Real Talk with Riggin

The Riverside Regional Library in Jackson is spreading holiday cheer by hosting a Christmas Movie event for the community. Programming Librarian Emily Sechrest says the festive screening is a great way for families and friends to come together and enjoy a classic holiday film in a warm, welcoming setting. The event highlights the library’s commitment to offering fun, free programs that bring people of all ages into the library while celebrating the spirit of the season.

As the New Year approaches, psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman encourages people to set realistic resolutions that focus on progress rather than perfection. She says many resolutions fail because they are overly ambitious or rooted in guilt, which can quickly lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, Dr. Lieberman advises choosing small, achievable goals—such as making modest lifestyle changes or improving daily routines—that build confidence and momentum over time. By setting clear expectations and practicing self-compassion, she says individuals are far more likely to stick with their resolutions and turn them into lasting habits in the year ahead.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to be a growing concern in Southeast Missouri, as new cases highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance and responsible wildlife management. Jason Isabelle, Cervid Program Supervisor and Certified Wildlife Biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, says the agency is closely monitoring affected areas while expanding testing efforts to better understand how the disease is spreading among deer populations. Isabelle emphasizes that CWD poses no immediate risk to humans but can have long-term impacts on herd health if left unchecked. He encourages hunters to follow MDC regulations, participate in testing programs, and use proper carcass disposal practices, noting that public cooperation is essential to slowing the spread and protecting Missouri’s deer for future generations.

Republicans Must Reject Obamacare Expansion in House Vote focused on arguments from Dean Clancy, senior health policy fellow at Americans for Prosperity, who warned that proposed expansions of the Affordable Care Act would deepen federal spending commitments while failing to address rising costs and limited access to care. Clancy argued that further subsidies and coverage mandates risk locking in what he described as a flawed system, crowding out market-based reforms and shifting more costs to taxpayers and future generations. He urged House Republicans to oppose the expansion and instead pursue policies that emphasize competition, transparency, and patient choice as a more sustainable path to improving health care affordability and outcomes.

Author and Heritage Foundation Fellow Jonathan Butcher challenges the dominant narrative of a deeply divided nation in The Polarization Myth: America’s Surprising Consensus on Race, Schools, and Sex, arguing that on many of today’s most contentious cultural issues, Americans actually share far more common ground than political elites and media portray. Drawing on polling data and policy debates, Butcher explains how parents across racial and socioeconomic lines increasingly agree on priorities such as transparency in schools, academic excellence over ideology, and age-appropriate discussions of sex and gender. He contends that claims of extreme polarization often serve to marginalize mainstream views, while a quiet majority favors practical solutions that respect parental rights, equal treatment under the law, and a focus on educational outcomes rather than political activism.

Mideast expert Dr. Asaf Romirowsky, Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East (SPME) and the Association for the Study of the Middle East and Africa (ASMEA), discussed the significant challenges facing President Trump’s proposed Israel–Hamas ceasefire plan. Dr. Romirowsky explained that the fundamental obstacle remains Hamas itself—an organization unwilling to relinquish power in Gaza or abandon its long-standing commitment to Israel’s destruction. He also pointed to deep mistrust between the parties, unresolved hostage and security concerns, and pressure from regional actors that complicate any durable agreement. According to Dr. Romirowsky, without clear enforcement mechanisms, accountability for Hamas, and a realistic post-conflict governance strategy for Gaza, a ceasefire risks becoming a temporary pause rather than a pathway to lasting stability.

Kids’ Day at the National Stars and Stripes Museum brought families together for a fun, hands-on celebration of history, patriotism, and learning. Executive Director Laura Dumey highlighted how the event was designed to engage children of all ages through interactive exhibits, educational activities, and creative projects that make America’s story come alive. From exploring military artifacts to participating in themed crafts and games, Kids’ Day offered young visitors an opportunity to learn about service and sacrifice in an engaging, age-appropriate way, while giving parents a meaningful and memorable family experience at the museum.

The Christmas Badge of Hope Toy Drive is spreading holiday cheer at the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s Cape Substation, as officers and community members come together to support local children in need. PIO Patrolman Bobby Newton with the Cape Girardeau Police Department highlights how the annual drive allows residents to donate new, unwrapped toys, helping ensure families across the area have a brighter Christmas morning. The initiative not only delivers gifts but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the community, reminding everyone that the true spirit of the season is about generosity, compassion, and hope. The petting zoo and hot chocolate too will be great. The area will be blocked off for safety.

AI Ink: Writing, Publishing, and Misinformation at the Dawn of the AI Age explores how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the literary world, from how stories are written to how information is published and consumed. Author, editor, literary agent, and publisher Jaon Van Tatenhove breaks down the opportunities AI presents for creativity and efficiency, while also warning about the growing risks of misinformation, deepfakes, and the erosion of trust in authorship. The discussion examines how writers and publishers can adapt responsibly in an AI-driven era, protect intellectual integrity, and ensure truth and authenticity remain at the core of storytelling as technology continues to evolve.

Two major auctions are coming up with Purple Wave Auction, and Territory Sales Manager Dan Buessink says bidders won’t want to miss these opportunities. With a wide selection of quality equipment expected to draw strong interest, Buessink explains how Purple Wave’s online, no-reserve auction format makes it easy for buyers and sellers alike to participate from anywhere. He also shares what sets these upcoming auctions apart, how to get registered, and why demand remains high for well-maintained assets across the region.