Federal health officials have approved another generic version of the abortion pill, prompting outrage from some abortion opponents aligned with President Donald Trump
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10.1.25–NLS–Government Shutdown, Trump Trolls Jefferies">10.1.25–NLS–Government Shutdown, Trump Trolls Jefferies
The podcast begins with Republican leaders, including Speaker Johnson and John Thune, blaming Democrats for a government shutdown, which they label the “Schumer shutdown.” They assert they passed a clean, common-sense funding bill that Democrats rejected for political reasons. The hosts agree with this perspective and later conduct a “flash poll” asking listeners how the shutdown affects them. Callers report minimal immediate impact, with discussions covering the status of national parks, the post office, and essential services like the VA, though concerns are raised about federal employees like TSA agents having to work without pay until funding is restored.
Beyond the shutdown, the hosts discuss a variety of other topics, including their shock over an undocumented immigrant with a firearm charge being hired as a school superintendent in Des Moines. The conversation also covers a Turning Point USA event, celebrity relationships, and former President Trump’s use of a meme to troll Representative Hakeem Jeffries. When a listener accuses Trump of racism over the meme, the hosts strongly defend him, arguing the label is a tired political attack and that the meme was intended to mock Democratic pandering. The show concludes by highlighting a positive story about a church community supporting a shooter’s family and a frivolous lawsuit against Hershey’s.
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Federal Government shutdown impact hits Southeast Idaho">Federal Government shutdown impact hits Southeast Idaho
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As the federal government faces a shutdown, federal workers in Southeastern Idaho are bracing for the prospect of furloughs and temporary layoffs, raising concerns about job and financial security across the community.
Impact on Land Management Agencies
The shutdown’s effects are already visible at federal offices in the area, particularly those overseen by the Department of Agriculture.
The local offices for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service, which fall under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), are operating with limitations. While employees are still reporting to work in an ‘excepted’ capacity, the public visitor center housed within the building has been closed as they are “shut down.”
The USDA weighed in on the national implications, framing the shutdown as an attack on rural America.
“The Democrat shutdown will cause real harm to American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. President Trump has made it clear through his support of H.R. 5371 that he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel, and clothe the American people,” a USDA spokesperson said.
For more information on the USDA impact, click HERE.
Social Security Services Remain Operational
In contrast to some other agencies, the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Idaho Falls is running as usual. The agency has a contingency plan in place to ensure critical services continue.
“As a result of the lapse in appropriation, SSA is following the contingency plan for continued activities, and Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving their Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI payments,” a spokesperson for the Social Security Administration confirmed to Local News 8.
For more information, click HERE.
Idaho Congressional Delegation Weighs In
Local News 8 reached out to Idaho’s congressional delegates to understand how the shutdown might impact residents, receiving multiple responses from the Republican delegation.
Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID): Congressman Simpson criticized the shutdown, placing responsibility squarely on the Senate Democrats.
“Shutting down the government is bad politics and policy. Unfortunately, Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats are holding the funding hostage and pushed us into a government shutdown due to their far-left, unreasonable policy demands. Idahoans, like the majority of Americans, do not support their tax dollars paying for free health care to illegal aliens, stripping rural hospital funding, or increasing spending by nearly $1.5 trillion. The impacts of government shutdowns are extremely harmful, which is why I supported the clean CR to keep our government open, but the Democrats’ counter demands would be much more harmful to our nation,” Congressman Mike Simpson said.
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID): Senator Crapo echoed Congressman Simpson’s sentiment, also focusing on the Senate’s role and the proposed spending increases.
“Senate Democrats have rejected a clean Continuing Resolution to keep the government open to provide breathing room to make bipartisan progress on advancing regular appropriations bills. Instead, they are demanding an unserious proposal that would increase government spending by a staggering $1 trillion and wipe out a vast majority of the savings Republicans have worked diligently to pass since the start of Congress. The Senate will keep voting to try to keep the government open–Democrats have the choice either to support a CR as they did 13 times under the previous Administration and keep the federal government fully operational, or pursue unreasonable political objectives,” Crapo said.
Local News 8 also contacted the offices of Senator James Risch (R-ID) and Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID), and is waiting for a response.
Idaho Democratic Party: Contrary to their opponents across the aisle, members of the Idaho Democratic Party place the blame for the shutdown solely on Republicans, highlighting the potential local impact on Idaho families.
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea issued a strongly worded statement, pointing to Republican control of Congress and the White House.
“Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. With all that power, they showed they can’t lead and don’t care to. Democrats fought to protect your health care, keep premiums from doubling for more than 100,000 Idahoans, and save our rural hospitals from devastating cuts. But Mike Simpson, Russ Fulcher, Jim Risch, and Mike Crapo stood with their party and turned their backs on Idaho families. Because of their choice, thousands of Idahoans will go without pay. That includes Forest Service firefighters, Mountain Home Air Force Base personnel, and BLM staff who manage our public lands. Farmers are waiting on $29 million in payments they are owed. Veterans will face delays in care, small businesses will lose access to critical loans, and Women, Infants and Children benefits, including food and formula, will run out. Republicans in Congress believe they are above accountability, and they proved it by forcing this shutdown,” states Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea.
Idaho Fish and Game urges vigilance after bear attack injures hiker in Fremont County">Idaho Fish and Game urges vigilance after bear attack injures hiker in Fremont County
FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Fish and Game is issuing an important safety warning to all outdoor enthusiasts after a lone hiker was injured in a bear attack near Squirrel Creek on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
IDFG states that the man was hiking along the South rim of Squirrel Creek when he was charged by a bear from thick timber at close range. The bear bit the man as it ran past him before quickly leaving the area.
Despite his injuries, the hiker was able to self-rescue and seek medical attention.
Fish and Game staff have posted warning signs in the area, but have clarified that the bear’s actions were classified as defensive. This indicates the bear likely reacted out of surprise due to the unexpected, close encounter. As such, IDFG says is not planning any further management action, emphasizing that proper hiker behavior is the best defense.
To prevent future bear encounters, which often happen when a bear is startled, IDFG urges visitors to strictly follow these safety precautions:
- Hike in groups of three or more people. Avoid hiking after dark, or at dawn or dusk, when bears are most active. Use extra caution in places where visibility or hearing is limited such as bushy areas near streams.
- Be alert. See the bear before you surprise it. Watch for fresh tracks, scat, and feeding sites (signs of digging, rolled rocks, torn up logs, ripped open ant hills).
- Make noise. When hiking, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears to your presence, especially when walking through dense vegetation/blind spots, traveling upwind, near loud streams, or on windy days.
- Avoid thick brush whenever possible. Bears often use the same trails hikers do, and are attracted to sources of food like berry patches or carcasses.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.