The Lars Larson Show Interviews

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan is facing calls to recuse herself from a major climate lawsuit after critics say she publicly endorsed legal theories central to the case. Should a justice hear a case after weighing in on the underlying issues?

Carrie Severino is President of the Judicial Crisis Network and a former law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas. She joins the show to discuss the ethics complaint against Justice Kagan, the controversy surrounding Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, and whether recusal is necessary to preserve confidence in the Supreme Court.

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A new study claims Apple News and Google News ignored more than 100 stories about a Democratic Senate candidate's controversies until he became a political liability. Are news apps shaping public opinion by deciding which stories get seen?

David Bozell is President of the Media Research Center. He joins the show to discuss the organization's analysis of Apple News and Google News, allegations that major platforms suppressed negative coverage of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, and whether Big Tech is influencing the flow of political news.

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California has made it illegal for employers to require workers to attend meetings about politics or religion. Is the law protecting employees from coercion, or violating employers' First Amendment rights?

Will Swaim is President of the California Policy Center. He joins the show to discuss the legal challenge to California's workplace speech law, the recent arguments before the Ninth Circuit, and what the case could mean for free speech in the workplace.

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A South Korean energy company wants to cover hundreds of acres of productive Willamette Valley farmland with solar panels. Is green energy worth sacrificing some of Oregon's best agricultural land?

Troy Jones is a Harrisburg resident and member of Friends of Gap Road. He joins the show to discuss the proposed Muddy Creek Energy Park, concerns about converting farmland into a large-scale solar facility, and whether Oregon should prioritize food production over renewable energy development.

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A federal appeals court says states can't give in-state tuition to illegal immigrants while charging higher rates to American citizens from other states. Should Oregon's similar policy be next?

Hannah Davis is Investigations Manager at the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). She joins the show to discuss the Fifth Circuit's ruling striking down Texas' in-state tuition policy for illegal immigrants, how federal law applies, and what the decision could mean for Oregon and other states with similar laws.

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Children need more than financial support—they need an engaged father. But what does it really take to raise respectful, confident, and independent kids in today's world?

Dr. Binyamin Rothstein is an osteopathic physician with more than 45 years of experience in family medicine and the author of A Real Man's Guide to Becoming a Terrific Dad. A father of eight and grandfather of many, he joins the show to discuss the importance of active fatherhood, building strong relationships with children, and raising kids through respect rather than fear.

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A developer wanted to transform one of Portland's biggest eyesores into a thriving waterfront destination. Instead, he says the city's permitting process made the project nearly impossible. Is Portland's bureaucracy chasing away the very investment it needs?

James Kasper is a Vancouver-based developer and business owner. He joins the show to discuss his proposal to redevelop Portland's long-vacant Centennial Mills property, the permitting hurdles he encountered, and why he says the city's red tape is driving investment elsewhere.

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Texas launched a new stock exchange to challenge Wall Street's embrace of ESG investing, but some of its biggest financial backers have championed ESG policies themselves. Does that undermine the exchange's mission?

Will Hild is Executive Director of Consumers' Research, the nation's oldest consumer protection organization. He joins the show to discuss the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange, the role of firms like BlackRock and J.P. Morgan, and whether the new exchange can truly offer an alternative to Wall Street's ESG agenda.

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The Justice Department has filed lawsuits challenging gun restrictions in several states, arguing they violate the Second Amendment. Will the courts side with gun owners, or uphold the states' authority to regulate firearms?

Bob Barr is a former Member of Congress, former federal prosecutor, and former U.S. Attorney. He joins the show to discuss the Justice Department's legal challenges to state gun laws, the constitutional debate over so-called assault weapon bans, and what the cases could mean for the future of the Second Amendment.

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As the NATO summit wraps up, questions remain about whether the United States should continue bearing the largest share of Europe's security costs. Is the alliance still serving America's interests, or is it time for Europe to take the lead?

Mark Episkopos is a Research Fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute and an Adjunct Professor of History at Marymount University. He joins the show to discuss the future of NATO, U.S. troop levels in Europe, burden-sharing among allies, and whether the alliance should expand further east.

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