Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Ameren Missouri donated 140 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners to several Southeast Missouri action agencies to help vulnerable neighbors stay cool this summer.

The air conditioners cost less than $1 a day and will be distributed by East Missouri Action Agency and Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation.

A Huey helicopter dedication ceremony will take place this Saturday at 10 a.m. in Cape Girardeau—advanced registration is requested for this free event honoring veterans with support from sponsors like BBL Construction.

Ryan Burt, a 39-year-old inmate at the Cape Girardeau County Jail, faces a first-degree assault charge after allegedly attacking another inmate on July 1— the victim broke his jaw and is on a ventilator at a St. Louis hospital.

As summer arrives, the Missouri Department of Conservation tells residents to keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding or handling them.

Officials say young animals such as raccoons, birds, and rabbits may seem abandoned but are often watched over by their mothers—human help can disrupt natural behavior and break state law.

Travelers at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport no longer must remove their shoes at security unless they trigger an alarm or lack a REAL ID—airport manager Jo Jo Stuart said the change will speed up the screening process and reduce lines.

Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68 that bans cellphones and personal devices in public school classrooms from kindergarten to 12th grade.

The law, which takes effect on August 28 and exempts students with medical or disability needs — it has received mixed reactions from parents and teachers.

The Christopher Police Department has stocked the Blessing Box at First Christian Church on Victor Street with donated items—urging those in need to take only what they require so that others can also benefit.

Cape Girardeau Representative John Voss helped raise standards for Missouri county coroners when Governor Mike Kehoe signed HB 199 into law on Thursday — the new law requires candidates to complete 20 hours of death investigation training and allows smaller counties to apply for a grant of up to $5000 — and it will take effect on August 28.

Cape Girardeau will hold a special election on Tuesday, August 5 to decide on water and sewer fees—polls will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., and absentee ballot requests must be submitted by July 23.

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.

Craft Activity for All Ages

2-3 p.m. — Riverside Regional Library — Free entry — Be creative with craft activities suitable for everyone at the Benton Branch.