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BYU-Idaho Radio to broadcast October 2025 general conference | Radio

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold the October 2025 General Conference on Saturday and Sunday, October 4-5 and you can listen to all of the sessions on BYU-Idaho Radio.

The sessions are broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

BYU-Idaho Radio will broadcast the sessions live on KBYI 94.3 FM, KBYR 91.5/90.9 FM and BYU-Idaho Radio Talk/KBYI HD3.

The talks will be published in the Gospel Library app, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org and in Church magazine in the coming days. BYU-Idaho Radio will also rebroadcast the messages on KBYR.

All conference sessions will be streamed live on the broadcasts page of ChurchofJesusChrist.org in 80 languages. Participants may also watch and listen on the General Conference YouTube channel in 14 languages, the Gospel Stream app in 11 languages, Gospel Library in 80 languages, and other radio, television, satellite and digital channels including all BYU-Idaho Radio stations.

Read more about general conference and how to watch or listen.
Church lowers age of sister missionary service to 18 | BYU-Idaho Radio

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

BYU-Idaho Radio · First Presidency changes women missionary age to 18

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that, effective immediately, young women in the Church who want to serve a mission can begin service at age 18. They must have graduated from high school or its equivalent before serving.

The First Presidency says missionary service for young women is still optional. However, "the Lord asks every worthy, able young man as part of his priesthood responsibility to prepare for and serve a mission."

Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman says she's excited for the announcement and what it means for young women in the Church.

"We love what this does for these young women," President Freeman said. "It gives them an opportunity as they leave from young women and enter into adulthood to think about all of the options that are available for them."

Elder Matthew S. Holland, the General Authority Seventy who serves as the executive director of the Church Communication Department, says the change gives young women added flexibility in when they can serve "at a time of life when they have lots of different, wonderful opportunities to learn and grow and develop."

BYU-Idaho students are reacting to the news, which spread quickly through campus.

"I know personally I have a lot of friends who can now put in their mission papers, and they've been waiting for a long time, so that's really cool," said Eliria Kennedy who is studying finance at BYU-Idaho.

Isabelle Petty joined the Church when she was 18 and submitted her papers to serve a mission as soon as she was able. She contemplates what would have happened had she joined the Church earlier and could have served earlier.

"Because if I was baptized earlier in my life, then I would have been able to go on a mission when I was 18. And so I had to wait until I was 19 years old, just because of the year mark that you have to wait for when you're a convert.

Petty is glad she was able to serve a mission because it blessed her life.

"I'm the only member of my family, and if it wasn't for those elders who had reached out to me and those sisters who I'm still friends with and have changed my life forever, I wouldn't be here at BYU-Idaho," Petty said.

The last time the Church made an age change to missionary work was in 2012, when the age for men was changed from 19 to 18 and the age for women was changed from 21 to 19.
How moving to Idaho influenced one convert's faith journey | Radio

Hannah Haneberg and Ben Trosper pose outside of the Rexburg Idaho Temple.

Hannah Haneberg

BYU-Idaho Radio · How moving to Idaho influenced one convert's faith journey

Ben Trosper, a recent convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is sharing his story of moving from Michigan to Idaho, introducing him to newfound faith in Jesus Christ.

Trosper said he was raised in a very religious area of Coopersville, Michigan, but was not religious himself. When he moved to Rexburg, Idaho, he was surprised by the prevalence of the Church of Jesus Christ.

"When I moved here, I obviously had no intention of converting, of joining this church," Trosper said. "I didn't know the blessings that were coming my way."

Trosper moved in next door to the Quinns, a newlywed couple who are active members of the Church.

"Seeing my neighbors being around their family, being in their home with the gospel was really awesome," he said.

Attending church for the first time was a different experience for Trosper.

"This big group of kids were passing out bread and I didn't know what was up with that. I knew nothing when I went," he said. "The whole time I was in there I just felt so at peace like had this good feeling in my chest and I knew it felt right."

Trosper decided to start meeting with missionaries to learn more and to better understand his experience at church.

"Most times that I met with the missionaries was actually on temple grounds," he said. "There's a visitor center in Idaho Falls and it just worked out for me to go there for lessons. So that was a pretty awesome experience to learn on dedicated grounds."

On Dec. 8, 2024, Trosper was baptized by his next-door neighbor who he had known for about a year. The baptism was attended by many friends who had encouraged Trosper to learn more about the Church.

Trosper has actively taken steps to continue to learn more and to grow his faith since converting.

"Staying involved and going to church is huge ... my week doesn't feel the same if I don't take the sacrament," he said.

He said he still tries to give back to the missionaries who taught him.

"They ask me all the time to come join them on lessons," he said. "It's one of my favorite ways to serve."

Listen to the full interview with recent convert, Ben Trosper on BYU-Idaho Radio's podcast on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
Latter-day Saint musician releases new Christmas song

Wayne Burton

Wayne Burton

BYU-Idaho Radio · Latter-day Saint musician releases new Christmas song

An uplifting new Christmas song is available just in time for the holiday season.

Wayne Burton is a Latter-day Saint musician. He has written several songs and albums that have been featured by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

His newest release is titled "Heaven on Earth."

"We want to see heaven on Earth, and we want to see things become the way that Christ would want them to be, but sometimes that just seems unreachable," Burton said. "At Christmas time, we think back to that time when Jesus was born and how quite literally, heaven came to Earth."

Burton started writing songs as a teenager, and one song he wrote for a friend's missionary farewell before going on his own mission helped kickstart his love for gospel-related music.

Burton has a goal that has stayed consistent throughout his career.

"Writing songs that can help lift people up, give them strength through hard times and really point people towards the Savior," Burton said.

Burton loves making gospel-themed music for several reasons.

"In the writing, the releasing of the music and sharing it with others, the Spirit's there and it's guiding in every case," Burton said. "It really amounts to people being lifted in their testimonies and being strengthened and that includes myself. I really feel blessed to be able to share the Church music that I have."

Burton hopes his new song can uplift those who listen to it.

"We can always use a little more heaven on Earth," Burton said. "We need more Spirit and Christ in our lives every day."

"Heaven on Earth" can be found on Wayne Burton's website. You can also hear it on KBYI 94.3 and KBYR 91.5/90.9 FM this Christmas season.

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Remembering President Russell M. Nelson, beloved prophet | Radio

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the passing of President Russell M. Nelson Saturday night. He recently celebrated his 101st birthday. He was the oldest president of the Church.

President Nelson served as the president of the Church since January 14, 2018. He previously served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since his call April 7, 1984.

During his tenure as the president of the Church, he announced more than 200 temples, visited 32 countries and territories, changed Sunday church services from three to two hours, introduced home-centered gospel learning and renewed an emphasis on using the full name of the Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Prior to becoming an apostle for the Church, President Nelson worked as a heart surgeon. He performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah and was on the team that developed the artificial heart-lung machine.

He and his first wife, Dantzel, raised 10 children. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, eight of his children, 57 grandchildren and more than 67 great-grandchildren.

Learn more about President Nelson's life

While speaking to BYU-Idaho students in January 2015, then-Elder Nelson told them, "You faithful students here in BYU-Idaho can accomplish the impossible. You can help shape the destiny of the entire human family! You will be scattered like seeds in the wind to build up the Church in all parts of the world. As you know and apply the teachings of the Lord in your lives and in your work, you can change the world. You will become a precious part of His perennial pattern: the Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible!"

Funeral arrangements are in the works. BYU-Idaho Radio will broadcast the memorial service live.

BYU-Idaho Radio is also playing talks from President Nelson at the top of each hour throughout the week on KBYR 91.5 and 90.9 FM.

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Spirit of general conference fills Latter-day Saint hearts | Radio

Lizzie Amott

After six months marked by reflection and the passing of the Church's beloved Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, the General Conferenceof The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially began this weekend in Salt Lake City. Members from around the world gathered in person and online to hear messages of hope, faith and divine guidance from Church leaders.

For many attendees, the experience was both emotional and spiritually renewing. Asia Smith, attending in person for the first time, described the atmosphere as uplifting and life-changing.

"This is honestly surreal to be here in person and in the same room as the General Authorities," Smith said. "You can feel the Spirit so strongly and their love in each of their messages."

Smith says that despite a few challenges on her way to the Conference Center, the moment she entered the building she felt peace.

"While my friend and I were walking up, we had a couple of unsavory encounters with people who disagreed with our faith," she said. "I was feeling a little down, but as soon as I came in and saw the General Authorities, I felt peace and love that made any earlier incident worth it."

While conferencegoers like Smith focus on the messages and spiritual renewal, countless hours of preparation take place behind the scenes, especially in the music department. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, known worldwide for its performances during conference, play a key role in setting the tone for each session.

Quinn Heiner, who has sung with the Choir for over 12 years, described the magnitude of effort involved.

"Countless hours," Heiner said. "We provide over an hour of music across three sessions, including the weekly Music and the Spoken Word broadcast, and every note is sung from memory. The organists, conductors, arrangers and technical crew all contribute. If you add it all together, it's easily thousands of hours of preparation."

Despite the demanding schedule, Heiner said the blessings that come from sharing sacred music make the effort worthwhile.

"For many, music is one of the primary ways to feel the Spirit and to feel God's personal love," he said. "There are moments when I'll look out and see someone in tears, and in that instant, I feel like I know them. The Spirit confirms that we're all brothers and sisters in Christ. Music unifies and builds so many bridges."

For Latter-day Saints around the world, the general conference remains a deeply anticipated event, a time to receive counsel, encouragement and revelation from Church leaders. Members and friends around the world are invited to tune in and be uplifted by messages of hope, peace and faith. All sessions are being broadcast on KBYI 94.3 FM, KBYR 91.5/90.9 FM and BYU-Idaho Radio Talk/KBYI HD3 at their scheduled times.
Light the World Giving Machines debut in Eastern Idaho | BYUI Radio

For the first time, Giving Machines have come to Eastern Idaho.

Beginning a six-week tour from Pocatello to Rexburg, the machines opened Saturday on the Idaho Central Credit Union campus, where a community eager to give gathered to welcome them.

"There's just an electricity in Pocatello," said Sherri Matson, the Pocatello lead for the Giving Machine program. "Everyone's excited about it. I'm hoping we have wonderful participation."

The Giving Machines are unique vending machines that allow people to purchase items ranging from blankets to goats, for individuals and families in need around the world. The Eastern Idaho machines feature global charities Care.org and Right to Play, along with 13 local nonprofit partners.

"We're just so grateful for the community support that we receive. We couldn't do this without our community. Almost all of our funding comes from fundraising like this," said Madisyn Humble of Bright Tomorrow's Child Advocacy Center in Pocatello.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Saturday to mark the opening, attended by Gov. Brad Little and Elder David J. Pickett, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Giving is part of our ethos in Idaho," Gov. Little said.

Since the Giving Machine program launched in 2017 under The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it has raised nearly $50 million worldwide, providing meals, clothing and other essentials to those in need. This year, more than 500 nonprofits will participate, with machines placed in 126 cities across 21 countries.

"Everything is about the Savior. He is the light," Elder Pickett said. "As we do small acts of kindness for other people, especially those we don't even know, a little bit more of that light shines on us and we're able to feel that closeness to him."

Where to find the Giving Machines:

Pocatello: ICCU Headquarters, Nov. 15-30

Rexburg: Hemming Village, Dec. 1-14

Idaho Falls: Grand Teton Mall, Dec. 15-Jan. 1

Each location will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and staffed by local volunteers.

"I hope that [the community will] feel the spirit of giving and looking after someone else that they don't know but personally can connect with them and to sacrifice something that they have to give to someone else in following the example of Jesus Christ and loving our neighbors," Matson said.
Local News | BYU-Idaho Radio | BYU-Idaho

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Rexburg to host performance of Handel's Messiah

By 
Jack Esplin

December 19, 2025 11:00 AM

The city of Rexburg is hosting a performance of Handel's "Messiah" this weekend. It comes just a few days before Christmas to celebrate the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

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Mrs. Rexburg 2026 to teach marriage class to begin new year

By 
Jack Esplin

December 18, 2025 10:51 AM

Mrs. Rexburg for 2026, Jessica Pearson, will teach a class for married couples in the new year.

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Giving Machines make their final stop in Idaho Falls

By 
Hannah Haneberg

December 16, 2025 02:45 PM

For the first time, the Light the World Giving Machines have made their way to Idaho Falls. They will be there through Jan. 1.

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Local ballet studio honors Mexican heritage

By 
Jack Esplin

December 16, 2025 11:34 AM

Ballet Folklorico Heritage in Rexburg isn't your typical dance studio.

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Local author and math teacher reflects on new book

By 
Jack Esplin

December 15, 2025 11:57 AM

When Jeff Downs isn't hard at work teaching math to students at Madison Junior High School, he's writing his latest novel. His newest release titled "Shaken" came out in July, and he says it symbolizes a lot more to him than just a good idea and hard work.

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Researchers may have found a bat hibernation location in eastern Idaho

By 
Kimber Pearce

December 12, 2025 10:34 AM

The discoveries came about through a new perspective from farmers at the bat night.

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From Fangs to Pharmaceuticals: Venitox Labs Extracts Potent Venoms

By 
Natalia Dyer

December 12, 2025 10:22 AM

REXBURG -- When you walk into the room and turn on the lights, the chilling clattering of hundreds of rattles hits your ears first. Venitox Labs in Rexburg is unlike most medical labs in the United States and is a rare find throughout the world. It's a lab specializing in toxin-ology and venom extractions located on Rob Clark's Idaho property, and it hosts a variety of deadly snakes.

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Rexburg Community Theatre presents 'A Christmas Carol'

By 
Jack Esplin

December 11, 2025 12:49 PM

The Rexburg Community Theatre is performing its annual presentation of "A Christmas Carol" this week.

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Local dentist office collecting toys for children in need

By 
Jack Esplin

December 10, 2025 03:00 PM

Family First Dental in Rexburg officially opened in October 2025. Since then, it has strived to make a positive impact on the community, and its current initiative continues that mission.

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Fresco transforms ghost kitchen into new restaurant

By 
Cody Miller

December 09, 2025 05:00 PM

Fresco Kitchen and Grill operates Doorzza Pizza out of its location in Rexburg. Now, Doorzza is on its way to being its own restaurant. Student Reporter Cody Miller interviewed Matt Pyles, co-founder and general manager of Fresco and manager of Doorzza, about this story.

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BYU bounces back with dominant win over TCU | BYU-Idaho Radio

BYU-Idaho Radio · BYU bounces back with dominant win over TCU

The BYU Cougars seemed to pick up where they left off before their recent loss, with a dominant 44-13 conference win against the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday.

Nearly every BYU fan remembers the embarrassing loss to Texas Tech, but this week's game felt different to a lot of the fans.

"The offense is looking way better than it has in the past few weeks," said William Thatcher, a longtime BYU fan who attended the game. "I like how Bear's throwing the ball more. It seems like they have more trust in him overall."

While BYU's offense, led by true freshman Bear Bachmeier, put on a show, it's the defense who won this game.

"I think it was diligence and discipline of the defense," said defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa. "I think that's our capacity, that's who we are, and I think we stuck to that this week. I think that's the key, sticking to that and being disciplined to who we are."

One of the most spectacular plays of the night belongs to safety Tanner Wall, a team captain and former walk-on, who brought the house down with an incredible interception leading to a BYU touchdown. It was his first time getting into the end-zone since his senior year of high school in 2017.

"It was great," Wall said. "In my head I was like, 'Don't get tackled, get to the end zone.' So, we found a way in."

BYU' s defense held the Horned Frogs under 300 total yards of offense, forced two turnovers and only allowed one third down conversion the entire game.

And once BYU's offense stepped onto the field, running back LJ Martin led the pack, rushing the ball 21 times -- one of those for a touchdown.

Martin is fresh off an injury but is quickly approaching a 1,000-yard season -- an accolade not too many running backs experience.

"It would mean a lot, bit I more just want to do it for the guys up front," Martin said. "They've been working their butts off opening holes, so just to be able to get a thousand to show them as a unit as well, dominating, would mean a lot for both of us I would say."

After what seemed to be a masterclass from BYU as a whole, Sitake said there's still some things they need to work on if they want to compete for a spot in the Big 12 Championship.

"I thought it was a really good game plan, but not perfect enough," Sitake said. "We'll take the win, but there's a lot of room for improvement still and we'll just get to work."

BYU moved to number 11 in the latest AP Top 25 poll after dropping four spots the week before. But the standings don't seem to be at the forefront of Sitake's mind.

"I don't get involved in that," Sitake said. "I'm just going to keep playing ball. So, I'm probably the wrong guy to ask about that stuff."

BYU is set to face off against the Cincinnati Bearcats this coming weekend in Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. A watch party will be held in The Crossroads in the Manwaring Center at BYU-Idaho with activities starting at 5:30 p.m.

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