Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Today Freedom Fest kicks off in Cape Girardeau, offering community resources + live music from Sam Barber, food trucks, and fun for kids while all proceeds benefit local veterans.

Overnight, several downtown Cape Girardeau business owners reported vandalism — a heavy object broke the back door glass at McGinty Jewelers and logs were thrown at another shop — while police investigate property damage on the 400 Block of Broadway.

Jacob Houston, 31—who is held on a $7,500 bond—was arrested Thursday in Cape Girardeau after officers responded to a burglary report at 2:30 a.m. in the 100 block of North Broadview.

Cape Girardeau was named a Missouri Blue Shield Community for its innovative public safety efforts— a distinction given by Governor Mike Kehoe that opens grant funding for police training, new equipment, and expanded community programs.

The city will use these funds to upgrade law enforcement infrastructure and implement additional crime prevention measures.

Missouri lawmakers passed a property tax bill that freezes taxes in 22 counties and limits increases to 5% every two years in nearly 90 others (the rest face no restrictions), while constitutional lawyer Dave Roland said the measure violates state law and Rep. Kathy Steinhoff hopes courts will block it as Speaker Jon Patterson plans an interim committee to address tax relief.

Breakthrough Essential Skills Basketball Camp

June 17-19 — Cape Girardeau SportsPlex — $97 fee for observing coaches — Focus on skill development for youth basketball players in grades 3 to 8.

Rick Faris Band Live at Port Cape

8 p.m. — Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant and Lounge — $20 at the door — Enjoy a lively performance from the Rick Faris Band in a great new venue.

Summer Slam 2025

8 a.m. - 8 p.m. — A C Brase Arena — Skater registration starts at $45 — Participate in scrimmages with individual skill levels and a chance to join the Main Event mixer!

Star Spangled Brunch

Brunch Buffet — 11 a.m. — Beacon 53 — $0.00 - $53.00 — Indulge in a special brunch buffet featuring fresh summer ingredients while enjoying picturesque views of the Mississippi River.

Capaha Classic 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Capaha Park — Registration required — Compete in the City's longest-running 5K road race featuring a Children's One Mile Run.