New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she has reached a deal with state legislative leaders to approve a bill to give terminally ill people the legal ability to end their own lives with prescribed medication
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12.16.2025 – Giving Machines Arrive, Trump on Reiner, Obamacare Fraud, Fentanyl as WMD">12.16.2025 – Giving Machines Arrive, Trump on Reiner, Obamacare Fraud, Fentanyl as WMD
Neal Larson and Julie Mason navigate a mix of holiday spirit and heavy political headlines in this episode. They begin by sharing heartwarming stories from the “Giving Machines” charity event at Grand Teton Mall before pivoting to a heated discussion regarding Donald Trump’s controversial social media response to the death of Rob Reiner. The hosts debate the propriety of the comments versus the context of the political attacks Trump has faced, while also touching on the frustrating lack of information surrounding the recent shooting at Brown University.
The conversation deepens into policy as they analyze Speaker Mike Johnson’s press conference exposing rampant fraud within the Obamacare subsidy system. Neal and Julie discuss the expiration of COVID-era healthcare funding and the political maneuvering required to address it. Later, they tackle national security, reviewing a briefing by Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth regarding military strikes on drug boats and Trump’s move to classify fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
Episode Highlights
* **Trump vs. Rob Reiner:** A debate on whether the former President’s post-mortem comments were justified or ill-timed.
* **Healthcare Fraud:** Speaker Mike Johnson details millions in waste and the battle over expiring Obamacare subsidies.
* **War on Drugs:** Discussion on classifying fentanyl as a WMD and authorizing military strikes on drug trafficking boats.
* **Holiday Cheer:** Recap of the local Giving Machines launch and Neal’s accidental viewing of a Lifetime Christmas movie.
* **Dutch vs. Danish:** The hosts end the show with a humorous attempt to decipher the difference between the Netherlands, Denmark, and wooden shoes.
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Stinking Springs and Egin areas temporarily closed to protect wintering mule deer">Stinking Springs and Egin areas temporarily closed to protect wintering mule deer
The following is a news release from the BLM:
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office, in coordination with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, has temporarily closed the Stinking Springs area near the South Fork of the Snake River to all motorized vehicles and human entry to support wildlife survival rates. The annual closure began Dec. 15 and continues until May 1, 2026.
“Increasing human activity in the Stinking Springs area creates additional stress on the mule deer that winter there, requiring them to deplete their supply of stored winter fat more quickly,” said BLM Upper Snake Field Manager John Reffit. “We appreciate the public’s help every year in avoiding this area to help protect these animals.”
In addition, the annual Egin-Hamer Area Closure will go into effect Jan. 1, with restrictions lasting until April 1, 2026, south of the Egin-Hamer Road, and until May 1, 2026, north of it. This temporary closure also restricts human entry to BLM-managed public land to protect wintering deer, elk and moose. A detailed map is available online.
The seasonal closures apply to BLM-managed public lands in the vicinity of Stinking Springs and Egin-Hamer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service also enacts similar winter closures on nearby National Forest lands. Visitors are encouraged to check with agency offices before planning travel in these areas. For more information, contact the Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500.
Idaho Falls firefighters celebrate ‘Fill the Ambulance’ toy drive success">Idaho Falls firefighters celebrate ‘Fill the Ambulance’ toy drive success
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls firefighters are celebrating the conclusion of the Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive, which successfully delivered hundreds of toy donations for local children and their families. Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD) and Idaho Falls Firefighters IAFF Local 1565 extended a heartfelt thank you to the community for their support.
Throughout the drive, Idahoans donated new, unwrapped toys in support of two vital local organizations: the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho (RMHC) and the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission. Thanks to the incredible turnout, the RMHC says they have enough toys to support families through 2026, while the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission was able to fulfill wish lists for every child they serve.
“The Toy Drive and Light Parade were a huge success again this year, thanks to all of the help from the Idaho Falls Fire Department,” said Deborah M. Chessey, Development and Community Manager for RMHC of Idaho. “We received enough to get us through all of 2026, and the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission was able to fill their wish lists for all of their children.”
The toy collection efforts culminated with the RMHC’s 5th Annual Toy Drive Light Parade and Ugly Sweater Car Show on December 13th.
In a news release, the IFFD and IAFF Local 1565 recognized the extensive network of supporters who contributed, including the dedicated firefighters who volunteered their time, the local businesses that served as collection points and offered incentives, the media partners who amplified the message about the drive, and the various organizations that provided valuable time or financial support.
“Each played an important role in helping the community’s generosity reach those who need it most,” states the release. “Above all, IFFD and IAFF Local 1565 thank the community members who showed up, donated, and helped make a difference. Their willingness to give is what ultimately made this year’s Fill the Ambulance Toy Drive a great success.”