John O'Connor

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

  • LetterNorth America

    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
  • PritzkerPolitics

    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)Politics

    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)Politics

    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 MadiganPolitics

    A small Illinois city ticketed a local reporter for asking why its infrastructure collapsed and flooded under heavy rainfall

    By John O'Connor and The Associated Press
  • J.B. PritzkerPolitics

    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