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

August 22, 2025/

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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.

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Community Events

MondayDecember 8, 2025

6:00 amElf on the Shelf Library Display Raffle - Week 2: The Elf on the Shelf SnoBiggie Little Grunt Yeti 3:30 pm9:30 AM - Walk and Talk Book Club 3:30 pmMs. Gretel Sings!4:00 pmMs. Gretel Sings!4:30 pmMs. Gretel Sings!4:30 pm10:30 AM - Walk & Talk Book Club 9:30 pm(Gr. 4th - 8th): Snowman Diorama

TuesdayDecember 9, 2025

3:00 pmSensory Take & Make: Magic Color Scratch Snowflake Ornaments 5:00 pmChair Yoga- In person with Nancy Richmond - MCPLD Card Holder Priority 6:30 pmOpen MahJong 9:30 pmJr. High: Star Wars LIFE - A Jedi's Path 9:30 pm(Gr. K-5th): Holiday Cards, Gifts, and Crafting 10:00 pmOne-on-One Technology Help

WednesdayDecember 10, 2025

Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #1)12:30 amPajama Storytime with Santa (Session #2)1:00 amSensory-Friendly Pajama Storytime with Santa (Session #3)3:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime 4:30 pm(Ages 0-2): Baby Storytime 10:00 pmHigh School: Winter Reindeer Decoration 10:15 pm(Gr. 3rd-5th) Bluestem Book Club - "Nell of Gumbling"

ThursdayDecember 11, 2025

12:30 amClassroom Kitchen with Chef Kristyn - Virtual Program 4:00 pmChildren's Finger Painting

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