Real Talk with Riggin

Comfort Keepers is celebrating a major achievement after being named a recipient of the prestigious Diamond Club Award, recognizing top-performing franchises across the nation. Owner Melody Harpur says the honor reflects the dedication, compassion, and commitment her team brings to serving local families every day. The award highlights excellence in client care, growth, and community impact—values that have become the foundation of the organization’s success. Harpur credits her caregivers and staff for going above and beyond to ensure seniors can live independently and with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.

A heartfelt memorial bench dedication was held in honor of Officer Henry Franklin, bringing together community members to remember his service and sacrifice. The ceremony, led by Service Officer Blair Moran of the Sikeston American Legion Post 114, highlighted Officer Franklin’s unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others. Friends, family, and local residents gathered to pay their respects, sharing stories and reflecting on the lasting impact he made both in uniform and within the community. The memorial bench will stand as a place of remembrance and gratitude, ensuring Officer Franklin’s legacy will continue to inspire all who visit.

In a major ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States has struck down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, igniting a nationwide debate over free speech, medical ethics, and the role of government in regulating mental health practices. According to psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman, the decision represents a significant victory for First Amendment protections, arguing that therapists should not be restricted in what they can discuss with consenting patients. Critics, however, warn the ruling could undermine protections for vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, and raise concerns about the potential for harmful practices to re-emerge under the guise of therapy. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications as similar laws across the country now face renewed legal scrutiny.

The excitement of spring football is building at Southeast Missouri State University football as Head Coach Tom Matukewicz, affectionately known as “Tuke,” prepares his team for their annual spring game. The scrimmage offers fans an early look at the Redhawks’ developing talent, as returning players and newcomers compete and showcase their progress following offseason workouts. Coach Matukewicz emphasizes fundamentals, competition, and team chemistry during spring practices, making the game a key opportunity to evaluate depth and build momentum heading into the fall season. With energy on the field and optimism surrounding the program, the spring game continues to be an important tradition for players, coaches, and the SEMO community alike. Former Redhawks now PRO NFL players will be in attendance

The March 2026 Mid-America Manufacturing Report showed continued mixed signals for the region’s economy, according to Ernie Goss, PhD, economics professor at Creighton University. While some sectors are seeing modest growth and stabilization in supply chains, overall manufacturing activity remains under pressure due to higher interest rates, soft global demand, and ongoing labor challenges. Goss noted that the region’s purchasing managers index continues to hover near contraction territory, reflecting caution among producers, though pockets of resilience—particularly in energy-related and agricultural equipment industries—offer some optimism heading into the second quarter.

Jackson READS is bringing the joy of literacy to the community with a special gathering at the Band Shell, where families and students can come together to celebrate the power of books and storytelling. Led by North Elementary Librarian Elizabeth Seaton, the event will feature engaging read-aloud sessions, interactive activities, and opportunities to inspire young readers of all ages. Set in a welcoming outdoor environment, Jackson READS at the Band Shell encourages a love of reading while strengthening community connections through shared stories and learning experiences.

The brutal reach of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—often described by critics as a global “murder machine”—continues to draw condemnation from human rights advocates and survivors alike. Political victim, activist, and speaker Homeira Hesami has become a powerful voice exposing the regime’s tactics, sharing firsthand accounts of repression, intimidation, and violence used to silence dissent both داخل Iran and abroad. Through her advocacy, Hesami sheds light on the human cost of the IRGC’s operations, calling on the international community to hold perpetrators accountable and to stand in solidarity with those risking everything for freedom and justice. YET she will not admit that outside help has been a positive part of them being able to begin their attempt to overthrow the regime. 

The U.S. Supreme Court hearing in a closely watched case involving birthright citizenship, often referred to as Trump v. Barbara, a dispute that could have significant implications for how the Fourteenth Amendment is interpreted moving forward. At the center of the case is whether executive authority can redefine longstanding interpretations of citizenship granted to individuals born on U.S. soil. Mike O'Neill, Vice President of Legal Affairs at Landmark Legal Foundation, says the Court’s review could clarify constitutional boundaries between the executive branch and established legal precedent, emphasizing that the outcome may shape immigration policy and citizenship rights for years to come.

Concerns are growing over reports that left-leaning foreign billionaires are funding activist groups aimed at slowing or blocking the expansion of U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure, raising questions about national competitiveness and energy security. Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Institute, argues that these efforts often target data centers, power generation projects, and transmission development—key components needed to sustain AI growth—through litigation, regulatory pressure, and public campaigns. Isaac warns that restricting this infrastructure could put the United States at a strategic disadvantage against global competitors, particularly as AI demand drives unprecedented energy needs. He emphasizes that balancing innovation, environmental stewardship, and national security will be critical as policymakers navigate the growing influence of international funding in domestic energy and technology debates.

Donald Trump’s newest housing action is drawing attention as a potential shift in federal housing priorities, with Donna Jackson of Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow highlighting concerns over affordability, regulatory burdens, and the role of government in the housing market. Jackson argues that the proposal aims to reduce federal red tape and expand access to affordable housing by encouraging private sector development and revisiting zoning and lending practices. Supporters say the plan could increase housing supply and lower costs for American families, while critics question whether the changes will adequately protect low-income buyers and renters. The discussion underscores a broader debate over how best to address the nation’s housing challenges amid rising prices and limited inventory.