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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 09 OCT 25 18:17 ET

By Robyn Oguinye

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    HOLLADAY, Utah (KSTU) — It is legendary: the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. helping break ground on not only Utah’s first Black-owned bank, but the first Black-owned bank to open in the western U.S.

Redemption Bank is the only Black bank in the history of the country that’s not physically located within an economically underserved community, and it’s also currently the only one located in the Black-banking desert that stretches from California to Texas.

“It’s very personal because most people, when they think of my father, they only think about him as being a civil rights leader, but my father talked about the importance of economic justice along with racial justice. In fact, he called them inseparable twins,” said Bernice A. King, the youngest child of Martin Luther King Jr. “So, this is an opportunity for me to continue part of that legacy.”

King will serve as Redemption’s senior vice president for corporate partnerships and community impact.

The building is unassuming, sitting on East Murray Holladay Road. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s been a mainstay in Holladay for more than 40 years, formerly known as Holladay Bank.

And while Salt Lake has a Black population under 3 percent, Redemption’s founder and executive chairman says Utah is the perfect location for a bank of its kind.

“There’s really no better state in America to do business than Utah, so if you’re an investor of any background, you’re looking for a place to do business, you want to go where the regulations are great for what you want to do — which Utah has the best return on assets for banks — it’s amazing,” said Ashley Bell. “And then you stay because of the people. I think our journey to purchase Holladay Bank and Trust has really been highlighted by the amazing investors and collaborators that we found locally.”

The bank is what’s called a Minority Depository Institution, MDI for short. MDIs were formed in the 1800s when Black people couldn’t get loans from traditional banks, so they formed their own banks.

Redemption is only the 24th MDI in the nation.

“While Redemption is a Black-owned bank, it’s certainly not only for Black people,” said Brandon Comer, a managing partner with Alterity Capital. “I think the Black community will certainly benefit from its presence, but I think the community at large will benefit from its presence.”

Comer is one of the bank’s investors and says mission-driven enterprises like Redemption shouldn’t be viewed purely through a philanthropic lens. He says their goal is to do well and do good at the same time, focusing on helping small businesses and budding entrepreneurs get their start.

Last month’s report from LendingTree shows that 39 percent of Black-owned businesses were denied a loan, line of credit or merchant cash advance in 2024 — the highest by race. Hispanic-owned businesses followed at 29 percent, while just 18 percent of white-owned businesses were denied. Twenty-one percent of all businesses that applied in 2024 were denied.

Redemption is striving to be a solution.

“We are excited about extending these new resources and new opportunities to people who are looking at growing their small business, and we think that is what is key; we want to be a part of growing Utah,” said Bell. “We want to be a part of growing Salt Lake City‘s entrepreneurial horizons.”

“The gaps in terms of home ownership, gaps in terms of wealth creation and also just gaps in terms of financial literacy, I’m hoping that we will be able to break some of that as an institution,” said King.

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News Team

UPDATE:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Brekyn has been located and is safe.

ORIGINAL:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is urgently appealing to the public for help in locating a missing and endangered runaway juvenile, Brekyn Stultz. The 15-year-old left his home yesterday morning and has since sent messages indicating he is not coming home and may harm himself.

BCSO confirmed that Brekyn Stultz was last seen yesterday morning, Thursday, October 9th, near his home on Cordell St. He was reportedly heading toward school but never arrived. Brekyn then contacted his home this morning and made statements to his family suggesting self-harm. 

Brekyn is described as a white male, approximately 5’7” tall and weighing around 120 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. At the time he went missing, Stultz was last seen wearing a black hoodie and carrying a skateboard.

The Sheriff’s Office has received an unconfirmed tip that Brekyn may have been spotted overnight near the intersection of Fanning and Garfield. The BCSO is asking residents in that area and others to remain vigilant and report any information immediately.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone who knows of Brekyn Stultz’s current whereabouts, or has seen a teen matching his description, IMMEDIATELY contact Bonneville County Dispatch at: 208-529-1200. 

EDITOR NOTE: Brekyn Stultz’s name was updated with the correct spelling.

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Curtis Jackson

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KIFI) – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a Letter of Acceptance to establish a Qatari Amiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.  The new facility will host a unit of Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots, enhancing joint training capabilities and strengthening military operations between the two nations.

“I’m proud to announce that today we’re signing a letter of acceptance to build a Qatari Amiri Air Force facility here at Mountain Home,” said Secretary Hegseth during a joint press conference at the Pentagon. “This location will host Qatari F-15s and pilots, boosting our combined training and increasing lethality. It’s another example of our enduring partnership.”

Hegseth also praised Qatar’s steadfast support during critical operations, referencing the Midnight Hammer exercise. “In those moments when we needed support in the region, Qatar was there—without a doubt, without a blink—and that has meant a great deal. I’ve seen that firsthand operationally,” Hegseth said.

Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister of State for Qatar, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship. “It is an honor to be at the Pentagon and to meet with you, Mr. Secretary. Our nations share a deep defense relationship grounded in mutual respect and a common vision for peace and stability in the Middle East.”

He highlighted Qatar’s role in hosting U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base, calling it a “cornerstone of this alliance” and a testament to the shared commitment to regional and global security. The representative also welcomed President Trump’s executive order reaffirming America’s commitment to Qatar’s security and sovereignty, describing it as a reflection of the strength of the alliance.

“The establishment of the Qatari Amiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Base is a strategic move that strengthens interoperability, enhances joint readiness, and advances our shared defense goals,” the Qatari representative added. “Together, we will continue to deepen our strategic partnership in pursuit of lasting peace and shared security.”

Congressman Mike Simpson also confirmed the news, saying on X.com, “Fantastic news for Mountain Home Air Force Base as @SecWar just announced the Pentagon has agreed to host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots here in Idaho.

This development is beneficial for training, enhances our partnership with America’s allies, and strengthens national security.”

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Seth Ratliff

ROBERTS, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Roberts unveiled its new wastewater collection improvement project today.

The new system replaces the degraded pipes and lift station originally built in the 1960s. Thanks to funding from STAG (State and Tribal Assistance Grants) grants secured through Congressman Mike Simpson’s office and grants from the Department of Commerce, not a penny of the over $2 million project came out of the pockets of the community.

“It took eight years from conception to completion,” explains Mayor Robert “BJ” Berlin. “These projects, we always have to be ahead of the game. And so we have two more phases, we figure on this project. And so hopefully it doesn’t take a year to get to those. But we will we’ll do it as quick as we can.”

Mayor berlin says the new system improvements are set to last the city another 50 years. 

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Stephanie Lucas

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The Idaho Falls Catholic Community is inviting the public to join them in prayer at a “Rosary Rally” on Saturday at 3:00 PM. 

The rally is one of 23,000 that will be held across the country as part of a campaign from “America Needs Fatima,” an organization dedicated to spreading the message from events in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, which revolved around apparitions of the Virgin Mary. 

“That was one of the petitions from Our Lady, to pray the Rosary as a way to become more faithful, to grow in your faith, and to get closer to God,” says rally organizer Carlos Estrada.  

He also says you don’t even need to be Catholic to pray the Rosary, and even if you don’t own a set of Rosary beads, they will be happy to provide you with one.  

Estrada also feels this year’s rally is more important than ever.  

“We have thought about all these divisions happening in the United States,” he says. “We need to go back to mercy, really, to be merciful with each other, to be loving with each other. That’s what this nation needs to get back to.” 

Estrada says last year’s event had a great turnout, and organizers are expecting an even bigger one this year. 

It will be held outside Christ the King Church on the corner of 17th and Woodruff in Idaho Falls. 

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Abi Martin

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Madison County Deputies are currently on the scene of a fatal crash in the area of 11000 East, south of Highway 33.

11000 East is closed from 2000 North to East Highway 33 while deputies investigate the crash with assistance from the Idaho State Police.

There is no disruption to traffic on Highway 33 at this time.

Officials are directing the public to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Madison County Sheriff’s Office will provide an update once the roadway has reopened.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide more details as they become available.

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Noah Farley

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Community members in Idaho Falls participated in the Angel Dash, a fundraiser where families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss are honored.

People ran a 5K Saturday, October 11, to support Rachel’s Gift, which provides free resources for hospitals and families dealing with pregnancy, stillbirth or the loss of an infant.

“I stand here in front of you as a mom who has also lost a baby,” said Ceremony Speaker, Michelle Peterson. “This is an important time, and I’m so grateful for all of you who are here—for the nurses and the staff from the women’s centers from the hospitals, to parents to siblings.”

Peterson said nobody there was facing their pain alone. They could all support each other and go through the pain together.

“I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss,” said Peterson. “And for the things that you’re experiencing and going through as a mom, as a dad, as a grandparent, as a sibling. It affects us all in so many ways.”

After the 5K run, everyone released balloons into the sky, each one with the name of a child who left this world too soon.

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Noah Farley

The following is a release from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

CHALLIS, Idaho (KIFI) — October 11, 2025, marks the 32-year anniversary of Stephanie Crane’s disappearance.

For many people that lived in Challis in year 1993, they all probably remember the evening of October 11. That was the evening that Sandi Crane walked into the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and reported that she could not find her 9-year-old daughter Stephanie Crane. Stephanie had been bowling in an after-school league and had been instructed to go home after she was done bowling. She did not make it home. There was speculation that she may have crossed US Highway 93 and was going to the Challis High School football field to watch soccer practice. Sadly, this would set off a search that continues thirty-two years later.

There was the thought that Stephanie may have been lost or possibly injured. It is very unlikely that Stephanie disappeared voluntarily or ran away as she was described as a cautious tomboy that was afraid of the dark.

The search started on Monday the 11th of October shortly after Sandi Crane reported Stephanie was missing and went until 12:30 am on Tuesday the 12th of October and then started again at 7:00 a.m. The community rallied in force in the search for Stephanie; nothing was left unturned. However as of 10/13/1993 no clues were found as to Stephanie’s whereabouts, the search continued and will continue until there is a resolution to Stephanies case.

That week was Challis’ homecoming football game and parade. The banner on the homecoming float read “We’re thinking of you Stephanie”, other banners read “Bring Stephanie Home.” Every float was trimmed in purple, which was Stephanies favorited color.

On September 27, 1994, the day before what would have Stephanies 10th birthday, members of the community gathered at the tree in front of the courthouse lawn and released purple balloons that contained a photo and some information about Stephanie.

While there are no witnesses nor a crime scene, there was a report of a small yellow pick with red pin stripes suspiciously parked at the Challis High School, which is in close proximity to the Challis Elementary School. Many tips have come in over the years, and they have all been checked into. Many searches have been done over the years.

In the spring/summers of 2024/2025 thanks to information received many trips were made to the back country to conduct extensive searches. Participating in these searches were the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, Custer County Search and Rescue, Retired Lemhi County Sheriff Steve Penner, Lemhi County Search and Rescue, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Idaho State Police District Six Investigations, Idaho State Police detectives from Meridian, Idaho

State Police Cold Case Team Investigators, Boise State University, Idaho Army National Guard, Idaho Central Mine Rescue and their team members, and many teams of search dogs.

At the time of her disappearance Stephanie was 4’02”, 65-85 pounds she a wearing a maroon and white striped hooded sweatshirt with “GIMME” imprinted on the front, maroon sweat pants and maroon and white tennis shoes. Stephanie has a cowlick on the right side of her hairline and a scar near her right eye. She has brown hair and blue eyes. Her face is freckled and she as a space between her two upper front teeth.

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Noah Farley

IONA, Idaho (KIFI) — The Bonneville Art Association held its annual Fall Art Show October 11-12. People got to see and buy the pieces the members have been working on. This year’s featured artists are Ken Fry and Steve Winchester.

“Some just do watercolors, some do oils, but I like to experiment,” Fry said.

“I paint primarily scenery. I do some individuals,” said Winchester. “I like landscaping and flowers and stuff like that.”

The Bonneville Art Association offers workshops and classes for anyone who wants to learn how to paint. Fry and Winchester shared their advice to anyone who wants to learn, but might be hesitant to try.

“Just start,” Winchester said. “You don’t have to have an incredible talent to paint. You just have to have a desire to paint. The more you paint, the better you become.”

Even these featured artists didn’t create masterpieces when they started. We asked them how their current work compares to what they painted when they first started out.

“There’s no comparison,” Winchester said as he laughed. “My first piece of art was just a brown line on a piece of paper.”

“I have a whole lot that’s in the closet,” said Fry. “There’s a lot of failures when you’re doing art.”

Fry and Winchester agree no matter what your experience level might be as an artist, the main thing to create art is to start.

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Ariel Jensen

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — Israel and Sariah Garcia’s love story began like any other, until tragedy struck just two weeks after their engagement. While moving steel beams at BYU-Idaho, Israel was critically injured when a stack of approximately 900 pounds of steel collapsed onto his head. Rushed to the hospital, he showed no signs of brain activity, and doctors gave little hope for survival. “I was very confident that he wasn’t going to make it,” Sariah recalled.”I just remember, sitting there thinking, like, it was perfect this morning. This can’t be real.”

Their perfect life, captured by the photographs on Sariah’s wall, each containing a promise from the man she hoped to marry, had been shattered. Sariah was left to face the possible loss of the man she loved.

Despite the grim outlook, Sariah experienced a profound shift in belief just three days after the accident. “I, without a shadow of a doubt, knew that he was going to live,” she stated. Israel, who had shown no signs of brain activity for five days, was suddenly responding to commands.

Israel’s recovery consistently defied all medical expectations. It was initially believed he would never move, talk, or walk again. But months later, Israel not only relearned how to walk and talk, but he went on to take the biggest step of all: marching down the aisle to marry Sariah just months after the accident. Now, he plans to be the husband and father he promised he would be.

Local News 8 was able to speak with the young man who has proven to be Stronger than Steel. Watch the full story above.

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