Good morning, Belleville.

Police said they are investigating a homicide in Swansea on the 2100 block of Caseyville Avenue that left 32-year-old Bernard Oranika dead—Oranika and the suspect reportedly knew each other.

A foster parent Shameka Williams aged 46 and her mother Cornelia Reid aged 64 were charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in connection with the death of 18-year-old Mackenzie Felmlee, who was found unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase in a Fairview Heights home in 2024.

Lyle Ward, a former festival director, will bring his collection of memorabilia from the historic Mississippi River Festival to Alton this Saturday, June 28, with an exhibit at The Wedge from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.—the display preserves items from the festival’s key years between 1969 and 1980.

The US Air Force Band of Mid-America's Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble will perform free concerts in the St. Louis area on July 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Logan University, on July 3 at 5:00 p.m. at Shiloh Community Park Pavilion, and on July 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Bond County Square—ticket reservations are required for the July 2 and 3 shows.

Belleville families can build summer reading lists that offer age-tailored choices from picture books to novels to help maintain reading skills and spark shared conversation.

Local experts suggest using library resources and family discussions to select a mix of genres and formats — a method that motivates every generation.

A group of business and civic leaders say the slow growth in the region may lead to fewer workers and a weaker economy + they have asked the East-West Gateway Council of Governments to study the issue and plan ways to attract new residents.

The board will soon discuss how to address this challenge before it impacts local jobs and services.

Medicare 101 Q&A Session

6-7 p.m. — Tavern On Main — Free entry — Get your Medicare questions answered at this informative and interactive session with experts.

Live Music: The Jorrells

5-8 p.m. — Eckert's Pick Your Own Belleville Farm — Free entry — Dance to the vibrant brass sounds of the Jorrells performing classic hits from the '60s and '70s.

DCI - Drum Corps International

6:30-8 p.m. — Belleville West High School — Tickets available — Experience the thrilling performances of top drum corps live in Belleville.

Open Mic Night at Eckert's Farm

5-8 p.m. — Eckert's Pick Your Own Belleville Farm — Family-friendly fun — Celebrate local talent at the inaugural Open Mic Night under the stars.