Advantage News

AdVantage News serves as the go-to local news source for the Riverbend region, covering areas like Alton, Godfrey, Hartford, Bethalto, Granite City, and Edwardsville, along with the surrounding communities. This publication combines online content, email updates, and printed materials to bring readers the latest in community news, local events, profiles of residents, and updates on businesses. It also features unique columns, comics, and special content that you won’t find elsewhere! Readers can receive AdVantage News through the mail or directly in their inbox, which includes a weekend print edition, daily email news alerts, and 24/7 access to the AdVantage News website for up-to-date news. Previously known as Today's AdVantage, AdVantage News comprises a network of community publications with a total direct mail circulation reaching over 78,000 households. It is based in Alton, Illinois, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, and primarily serves Madison County in Southwestern Illinois, located just north of where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet. The publication features a mix of display and classified ads and is distributed for free by the United States Postal Service to thirteen local communities in the middle of the week.

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Illinois lawmakers pass prescription drug pricing legislation

4 days ago | advantagenews.com | Kevin Bessler

A bill that seeks to control the rising cost of prescription drugs while also offering financial help for many small, independent pharmacies has passed both chambers of the Illinois legislature. The Prescription Drug Affordability Act puts new regulations and imposes new fees on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs act as third-party intermediaries in the insurance industry who manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of insurance plans.
Illinois lawmakers approve Drug Affordability Act

4 days ago | advantagenews.com | Kevin Bessler

A bill that seeks to control the rising cost of prescription drugs, while also offering financial help for many small, independent pharmacies has passed both chambers of the Illinois legislature. The Prescription Drug Affordability Act puts new regulations and imposes new fees on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs act as third-party intermediaries in the insurance industry who manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of insurance plans.
Hydration station grants available in Illinois

4 days ago | advantagenews.com | Brad Choat

Hydration station example (Illinois American Water Facebook) Illinois American Water says there’s a new grant program through their American Water Charitable Foundation that encourages the placement of hydration stations across the state. The aim is to boost public confidence and trust in drinking tap water and to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste. Grant applications are being accepted through June 20th.
Rep. Elik criticizes budget bill's adoption

5 days ago | advantagenews.com | Brad Choat

Democrats stand and applaud in Illinois legislature after passing Fiscal Year 2026 budget on May 31, 2025 (Capitol News Illinois pohot) Majority Democrats in the Illinois legislature passed a $55 billion state budget late Saturday that they said was a tough one to craft, as they worry about federal funding. Capitol News Illinois reports the spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026 increases funding for safety net hospitals and federally-qualified clinics in anticipation of Medicaid cuts.
Budzinski urges U.S. Steel to include Granite City in future plans

5 days ago | advantagenews.com | Brad Choat

Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says the deal President Donald Trump is touting between U.S. Steel and Japan-based Nippon Steel fails to bring workers to the table or direct funding to revitalize the steel mill in Granite City. President Trump didn’t offer many specifics when he spoke to Pennsylvania steelworkers on Friday Your browser does not support the audio element. Trump also announced he wants to double the tariff on steel imports to fifty-percent.
Arch One returns to flight a month after crash

5 days ago | advantagenews.com | Brad Choat

The medical helicopter unit that lost its aircraft in a fiery crash April 24th in Hartford, returned to service this week. Granite City-based Arch One posted on social media that its clinicians and pilots are fully-trained and ready to fly in a new airframe. The Arch Air Medical team said it looks forward to serving the community once again, and providing high-quality critical care to patients.
Illinois bill would force insurance companies to cover laser hair removal

1 week ago | advantagenews.com | Jim Talamonti

Adobe file photo Illinois lawmakers are considering a mandate for insurance companies to cover “medically necessary” laser hair removal, despite cost concerns for small businesses. House Bill 3248 returned to the Illinois House for concurrence after it was approved in the Senate last Thursday. State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Cherry Valley, urged lawmakers to vote against the bill, saying it would hurt small businesses and raise insurance costs for families.
Industry groups take sides as lawmakers consider discount drug program bill

1 week ago | advantagenews.com | Jim Talamonti

Industry groups have lined up on opposite sides of Illinois legislation aimed at providing patient access to discount medications. Senate Bill 2385 would create the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act and provide regulations involving the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. Patients Rising chief mission officer Terry Wilcox said the bill does nothing to protect patients. “It does nothing to lower drug costs. It does nothing to expand access.
Assisted suicide legislation stashed in food preparation bill

1 week ago | advantagenews.com | Kevin Bessler

Sunrise over the Illinois State Capitol As the spring legislative session winds down in Illinois, sponsors of assisted suicide legislation are trying get passage by including the measure with a food prep bill. State Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, attached the stalled assisted suicide bill’s language to a food preparation safety bill as an amendment.
‘Safe gun storage’ bill ready for final passage in Illinois House

1 week ago | advantagenews.com | Greg Bishop

The Illinois House could soon approve a measure requiring gun owners to lock up their firearms under certain circumstances, despite there being 6 to 1 opposition filed against the bill. Before Senate Bill 8 advanced out of the House Gun Violence Prevention Committee Tuesday, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, explained what would be considered locked up if a prohibited person, including someone under 18, is on the premises.