Real Talk with Riggin

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.

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.

In a recent discussion in Israel about the strategic challenge posed by Iran, Jonathan Feldstein, Founder and President of the Genesis 123 Foundation, offered his perspective on the evolving threat and its implications for the Jewish state and its allies. Drawing on his extensive experience building bridges between Jewish and Christian communities and his deep engagement with supporters of Israel worldwide, Feldstein emphasized the multifaceted nature of the Iranian regime’s ambitions—particularly its pursuit of nuclear capabilities and its support for proxy groups hostile to Israel. He highlighted the urgency of international awareness and coordinated responses, noting that understanding Iran’s influence in the region is crucial for both Israel’s security and global stability. Feldstein’s insights blend geopolitical analysis with a call to sustain diplomatic, cultural, and faith-based solidarity in the face of longstanding tensions with Tehran.

The Penguin Party Gala is set to bring a fun, festive night to the community while supporting local education, and Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation Amy McDonald says the event plays a key role in funding classroom innovation and student opportunities. The gala features an evening of entertainment, themed experiences, and opportunities for guests to give back, with proceeds benefiting grants, programs, and initiatives across the Cape Girardeau Public School District. McDonald emphasizes that the Penguin Party is not only a celebration, but also a chance for supporters to directly impact students and teachers while enjoying a memorable night for a great cause.

Potential U.S. military intervention in Iran remains a subject of intense debate among policymakers, strategists, and regional experts. Asaf Romirowsky, PhD, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, emphasizes that any discussion of military action must carefully weigh not only the strategic objectives but also the profound risks and long-term consequences for regional stability. Dr. Romirowsky has argued that while Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and support for proxy forces pose serious challenges to U.S. interests and allies, resorting to military force without clear goals, viable exit strategies, and international support could further destabilize the Middle East and undermine diplomatic avenues. He advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates credible deterrence, strengthened alliances, and sustained diplomatic pressure to prevent escalation and incentivize a return to negotiated agreements.

A renewed push to eliminate the Missouri income tax is gaining attention as lawmakers debate long-term tax reform aimed at boosting economic growth and competitiveness. Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, weighs in on what full income tax elimination could mean for Missouri families, workers, and businesses, arguing that phasing out the tax would leave more money in taxpayers’ pockets while making the state more attractive for investment and job creation. Norquist also discusses how Missouri’s recent tax cuts fit into a broader national trend toward lower taxes and what policy safeguards would be needed to ensure fiscal stability while moving toward zero income tax.

As Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield for the 2026 legislative session, all eyes will be on a handful of high-stakes policy debates shaping the state’s budget and economic future. According to Illinois Policy Institute policy researcher Lilly Rossi, key issues to watch include renewed pushes around a progressive income tax, expanded higher education spending, costly Tier 2 pension changes, and ongoing negotiations over incentives for data centers and energy reliability — all against the backdrop of proposals for a taxpayer-backed Chicago Bears stadium and broader fiscal priorities. Rossi’s analysis suggests that these topics could drive significant legislative activity and impact taxpayers and businesses across Illinois as lawmakers grapple with spending growth and economic pressures in 2026.

Schools across the country are resorting to controversial incentives to combat chronic absenteeism, and critics say the practice amounts to bribing students to attend class. In a discussion on the issue, Melanie Kurdys, President of the Michigan Chapter of USPIE, weighed in on how some districts are offering cash, gift cards, and other rewards in an effort to boost attendance numbers. Kurdys argued that while schools are under pressure to recover from post-pandemic learning loss, these tactics risk undermining personal responsibility, parental involvement, and the core purpose of education. She also warned that incentive-based attendance policies may mask deeper problems in the education system, calling instead for reforms that focus on accountability, student engagement, and long-term academic success.

The Cardinal Caravan is rolling into Cape Girardeau with help from Cape Parks and Recreation Specialist Luke Marcum, bringing a fun and engaging community event to local families. The Caravan features interactive activities, games, and entertainment designed to get residents of all ages outdoors and connected. Marcum says the event highlights Cape Parks and Recreation’s commitment to providing inclusive, family-friendly programming while showcasing the many recreational opportunities available throughout the city. The Cardinal Caravan is a chance for the community to gather, enjoy hands-on activities, and celebrate the importance of parks, play, and community engagement.

Veteran political commentator specializing in Latin American geopolitics, Luis Martinez, breaks down the growing “Venezuela vacuum” and what it means for the region and the world. Martinez explains how years of political instability, economic collapse, and mass migration have created a power void inside Venezuela, while outside actors move to expand their influence. He also discusses the implications for neighboring countries, U.S. foreign policy, energy markets, and regional security as Venezuela’s future remains uncertain.