Good morning, Belleville.

On July 13, community members gathered on Oakwood Avenue in Alton for a Gun Violence Awareness Event that held a candlelight vigil and shared prayers to honor those lost, including 17-year-old Shabrya Hudson.

Mayor David Goins and local leaders called for healing and discussed steps to prevent gun violence in the community + event organizer Patricia Brown stressed the need to support victims and break the cycle.

Belleville Fire Department rescued a kitten trapped on a railway overpass near Wal-Mart off Carlyle Avenue using a ladder — the kitten now has a new family.

Illinois guardians Shemeka Williams and Cornelia Reid have been charged with murder after 18-year-old foster teen Mackenzi Felmlee died from a pulmonary embolism caused by alleged abuse when her legs were constrained — records show a child services worker visited her home two days before her death.

The St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office declined charges in a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday, July 13, on North 40th Street after officers responded to a scene where 50-year-old Monzelle Mason was fatally shot after allegedly threatening a 25-year-old woman — Belleville detectives have since closed the case.

Metro East residents are questioning why their community was left out of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act when radioactive waste from a former uranium processing site has affected areas in Madison and Venice—Illinois Emergency Management Agency will begin door-to-door soil tests in the next two weeks.

Chris 'The Real Deal' Rinker, who finished second last year, is getting ready for the F1 Powerboat Championship scheduled for July 18 to 20 at Riverfront Park in Alton while his crew finishes testing the boat.

He hopes to beat last year's winner and reach the top of the podium while sharing his love for boat racing (spectators can enjoy family-friendly activities during the event).

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.