The Lars Larson Show Interviews

The Colorado River supplies water to millions across the American West, but another historically dry winter is forcing states to make emergency cuts. How long can the region sustain growing demand with shrinking water supplies?

Tom Buschatzke is Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. He joins the show to discuss the latest agreement between Arizona, California, and Nevada to conserve Colorado River water, the long term challenges facing the region, and what the future could hold for cities, agriculture, and consumers across the West.

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Republicans promised to shrink government involvement in the economy, but a new housing bill is drawing criticism from conservatives who say it expands subsidies and distorts the market. Will the plan make housing more affordable or push prices even higher?

Joel Griffith is a senior fellow at Advancing American Freedom. He joins the show to discuss the Senate’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, concerns over government backed housing policies, and the debate over whether federal intervention is helping or hurting the American housing market.

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A Portland sauna business followed county rules and secured permits, but complaints over wood smoke have sparked a growing neighborhood battle. When a business is operating legally, how much power should neighbors have to stop it?

Aaron Mesh is the Managing Editor for Willamette Week. He joins the show to discuss the dispute surrounding a wood burning sauna business in Portland, gaps in Multnomah County’s current regulations, and the broader tension between neighborhood complaints and small business rights.

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A new report argues that stricter childcare regulations may be making care more expensive without improving safety outcomes. Are state policies creating new barriers for families and working parents?

Edward Timmons is Vice President of Policy at the Archbridge Institute. He joins the show to discuss a new ranking of state childcare regulations, the connection between regulation and affordability, and how childcare costs can affect workforce participation, especially for mothers returning to work.

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Health officials are closely monitoring a growing hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship after new cases raised concerns about possible person to person spread. Are experts underestimating how easily this virus can move between people?

Rayne Guest is founder and CEO of ArrowClean, formerly known as R-Water. She joins the show to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Andes strain of hantavirus, what scientists currently understand about transmission, and how disinfection technology may play a role in preventing future outbreaks.

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President Trump says he supports suspending the federal gas tax as fuel prices climb during tensions in the Middle East. Would Americans really feel relief at the pump or would the savings disappear before they reach consumers?

Steve Cotton is President of Cotton Wealth Management Associates. He joins the show to discuss the economic impact of a possible gas tax holiday, what history shows about fuel tax suspensions, and whether the policy would meaningfully lower costs for everyday drivers.

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Oregon students rank at the bottom nationally in fourth grade reading and one unconventional governor candidate is using a six foot pencil costume to make sure voters notice. Is the campaign a stunt or a warning sign about the state’s education system?

J. Schuberth is a former college professor and literacy advocate running for Oregon governor under the name “Pencil.” He joins the show to discuss Oregon’s literacy rankings, why he launched a protest style campaign, and what changes he believes are needed to address the state’s education crisis

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A major redistricting effort in Virginia was struck down by the state Supreme Court after millions were spent backing the proposal. Are election maps becoming a political weapon instead of a representation tool?

KC Crosbie is Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee. She joins the show to discuss the Virginia Supreme Court ruling on the proposed redistricting referendum, the role of outside political spending in the effort, and the broader national debate over gerrymandering and election fairness.

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Connecticut lawmakers have approved new homeschooling regulations that supporters call child protection and critics call government overreach. Where should the line be drawn between parental rights and state oversight?

Ralph Rodriguez is an attorney with the Home School Legal Defense Association. He joins the show to discuss Connecticut’s new homeschooling law, concerns from families and legal advocates, and the constitutional debate over how much authority states should have over home education.

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A Maryland doctor who publicly criticized federal COVID policy later faced criminal fraud charges that were ultimately overturned by a judge. Was the prosecution justified or an example of government overreach?

Ron Elfenbein is a Maryland physician whose conviction in a COVID related billing fraud case was overturned. He joins the show to discuss the federal case against him, the judge’s criticism of the prosecution, and broader concerns about whether political speech can influence government investigations.

You can find more information at www.dropthecase.com and Weaponization Watch

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