Good morning, Belleville.

Emergency responders worked at a train derailment on Thursday near Monsanto Avenue — Mississippi Avenue in Sauget at 7 a.m. while agencies prevented further derailments and no injuries were reported.

On Tuesday night, a shooting in Fox Park on Shenandoah Avenue outside the Little Fox restaurant left three people injured when an armed dispute escalated and bullets struck nearby homes, businesses, and parked cars—police say no arrests have been made.

A recent report by the Illinois Department of Employment Security showed that Belleville’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.8% in May 2024 to 3.7% in May 2025 — a trend also seen in O’Fallon, Granite City, and East St. Louis.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced his intentions Thursday in Chicago to seek a third term next year — he faces growing questions about a potential presidential bid.

Gateway Arch Park Foundation leader Ryan McClure said he hopes the park's grounds will eventually expand across the Mississippi River into Illinois — a project that will need congressional support — and that the effort could take up to two decades.

Mayor Cara Spencer said the disaster recovery center at Chaifetz Arena closed on Thursday after helping about 2,500 families following the May 16 tornado.

FEMA has given $17 million to approximately 3,000 residents and new centers opened at Union Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Sumner High School parking lot, and Urban League Entrepreneurship and Women's Business Center—each with set operating hours—for continued aid.

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.