John O'Connor

Stay informed with John O'Connor’s coverage and analysis.

Letter

Abraham Lincoln wrote a job reference for a Black friend in 1861. It’s on view at the Presidential Library and Museum

By John O'Connor and The Associated Press

Pritzker

Billionaire governor of Illinois reveals in tax return that he won a $1.4 million jackpot in Las Vegas

By John O'Connor and The Associated Press

Drapeau de l’état de l’Illinois et immeubles le 2 novembre 2024 à Chicago. (Photo by Victor LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Illinois debated ditching its 110-year-old state flag—but voters overwhelmingly prefer a design that experts ‘hate’

By The Associated Press and John O'Connor

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)

Abraham Lincoln museum in spotlight again after paying $15,000 for disputed flag—its prized $6.5m stovepipe hat tied to president was also questioned

By John O'Connor and The Associated Press

Michael Madigan

Crypto Correspondent

By John O'Connor and The Associated Press

J.B. Pritzker

The billionaire governor of Illinois gets pricey gifts from $950 Japanese whiskey bottle to $200 Swiss watch but never touches them

By John O'Connor and The Associated Press

Demand for legal marijuana in Illinois would far exceed licensed growers ability to supply it, study shows

Recreational Marijuana Is Now Legal in 11 States

By John O'Connor and The Associated Press

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