(CNN) Lawmakers in Arkansas voted down a bill that would have removed Confederate symbolism from the state's flag. Arkansas' flag features four prominent stars, with three lower stars representing Spain, France, and the United States -- three nations to which the territory belonged at different points in its history. But Arkansas' House State Agencies and Government Affairs Committee voted 8-5 to block the bill from advancing to the floor. Just one Republican joined the four Democrats in backing the measure, but there were seven abstentions. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Charles Blake, tells CNN he'll push again to get it to the floor during this year's legislative session.

Source: CNN February 28, 2019 22:07 UTC