The Neal Larson Show
Neal Larson is an Associated Press Award-winning newspaper columnist and radio talk show host. He has a BA from Idaho State University in Media Studies and Political Science. Neal is happily married to his wife Esther with their five children in Idaho Falls.
Julie Mason is a long-time resident of east Idaho with a degree in journalism from Ricks College. Julie enjoys reading, baking, and is an avid dog lover. When not on the air she enjoys spending time with her three children and husband of 26 years.
Together these two are a powerhouse of knowledge with great banter that comes together in an entertaining and informative show.
The Neal Larson Show
2.5.2026 - INTERVIEW: US Senator Jim Risch, Immigration, Iran, & Idaho Accountability
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This episode features an insightful discussion with US Senator Jim Risch, who dives deep into the contentious DHS budget, highlighting its entanglement with immigration policy. He squarely places blame on the Biden administration for an influx of unauthorized individuals, whom he refers to as criminals by virtue of their illegal entry. Senator Risch also passionately defends the SAVE Act, advocating for voter ID requirements as a common-sense measure against fraud, and, along with the hosts, critiques Democrats for opposing it, suggesting their motivations are purely electoral. The conversation then shifts to Iran, where the Senator offers a more relaxed perspective on current uprisings, citing the regime's economic fragility and a young, Western-leaning populace as potential drivers of change, while also advocating for his "No Tax Dollars for Terrorists" act.
Later, hosts Neal and Julie unpack several Idaho-specific issues, including a lawsuit filed by a teacher over a classroom poster (which they believe is largely unfounded), the promising initial success of Idaho's parental choice tax credit program, and growing concerns about potential fraud in federal childcare grants, drawing parallels to issues seen in other states. They also share lighter moments, mocking the Olympics for "woke" name changes and highlighting a humorous fundraiser involving exes' names and cat litter boxes. Overall, the episode blends national political commentary with local Idaho concerns, all while maintaining a candid, opinionated, yet professional tone.
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### Highlight List:
* **DHS Budget & Immigration Divide:** Senator Risch and the hosts emphasize the deep political divide over immigration, with Risch accusing the Biden administration of enabling illegal entry and Democrats of opposing voter ID for electoral gain.
* **Iran's Economic Weakness:** Senator Risch provides a nuanced view on Iran, suggesting its current protests are more impactful due to the country's economic struggles and a youthful, Western-leaning population, downplaying military threats.
* **Idaho's Parental Choice Tax Credit:** The new program sees strong demand, especially for children with disabilities, sparking optimism for micro-schools and innovation in education, while the hosts critique those prioritizing institutions over child welfare.
* **Concerns over Federal Grant Accountability:** A legislative hearing raises questions about the oversight of federal childcare grants in Idaho, prompting the hosts to express worry about potential fraud and misuse of funds, reminiscent of issues in other states.
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