Ameren highlights energy assistance programs for Illinois customers in 2026

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Ameren is reminding customers that multiple energy-assistance resources remain available in 2026 for qualifying households struggling to pay utility bills. While many customers are directed to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Ameren is also highlighting Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, a program designed for customers whose income exceeds LIHEAP limits but who may…

Girl Scouts partner with SEMO Basketball for 573 Day community event

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland will partner with Southeast Missouri State Redhawks for a special community night during Redhawks basketball on Jan. 15. The event, known as 573 Day, will take place at the Show Me Center and will feature both women’s and men’s basketball games against conference rival Lindenwood Lions. Girl Scouts, along…

Hazel man arrested on firearm charge while deputies serve warrant

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CALLOWAY COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — Calloway County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested a Hazel man late Monday while attempting to serve a warrant. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies went to a residence on Brandon Road about 11:30 p.m. Jan. 12 to serve a warrant on John R. Thomure, 49. Deputies located Thomure and determined he was in possession of…

Woodland R-IV School District to move to four-day school week starting 2026–27

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MARBLE HILL, Mo., (KBSI) — Woodland R-IV School District will transition to a four-day instructional week beginning with the 2026–27 school year, following a vote by the district’s Board of Education. District officials said the decision was made after reviewing survey data, regional and statewide trends, and challenges facing public education. Board members cited staff recruitment and retention, as well…

Man arrested on burglary charges after home intrusion in Grand Rivers

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

GRAND RIVERS, Ky., (KBSI) — Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested a man Sunday after a homeowner reported finding him inside her residence. Deputies were dispatched Jan. 11 to a home on J.H. O’Bryan Avenue after the homeowner returned and discovered a man inside. Authorities said the suspect took items from the residence and fled before deputies arrived. Deputies…

Gov. Beshear announces nearly $2.3 million to improve Kentucky’s Public Riverports

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Andy Beshear announced nearly $2.3 million in funding to strengthen Kentucky’s public riverports, supporting eight projects at six ports aimed at improving safety, efficiency and economic growth. The awards are funded through the Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance program, which invests $7.5 million annually in riverport infrastructure. This round of grants is administered by the…

Perry County begins Disaster Action Team training with American Red Cross

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Perry County Emergency Management has partnered with the American Red Cross to begin forming a local Disaster Action Team, marking a new step in strengthening emergency response efforts in Perry County. The county hosted its first Red Cross training session Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Perry County Joint Justice Center. Fourteen participants took part in the…

SEMO to host Martin Luther King Jr. celebration dinner on Jan. 21

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State University will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner on Jan. 21, bringing together faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to honor King’s life and legacy. This year’s theme is “The Power of Education and the Value of Community.” The keynote speaker will be Adrian Taylor Jr., founding…

Gov. Kehoe to outline legislative, budget priorities in State of the State Address

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Mike Kehoe said his 2026 State of the State address will outline legislative and budget priorities aimed at strengthening Missouri’s long-term growth and opportunity. Kehoe said the address will focus on building a foundation to ensure the state is safer, stronger and positioned for future generations to succeed. The 2026 State of the State address,…

Cape Girardeau to host 2026 Cardinals Caravan community event

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Foundation will host the 2026 Cardinals Caravan on Monday, Jan. 19. The free, family-friendly event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, Three Eagles Distributing, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers and Withers Broadcasting. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the…

Carbondale announces series of events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. legacy

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — City of Carbondale is inviting residents to take part in several events across Southern Illinois honoring the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebrations begin Sunday, Jan. 18, with the MLK Community Celebration titled “Peaceful Warriors” at the Carbondale Civic Center. The program begins at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1 p.m….

Nearly 11 million free summer meals served to Kentucky children in 2025

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Nearly 11 million free meals were served to Kentucky children during the summer of 2025, marking the first time summer meal programs were available in all 120 counties, according to new data released by No Kid Hungry Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Education and Feeding Kentucky. Between May and August, providers served almost 11 million meals…

NFIB Survey shows rising small business optimism as uncertainty declines

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — National Federation of Independent Business reported an increase in small business optimism as uncertainty declined to its lowest level since mid-2024, according to its latest monthly survey. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in December to 99.5, remaining above its 52-year average of 98. NFIB officials said expectations for improved business conditions…

Vienna High School cheerleaders earn runner-up finish at ICCA State Championships

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) — The Vienna High School cheerleading team earned a runner-up finish at the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association state championships, marking the highest placement in school history. The Eagles placed second among 28 teams at the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association Championships, held Jan. 10 at the Bank of Springfield Center. “The ladies’ outstanding showing reflects months of hard…

Animal Control searches for monkeys reported loose in St. Louis neighborhoods

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) — Animal control officers in St. Louis are searching for several monkeys reported loose in city neighborhoods, prompting concern among residents. St. Louis Animal Care and Control officers were seen canvassing areas with catch poles after multiple reports of monkey sightings began coming in Thursday afternoon. Officials said callers reported seeing at least one monkey, with…

Carbondale police seek public’s help locating missing woman

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — UPDATE: On January 13, 2026, City of Carbondale Police Department Detectives found Adora M. Mays to be safe and in good health. The public’s assistance with this incident is greatly appreciated. City of Carbondale Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing Carbondale woman. Police said Adora M. Mays, 65, was last…

Baptist Health Paducah named one of America’s Top Hospitals by Forbes

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PADUCAH, Ky., (KBSI) — Baptist Health Paducah has been named one of America’s Top Hospitals by Forbes, earning a five-star overall rating and ranking among only five hospitals in Kentucky to receive the designation. It is the only hospital in western Kentucky recognized on the list. The recognition reflects the hospital’s performance in patient-centered care and clinical outcomes. In the…

Produce Prescription Program helps fight food insecurity in Southeast Missouri

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI(KBSI) – A program aimed at feeding those in need in Southeast Missouri is now available…..with a prescription. The SEMO food banks Produce Prescription Program partners with local doctors to fight local food insecurity. Kirstan Mirgeaux , is the Health Programs Coordinator for SEMO food bank she shares the Prescription Produce Program aims to help fight local food insecurity. Mirgeaux shares that doctors through Mercy…

One More Warmer Day Tuesday

Temperatures remain in the 40s for the next several hours under mostly clear skies tonight across the Heartland. Most of us will get close to freezing tonight, which will make for a chilly start to the day on Tuesday. Clear skies will allow temperatures to drop tonight in Cape Girardeau down to the lower 30s. Winds are expected to stay…

Orange Barrel Report January 12

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

(KBSI) Atmos Energy plans to implement a lane closure along 3rd Street in downtown Paducah starting Wednesday, Jan. 14 for utility work. Crews will be working between Washington and Monroe streets, or mile points 1.9 to 2.34. The project will include boring two natural gas mains perpendicular to the roadway. Motorists should watch for signs directing traffic into the open…

CANCELLED: AMBER Alert issued for two children abducted in Jefferson City; Suspect in custody

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — UPDATE: Authorities have canceled the AMBER Alert issued earlier Monday after the two abducted children were located safe. Troop F of the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that both children have been found unharmed and that the suspect remains in custody. No further details were immediately released. The Jefferson City Police Department said the situation…

Perry County officials mourn death of former assessor

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

PERRY COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — Perry County Government officials are mourning the death of Larry White, a longtime former Perry County assessor. County leaders said White dedicated more than two decades of service to Perry County before retiring. He was remembered for carrying out his duties with professionalism, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility to the public. Officials said…

Murray State University closes multiple buildings after bomb threat

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MURRAY, Ky., (KBSI) — Murray State University closed multiple campus buildings Tuesday after receiving an email indicating a bomb threat to a campus library. University officials said the threat is believed to be a hoax, but the closures were ordered out of an abundance of caution. The following buildings were closed immediately: Pogue Library, Waterfield Library, Carr Hall, Ruby Simpson,…

Notre Dame Regional High School to host Blue & White Gala celebrating 100 years

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Notre Dame Regional High School will host its Blue & White Gala on Saturday, March 14, 2026, celebrating community support and 100 years of Catholic education. Formerly known as the Winter Extravaganza, the gala will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Drury Plaza Convention Center. The evening will include dinner, dancing, live…