Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Country music star Jason Aldean will headline a benefit concert on April 18 at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center to raise funds for three regional food banks.

Tickets go on sale March 11 at 10 a.m. and include optional pre-party & ticket auction opportunities to support communities facing food insecurity.

Safe Return is a program that began in November to help homeless residents get rides back to supportive homes.

On Monday night, city leaders praised executive director Ginny Smith + healthcare provider Georgia Rodgers for a solution that lowers local costs.

Southeast Missouri State University will host the Southeast District Career Development Events Contest on March 26 for high school FFA students, offering livestock evaluation events at Flickerwood Arena plus other competitions at the Student Recreation Center.

Top performers will qualify for state and national contests in April and October respectively.

The Delta R-V School District reported an increase in student illnesses, including several confirmed influenza B cases, and asked families to keep symptomatic children home; officials said they may consider a temporary closure later this week if attendance falls.

Just outside Kelso, a $500 million solar project will double energy capacity with rows of panels producing 430 megawatts—which is enough to power about 62,000 homes.

The 18-month plan will boost local schools, first responders, and infrastructure with $62 million in tax revenue.

Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission is accepting nominations for its 2026 Endangered Buildings List until March 6; the commission will review submissions on March 18 and adopt the list at City Hall on April 15 (5:30 p.m.).

Construction has started on a new roundabout at the intersection of Highway 61 and Deerwood Drive near Jackson's civic center.

Drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time while the work zone is active + they expect improved safety and smoother traffic when complete.

Route 61 from Kimbel Lane to Donna Drive will have a 16 ft width restriction and one lane open for utility work on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. KY 339 has reopened between eastern and western Shaw Road after a December closure for a new bridge.

SEMO’s men’s and women’s basketball teams raised $6,270 through the #BlockHunger campaign after finishing their regular season, thanks to support from Drury Southwest Inc. + other sponsors; the funds will provide over 25,000 meals to families across 16 counties.

UT Martin Skyhawks vs. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Baseball

1-2 p.m. — Capaha Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of college baseball with the UT Martin Skyhawks facing off against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.

Sportsplex Blast March Madness

March 28-29 — Cape Girardeau SportsPlex — Check website for details — Exciting youth basketball tournament featuring various age groups and skill levels.

Educational Hair Show with Sam Villa and Anna Peters

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau — Lunch provided — Experience an engaging hair show with insights from industry experts Sam Villa and Anna Peters.