Real Talk with Riggin

Missouri’s top consumer complaints in 2025 highlight the wide range of issues facing residents, according to Catherine Hanaway, Missouri’s Attorney General. Her office received more than 104,000 consumer complaints and inquiries during the year, with illegal telemarketing calls topping the list for the fifth year in a row, generating more than 33,600 complaints through the state’s No-Call Unit. Other leading concerns included automotive issues such as delayed vehicle titles and repair disputes, financial complaints involving debt collectors and banks, online retail problems like undelivered purchases, and contractor disputes in real estate and construction. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section also reported significant accomplishments in 2025, securing over $61 million in judgments and settlements for the state and recovering nearly $15 million in restitution for Missouri consumers, while mediating thousands of disputes and pursuing legal action against fraudulent businesses to protect Missourians in the marketplace.

Yahir Counseling and Consulting LLC, led by owner Marquetta Johnson, is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and organizations navigate life’s challenges through compassionate counseling and professional guidance. With a focus on personal growth, emotional wellness, and practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, Johnson works to create a supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Through a combination of counseling services, consulting, and community engagement, Yahir Counseling and Consulting aims to equip people with the tools they need to build healthier relationships, strengthen resilience, and move forward with confidence.

A pro-life advocate has reached a legal settlement restoring his ability to share his message in public after a dispute over free speech rights. Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute, Nate Kellum, explains that the agreement affirms the individual’s constitutional right to peacefully express pro-life views without being silenced by government restrictions. Kellum says the outcome is an important victory for free speech and religious liberty, ensuring that Americans can voice their beliefs in public spaces while setting a precedent to protect similar rights for others in the future.

March is National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to encouraging healthy eating habits and making informed food choices. St. Louis District Dairy Council Educator Maggie Nosic says the month is a great reminder to focus on balanced meals that include a variety of nutrient-rich foods. She highlights the importance of incorporating dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese as part of a healthy diet because they provide key nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin D. Throughout the month, Nosic encourages families to try new recipes, plan meals ahead, and make small changes that can lead to long-term improvements in overall nutrition and wellness. 🥛🥗🍎

Success story! Inland Cape Rice Company is making waves in the local agriculture and food scene as owners Meagan and Sam Schneider turn their vision into a thriving business. Built on a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting regional farmers, Inland Cape Rice Company is bringing locally grown rice to tables across Southeast Missouri and around the world. Meagan and Sam have worked to create a brand that highlights the value of locally sourced food while strengthening the connection between consumers and the farmers who grow it. Their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit are helping prove that innovative agriculture and small business success can flourish right here in our region. The rice is sold at Schnucks!

The largest school district in Maryland is under scrutiny for promoting “anti-racism” training aimed at students, raising questions from parents and education advocates about political ideology in the classroom. According to Sarah Parshall Perry, Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education, the training materials encourage children to view social interactions primarily through the lens of race and systemic bias. Critics argue the lessons may pressure students to adopt specific viewpoints on race and identity rather than fostering open discussion. Perry says families deserve transparency about what is being taught and how such programs may shape students’ understanding of history, culture, and personal responsibility in the classroom.

As tensions with Iran continue to dominate headlines, critics say some major news outlets are shaping the narrative in ways that reflect elitist bias rather than balanced reporting. Nicholas Fondacaro, associate editor at Media Research Center’s NewsBusters, joins us to break down what he calls the “worst of the elitist media” in their coverage of Iran. Fondacaro points to examples where major networks have downplayed Iranian protests, echoed regime talking points, or framed U.S. and Israeli actions as the primary source of instability while minimizing Iran’s role in regional aggression. He argues these narratives often leave out key context and fail to highlight the voices of Iranians opposing the regime, raising concerns about how Americans are being informed about a critical foreign policy issue

Regional Director Penny Williams joins us to highlight the exciting lineup of March events for Special Olympics Missouri. As the spring season gets underway, athletes across the region are preparing for competitions, training opportunities, and community gatherings that celebrate inclusion, teamwork, and achievement. Williams shares how these events support athletes of all abilities, the role volunteers and local supporters play in making them possible, and how the community can get involved to cheer on and encourage these inspiring competitors throughout the month.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel William Dunn has been offering candid commentary on the growing tensions with Iran and what they mean for U.S. troop safety and homeland security. Drawing on his decades of Marine Corps experience, Dunn has warned that a military buildup and potential escalation in the region could heighten risks to service members stationed in the Middle East by exposing them to missile, drone, and asymmetrical threats from Iranian forces and their proxies — considerations that underscore the importance of strategic planning and force protection. At the same time, analysts highlight that prolonged conflict with Iran could also expand risks to the U.S. homeland through cyberattacks, terrorism-inspired lone actors, and other asymmetric retaliation, challenging domestic security agencies to guard against unconventional threats even far from the battlefield.

Radiant Mobile is partnering with T-Mobile to launch what it says is the nation’s first Christian wireless service, designed to give faith-focused consumers a mobile option aligned with their values. Co-Founder Paul Fisher says the service will operate on T-Mobile’s nationwide network while offering customers an alternative that supports Christian ministries and promotes faith-centered content. Fisher explains that the goal is to provide reliable coverage and competitive pricing while also creating a wireless service that reflects the beliefs and priorities of many Christian families across the country.