The Lars Larson Show Interviews

Oregon State Senator Kevin Mannix - Should Oregon end catch and release for felons?

Oregon’s catch and release policies are under renewed scrutiny as critics argue serious offenders are being released before ever appearing before a judge. Should the state overhaul its pretrial release system in the name of public safety? Kevin Mannix is an Oregon state representative from Salem and a chief supporter of the proposed Oregon Crimefighting Act. He joins the show to discuss Initiative Petition 50, efforts to require court arraignments for felony suspects before release, and the broader debate over bail reform, jail capacity, and crime policy in Oregon. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

Jesse Proudman - Is Washington’s millionaire tax driving innovators away?

Another Washington tech entrepreneur says the state’s new millionaire tax is pushing business leaders to leave for places like Texas. Could higher taxes and growing regulation weaken Washington’s reputation as a hub for innovation and startups? Jesse Proudman is founder and CTO of the privacy focused AI platform Venice.ai [https://venice.ai?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. He joins the show to discuss why some entrepreneurs are reconsidering staying in Washington, concerns about the state’s new millionaire tax, and what the changing business climate could mean for jobs, investment, and the future of the tech industry. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

Justin Goodman - Is the NIH hiding another dangerous lab scandal?

New whistleblower allegations involving virus samples, lab safety incidents, and animal testing at a National Institutes of Health facility are raising fresh questions about transparency inside America’s top public health agencies. Could dangerous research practices be putting the public at risk? Justin Goodman is Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at White Coat Waste Project. He joins the show to discuss allegations of virus smuggling, claims of a possible cover-up involving NIH researchers, and ongoing concerns about high risk laboratory experiments involving dangerous pathogens. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

Kurt Miller - Should the Northwest sacrifice power to save salmon?

A federal court order is forcing Northwest dams to spill more water for salmon protection, reducing hydropower generation and raising concerns about electricity reliability and costs. As energy demand rises, can the region afford to lose one of its largest sources of clean power? Kurt Miller is chief executive officer of the Northwest Public Power Association. He joins the show to discuss the impact of the latest Columbia Basin spill order, growing concerns over grid reliability in the Pacific Northwest, and the debate over balancing salmon recovery efforts with affordable and dependable electricity. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

John Braun - Can Republicans flip Washington’s 3rd District?

A new poll shows Republican John Braun leading Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez as voter dissatisfaction grows in Washington’s 3rd District. Could Republicans be on track to flip one of the state’s most competitive seats? John Braun is Washington Senate Republican Leader and a candidate in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. He joins the show to discuss the latest polling, voter concerns in southwest Washington, and why Republicans believe the district is ready for a political shift in 2026. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]