New Mexico’s Democratic lawmakers are vowing urgent action to shore up safety net spending in a top state for participation in Medicaid and federal food assistance
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9.30.25–NLS–Michigan Attack Misinformation, School Choice Lawsuit, New Military of Merit">9.30.25–NLS–Michigan Attack Misinformation, School Choice Lawsuit, New Military of Merit
The podcast hosts delve into several significant current events, focusing heavily on a recent anti-Christian attack at a church in Michigan. They discuss the shooter’s background, the challenge of navigating social media misinformation surrounding the event, and their frustration with divisive rhetoric from other religious figures during a time that calls for unity. This event is framed within a broader context of recent emotional turmoil for their community, which also includes the recent death and upcoming funeral services for President Russell M. Nelson. The hosts also analyze a local Idaho legal battle over House Bill 93, dismissing the lawsuit against school choice tax credits as a weak, politically motivated argument. The discussion then shifts to national policy, covering President Trump’s address to military leaders and the plan to eliminate DEI initiatives in favor of a merit-based system.
In response to the weight of these events, the hosts share a personal reflection on turning to faith, acknowledging that political solutions are insufficient for solving deep spiritual and cultural problems. They discuss the difficulty of processing grief when tragedies occur in such quick succession. The program also features a variety of other topics, including an extended debate with callers over the definition and role of “hazing” in the military. In a lighter segment, the hosts humorously explore alien conspiracy theories and the logistical questions surrounding the biblical rapture. The conversation returns to a serious tone as they warn parents about a Netflix children’s cartoon featuring a transgender character before concluding the show with a live clip of President Trump announcing a major drug pricing agreement with Pfizer.
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From pumpkins to tomatoes: Chubbuck gardener grows record-breaking produce">From pumpkins to tomatoes: Chubbuck gardener grows record-breaking produce
CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) — Local gardener, Cliff Warren, recently set a new state record for largest tomato with a whopping 3.57-pound fruit; the tomato went through a rigorous weighing and judging process before it was declared a record-breaker at the Center Street Giant Pumpkin Festival in Logan, Utah, on September 27.
Warren, a retired engineer turned school bus driver, said he started cultivating giant fruits, vegetables, and flowers after moving to the Chubbuck countryside 25 years ago.
“We had a lot of space and I always wanted to be a gardener,” said Warren. “My sister went to the library and found a book, ‘How to Grow Giant Pumpkins’; I read the book, I got hooked, and I’ve been growing giant pumpkins ever since.”
Warren’s pumpkins have won titles in the past; most recently, his 700-pound gourd came in tenth place at the same festival where his tomato broke state records. At the 2024 Eastern Idaho State Fair, Warren got a first-place ribbon for a nearly 800-pound pumpkin.
Other notable achievements in Warren’s garden include his personal record-breaking pumpkin that weighed in at a little over 1,100 pounds and a 16-foot-tall sunflower that sprang up this summer.
“It just takes a lot of care,” said Warren. “You have to be very mindful of what you’re doing; you have to know what the weather’s going to be like overnight and the next day, so you have to be prepared for anything that can happen in your patch.”
Warren chronicles his giant gardening endeavors on social media; you can follow him on Facebook.
Bannock County extends Burn Ban through October 15">Bannock County extends Burn Ban through October 15
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — Bannock County has extended its burn ban until October 15, 2025, citing persistent hazardous fire conditions. The ban is comprehensive, applying to all areas of the county, including all municipalities and fire districts.
The decision to keep the ban in effect was made following close consultation with local fire officials and is based on two primary factors:
- Great Basin Critical Fuel Status: The Great Basin’s critical fuel status remains above average. This indicates that the vegetation and other potential fuels on the ground are arid and highly susceptible to ignition.
- Below Average Moisture: The local weather service has confirmed that Bannock County is experiencing below-average moisture for this time of year. This lack of precipitation contributes to the dry conditions and increases the risk of a wildfire starting and spreading rapidly.
“We understand that people are eager to get back to their normal outdoor activities, but the risk is simply too high at this time,” said Pocatello Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Dean Bullock. “With the dry fuels and the continued lack of substantial moisture, we are uncomfortable making the call to lift the ban with current conditions. The safety of our residents and our community is our top priority.”
The extended ban strictly prohibits all open burning within the Wildland-Urban Interface Areas of Bannock County.
Exemptions to the Burn Ban:
The use of commercial gas fire pits, gas grills, and/or charcoal briquettes are exempted from the ban when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Campfires and recreational fires are also allowed in developed campgrounds and private residences, provided they comply with the following limitations:
- Fires must be contained within a pit or ring
- Fires should not exceed 3 feet in diameter, 3 feet in flame height
- Fires must be 25 feet from structures or ignitable objects and should be screened to eliminate airborne embers.
The Bannock County Commissioners and local fire departments say they are continuously monitoring the weather and fuel conditions and will provide updates as conditions change.