Pam Lewison - Is your Fourth of July cookout costing more this year?

Josh Marquis - Should Oregon be handing millions to convicted criminals?

Oregon has paid tens of millions of dollars to inmates in recent years through lawsuits and settlements. Is the state protecting constitutional rights, or rewarding convicted criminals at taxpayers' expense? Josh Marquis is a former Oregon District Attorney and former President of the Oregon District Attorneys Association. He joins the show to discuss reports that Oregon has paid roughly $49 million to inmates, why those payments are being made, and whether changes are needed to the state's legal and corrections systems. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

Pam Lewison - Is your Fourth of July cookout costing more this year?

The cost of a traditional Fourth of July cookout is rising again, but farmers say they're seeing only pennies from every food dollar. Where is the rest of the money going? Pam Lewison is Agriculture Research Director at the Washington Policy Center. She joins the show to discuss rising food prices, what farmers actually earn from holiday cookouts, and the economic pressures facing American agriculture. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

David May - Should American taxpayers keep bankrolling the United Nations?

The United Nations is facing a multibillion-dollar funding shortfall while critics continue to raise concerns about waste and accountability. Should the United States keep paying the bill? David May is Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He joins the show to discuss the UN's financial crisis, the organization's funding challenges, and the debate over continued U.S. support. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

Rep. John Ley - Why does one Northwest bridge cost ten times more than another?

Two major bridge replacement projects in the Pacific Northwest have dramatically different price tags despite similar engineering challenges. Are taxpayers getting their money's worth? Rep. John Ley represents Washington's 18th Legislative District. He joins the show to discuss the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge project, rising infrastructure costs, and why some public projects cost far more than others. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]

Tom Ryan - Will Medicare's bidding plan leave vulnerable patients behind?

A new Medicare proposal could change how patients receive essential medical supplies used every day at home. Will the plan save taxpayers money, or make it harder for patients to get the products they rely on?   Tom Ryan is President and CEO of the American Association for Homecare. He joins the show to discuss the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed competitive bidding program for medical supplies, why patient advocates are urging Congress and CMS to pause the plan, and the potential impact. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2602482/fan_mail/new]