Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

The Battle of the Chambers blood drive kicked off yesterday, May 5, with events in Cape Girardeau and Sikeston, including one at Sikeston High School where FFA students helped.

Additional drives will be held in Jackson and Perryville this week.

Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center installed new soft surfacing (for improved safety) around its pirate ship play area to protect young visitors, and families can enjoy the updated feature as the summer season begins.

SEMO students celebrated Cinco de Mayo at El Mezcal Mexican Grill on Broadway yesterday despite rainy weather forcing many guests indoors — longtime Taco Tuesday patrons recalled the event's sentimental value.

Hannah Harper from southeast Missouri will compete in the American Idol season finale on Monday, May 11, joining two other finalists on a TV contest.

She grew up in the Heartland and now prepares for her big performance.

SEMO will host a free accounting summer camp for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors on June 12 in Cape Girardeau where students will take part in hands on activities, panel discussions and a scavenger hunt, and they could win a $2,500 scholarship; registration is open through May 15.

Recent rain has given local farmers some relief from a prolonged drought, but 6—8 inches remains far below the normal 46—48 inches needed and more rain is required to get crops back on track.

Mercy Southeast earned an A grade for patient safety from the independent Leapfrog Group.

The rating (32 measures) makes it one of only 11 Missouri hospitals to meet strict safety standards.

Community Counseling Center will host a Families Thriving Together workshop on June 23 at the Jackson Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The interactive session for teens aged 13 to 17 and their caregivers will cover mental health topics + social media impact, anxiety, and digital parenting.

Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles vs. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Baseball

1-2 p.m. — Capaha Park — Secure your seats — Feel the thrill of college baseball with the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles taking on the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.

Cape Catfish vs. Thrillville Thrillbillies Game

6:35-9:35 p.m. — Capaha Field (SEMO Baseball) — Ticket prices vary — Kick off the weekend with a competitive game against the Thrillbillies from Marion, Illinois.

Cape Catfish vs Alton River Dragons

6:35-8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field (SEMO Baseball) — $25 buckets of beer — The Catfish aim to maintain dominance over the River Dragons on Thirsty Thursday.