Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Governor Brad Little ordered all U.S. and State of Idaho flags be lowered and flown at half-staff in honor of the passing of Pope Francis. The pontiff died of a stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

“Thousands of Idaho Catholics and people of all faiths are mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a true servant of God. Teresa and I join many, many others in honoring his life and legacy of service to Christ and others,” Governor Brad Little said.

The governor’s order was made in conjunction with a directive from President Donald Trump, ordering that flags fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of Pope’s funeral.

Local Catholics honor 2000-year tradition

Father Francisco Flores of the Parish of Pope Saint John Paul the Second in Idaho Falls told Local News 8 the presence of the Pope is essential as an apostolic connection in the faith.

He says the Pope’s passing brings a sense of loss, but also a great sense of excitement as they await the next Pope.

“There’s a great deal of gratitude to be able to connect to something so meaningful in the lives of literally billions of people in the world today, to tap into this history that has gone unbroken for going on 2000 years,” said Father Flores. “We’re continuing this tradition that has gone on for so long again, that he was Pope number 266. And so we look forward to 267 might be.”

The Catholic faith now enters 9 days of mourning. According to the Diocese of Boise’s website, a memorial mass will be held in Boise at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist at 12:15 PM on Wednesday, April 23.

Regional religious leaders honor Pope Francis

As Catholics around the world mourn the passing of the Pontiff, Christians and other faiths across the region are expressing their sympathies and condolences.

The First Presidency of the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement on the Pope’s passing:

“We join the world in mourning the passing of his holiness Pope Francis. His courageous and compassionate leadership has blessed countless lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who looked to him for inspiration and counsel.”

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Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

ARIZONA (KIFI) – Lori Vallow Daybell’s Arizona murder conspiracy trial is heading into the final stretch. Vallow-Daybell rested her case Monday without calling a single witness.

After closing arguments, Judge Justin Beresky instructed the jury per their deliberations. The court is now in recess until the jury returns with a verdict.

Local News 8 will be streaming the proceedings below. As per the judge’s order, the stream has been delayed by 30 minutes.

Vallow-Daybell is representing herself in court. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder related to the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — As the temperatures warm up, there will be much more construction on the roads. That’s why the Idaho Transportation Department is promoting Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.

The nationwide effort from April 21—25 reminds Idaho drivers to travel safely in work zones. They need to pay even more attention while driving around work crews.

“Driving cautiously in work zones helps families,” said ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney. “Travelers, workers, and their loved ones all benefit when drivers reduce crash risks by driving slower and staying alert for traffic cones and guiding signage.”

Idaho saw over 3,400 work zone crashes between 2019 and 2023, says ITD.

Idaho State Police also helps keep drivers and work crews safe in construction areas. More ISP troopers are on patrol during construction season each year.

“Our goal isn’t writing tickets—it’s about changing behavior,” said Lieutenant Colonel Fritz Zweigart. “Slow down, pay attention, and help everyone get home safely.”

Drivers are reminded to be aware while behind the wheel and pay attention to road signs.

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Maggie Moore

Idaho Falls, IDAHO (KIFI) – The deadline to get REAL ID is on May 7th. REAL ID is required to fly commercially or get access to federal facilities.

REAL ID includes a passport, military ID, or the star card. A star card is a state driver’s license with a small star in the corner.

Getting a star card requires more documents than a regular driver’s license. A star card requires documentation verifying identity, social security number and residency in Idaho.

A big misconception is that you cannot travel without a star card. Star cards are just one of many different REAL ID accepted for air travel. A license without a star can still be used for driving, renting a vehicle, buying alcohol, or entering a casino.

If you aren’t sure what you need to bring to the DMV, the Idaho Transportation Department has a tool that creates a list of documents for you, it’s called the find the star tool. You can find that link here. You can still get a star card after the May 7th deadline. Star cards cost the same as a regular driver’s license.

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Kailey Galaviz

MENAN, Idaho (KIFI) – Runners around the world are lacing up their shoes, preparing for the 129th annual Boston Marathon. Among the 30,000 athletes is father-daughter duo Rand Watson and Jessi Murdock.

This is quite a special experience for the two, as they have both learned to love running, especially as a family.

Watson actually crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon once before in 2016. He says, “It’s not like any other marathon I’ve run… And I’m thrilled to experience that with my daughter, Jessi.”

Their love for running started years ago with a simple treadmill, first sought after by Watson’s wife. “I was thinking, ‘Eventually it’s going to end up being a clothes hanger.’ But we started using it, and challenging each other and started walking, got on incline, then started running.”

Murdock noticed the rivalry between them and decided it was time to let her competitive side out, eventually making running a family affair. “Running races just kind of became like became the thing that we could do together,” she says.

Over the years, the family has participated in races in Idaho, California, Colorado and beyond.

For them, running is not just about endurance and staying healthy – it’s about connection and joy. “Once you get into it and your mind kind of conquers your body,” Murdock says and, “It actually starts to be kind of fun.”

Watson and Murdock, East Idaho is cheering you on as our Community All-Stars.