Real Talk with Riggin

MDC events in January with Nature Center Manager Laci Prucinksy

January is a great time to explore what the Missouri Department of Conservation has to offer, and Nature Center Manager Laci Prucinksy highlights a full lineup of seasonal MDC events designed for all ages. From winter wildlife workshops and birding programs to hands-on conservation activities and guided nature hikes, these January events give families and outdoor enthusiasts a chance to learn how animals adapt to colder weather and how conservation efforts continue year-round. Prucinksy says the programs are a perfect way to start the new year by reconnecting with nature, learning practical outdoor skills, and discovering the many free and educational opportunities available at local MDC nature centers across Missouri.

How Maduro's Capture Affects The Global Oil Industry with CEO of the American Energy Institute Jason Isaac

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the global oil industry is poised for significant geopolitical and economic shifts, and voices like Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Institute, highlight both risks and opportunities. According to Isaac, U.S. oil firms are unlikely to commit serious capital to rebuild Venezuela’s crumbling oil infrastructure without credible legal and political reforms that restore rule of law and investor confidence — a precondition for long-term engagement given decades of neglect and sanctions under Maduro’s rule. Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but production has languished at low levels for years, meaning immediate effects on global supply and prices may be limited. U.S. policy moves to channel Venezuelan oil to American ports and encourage major producers like Chevron back into the country could depress prices further over time if output rises, while potentially disrupting long-standing trade flows with China. Overall, Maduro’s capture has underscored how political stability and investment climate—not just resource size—shape the industry’s response, with leaders like Isaac warning that Venezuela’s oil won’t quickly translate into new barrels without structural change, even as markets and energy firms reassess strategic positions.

2025 happenings at the Missouri department of corrections with Communications Director Karen Pojmann

In 2025, the Missouri Department of Corrections, with Communications Director Karen Pojmann playing a key public-facing role, navigated several significant developments and public scrutiny. Under her communications leadership, the department responded to heightened attention on in-custody deaths, including releasing for the first time comprehensive annual totals of prison fatalities dating back to 2018 and explaining changes to how death data are recorded and reported. Pojmann emphasized that deaths are counted as they occur and noted the department’s efforts to improve transparency and contextualize mortality trends within prisoner health factors. She also communicated departmental positions during broader debates on prison conditions and accountability, including responses to systemic lawsuits and questions about information sharing with families and media. Additionally, Pojmann helped inform the public on policy processes such as parole rule overhaul hearings by serving as a contact and spokesperson, reflecting DOC’s engagement with legislative and community stakeholders.

New Illinois laws in 2026 with Analyst at the IL Policy Institute Dylan Sharkey

In 2026, Illinois ushered in nearly 300 new laws that span a wide array of policy areas—from tax relief and public safety to workplace protections and technology regulation. Among the most talked-about changes was the elimination of the statewide 1% grocery tax, intended to ease the financial burden on consumers, though many municipalities have chosen to maintain their own local grocery levies. Other significant measures include expanded protections for workers documenting violence on employer-issued devices, tightened safe firearm storage requirements, and new legal frameworks for policing and homelessness enforcement. Analysts such as Dylan Sharkey at the Illinois Policy Institute have critiqued the broader fiscal environment surrounding these reforms, particularly how tax policy and government spending affect everyday Illinoisans, arguing that understanding the impact of these laws requires attention to long-term budget trends and the overall regulatory burden on families and businesses.

ABC, NBC Downplay Minnesota Fraud While CBS Delivers Investigative Coverage with Senrio Research Analyst at MRC Newsbusters Bill D'Agostino

ABC, NBC Downplay Minnesota Fraud While CBS Delivers Investigative Coverage with Senior Research Analyst at MRC NewsBusters Bill D’Agostino examines how the national media handled allegations of large-scale fraud in Minnesota. D’Agostino explains that ABC and NBC largely minimized or ignored key developments, offering limited context and little follow-up, while CBS stood out by providing more substantive investigative reporting that explored the scope of the allegations and their broader implications. The discussion highlights stark contrasts in media priorities, the role of investigative journalism in holding institutions accountable, and what uneven coverage means for public understanding of high-profile fraud cases.

New Movie SHEEPDOG

The new film SHEEPDOG delivers a powerful and timely story about courage, responsibility, and the cost of standing guard in a world that often takes safety for granted. Through compelling characters and a gritty, realistic narrative, SHEEPDOG explores what it means to protect others—whether in uniform, in the community, or within the family—when threats are real and hesitation can be deadly. The movie challenges audiences to consider who the “sheepdogs” are in society, what they sacrifice, and why their role matters now more than ever, making SHEEPDOG both a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant watch.

Activist judges blocking reforms with Vice President of Legal Affairs at LanMark Legal Foundation MIk O'Neill

Activist judges are increasingly using the bench to block commonsense reforms enacted through the democratic process, raising serious concerns about the separation of powers and judicial overreach. Vice President of Legal Affairs at the Landmark Legal Foundation, Mike O’Neill, explains how these judges are issuing sweeping injunctions to halt policies on everything from regulatory reform to executive authority, often substituting their personal views for the will of voters and lawmakers. O’Neill outlines why these actions undermine accountability, create legal chaos nationwide, and threaten the balance intended by the Constitution—while also discussing what can be done to rein in judicial activism and restore respect for the rule of law.

Iran's Heinous War on Women with FOrmer Political Prisoner and NCRI Spokesperson Shirin Nariman

Former political prisoner and NCRI spokesperson Shirin Nariman exposes Iran’s heinous war on women, detailing how the regime systematically uses violence, imprisonment, and intimidation to silence female voices. Drawing from her own experience behind bars, Nariman explains how women are targeted through discriminatory laws, forced dress codes, arbitrary arrests, and brutal punishment for demanding basic freedoms. She warns that these abuses are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate strategy to maintain power through fear, and she calls on the international community to hold Iran’s leaders accountable while standing in solidarity with the courageous women who continue to resist oppression at great personal cost.

Milk - good in December too with St Louis Dairy Council Nutrition Educator Maggie Nosic

Milk isn’t just a summertime staple — it’s good for you in December, too. St. Louis Dairy Council Nutrition Educator Maggie Nosic explains how milk and other dairy foods provide essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin D that support strong bones, muscle health, and immune function during the winter months. Nosic highlights easy ways to enjoy milk throughout the holidays, from warm beverages to seasonal recipes, while emphasizing how dairy can help families stay nourished and energized even as temperatures drop.

Introducing EBO Imaging+ with Radiology Technician Chelsea Brown and Patient Care Coordinator Katelyn Christensen

Introducing EBO Imaging+, a new addition to the region’s diagnostic healthcare options, focused on advanced imaging technology and patient-centered care. Radiology Technician Chelsea Brown and Patient Care Coordinator Katelyn Christensen join us to explain how EBO Imaging+ is enhancing the imaging experience through state-of-the-art equipment, efficient scheduling, and a strong emphasis on comfort and communication. They discuss the importance of accuracy, safety, and compassion in diagnostic imaging, and how their team works together to ensure patients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every step of the process.