Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Local officials, businesses and community members gathered today to open the Don Welge Memorial Bridge in Perryville, connecting to Chester and replacing the old Chester Bridge.

The bridge — planned over 18 months by local agencies and the Missouri DOT — will improve travel, public safety and economic opportunities.

SEMO's financial services director said new federal student aid rules (took effect July 1) removed Graduate PLUS loans for new borrowers and set tighter limits for Parent PLUS and other loans.

He advised students and families to check with local financial aid offices for guidance.

Dexter R-XI School District has teamed with Southeast Missouri State University through its SEMO Educators Advantage program to offer tuition discounts on online courses for faculty and staff, strengthening lifelong learning and improved student support.

Governor Kehoe signed new laws on Monday that expand insurance coverage for pregnant and postpartum women by adding Medicaid for doula visits and requiring blood pressure monitors, with the changes scheduled to take effect Jan.

1 next year.

Missouri State Emergency Management Agency tells residents affected by flooding to document all damage (including photos and repair costs) before starting clean-up.

The guidance helps ensure safe repairs and smooth insurance claims.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is repairing the 90-year-old Cairo/Wickliffe Ohio River Bridge with a crane lifting a deck section for a bearing pad replacement while inspectors conduct a federal review.

Repairs began the week of July 13 & are expected to finish by July 22 so drivers must use alternate routes.

Parts of the Cape LaCroix Recreational Trail closed on Monday as the Parks and Recreation Department began maintenance from the Lexington Avenue entrance off Kingsway to Walden Park, and officials said sections will reopen as work is completed.

The American Red Cross is urging donors to give blood today in Cape Girardeau after donations sharply dropped since the end of May.

Donors who give between July 13 and July 31 can receive a movie ticket (valued up to $15) as an incentive.

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed six health care bills Monday to expand telehealth access, update licensing rules and protect vulnerable Missourians — measures that support Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Program and adjust insurance and pharmaceutical regulations statewide.

A free lunch and learn event supports moms in Cape Girardeau on their parenting and mental health journey.

It will be held at Guardian Primary Care on July 23 (noon to 1 p.m.) and offers a presentation plus live Q&A with mental health experts, with a virtual option available.

Pursuit Volleyball Academy’s 17 National boys team from Cape Girardeau finished third at the AAU Boys Volleyball National Championship in Orlando.

The team earned a bronze medal in the 17 Elite division after competing with top teams from across the country.

Danville Dans vs Cape Catfish: Throwback Jersey Night

6:35-8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field — $ — Celebrate nostalgia with the Catfish in their throwback jerseys from the 2021 championship.

Cape Catfish vs Dubois County Bombers

4:05 – 6:05 PM — Capaha Field — Tickets available — Catch the last Sunday game of the season as the Bombers face off against the Catfish.

Camp Playmo: Pirate Adventure Week

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — A C Brase Arena — Child care available — Join a fun-filled week of adventure for kids ages 6-12 at Camp Playmo.

Cape Catfish vs O'Fallon Hoots Doubleheader

5:35-10:35 p.m. — Capaha Field — Ticket prices vary — Don't miss the final showdown of the summer as the Catfish take on the Hoots in an exciting doubleheader.

Dubois County Bombers at Cape Catfish

6:35 – 8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field — Ticket prices vary — The Bombers aim for victory in their final summer visit as the Catfish eye postseason success.

Final Regular Season Game: Jackson Rockabillys vs. Cape Catfish

6:35-8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field (SEMO Baseball) — $5.73 — Celebrate Fan Appreciation Day with the last home game of the season!