The Lars Larson Show Interviews

The Justice Department just released findings that could ignite a political firestorm across the country. According to a new federal report, anti-Christian bias may have spread through multiple agencies during the Biden administration, raising serious questions about whether Americans were quietly punished for their religious beliefs. From churches and Catholic groups to foster parents and Christi...

A Los Angeles couple says the city turned their private property into a government-controlled monument after officials blocked plans to redevelop a home once briefly owned by Marilyn Monroe. Critics argue the owners are now stuck paying for security, maintenance, and restrictions they never agreed to — all to preserve a celebrity connection from more than 60 years ago. Robert Thomas, director of t...

A congressional budget hearing erupted into chaos after EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin accused Rep. Rosa DeLauro of being “uninformed” and crossing the line with inflammatory rhetoric during a heated exchange over climate policy and federal authority. The clash is fueling new concerns about whether political debates in Washington are turning into pure outrage theater instead of serious governance. R...

For decades, OPEC helped control global oil prices and, in turn, what Americans pay at the pump. But after the United Arab Emirates announced plans to leave the cartel, some analysts say the organization’s influence may finally be cracking just as global energy markets face major instability. Daniel Turner, founder and executive director of Power The Future, joins us to discuss what the UAE’s exit...

Americans are skipping prescriptions, rationing medication, and struggling to afford basic treatments while drug companies continue posting massive profits. New polling suggests even Republican voters increasingly support aggressive pharmaceutical reform, including policies aimed at lowering prescription costs through President Trump’s “Most Favored Nation” pricing model. Former Congressman J.D. H...

Teachers unions have reportedly directed hundreds of millions of dollars toward political campaigns and progressive activist groups over the past decade, raising questions about whether educators truly have a choice in where their dues money goes. Critics argue public school teachers are being forced to bankroll political agendas they may not personally support. Paul Runko, Senior Director of Stra...

Willamette Week just released its endorsements for 30 races on Oregon’s May ballot, including key contests that could shape the state’s political future — and possibly the next challenge to Governor Tina Kotek. The paper says its picks focus less on ideology and more on competence, accountability, and who can actually get results. Aaron Mesh, Managing Editor of Willamette Week, joins us to break d...

Christine Drazan says she helped stop a massive tax increase by referring it to voters, but critics argue she’s taking credit for work done by others. As Oregon’s Republican governor primary heats up, new questions are also emerging about taxpayer funding tied to the Portland Trail Blazers and whether candidate Chris Dudley has been fully honest with voters about his abortion stance. Oregon State...

Former FBI Director James Comey is back in court after being indicted over a social media post critics say threatened President Donald Trump. The Justice Department argues the post crossed a dangerous line, while supporters say the case risks criminalizing political speech and raises major First Amendment concerns. Leland Vittert, host of On Balance with Leland Vittert and Chief Washington Anchor...

Oregon was once a magnet for businesses, families, and opportunity; now critics say it’s becoming a warning sign for the rest of America. Rising homelessness, crime, addiction, struggling schools, and businesses leaving the state have many asking whether decades of progressive leadership pushed Oregon into decline. Dennis Kneale, former CNBC and Fox Business host and author of Oregoners: How One S...

Your vote decides elections, but should politicians be allowed to profit from the outcome? After multiple congressional candidates were reportedly caught betting on their own races, critics warn election gambling could open the door to corruption and insider manipulation. Should prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket be banned from election betting altogether? Dr. Bo Kabala joins us to disc...

One Oregon commissioner turned down her own government pension and reportedly saved taxpayers $200,000. So why are politicians still collecting taxpayer-funded retirement packages for “public service”? Should elected officials be expected to give up those benefits altogether? Patti Adair, Deschutes County Commissioner and candidate for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, joins us to discuss gover...

Your business partner could suddenly become your legal liability. The Department of Labor is proposing new “joint employer” rules that could hold multiple businesses responsible for employee wages, damages, and labor violations. Supporters say it protects workers, while critics warn it could crush franchises, contractors, and small businesses with lawsuits and government overreach. Sean Higgins, r...

Washington County controls a $2 billion budget but now faces budget shortfalls, scandal fallout, and a major leadership shakeup as Chair Kathryn Harrington steps down. With establishment insiders and an outsider candidate battling for control, voters must decide whether the county needs more of the same — or a political wild card to clean house. Jenny Kamprath, candidate for Washington County Chai...

Americans have gotten used to fast, cheap, and even free shipping — but growing federal regulations could be driving those costs straight back onto consumers. New research warns government red tape is acting like a hidden tax on transportation, raising shipping prices and slowing productivity across trucking, rail, air, and freight industries. Patrick McLaughlin, Research Fellow at the Hoover Inst...

More than three million Virginians already cast their votes, but now the state’s redistricting battle is heading to the courts after a judge blocked certification of a closely approved ballot measure that could dramatically reshape congressional power. Critics say Democrats are trying to redraw the map after the election to secure a political advantage, while supporters argue the process must foll...

Most people know Chernobyl from history books or the hit TV series, but few heard from people who were actually there as the Soviet Union scrambled to contain the world’s worst nuclear disaster. Nearly 40 years later, questions still surround what really happened, how much was covered up, and what life looked like on the ground during the chaos. Carol J. Williams, author of Dispatches from Moscow:...

An Oregon state representative is accusing his opponent of spreading “false and defamatory” claims in the state voters’ pamphlet, raising new questions about whether campaign materials are informing voters — or misleading them. With election officials now being asked to review the statements, the controversy is turning into a broader fight over truth, free speech, and political accountability. Chr...

One of Washington’s most heavily secured events turned into chaos after an armed suspect allegedly charged a security checkpoint during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner while President Trump and top administration officials were inside. The incident is now raising serious questions about Secret Service security failures, political violence, and what actually happened behind closed doors that...

One of Oregon's most beloved fishing rivers could soon be off-limits to your boat. Who actually gets to decide who belongs on Oregon's waterways...you, or the government? Oregon State Representative Court Boice joins us to discuss the proposed boating restrictions, tribal influence over river access, and who should ultimately decide how Oregon’s public waterways are used. Send us Fan Mai...

Hospital bills keep climbing faster than inflation, wages, and almost everything else in the economy — but critics say it’s not just the hospitals driving the cost. New research argues government policies have inflated prices, limited competition, and helped create a healthcare system where Americans fear bankruptcy while hospitals post strong profits. John Graham, Visiting Fellow with Paragon Hea...

Another assassination attempt against President Trump has reignited fears about political violence in America after a gunman opened fire during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington. Investigators say the suspect specifically targeted administration officials, raising new questions about extremism, security failures, and whether the country is facing a domestic terror crisis it refu...

A groundbreaking cancer treatment from Moderna and Merck & Co. reportedly cut the risk of recurrence or death nearly in half — yet the companies are avoiding one controversial word: “vaccine.”  Dr. Henry Miller, physician, molecular biologist, and former founding director of the FDA’s Office of Biotechnology, joins us to discuss the future of mRNA cancer treatments, whether politics is interfe...

At Harvard University, more than 60% of grades are now A’s and when school officials proposed limiting top grades to restore academic rigor, some students called the idea racist.  Dr. Zachary Marschall, Editor-in-Chief of Campus Reform, joins us to discuss grade inflation, merit in higher education, and when academic standards became part of the culture war. Send us Fan Mail

A Portland man convicted of one of the most disturbing murders this city has ever seen just walked into a parole hearing. Should a man who tortured and killed a disabled woman ever walk free?  Former Oregon District Attorneys Association President Josh Marquis joins the program to discuss the case and whether violent offenders like this should ever be allowed back into society. Send us Fan Mail