First lady Melania Trump is leading a new initiative to improve career and education opportunities for children raised in foster care
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11.12.2025 – Government re-opening, INTERVIEW: Rep. Mike Simpson.">11.12.2025 – Government re-opening, INTERVIEW: Rep. Mike Simpson.
Neal Larson and Julie Mason kicked off the show by mocking Democrats for caving on the recent government shutdown. Neal argued that Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, suffered a political loss whether they shut the government down or reopened it, comparing their strategy to walking through thorny bushes and expecting to come out unscathed. The hosts expanded their critique to other out-of-touch Democrats, poking fun at Pete Buttigieg for a tweet about making dinner for his kids, which they viewed as another example of a politician failing to connect with everyday Americans. The conversation then pivoted to local Idaho politics, with the hosts enthusiastically promoting a town hall meeting for Idaho Kids Win, a group advocating for parental choice in education. They framed the event as an “anti-panic tour” in direct opposition to the “Save Our Schools” movement, which they contend is more focused on protecting teachers’ unions than serving children’s best interests.
The centerpiece of the show was an in-depth interview with Congressman Mike Simpson, who joined from Washington D.C. to discuss the end of the government shutdown and the path forward. He provided a timeline for reopening the government and addressed key concerns for constituents, confirming that federal paychecks and SNAP benefits should begin flowing again quickly. The conversation highlighted the deep partisan divisions, particularly around healthcare, with the Congressman expressing his confusion over the Democrats’ goals during the shutdown. The hosts and Congressman Simpson spent significant time on the future of the Affordable Care Act, a discussion that continued after the interview. Neal and Julie expressed a cynical but hopeful view that the shutdown and the Democrats’ own complaints about healthcare costs may have inadvertently created the perfect political catalyst to finally repeal and replace Obamacare.
Key moments from the conversation with Congressman Mike Simpson include:
* **Government Reopening:** He expected the House to pass the Senate’s funding bill that same day, getting the government fully reopened by the evening.
* **Affordable Care Act Subsidies:** Congressman Simpson stated his opposition to extending the COVID-era subsidies, arguing they don’t address the root problem of high healthcare costs and that Republicans would demand major reforms before considering an extension.
* **Trump’s Influence:** He agreed that former President Trump would continue to use his platform to push for a more competitive, market-based healthcare system, keeping the issue at the forefront of public discussion.
* **Shutdown Strategy:** The Congressman expressed genuine confusion about what Democrats hoped to achieve with the shutdown, noting that Republicans had met their initial demands for a clean, short-term resolution, only to see Democrats vote against it anyway.
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Parental Choice Tax Credit explained at town hall style meetings">Parental Choice Tax Credit explained at town hall style meetings
IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO (KIFI) – You can get your questions about Idaho’s Parental Choice tax credit answered Wednesday night at a town hall meeting in Idaho Falls.
Idaho State Representative Wendy Horman and some guests will be on hand to explain the program, which allows parents to apply for a tax credit of up to $5,000 for each eligible student, for expenses like tutoring, homeschooling, private school, and transportation.
Students with a qualifying disability are eligible for up to $7,500.
Wednesday’s meeting will be at the Holiday Inn on 3005 South Fork Boulevard in Idaho Falls from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
A meeting in Pocatello will be held on Thursday, November 13th, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Hampton Inn on 151 Vista Drive.
A table of hope: how an Idaho Falls woman is feeding her community">A table of hope: how an Idaho Falls woman is feeding her community
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– After seeing a growing need in her community, Amanda Rynes decided to take action. With local food banks stretched thin and many families struggling after SNAP benefits were paused, Rynes started a small front-yard table to provide food and essentials.
“The need was obvious in the community. The local food banks have been posting a lot about how they’re really strapped right now, and that they have a lot of people with the SNAP benefits paused, having a lot of food insecurity. And then I saw the same thing happening all over the country. And so I was really inspired by other people in places that are doing the same thing,” Rynes said.
Rynes says the community support has been extraordinary and donations have been making the table possible. She admits there have been tough moments, especially seeing local children struggling with food insecurity.
“There’s been times it’s been really hard. It’s challenging to see kids coming up and knowing that there’s food insecurity for a lot of local children. But it’s also been really incredible and (I’m) really grateful that moms are willing to come out. I’ve had a lot of people reach out, they’re embarrassed to need help, and I’m just grateful that they’re willing to stop by,” Rynes said.
One person stopped by after seeing Rynes’ post on Facebook for the table, grateful.
“This is awesome. This will really help out the community. It’s special. I wish more people would do something like this,” they said.
Rynes would like to thank the community for making the food table possible.
“It’s been really impactful and kind of a faith in humanity restorer, seeing how the local community really came out to support our little table,” Rynes said.