Full Post Style - Newstalk 107.9

Home
<a href="https://newstalk1079.com/full-post-style/" target="_blank">Full Post Style</a>

Truman Banquet Brings Together Eastern Idaho Democratic Voters and Candidates">Truman Banquet Brings Together Eastern Idaho Democratic Voters and Candidates

Truman Banquet Brings Together Eastern Idaho Democratic Voters and Candidates">

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – The primary election is right around the corner, and the Bonneville County Democrats provided voters with the opportunity to meet candidates face-to-face tonight at the Truman Banquet.

“Many years here in Idaho Falls it’s been our annual fundraiser,” said Daniel Barker, Chair of the Bonneville County Democrats. “Democrats from all over the Snake River Valley can come together and hear some of the voices of the candidates and leadership within the community that want to get up and help share a message.”

Interacting with constituents in person is one of the ways candidates can not only garner votes, but show their true values, views and personalities to their districts. “I think that builds a different level of trust and credibility between cadidates and constituents,” Barker said. “With people getting their news through social media, voters are untrusting and it’s so hard to identify sometimes with what is the true voice of the candidate.”

The money raised by the Bonneville County Democrats at the Truman Banquet go straight towards the candidates as they prepare and go into election season. Barker said the organization is especially looking forward to supporting each running person and rallying behind those candidates going to the final election after Tuesday.

The organization is looking forward to launching there headquarters on Yellowstone Ave in the coming weeks. Barker said several candidates will host watch parties on Tuesday for the elections, with members of the Bonneville County Democrats planning to attend as many as possible in support.

5.15.2026 – Election Toxicity, Dark Money, Windmill Red Lights">5.15.2026 – Election Toxicity, Dark Money, Windmill Red Lights

5.15.2026 – Election Toxicity, Dark Money, Windmill Red Lights">

Send us Fan Mail

This one felt like the moment in the election stretch where you look up and realize you’re running on fumes—and Facebook isn’t helping. Neal Larson and Julie Mason talk candidly about how toxic the local political feed has gotten, why they’re stepping back from social media, and why they’re not apologizing for asking hard questions of candidates who want to represent tens of thousands of people and steward taxpayer dollars. They draw a bright line between legitimate scrutiny of a public record and the behind-the-scenes personal gossip they refuse to traffic in, while also pushing back on the idea that it’s “unfair” to examine votes, funding sources, and campaign behavior. A big thread through the hour is money: the difference between transparent in-state spending (like Jordan Redman openly putting his name on dollars) versus murky PAC pipelines that show up at the last minute and try to steer Idaho races without voters even knowing who’s really behind it.

The show also digs into a very specific local flare-up: a Ben Fuhriman campaign mailer implying endorsement from the grassroots group **End the Red Light District**, which worked to pass legislation dimming the red lights on wind turbines. Spokesperson Aaron Harker joins to clarify the group didn’t give permission for names/photos to be used and that the win belonged to a huge volunteer effort—not any one campaign. From there, Neal and Julie zoom back out to the bigger pattern: candidates dodging interviews, taking up too much “oxygen,” and turning straightforward governance into unnecessary drama. The week closes with a Friday “flash poll” vibe—listeners weigh in on which East Idaho races they’re watching closest and how they think they’ll actually break.

—

### Highlights
– Neal and Julie lay out why they scrutinize candidates’ public records—and refuse to be shamed for it.
– Transparent political spending vs. dark money PACs: why the source and accountability matter.
– The “Save Idaho PAC” question: out-of-state money, unclear motivations, and why voters should demand answers.
– Aaron Harker (End the Red Light District) responds to the Fuhrman mailer and the implied endorsement problem.
– Listener pulse check: which local races feel tight and which ones money might be tilting.

Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms?

You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing.

Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today.

Juveniles spark grass fire near Driggs; Fire officials issue safety warning">Juveniles spark grass fire near Driggs; Fire officials issue safety warning

Juveniles spark grass fire near Driggs; Fire officials issue safety warning">

DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) — Teton County Fire and Rescue is urging residents to exercise extreme caution this wildfire season after a group of juveniles lighting fireworks sparked a fast-moving grass fire on the outskirts of Driggs Friday morning.

The emergency call came in around 11:20 a.m., May 15th, at the same time TCFR received an alert from two PANO AI wildfire detection cameras atop Fred’s Mountain and Relay Ridge. The fire was located near South Bates Road and Highway 33.

Thanks to the early warning, a crew of seven firefighters arrived within minutes and successfully knocked down the forward progress of the flames before they could spread out of control. The subsequent investigation determined that a group of juveniles had started the fire.

Following the incident, the department took to Facebook to issue a stern reminder about fire safety as summer approaches, highlighting how quickly resources can be stretched thin.

“Tell your kids fireworks are bad on dry/windy days…It is still really dry, and we all need to be smart this summer when working or playing outdoors,” states the post.

TCFR also emphasized that only around 6-7 firefighters protect a large area and around 1,400 residents, highlighting the need for community cooperation when preventing wildfires.

“We need people to use common sense, be safe, and help us help you,” states the post.

Honoring a Legacy: Former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne lies in state at State Capitol">Honoring a Legacy: Former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne lies in state at State Capitol

Honoring a Legacy: Former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne lies in state at State Capitol">

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idahoans are paying tribute this weekend to Dirk Kempthorne—the former Idaho Governor, U.S. Senator, and Boise Mayor—who passed away last month at the age of 74 following a battle with colon cancer.

On Friday, May 15th, Kempthorne lies in state inside the Idaho Capitol rotunda, where members of the public are invited to pay their respects until 7:00 p.m.

Memorial Service and Procession Schedule

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 16, the Capitol rotunda will reopen for a final public viewing. Following the viewing, at 10 a.m., a formal procession will escort Kempthorne from the Capitol to the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise.

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Rockies. The service is open to the public.

Following the funeral, Kempthorne will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.

A Legacy of Public Service

Kempthorne passed away on Friday, April 24th, surrounded by his family. His death marks the loss of one of Idaho’s most prominent modern political figures, whose career spanned municipal, state, and federal leadership.

Throughout his career, Kepmpthorne served as the mayor of Boise from 1986 to 1993 before being elected to the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 1999. He went on to become Idaho’s governor, serving from 1999 to 2006. He later served as the 49th U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.

Following the news of his passing, current state leaders released statements honoring Kempthorne’s enduring legacy and character.

“I will always remember Dirk’s generosity and warmth. He was thoughtful, gracious, and deeply committed to the people around him,” said Governor Brad Little.