Author: KIFI

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.”

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News Team

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A large group of Rexburg Police officers and EMS were called to the scene of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound Friday afternoon. The incident took place at an apartment complex on West 7th South between Pioneer Rd and Casper Ave.

Rexburg Police later addressed the community via social media, assuring residents that despite the significant initial response, there is no ongoing threat to the public. No further details about the victim’s condition or the circumstances of the shooting have been released.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Governor Brad Little’s 3% budget cuts are affecting several colleges and universities across the Gem State, including College of Eastern Idaho.

CEI says they have to cut over $500,000 from their 2026-27 budget. They pointed out, while this amount of cuts isn’t as high as some universities, it still puts a pause on many of their projects like expanding the college’s classes and buildings to keep up with its large growth over the last few years.

“Which is very difficult because we have students that want to be here,” said CEI’s Chief Financial Officer, Penny Lyon. “We have employers that want to hire them. So where do you cut? It’s tough.”

Lyon says CEI was planning to hire more instructors to support its rapid growth, but that will have to be put on hold. The college will likely need to also cap some of its enrollment due to the budget cuts.

“What that will mean is the pace that we deliver students is going slow, which is unfortunate,” Lyon said. “It’s unfortunate for the students that want to be here and can’t get into those classes. It’s unfortunate for the employers that are ready to hire students that are coming out because they won’t have enough.”

Lyon says these budget cuts are frustrating, but CEI will follow them and do the best they can so they can deliver quality education to its students and quality graduates to employers. 

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Today is October 24. On this day in 1901, Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

A school teacher, with a school teacher’s salary, historians say Annie had been ill-prepared for both her home and investments to go up in flames. Obsessed with youth and wealth, at the age of 62, she claimed to be only 42. She believed she was past her prime in terms of economic opportunity, but she saw a glimmer of hope, a Hail Mary that could lift her out of poverty. She figured she’d try her hand at going over Niagara Falls, because either by fame or a sudden impact, she’d have enough money for the rest of her life.

Annie and the confused cat after its trip over the falls. Courtesy: United States Library of Congress‘s Prints and Photographs division

She decided to use a custom-made barrel for her trip. It was made from oak wood and bound by iron. She used a mattress as padding. I’m sure she anticipated it would be easier to find people who would support her venture – especially considering how much work she put into the barrel – but there was delay after delay on the drop when she couldn’t find anyone who wanted to be involved in her adventure. Eventually, she found some friends who were willing to help her friend in her quest, and they were off.

Taylor decided that she needed to run an experiment. In an effort to see if the barrel’s structural integrity would hold, she sent it over the falls. But of course, a stress test on the barrel wasn’t enough. There had to be stakes. So, before she sent the barrel off, she placed a cat inside.

Seventeen minutes after the plunge, the cat, bleeding from it’s head, but alive, posed for a picture with Annie.

Two days later, Annie felt the pull of time clawing at her. Surely she felt it, as October 24th was her 63rd birthday.

Annie, after the trip over the falls. Courtesy: www.newspapers.com

She climbed into the barrel with her lucky heart-shaped pillow, and at that point, it was all in fate’s hands. Her friends screwed on the lid of the barrel, and used a bicycle tire pump to compress the air in the barrel, and that hole was then plugged with a cork. The barrel was rowed out into the Niagara River, and was released just south of Goat Island.

She went over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, a tradition that future daredevils haven’t yet broken. Taylor was collected by rescuers, and after some time, they got the barrel open.

Taylor was relatively uninjured inside, besides a small gash on her head – karmic retribution for the cat for sure.

Annie Taylor’s Gravestone. Courtesy: Wikiuser Knightflyte

“If it was with my dying breath, I would caution anyone against attempting the feat…”, said Taylor to the press after the journey, according to archives from the Bay-Journal, a Bay County, Michigan-based newspaper. “… I would sooner walk up to the mouth of a cannon, knowing it was going to blow me to pieces, than make another trip over the Fall.”

Taylor earned some money at speaking events, but was never able to earn much from that avenue. She wrote a memoir and tried to sell it at Niagara Falls, but most of that money went to tracking down her barrel after her manager stole it. It was eventually tracked down in Chicago, but was stolen again by her new manager.

She claimed to be 57 when she was admitted to the Niagara County Infirmary, but documents show she died at the age of 82, penniless, and public donations were used to pay the costs of her funeral.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Now that temperatures are going down outside, fevers might be going up during cold and flu season.

When it’s colder outside, we tend to stay indoors more often. That can lead to our immune systems being more vulnerable, making it easier of us to get sick. That’s why cold and flu season usually starts in October and ends in the spring. Eastern Idaho Public Health says the most flu and cold cases are seen in December and January.

“We just encourage people to stay home when they’re sick, get vaccinated, cover your coughs and sneezes, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and you can wear a mask if that’s your preference,” said EIPH Nurse Manager, Esmy Quintero.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, and cough. If you think you have the flu, EIPH recommends talking with your primary health care provider to make sure. 

You can avoid spreading germs by coughing into your elbows instead of your hands. If you have kids, make sure they wash their hands when they get home from school or daycare.

Eastern Idaho Public Health encourages people to get vaccinated for the flu. People can get the vaccine as early as 6 months old.

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Danielle Mullenix

New store features Burlington’s upgraded store experience, making it easier to find top brands and savings of up to 60% off other retailers’ prices.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Burlington Stores, Inc., a national discount retailer offering low prices every day on brand-name merchandise for the entire family and home, celebrated its grand opening on Friday, October 24th, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and $5000 donation to Hillview Elementary School teachers. a new store in Idaho Falls, ID.

This is the first location to open in the eastern Idaho region. The new store brings the total number of stores in the state to 3, giving even more consumers access to “wow” deals. With more than 1,138 stores open nationwide, Burlington offers customers comparable deals on top-quality brands.

To celebrate the Grand Opening of their new store location and highlight their ongoing commitment to education, the retailer donated $5,000 to a nearby high-needs school through its long-standing partnership with the national nonprofit AdoptAClassroom. The funds will be used to provide students with the classroom materials they need to learn and succeed. The presentation of the donation to the local school community will take place at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

“Our goal is to continue to offer area residents tremendous value on brand-name merchandise for the entire family and home,” said Michael O’Sullivan, CEO, Burlington Stores. “We’re continuing to expand our footprint across the country and are excited to be opening a new store in Idaho Falls. We look forward to giving local customers the chance to discover big savings on a wide range of products.” 

With up to 60% off other retailers’ prices on brand-name merchandise arriving regularly, customers will discover something new every time they shop.

The new location features Burlington’s reimagined store layout and new store logo “Deals. Brands. WOW!” These updates are part of Burlington’s broader initiative to elevate the in-store shopping experience.

All new Burlington stores are now open in the refreshed format, featuring thoughtfully organized aisles and bold signage, making it easier than ever to navigate the store and get inspiration for the latest must-have trends.

On Friday and Saturday, October 24 & 25, following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the first 100 customers aged 18 and up will receive a $10 Bonus Card to be used toward their purchase!

The store is also offering employment opportunities. Those interested in joining are encouraged to visit BurlingtonStores.jobs to apply online for a variety of exciting and rewarding positions. 

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Ariel Jensen

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The 16-year-old suspect in a Thursday night manhunt appeared in Bingham County Court this morning, charged with first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of a Blackfoot woman.

Bobby G. Jackson of Blackfoot was arraigned today, accused of fatally shooting 30-year-old Rebecca Rivera of Blackfoot in the head on October 23, 2025. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond at the 3B Detention Facility.

Investigators with the Blackfoot Police Department (BPD) have not yet determined the nature of Jackson’s relationship to Rivera. In a press release, the department stated, “Our hearts go out to the Rivera family, our community, and all those affected by this tragic crime.”

Shooting Background

Rivera’s body was discovered at a trailer park located at 1159 Broadway in Blackfoot. A preliminary investigation indicates that prior to the shooting, Jackson allegedly stole a firearm and had been reported as a teen runaway.

Police believe the teen arrived at Rivera’s home sometime after 12:40 PM on Thursday afternoon, where they allege he fatally shot her in the head before fleeing on foot. State Prosecutors believe the act was committed with “premeditation and forethought.”

Following the shooting, investigators say Jackson traveled to Chubbuck and eventually to Pocatello, where he was located at a home and taken into custody without incident late Thursday night.

The Blackfoot PD expressed gratitude to their law enforcement partners across Southeast Idaho for their cooperation in the manhunt and investigation. “We are grateful for their assistance and willingness to come forward throughout the night,” the department stated.

Arraignment

State Prosecutors reiterated in court that they believe Jackson acted with premeditation. According to court testimony, the teen has a violent criminal history, including a charge of burglary with aggravated factors.

Jackson is facing a single charge of first-degree murder.

A preliminary hearing has been set for November 6 at 8:30 am. At this hearing, the State has indicated they will motion to move the teen to a county jail rather than the 3B juvenile detention center where he is currently being held.

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Seth Ratliff

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI) — The names of the men killed in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 15 near Fort Hall earlier this week have now been officially released.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner identified the victims as Manuel Rodriguez-Baltazar, 42, and Raul Navarrete, 44, both of Rupert.

According to ISP, on Tuesday October 21, 2025, at approximately 8:05 a.m. Rodriguez-Baltazar and Navarrete were traveling north in a Ford F450 pickup when it collided with a Peterbilt semi-truck. The impact caused the pickup to overturn and leave the roadway. Neither of the men was wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene.

ISP is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, which has not yet been released at this time.

“My condolences to Manuel and Raul’s families and friends as they grieve the loss of their loved one,” said Coroner Torey Danner. 

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News Team

STANLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho State Police are also investigating a deadly crash that happened Thursday night on I-15 north of Spencer.

Troopers say a white Dodge van from Lethbridge, Canada, was driving southbound on I-15 at milepost 183 when went off the road around 5 pm and stopped in the northbound left lane.

The 77-year-old driver was taken by ambulance to the hospital, but her 76-year-old passenger, who was not wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene.

The northbound left lane was blocked for about four hours as ISP and Clark County responded to the scene. This incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

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Curtis Jackson

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early this morning.

Idaho State Police said at approximately 2:00 a.m. on October 24, 2025, a single-vehicle crashed on northbound 15 near milepost 70.

Police say a 47-year-old man from Pocatello was driving a 1997 Mitsubishi 3000 GT when he veered off the roadway, struck a guardrail, and went over it, colliding with a pillar of the Monte Visat overpass.

The driver was wearing a seat belt and was transported by ground ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Two of the three northbound lanes of I-15 were closed for approximately three hours as crews worked to clear the scene.

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