Next Round Pacific Research Institute

Our guest this week is Charles Kesler, one of the nation's most prominent political philosophers. He teaches government at Claremont McKenna and is the editor of the Claremont Review of Books. Prof. Kesler's former students have produced a book celebrating his work entitled: "Leisure with Dignity: Essays in Celebration of Charles R. Kesler." We'll let him explain the title.

Dr. Matt Beech, director of the Center for British Politics at the University of Hull and senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Institute of European Studies, is back with a preview of the upcoming UK elections on July 4.  We discuss the major contenders and their platforms, what kind of prime minister Keir Starmer would be if elected, how the lingering effects of Brexit will impact the vote, and whether the “special relationship” between the US and the UK will be impacted by who is elected on July 4.

Partner in Schaerr-Jaffe and PRI fellow in legal studies Erik Jaffe joins us this week for his annual preview of the decisions in the hot cases that will be handed down by the Supreme Court this month.  Lance Izumi and Erik discuss how the Court may rule on President Trump's immunity claims and the remaining legal issues following the Dobbs ruling.  They also talk about cases PRI is particularly interested in, such as the Grants Pass case concerning the power of local governments to address homeless encampments.

Join us for a special episode featuring a speech by Newsweek opinion editor Batya Ungar-Sargon at a recent PRI luncheon in San Francisco.  Ms. Ungar-Sargon discussed her latest book, "Second Class:  How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women."  Also, Ro and Tim discuss the legislature's recent House of Origin deadline, including legislation on retail theft, homework, and legalizing drinking alcohol on city sidewalks.

Join us for a special presentation of remarks by noted economist Stephen Moore, who was the keynote speaker and honoree at this year’s PRI Baroness Thatcher Dinner in Newport Beach.  He talks about the challenges facing the US economy today and gives a preview of what economic policy would look like under a re-elected President Biden or President Trump.  Tim and Ro also discuss the start of the summer travel season, Trump and Biden agreeing to two presidential debates, and the key bills that were defeated or advanced out of the Appropriations Committees.

California is in a deep budget deficit.  In the May Revised budget, Gov. Newsom’s makes real cuts and suggests some efficiency improvements but are they enough?  PRI senior fellow in business and economics Wayne Winegarden unpacks the governor’s plan.  The proposal still relies on too many budget gimmicks and fund shifts, and underestimates the severity of the current budget shortfall.