Real Talk with Riggin

What Families Need to Know About the Current Education Landscape with President at the National School Choice Awareness Foundation Andrew Campanella

As debates over curriculum, school performance, and student well-being continue to intensify, Andrew Campanella, President of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, says families need clarity more than ever about their education options. Campanella explains that today’s landscape is rapidly evolving, with growing opportunities in public, charter, magnet, private, online, and homeschooling environments—but also growing confusion. He emphasizes that parents should feel empowered to assess what’s working for their children, understand enrollment timelines, and seek out resources that help them compare schools. Campanella notes that informed decision-making is the key to ensuring every child can learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and challenged.

Tehran’s Theocracy Burning Out, Time for Free World to Turn up the Heat with former political prisoner from Iran, human rights advocate, and entrepreneur Shirin Nariman

Tehran’s theocracy is burning out, and former political prisoner, human rights advocate, and entrepreneur Shirin Nariman says the free world must seize this moment to turn up the heat. As Iran’s ruling regime faces growing internal dissent, economic collapse, and deepening international isolation, Nariman argues that global democracies have a moral obligation to support the Iranian people’s push for liberty. She emphasizes that sanctions targeting regime elites, amplifying the voices of dissidents, and holding Tehran accountable for human rights abuses can accelerate meaningful change. According to Nariman, the Iranian people are closer than ever to breaking free—and they need the world to stand firmly on their side.

New Report Exposes AARP’s Role in Push for Massive Insurance Bailouts with President of American Commitment Phil Kerpen

A new report is shining a spotlight on AARP’s significant involvement in the push for what critics call massive insurance bailouts, raising questions about whose interests the influential organization is really serving. President of American Commitment Phil Kerpen explains that the findings point to AARP’s deep financial ties to the insurance industry, suggesting the group has been advocating policies that would ultimately benefit insurers at the expense of seniors and taxpayers. Kerpen argues the report underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability from AARP, especially as debates over healthcare and insurance reforms continue to intensify.

December is all about CHEESE with STL Dairy Council Nutrition Educator Maggie Nosic

December is all about CHEESE, according to STL Dairy Council Nutrition Educator Maggie Nosic, who says the holiday season is the perfect time to celebrate the comfort, flavor, and versatility that cheese brings to the table. Nosic highlights how cheese can elevate everything from festive appetizers to cozy winter meals while also providing important nutrients like protein and calcium. She encourages families to explore new varieties, pair cheese with seasonal produce, and enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced holiday diet.

Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet with CEO Brian Gerau

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its Annual Banquet, an evening that celebrates the community’s achievements and highlights the businesses, leaders, and volunteers who help Jackson thrive. CEO Brian Gerau says this year’s banquet will recognize standout contributions, outline the Chamber’s vision for continued growth, and offer attendees a chance to connect with local professionals making a difference. Gerau notes that the event remains one of the Chamber’s most anticipated gatherings, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s economic momentum and community spirit.

DHS program prevents American college grads from obtaining STEM jobs; only foreign college grads may apply with Vice President of Legal Affairs at Landmark Legal Foundation Mike O'Neill

A growing controversy surrounds a Department of Homeland Security program that, according to critics, disadvantages American college graduates seeking STEM jobs. Vice President of Legal Affairs at the Landmark Legal Foundation Mike O’Neill argues that the policy’s structure effectively prioritizes foreign college graduates—particularly those using extended work authorizations—while placing U.S. STEM graduates at a competitive disadvantage. O’Neill contends that this framework not only distorts the labor market but also undermines opportunities for qualified American students who have invested heavily in their education, calling for greater scrutiny and potential reform to ensure fairness in the hiring landscape.

Google attaching her name to explicit porn videos with Author podcaster investigative jounralist and Host of Business Game Changers Sara Westall

Author, podcaster, investigative journalist, and Business Game Changers host Sara Westall is raising alarms after discovering that Google search results were attaching her name to explicit porn videos—content she says she has no connection to whatsoever. Westall argues the situation is a disturbing example of how Big Tech platforms can damage reputations without accountability, calling it both defamatory and deeply harmful. She is now speaking out to demand transparency, correction, and stronger protections for individuals who find themselves falsely linked to explicit material online.

Church Feeding Those in Need Reaches Settlement in Religious Discrimination Lawsuit with First Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Ryan Gardner

Church Feeding Those in Need Reaches Settlement in Religious Discrimination Lawsuit with First Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Ryan Gardner, who says the church’s recent settlement marks an important victory for religious liberty and compassionate outreach, ensuring ministries that serve the hungry can continue their work without government interference. After facing allegations of religious discrimination for integrating faith-based messages and prayer into its meal program, the church stood firm, arguing that its spiritual mission is inseparable from the services it provides. Gardner explains that the resolution not only protects the congregation’s right to operate according to its beliefs but also reinforces broader legal protections for faith-driven charities nationwide.

Woke Insurance Company Plotting to Stop Consumers From Opposing Woke Companies with Executive Director of Consumers’ Research Will Hild

Executive Director of Consumers’ Research Will Hild is raising alarms over what he describes as a coordinated effort by a major “woke” insurance company to shield progressive corporations from public backlash. Hild argues that instead of serving policyholders, the insurer is leveraging its influence to discourage consumers from speaking out against ESG-driven business practices, effectively protecting companies that push controversial social agendas. He warns that this behind-the-scenes maneuvering threatens marketplace transparency and undermines consumer choice, calling it yet another example of corporate activism being prioritized over the interests of everyday Americans.

Israel’s Latest ‘No Palestinian State’ Stance with Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East Asaf Romirowsky PhD

Israel’s latest “no Palestinian state” stance is drawing renewed scrutiny, and Executive Director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East, Asaf Romirowsky, PhD, says the position reflects deep concerns over security and regional stability following months of escalating tensions. Romirowsky argues that Israeli leaders see recognition of a Palestinian state at this moment as rewarding extremist elements and undermining long-term peace efforts. He notes that the debate now centers on whether diplomatic pressure will shift Israel’s approach or whether the government’s hardened position signals a new phase in the conflict’s political landscape.