The Lars Larson Show Interviews

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 State Chased Away Businesses and People, joins us to discuss what went wrong in Oregon, whether the state can turn things around, and why so many residents feel like they’re paying more while getting less.

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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 for NewsNation, joins us to discuss the Comey indictment, political rhetoric, and whether the justice system is being used to settle political scores.

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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 Representative Ed Diehl joins us to discuss the latest GOP primary poll, the battle over tax policy, and the growing debate over who Republican voters can actually trust heading into the race for governor.

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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 down the publication’s endorsements, what stood out during candidate interviews, and which Oregon races could have the biggest impact moving forward.

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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.

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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 interfering with medical innovation, and if patients are getting the full truth about the therapies they receive.

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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 refuses to confront. 

Theo Wold, former White House Deputy Assistant for Domestic Policy under President Trump and former Assistant Attorney General, joins us to discuss the attack, the growing threat of politically motivated violence, and whether America’s institutions are prepared to deal with it.

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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 Health Institute, joins us to discuss who’s really benefiting from America’s healthcare system, why costs keep rising, and whether government regulations are making medical debt even worse for patients.

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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.

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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 night. 

Paul Teller, President of Teller Strategies, joins us to discuss the shocking security breach, the latest details surrounding suspect Cole Tomas Allen, and why critics say the incident exposed major vulnerabilities at one of the nation’s highest-profile events.

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