Rain and storms likely Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday, a MARGINAL risk for severe weather. A few thunderstorms could become severe with the main concern being wind. Winds up to 65+ mph will be possible as the storms move through. Some small hail could be within some thunderstorms. Quarter size hail or greater possible in parts of Illinois. StormCast shows some scattered showers with a few thunderstorms in the morning…

Dye free options become more popular as parents push for dye free foods

MISSOURI(KBSI) – Parents are pushing for more transparency when it comes to food ingredients. The demand for cleaner foods and dye free options are becoming increasingly more popular.   More and more parents are ditching artificial food colorings as it could potentially be linked to behavior issues in children. This has business owners adding more dye free options to their menu’s. Dawn Kirby…

Shield of Armor: Seminar supports mental health of first responders

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Police Department and Beyond the Badge are hosting the 4th annual Shield of Armor Wellness Seminar on April 28-29. The two-day event at the Drury Plaza Hotel Conference Center aims to promote mental health and well-being among first responders and their families. Retired St. Louis County first responder Eric Hinson says the…

New Madrid Police Chief resigns, successor appointed

NEW MADRID, Mo., (KBSI) — The city’s police chief is resigning, citing family and personal reasons, and a new chief has been appointed. Outgoing Chief Shane Grissom thanked citizens for their trust and support during their tenure, which he described as one of the greatest honors of his life. Grissom will continue to serve as fire chief and part-time patrol…

Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for southern Missouri and portions of southwest Illinois until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Primary threats include damaging wind gusts as high as 75 mph, large hail up to 1.5″ in diameter and a tornado or two will be possible. A fast-moving line of storms was over southwest Missouri this morning…

Orange Barrel Report April 28th

(KBSI) Motorists can expect several traffic changes starting next week as part of ongoing Transportation Trust Fund projects. Changes include: Cape Rock Drive is set to reopen on April 30. Perryville, between Lexington and Cape Rock, will be closed to northbound traffic starting April 30, and to southbound traffic from Lexington starting May 1. The intersection of Lexington and Perryville…

Cape Girardeau community works to revitalize neighborhoods in downtown Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.(KBSI) — Volunteers took to downtown neighborhoods of Cape Girardeau to clean and revitalize a neighborhood block between Jefferson, and Sprigg streets, with the goal of making a lasting difference for future families. Dr. Melissa Stickel, executive director of Community Partnership, helped organize the effort, working with the students from the YouthBuild program and community members. “This is…

Lifehouse Crisis Maternity Center helps combat infant mortality rates in Southeast Missouri

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Missouri continues to struggle with high infant mortality rates but initiatives across the state are working to combat the issue. Lifehouse Crisis Maternity Center of Cape Girardeau is one of these places. Tracey Morrow is the Program Administrator of maternal and family services for the LifeHouse crisis maternity center of Cape Girardeau. The center opened…

Severe storms likely Tuesday evening

A SLIGHT risk for severe weather is in effect Tuesday. Storm timing is 3 pm Tuesday-3am Wednesday. Hail and wind will be the main concerns. Large hail, 2″ in diameter will be possible. Winds up to 70+ mph will be likely with these storms. StormCast shows storms forming out west in the afternoon and move east through the overnight. Wednesday,…

Ameren Missouri reminds customers of available energy assistance programs

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Ameren Missouri reminds customers that energy assistance programs, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), are available. LIHEAP applications are due May 31 through the Missouri Department of Social Services. Ameren Missouri partners with over 800 agencies to help customers apply for energy assistance programs, which are available year-round. One popular solution for…

Jailhouse Cafe gives employment to those recently incarcerated

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A program ran through Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri is helping individuals with challenged backgrounds. Typically, a felony is a deal breaker for many areas of employment but at Jailhouse Cafe a felony is a requirement. A Cafe in Cape Girardeau is brewing up more than just coffee, they’re handing out second chances.  Jailhouse Cafe is…

Cape Girardeau police department spotlights “Take Me Home” program to protect residents

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — In an effort to protect residents and families quickly, the Cape Girardeau Police Department is promoting the “Take Me Home” program, a initiative that’s assisting individuals that may deal with cognitive disabilities who may become lost. The voluntary program allows caregivers or loved ones to register their loved ones with the police department by submitting…

United Way of Southeast Missouri celebrates 70 years of service with community street party

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – United Way of Southeast Missouri marked its 70th anniversary with a street party. The family friendly event featured live music, games, and free treats — right outside the organizations new space at 16 N. Spanish in Cape Girardeau. Executive Director Elizabeth Shelton said the organization is bringing a new community childcare resource center to the…

Orange Barrel Report April 25th

(KBSI) Southbound Route 67 in St. Francois County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction as contractor crews perform shoulder work. This section of roadway is located between Michael Lane and Holly Tree Lane in Farmington, Missouri. Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, May 5 through Saturday, May 17 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m….

BIG warmup Monday, storm chances increasing

Saturday, a pleasant day under partly sunny skies. Sunday, a chance for rain and an isolated storm or two. A BIG warm up Monday. Tuesday, storms look to be likely. Storm chances continue through the end of next week. Saturday morning, temperatures in the 50s for most of us. Saturday, temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s, with NE…

Memorial Mass for Pope Francis set for Friday at St. Mary Cathedral

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, will celebrate a Memorial Mass for Pope Francis at St. Mary Cathedral on Friday, April 25, at 5:15 p.m. All members of the community are invited to attend the Mass, which will be held at the historic St. Mary Cathedral,…

Orange Barrel Report April 24th

(KBSI) Motorists can expect several traffic changes starting next week as part of ongoing Transportation Trust Fund projects. Changes include: Cape Rock Drive is set to reopen on April 30. Perryville, between Lexington and Cape Rock, will be closed to northbound traffic starting April 30, and to southbound traffic from Lexington starting May 1. The intersection of Lexington and Perryville…

Kelly school district shows commitment to helping keep students safe

BENTON, Mo. (KBSI) — A generous anonymous donation has provided the Kelly School District with a new AI powered gun detection camera system, helping school safety and offering an extra layer of safety for students and staff. The system, powered by InSpace AI technology, uses artificial intelligence to detect firearms including handguns and long guns, based on visual recognition rather…

Shawnee District 84 opposes an Illinois bill that would ban Native American mascots

WOLF LAKE, Ill. (KBSI) — Officials from a southern Illinois school district are speaking out against an Illinois bill that would ban schools from using a native American name, logo, or mascot. At Shawnee Community Unit School District #84, students play pickleball in the gym decorated with the school’s Shawnee Redskins imagery — a mascot that superintendent Shelly Clover-Hill said …

Storms likely to end the week

The chance for showers and thunderstorms continues into Friday. It’s not looking like an all day event, but storms will be possible on and off. Rainfall totals won’t be too high, but we don’t really need any moisture right now. We continue to be above average for Friday. Highs will be 5 to 10 degrees above average. There won’t be…

Illinois reports first Measles case of 2025

Measles Virus(Source: CDC / cdc.gov)SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the state’s first case of measles in 2025, involving an adult in southern Illinois. The case was confirmed through laboratory testing on April 23, and health officials are working to identify potential exposure locations. The risk of community transmission remains low, and the department…

Two SIU Carbondale international students’ visas revoked

Published: April 22, 2025, 9:28 p.m. Updated: April 23, 2025, 11:00 p.m. CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) — Two international students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have had their visas revoked, according to the university. FOX23 reached out to SIU Carbondale Director of Communications Kim Rendfeld. She provided the following statement: Two students have informed us that their visas have been revoked….