Good morning, Belleville.

A list of Fourth of July celebrations in the St. Louis area details events including fireworks, parades and family festivals running from today through July 6 (with options on riverfronts and downtown venues).

The guide provides start times, locations and key details (such as food vendors and live music) to help families plan their holiday weekend.

Gateway Pet Guardians in East St. Louis reported its air conditioning failed during a recent heatwave—causing indoor temperatures to exceed 80°F—and now seeks emergency adoptions, short-term fosters, and bottled water donations to care for over 80 animals.

Salt + Smoke, a popular St. Louis BBQ restaurant, will open its first Illinois location at 410 N.

Main Street in Edwardsville later this year in an old fire station that will be part of a new mixed-use development with a four-story office building and luxury apartments.

The Mississippi River Festival returns to Alton on Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 with live music from top artists at the Alton Amphitheater, where doors open at 3:00 p.m. on Friday and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Festival organizers also plan a free History Exhibit downtown on June 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.—showcasing memorabilia and photos curated by Lyle Ward that highlight the festival’s legacy.

Residents preparing for Fourth of July celebrations must check local laws because Missouri permits fireworks sales from June 20 to July 10 while many areas restrict discharges, and Illinois allows only non-aerial fireworks like sparklers—hand-held fireworks are banned due to state regulations.

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost sent a letter last Wednesday to the Postal Service's Inspector General asking for an audit of the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center after Southern Illinois residents complained about mail delays, misdirected deliveries and lost items.

He said the audit is needed because promised improvements from a 2022 review have not reached affected communities—ensuring accountability for reliable mail service.

The CDC confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus this year when a Southern Illinois resident was hospitalized—it is the earliest case in the state since 2016.

Health officials urge residents to protect against mosquito bites as about 1 in 150 people could develop severe illness.

Seniors at Jazz at Walter Circle in East St. Louis have been without air conditioning for about a week during a deadly heat wave.

One resident said the lack of cooling is dangerous — former Mayor Robert Eastern is seeking to move the seniors to temporary housing as the Housing Authority has not set a repair timeline.

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.