7.8.2026 - Gas Prices & Gratitude | AI Fact-Checking Debate | Ashton’s Cricket Swarm

Send us Fan MailThe show bounced between international uncertainty, national political intrigue, and a very Idaho-style local headache. Neal and Julie dug into the fast-moving situation with Iran—skeptical that any “deal” or ceasefire can hold as long as the current regime remains in power, while also acknowledging how limited and risky America’s options are if the goal is protecting U.S. forces and interests without sliding into a larger war. They also reacted to President Trump’s comments tied to NATO and Europe, especially his argument that Europe’s immigration and energy decisions are putting its future at risk—and his broader message that longtime U.S. defense guarantees have enabled European dependence.Domestically, they unpacked Scott Jennings’ claim that he recently spoke with Mitch McConnell, pushing back on online rumors about McConnell’s condition while also arguing that the public deserves clearer “proof of life” through credible, on-camera journalism. The episode also spotlighted viral local and cultural moments: the blow-up and firing of a Grand Teton Mall security guard caught screaming and getting physical over filming (with Neal emphasizing the need for context, while still calling the behavior unacceptable), online speculation swirling around celebrity relationships, and the growing pressure campaign for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to exit the race—framed as a party-control problem and another example of political elites trying to override voters when a nominee becomes “inconvenient.” Listener interaction rounded it out: a call about gas-price perspective and a timely, vivid on-the-ground report about Mormon cricket swarms near Ashton—complete with road hazards, crop concerns, and plenty of Neal-and-Julie humor.---## 2. Highlights- Neal’s blunt take on Iran: ceasefires and “deals” won’t solve the problem while the current regime stays in power—yet “bomb everybody” isn’t a serious option either.  - Scott Jennings says he spoke with Mitch McConnell for 17 minutes—Neal isn’t buying that as enough to calm “proof of life” doubts and calls for a credible on-camera interview.  - The Grand Teton Mall security-guard meltdown goes viral—Neal wants more context, but says the firing was the right move after the screaming and physical escalation.  - A listener pushes back on constant gas-price whining, sparking a bigger gratitude-vs.-complaint discussion—and a reminder to be skeptical of questionable links and sources.  - Maine’s Graham Platner drama: Neal and Julie argue party leaders want him gone because he’s unelectable (and maybe uncontrollable), not out of moral outrage.  - “Mormon crickets” invade Ashton/Island Park: a caller describes cannibal behavior, slick roads, and the popcorn-like sound of driving over them—followed by rapid-fire (sometimes edgy) Mormon-cricket jokes.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