Real Talk with Riggin

Plans are moving forward to rebuild Perryville High School, and D32 Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones says the focus is on creating a modern, student-centered campus that will serve the community for decades to come. In discussing the project, Dr. Jones highlighted priorities such as improved safety features, updated classrooms and labs, and flexible learning spaces designed to support both academic and extracurricular success. She also emphasized the importance of community input and transparency throughout the process, noting that rebuilding Perryville High School is not just about replacing a building, but about investing in students, educators, and the future of the district.

Author and Mensa member Jared Knott weighs in on a provocative question with global implications: could the potential fall of Iran and Cuba spark the most significant geopolitical realignment since the collapse of the Soviet Union? Knott explores how simultaneous upheaval in these long-standing adversarial regimes could reshape power dynamics across the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond—weakening authoritarian alliances, disrupting entrenched influence networks, and opening the door to new diplomatic and economic orders. Drawing on history, intelligence trends, and strategic theory, the conversation examines whether the world may be on the brink of a transformational moment rivaling the end of the Cold War.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.