Mass casualty training exercise planned at Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center will host a hands-on mass casualty training exercise to provide real-world experience for students and area emergency responders. The Cape Girardeau Police Department said officers will assist with the training alongside local EMS and other emergency service partners. Residents may notice an increased presence of ambulances, police vehicles…

MDC urges southeast Missouri landowners to identify rare sand prairie habitat

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

BENTON, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Conservation is encouraging landowners in southeast Missouri to look for signs of rare remnant sand prairie habitat on their property. Officials say this unique habitat exists only in southeastern Missouri, with fewer than 2,000 acres of medium- to high-quality sand prairie and savanna remaining. One example of the habitat can be found…

West Frankfort fire chief resigns during council meeting amid pay dispute

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill., (KBSI) — West Frankfort Fire Chief Derek Sailliez resigned during a city council meeting Tuesday following a dispute over his compensation. The resignation came after council members returned from a brief executive session and voted unanimously to keep Sailliez’s employment terms and pay unchanged. Sailliez asked for clarification on the decision and, after being told no changes…

Orange Barrel Report March 18

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is planning to close a section of KY 1422/Tatumsville Highway in Marshall County on Thursday, Mar. 19, weather permitting. This will impact KY 1422 between Cypress Road and Briensburg-Tatumsville Road, or about mile points 4 to 4.6. This closure is necessary to perform repairs to areas of base failure along the…

Cape Girardeau mayoral candidates outline priorities ahead of April 7 election

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Voters in Cape Girardeau will soon decide who will serve as the city’s next mayor, as the two candidates lay out their plans to address key issues facing the community. FOX23’s Tallis Johnson spoke one-on-one with both candidates about their priorities, including public safety, neighborhood development and overall quality of life. Current Mayor Stacey Kinder,…

Steak N Shake restaurant to close after 35 years in Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A longtime Cape Girardeau restaurant announced it will close after 35 years in business. In a statement, owners said the restaurant has served as more than just a dining location, but also a gathering place for the community. The business will close its doors April 6. Owners thanked customers for their support and loyalty over…

Dozens of school positions cut as CUSD #168 faces growing budget crisis

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill., (KBSI) — The Frankfort Community Unit School District No. 168 Board of Education met March 16, approving financial items and making significant staffing decisions to address a projected budget deficit. FOX23 has received the email from an anonymous viewer regarding the March 16, 2026, meeting and the decisions discussed. The board specifically noted it would enter closed…

Warming up Through the Weekend

Temperatures will be on the rise for the back half of the work week across the Heartland. High temperatures return to the 70s on Thursday afternoon. We will see passing cloud cover across the viewing area, though the latest runs of StormCast elect to keep us dry. Low temperatures on Wednesday evening will be seasonally warmer. We will likely still…

Cape Girardeau police seek help identifying two individuals

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying two individuals. Police said they are seeking to identify the people shown in images released by the department. Anyone who recognizes one or both individuals is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Edwards at 573-335-6621, ext. 1152, or by email at redwards@cityofcape.org. Anonymous…

Old Seminary water tower demolished in Perry County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PERRY COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A loud boom heard across parts of Perry County before 9 a.m. was likely the result of the demolition of the old Seminary water tower, according to the Perry County Historical Society. The historical society said the tower was intentionally toppled as part of ongoing infrastructure updates in the area. The structure had long been…

Cape Riverfront Market prepares for opening day and season of events

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Riverfront Market is preparing to kick off its opening day, signaling the start of a new season featuring festivals, local vendors and family-friendly activities. Market organizers say the upcoming season will include a variety of themed festival days highlighting seasonal produce, live entertainment and unique experiences for visitors. The market will offer fresh…

Lawsuit challenges decision denying Endangered Species Act protections for Illinois chorus frog

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CHICAGO, Ill., (KBSI) — The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its decision not to protect the Illinois chorus frog under the Endangered Species Act. The conservation group argues the species has lost most of its native sand prairie habitat across the Midwest due to agriculture and development and now…

Missouri State Highway Patrol, SEMO to announce new crime lab site in Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Southeast Missouri State University will announce the location and build site of a new crime laboratory in southeast Missouri during a joint press conference Friday. Col. Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, will host the event alongside Brad Hodson, president of Southeast Missouri State University….

Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club to host 88th annual Pancake Day March 18

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club will host its 88th annual Pancake Day on Wednesday, March 18 at the A.C. Brase Arena Building. The event will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with organizers serving pancakes and sausage throughout the day. Tickets are $10 per person, and attendees who bring a pair of used…

$30,000 grant supports child abuse prevention program in southeast Missouri

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) — A southeast Missouri child abuse prevention program has received a $30,000 grant to support its education efforts, organizers announced. The funding for the Green Bear Project, a program of Southeast Missouri Networks Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV), comes from the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation. The program provides age-appropriate education to children from pre-kindergarten through high school, focusing on…

Orange Barrel Report March 17

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Drivers in parts of southeast Missouri and western Kentucky may experience traffic delays due to upcoming road and bridge work. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Business Route 67 in Poplar Bluff will be reduced to one lane beginning Friday, March 29. Crews will perform overnight pavement repairs between Route M and West Pine Street….

Jackson launches Restaurant Week to help businesses recover after gas outage

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) — Jackson restaurants are getting a boost this week as the community rallies to support local businesses following last week’s gas outage. The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce launched “Jackson Restaurant Week” to help restaurants recover after the outage disrupted operations across the city. Some businesses closed temporarily while others limited service. Chamber leaders say the event…