August 22, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs abortion bills; Operation Purple Heart returns medals

By The Center Square
The Center Square

Pritzker signs abortion bills

Two bills Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted Friday impact access to abortion procedures.

House Bill 3637 shields health care providers from discipline for providing abortion services that are lawful in Illinois.

House Bill 3709 requires colleges and universities to offer contraception and medication abortion if they have an on-campus pharmacy or student health center.

Operation Purple Heart returns medals

A 16th family has been reunited with their relative’s Purple Heart military honors.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office announced as part of Operation Purple Heart, they returned Army Private Stephen J. Grabowski’s military medals with grand-niece Chrystal Cantrell during a ceremony in Marion.

Frerichs, who handles unclaimed property, also returned Grabowski’s Bronze Star and other medals.

Product Expo to open at Du Quoin State Fair

The Illinois Product Expo will be open at the Du Quoin State Fair for the final weekend.

Located in the Expo Hall at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31.

Products include food, drinks, crafts and items like soaps, essential oils and more.

###

Latest News Stories

Trump to meet with Democratic leaders to discuss govt funding bills

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With government funding progress halted and a government shutdown deadline looming, President Donald Trump is reaching across the aisle to Democratic congressional leaders to discuss...

WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of...

Social Security’s 90th anniversary sparks debate over how to address insolvency

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square On the day before Social Security’s 90th anniversary, fiscal watchdogs are urging Congress to seriously address the program’s impending funding shortfalls – particularly in light...

Colorado ranks eighth nationally for battling antisemitism

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The Anti-Defamation League recently named Colorado one of nine states “leading the way” on combatting antisemitism. The Jewish Policy Index was conducted by the ADL...

Trump speaks with Zelenskyy, European leaders ahead of Putin meeting in Alaska

By Caroline BodaThe Center Square President Donald Trump met virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders before flying to Alaska for a U.S.-Russia...

Texas House Democrats may return after first special session is over

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After the Texas House didn’t reach a quorum on Tuesday, the Texas House Democratic Caucus said absconding House Democrats would return after the first special...

Illegal border crossings reach lowest level in recorded US history in July

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Illegal border crossings nationwide dropped to their lowest level in recorded history in July, according to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. “CBP...

GE Appliances announces $3 billion investment in U.S. production

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square GE Appliances announced a $3 billion investment over the next five years to increase production at facilities across the country. The appliance manufacturer, whose parent...

VA reduces benefits backlog as concerns linger over potential cuts

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Department of Veterans Affairs said it processed more disability benefits compensation and pension ratings claims in a year than ever before, despite concerns that...

DOJ settles West Point lawsuit over race-based admissions

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Justice Department has reached a settlement with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to resolve a federal lawsuit targeting the elite schools over...

Texas AG Paxton files motion of contempt against O’Rourke

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a motion for contempt against former U.S. Rep. Robert Francis (Beto) O’Rourke claiming he violated a temporary restraining...

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Wednesday Aug. 13th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from...

Illinois law empowers officials to crack down on predatory towing

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Beginning Jan. 1, a new Illinois law cracks down on predatory towing by letting the Illinois...

Texas Supreme Court sets expedited schedule in Paxton, 13 House Dems case

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Texas Supreme Court has set an expedited schedule in a case filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting the court remove 13 Texas House...

Texas Supreme Court sets expedited briefing schedule in Abbott-Wu case

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Texas Supreme Court has set an expedited briefing schedule in a case filed by Gov. Greg Abbott to remove from office House Democratic Caucus...

« Previous
1
…
9
10
11
12
13
…
25
Next »

Casey Local