Debate Drama: Idaho Falls Mayoral hopeful responds to controversial religious question at candidate forum

KIFI on October 25, 2025

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Mayoral candidate Jeff Alldridge is publicly addressing what he calls “wild rumors” following a controversial moment at a recent mayoral forum.

Alldridge, the sole mayoral hopeful in the race who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was asked a pointed religious question. The incident has since sparked online rumors about his thoughts on “others’ beliefs…and intentions as Mayor” and debate surrounding religious bias in local politics.

The incident occurred during a mayoral forum and debate hosted by East Idaho News, moderated by reporter Nate Eaton. The questions were sourced from the audience and relayed by reporter Nate Eaton; however, Alldridge was the only candidate asked a pointed religious question: “Are Mormons Christians?”

The confrontation took place around the 36:52-minute mark of East Idaho News’ livestream. To view the video, click HERE.

“I heard Jeff Alldridge removed his religious affiliation from his website, and does not believe Latter-day Saints are Christians. Is this true?” relayed Eaton.

“Uh… I never had my faith on my website. But I am Christian. And I’ll leave it up to Latter-day Saints, if they believe that they’re Christian, then they’re Christian,” answered a clearly uncomfortable Alldridge.

“Do you believe they are?” drilled Eaton.

“I don’t know,” answered Alldrigde.

Alldridge’s Response and Clarification

Alldridge expressed his surprise at the question, telling Local News 8 he didn’t see how it was relevant. He later issued a public statement on Facebook to clarify his response, which he admitted was “truthful” but vague.

He elaborated on his reasoning in the post, saying, “I cannot make a blanket judgment over an entire group of people. That would be foolish. Similarly, the right to judge who is and isn’t saved is reserved for God alone. My opinion is irrelevant.”

Alldridge continued that although he is not a member of the LDS faith, which makes up an estimated 50%-60% of the Idaho Falls population, he loves and respects “each and every one” of his many friends, neighbors, and supporters who are.

“Freedom of religion is the very first right listed and protected in our Bill of Rights. It is the right to choose what you believe, and that right shall not be infringed upon…As Mayor, I will always work to protect others’ freedom to worship as much as I work to protect my own,” concluded Alldridge.

Mayoral Candidates Respond

The other two candidates in the race, Lisa Burtenshaw and Christian Ashcraft, both shared statements with Local News 8. Ms. Burtenshaw said the following:

“I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are a Christian faith. I have many friends and family who belong to other faiths. I respect their beliefs and know our differences make us stronger. Campaigning is difficult. The questions we get from the community are often tough. But, I have appreciated all the forums and the chance to get out into the community, and learn from others, and hear different perspectives. Building that mutual respect and understanding is the key to creating a strong community. And, it is how I strive to serve — listening to different perspectives, building bridges and working together to solve problems.”

Christian Ashcraft provided a similar statement.

“Running for public office means accepting that people will ask personal questions—about faith, values, politics, and convictions. That’s part of the public’s right to understand who their leaders are. Questions like these can reveal character or distract from the real issue; who’s ready to lead with fairness and respect for all. What matters most is whether each candidate can rise above personal differences and serve the entire community with empathy and integrity.”

East Idaho News Response

Local News 8 reached out to East Idaho News editor Nate Sunderland for clarification. He claims the question was chosen from over 200 the outlet received in preparation for the forum.

“One question dealt with a claim that Mr. Alldridge had removed his religious affiliation from his website, and that he had viewpoints that suggested the Mormons were not members of the Christian faith,” Sunderland said in a statement to Local News 8. “Given the frequency of the question, it was incorporated into the debate.”

Alldridge told Local News 8 the claim that he removed his religious affiliation from his website is not true, as he never included any information about his religious affiliation on his website in the first place. He also says he has proof, as he has been archiving the website.

Historical and Current Context

The question draws back to a theological debate that has persisted since the inception of the LDS Church. While the church officially identifies as Christian and centers its doctrine on Jesus Christ, some other Christian denominations historically have not recognized it as such, often citing differences in scripture and core beliefs. The question also came on the heels of a violent attack on an LDS branch in Michigan, which had brought the issue of acceptance within the Christian community to the forefront of online debate.

Article VI, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution forbids any kind of religious test for public office. It states: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Family seeks support after devastating fire renders Pueblo home uninhabitable

KRDO on October 25, 2025

Michael Logerwell

PUEBLO, Colo. — A Pueblo Man spent years renovating an old house, hoping to see a return on his investment or make it the new family home, only to have it go up in flames.

Now the family in Pueblo is asking for help after a fire made their home uninhabitable.

The home sits along East First Street near South Hudson Avenue, where the Pueblo Police Department says the fire began overnight on October 22. Police say the fire department remained on the scene until 4 a.m., but the house is unlivable.

In the following days, Elizabeth Diaz started a GoFundMe to help her parents recover from the damage, who thankfully weren’t home at the time of the fire. Diaz says her father, Jose Burgos, spent years remodeling the home by himself, making the fire even more disastrous.

“When I say he literally just finished it, like, he literally just finished remodeling it with the hopes of, you know, selling it or potentially moving in. So it’s devastating seeing how, you know, his hard work just gone,” Diaz said. “They’re heartbroken.”

As for a potential investigation into the fire, a spokesperson for the PPD says there is currently no evidence pointing to this being an act of arson.

For now, the home sits locked while the family works to manage the damage.

“My parents have always helped me whenever I needed something, and I know that people in the community have always received help from my dad as well. He’s helped many people, whether it’s moving or doing things. I’m just doing this GoFundMe, just to help them have some relief from the devastation of losing their home,” Diaz explained.

Click here to donate.

Click here to follow the original article.

Second Harvest’s 15th Annual Turkey Day Registration event scheduled

News-Press NOW on October 25, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — An annual Second Harvest Thanksgiving tradition is coming to the community for its 15th year.

Families in need of food assistance during the Thanksgiving holiday will be able to register to receive a turkey and sides for the holiday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, until supplies last.

Interested families will need to visit Second Harvest Community Food Bank, located at 915 Douglas St. The event will serve as a way to reserve one of 700 turkeys, which will be available for pick up at a later date.

Participants may only register for one household and must bring an ID or an orange Second Harvest card/key tag for the household they are registering.

“We’re able to give out a turkey as well as some Thanksgiving sides to just kind of support these families during the holiday season when times are a little bit harder than the rest of the year,” said Mackenzie Bally, the marketing manager for Second Harvest.

Bally said the food bank will also have around 500 total turkeys at its county locations. Households located in the 18 counties the food bank serves will be eligible to receive assistance.

Bally also said Second Harvest will announce when families can pick up their turkeys and sides as the Thanksgiving holiday inches closer.

Click here to follow the original article.

Missouri Attorney General’s Office dismisses case against Fear Fest owner, expects to refile as several people still have not received refunds

KMIZ on October 25, 2025

Olivia Hayes

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office told ABC 17 News it had to dismiss its case against Fear Fest owner and operator Bill Schnell after being unable to locate him.

Columbia’s Fear Fest Haunted House made an official announcement on Halloween 2024 stating that it would not be opening for the season and that refunds would be “processed in bunches.” 

The attraction racked up 15 safety violations during its annual inspection by the Boone County Fire Protection District. The 2024 Halloween season marked the first time Fear Fest was unable to open in its more than 20-year history.

The Attorney General’s Office said it still has 25 complaints of people saying they still have not received a refund one year after Fear Fest’s unexpected closure. The AG’s office said it plans to refile the case again soon to force repayment.

In a statement to ABC 17 News, Michaela Payne said she purchased three tickets in October 2024 for the Fear Fest Haunted House, spending more than $100 and making the drive from Kansas City. It would have been her first visit to the attraction.

She said she was told to reach out for reimbursement, but after months of trying, she never received a response. She said she called, emailed and sent multiple Facebook messages.

She said following the situation she connected with a small community of others who were also impacted, all sharing the same experience of being ignored and left without resolution.

Payne said she reached out to the Attorney General’s office and filed a complaint. She said she was contacted for an interview, but nothing further happened.

“It’s truly disheartening,” Payne said in her statement. “Not just because we lost hundreds of dollars, but because we were simply trying to enjoy a fun night out and support a local favorite.”

John Peterson, a Lake of the Ozarks resident, said his family spent $265 on 2024 Fear Fest tickets.

“I’ve done Fear Fest for a long time, since I was a teenager,” Peterson said.

He said he found out Fear Fest was canceled through a Facebook post, but never saw any notice on the company’s website. After discovering the cancellation, he reached out for a refund.

“We sent a proof of our purchase and we never heard from them again,” Peterson said. “I’ve messaged them countless times, I mean countless times.”

Peterson also filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.

“The attorney general contacted me probably about three or four months later and asked if I’d be willing to testify. I told them, ‘Yeah, absolutely.’ And I haven’t heard from them since,” Peterson said.

Moving forward, he said he is not as interested in a refund of his money as much as he is in seeing justice served.

“Honestly, I would rather just see him prosecuted to the court of law, I mean to the fullest extent. Not only did you steal adult money, you stole money from little children,” Peterson said.

Missouri Nightmare, a new “haunted” attraction in Columbia, is hoping to fill the void by offering free admission next weekend to those who never got their money back from Fear Fest. Anyone who was never refunded for their fear fest ticket can get in for free on Oct. 30-Nov. 1 with proof of their ticket purchase from 2024.

“We care and we want to be here and be the Halloween experience for Columbia,” said Nicolas Palmer, owner and operator of Missouri Nightmare.

Payne said she most likely won’t utilize the offer, but Peterson said he’s considering going with his family.

Missouri Nightmare finalized contract negotiations with Prairie Grove Shooting Sports Complex during the July 4 weekend. Palmer believes the backlash and legal trouble Fear Fest is facing could have been easily avoided.

“You shouldn’t take a dime from anybody until you know you’re going to open,” Palmer said. “People care a lot about their money, they work hard for their money.”

Some of the actors apart of Missouri Nightmare previously worked for Fear Fest, according to Palmer.

“They were just heartbroken by the fact that it didn’t open,” Palmer said. “It’s like if you had a big friend group and all of a sudden that friend group was broken up and you weren’t able to be friends anymore.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Multiple Indio businesses vandalized in one week, owners speak out

KESQ on October 25, 2025

Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – In the past week, local business owners claim nearly 10 small businesses in Indio have been broken into and vandalized.

At CV BBQ in Indio, owner Sean Smith says their front glass door was broken earlier this week. The perpetrator stole the cash register and electronics in the restaurant.

“Intruder came in, decided to break-in through our door here and then proceed to take our cash box items inside, do damage and take off vandalism and take off,” Smith said.

Smith says this is the second time this year that vandalism has occurred on the property and that it’s happened consistently for the past 3 years, with no arrests. 

CV BBQ is just one of several businesses targeted this week, along with Indio Florist, who also had their door smashed through. 

Owners say Daily Grind Coffee and Juicing, and a Mexican restaurant were also vandalized, along with several others bringing the total to 10 businesses.

Jennifer Colin-Ortiz with Indio Florist says it’s also not their first time being targeted.

“The last couple times we had our vehicle battery stolen, we had our catalyctic converter stolen. We’ve had our air conditioning unit vandalized, our windows broken, and merchandise as well,” Colin-Ortiz said.

For business owners who love the community they serve, the smash and grabs have hit them hard both emotionally and financially.

“It’s something that no one looks forward to finding out when you come to work. You really put your blood, sweat and tears into your business. Just bringing what you do to the small community. Being a small business owner, it just brings joy to bring something uplifting to this area,” Smith said.

He estimates he spends between $500 and $1,000 on a new door every time it’s vandalized. Colin-Ortiz says that price ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for their floral shop.

Now, they’re asking for accountability and persistence from local authorities.

“This is our livelihood. This is where we eat, this is how we eat. Financially, emotionally, it’s very distressful,” Colin-Ortiz said.

Indio Police said in a statement they are aware and investigating recent burglaries, and that officers have increased patrols in the downtown area.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057 or call Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP to provide information anonymously.

Click here to follow the original article.

FIND Regional Food Bank ramps up emergency response amid government shut down

KESQ on October 25, 2025

Timothy Foster

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – As the government shut down continues, families across the Coachella Valley are facing mounting challenges. With CalFresh benefits delayed for November, more than 37,500 local residents, nearly the population of Palm Springs, are expected to lose access to roughly $9.5 million in grocery-buying power, leaving many households suddenly unable to afford food.

In response, FIND Regional Food Bank is mobilizing its emergency response network to ensure families do not go hungry. Over the past three months, FIND has already seen a 30% increase in demand at its Community Mobile Markets, and the shut down’s ripple effects are creating additional strain on local food distribution.

Debbie Espinosa, President and CEO of FIND Regional Food Bank, explained that families who were just managing to stay afloat are suddenly left without the means to buy food. She said FIND and its partners are stepping in to make sure everyone has access to nutritious meals during this difficult time.

FIND is increasing food allocations to its more than 100 local food pantry partners and 30 Community Mobile Market sites, ensuring equitable distribution across the region. If CalFresh disruptions continue, FIND plans to provide CalFresh Interruption Boxes containing staples such as rice, beans, pasta, canned protein, vegetables, fruit, and milk alternatives to help sustain families until benefits resume.

Community members are being called upon to help meet the growing demand. Every dollar donated can provide up to four meals, and volunteers are needed to pack and sort food at FIND’s warehouse. The organization is partnering with Feeding America, local agencies, and government bodies to maintain support until federal programs are restored.

Steve Goodfriend, a longtime volunteer, said the food supply chain is uncertain due to the shut down, creating a critical need for volunteers to ensure families continue receiving food. Goodfriend delivers food directly to families, many of whom work in local agriculture yet still struggle to feed themselves.

Residents seeking assistance or wishing to volunteer can visit findfoodbank.org to locate distribution sites or sign up to help.

FIND Regional Food Bank is committed to keeping the Coachella Valley fed through the shut down and is relying on community support to bridge the gap until federal assistance resumes.

Click here to follow the original article.

Community Conversations: Central Oregon Aerial Arts brings a spooky spectacle to the Old Mill

KTVZ on October 25, 2025

Lynsey Harris

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Central Oregon Aerial Arts is taking Halloween at the Old Mill to new heights, bringing its annual spooky showcase back to the community.

“They put on a really big Halloween spectacular for all the kiddos to do their trick-or-treating,” said owner Kendall Knowles. “We’ve been putting on a Halloween show where our performance troupe, about nine performers this year, will each do their own solo act, being scary, spooky, or just plain crazy.”

Knowles said the tradition has become one of the studio’s favorite community events.

“It’s so much fun to see the kids’ reactions,” she said. “Each of our performers really leans into their character, some are creepy, some are funny, and all of them are amazing to watch.”

Knowles said her journey to opening Central Oregon Aerial Arts began more than a decade ago.

“I grew up here, we moved up here in 1989 from California,” she said. “I went to college in Reno, Nevada, and got really involved in the arts community there. I moved up here in 2012 and opened Central Oregon Aerial Arts in 2013.”

Instructor Lauren Fletcher said the studio offers a welcoming environment for anyone interested in trying aerial arts, even those with no prior experience. “We love people who’ve never done it before,” Fletcher said. “We teach everybody individually. You can drop in any time, learn a few poses, and get a few picture-worthy moments while getting stronger.”

Fletcher said what makes the studio unique is how personal the experience is.

“Everything is connected to the person,” she said. “As quickly as you need or as slow as you need, we’re going to make sure you’ve got exactly what you need.”

She added that the art form has flourished locally. “We’ve definitely seen aerial arts explode,” Fletcher said. “As the longest standing studio in Central Oregon, we’ve had a chance to really watch it go from a small art form to a performance-based community.”

The group’s Halloween show is one more way they’re sharing that art, and a little bit of Halloween magic, with Central Oregon.

Click here to follow the original article.

More maquiladoras close in Juárez, jobs lost

KVIA on October 25, 2025

Heriberto Perez Lara

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Maquiladoras and industries south of the border say they continue to feel the impact of the economic trade war and tariffs, which are affecting their operations and leading to the continuous loss of jobs.

According to Marcelo Vázquez, Chihuahua delegate of the Mexican Association of Importers and Exporters, the maquiladora industry in Ciudad Juárez lost another 565 jobs in August, bringing the total to 20,993 fewer jobs over the last year and a drop of 64,945 in the last 26 months.

“This Wednesday, INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography) presented us with another unfortunate statistic for Juárez, as jobs in the maquiladora industry were lost again in August,” said Vázquez.

The INEGI report for July indicated 262,008 employees in Juárez’s maquiladoras, and by the end of August, numbers dropped to 261,443 jobs.

In August of last year, the maquiladora industry reported 282,436 jobs, or nearly 21,000 jobs lost in one year.

In June 2023, or 26 months ago, the maquila industry reported 326,338 jobs, meaning it has lost almost 65,000 in just over two years.

“The maquila industry remains on hold, waiting for the uncertainty stemming from the trade war, the revision of the free trade agreement, and changes in Mexican laws to dissipate,” Vázquez added. “It will be very difficult for us to see growth by the end of this year or early 2026 due to the changes in customs law and what is beginning to unfold around the USMCA.”

ANIERM also reported, 585 businesses closed in Juárez in less than two years, as Juárez continues to lose employer registrations; another 5 were closed in September.

“Why are we in this situation? Well, on one hand, the uncertainty of the tariff war and, on the other, rising labor costs are the two major problems that have been causing a crisis for two years now,” Vázquez also said.

ANIERM also said that during these months, 253 million pesos have stopped arriving in the city in formal salaries, due to unemployment and the drop in real wages, according to IMSS data; this means that Juárez has had less money circulating for four months now.

Juárez’s wage deficit reached its highest point in May of this year, at 10.808 billion Mexican pesos.

From that date on, the wage deficit began to decline, so much so that by September it was only 10.71 billion pesos, 98 million pesos less than the record figure for May.

“If we add up the losses in June, July, August, and September, we find that nearly 253 million pesos were lost to the city,” Vázquez added. “These 250 million pesos are obviously being felt by almost all small and medium-sized businesses, with sales that are much lower than normal.”

Click here to follow the original article.

San Luis Obispo Police arrest Elijah King for hate crime

KEYT on October 25, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo Police arrested Elijah King, 36 of San Luis Obispo, on Friday for a hate crime spanning from August 28 this year.

King used the social media platform X for terroristic threats and anti-semitic language, goading police and asking other users to report him, according to the SLOPD.

SLOPD detectives then investigated and filed formal felony charges of a false bomb threat and hate crime enhancement against King on Oct. 22.

SLOPD officers then found King in a parking lot at the 3900 block of S. Higueria on Friday, where they arrested him without incident.

This remains an active investigation, and those with additional information are asked to contact the following number.

Click here to follow the original article.

AWC hosts Hispanics Serving Institution Summit

KYMA on October 25, 2025

Joaquin Hight

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On October 24, the Yuma campus of Arizona Western College held the Fourth Annual Hispanics Serving Institutions (HSI) summit.

The conference invited Hispanic students and leaders from other universities throughout Arizona to collaborate and give advice for new Hispanic students.

Mara Lopez, Inaugural Director for the HSI Research Center, explains more about the summit.

“We’re bringing together people from all across the state of Arizona that are representing levels of administration, staff, faculty, even a lot of our students, coming from all over the state,” Lopez shared.

A small pre-conference event was also held on the Yuma Campus in the 3C Breezeway on Thursday, October 23, and allowed students and staff to network and collaborate before the summit.

Click here to follow the original article.