Belleville News-Democrat

Chief Judge Andrew Gleeson said the numbers may drop in the next eight weeks but he doesn’t expect that to continue. A jail spokesman said the jail population could even increase in the long term.

Up to 50 homeowners in Belleville will be allowed to keep chickens in their backyards under an ordinance adopted by the City Council on Monday night.

After settling the lawsuit where a former player sued the Mascoutah volleyball coach for allegedly violating her civil rights, the coach is suing the player, alleging defamation.

The search comes after Darcy Benway said she would step back from her role because for "medical purposes," according to the school board's president. Benway's replacement will be hired next July.

Call for Help Inc., an East St. Louis-based nonprofit known for assisting people in need, said it was shutting down at the end of September.

Belleville joins Collinsville and other Metro East school districts who have embraced the Community Eligibility Provision since it was first implemented in Illinois during the 2011-12 academic year.

Capt. Eleanor “Ellie” Cooke was one of two pilots. “We’re very proud of her, and by giving her life, she saved 20 other people,” Cooke's mother said.

Illinois American Water, a public utility company, finished its project on Friday. The company replaced water-main pipes under and around Veterans Memorial Fountain in downtown Belleville.

Stephanie Mills will serve as the city's first female fire chief. “It would make anyone proud to lead this department," she said. "We have a long, proud tradition. To be named chief is an honor for anybody.”

Progress on the massive restoration project at the Gustave Korner House in Belleville has been slow and challenging, but community leaders are looking toward the city for help.