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Hey Belleville, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: An ancient metropolis at Cahokia Mounds, Gov. JB Pritzker opening a new environmental lab, and Sheafor and Simes + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Belleville protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Inside a Mississippian metropolis: Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville is a UNESCO site where an ancient city in our backyard once rivaled London in size, anchored by towering Monks Mound and the sweeping Grand Plaza — read the full story.

Community generosity and new faces: O’Fallon Police led Illinois in Special Olympics fundraising in 2025, raising more than $136,000, and welcomed Officer Maci Stein, with announcements made during the Law Enforcement Torch Run — read the full story.

Advanced testing capacity expands: Gov. JB Pritzker cut the ribbon on Teklab’s new Collinsville environmental lab, which has opened, creating 40 full-time jobs with a $10 million investment and strengthening Metro East’s economy — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Create spring bouquets with JSC
• Support Three Springs Preschool at Trivia Night
• Sip and paint bunny door signs
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Craving pasta, sorted: Let Papa Vito’s Pizza take dinner off your plate with craveable toasted ravioli, sneaky good cannelloni, and all the red-sauce comfort you meant to make. Put it in the weeknight rotation and enjoy leftovers that have a habit of disappearing.

Vintage finds, zero fuss: Craving one-of-a-kind without the rummage marathon? Drop Dead Shop keeps the good stuff front and center, from vintage tops and dresses to jackets and accessories that feel found, not forced. Pieces with personality give everyday Belleville fits a wink.

Sweat it out smarter: Soothe sore muscles, melt stress, and warm winter bones with the infrared sauna at Bliss Wellness. Expect deep, mellow heat without steam-room drama. In a self-care groove? Pair it with acupuncture or grab a quick reset between errands… simple, local, and you’ll walk out lighter.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🏷 Nutrition Seminar: Reading Nutrition Labels @ Downtown Belleville YMCA – Kern Center | Wednesday (3/4) at 11:30 AM – Put those readers to work and finally decode nutrition labels, because ‘serving size’ is not the whole bag. This free seminar keeps it practical with real-life grocery tips, no kale shaming, plus more sessions on sodium, heart health, and smarter sips. Register online, bring questions.

🃏 Collinsville Card Show @ The Crossings Church | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Dust off your binder and swing by The Crossings Church in Collinsville for Southern Illinois’ go-to card and collectibles show. Nearly 100 tables of sports cards, Pokémon, Magic, LEGO, and vintage toys, plus free admission, a family-friendly vibe, and haggling that counts as cardio.

🎤 Sheafor and Simes @ Venue on Main | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Weekend calls for live tunes, and Sheafor and Simes are back with soaring harmonies and the kind of combustible energy you pretend you’re too old for. No cover. Snag a free reservation, claim a seat, and feel superior about your planning skills.

👶 March Toddler Time @ Chick-fil-A | Wednesday (3/11) at 9:00 AM – If your tiny tornado needs a morning mission, head to Chick-fil-A Greenmount Commons for Spring Toddler Time. The kiddos craft flower pots, marvel at Twist n Bounce balloons, and the accompanying adult collects a free breakfast entrée, which is self-care with extra Chick-fil-A Sauce.

🥤 Nutrition Seminar: Smart Sips – Nutrition and Beverages @ Downtown Belleville YMCA – Kern Center | Wednesday (3/18) at 11:30 AM – If your water bottle is more prop than habit, this free Smart Sips seminar breaks down how your beverages impact energy, focus, and overall health. Get no-nonsense tips on water, coffee, sports drinks, and sneaky sugars, then sip smarter, feel better, and keep it local.

✂ Live. Laugh. Shred! @ Live.Laugh.Illinois. Real Estate Group | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Shiloh’s most satisfying spring ritual is rolling in with a free, on-site paper purge, and yes, your junk mail, old tax records, and awkward photos are invited. Come for the whir of the shredder, stay for Halftime Sips’ dirty sodas, neighbors, and fresh-start smugness.

💉 Local 53 Spring Blood Drive @ Belleville Fire Department | Tuesday (3/24) at 1:00 PM – Spring’s a fine time to roll up a sleeve at Local 53’s Spring Blood Drive. Do some good, snag a $15 Amazon gift card, and get A1C testing from the Red Cross, then feel smug all week. Reserve a spot online.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Belleville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 61°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 90%

Rain before noon, then rain likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: Rain likely before 9pm, then rain and a chance of thunderstorms between 9pm and 2am, then rain and a chance of thunderstorms and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

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Tomorrow – High: 68°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 83%

Rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 68. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This stately 4-bed, 4-bath two-story claims a premier waterfront lot in The Orchards, within top-rated Mascoutah schools. Sunlit spaces feature 9-foot ceilings, a two-story entry, formal rooms, and a gas fireplace living room with bay windows that frame water. The eat-in kitchen opens to a new deck. A finished walkout basement adds a second living area, bedroom, bath, and storage.

Take a peek inside →