The Environmental Protection Agency faces challenges during a government shutdown
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Planned Parenthood closes Louisiana clinics after 40 years due to financial and political pressure">Planned Parenthood closes Louisiana clinics after 40 years due to financial and political pressure
Louisiana’s only two Planned Parenthood locations have closed after 40 years
9.29.25–NLS–President Nelson Passes, Michigan LDS Church Shooting">9.29.25–NLS–President Nelson Passes, Michigan LDS Church Shooting
The podcast hosts began the show by addressing two major, unexpected events from the weekend concerning the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They first discussed the passing of church president Russell M. Nelson at the age of 101, reflecting on his significant contributions to medicine as a heart surgeon and his impactful, reform-minded leadership of the church since 2018. However, the hosts expressed that the period of mourning was overshadowed by a horrific event that occurred just 12 hours later: a deadly attack on an LDS church in Grand Blank, Michigan. They discussed the details of the attack, the potential religious radicalization of the shooter, and the sense of fear and sadness it created for churchgoers of all denominations.
The tragedy in Michigan prompted an extensive discussion among the hosts and listeners about the LDS church’s policy prohibiting firearms on its properties. Many callers and texters argued that the policy creates vulnerable “gun-free zones” and expressed a strong desire for the right to carry concealed weapons for self-defense, especially in light of increasing attacks on places of worship. The conversation explored the complexities of the issue, including the church’s potential liability concerns, while also noting that high-ranking church officials often have their own armed security details. While one listener suggested that questioning the policy undermines church leadership, the hosts clarified they were respectfully discussing a logistical policy, not core church doctrine, in an effort to make church services safer for everyone.
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Pocatello secures nearly $5 million federal grant to fight wildfires">Pocatello secures nearly $5 million federal grant to fight wildfires
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to spearhead a five-year project aimed at dramatically reducing the Portneuf Valley’s significant wildfire risk.
The funding, officially $4,836,555, comes from the competitive Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program and represents the largest of four projects funded in the entire Intermountain Region (Idaho, Nevada, and Utah), which collectively received nearly $9.5 million. The grants are intended to provide critical support to communities with limited resources but a high exposure to wildfire danger.
Over the next five years, Pocatello will use the federal grant to implement a comprehensive strategy focusing on fire mitigation and preparation.
“We are one of the higher-risk areas in Idaho,” explained Hannah Sanger, manager of the City of Pocatello Science and Environmental Division. “We have a lot of fuel around the city that will burn really hot and fast. We wanted to implement steps to reduce that risk.”
USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins emphasized the local impact of the federal investment.
“These grants are about putting resources in the hands of those that know their lands and communities best, so that they can better protect their families, businesses, infrastructure and the future of our shared landscape,” Rollins said. “Keeping forests healthy, resilient and productive doesn’t come from the top down, it comes from us standing alongside the people and communities we serve.”
USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz stressed that collaborative effort is key to tackling modern fire conditions. “No single organization can tackle the severe fire conditions we face today. It is imperative that we work together to protect our forest and communities,” Schultz said. He added that for communities that already have plans in place, “these investments will enable immediate action to reduce wildfire risk.”
The funded proposals in Idaho, Nevada and Utah are as follows:
| Recipient | Project Name | Grant Amount |
| City of Pocatello | Portneuf Valley Wildfire Risk Reduction and Education Project | $4,836,555 |
| Glenbrook Homeowners Association (NV) | Glenbrook Community Defensible Space Projects | $2,979,732 |
| Nevada Tahoe Conservation District | Upper Kingsbury Fire Adapted Community | $1,422,870 |
| Utah Forestry, Fire and State Lands | Dammeron Valley Wildfire Fuels Mitigation & Community Education Program | $239,122 |
The Forest Service announced it will open a fourth funding opportunity for communities later this year. For more information, click HERE.