Next Round

Center Square California reporter and Free Cities Center contributor Kenneth Schrupp joins us to discuss his recent reporting on policy mistakes that made preventing and fighting the recent Southern California wildfires worse. He also discusses what he's learned about controversial legislation to "reimagine" the Palisades as it is rebuilt. He also shares insights in his reporting on high speed rail, homelessness, and the aftermath of the LA ICE riots.

Listen as Free Cities Center director Steven Greenhut sits down for a wide-ranging discussion with legendary San Francisco Mayor and former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. In this candid interview, they discuss the challenges facing the West Coast's urban centers including crime, housing, homelessness, education, and transportation. Brown also offers his views on some of the state's most controversial topics such as high-speed rail and redevelopment.

This week, our special guest is Assemblyman Josh Hoover, R-Folsom, who is serving in his second term and also is vice chair of the Assembly Education Committee. We discuss key issues being debated at the State Capitol these days including the state budget, efforts to crack down on homelessness, and legislation that would further hinder charter schools. We also discuss his efforts to increase oversight over state programs and spending, and his successful efforts to crack down on student cell phone use in the classroom.

This week on Next Round, we welcome back PRI senior fellow in business and economics Dr. Wayne Winegarden to talk about the big economic topics in the news recently - the passage by Congress of the reconciliation bill, the Trump administration's latest global tariff proposals, the federal budget recissions bill being debated in Congress, and the recently-enacted California State Budget. Wayne gives his analysis on these issues and shares his thoughts on how fiscal conservatives should view the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill."

This week, we talk with Dr. Ed Amos, noted physician and neurologist who tragically lost his home in the Pacific Palisades wildfires. He shares his first hand experience on the day of, and the immediate aftermath, of the wildfires, and offers a close-up view of just how effective government at all levels has done in reducing bureaucracy and helping homeowners quickly begin the rebuilding process.

With the Fourth of July upon us, our special guest this week is Chef Andrew Gruel, food entrepreneur, celebrity chef and television personality, and newly appointed Huntington Beach city councilman. We discuss how regulations and minimum wage mandates are hurting restaurants and other small businesses, how being a vocal conservative has impacted his career, and why he decided to become a city councilman. He also shares some ideas for how to cook with your family, from his terrific new book, Andrew Gruel's Family Cookbook.

Direct from FreedomFest 2025 in Palm Springs, Tim talks with Reason reporter Eric Boehm, who covers economic and trade policy. They talk about the latest developments in the Trump administration's global tariff agenda, preview how the debate over global tariffs will play out this summer, and what consumers should expect in terms of the availability and prices of goods under the Trump tariffs. Plus, they discuss a terrific, must-read article by Eric on how curling offers policymakers some good lessons about civility in our increasingly aggressive political world these days.

Direct from FreedomFest 2025 in Palm Springs, Tim talks with Reason senior editor, author, and host of the Rising on Hill TV Robby Soave. Among other topics, they discuss the LA ICE riots, how Gov. Gavin Newsom is viewed on the national political scene, and how we should look back on the legacy of Elon Musk's DOGE efforts. Plus, Tim and Matt discuss Gov. Newsom's technical error-filled TV address on the LA ICE riots, and Sen. Alex Padilla's arrest at Kristi Noem's press conference.

Rebekah Paxton of the Employment Policies Institute joins us to discuss EPI's high-profile research on the impact of California's $20 fast food minimum wage on jobs, workers, prices. They also discuss the Los Angeles' plan for a $30 minimum wage for hotel and airport workers.