7.17.2026 - S4C: Cassius Coleman | AI Data Centers | Pocatello Pushback | “Space Race” Stakes

Send us Fan MailFriday’s show was a lively mix of national politics, local growth fights, and a surprisingly deep (and funny) debate about technology and trust. Neal and Julie reacted to President Trump’s remarks about newly declassified information and alleged Chinese efforts to influence the 2020 election, while also circling back to how much of today’s public mood—on everything from AI to policing tech—flows from a broader distrust of institutions. That theme carried through the hour as they unpacked Pocatello’s decision to deny (again) the appeal for an AI data center at the old Hoku site. Neal argued AI is “the space race” the U.S. can’t afford to lose, while acknowledging the opposition isn’t one-size-fits-all: some concerns are environmental, some are true “not here” location objections, and some are outright anti-AI cultural resistance.The episode also featured a standout in-studio performance from 19-year-old Cassius Coleman of *anyone awake*, who talked about launching the band, going on tour before they feel “ready,” and the personal family story behind his original song “How to Make You Mind.” Later, the conversation turned into a listener-driven back-and-forth on Flock license plate reader cameras—privacy fears, slippery-slope arguments, and real-world examples of crimes solved—while Neal and Julie pushed for a fact-based debate (what the cameras do and don’t do today) rather than worst-case hypotheticals.---## 2. Highlights- Neal calls AI “the space race” and warns that refusing to engage with it is a recipe for getting left behind—personally and nationally.  - Pocatello’s AI data center appeal gets denied again, sparking a sharp discussion about NIMBY politics, property rights, and what public comment should (and shouldn’t) decide.  - In-studio: Cassius Coleman (anyone awake) performs “New Friends” (Pinegrove) and shares the story behind his original track tied to his grandparents’ 66-year marriage.  - The “Chuck Schumer flatulence” moment turns into a full comedic detour featuring Rep. Tim Burchett, Taco Bell jokes, and Julie’s running commentary.  - Listeners light up the phones over Flock cameras: privacy concerns vs. public safety wins, plus Neal’s repeated insistence on starting with verifiable facts—not vibes.  - A caller ties public skepticism to broader government distrust and argues the U.S. has to build data centers smartly—or watch China win the next era.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