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In this episode, Neal Larson and Julie Mason break major local news as State Representative Wendy Horman joins the show to announce her resignation from the Idaho Legislature. Horman reveals she has accepted a position in Washington, D.C., serving as the Director of the Office of Child Care within the Department of Health and Human Services. The hosts discuss the immediate political implications for East Idaho, specifically focusing on the process of appointing her replacement and the potential impact on House Bill 93 and parental rights in education.

The show also features a moving "Studio 4 Covers" segment with local musician Jason Lentz, who shares his personal journey from atheism to faith before performing an acoustic cover of Larry Fleet’s "Where I Find God." Additionally, Neal and Julie tackle current political headlines, including the Pocatello City Council’s unanimous vote to eliminate runoff elections and the latest cultural reactions to President Trump, which Neal categorizes as "Trump Derangement Syndrome."

**Exclusive Announcement:** Representative Wendy Horman announces she is stepping down to join the Trump administration at the HHS.
**Studio 4 Covers:** Musician Jason Lentz shares his testimony of finding faith and performs live in the studio.
**Local Politics:** A discussion on the controversial decision by the Pocatello City Council to get rid of runoff elections.
**The Replacement Process:** Neal and Julie debate the importance of appointing a replacement for Horman who aligns with the voters' intent regarding school choice.

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On this episode, Neal Larson and Julie Mason delve into the heated reactions surrounding Donald Trump's social media post following the death of his vocal critic, Rob Reiner. While acknowledging Trump's words were inappropriate, Neal argues the public and media outrage is a distraction from more critical issues, such as the alleged weaponization of the FBI in the Mar-a-Lago raid. The hosts contend that focusing on Trump's abrasive rhetoric overlooks the tangible benefits of his "America First" policies, including a strong foreign policy stance exemplified by a new blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers.

The conversation also tackles local and national accountability issues. Neal and Julie express deep concern over a report that the Boise School District may have interfered with police investigations into sexual abuse to protect itself from liability. They shift to the recent shooting at Brown University, criticizing the university's mishandling of information and confusing communication regarding emergency protocols. They suggest that the official response seems hampered by political correctness, avoiding a direct conversation about the shooter's potential motives.

**Putting Trump in Perspective:** Neal argues that outrage over Trump's social media posts distracts from more significant threats, such as the weaponization of government agencies.
**School District Accountability:** The hosts discuss a disturbing report alleging the Boise School District obstructed police investigations into sexual abuse to avoid liability.
**Critiquing the Brown University Response:** Neal and Julie critique the confusing and delayed communication from Brown University officials following the recent campus shooting.

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Neal Larson and Julie Mason navigate a mix of holiday spirit and heavy political headlines in this episode. They begin by sharing heartwarming stories from the "Giving Machines" charity event at Grand Teton Mall before pivoting to a heated discussion regarding Donald Trump’s controversial social media response to the death of Rob Reiner. The hosts debate the propriety of the comments versus the context of the political attacks Trump has faced, while also touching on the frustrating lack of information surrounding the recent shooting at Brown University.

The conversation deepens into policy as they analyze Speaker Mike Johnson’s press conference exposing rampant fraud within the Obamacare subsidy system. Neal and Julie discuss the expiration of COVID-era healthcare funding and the political maneuvering required to address it. Later, they tackle national security, reviewing a briefing by Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth regarding military strikes on drug boats and Trump's move to classify fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

Episode Highlights

*   **Trump vs. Rob Reiner:** A debate on whether the former President's post-mortem comments were justified or ill-timed.
*   **Healthcare Fraud:** Speaker Mike Johnson details millions in waste and the battle over expiring Obamacare subsidies.
*   **War on Drugs:** Discussion on classifying fentanyl as a WMD and authorizing military strikes on drug trafficking boats.
*   **Holiday Cheer:** Recap of the local Giving Machines launch and Neal’s accidental viewing of a Lifetime Christmas movie.
*   **Dutch vs. Danish:** The hosts end the show with a humorous attempt to decipher the difference between the Netherlands, Denmark, and wooden shoes.

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In today’s episode, hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason delve into a series of tragic and disturbing events that occurred over the weekend, including a mass shooting in Australia and a domestic terror plot thwarted in Los Angeles. They navigate the complexities surrounding the political and social implications of these incidents, highlighting tensions related to anti-Semitism and political extremism. The hosts also examine the contentious reactions and rhetoric following these events, particularly focusing on public figures' divisive comments, including a controversial social media post from Donald Trump about the recent murders in Hollywood.

Additionally, the episode takes a reflective turn as Neal and Julie discuss the significance of symbols during the Christmas season and the importance of genuine expressions of faith and goodwill. They also highlight local initiatives such as the "giving machine" in Idaho Falls, encouraging listeners to engage in charitable acts during the holiday season.

**Highlights:**
- Discussion on the tragic shooting in Australia and its anti-Semitic angles.
- Analysis of the thwarted domestic terror plot in Los Angeles.
- Critique of divisive political rhetoric, with a focus on Donald Trump’s recent comments.
- Reflection on the meaning of Christmas and the importance of authentic celebrations.
- Information about the giving machine in Idaho Falls to encourage community charity.

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In this dynamic edition of the Neal Larson and Julie Mason podcast, the hosts take listeners through a whirlwind of topics ranging from local Idaho politics to international matters. Neal opens up with a discussion on the idiosyncrasies of ballot initiatives, expressing his view on repealing voter initiatives, which he sees as a mechanism sometimes leveraged for ulterior motives rather than genuine state benefits. 

The Idaho Falls High School Chamber Choir provides some Christmas spirit with today's Studio 4 Cover. 

Meanwhile, Julie keenly dissects the media's portrayal of national security issues, specifically quarreling over terminologies used for narco-terrorists and the political diversions they create. Throughout the segment, the duo also enjoys lighter moments, with discussions revolving around the quirks of holiday traditions and the art of re-gifting Christmas treats, revealing amusing confessions and cultural insights from their listeners.


- Neal's critique on the misuse of voter initiatives in Idaho's politics.
- Julie's analysis of media sensationalism surrounding national threats.
- Engaging audience confessions on holiday re-gifting practices.
- Neal and Julie's witty banter on everyday quirks and cultural anomalies.
- Discussion on Idaho Falls High School's recognition for excellence.

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In this episode, Neal Larson and Julie Mason explore the intricate layers of political dynamics and scandals making headlines. They delve into Governor Spencer Cox's ambivalence towards President Trump, noting Cox's attempts at civility and how it sometimes conflicts with the need for political firmness. The conversation transitions to the challenges and accusations faced by political figures such as Nancy Mace and Eric Swalwell, highlighting political smears and eligibility issues. Larson critiques the continual erosion of civility in politics, arguing for a balance between maintaining decorum and protecting essential rights. Additionally, the duo discusses fraudulent activities in obtaining Obamacare subsidies, questioning the accountability and efficacy of current systems. 

Highlights:
- Spencer Cox's struggle with maintaining civility while aligning with Trump.
- Nancy Mace and Eric Swalwell facing political scandals and accusations.
- Fraudulent Obamacare subsidies expose major loopholes in the system.

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Neal Larson and Julie Mason explore a variety of pressing political topics, centering largely around the role former President Trump plays in current Republican campaigns and the state of the U.S. economy under his influence. They discuss comments from Fox News' Tyrus urging Republican candidates to campaign effectively on their own, rather than relying on Trump's intervention. Neal points out how effective Trump has become at driving America's political narrative, particularly through rallies that bypass mainstream media.

In addition to the political discourse, the duo transitions into a light-hearted segment, touching on various cultural and personal stories, including reflections on local issues such as gas prices and social media trends. They contemplate the symbolism and potential future political endeavors of prominent figures, alongside some amusing anecdotes and listener interactions. This episode entertains while providing thoughtful insights into the ongoing political and cultural landscape.

Highlights

- Discussion on the role of former President Trump in Republican campaigns.
- Commentary on the effectiveness of Trump's campaign rallies.
- Insights into current U.S. economic developments.
- Analysis of local gas prices and implications for the broader economy.
- Listener interactions and their feedback on political and social issues.

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In this episode, Neal and Julie discuss the potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) development, particularly the future of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI). They ponder the societal impacts of work becoming optional if AI can fulfill human needs and question the implications for human purpose and growth. The duo also touches on issues around effective legislation on social media use by minors and the enforcement challenges associated with these policies. On the political front, they analyze Jasmine Crockett’s Senate bid, media influences, and the continuing dynamics of political campaigns.

Highlights:
- Discussion on the possibility of AI and ASI being likened to the biblical antichrist.
- The potential outcomes if work becomes obsolete due to technological advancements.
- The challenges and societal impact of legislating internet and AI influence.

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In this episode of The Neal Larson Show, hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason dive into a mix of political commentary, media critique, and the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. The show opens with a humorous look at a recent gaffe by Joe Biden, featuring an AI-generated country song poking fun at his "America Got It" slip-up. The conversation shifts to a critical analysis of the media, specifically focusing on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s appearance on 60 Minutes with Lesley Stahl. Neal and Julie discuss the double standards in political reporting, the concept of "election deniers," and the media's conditional support for anti-Trump Republicans.

The hosts also tackle the complexities of Utah politics, offering a sharp critique of Senator John Curtis, comparing him to Mitt Romney and questioning his conservative bona fides regarding immigration and border policies. Later in the show, the discussion turns to the practical and sometimes frightening capabilities of AI, from deepfake videos causing confusion on social media to the potential displacement of jobs in the trucking and agricultural industries. Additional segments cover essential health screenings for men over 40, a nod to Marco Rubio’s suitability as Secretary of State, and a recap of recent sports highlights.

Episode Highlights

Biden’s Gaffe & AI Music: Reaction to Joe Biden calling America "Amerigoddit" and the debut of an AI-generated country song about the blunder.

Media Bias & MTG: A breakdown of the tension between Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes, focusing on media elitism and bias.

The "John Curtis" Critique: Neal Larson argues that Senator John Curtis is a "Democrat in Republican clothing," comparing his political trajectory to Mitt Romney 2.0.

AI Deepfakes: Discussion on how difficult it is to distinguish reality from AI, highlighted by a fake viral video of a lion attacking a man in a zoo.

Future of Work: A debate on whether AI and automation will replace blue-collar jobs like trucking and farming.

Men’s Health: A segment listing important medical tests for men over 40, including insulin sensitivity and carotid artery ultrasounds.

Marco Rubio: Praise for Rubio’s stoic personality and his potential effectiveness as Secretary of State.

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On their Friday morning show, hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason dive into a range of contentious political topics, starting with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's outrage over being called the "R word" by Donald Trump, which the hosts dismiss as hypocritical. They also analyze Stephen A. Smith's recent appearance on *The View*, praising his willingness to challenge the show's hosts and resist liberal groupthink. The conversation turns to internal conservative conflicts, with Neal and Julie expressing concern that commentators like Candace Owens are creating division that could harm the Republican party.

The episode also breaks from heavy politics with a festive in-studio performance from 10-year-old singer and performer Piper Jackson, who sings "Run Run Rudolph." Later, the hosts shift focus to local issues, sharing their frustration and disappointment over the recent Idaho Falls mayoral race, which they feel was torn apart by out-of-state money and divisive campaign tactics. Throughout the show, Neal and Julie engage with callers on these topics, critique a factually incorrect media report from Jake Tapper, and discuss the resurgence of controversial language among younger generations.

Highlights:

*   **Stephen A. Smith vs. The View:** The hosts play clips of Stephen A. Smith clashing with the hosts of *The View*, praising him for his independent thinking and refusal to back down under pressure.
*   **A Festive Performance:** 10-year-old singer Piper Jackson joins the show for a live in-studio performance of "Run Run Rudolph" and talks about her acting and figure skating.
*   **Local Election Fallout:** Neal and Julie express their disappointment with the divisive Idaho Falls mayoral race, criticizing the influence of outside money and endorsements on the local election.
*   **The "R word" Controversy:** The hosts critique Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's outrage over being called the "R word," arguing he sacrificed his right to be upset after making his own controversial comments.

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Hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason are joined by US Senator Jim Risch for a wide-ranging interview on major national security and domestic policy issues. Senator Risch defends President Trump's aggressive military actions against Venezuelan drug boats, dismissing critical reports from the Washington Post as unsubstantiated. The conversation also covers the complexities of healthcare policy, with the Senator criticizing the Affordable Care Act and discussing ongoing negotiations to find a market-based solution to replace expiring subsidies. He concludes with a somber update on the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, noting the difficult concessions required from both sides for any resolution to be reached.

Following the interview, the conversation pivots to a mix of cultural and local Idaho topics. Neal and Julie discuss several viral stories, including a controversial Nativity scene depicting baby Jesus detained by ICE agents and the Satanic Temple of Idaho's fundraiser for the Idaho Food Bank. The main local focus is a controversy surrounding an Idaho bar offering free beer for a year to anyone whose tip to ICE leads to the arrest of an illegal immigrant. The segment sparks a lively debate with listener calls offering different perspectives. The show also features a surprise in-studio visit from the new Mayor-elect of Idaho Falls, Lisa Burtenshaw.

*   Senator Jim Risch defends President Trump's strategy of bombing Venezuelan drug boats and discusses the complexities of potential military action against drug labs.
*   A deep dive into healthcare policy, including the failures of the Affordable Care Act and the push for market-based solutions to replace expiring subsidies.
*   Neal and Julie react to a viral story about a church's Nativity scene depicting baby Jesus zip-tied by figures representing ICE agents.
*   A local Idaho bar sparks controversy by offering free beer for a year to patrons whose tips lead to the arrest of illegal immigrants, prompting a lively debate and listener calls.

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In this episode, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador joins the show to discuss several key legal and social issues. He highlights his visit to Idaho Falls to honor two law enforcement officers who have collectively arrested 100 perpetrators of internet crimes against children (ICAC). Labrador explains his office's renewed and highly successful focus on the ICAC task force, detailing how they cleared a massive backlog of cases and significantly increased arrests. The conversation also covers Idaho's "Fairness in Sports" law, which is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court, his office's defense of the state's new parental choice in education law (HB 93), and recent legal victories against the Satanic Temple concerning Idaho's abortion laws.

Following the interview, Neal and Julie pivot to a debrief on the recent local mayoral runoff elections. While congratulating the winners, they express significant concern over the "unhealthy" influence of outside "dark money" and the negative tone that characterized the campaigns. They emphasize the importance of healthy debate and scrutiny within the new city governments, advising the mayor-elect to remain accountable to all residents rather than powerful special interests. The hosts conclude by reflecting on the need for civility in politics and engage with listeners about the role of media in accepting political advertising.

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In this Election Day episode of the Neal Larson Show, the hosts delve deep into the local mayoral runoff races in Idaho Falls and Pocatello. They express their fatigue with the long campaign season and lament the divisive impact it has had on the community, particularly pointing to outside money and high-profile endorsements that they feel overshadowed the candidates themselves. The episode features final stump speeches from the candidates, including Jeff Aldridge and Lisa Burtenshaw for Idaho Falls mayor, Mark Dahlquist and Greg Cates for Pocatello mayor, and Theresa Dominick for Idaho Falls City Council. Despite their critiques of the campaign tactics, the hosts affirm that all the candidates are qualified and urge listeners to unite and support the eventual winners for the good of their cities.

Beyond the local races, the show touches on national politics, highlighting how President Trump baited the media by releasing his excellent MRI results and his involvement in a Tennessee congressional race. The hosts also contrast the transparency of Trump's frequent cabinet meetings with those of the Biden administration. The political analysis is woven together with the hosts' signature conversational banter, including jokes about running on no sleep and caffeine, debates over Frank Sinatra lyrics, and a call for voters to "get your buns out and vote."

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On the show today, we dove deep into the final, heated days of the Idaho Falls mayoral runoff between Lisa Burtenshaw and Jeff Alldridge. We expressed our frustration and disappointment over how the race has devolved into a smear campaign fueled by tens of thousands of dollars in outside dark money. We feel the contest is no longer about the two candidates, but has become a battle of "Jeff versus the establishment." We discussed the misleading mailers and ads, particularly the dishonest claim that Jeff wants to eliminate impact fees, and we questioned why a candidate as established as Lisa Burtenshaw requires so much outside help from PACs and powerful endorsers. Our primary concern is that this negative turn is creating a deeply divided community, which will present a major challenge for whoever wins.

Throughout the program, we analyzed how the overwhelming establishment support for Lisa might actually be backfiring by sending a subconscious message that she can't win on her own merits. We also took calls from listeners, which highlighted the misinformation circulating in the community and prompted us to debunk a rumor on-air. Ultimately, we feel that the people surrounding the candidates have made the race about themselves, overshadowing what should have been a debate between two qualified individuals. As Neal Larson and Julie Mason concluded, the negativity is exhausting, and it's a disservice to the voters of Idaho Falls.

Other Topics:

**National & Other Political Races:**
*   U.S. Senate candidate Todd Achilles and his ad about U.S. military power and Venezuelan drug smugglers.
*   A runoff race in Tennessee for a candidate nicknamed the "AOC of Tennessee."
*   President Trump's economic policies, specifically the impact of tariffs on consumer prices.
*   Predictions for the upcoming midterm elections.
*   Federal tax credits and their potential to boost the economy.

**Sports:**
*   College Football, including BYU's ranking, their upcoming championship game, and rumors of their coach being courted by Penn State.
*   Boise State University's football team going to the Mountain West Championship.
*   The Denver Broncos winning their game against the Washington Commanders.

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On this pre-Thanksgiving edition of the show, Neal held down the fort while Julie Mason was away enjoying some well-deserved family time with her new grandson. We dove deep into the local Idaho Falls runoff elections, specifically focusing on the "dark money" mailers that have been circulating. We examined the mysterious political action committee "Defend and Protect Idaho," questioning its true motives after discovering its funding comes from out-of-state PACs. When we put out the call to our listeners in the farming community—a group the PAC claims to represent—we found that none of them had ever heard of it, confirming our suspicions that their good name is being exploited for political gain.

The conversation wasn't all serious politics, though. We had some fun listening to the Idaho governor's awkward attempt to answer a citizen's question about "chemtrails," and we took several calls from passionate listeners who weighed in on the local City Council race. Neal wrapped everything up with a heartfelt Thanksgiving message, reflecting on family and the importance of gratitude, reminding us all to focus on what's right in the world before heading into the holiday weekend.

### Show Highlights:

*   A deep dive into the "dark money" mailers in the Idaho Falls runoff race, specifically investigating the political action committee "Defend and Protect Idaho" and its questionable claims to represent local farmers.
*   We played a clip of the governor's awkward response to a citizen's question about "chemtrails," which sparked listener feedback and a bit of comedy.
*   Listener calls drove the conversation about the City Council runoff, with many expressing concerns about candidate transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
*   Neal shared a personal Thanksgiving message, encouraging everyone to focus on gratitude and what's right in the world before the holiday break.

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On this week's show, Neal Larson hosted solo while Julie Mason was away visiting family for the Thanksgiving holiday. With the December 2nd runoff election just around the corner, we dedicated the entire morning to giving Idaho Falls voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates. We were joined first by the two candidates for City Council Seat 2, Teresa Dominick and Brandon Lee. We discussed their backgrounds, their competing visions for managing the city's growth, and their thoughts on zoning, property taxes, and traffic. Neal also pressed both on important issues, asking Teresa how her background prepares her for the council and questioning Brandon about potential conflicts of interest given his work in real estate development.

Later in the program, we welcomed mayoral candidate Lisa Burtenshaw into the studio for an in-depth conversation. We asked her about the shift in her campaign strategy for the runoff, the big-name political endorsements she has received, and a controversial mailer sent out by an independent political group supporting her. We also dug into her stance on a potential local option sales tax and how her administration would differ from the current mayor's. 

Timestamp guide:

00:06:42 -- Teresa Dominick

00:24:01 -- Brandon Lee

00:40:55 -- Lisa Burtenshaw

Click here for our interview with Mayoral candidate Jeff Alldridge from November 18th.

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On the show today, Neal Larson kicked things off while Julie Mason is out for the Thanksgiving holiday. We jumped right into the political fray, discussing the ongoing "mutiny gate" controversy where Democrats are encouraging the military to defy a potential President Trump, and we examined their attempts to clean up those comments over the weekend. We also touched on Marjorie Taylor Greene's decision to step down from Congress. But it wasn't all national politics; we had a lot to celebrate on the local sports front, congratulating Rigby on their dominant state championship win and the Idaho State Bengals for bringing home the potato trophy for the first time since 1981.

We also took a deeper look at some compelling local and social issues. Following BYU's weekend win, we had a serious conversation about the religious bigotry seen in post-game chants and explored why certain groups refuse to adopt a victim identity in the face of it. Closer to home, we dove into the heated mayoral run-off races, specifically calling out the rampant and illegal theft of campaign signs—we even made an offer to publicize any video evidence sent our way to help stop it. To cap it off, we were joined in-studio by State Senator Kevin Cook for a fascinating discussion about Idaho's long-term water strategy, including plans for new reservoirs and infrastructure projects stretching decades into the future.

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On today's show, we dove headfirst into the controversy started by a group of Democrat veterans in Congress who released a video telling military members they can refuse "unlawful orders." We see this as a dangerous and irresponsible provocation, a vague attempt to sow chaos and undermine the military's chain of command. When President Trump pushed back hard on social media, correctly identifying their actions as seditious and pointing out the serious legal penalties for such behavior, the left immediately began "flopping" like an NFL player looking for a flag. We discussed how this is a classic case of them starting a fight and then playing the victim when they receive a strong response.

We feel this whole affair is another example of the left operating in bad faith, creating political drama while pretending to hold the moral high ground. We also heard from a veteran who called in to emphasize just how critical the code of military justice and the chain of command are to the safety and effectiveness of our armed forces. On a lighter note, with Thanksgiving approaching, we also shared Neal Larson's mom's famous pecan pie recipe and replayed a great musical performance from a past guest.

Find the pie recipe here.

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On today's show, we got into the final stretch of the local runoff elections, which are now less than two weeks away. Neal and Julie spent a lot of time breaking down the increasingly divisive and negative tone of the mayoral races. We discussed how what began as a civil, policy-focused contest between two capable candidates has unfortunately been soured by surrogates engaging in bad-faith attacks and injecting religion into the debate. We also heard from many of our listeners—a surprising number of whom are business owners—who shared that they feel forced to keep their political opinions quiet for fear of backlash, which really speaks to the tense climate we’re all feeling.

We also took a deep dive into the school choice issue, highlighting an article about protestors disrupting parent information meetings for the "Idaho Kids Win" tour. We framed the debate as one side fighting to "save our schools" as an institution, while the other is focused on putting kids first. On a lighter note, we had some fun with the idea of using AI to clone our voices for an on-air prank, and the whole morning was dominated by the bizarre mystery of Neal's inexplicably orange thumb, which had everyone guessing. Finally, we said a temporary farewell to Julie, who is off to see her new grandbaby for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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On today's show, we took a deep dive into the final stretch of the Idaho Falls mayoral runoff between Jeff Aldridge and Lisa Burtenshaw. Neal Larson and Julie Mason began by analyzing Lisa's decision not to attend a recent candidate forum. We discussed why this may have been a calculated political strategy in a runoff election, where mobilizing your own base is more crucial than trying to win over your opponent's supporters. We also explored the broader theme of this race: a voter appetite for a "disruptor" like Aldridge versus the more established, traditional campaign being run by the Burtenshaw team, which seems to be struggling to connect in the current political climate.

The conversation then shifted to the surprising issue that has come to dominate the local political landscape: high-density housing. This led us into a significant discussion about potential conflicts of interest, specifically concerning the city council race. We pointed out connections between city council candidate Brandon Lee, who is an executive with a major development company, and the Lisa Burtenshaw mayoral campaign. We stressed that while we're not making accusations, we believe voters deserve full transparency on these issues to ensure their elected officials are representing the taxpayers without compromise. The housing topic also sparked a lively debate with callers about rental application fees, making for a packed and informative show.

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On today's show, Neal Larson and Julie Mason tackled some major national stories right out of the gate. They started with the upcoming House vote on releasing the Epstein files, expressing skepticism about whether the public will ever see the unredacted truth, especially given the new supermajority requirement needed for passage. The conversation then shifted to the disturbing details emerging about Donald Trump's would-be assassin, which led to a frank discussion about a troubling trend of violence connected to the trans community and the media's role in legitimizing radical ideologies instead of treating them as the mental health crises they are.

The second half of our show focused on the intense local runoff race for Idaho Falls mayor. Before our guest joined, Neal and Julie addressed our show's philosophy on covering the race, defending the need for tough questions and extra scrutiny for candidates backed by powerful endorsements. We were then joined in-studio by candidate Jeff Alldridge. He spoke candidly about the contentious social media environment, his plans for managing the city's growth and high-density housing, and his vision for the future of Idaho Falls. 

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On this episode, we briefly touch on national topics like President Trump's new approach to Obamacare and local sports victories before diving deep into the heated runoff election for Idaho Falls mayor. The central discussion analyzes the race between political newcomer Jeff Alldridge, who is benefiting from a public mood for change, and "quasi-incumbent" Lisa Burtenshaw. The hosts observe that while Alldridge is running a disciplined underdog campaign, Burtenshaw's efforts are being hampered by a disconnect between her civil style and the aggressive tactics of her surrogates. They argue that high-profile endorsements from the governor and a congressman may be backfiring, making her campaign appear weak and reinforcing an "establishment vs. outsider" narrative.

The hosts further dissect the challenges facing the Burtenshaw campaign, including the perception that she would be a continuation of the previous administration and a failure to effectively address voter dissatisfaction with issues like high-density housing. Throughout the conversation, which includes calls from listeners, the hosts defend their analysis against accusations of bias, insisting that while they believe both candidates are capable, their role is to scrutinize campaign strategies and dynamics as they unfold. They conclude by expressing hope that the community can move past the current political tension and support whoever ultimately wins the election.

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On today's show, Neal Larson flew solo as Julie Mason had to attend to her daughter's childbirth. Neal shared the news of Julie becoming a grandmother again and that both mom and baby are doing well. The conversation took a turn into discussing the recent end of the government shutdown, with Neal expressing his views on the bloated federal government and the impact on federal employees. The discussion also highlighted the political dynamics around the shutdown and the perceived winners and losers. Neal shared his thoughts on the recent gubernatorial candidates in Idaho and their platforms.

The conversation then touched on the tragic incident in Boise where a young girl was hit by a vehicle driven by an illegal alien, sparking a community mourning and calls for safer driving in the area. Neal also addressed the mayoral runoff races in Pocatello and Idaho Falls, discussing the support for the candidates and the concerns around each campaign. 

Listeners shared their views, and Neal addressed their questions and comments, providing candid analysis and insights into the current events. The segment also touched on the ongoing charitable effort, Baskets of Blessings, and encouraged continued donations for families in need. The episode ended with a reminder to text the word "blessings" to contribute to the cause and to tune in for more engaging discussions on News Talk 107.9.

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Neal Larson and Julie Mason kicked off the show by mocking Democrats for caving on the recent government shutdown. Neal argued that Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, suffered a political loss whether they shut the government down or reopened it, comparing their strategy to walking through thorny bushes and expecting to come out unscathed. The hosts expanded their critique to other out-of-touch Democrats, poking fun at Pete Buttigieg for a tweet about making dinner for his kids, which they viewed as another example of a politician failing to connect with everyday Americans. The conversation then pivoted to local Idaho politics, with the hosts enthusiastically promoting a town hall meeting for Idaho Kids Win, a group advocating for parental choice in education. They framed the event as an "anti-panic tour" in direct opposition to the "Save Our Schools" movement, which they contend is more focused on protecting teachers' unions than serving children's best interests.

The centerpiece of the show was an in-depth interview with Congressman Mike Simpson, who joined from Washington D.C. to discuss the end of the government shutdown and the path forward. He provided a timeline for reopening the government and addressed key concerns for constituents, confirming that federal paychecks and SNAP benefits should begin flowing again quickly. The conversation highlighted the deep partisan divisions, particularly around healthcare, with the Congressman expressing his confusion over the Democrats' goals during the shutdown. The hosts and Congressman Simpson spent significant time on the future of the Affordable Care Act, a discussion that continued after the interview. Neal and Julie expressed a cynical but hopeful view that the shutdown and the Democrats' own complaints about healthcare costs may have inadvertently created the perfect political catalyst to finally repeal and replace Obamacare.

Key moments from the conversation with Congressman Mike Simpson include:
*   **Government Reopening:** He expected the House to pass the Senate's funding bill that same day, getting the government fully reopened by the evening.
*   **Affordable Care Act Subsidies:** Congressman Simpson stated his opposition to extending the COVID-era subsidies, arguing they don't address the root problem of high healthcare costs and that Republicans would demand major reforms before considering an extension.
*   **Trump's Influence:** He agreed that former President Trump would continue to use his platform to push for a more competitive, market-based healthcare system, keeping the issue at the forefront of public discussion.
*   **Shutdown Strategy:** The Congressman expressed genuine confusion about what Democrats hoped to achieve with the shutdown, noting that Republicans had met their initial demands for a clean, short-term resolution, only to see Democrats vote against it anyway.

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On this Veterans Day episode, the podcast opens with a poignant tribute, playing a Ronald Reagan speech that emphasizes the sacrifices made for American freedom and the moral courage of its people. The hosts, Neal and Julie, express their profound gratitude to all veterans and encourage listeners to share the speech with younger generations to ensure these values endure. The conversation then moves to current political events, touching on the procedural votes needed to reopen the government and the hosts' disappointment that several local candidates in Pocatello and Idaho Falls have declined invitations to participate in upcoming debates.

The hosts then shift their focus to the nature of online political discourse, offering advice to frequent social media commenters to be more thoughtful and to avoid using AI to generate their posts. This discussion leads to a critique of publicly funded media, with the hosts using an NPR podcast's plea for money as an example of government-funded inefficiency and overstaffing. Inspired by this, they playfully brainstorm a new segment dedicated to mocking NPR's signature style. The episode also covers other political news, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett's comments on Dominion voting machines and the fallout from a deceptively edited BBC story about Donald Trump.

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