Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Marble Hill shops will offer free back-to-school haircuts for local children through Aug.

31 to ease families’ expenses. Local barbers & stylists in Bollinger County are set to help kids get a fresh look before school starts.

The Bayou Cajun Smokehouse will close on Sept.

5 after four years and its building will be remodeled into an event venue with details to come. A Labor Day celebration with Old Cape Road on Sept. 6 and events including BayouFest and Dat Gumbo moving to The Grill will continue.

Local young artists (21 and younger) will perform in Rock the Heartland at Scout Hall on Saturday, Aug.

29 from 4 to 8 p.m. as they compete for a trophy and stage experience.

Jackson School District completed installing sensory rooms in all eight campus buildings ahead of classes on August 24 to help students manage emotions (the spaces benefit both special needs and other students), with funding from the Cape Girardeau County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Portageville School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2026-27 school year by joining the Community Eligibility Provision (a federal program that supplies USDA-compliant meals).

Families will not need to submit applications, ensuring students at all school levels have healthy meal access.

Cape Girardeau Public Schools announced that Dr. Brice Beck, the current deputy superintendent, will become superintendent when Dr. Howard Benyon retires at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

Beck and Benyon will work together during the transition to ensure a smooth leadership change.

Ticket sales exceeded expectations as the Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1 billion for tonight’s drawing (up from $975 million after Monday’s sales).

The drawing will be held today at 9:59 p.m. with tickets at $2 per play.

Rep. Jason Smith visited a Perry County cattle farm operated by Neil and Michelle Franke, which has been in the family since the late 1800s, to discuss challenges local livestock producers face.

He reviewed issues regarding regulation, insurance, & tax relief measures that could help Missouri farmers.

Larry Mayabb, 30, completed the 15-mile Tour de Corn bike ride in East Prairie and showed his strength four months after a life-saving heart transplant.

His finish at the annual Sweet Corn Festival highlights his remarkable recovery (a milestone in his health journey).