The Lars Larson Show Interviews

A suspected Chinese cyberattack on a U.S. surveillance system is being called a major national security threat, with reports that sensitive law enforcement data may have been compromised. It’s the latest in a string of high-level breaches targeting American systems. Wayne Barnes, former FBI counterintelligence agent with 29 years of experience, joins the program to break down what this means, how...

Iran is threatening global oil supply, but the U.S. isn’t feeling the same pressure it would have decades ago. Thanks to the shale revolution, America now leads the world in energy production—raising a big question about how that changes our position on the global stage. Kevin Dayaratna, Vice President at Advancing American Freedom, joins the program to break down whether energy independence gave...

Trump says regime change in Iran has already happened—but critics say that’s premature with the war still unfolding. At the same time, signs of internal collapse, weakening leadership, and growing unrest inside Iran are hard to ignore. Zineb Riboua, research fellow at the Hudson Institute, joins the program to break down whether the regime is already unraveling—and whether it even matters if the f...

A new study shows AI health chatbots can be fooled by fake medical information nearly half the time—especially when it sounds like it’s coming from a doctor. As more Americans turn to AI for quick answers, that raises serious questions about how reliable it really is. Dr. Henry Miller, physician and former founding director of the FDA’s Office of Biotechnology, joins the program to break down the...

A new filing in the Charlie Kirk murder case shows a key bullet analysis came back “inconclusive”—and some are already claiming it clears the suspect. But experts say that’s not how forensic evidence works, especially with other evidence still in play. Nils Grevillius, crime expert and Army veteran, joins the program to break down what “inconclusive” actually means and whether this changes the cas...

A reported Medicaid fraud scheme allegedly used fake addresses and out-of-state billing while vulnerable people were caught in the middle and questions are now being raised about what state officials knew and when. So how did this go on, and who’s responsible for stopping it? Jeff Eager, former Bend mayor and attorney, joins the program to break down what’s been uncovered and whether state leaders...

Oregon lawmakers face growing concerns over taxes, public safety, and government accountability but what should be tackled first? With frustration building across the state, voters are looking for answers and real priorities. Bill Vivian, candidate for Oregon House District 8 and Navy veteran, joins the program to lay out what he sees as the biggest problem in Salem and how he would fix it. Send u...

Lawmakers are pushing to end tax breaks for data centers just as AI infrastructure becomes a global race. Supporters say it’s about fairness and costs but critics warn it could slow U.S. innovation and hand an advantage to China. Donald Kimball, Communications Manager at the Washington Policy Center and Tech Exchange Editor, joins the program to break down what’s at stake and whether policies like...

A new report says birth tourism has turned U.S. citizenship into a global commodity, with foreign nationals flying in to give birth and secure citizenship for their children. Critics argue it’s a loophole being exploited on a massive scale, raising concerns about cost, security, and the original intent of the Constitution. Mateo Forero, Director of Investigations at FAIR, joins the program to brea...

A proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget is sparking debate in Washington, especially as it could come alongside cuts to domestic programs like Medicaid. Some lawmakers say it’s necessary for national security, while others warn about the tradeoffs. Veronique de Rugy, Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center, joins the program to break down the budget, the pushback from within the GOP, and wha...

The economy added 178,000 jobs in March but major revisions to previous months paint a much shakier picture. With volatility in the labor market and global uncertainty still looming, the headline number may not tell the full story. Sean Higgins, Research Fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, joins the program to break down what the jobs report really shows and whether there’s more troubl...

After a deadly school shooting in Georgia, lawmakers are moving to require weapon detection systems in every public school, something no state has done before. Supporters say it could save lives, while critics question the cost and effectiveness. Burt Jones, Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor and former State Senator, joins the program to explain why he supports the push and whether this should become...

Detroit just made it a crime to hand out pamphlets or talk to someone near an abortion clinic, raising major questions about where free speech rights begin and end. Supporters call it protecting patients, but critics say it targets one viewpoint and shuts down conversation. Nate Kellum, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute, joins the program to break down the lawsuit and whether this crosses...

Gas is climbing past $4 a gallon, and only a few states are hitting pause on gas taxes. Some say it’s real relief for drivers, others call it a short-term political move that barely makes a difference. Paul Miller, founder of Miller & Company, joins the program to break down whether suspending gas taxes actually helps or just sounds good. Send us Fan Mail

Washington State is considering a proposal that would cap bail at just $200 for most misdemeanors and make it easier for repeat offenders to walk out of court; sometimes with little accountability to return. Supporters call it reform, but critics say it strips away one of the last tools to ensure people show up and communities stay safe. Nancy Churchill, author of Dangerous Rhetoric on Substack, j...

A new audit found massive overpayments in Washington’s childcare system, with millions of taxpayer dollars going out improperly and little oversight to catch it. At the same time, the agency’s staff has grown significantly, yet barely anyone is assigned to audit where the money is actually going. Washington Senate Republican Leader John Braun joins the program to break down what the audit uncovere...

Oregon just passed a law that could fine a think tank thousands of dollars per message for reminding workers they have the right to leave their union. Critics say it’s a direct attack on free speech and an attempt to block workers from knowing their rights. Aaron Withe, CEO of the Freedom Foundation, joins the program to break down the lawsuit, what’s at stake, and why other states are now trying...

The Trump administration says changes to farm labor policy are helping growers by lowering costs and expanding access to foreign workers but farmers in the Northwest are still struggling to find enough labor. At the same time, critics argue the policy undercuts American workers and shifts the balance toward employers. Dillon Honcoop, Communications Director for Whatcom Family Farmers and Save Fami...

Oil is back over $100 a barrel, but U.S. producers aren’t rushing to drill more. With global supply under pressure and demand still high, you’d expect a surge in production but that’s not what’s happening. Jay Young, Founder and CEO of King Operating Corporation, joins the program to explain what’s really holding companies back and why higher prices aren’t leading to more drilling. Send us Fan Mai...

A Maryland school district is pushing a new certification that would require elementary schools to adopt LGBTQ-focused curriculum, staff training, and student policies without requiring parental consent in some cases. Supporters call it inclusive, but critics say it crosses a line for young students and families. Terry Stoops, Director of State Affairs for Defending Education, joins the program to...

After recent shakeups inside the Trump administration, reports suggest more cabinet changes could be on the way. Frustration is building behind the scenes, and several top officials may be on the chopping block. Anthony Russo, political analyst and professional speaker, joins the program to break down what’s driving the turmoil and whether more firings are likely. Send us Fan Mail

Drivers crossing into Oregon are being watched by cameras at ports of entry but what exactly is being collected, and where is that data going? At the same time, a new audit shows millions in taxpayer dollars were handed out improperly through a state health program, raising even more questions about oversight and accountability. Rep. Jeff Helfrich, who represents Oregon’s 52nd district, joins the...

Washington State just pulled the plug on a key law enforcement tool used to track stolen vehicles, find missing persons, and catch dangerous criminals—all in the name of “privacy.” Now officers face criminal penalties for using technology that helped keep communities safe. Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank joins the program to explain what losing this tool means on the ground, and whether lawmaker...

Two Oregon men walked free after 17 years in prison when their convictions collapsed over withheld evidence and alleged misconduct by prosecutors. Now, one of the same prosecutors tied to the case is running the DA’s office. So how does that happen and who’s held accountable? Josh Marquis, former Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association and former President of the Oregon Distr...

Pam Bondi is out as Attorney General. Now the focus shifts to what comes next and who should take her place. Dr. Steven Bonta, Executive Senior Editor of The New American, joins the program to break down the potential replacements and what kind of leadership the Justice Department needs moving forward. Send us Fan Mail