Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Zombies will take over downtown as Vintage NOW Productions hosts its annual Thriller on Themis Halloween celebration on Thursday, Oct.

29 on Themis Street (free admission) with a preshow at 6:04 p.m. and festivities until 8:30 p.m.

With holiday shopping coming, concerns are raised as AI-generated online images mislead buyers in Cape Girardeau; experts advise shoppers to check reviews (via BBB) and use secure payment methods to protect their finances.

Missouri named Lisa Sireno as interim commissioner of education after Dr. Stacey Preis resigned Tuesday, Oct.

20. Sireno begins serving on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (she previously served as deputy commissioner of learning services) while the search for a permanent leader continues.

Superintendents from eight school districts in Stoddard County have raised concerns over Missouri's new A-F grading system, a pilot program based on 2024-25 test scores.

They warned that the system may change over time and urged parents to consider classroom experiences (and teacher relationships) when assessing schools.

St. Vincent Elementary is running a Chain Reaction of Kindness program where students add paper links for each kind act, and weekly champions earn an ice cream treat.

Teachers say the program builds a caring environment in the classroom.

Heartland native Lisa Crites introduced the Shower Shirt to help breast cancer survivors shower safely during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

She also shared her book Beautifully Unbroken with proceeds aiding local support groups — a reminder for everyone to care for their health.