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EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Miles on 29B House Race">EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Miles on 29B House Race

EXCLUSIVE: Jennifer Miles on 29B House Race">

In a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9, Republican candidate Jennifer Miles shared her vision for Idaho’s House District 29B. Speaking with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, Miles discussed her background in social work and her motivations for challenging incumbent Tanya Burgoyne for the legislative seat.

A native of Soda Springs and a long-time resident of Pocatello, Miles holds degrees in political science and social work. She emphasized a “solutions-focused” approach to governance, citing affordability, healthcare, and education as her primary areas of concern. During the interview, Miles characterized herself as a practical leader focused on addressing the immediate needs of Idaho families.

On the topic of education, Miles expressed support for components of House Bill 93, which was recently signed into law. While she stated she has no interest in changing the existing law, she advocated for robust funding for public schools, universities, and workforce training. However, she broke with some members of her party regarding the recent prohibition on using taxpayer funds for teachers’ union dues. Miles indicated she would not have supported that measure, stating that she favors incentives that make the lives of educators easier.

The conversation also touched on upcoming ballot initiatives and local economic developments. Regarding the potential legalization of medical marijuana, Miles expressed caution, stating she would never support recreational use and prefers that the legislature maintain control over the issue rather than a voter initiative. On the subject of abortion, Miles advocated for clear protections regarding the life and health of the mother and emphasized the need for legal outlines that protect medical providers from lawsuits.

Addressing local growth, Miles noted she is currently gathering information regarding a proposed data center in Pocatello. She attended a recent town hall to further evaluate its potential impact on the local economy. When asked about her alignment with the Republican platform, Miles stated she generally agrees with the party’s positions but remains focused on the specific needs of her Pocatello constituents. Voters can find more information about her campaign at her official website as the primary election approaches.

5.13.2026 – Dark Money, Local Races, Voter Sanity">5.13.2026 – Dark Money, Local Races, Voter Sanity

5.13.2026 – Dark Money, Local Races, Voter Sanity">

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With six days to go before the election, Neal Larson opens with a pretty accurate picture of what this moment feels like: multiple tornadoes on the horizon—chaos in a bunch of places at once. He does a needed “we’re going to be okay” wellness check for everyone, even while admitting he badly wants conservatives to win—people who actually mean what they say, who’ll govern like the party label they run under, and who won’t take the “benefits” of affiliation while refusing the responsibility. From there, the conversation turns into a broader critique of integrity in politics, the way some lawmakers dodge accountability (including on enforcement of laws like immigration), and how special interests—especially the cheap-labor lobby—quietly shape what does and doesn’t become law in Idaho.

Neal and Julie Mason then dig into what’s making this election season feel especially gross: PAC mailers, misleading claims, “dark money,” and political branding designed to trick voters. They walk through a real example involving an anti–Julianne Young flyer and the confusion around “Idaho First,” tracing funding through layers of committees and out-of-state routes that make transparency harder on purpose. Callers pile on with what they’re seeing locally—sign shenanigans, candidates using “regular” ads for name recognition, frustration with candidates who won’t return messages, and concern that precinct races (PCOs) are quietly being targeted by people who aren’t actually Republicans. The repeated takeaway is simple: ignore the mailers, verify everything, and vote—especially in those down-ballot races that can be decided by a couple dozen votes.

### Highlights
– Neal’s reminder to keep perspective: after May 20, we’ll still have our homes, communities, and lives—don’t let the chaos hijack your mental health.
– A blunt warning about PAC mailers: misleading by design—“be smarter than the mailers.”
– “Idaho First” / PAC transparency rabbit hole: how layered funding obscures who’s actually behind attacks.
– Callers flag PCO races as a major battleground—sometimes with “Democrats running as Republicans.”
– The show’s repeated emphasis: do your own research, check the “why,” and focus on turnout.

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Severe storm knocks out power for thousands; restoration crews “working hard to restore power”">Severe storm knocks out power for thousands; restoration crews “working hard to restore power”

Severe storm knocks out power for thousands; restoration crews “working hard to restore power”">

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Thousands of East Idahoans are without power due to Wednesday’s severe thunderstorm. Rocky Mountain Power says restoration crews are”working hard to restore power” after high winds knocked down power lines across a broad section of the state.

Wind gusts around 60 to 70 miles per hour plowed through the area. Atomic City had the highest reported wind gust at 77 MPH.

At one point, more than 40 outages across Idaho had 7,000 customers without power late in the afternoon. By 6:30pm, the number of outages had been reduced to 22 affecting 3,296 customers.

The outages ranged from ares as far south as Malad and Preston. Some of the northern communities included Rexburg, Mud Lake, and Monteview. For the latest updates, you can view the outages on Rocky Mountain Power’s interactive map.

Idaho Power also reported multiple outages due to the thunderstorms that rolled through on Wednesday. As of 6:30pm, there were still 31 outages affecting 4,439 customers. Most of those were in the Magic and Treasure Valleys. The areas in eastern Idaho were mainly in Bingham and Power County, impacting areas in Aberdeen, American Falls, and Rockland. Updates for Idaho Power outages can be found in its interactive map.

Local Heroes Meet Special Olympics Athletes in Community Basketball Showdown">Local Heroes Meet Special Olympics Athletes in Community Basketball Showdown

Local Heroes Meet Special Olympics Athletes in Community Basketball Showdown">

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Special Olympics programs across the country give athletes with various disabilities the opportunity to compete. The Gate City Diamondbacks Special Olympics basketball team was lucky enough to compete against a totally new team: local law enforcement.

This year, program coordinator Kathy Walker said all five local law enforcement agencies were in attendence.

“These guys have really been looking forward to playing with the police officers,” Walker said. “Trying to get 30 men on board takes a lot of work!”

The game gives officers a chance to connect with community members and bond with the Special Olympic athletes.

“It’s about community and we want them to see that police officers aren’t scary people,” Walker added.

The Fort Hall Police have been invited for several years to participate in Gate City Diamondback athletics. “It’s just a great opportunity to come out and built rapport with the community,” said Tierre Johnson, Captain of the Fort Hall Police. “I love just playing and getting to know the athletes, see their personalities, people making baskets and getting excited about it.”

The Special Olympics programs include weekly golfing at Highland Golf Course, softball, bowling and more. Walker also said the humanity and true sportsmanship is a constant theme at special Olympics events.

“Last week at regional, our team was playing against another team that was quite a bit better than us, but the other team would catch the rebound and throw the ball back to our team members so they could shoot baskets,” she said. “It’s pretty awesome to watch.”

One special Olympian, Josh Skinner, said beating the police gave him a lot of confidence in his basketball skills. “They’re actually really tough competitors,” he said. “They’re also really fun because they seem nice on the inside, but they’re tough.”

Skinner is the newest member to the Gate City Diamondbacks team and said he’s loved being a part of this community. “I just get to be out and be active because most days I’m not very active, and I get to be out here,” he said. “I’ve been actually really good friends with [my teammates] them, and I think everyone on the team is really great. I like how we work together and make quite the team.”

The officers praised the Diamondbacks for their basketball skills, saying “Some of the players out here just shot from inside the half court and made a couple of shots, they’re amazing.”

Johnson also said last year there weren’t as many officers present, and that the continuing of these types of community games are a testimony of “progressing and moving in the right direction.”

The bleachers were packed Monday night for the exciting game. The Gate City Diamondbacks came out on top, with a win of 27-10 against the officers.

Skinner had one final message to people wondering about the Special Olympics: “We’re a team that’s special. People need to know that a lot of people have special needs. Just try to help them all.”

For more information about volunteering with the Special Olympics or to donate to local teams, visit their website https://www.specialolympics.org.

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