Susie Moore, Redstate: Attending my daughter’s college graduation
While freedom has long been a critical feature of the American experiment, the extent to which we can actually lay claim to it has been called into serious question in recent years. Repeatedly, we’ve seen instances of government overreach, most notably during the COVID pandemic, when lockdowns and mandates were all the rage and censorship was sexy (at least in the eyes of some).
There was a stretch of time where everything felt constricted and subdued, and a future featuring freedom seemed elusive. That cloud has lifted some, but it still feels as though it’s lurking in the background.
This past weekend, I was witness to some reassuring signs that America is, indeed, still a free country. I had the pleasure of attending my daughter’s college graduation. In addition to being an enjoyable celebration of her accomplishments, two things really stood out to me:
- There wasn’t a masked face to be found – not at the ceremony in a crowded arena, not in the grocery store or restaurants, not in the bars.
- Listening to live music on Saturday, while the crowd was lively throughout, it was at its liveliest when the band played Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”
A bar full of celebrating, drinking, flirting 20-somethings jumped up and down and shouted out the lyrics at the top of their lungs. Times may be tough, and it may feel like we’re faltering, but most of the kids are alright — and something tells me we will be, too.
- Nick Shirley at the Leadership for America Dinner: Fri. Sept. 25th at the St. Charles Conv. Ctr.BUY TICKETS Friday, September 25, 2026St. Charles Convention CenterTickets must be purchased online before the event.General Admission Dinner Tickets: Start at $100Dress: Business CasualDoors Open: 5:00pmProgram Begins: 5:45pm NICK SHIRLEYIndependent Investigative JournalistNick Shirley has become one of the most recognizable… Read more: Nick Shirley at the Leadership for America Dinner: Fri. Sept. 25th at the St. Charles Conv. Ctr.
- Mike and Susie LIVE at Mario’s Donut Restaurant in St. Charles: Fri., Aug. 14thMike and Susie from Mike Ferguson in the Morning will be broadcasting LIVE from Mario’s Donut Restaurant in St. Charles on Friday, August 14th, from 6 AM to 9 AM. Come say hi and grab some free NewsTalkSTL swag! 2786… Read more: Mike and Susie LIVE at Mario’s Donut Restaurant in St. Charles: Fri., Aug. 14th
- St. Louis County Lincoln/Reagan Day Dinner – Sept. 19 at River City CasinoYou are invited to attend the annual St. Louis County Lincoln/Regan Day dinner on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at the River City Casino Hotel Ballroom. You will hear from Missouri state officials, Missouri federal officials, and NewsMax host Rob Carson,… Read more: St. Louis County Lincoln/Reagan Day Dinner – Sept. 19 at River City Casino
- DC Circuit Rejects Democrats’ Bid to Block Trump’s Election Integrity EO – for NowSusie Moore, RedState The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals handed the Trump administration a bit of another win on Tuesday, unanimously affirming D.C. District Judge Carl Nichols’ denial of a preliminary injunction in a case regarding President Trump’s March executive… Read more: DC Circuit Rejects Democrats’ Bid to Block Trump’s Election Integrity EO – for Now
- PICS: NewsTalkSTL birthday party at Vangel’s in Warson Woods, MONewsTalkSTL’s 5th birthday party was held on July 19th at Vangel’s Restaurant in Warson Woods. Check out some photos.





