Real Talk with Riggin

Retailers across Illinois are facing a growing wave of violent crime, from organized retail theft rings to assaults on employees and customers, creating major safety and economic concerns for businesses statewide. President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association Rob Karr says the increase in brazen smash-and-grab incidents and repeat offenders is putting added pressure on store owners already struggling with inflation and staffing shortages. Karr discusses how retailers are working with lawmakers and law enforcement to strengthen penalties, improve prosecution efforts, and invest in security measures to protect workers, shoppers, and local communities.

The future of local business and innovation will be on full display at the Old Town Cape Future Makers Market during Youth Entrepreneur Day, where young creators and business-minded students will showcase their talents, products, and entrepreneurial spirit. Market Manager Halie Ponder says the event is designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs while giving the community a chance to support youth-led businesses in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. The special event at the Cape Riverfront Market will feature a variety of vendors, handmade goods, creative ideas, and opportunities for young participants to gain real-world business experience.

After 26 years behind the scenes and on the air, outgoing General Manager Mike Renick is signing off from River Radio, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, community involvement, and dedication to local broadcasting. Renick has helped guide the station through decades of change in the radio industry while keeping a strong focus on serving listeners across Southeast Missouri. He reflects on memorable moments, the relationships built over the years, and what the future holds as he steps away from the role that has defined much of his career.

Third-generation trucker Gord Magill joins the program to discuss End of the Road: The Silent War on Truckers, taking a hard look at the mounting pressures facing America’s trucking industry. From rising fuel costs and government regulations to supply chain disruptions and a growing driver shortage, Magill shares firsthand insight into the challenges truckers encounter every day while keeping the nation moving. He also explains why many drivers feel overlooked and underappreciated despite the critical role they play in the economy, and what changes are needed to support the future of the trucking profession.

The Gibson Center for Behavioral Change is now offering a new GLP-1 weight loss trial designed to help individuals explore innovative treatment options for opiod addiction. Research Assistant Emily McClendon says the program will give qualifying participants access to cutting-edge medications that have shown promising results in helping patients quit the spiral. The trial aims to better understand the long-term effectiveness and benefits of GLP-1 therapies, while also providing support and monitoring throughout the process. McClendon says the center hopes the study will open doors for people struggling to get off prescription drugs.

The annual Spring Shootout is bringing excitement and competition to the community as teams from across the region take the field for a weekend full of fast-paced action and sportsmanship. Rec Supervisor Brian Davidson with Cape Parks and Recreation says the tournament continues to grow each year, giving athletes of all ages a chance to showcase their skills while families enjoy a fun community atmosphere. Davidson says organizers are looking forward to strong participation, great weather, and another successful event that highlights the importance of youth recreation and teamwork in the Cape Girardeau area.

Democrat Frank Barnitz is stepping forward to challenge the incumbent in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District, positioning his campaign as a fresh alternative focused on everyday economic concerns, rural development, and access to affordable healthcare. Drawing on his background in public service and community engagement, Barnitz is working to connect with voters across the district who feel overlooked in Washington, emphasizing practical solutions over partisan gridlock. As the race begins to take shape, his campaign is expected to highlight contrasts with the current officeholder on issues ranging from agricultural policy to infrastructure investment, setting up a closely watched contest in one of the state’s most reliably conservative regions.

Operation Arnon: A Story of Hope and Sacrifice is a powerful and deeply human portrayal brought to life by producer Hannah Pruder, capturing the resilience and courage forged in the face of unimaginable adversity. The story weaves together personal accounts and broader historical context to highlight acts of bravery, loss, and unwavering determination, reminding audiences that even in the darkest moments, hope can endure. Through careful storytelling and emotional depth, the project honors those who risked everything while offering a poignant reflection on the cost of survival and the strength of the human spirit.

Controversy is building after Zohran Mamdani proposed allocating $500,000 toward a reparations initiative, a move supporters argue is a meaningful step toward addressing historical injustices, while critics question both its scope and funding priorities. Best-selling author and veteran journalist Dennis Kneale, who famously escaped the constraints of New York’s media and political culture, weighed in on the debate, suggesting the proposal reflects a broader trend of symbolic policymaking that may generate headlines but lacks substantive economic impact. Kneale emphasized the need for transparency in how such funds would be distributed and whether they would achieve measurable outcomes, urging leaders to focus on policies that foster long-term opportunity and growth rather than short-term political gestures.

Advances in Alzheimer’s disease research are offering new hope to millions of families, and according to Organizer Regina Vonhasseln with Aging Matters, the pace of innovation is accelerating like never before. Scientists are making strides in early detection through blood-based biomarkers, allowing for diagnosis years before symptoms appear, while new treatments—such as monoclonal antibody therapies targeting amyloid plaques—are beginning to slow disease progression in some patients. Researchers are also expanding their focus to include lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and cognitive engagement, which may help reduce risk or delay onset. Vonhasseln emphasizes that alongside medical breakthroughs, community education and caregiver support remain critical, ensuring that families are equipped with the tools and resources they need as science continues to move closer to more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.