The California program that identifies and treats cases of dangerous infant botulism also comforts families by sending silly cards on their babies’ first birthdays
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UN data shows 6.5 million people at risk of severe hunger from drought">UN data shows 6.5 million people at risk of severe hunger from drought
The United Nations and Somalia’s government has said that nearly 6.5 million people in Somalia are facing severe hunger
2.23.2026 – Budget Battles, Political Gaffes, Community Control">2.23.2026 – Budget Battles, Political Gaffes, Community Control
Neal Larson and Julie Mason dive deep into a diverse array of topics, kicking off with a pragmatic look at state budget cuts, particularly in Idaho. They challenge the alarmist rhetoric often employed by politicians during election cycles, suggesting that modest cuts (like 1%) won’t lead to calamity and that much of the current financial squeeze stems from the “extra money” available during the COVID years, leading to a societal struggle with delayed gratification. The conversation pivots to national and international events, discussing the emotional impact of the USA Hockey team’s gold medal wins, the controversy surrounding Cash Patel’s locker room visit, and President Trump’s poignant address to “Angel Families” honoring Lincoln Riley – contrasting it with past political missteps.
The hosts also tackle various social and political discussions, including the viral “snoring audio” during an AOC interview, escalating cartel violence in Mexico, and Governor Gavin Newsom’s “960 SAT guy” comment, which they dissect as potentially racist and a prime example of latent subconscious bias. Locally, they explore proposed Idaho legislation, debating a bill that would automatically dissolve HOAs after ten years, sparking a lively discussion with callers about the pros and cons of homeowner associations. Other legislative ideas, like a daily moment of silence in schools and stronger foster care rights, are also touched upon, alongside a humorous take on Olympic curling and the viral pushback against an “anti-American flag” article from Huffington Post by a New England seafood restaurant.
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**Highlight List:**
* **Idaho Budget Cuts:** Discussion on political exaggeration during election cycles and the hosts’ belief that modest cuts are manageable, reflecting a post-COVID return to financial reality.
* **American Pride & Politics:** Celebration of USA Hockey’s victories, contrasting patriotic sentiment with critical media narratives and highlighting President Trump’s address to “Angel Families.”
* **Political Gaffes & Rhetoric:** Analysis of Gavin Newsom’s “960 SAT guy” comment as potentially racist and other examples of questionable political communication (AOC’s snoring audio, exaggerated budget fears).
* **Local Idaho Legislation:** Debate over a proposed bill to automatically dissolve HOAs after 10 years, alongside bills for a daily moment of silence in schools and enhanced foster child rights.
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Avalanche experts warn backcountry users of safety">Avalanche experts warn backcountry users of safety
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Local avalanche experts are urging backcountry users to slow down, get informed, and make safety their top priority before heading into the mountains. Local News 8 spoke with two avalanche experts on how skiers and snowmobilers can prepare, as the weak snowpack created by earlier drought conditions, continued storms, and wind can keep the avalanche threat elevated.
Scott Savage, director of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, says preparation and awareness can make the difference between a great day outdoors and a deadly accident.
The first and most important step before snowmobiling or backcountry skiing is to check the avalanche forecast for your area.
“If there’s an avalanche forecast where you’re headed, read it,” Savage said. “If you’re not sure where to find one, you can go to avalanche.org and locate the avalanche center nearest you.”
Rich Rinaldi, owner of Yostmark Mountain Equipment, does backcountry tours and teaches avalanche safety courses. He strongly encourages anyone recreating in the winter backcountry to pursue formal avalanche education.
“I think that if someone is enthusiastic about getting in the mountains in the winter and recreating, skiing, or snow, will be doing that. There’s some great books you can read and educate yourself, and then take a course,” Rinaldi said.
Both Savage and Rinaldi emphasized the importance of proper safety gear. The standard avalanche safety kit includes three items:
- Avalanche beacon (transceiver)
- Probe
- Avalanche Shovel
Even after checking the forecast, backcountry users must stay alert for signs of instability once they’re out on the snow. Key warning signs include:
- Shooting cracks in the snow surface
- Collapsing snowpack or a noticeable “whumpf” sound
- Recent avalanches in the area
“These are signs of instability,” Rinaldi said. “If you follow the local avalanche forecast, you’ll kind of know what things are looking like, but you still have to pay attention to what you’re seeing.”
Ignoring these red flags is one of the biggest mistakes people make in avalanche terrain.