4.16.2026 - INTERVIEW: Sen. Jim Risch, Iran Update, Idaho Politics, Medical Marijuana

Send us Fan MailNeal Larson and Julie Mason check in with U.S. Senator Jim Risch for a fast-moving update on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and where things go next. Risch argues Trump deserves major credit for finally forcing a decisive moment after decades of Iranian aggression, says the military phase is largely “winding down” because so much of Iran’s military and government capability has been flattened, and stresses this won’t turn into another forever war. They also touch NATO—Risch is clearly frustrated with allies refusing certain cooperation, but still sees the alliance as essential to U.S. (and Idaho) security. Before he goes, they pivot to taxes and the “one big beautiful bill,” with Risch emphasizing it as a working-family tax cut and predicting people will feel it in refunds and paychecks.After that, the show ranges from Trump’s no-tax-on-tips push (especially relevant in Nevada) to a quick take that the “AI Jesus image” controversy will likely blow over compared to economic results. Then the tone shifts into local politics and media toxicity—how money and deception are filtering into even Idaho legislative races, and why authenticity in party affiliation matters. In the second half, they bring on tenor Nathan Pacheco to preview his April 29 performance at the Stephens Performing Arts Center (with a local young adult choir, cello, and piano), centered on uplifting faith-focused music tied to Easter/Emmanuel themes. The hour closes with a fiery, community-first discussion about a likely medical marijuana initiative hitting the Idaho ballot—Neal and Julie acknowledge compassion and pain relief, but argue the real-world outcomes in other states have meant cultural spillover, public use, school exposure, and broader social costs. They run a quick listener flash poll that comes back overwhelmingly opposed and take emotional calls from people describing addiction fallout, including families directly impacted.**Highlights**- Senator Jim Risch says Iran’s military capacity has been “flattened,” predicts an end sooner rather than later, and urges patience for diplomacy.- NATO: frustration with allied reluctance, but Risch says the alliance still materially improves U.S. security.- Nathan Pacheco previews his April 29 East Idaho concert with choir + “The King of Emmanuel,” “Forever,” and classic power ballads.- Medical marijuana ballot talk: compassion arguments collide with warnings about culture change, child exposure, and lessons from other states.- Listener flash poll: strong “no” sentiment dominates; several callers share personal stories of addiction and loss.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.<a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou