Author: KIFI

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO (KIFI) — Idaho food banks lost out on 370,000 pounds of food shipments from May through September due to massive cuts to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), according to USDA records obtained by the investigative website ProPublica.

These canceled shipments, first detailed in a report by non-profit newspaper The Idaho Capital Sun, included meat, dairy, and fresh produce intended for distribution centers in North Idaho, Lewiston, Boise, and Pocatello. Local partners, including Community Action Partnership and El-Ada Community Action Partnership, lost planned deliveries of essential items like cheese, chicken, turkey, and pork.

According to the records obtained by ProPublica, the USDA cut approximately 94 million pounds of food nationwide from the program under the direction of the Trump administration, resulting in a loss of over $500 million in scheduled deliveries.

In a statement released in March, the USDA justified the cancellation of aid as “prioritizing stable, proven solutions.”

“USDA is prioritizing stable, proven solutions that deliver lasting impact. The COVID era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward.”

Compounding Crisis: SNAP Benefits Halted Due to Government Shutdown

The canceled aid comes as the USDA informed the states that the ongoing government shutdown has placed a hold on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. Due to the gridlock in the Senate and the House, over 42 million Americans, including over 130,000 Idahoans, who rely on these essential benefits, will not receive crucial funds in November.

The USDA posted a statement on its website addressing the halt in benefits, stating:

“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

Political Standoff Over Contingency Funds

Idaho Democrats and advocacy groups have sharply criticized the Trump administration for failing to release an estimated $5 to $6 billion in available funds that could provide at least partial SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

“Idaho families are working hard to put food on the table, and our farmers are working hard to feed them,” Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea said in a written statement. “These programs make sense because they fight hunger and help producers move their goods. But the Trump regime doesn’t care. They are letting good food rot in warehouses while children, veterans, seniors, Idahoans with disabilities, and thousands of working families go hungry. Republicans are sitting on their hands instead of standing up for the families and farmers they’re supposed to represent. It’s cruel and pointless, and everyone in Idaho can see it,” Necochea said.

The Trump administration, however, maintains it cannot use the contingency funds for SNAP, with Speaker Mike Johnson claiming the money is not “legally available”  for this purpose.

“The contingency funds are not legally available to cover the benefits right now,” Speaker Johnson told reporters Monday. “The reason is because it’s a finite source of funds. It was appropriated by Congress, and if they transfer funds from these other sources, it pulls it away immediately from school meals and infant formula…There has to be a preexisting appropriation for the contingency fund to be used, and Democrats blocked that appropriation when they rejected the clean continuing resolution.”

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Ariel Jensen

RIGBY, Idaho (KIFI) — There’s still time for Idaho students to help name one of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD’s) snowplows.

IDT says it is excited to include students in its 2nd annual ‘Name a Snowplow’ contest. They say this is a fun challenge for students in grades 6 to 12 to learn about Idaho transportation.

ITD also says that when its plows have names, it makes them more visible to drivers, so they are less likely to be hit.

“It is the time of year to start looking out for plows, looking out for slick roads, winter driving yet again. And we are happy to see students getting interested and hope that we can have fewer and fewer plow strikes all winter long, especially in our area and all across Idaho,” said Sky Buffat, PIO for the Idaho Transportation Department.

Last year’s winners were the Swan Valley School, which came up with “Anti-Snow-cial,” and Rigby Middle School, which came up with “Pow Pow Ka Plow.” To check out last year’s winners, visit HERE.

If you are a teacher and want to register your class for a chance to win, visit HERE.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Today’s story is a mix of fact, myth, speculation, and madness. In January of 1956, American UFO researcher Morris Ketchum Jessup received a strange letter, a warning to stop digging into the levitation mechanisms of UFOs. More letters followed, each more cryptic than the last. One correspondent shared a story of dangerous science based on alleged unpublished theories by Albert Einstein, and how one scientist named Franklin Reno put the theories into practice.

According to historians, the first-hand account letter purports that a supernatural event, the “Philadelphia Experiment,” occurred on October 28, 1943. It describes an experiment witnessed by Mr. Carl M Allen while he served aboard the SS Andrew Furuseth.

Using aspects of “Unified Field Theory” that dealt with gravity and magnetism, Allen wrote that a destroyer escort – the USS Eldridge- was successfully turned invisible in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. However, the ship inexplicably teleported to Norfolk, Virginia for several minutes before returning to the Philadelphia yard. Once the ship was back, the crew was… different.

Some of them were completely insane. Others were completely intangible. Some were fused into the ship’s bulkheads, and others still were stuck, “frozen” in place.

Author Robert A. Goerman says, after reading the letter, Jessup was hooked, and he wrote back, asking for proof. Allen directed him to a Philadelphia newspaper article, one Jessup would never find.

A year later, Jessup was summoned to the Office of Naval Research. While there, he was shown a copy of his own book, The Case for the UFO: Unidentified Flying Objects. You can imagine his delight that this government agency had some of his work, but his joy surely turned to dread when he noticed the annotations in the margins. In the scribbled notes, Jessup could read a debate between three individuals. They discussed the propulsion for flying saucers, alien races, indirect references to the Philadelphia experiment, and how they were concerned that Jessup was getting too close to discovering their technology. Worst of all, he recognized the handwriting. It was the same handwriting as the letters he had received from Allen.

For Jessup, it was lies upon lies upon lies. Was Allen an alien? Was Jessup in danger? how deep did the rabbit hole go? The situation sent an already mentally unwell man spiraling. In 1958, Jessup’s wife left him. In 1959, he was found dead on the side of the road, a hose running from his exhaust pipe into his rear window.

And that left Allen, the mastermind behind the elaborate hoax.

According to historians, it was in 1955 that Allen sent an anonymous package to the U.S. Office of Naval Research, a copy of Jessup’s book, with his own three-sided conversation scribbled in the margins.

Allen then began writing to Jessup, sending letters from his own given name, along with the alias of “Carlos Miguel Allende.” He purposefully left his handwriting recognizable so that he could “scare the hell out of Jessup” if he visited the Office of Naval Research. When Jessup requested more information about the Philadelphia Experiment, Allen simply claimed an article existed that covered the disappearance of the ship.

According to Skeptic.com, Allen’s account of the experiment is widely understood to be a hoax. But that doesn’t keep some people from theory crafting and wondering if the story of the vanishing ship isn’t somewhat true. Just be careful not to fall into that slippery slope to insanity… or do, if you dare!

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — They run toward danger when most people are running away. Today, the southeast Idaho community pauses to celebrate National First Responders Day, set aside to honor the brave men and women who rush to help us when we need it the most.

Across the region, communities are making a small token of respect and appreciation to first responders. For example, several local hospitals gave doughnuts to first responders to show their respect.

Local News 8 reached out to several agencies to find out the most meaningful ways the community can honor its first responders. Their message was simple and powerful: “Take care of yourselves, be healthy, and learn basic health-saving measures like CPR.”

Departments throughout the area also expressed deep pride in their teams. Joseph Haebrle, Battalion Chief for the Madison Fire Department, highlighted the dedication of his personnel, saying, “I love the guys and gals that I work with. They’re all excellent people. They want to do a good job. They study hard, they train hard. And because of that, they have pretty good outcomes in the calls for service that we respond to.”

The Rexburg Police Department also recognized the unwavering commitment of its staff.

“With great pride, I recognize and commend the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women of the Rexburg Police Department. This recognition extends not only to those who wear the uniform and bravely face the challenges of today’s society, but also to the many individuals who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure our department operates efficiently and effectively. I firmly believe that our department acts with the community’s best interests at heart, serving our citizens each day with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the community for their trust and continued support. It is through this partnership that the Rexburg Police Department is able to fulfill its mission to serve and protect the citizens of our great city,” said Asst. Chief Gary Hagen with the Rexburg Police Department.

If you’d like to learn more about the work of the Rexburg Police Department and meet the people behind the badge, the department is hosting an open house on Tuesday, October 28th, from 4 to 6 p.m. 

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Camp Hayden is set to host its 6th annual Special Needs Trunk or Treat this Saturday, November 1st, offering a completely accessible Halloween experience for families in southeast Idaho.

The free, family-friendly event runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Development Workshop of Idaho Falls, at 555 West 25th Street.

A Spooky-Not-Scary, Accessible Halloween

Camp Hayden volunteers are inviting families with children of all ages and abilities to dress up and “trick or treat” for both candy and non-edible items for those with dietary restrictions or allergies at dozens of decorated car trunks set up in the DWI parking lot.

The fun continues inside the DWI building with an Accessible Haunted Sensory Event. Camp Hayden founder Jason Chapa promises this year’s event will be the “best one yet.”

“The accessibility of The DWI building, and our alignment in missions, makes this the perfect location for our event,” said Chapa. “What’s most unique about this event is that it’s the ONLY haunted experience that is catered to folks with special needs, but it’s also the only kid-friendly haunted experience in the area. It’s more spooky than scary, which makes it suitable for all ages.”

The Trunk or Treat is entirely free thanks to the generous support of Camp Hayden donors and community partners, including the Development Workshop of Idaho Falls, which is donating the use of its accessible facility and providing volunteers.

A whole host of local businesses and organizations have stepped up to sponsor the event, including All Access Therapy, The Civitans, Festival of Trees, Frontier Credit Union, Bikers Against Bullies, Ascend Chiropractic, Opal Autism Centers, Achieve Therapy, Eagle Landscaping, Trail Life, and Sensory Getaway. Mars/Wrigley has continued its long-standing tradition by donating the majority of the candy for the fourth year in a row.

“We are grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters who’ve helped us create these events for our community,” says Chapa.

If you’d like to get involved, the group is still looking for event volunteers to help run the event, volunteer “trunks” to bring their cars and candy for the participants to trunk or treat at, and candy/money donations to offset candy and decoration costs.

About Camp Hayden

Since 2018, Camp Hayden has been dedicated to creating accessible adventures for families of children with special needs. Starting with rebuilding the Big Elk Creek YMCA Camp, the organization runs an accessible camp annually, hosts “mobile adventures,” and coordinates inclusive holiday events year-round—from Easter egg hunts to visits from The Grinch.

Camp Hayden is a 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about Camp Hayden, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation, click HERE.

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News Team

YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — All Yellowstone National Park roads, aside from roads that have closed for the season, have now reopened to travel after hazardous winter driving conditions led to multiple traffic incidents and accidents over the weekend.

RELATED: Major road closures south of Mammoth due to wicked winter weather

Yellowstone staff are issuing a reminder to visitors that most of the park’s roads will close after Friday, October 31. The park is preparing to close the West, South, and East entrances on November 1st for the winter season.

The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction, and Lamar Valley). 

Visitors planning to drive in the park during the fall and winter should: 

Prepare for changing weather conditions. 

Have flexible travel plans. 

Expect limited services. Check Operating Dates for details. 

Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. 

Check for temporary travel restrictions or closures that can occur at any time without notice. 

Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:

Visit Park Roads. 

Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). 

Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message. 

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Maile Sipraseuth

Edited: Oct 28 5:29

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With federal workers facing furloughs and food assistance programs halted for November, the southeast Idaho community is stepping up to help families in need.

One local restaurant is helping with free meals during this time of hardship. Himalayan Flavor in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Logan, Utah, is offering assistance to those affected by the government shutdown by providing one free meal per day. All you need is an ID for verification.

“We are basically giving away free meals to the families who needs support. They do not have anything on their table to feed their family,” Roshan Kumar, owner of Himalayan Flavor, said.

Kumar said his inspiration to giving back to the community was after seeing the news of families, food banks and pantries struggle due to the government shutdown.

“I have been following the news every single day in the mornings. And I have been looking at how it’s getting very difficult for the food bank to keep up with the supplies. And I saw a lot of federal agencies are accepting donations and things like that. And I was like, how about we join the hand and help?” Kumar said.

He said this service is a way to give back to the community that has loved and trusted him all these years.

“They give me everything. Like the trust, the kindness, the support throughout the years,” Kumar said, “My journey started in Idaho. I came in 2011 as an international student. I graduated and I decided to stay here because I really love the community around here. Food I feel like is the most promising way where I can reflect the culture, and bring the best food for the people to try and serve the people who gave me everything.”

Kumar said he hopes to see other local restaurants do the same.

“It cannot just be a one person job. I just want to inspire more businesses and more people to come together. Let’s serve our community, give back to the community. Because I think this is a very crucial time for everybody and this will definitely bring a big change in the community,” Kumar said.

This is just one of several local efforts around the community to help. The Idaho Falls Community Food Basket and other local food banks are stepping in to provide food assistance. The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Custer and Lemhi counties is expecting a surge in demand as the calendars turn to November.

To find food banks around Idaho, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little recently wrapped up a high-profile trip to Washington, D.C., meeting with President Donald Trump and other top federal officials to discuss state priorities. Chief among them the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on Idaho families.

Key Meetings and State Priorities

Governor Little summed up his visit saying, “I am so pleased I was able to meet with President Trump and his team during a productive and patriotic visit to Capitol Hill. We covered a lot of ground in our discussions, and I renewed an invitation to the president to visit Idaho.”

Little’s office says their discussions focused mainly on the Idaho launch program and how the current government shutdown is hurting Idaho families.

Little also met with House Speaker Mike Johnson to address the shutdown’s threat to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. The USDA has warned states that the ongoing shutdown makes it almost certain that over 42 million Americans, including over 130,000 Idahoans, who rely on these essential benefits will not receive crucial funds in November.

Related: No SNAP benefits for November means local food banks bracing for surge in demand

Other meetings included talks about land management, forest health, trade with Japan and Canada, and supporting veterans in Idaho. He also met with Idaho native Alex Adams, with the U.S. Health Department, to discuss child welfare reforms and cutting bureaucratic red tape. The Governor expressed optimism that these discussions will lead to stronger federal-state partnerships in the coming months.

Democratic Criticism: “Cruel” Withholding of Funds

While the Governor struck a hopeful tone, his return from his D.C. visit came amid sharp criticism from the state’s Democratic leaders, who pointed to the trump administration’s handling of SNAP benefits.

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea released a scathing statement, placing the blame squarely on the Trump administration for failing to authorize the nearly $6 billion in available USDA contingency funds that could keep food aid flowing into November.

“The Trump regime is more focused on ballrooms and billionaires than on making sure Idaho families can put food on the table,” Necochea stated. “His decision to withhold food assistance rather than access $6 billion available in contingency funds is cruel.”

Necochea also criticized Idaho’s entire Republican delegation—including U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson, and Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo—as “complicit” in the withholding of funds, stating they “refused to lift a finger” to protect food benefits. She specifically attacked Little for returning “empty-handed” and failing to take action to protect both SNAP and the nearly 100,000 Idahoans facing doubled health care premiums.

“He made zero effort to protect nearly 100,000 Idahoans whose health care premiums are about to double and took no action to ensure families can afford groceries,” stated Necochea. “Idahoans deserve leaders who will fight for them, not politicians who treat Trump’s approval like it matters more than feeding Idaho families.”

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Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Over the weekend, a small crew of Blackfoot firefighters, with the help of volunteers and off-duty personnel, tackled a dangerous structure fire in under 30 minutes despite minimal staffing.

The emergency began on Saturday afternoon, October 25. A Blackfoot Fire Department Ambulance was heading to Blackfoot from Rockford on Highway 39 to provide coverage, as multiple other ambulances were out on calls. While driving, the crew suddenly spotted a column of smoke and flames coming from a shop building near the highway. They immediately radioed the alarm to Station 1, quickly geared up, and began an initial walkaround of the burning structure.

Due to heavy demands on the department from ongoing ambulance calls, Engine 3 was dispatched with only one firefighter on board. In the critical opening minutes of the operation, BFD says there were only three firefighters on scene.

Despite these challenging odds, the crew’s actions were fast and decisive, bringing the fire under control within 30 minutes of the initial call. This was largely due to the help of multiple off-duty and volunteer firefighters, along with a water tender from the Fort Hall Fire Department, says BFD.

At the same time, a search team firefighter found an individual who had been sleeping in an attached exposure building, a nearby structure that was at risk, and safely guided them to safety.

The Blackfoot Fire Department extended its sincere thanks to the Fort Hall Fire Department and their dedicated volunteers, stating, “We are proud to serve the citizens of Blackfoot and Bingham County and are always ready to answer the call, wherever and whenever it comes.”

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Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — With Election Day less than a week away, Local News 8 and the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce are hosting a special mayoral debate tonight, October 29, at 6 p.m.

LIVE UPDATES6

6:58 PM: In closing remarks, Ashcraft highlights the history of the area and how the challenges of the past played a role in creating the City of Idaho Falls. “Right now growth is a challenge… but perhaps the better word is opportunity, I think it’s an opportunity for us to innovate and unify… I think that’s the opportunity we have today. And that’s the opportunity I want to work towards,” says Ashcraft.

6:56 PM: Burtenshaw emphasizes her experience in City Leadership. “I am ready to be the mayor on day one. I know the issues the city is facing…I recognize that growth is causing issues and frustrations. I am ready to be the mayor for all… I am an employee of the city of Idaho Falls. I work for you.”

6:53 PM: The candidates begin their closing statements. Alldridge goes first. “Idaho Falls is at a crossroads. We could continue down the road we’re on or we could introduce a change in leadership… moving back to what the citizens want. We want to maintain our character and improve growth the right way…” says Alldridge. He continues to emphasize how new leadership brings new opportunities to citizens and city workers.

6:45 PM: Alldridge responds, “The things we know we have to keep are public safety and the things that are owned by the city…My desire wouldn’t be to cut, but to figure out how we could be better stewards of those tax dollars.”

6:44 PM: Long asks Alldridge, “Can you explain how state holdbacks and recent state tax rate reductions might affect city revenues? What city projects would you cut or protect?”

6:42 PM: Burtenshaw’s response, she doesn’t know what her opponents would do, but she would encourage the City to work more with the Chamber of Commerce. “I do believe that the role of government is to get out of the way of businesses.”

6:42 PM: Baker asks Burtenshaw. “Do you agree with that definition of a business-friendly environment, or does it mean something different to you? And specifically, how would your approach to working with the Chamber and local businesses differ from your opponent’s?”

6:40 PM: Ashcraft emphasizes using the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency to make a property more desirable. “I think we need to encourage the developers and help them know that it’s our vision.”

6:34 PM: Long asks Ashcraft How would you encourage developers to look at infill lots which create liabilities for the city while not providing social or economic return?

6:10 PM: Ashcraft goes on to explain his time at BYU-I and working for the city of Ammon, and how that experience can apply to the City. In response, Burtenshaw highlights her time at BYU and her engineering degree, as well as her work on the Idaho Falls City Council. Alldridge comments on how his time as an entrepreneur will help the City.

6:08 PM: Doug Long asks the candidates to outline their education and how that would apply to the “job interview” of running the City of Idaho Falls. Ashcraft is the first to answer.

6:06 PM: Ashcraft begins his opening statement — “I’m not sure it’s hard to pinpoint that cities became something that I came about. I know that on my mission, I convinced my companion to attend a city council meeting in France so I could see how they did things there.” Ashcraft goes on to highlight how he participated in student government at BYU-I. ” I think there is a lot of stuff that I learned from the journey that I’d like to bring to Idaho Falls, to use the knowledge that I’ve learned and gained.”

6:04 PM: Burtenshaw begins her opening statement — “I was raised here in Idaho Falls, graduated from Bonneville High School and went on to get a degree in mechanical engineering from BYU…I think like an engineer and I act like an engineer.” Burtenshaw goes on to explain that to run a City, a leader needs connections to the State. “It requires a lot of relationships in the legislature; I have the knowledge.”

6:02 PM: Alldridge begins his open statement — “Idaho Falls is a special place… we wanted to be part of this amazing community. As time’s gone on, we’ve seen things that have changed.” Alldridge emphasizes in his address how he’d like to bring his experience in the private sector into city management. “I think people think of the Mayor as more of a ceremonial thing. But a mayor has a lot of executive needs.”

6:00 PM: Local News 8 Anchor Doug Long starts off the debate, coming to you live from the campus of the College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls. Over the next hour, candidates will have the opportunity to answer questions from the moderators

Rules, each candidtate will give a 2 minute opening statement. Following that, moderators Long and Baker will ask each candidate a direct question. They’ll have 2 minutes to respond.

5:55 PM: The candidates have taken their podiums as Chamber CEO Paul Baker addresses the crowd.

5:30 PM: Lisa Burtenshaw, Jeff Alldrdige, and Christian Ashcraft have entered the room, milling with the small crowd that has already gathered as we prepare for the debate to begin.

ORIGINAL:

Candidates Lisa Burtenshaw, Jeff Alldrdige, and Christian Ashcraft are scheduled to attend. Local news 8’s Doug Long and Idaho Falls Chamber CEO, Paul Baker, will be moderating the event.

This event is designed as a true debate to highlight the differences in policy and platform among the candidates, moving beyond the public forum style of events in the past few weeks. Paul Baker emphasized the goal, saying, “We want to dive in and get past the surface and find out what’s going on underneath and what they’re thinking as to what the future of the city should be.”

Debate questions have been sourced from a poll of Chamber members.

“Given that we’re from the Chamber of Commerce, a lot of it is going to be around economic growth,” Baker noted. “What are we doing to make sure that we’re still appealing to other people who want to move in and set up shop here? As well as, [how will we] enhance and grow what we already have here to ensure that we continue to be healthy and strong?”

Tune in or join us in person tomorrow night at Building Three at the College of Eastern Idaho. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. There is limited seating available.

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