Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Southeast Idaho’s growing Jewish community is inviting residents of all backgrounds to once again “light up the night” for the Fourth Annual Community Chanukah Celebration in Idaho Falls.

The family-friendly holiday event will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Shilo Inn on Lindsay Blvd in Idaho Falls.

Last year, the celebration drew over 100 attendees who enjoyed traditional Chanukah songs, live music, festive treats, and the Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony, hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho.

Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz, director of Chabad Lubavitch of Idaho, notes that the local celebration reflects a statewide surge in interest and participation in Jewish events.

“This year, more than ever, we need to add light to illuminate the darkness,” said Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz, director of the statewide organization. “Chanukah celebrates the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness. Bringing the community together in joy and unity is the most meaningful way to honor that message.”

The History and Message of Chanukah

Chanukah, commonly known as Hanukkah, is an eight-day celebration commemorating a pivotal moment in Jewish history, the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This followed the Jewish victory, led by the Maccabees, over the Greek-Syrian army that had overrun ancient Israel and sought to impose restrictions on Jewish religious practice.

Following the victory, only one jar of undefiled oil was found for the Temple’s daily menorah lighting service, enough to burn for just one day. Miraculously, it lasted for eight days.

In commemoration, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting an eight-branched menorah, adding another candle each night.

“Today, the holiday carries a universal message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness,” Rabbi Lifshitz taught.

Global and Statewide Celebrations

The central theme of Chanukah—that every individual has the power to illuminate the world—is the bedrock of a global initiative launched in 1973 by Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Rabbi Schneerson taught that a menorah placed where passersby can see it spreads light beyond the walls of the home. Public menorah lightings have become a hallmark of Jewish life worldwide, starting as part of this campaign to spread the holiday’s universal message of freedom and hope.

Today, over 15,000 public menorahs are lit in cities across the globe. While Millions of menorahs are lit and distributed by Jewish families who celebrate worldwide

In Idaho, festive gatherings will take place in Boise, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Ketchum, and additional communities to mark the celebration statewide. Highlights include the Idaho State Capitol Chanukah Celebration with the Governor and multiple giant menorah installations across the state.

For more information or to register for events across the state, click HERE.

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CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 30 NOV 25 16:00 ET

By Scott McKane

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    MURRAY, Utah (KSTU) — Luna Grace is her name, born on I-15 in Murray, and her parents, Vannessa and Dax Lowe, share the Thanksgiving story to top all others.

Both mom and dad were on the way to Intermountain Medical Center, but the 5300 South offramp of I-15 was the end of the road for baby Luna who wasn’t going to wait a moment longer.

“A thanksgiving, never to be forgotten!” said Daxton.

“Oh, wow, we did that! We had a baby, while you were driving, and I caught her. It’s insane!” said Vanessa.

Vannessa and Dax Lowe are high school sweethearts who already have a 22-month-old daughter.

But baby number two, Luna Grace, arrived a few days early and in a way neither of them expected.

It all began early Thursday afternoon. The couple dropped off their toddler with a relative on their way to the hospital. But they wanted to take some homemade food with them.

While Vanessa waited in their minivan, she says hunger pains were quickly overtaken by labor pains.

“I called him and I said, ‘Forget the food, come back to the car, I’m dying right now!’ Then out came Zach holding a couple of things of leftovers,” she said. “We didn’t get Thanksgiving dinner, so we had to have something.”

At the off-ramp, Dax asked Vannessa if she was doing okay.

“And I go, nope, I feel like she’s coming right now! And I reached down and I go; ‘wow, that’s her head!” She said.

After pulling off onto the shoulder, Dax then called 911 while Mother Nature and Luna Grace took over.

“She just shot out, and I somehow caught her! As I was pulling off, I literally looked over and just watched the baby launch, right into mom‘s hands, boom right there!” Said Vanessa.

According to Corpor,al Chaseton Stevens with Utah Highway Patrol, paramedics and officers arrived to help get them the rest of the way to the hospital.

“I think this is going to be like the story they tell forever, right? Like having a baby on Thanksgiving and trying to get to the hospital and having the baby in the freeway right? Like all those things, it doesn’t happen often,” he said.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Phillip Willis

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — At 6:30 on Friday, floats from local Pocatello businesses and organizations made their way through the streets of Pocatello.

The Christmas Night Lights Parade saw dazzling trucks and trailers, decked out in Christmas Regalia, and a little drizzling rain couldn’t fizzle the enthusiasm of the Pocatello community.

The parade has been a gate city tradition for more than three decades, and this year saw around 100 entries.

The route began at the intersection of Second Avenue and East Lewis Street, and ended at West Sublette and North Main Street.

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Phillip Willis

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — About 15 swimmers braved the icy waters of the Snake River in a “Frigid Friday Plunge” at the John’s Hole Bridge boat dock. 

After flipping, diving, or wading into the river, each participant was challenged to remain in the 40 degree Fahrenheit water for three minutes before warming up in a custom-manufactured sauna in a trailer in the parking lot.

Tyler Price, the organizer of the event, said cold plunging followed by a trip to the sauna can bring physical and mental benefits. 

“It’s a health thing,” Price said. “I’ve had nagging pain in a hip and a shoulder that have gone away from it. So part of it’s mental, part of it’s just for fun, being with a group of people and just having a good time. Then part of it is the health benefits that come from it.”

Amber Beck brought the portable sauna — built by Price — clear from Mackay for the event, where she also holds retreats for women and men to plunge in the Big Lost River.

The Snake River is a dangerous waterway, so it is important for cold plungers to stay next to the dock and not swim away from the shore into potentially deadly currents.

But for the band of daring kids and adults, the tradition of jumping into the Snake River for the holidays requires a blend of bravado and sheer willpower.

“Shivering is a choice,” said participant Andy Johnson.

Men, women and kids “chill” in the freezing waters of the Snake River by the Greenbelt. | Courtesy Tyler Price

Swimmers warm up in the sauna following the “Freezing Friday Plunge.” | Courtesy Tyler Price

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News Team

 POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The right northbound lane of I-15 off-ramp at Exit 73 near Pocatello has reopened, seven hours after a single-vehicle crash involving a commercial truck blocked the exit earlier this morning.

The incident took place around 9:07 a.m. today, Friday, November 28, 2025, at milepost 73.

According to a news release from the Idaho State Police (ISP), a 45-year-old man from Coalville, Utah, was driving a 2026 Freightliner northbound on I-15. Police say his vehicle drifted out of its lane, struck a concrete barrier, and ultimately came to rest across the off-ramp for Exit 73.

The crash completely blocked the exit ramp. The ramp and right lane remained closed as crews worked to clear the scene and recover the vehicle.

The ISP news release did not report any injuries as a result of the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the Idaho State Police.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —  The day after Thanksgiving, most people know it as Black Friday, but some people are now calling it “Brown Friday.” It earns that name because it’s become a busy day for plumbing services.

If you’re stuck unclogging the toilet the day after Thanksgiving, you’re not alone. Local New 8 called several plumbing services, and they told us they have already responded to several house-plumbing emergency calls. 

“We have anything from clogged drains to water leaks. You never know when your valve underneath the sinks will just drip or cause a flood, you know? But we’re always happy to help,” said Perry Selfridge, Technician for All About Plumbing Repair in Idaho Falls.

Homes that hosted Thanksgiving dinners for a large group are at an increased risk for plumbing issues the next day. 

“You have build up all year round. Add 20 to 30 people to your house, and it creates more flow to those fixtures,” said Selfridge.

Bathrooms are not the only spot for plumbing emergencies; it can also start in the kitchen.

“You’re getting the fats, oils, and greases that go down naturally. So if you’re at a kitchen sink, you’ll either throw away your grease, and then you’ll still wipe it out with a paper towel. Even washing your hands constantly every day,” said Selfridge.

Selfridge suggests using a de-greasing agent that breaks down fats, oils, and greases to prevent those sink plumbing issues.

Selfridge says if you have questions on what de-greasing agent to use, they will be glad to offer their recommendations.

You can contact them at (208) 408-4668. They are open 24 hours a day.

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Ariel Jensen

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) —  November 29th is Small Business Saturday, and local shops are getting ready for the big rush. 

Shoppers are already lining up to support local stores in Idaho Falls.

Local News 8 walked around downtown on Black Friday and visited with store owners, who told us this is a critical time of year for them. The support from the community helps them stay afloat for the rest of the year.

“I think shopping local, it does keep those specialty shops here, and you can find things that you can’t find in other places, like the big box stores,” said Nichole De Loera Owner of Holiday House Boutique. “I also think that it helps support creativity and the uniqueness of our community. That helps support people who are employed here and the families in the community who are owning businesses and trying to make our community special.”

Nichole says she is expecting her store to be busy until the end of the year. For more information on shopping local, including downtown Idaho Falls’ fun free activities, click HERE.

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Seth Ratliff

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — A 46-year-old Bingham County man was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Thanksgiving night in Bonneville County. The incident occurred on 15th West near 81st South.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies have identified the man as 46-year-old Steven Adams, a well-known obstetrician-gynecologist at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and Mountain View Hospital, according to the medical center’s websites. The Sheriff’s Office confirms that DO Adam’s family has been notified.

Preliminary reports indicate the crash happened sometime before 6:30 PM Thursday. Adams was reportedly traveling south on 15th West when, after passing another vehicle heading southbound, he lost control of his car.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and immediately began life-saving measures, but Adams was pronounced deceased due to his injuries.

Preliminary information indicates that Adams was traveling south on 15th W. sometime before 6:30 PM last night, when he lost control of his vehicle after passing a vehicle traveling in the same direction.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the crash and states that no further details are being released at this time pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

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Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – On December 1st from 7-8 pm, a joint public safety forum will be held at Eastern Idaho College, organized by the parents and loved ones of Dylan Rounds and Gabby Petito. This event aims to enhance public safety awareness and will feature Nichole and Jim Schmidt, the parents of Gabby Petito, as well as Candice Cooley, the mother of Dylan Rounds.

Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman, lost her life during a cross-country trip, with her remains discovered in September 2021 in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This tragic event has led the Schmidts to establish the Gabby Petito Foundation, which focuses on public awareness and safety.

Dylan Rounds, a 19-year-old, went missing in May 2022 from a remote area in northern Utah, and his remains were found in April 2024. Following this tragedy, Candice Cooley started the Dylan’s Legacy Foundation to honor her son’s memory and support public safety initiatives.

Prior to the forum, there will be training sessions for local law enforcement officers, focused on enhancing their skills in digital forensics, cell phone data analysis, and other technology-based investigative tools. These sessions will be led by law enforcement experts, including Detective Aaron Benzick from Plano, Texas, retired FBI agent Jeff Ross, and Matthew Anderson, Deputy Director of the Intermountain West Regional Computer Forensic Lab.

This training is sponsored by the Dylan Rounds Foundation and is open to law enforcement officers from across the state. Those interested in participating can find more information and apply for the training online.

The public safety forum is open to all community members and will take place in rooms 150-152 of Building 6 at the College of Eastern Idaho, located at 1600 South 25th East. Everyone is encouraged to attend and engage in discussions to improve community safety awareness.

For more information about the event and Dylan’s Legacy, click here.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– With nearly 80 volunteers filling the kitchen and dining hall, the Salvation Army of Idaho Falls continued its over 40-year Thanksgiving tradition Thursday morning, serving meals and spreading the message that everyone deserves a loving community and a full belly.

“It started out of the love of people, and it started with a desire to make people feel seen, valued and loved so much,” Lt. Jon-Marc Lamb of the Salvation Army of Idaho Falls said.

This tradition has been running for over 40 years, but would not have been possible without the help of volunteers.

“Today we have about 80 volunteers. We have volunteers helping in the kitchen with dishes, serving our community, delivering meals for people who are homebound, and just anything people can help with today. That’s what we have volunteers,” Lt. Brianna Lamb of the Salvation Army of Idaho Falls said.

Every year, the event serves about a thousand people each year.

At the beginning of the event, both Lieutenant Brianna and Jon-Marc Lamb made their remarks and joined everyone for a prayer in English and Spanish.

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper was honored with a crystal bell and carved the turkey after her speech.

“This is where the rubber meets the road in terms of community and terms of service, in terms of, generous spirit. These are the things that make a community special,” Mayor Casper said.

One of the long time chefs, Juan Contreras, was given a white chef jacket to honor his hard work and dedication over the years.

“(We) want to thank the families that are come here every year. This isn’t just a one time thing for many of our volunteer families. They come with their children up the work as young as five years old because they have their kids helping here, because they want their kids to also see what they can be doing and things like that,” Brianna Lamb said.

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