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The unfolding twists in the DNC-RNC pipe bomber investigation took another surprising turn as the FBI publicly cleared a female suspect—after determining that what initially appeared to be incriminating footage was actually a video of her walking. Only to then quietly arrest a male suspect soon after. Award-winning journalist and Senior Investigative Reporter at The Epoch Times Joshua Philipp breaks down the latest developments, raising questions about investigative transparency, shifting narratives, and what these moves reveal about the bureau’s handling of one of the most scrutinized domestic threat cases in recent years.
Digital Takeover: 81% of Kindergarteners Given Screens — President of USPIE Sheri Few warns that America’s youngest students are being swept into a tech-driven education model long before their brains are developmentally ready. With an overwhelming majority of kindergarteners now placed in front of screens, Few argues that Silicon Valley is shaping classroom priorities more than parents or educators focused on child well-being. She cautions that early and excessive screen exposure can hinder critical social, emotional, and foundational learning skills, calling on families and policymakers to push back against the rapid digitization of early education and restore hands-on, teacher-guided learning for young children.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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Real Talk with Riggin is where honest conversations meet unfiltered perspectives. Hosted by longtime broadcaster and straight-shooter Faune Riggin, the podcast dives deep into the issues that matter most—politics, community, culture, and the stories shaping everyday life in Southeast Missouri and beyond. Each episode brings in guests ranging from policy analysts to everyday people with extraordinary stories, offering insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
With her trademark candor and curiosity, Riggin asks the tough questions, challenges assumptions, and gives her audience the context they need to think critically. Whether it’s national policy, local events, or personal experiences, nothing is off the table.
If you’re ready for a podcast that cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of the matter, this is Real Talk with Riggin.