illinois lawmakers have passed in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade. It came in response to legislative efforts in other states to ban or severely limit access to abortion services.
Chicago Police Intend to Be More ‘Judicious’ in Canceling Officers’ Days Off as City Announces Summer Safety Plans
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/Chicago_Skyline_FILE_CREDIT_Michael_Izquierdo-5.jpg)
Mayor Brandon Johnson, speaking Friday at the Chicago Cultural Center, joined Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling and other department leaders to unveil the city’s summer safety plans ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
![(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News) (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/Chicago_Skyline_FILE_CREDIT_Michael_Izquierdo-5.jpg)
Mayor Johnson’s Pick for RTA Board Withdraws From Consideration After Aldermanic Pushback
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![The Rev. Ira Acree holds a news conference to withdraw his nomination to the RTA board on Friday, May 24, 2024. (WTTW News) The Rev. Ira Acree holds a news conference to withdraw his nomination to the RTA board on Friday, May 24, 2024. (WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/r_ACRE_RTA_PRESSER_frame_6912.jpg)
The Rev. Ira Acree, who was selected by Mayor Brandon Johnson to serve on the board, announced Friday he is no longer seeking that seat due to aldermanic resistance that began after he faced pointed questions during his confirmation hearing earlier this month.
![The Rev. Ira Acree holds a news conference to withdraw his nomination to the RTA board on Friday, May 24, 2024. (WTTW News) The Rev. Ira Acree holds a news conference to withdraw his nomination to the RTA board on Friday, May 24, 2024. (WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/r_ACRE_RTA_PRESSER_frame_6912.jpg)
Bringing the Bling: Jewelry, Decorative Arts – and Oddities – From Prominent Local Families Flash Brilliance at Historic Chicago Mansion
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![A necklace and a piece by Lalique are on display at the Driehaus Museum. (Credit: Michael Tropea) A necklace and a piece by Lalique are on display at the Driehaus Museum. (Credit: Michael Tropea)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/Driehuas_Necklace_Lalique_Credit_MichaelTropea.jpg)
A new exhibition illuminates the jewels in city collections, both private and institutional. There are enough gorgeous gems and decorative art objects here to fill a whole season of “Antiques Roadshow.”
![A necklace and a piece by Lalique are on display at the Driehaus Museum. (Credit: Michael Tropea) A necklace and a piece by Lalique are on display at the Driehaus Museum. (Credit: Michael Tropea)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/Driehuas_Necklace_Lalique_Credit_MichaelTropea.jpg)
Latino Veterans Join Forces for Memorial Day Weekend Ceremonies in Chicago
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![Vietnam veterans monument and mural in South Chicago. (Provided by Ald. Peter Chico’s office) Vietnam veterans monument and mural in South Chicago. (Provided by Ald. Peter Chico’s office)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/Vietnam%20Veterans%20Monument%20%26%20Wall.jpg)
Whether laying wreaths, flying American flags or donning red poppies, Chicagoans unite over Memorial Day weekend to honor veterans who served in the U.S. military.
![Vietnam veterans monument and mural in South Chicago. (Provided by Ald. Peter Chico’s office) Vietnam veterans monument and mural in South Chicago. (Provided by Ald. Peter Chico’s office)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/Vietnam%20Veterans%20Monument%20%26%20Wall.jpg)
Thousands of Immigrants in Illinois May Lose Their Health Care as Advocates Call for More Funding
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![File photo of person in a medical setting. (WTTW News) File photo of person in a medical setting. (WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/PeopleDoctor_File_C2N.jpg)
The programs rolled out during the pandemic, providing benefits for immigrant adults and seniors. They offered health coverage for low-income individuals who did not qualify for Medicaid because of their immigration status.
![File photo of person in a medical setting. (WTTW News) File photo of person in a medical setting. (WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/PeopleDoctor_File_C2N.jpg)
Advocates Underscore Need for Statewide Reentry Programs as Several Bills Aimed at Supporting People With Criminal Records Stall
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![Antonio Lightfoot, deputy director at the nonprofit Workers Center for Racial Justice, speaks at a news conference in the Illinois State Capitol. Advocates wore orange jumpsuits to symbolize the restrictions placed on people who return to society from prison. (Dilpreet Raju / Capitol News Illinois) Antonio Lightfoot, deputy director at the nonprofit Workers Center for Racial Justice, speaks at a news conference in the Illinois State Capitol. Advocates wore orange jumpsuits to symbolize the restrictions placed on people who return to society from prison. (Dilpreet Raju / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/Anthony%20Lightford_presser_Credit_DilpreetRaju_CNI.jpg)
Illinois legislators this week approved a bill to restructure an oversight board in charge of distributing state money to courts that provide prison alternatives, while other criminal justice measures introduced throughout the session remain stalled.
![Antonio Lightfoot, deputy director at the nonprofit Workers Center for Racial Justice, speaks at a news conference in the Illinois State Capitol. Advocates wore orange jumpsuits to symbolize the restrictions placed on people who return to society from prison. (Dilpreet Raju / Capitol News Illinois) Antonio Lightfoot, deputy director at the nonprofit Workers Center for Racial Justice, speaks at a news conference in the Illinois State Capitol. Advocates wore orange jumpsuits to symbolize the restrictions placed on people who return to society from prison. (Dilpreet Raju / Capitol News Illinois)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/Anthony%20Lightford_presser_Credit_DilpreetRaju_CNI.jpg)
Cannabis Bill Moving Forward in Springfield Restricts Sale of ‘Delta-8’ and THC, Puts Limits on CBD Products
May 24, 2024 0 Comments![(WTTW News) Hemp Cafe in Chicago. (WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/HempCafes_C2N.jpg)
Starting in July, Illinois would ban the sale of any hemp-derived THC, or delta-8, from being sold, except at state-licensed cannabis dispensaries. That means those products would no longer be sold at breweries, gas stations and specialty lounges and stores.
![(WTTW News) Hemp Cafe in Chicago. (WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/HempCafes_C2N.jpg)
Think Cicadas Are Strange? Meet the Foam-Farting Spittlebug
May 23, 2024 0 Comments![Somewhere in the bubble bath is a spittlebug nymph, which farts out foam as a protective cocoon. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) Somewhere in the bubble bath is a spittlebug nymph, which farts out foam as a protective cocoon. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/SpittlebugFoam.jpg)
The tiny critters are almost impossible to spot, but you can’t miss their bubbles.
![Somewhere in the bubble bath is a spittlebug nymph, which farts out foam as a protective cocoon. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) Somewhere in the bubble bath is a spittlebug nymph, which farts out foam as a protective cocoon. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/SpittlebugFoam.jpg)
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, May 23, 2024 - Full Show
May 23, 2024 0 Comments![](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/lv052324_C2N.jpg)
School funding and a crackdown on THC — the latest from Springfield. And ahead of Memorial Day weekend, we hear stories from Latinos who served in the military.
![](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/lv052324_C2N.jpg)
Justice Department Sues Ticketmaster Owner, Asks Court to Break Up Company’s Monopoly on Live Events
May 23, 2024 0 Comments![FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Paris Le Defense Arena as a part of her Eras Tour concert in Paris, May 9, 2024. (Lewis Joly / AP Photo, File) FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Paris Le Defense Arena as a part of her Eras Tour concert in Paris, May 9, 2024. (Lewis Joly / AP Photo, File)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/post-thumb/public/field/image/Ticket_Master_Antitrust_Lawsuit_24144503166624.jpg)
The sweeping antitrust lawsuit was brought with 30 state and district attorneys general and seeks to dismantle the monopoly they say is squeezing out smaller promoters, hurting artists and drowning ticket buyers in fees.
![FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Paris Le Defense Arena as a part of her Eras Tour concert in Paris, May 9, 2024. (Lewis Joly / AP Photo, File) FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Paris Le Defense Arena as a part of her Eras Tour concert in Paris, May 9, 2024. (Lewis Joly / AP Photo, File)](https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/styles/taxonomy-page-hero/public/field/image/Ticket_Master_Antitrust_Lawsuit_24144503166624.jpg)