Washington Examiner political reporter Ryan King explains the debate over the debates. Specifically, the conflict over the upcoming RNC-sponsored debates and why Donald Trump threatened to not participate. King explains the points of contention and how they could affect the overall nomination process. The conversation includes a look at both major political parties.

Brownstone Insitute fellow Tom Harrington discusses the arguments he makes in his new book: The Treason Of the Experts: COVID And The Credentialed Class. Harrington looks at the influence - even control - that was ceded to "experts" during the era of Covid-19 shutdowns. He argues that the "credentialied class": academics, medical professionals, policy and political figures, were allowed to violate individual rights without being questioned.

Mattias Gugel from the National Taxpayers Union describes how some proposed paid family leave policies would work if enacted into law. He also assesses how those would affect workers and employers and what the unintended consequences of the policies could be.

The R Street Institute's Adam Thierer offers a perspective on the role artificial intelligence is having in the economy and workplace. The discussion looks at worries many have about AI replacing and leaving workers behind.

Curt Mills from The American Conservative reacts to the news that both Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon were taken off the air at FOX News and CNN , respectively. The conversation looks at the influence they, especially Carlson, have on the national discussion of politics, policy, and culture.

First Liberty Institute's Keisha Russell discusses a legal case in Utah that involved the removal of the Bible from a public school library in the David School District. That happened in response to a complaint filed, saying the Bible contains objectionable material. The discussion includes elements of religious freedom and the debate over age-appropriate materials in public schools.

Bankrate.com's Mark Hamrick assesses the way the economy is affecting personal finances, particularly savings, in the US. He also explains why online banking for savings could be a better options than other options.

Ethan Peck from the Free Enterprise Project discusses concerns about Chinese influence on US businesses. He argues that the nation could be leveraging their financial influence to push businesses into taking actions that run counter to America's interests.

Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL) provides an update on several current issues being debated in Washington, The discussion includes illegal immigration/border security, a legislative proposal to deal with Chinese "dumping" of some products in the US markets in order to disrupt markets, and the debate over the federal debt ceiling and federal spending.

* This conversation is courtesy of NewsTalk STL in St. Louis, MO.

** thumbnail image from Rep. Bost's Facebook page

Jean Evans with the American Federation for Children assesses the state of school choice throughout the nation.