Illinois

There's already an ideal choice for new Illinois state flag

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2024

There's already an ideal choice for new Illinois state flag

When Illinois formally launched the process of selecting a new state flag, soliciting design submissions from the public, it gave Illinoisans a rare opportunity to shape the visual and symbolic identity of their whole state. We can use that power to choose a flag that reconnects with our rich heritage and embrace a timeless design that embodies unity and history.

Rather than starting from scratch, the Illinois Flag Commission should look no further than Wallace Rice’s 1918 Centennial flag. Rice, best known for designing the iconic Chicago flag, created a masterpiece for Illinois’s centennial celebration that remains as aesthetically excellent and symbolically powerful today as it was a century ago. It deserves serious consideration as our next state flag.

The Centennial flag’s field consists of three horizontal bands of white, blue, and white. Emblazoned on the flag is a large white star, flanked on each side by 10 smaller blue stars. The 21 stars signify Illinois’s entry into the Union as the 21st state, with Illinois itself represented by the largest star. The other 20 stars, split evenly on either side, represent the 10 Northern and 10 Southern states at the time of Illinois’s admission. The result is a visually striking balance of simplicity and symmetry tailor-made for use across multiple formats.

The 1918 Illinois Centennial Flag.

The case for the Centennial flag is about more than aesthetics, however. When it became the newest state of an increasingly divided country, Illinois represented a symbolic bridge across the sectional divide, as well as a prayer for a more united future. A century later, the Centennial flag was unveiled as a visual encapsulation of that same dream. The arrangement of the stars, with Illinois as the central bridge between the Northern and Southern states, speaks to the state’s historic role as a unifier in a divided nation. In today’s polarized political environment, this symbolism carries new meaning. Adopting such a flag as our state’s symbol would send a message of unity and shared purpose — not just for Illinois, but for all Americans.

I humbly submit that the Centennial flag, with its elegant simplicity and unifying message, is the ideal candidate, and would ensure that Illinois is represented by a universally recognizable symbol that captures its unique place in the nation’s history.

John C. Engle, Logan Square

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Showcase all of Chicago in next marathon

On Sunday, the Chicago Marathon was held and in the next morning’s papers, I read nothing but kudos for our town for the great handling of such a world-renowned annual event.

But I do find myself pondering: Why is the route always the same, with very little variance? City leaders are always looking for ways to bring more attention and activities to the neighborhoods. Why not route the course through them — Beverly (actual hills — oh my gosh!), Englewood/Washington Park (past the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, up and down elegant Garfield Boulevard), through Logan Boulevard and environs northwest, etc.

What a magnificent travelogue for Chicago the televised marathon would present! I sincerely wish those in charge would look beyond the lakefront to all the beauty the city offers.

Dennis Allen, Wilmette

Blame cyclists, not drivers

Why are we having deaths and accidents with cars vs. cyclists and what can we do to help prevent some of them?

Here’s part of the problem: As we have all seen, most cyclists think they can do whatever they want when riding on the streets of Chicago.

Those of us who drive have seen very few cyclists stopping at stop signs and red lights. They ride between cars and don’t stop when crossing alleys. When something terrible happens, they look at the person driving the car.

When was the last time you saw a cyclist getting a ticket?

We have rules of the road. If cyclists were issued tickets for not obeying these rules, I’m sure we would have fewer deaths and accidents.

Dan Goodwin, Humbolt Park

Chicago Teachers Union should release audits

The Chicago Teachers Union House of Delegates recently voted “no confidence” in Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, which triggered the resignation of the entire CPS board and the naming of new board members by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Now the stage is set to green-light CTU’s contract demands for higher salaries and staffing increases that will force Chicago’s taxpayers to take the resulting financial hit.

Yet the CTU has brazenly refused to share with its own members its financial audits from 2020 to 2024, and has been sued by some of these members to release these audits. CTU members are entitled to know how their dues are being spent and who is on the CTU’s payroll. I would go further and claim that taxpayers, who are the ultimate funding source for teacher salaries and the union dues deducted from them, also have a similar right to know what the CTU is doing with its money. Until CTU comes clean, its members and Chicago’s taxpayers alike should declare “no confidence” in CTU.

John H. Flannigan, Albany Park

Don’t depend on Social Security

I can fully understand the angst many individuals feel about inadequate Social Security cost of living increases.

However, Social Security has some problems which the public does not fully understand. The payroll tax is regressive and benefits are not intended to fully fund an individual’s retirement. The original purpose was to alleviate poverty.

My advice to young people: Do not depend on Social Security. View it as supplementary income. Buy a piece of property and build some equity instead of paying rent. Get a good job that has a defined benefit pension plan. Notice how Boeing union workers are insisting on a defined benefit pension plan that, unlike a 401(k), will pay benefits for the rest of your life. Later, invest in bonds, stocks and diversified portfolios, which have proved to be financially lucrative.

Such decisions will enhance your financial future with little dependence on Social Security.

Larry Vigon, Jefferson Park

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Illinois

Illinois Wesleyan to Launch First-of-its-Kind Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Quantum Science and Engineering Program

Published

14 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Illinois Wesleyan to Launch First-of-its-Kind Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Quantum Science and Engineering Program

Fisher Center for Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering positions Illinois
as a leader in next generation quantum education

Wanda Lindquist ’26 conducts research in a quantum lab at Illinois Wesleyan University.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Illinois Wesleyan University today announced the creation of the Fisher Center for
Interdisciplinary Quantum Science & Engineering, a first-of-its-kind undergraduate
program that brings together multiple areas of study to better prepare students for
careers in this emerging field.

The Fisher Quantum Center will make Illinois Wesleyan the first undergraduate liberal
arts university in the United States to offer an interdisciplinary quantum program,
positioning both the University and the state as leaders in the quantum space.

The Fisher Quantum Center is supported by a founding gift from Ann ‘82 and Alan Fisher,
providing the resources to establish the center and launch programming. Ann is a graduate
of Illinois Wesleyan University and serves on the university’s Board of Trustees.
The Fisher Quantum Center is designed to grow in phases and will expand its curriculum,
facilities, and partnerships over time.

“The Fisher Quantum Center represents a defining step forward as the first undergraduate
interdisciplinary quantum program. Quantum is reshaping industries and the way we
solve complex problems, and this complexity is an ideal fit with Illinois Wesleyan’s
cross-curricular approach to undergraduate education. We are especially grateful to
Ann and Alan Fisher for their generous gift that is making this distinctive program
possible,” said Illinois Wesleyan University President Sheahon J. Zenger.

What is Quantum?

Quantum science studies how matter and energy behave at the smallest scale, where
the differences can be used to create new, more powerful technologies. Because of
this, quantum has a wide variety of real-world applications and is poised to transform
everyday lives and revolutionize industries ranging from computing and cybersecurity
to healthcare, finance, and agriculture.

Most quantum programs are primarily offered at the graduate level and focus on a single
area of study. The Fisher Quantum Center takes a fundamentally different approach
by focusing exclusively on undergraduate education and bringing together physics,
chemistry, computer science, mathematics, biology, business, philosophy, and engineering
into one holistic curriculum. Instead of separating these fields and narrowing the
focus, it connects them to better reflect the broad applications of quantum. This
first-of-its-kind approach prepares students not only with the technical skills for
these emerging careers, but with an understanding of the economic, ethical, environmental,
and societal implications of quantum technologies.

Ben Heinz at a computer in a physics lab — Ben Heinz ’27 studies quantum science at Ilinois Wesleyan as a double major in physics
and instrumental performance (euphonium). He has also conducted research on the ethical
implications of quantum computing.

Students will be able to engage with quantum in multiple ways, including through individual
courses, certificates, concentrations, hands-on experiments, projects, faculty-mentored
research, and internships. The Fisher Quantum Center is designed to be flexible, inclusive,
and accessible to undergraduate students from all areas of study to create a gateway
into quantum for students who might not otherwise encounter the field. It will also
serve as hub for visiting scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to collaborate
on strengthening undergraduate quantum laboratories and infrastructure.

“We are proud to support the creation of the Fisher Quantum Center and the unique
opportunity it creates for students coming to Illinois Wesleyan. The Fisher Quantum
Center will open the door for students from many different backgrounds to engage with
quantum in a way that is accessible and better prepares them for future careers. We
are excited to see how this program grows and the impact it will have on Illinois
Wesleyan students, the university, and the broader community,” said Ann and Alan Fisher.

The first courses through the Fisher Quantum Center will be available in Spring 2027,
alongside enhanced quantum lab space, with programming expanding throughout the year.
Beyond the classroom, the Fisher Quantum Center will support outreach initiatives
to engage high school teachers and students to strengthen pathways into quantum and
STEM fields. Beginning in Summer 2026, Illinois Wesleyan will host a fully funded
Quantum Day Camp for high school STEM teachers and counselors from surrounding counties,
with a residential Quantum Camp for high school students anticipated for Summer 2027.

“The Fisher Quantum Center represents a first-of-its-kind program that will create
new opportunities for students to engage with quantum across disciplines while preparing
them for the high-quality jobs of the future. Quantum technology is already shaping
the future of the global economy, and Illinois is positioning itself as a global leader.
To compete, we need to continue building a strong workforce pipeline, and Illinois
Wesleyan is playing a critical role by giving students the skills and training needed
to fill these emerging jobs and help keep Illinois at the forefront of innovation,”
said Gov. JB Pritzker.

At a time when Illinois is emerging as a national hub for quantum innovation, the
Fisher Quantum Center will play a critical role in developing the next generation
of talent, expanding awareness of quantum careers and opportunities, and ensuring
the state remains competitive in this rapidly evolving field.

“Developing the next generation of talent is essential to maintaining Illinois’ momentum
in quantum,” said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. “Illinois Wesleyan’s new program creates opportunities for students in high demand
fields while helping build the workforce pipeline Illinois industries need. The Fisher
Center reflects the forward-thinking approach that has helped position Illinois as
a growing hub for quantum innovation and emerging technologies.”

For more information about the Fisher Quantum Center, visit www.iwu.edu/fisher-quantum-center.

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Illinois

Host of new Illinois laws would target various parts of the AI industry

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Host of new Illinois laws would target various parts of the AI industry

Illinois Senate Democrats are trying to impose limits on artificial intelligence, or AI, in the final weeks of the legislative session.

The proposed package of eight different bills would target specific areas impacted by the emerging technology, including its effects on mental health and the usage of AI in schools.

State Sen. Bill Cunningham said because Congress has not put much regulation around AI, state lawmakers feel they have to step into the void.

“Artificial intelligence, or AI, can be a powerful tool for good, but currently there are minimal guardrails in place. It’s like the wild, wild west. Illinois needs to create a roadmap for responsible innovation to prevent catastrophic risks. And that is why we are all here today,” said State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen.

Edly-Allen’s proposal, which passed out of committee Wednesday and now heads to the full Senate, aims to increase transparency from big AI companies like ChatGPT and Claude. It would require large companies to make annual reports explaining what they are doing to prevent what lawmakers call “catastrophic risks.”

If a company learns about a critical safety incident, it has to report it within 72 hours, or 24 hours if the incident poses a serious risk of harm or death.

Another bill, led by Sen. Laura Ellman, aims to address the growing number of young people turning to AI during a mental health crisis, specifically people who confide in a chatbot about their suicidal thoughts. AI companies would have to implement methods to detect self harm and refer the user to a resource, such as the suicide hotline.

Other bills try to crack down on AI being used to fix rent prices, curb someone’s data from being used for targeted ads or sold to third parties, ban teachers from using AI to grade a student’s work and cut down on bots scooping up tickets to concerts and sports.

The current legislative session is set to end on May 31, with lawmakers working to pass a host of bills before that date arrives.

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Illinois

First Dutch Bros coming to Chicagoland. Here’s where

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

First Dutch Bros coming to Chicagoland. Here’s where

The Chicago metro area is getting its first Dutch Bros cafe this week, with additional Illinois locations set to open later this year.

The West Coast coffee chain announced the openings in a press release Wednesday, May 13, adding details about available freebies.

Dutch Bros coming to Melrose Park

Dutch Bros will be making its Chicago suburbs debut in Melrose Park, with doors set to open Thursday, May 14, at 1931 N. Mannheim Road.

The cafe will operate from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Melrose Park customers will be able to snag a free keychain with any drink purchase on opening day, while supplies last, according to the chain.

“Opening in the Chicago area has always been a dream for us at Dutch Bros, and Melrose Park is just the beginning,” Dutch Bros Local Market Lead Allie Lahti said in the release.

Where else is Dutch Bros opening locations in Illinois?

The chain also announced plans to open cafes in Rockford, New Lenox and Buffalo Grove, with locations slated to open this summer. The chain lists the Rockford location as “coming soon” to 7103 E. State St. on its website.

Meanwhile, job listings for “Broistas” at 550 W. Maple St. in New Lenox and 80 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove are available for applicants on the site.

But that’s not all.

A spokesperson for the Village of Oak Park told NBC News Chicago the chain “is also in the process of opening a location in Oak Park” at 316 Madison St.

The village approved plans for the new location in October 2025, and the chain told NBC the cafe is still “in the very early stages.”

Peoria City Councilman Alex Carmona told the Journal Star in April that a new Dutch Bros location will be built at the busy intersection of University Street and War Memorial Drive.

Construction is set to kick off in May at 3624 N. University St., with the location slated to open in the fall.

The Peoria Journal Star reached out to Dutch Bros about the upcoming Illinois locations and will update this story accordingly if a response is provided.