Cedar Rapids Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hobby Lobby to Pay 3 Million Fine Over Iraqi Artifacts

A federal settlement requires Hobby Lobby Stores to pay 3 million dollars for illegally importing over 3 000 ancient Iraqi artifacts. The case casts a cloud over the Museum of the Bible backed by Steve Green and the Green family as it previews a November Washington DC opening near the National Mall. The complaint details layered suspicious purchases from 2010, involving 5 500 artifacts and multi account payments. The museum says artifacts involved were not part of its collection and remains committed to scholarly access.