Real Talk with Riggin

Justice Jam is set to bring an electrifying night of music, patriotism, and community spirit to the Black River Coliseum, headlined by rock legend Ted Nugent and featuring additional performances that promise high-energy entertainment. Coordinated by Sawyer Smith of the Office of the Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney, the event aims to unite attendees around themes of justice, faith, and civic engagement while supporting local initiatives. With a powerful lineup and a purpose-driven mission, Justice Jam is expected to draw a strong crowd for an unforgettable evening in Southeast Missouri.

The 4th Annual Remembrance Walk and Run 5K, led by Tradesmen for the Kingdom Founder Michael Keillor, brings the community together to honor loved ones, promote healing, and support a meaningful cause rooted in faith and service. Participants of all ages are invited to walk or run in a spirit of unity, reflecting on the importance of remembrance while encouraging one another through fellowship and shared purpose, including pataking in the trades as opposed to college.. Keillor emphasizes that the event is not just about the race, but about building connections, uplifting families, and keeping the memories of those lost alive through action and compassion.

Celebrate four decades of history, mystery, and unforgettable storytelling as Capone’s Vault marks its 40th anniversary, a milestone that continues to captivate audiences fascinated by the legend of Al Capone. Best-selling author William Hazelgrove reflects on the cultural impact of the iconic televised event, which originally aired in 1986 and drew millions of viewers eager to uncover hidden secrets beneath the famed gangster’s Chicago hideout. Hazelgrove brings fresh perspective to the enduring intrigue, blending historical insight with the spectacle that turned a simple vault opening into one of television’s most memorable moments.

“A Day in the Park with Green Bear” is bringing families together for a fun and meaningful community event, highlighting the importance of child safety and advocacy. Executive Director of SEMO NASV, Alix Gasser, shares how the event creates a welcoming space for children and parents to connect with local resources while enjoying activities, games, and special appearances from Green Bear. The day is designed not only for fun, but also to raise awareness about protecting children and supporting families across Southeast Missouri, reinforcing SEMO NASV’s mission to educate, empower, and serve the community.

Battlefield Park Day is bringing the community together for a day of service, history, and outdoor enjoyment, with Volunteer Events Coordinator at Fort D in Cape Patti House leading the effort. The event invites individuals and families to roll up their sleeves and help preserve and enhance the park through a variety of hands-on projects, from cleanup efforts to beautification initiatives. House emphasizes that the day is not only about maintaining the park’s natural beauty, but also about fostering a sense of community pride and connection to local history. With activities designed for all ages and skill levels, Battlefield Park Day offers a meaningful way for residents to give back while enjoying one of the area’s treasured outdoor spaces.

Controversy is growing over curriculum in some California schools that reportedly draws comparisons between participants in the January 6 Capitol riot and members of the Ku Klux Klan, sparking backlash from parents and education advocates. Sheri Few, Founder and President of United States Parents Involved in Education, says the material reflects a broader concern about political bias in classrooms, arguing that such comparisons are inappropriate and divisive for students. Few is calling for increased transparency in school curricula and greater parental involvement, while supporters of the lessons contend they are meant to provide historical context and encourage critical thinking about extremism and civic responsibility. Even if that is not the case.

In Killed to Order, author and Jan Jekielek, a senior editor with The Epoch Times, takes a deep investigative look into the troubling realities surrounding organ transplantation practices, raising ethical concerns about transparency and consent. Drawing on interviews, research, and firsthand accounts, Jekielek explores allegations of abuses within global organ procurement systems, particularly focusing on reports tied to forced organ harvesting. The book aims to shed light on an issue often overlooked in mainstream discourse, encouraging readers to consider the moral implications and the need for accountability within the international medical community.

Coordinator Mary Winterhof is helping lead local efforts for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need around the world. Through the program, individuals, families, and groups pack boxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, along with personal notes of encouragement, to share the joy of the Christmas season. Winterhof says the initiative not only brings smiles to children across the globe, but also gives the local community a meaningful way to give back and make a lasting impact, one shoebox at a time.

The Autism Color Walk and Roll is bringing the community together in a vibrant and meaningful way, promoting inclusion, understanding, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Led by Autism Awareness of Southeast Missouri President Ashley Showalter, the event invites participants of all ages and abilities to walk or roll through a colorful course while celebrating neurodiversity. Showalter emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for connection and awareness, noting that events like this not only raise funds but also foster a stronger, more inclusive community for families affected by autism.

Drivers in Illinois have paid nearly $27 billion in tolls over the decades despite early promises that highways would eventually become free, according to new analysis highlighted by Illinois Policy Institute Senior Writer Patrick Andriesen. The report underscores how the original justification for tollways—covering construction costs—has long since been eclipsed by ongoing revenue collection, with funds now supporting maintenance, expansions, and administrative expenses. Andriesen argues this continued reliance on tolling places a persistent financial burden on commuters and raises questions about transparency and accountability in how toll revenues are used across the state.