Real Talk with Riggin

UJRO Uptown Social Celebration with Events Coordinator Jess Girard

The UJRO Uptown Social Celebration is bringing the community together for an evening of connection, conversation, and culture, and Events Coordinator Jess Girard says it’s designed to be both meaningful and welcoming. The event offers a relaxed social setting where guests can enjoy great company while learning more about UJRO’s mission and impact. 

Annual Religious Freedom Index with Strategic Research Associate for Becket Fund for Religious Liberty Derringer Dick

The annual Religious Freedom Index offers a clear snapshot of how Americans view the role of faith and religious liberty in public life, and this year’s findings reveal both strong consensus and emerging fault lines. Strategic Research Associate Derringer Dick of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty breaks down the data, highlighting widespread bipartisan support for protecting religious freedom alongside growing concerns about government overreach and cultural pressure. Dick explains what the numbers say about where the country stands now, how attitudes are shifting across generations, and why these trends matter for policy, communities, and the future of America’s first freedom.

Update with Congressman Smith

Congressman Jason Smith, the Republican representative for Missouri’s 8th Congressional District and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, continues to focus on key priorities for his largely rural constituency. In late 2025, he officially endorsed Missouri’s application for funding from the new Rural Health Transformation Program, emphasizing improvements to healthcare access, telehealth, and chronic disease management in rural communities  priorities he has championed as part of broader efforts to address the rural health care crisis. Smith has also been active on economic issues important to his district, including support for making the 20 % small business tax deduction permanent, a move recently highlighted in new advocacy ads. Looking ahead to the 2026 election cycle, he is seeking re-election in a district he carried with strong support in 2024.

Trump's Health Plan is Forcing Real Price Transparency with Executive Director of American Parents Coalition Alleigh Marré

Former President Donald Trump’s health care plan is once again drawing attention for pushing real price transparency in the medical system, a move supporters say empowers patients and families. Alleigh Marré, Executive Director of the American Parents Coalition, explains that requiring hospitals, insurers, and providers to clearly disclose the true costs of procedures and services allows parents to make informed decisions and compare prices just like they would in any other market. Marré argues that transparency exposes inflated and inconsistent pricing, encourages competition, and ultimately helps rein in skyrocketing health care costs that burden working families, while putting patients—not bureaucrats or insurance companies—back in control of their health care choices.

50th Anniversary for SEMO pets with Executive Director Jenn Farmer

SEMO Pets is celebrating a major milestone—its 50th anniversary—and Executive Director Jenn Farmer joins us to reflect on five decades of compassion, care, and commitment to animals across Southeast Missouri. From its humble beginnings to becoming a vital community resource for animal rescue, adoption, and advocacy, SEMO Pets has touched countless lives, both two- and four-legged. Farmer highlights how community support, volunteers, and donors have fueled the organization’s mission over the years, while also sharing a look ahead at plans to continue protecting and improving the lives of pets for generations to come.

CFACT SLAMS JUDGE'S DECISION TO APPROVE THE VIRGINIA WIND PROJECT OVER PENTAGON OBJECTIONS with SENIOR POLICY ANALYST Bonner Cohen PhD

CFACT is sharply criticizing a federal judge’s decision to allow the Virginia offshore wind project to move forward despite objections from the Pentagon, raising serious national security and energy reliability concerns. Senior Policy Analyst Bonner Cohen, PhD, argues the ruling dismisses warnings from military officials who cautioned that massive offshore wind turbines could interfere with radar systems, flight training, and overall military readiness along the East Coast. Cohen contends the decision prioritizes a politically driven green agenda over defense preparedness and sound environmental policy, calling it a troubling precedent that sidelines both national security and responsible energy planning.

Vote for Sikeston small town campaign and Radeo museum update with Tourism Director and Museum Manager Kathy Medley

The City of Sikeston is rallying community pride with its “Vote for Sikeston” small-town campaign, an effort highlighting the charm, history, and attractions that make the community a regional destination. Tourism Director and Museum Manager Kathy Medley joined the discussion to share how residents and visitors can support the campaign while also offering an update on the Sikeston Depot Museum and the Radeo Museum. Medley emphasized recent exhibits, ongoing preservation efforts, and upcoming events designed to celebrate Sikeston’s rich agricultural and rail history, noting that the campaign and museum updates work hand in hand to showcase what makes Sikeston a place worth visiting—and voting for.

Cape Roller Derby recruitment event with Chrissie Roche' AKA Swift Victory

Cape Roller Derby is lacing up for growth with an upcoming recruitment event designed to welcome new skaters, officials, and volunteers into the fast-paced sport. Chrissie Roche, known on the track as Swift Victory, says the event is open to anyone curious about roller derby, no experience required. Attendees will learn the basics of the sport, meet current team members, and get a feel for the league’s strong sense of community and empowerment. Roche emphasizes that roller derby is about more than competition—it’s about confidence, teamwork, and creating an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can challenge themselves and have fun.

Health Expo 2026 in need of sponsors with Fitness Expert with the City of Cape Christine Jaegers

The Health Expo 2026 is actively seeking sponsors to help make this community-focused event a success, according to Christine Jaegers, Fitness Expert with the City of Cape. Jaegers says the expo is designed to connect residents with valuable health, wellness, and fitness resources while promoting healthier lifestyles for all ages. Sponsorships will help support interactive exhibits, fitness demonstrations, and educational opportunities, while also giving local businesses and organizations a chance to showcase their commitment to community well-being. Jaegers encourages interested sponsors to get involved now to help expand the expo’s impact and ensure it remains accessible and engaging for the entire region.

SCOTUS decision in election integrity case with Vice President of Legal Affairs at Landmark Legal Foundation Mike O'Neill

In a significant election-integrity decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections that political candidates have Article III standing to challenge state election laws that they contend undermine the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. The 7–2 ruling reversed the Seventh Circuit’s dismissal of the challenge to an Illinois statute allowing mail-in ballots received up to 14 days after Election Day to be counted, with the majority explaining that candidates have a concrete and particularized interest in the rules governing their elections regardless of whether those rules affect their probability of winning. Landmark Legal Foundation, through an amicus brief authored in part by Vice President of Legal Affairs Michael J. O’Neill, argued that candidates must have access to the courts to vindicate election law violations that could skew outcomes and erode voter confidence.