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Budzinski Celebrates Groundbreaking Of Wieland North America's Modernized East Alton Facility

4 months 1 week ago
With support from Congressional funding and the REV Illinois program, Wieland North America is investing $500 million to propel advanced manufacturing modernization EAST ALTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) celebrated the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. The project is supported by a $5 million congressionally-directed Community Project Funding award and a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy. “Wieland has been a cornerstone of good-paying union jobs and economic growth in East Alton for over a century,” said Congresswoman

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GRID Solar Talks Benefits of "Owning" Your Electricity

4 months 1 week ago
HIGHLAND - GRID Solar is officially offering general electrical contracting services alongside solar, and this helps them create more efficient systems. Ryan Wagner, co-owner of GRID, explained that the business aims to help their customers get the most efficient energy systems. With a few “master electricians on staff,” Wagner said that they can help customers decode their energy bills and decide what kind of system is best for them. “It just opens up the number of services we can do for everybody,” he explained. “We always tell people, we’re trying to sell you as few panels as possible, not as many as we can get away with. If we can spend $1,000 putting more insulation in your attic and that saves you $3,000 by not needing that many panels, then that’s a wise use of your money and you should do that.” Wagner noted that traditionally, people view their house’s systems as separate from one another. Plumbing, HVAC and electrica

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Trump plans to halt arms to Ukraine, sanctions on Russia

4 months 1 week ago
The other shoe drops: The Trump administration has stopped financing new weapons sales to Ukraine and is considering freezing weapons shipments from U.S. stockpiles, moves that threaten Kyiv’s ability to fight at a critical time in its battle against Russian forces, current and former U.S. officials said. The shutdown of financing new weapons sales began ...continue reading "Trump plans to halt arms to Ukraine, sanctions on Russia"
Kevin Drum

Charges Filed Against Bethalto Couple In Connection With Child Pornography

4 months 1 week ago
BETHALTO — The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed multiple charges against two Bethalto residents, Blake M. Clemons, 35, and Ashley L. Rusk, 33, following an investigation into the dissemination of child pornography. The charges were presented on March 3, 2025, after a cybertip from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office prompted an inquiry by the Bethalto Police Department. Clemons faces 16 counts, including 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and five counts of child pornography, with all charges classified as Class X felonies except for one count of child pornography, which is classified as a Class 1 felony. Rusk is charged with 11 counts, including one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, as well as multiple counts of permitting sexual abuse of a child, classified as Class 1 felonies. She also faces two counts of child pornography, classified as Class 2 felonies, and one count of sexual exploitation

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Haine Issues Comments On Pair Accused Of Shooting Toward School Bus In Alton

4 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced statements on Monday, March 2, 2025, after his office has charged two individuals with firing guns in the direction of a school bus. Daniel G. Coalan, 18, of Alton was charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class X felony), one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony), and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of a school bus and in the direction of another person, and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun. Also charged in a juvenile case is a 16-year-old male from Wood River. The juvenile is charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony) and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of another person and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun with

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2025 Women of Distinction: Julie Botterbush Serves as Mentor in Nursing Profession

4 months 1 week ago
ALTON - Julie Botterbush started as a candystriper at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Now, she’s the Administrative Director of Nursing Operations for SSM Health. Botterbush, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. As she reflected on her career and community service, Botterbush has a powerful message for other young women. “I worked the AIDS epidemic, I worked the COVID epidemic, and everything in between,” she said. “The biggest thing, if I could tell a young girl, if I could tell myself, if I could tell my 1986 self — be your biggest hero. Believe in yourself. Be resilient. And don’t give up. You may have to try harder, you may have to try a couple of times, but bounce right back.” Botterbush began training to be a nurse at the J.B. Johnson Center at Alton High School in the 1980s. She loved the job and decided to become an LPN. But

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