2.20.2026 – S4C: Tessa Cates, Aliens Exist, SCOTUS Slaps Down Tariffs">2.20.2026 – S4C: Tessa Cates, Aliens Exist, SCOTUS Slaps Down Tariffs

2.20.2026 – S4C: Tessa Cates, Aliens Exist, SCOTUS Slaps Down Tariffs">

Send a text

The big news dropped this morning: the Supreme Court has struck down all the tariffs enacted by former President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, with a 6-3 decision. While Neal appreciated the reminder of checks and balances within our government, Julie pointed out the “tariff derangement syndrome” some exhibit. There’s still a lot of uncertainty about whether money will be refunded and the full implications of the ruling, with many media headlines jumping to conclusions before the details are fully understood. The conversation then shifted to the sensational claim by Barack Obama on a podcast that aliens are real, sparking a debate with Trump and a surprising revelation from Lara Trump about a possible prepared speech by Donald Trump on extraterrestrial life. Both Neal and Julie agreed that the alien disclosure, not the classified information angle, was the true bombshell, and questioned why the government would hide such information.

We also delved into the recent high school walkouts protesting ICE, with Neal and Julie expressing concern over what they called “misdirected youth” being used as “adult pawns” for a cause that, in their view, promotes lawlessness. They drew a distinction between excusing a child for a political rally that’s part of the electoral process and skipping school for protests that advocate against established laws, especially given some of the aggressive signage seen. The show rounded out with a few other interesting tidbits, including ESPN’s WNBA over MLB programming shift, the Chicago Bears’ potential move, and a humorous Chili’s bathroom review mishap, alongside a discussion on “woke” athletes and the concept of “bullying” in foreign policy.

**Highlights:**

*   The Supreme Court invalidated Trump-era tariffs (6-3), sparking debate over immediate impacts and the role of judicial checks and balances.
*   Barack Obama’s podcast statement about “aliens being real” and subsequent reactions from Donald and Lara Trump brought the topic of government secrecy and extraterrestrial life to the forefront.
*   Local high school students staged a walkout protest against ICE, leading to a discussion on truancy, the nature of youth activism, and the perceived promotion of “lawlessness.”
*   The hosts criticized the media’s quick, often definitive reporting on complex issues like tariffs and the perceived anti-American stance of some athletes.

Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms?

You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing.

Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today.

Read More

Idaho Tax Commission issues guidance on new ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ deductions">Idaho Tax Commission issues guidance on new ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ deductions

Idaho Tax Commission issues guidance on new ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ deductions">

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Following Idaho’s adoption of federal tax changes under the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” the Idaho State Tax Commission has released updates for the 2025 tax season. While some benefits will be automatic, officials warn that certain taxpayers may need to wait several weeks to claim new deductions.

According to a news release, the Tax Commission has successfully updated its internal systems to reflect the newly increased standard deduction.

For those who have already filed or are planning to take the standard deduction, no further action is required. The system will automatically apply the larger amount, meaning early filers will not need to file an amended return to receive the benefit.

Meanwhile, taxpayers planning to claim specific “conformity deductions” are being told to hold off on filing. The Tax Commission is currently updating forms to accommodate the Enhanced Senior Deductions, Qualified Tips from Wages, Car Loan Interest, Overtime Compensation.

Systems and forms for these specific deductions are expected to be ready by mid-to-late March. The Tax Commission plans to release detailed instructions on how to claim these items at that time.

For more information or to make payments, visit tax.idaho.gov or (208) 334-7660 in the Boise area or toll-free at (800) 972-7660. The deadline to file 2025 income taxes is Wednesday, April 15.

City of Idaho Falls warns of utility bill phishing scam targeting residents">City of Idaho Falls warns of utility bill phishing scam targeting residents

City of Idaho Falls warns of utility bill phishing scam targeting residents">

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — City officials are tracking a sophisticated email phishing scam where impostors are posing as the City of Idaho Falls to steal personal data and financial information.

These messages contain a link labeled “View Invoice Payment” that directs recipients to a site requesting their Google login credentials.

The City of Idaho Falls confirmed it will never request Google passwords, email credentials, or unrelated personal account information from customers.

“If you see any kind of red flags or anything makes you concerned, just take a second to pause and contact the city,” said Kimberly Felker public information officer for the office of mayor “City staff can help walk you through that and let you know whether what you’ve received is something that needs actual attention, or whether you might be a victim of a scam.”

As of this week, at least three residents have reported the fraudulent messages to the city. While no residents are currently known to have fallen for the scheme, officials warn that this is likely not the last time such a scam will appear.

Investigators believe an outside organization’s contact list, which included email addresses and ZIP codes, may have been compromised. This has resulted in the scam reaching people who have never received utility services from the city or who have moved away from the area. There is no evidence that any city-managed information systems have been breached.

The Idaho Falls Police Department identifies several “red flags” for residents to watch for:

  • Messages that create a false sense of urgency, such as threats of immediate service disconnection.
  • Incorrect grammar, typos, or language that does not make sense.
  • Sender email addresses that do not match official city billing records.
  • Requests for login credentials unrelated to utility services.

Residents who may have already provided credentials to the scammers are urged to change their passwords immediately, enable multi-factor authentication, and monitor financial statements.

The Barefoot Runner: Jackson Laird Stuns at Simplot Games">The Barefoot Runner: Jackson Laird Stuns at Simplot Games

The Barefoot Runner: Jackson Laird Stuns at Simplot Games">

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Simplot Games are the pinnacle athletic event in Pocatello every year, with athletes coming from around the world to compete. The athletes train for months for their several moments racing under the lights in the ICCU Dome. For Jackson Laird, an unexpected turn of events led to his first race of the games becoming the talk of the tournament.

Laird is a senior from Weiser, Idaho and has enjoyed every second of his first Simplot Games. He came to compete in the 60 meter dash, but on Thursday evening, he was in for a surprise.

“I forgot that Simplot rules has a rule against certain spikes that aren’t allowed on the track, and I didn’t take mine out,” said Laird. “So the ref called me aside, told me I couldn’t run unless I had my flats, and my flats were across the arena, so I knew I wouldn’t make it.”

Laird didn’t have time to run across the arena for his other shoes, so he was forced to make a devastating decision: forfeit his event or run barefoot. He said the decision was easy, because as soon as the ref suggested he run shoeless, he knew he had to try.

“I honestly expected to get splinters and stuff, but it wasn’t that bad actually. It felt pretty good,” Laird said. Not only did he walk away with his feet in tact, but he won his race and set a new personal record. After running consistent races at over 7.3 seconds, Laird finished with a 7.19 in his barefoot blitz. He said he couldn’t believe it when he looked up and saw the time.

“I couldn’t believe it, it was a really big PR for me so I was really happy about that,” he said.

The Simplot Games journey doesn’t end here for Laird. On Saturday, he’ll compete in the boys 60 meter dash finals race. Following his unexpected barefoot PR, Laird said he’s anxious to run in spiked shoes again.

“Honestly, I’m a little worried for tomorrow to see if hopefully I can beat my time in spikes, because if not, it’s a little embarrassing,” said Laird. He will run the final race with the spikes in his shoes, but not the needle spikes, so that he doesn’t get disqualified by the Simplot Games.

The standout from Weiser High School is looking forward to his race, since he proved he can run even faster with no shoes.

“Honestly, I’m looking for another PR because I mean if I can run barefoot and run a time like that, I’m anxious to see what I can run with spikes,” he said.

Laird hopes to continue his track career after he graduates high school. The race on Saturday at the ICCU Dome will begin at 12:30pm.

scroll to top