Becerra v. Hilton: Who won the great debate?
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt break down the Becerra-Hilton gubernatorial debate. They crown the debate's big winners and losers, analyze the key moments, share their thoughts on the moderators, and discuss whether the candidates' performances will have any impact in changing the trajectory of the campaign.
info_outline
Let's Make a Deal on Paramount
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt analyze Attorney General Rob Bonta's deal on the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. They also discuss Gov. Newsom's AI executive order and demand for AI "kill switches" and a new poll showing big trouble for LA Mayor Karen Bass' re-election campaign.
info_outline
Close Races for Key Statewide Ballot Measures
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt discuss the latest statewide poll showing close races for the wealth tax and CEQA reform. They also discuss Gov. Newsom's statement that he would not challenge Kamala Harris for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, and analyze the re-election prospects of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
info_outline
Will the Republican Convention Turn Around The GOP's Midterm Prospects?
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt break down the President's big speech at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, and the proposal for 5,000 "dividend" payments to all U.S. adults. Plus, they break down the failure of Gov. Newsom to secure a deal on wildfire liability, and candidates Becerra and Hilton finally agreeing to a debate - plus, they remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
info_outline
2026 End of Session Preview
Next Round
As lawmakers enter the final week of the 2026 legislative session, Tim and Matt are joined for Next Round's annual look at the end of session by Free Cities Center director Steven Greenhut. They discuss all the hot end of session issues including wildfire liability, insurance, housing, pensions, AB 1776, and more.
info_outline
The Lowdown on the Politico Sacramento Summit
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt discuss Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra's long-overdue Sacramento press conference. They then explore what Becerra, GOP nominee Steve Hilton, and Attorney General Rob Bonta had to say at the Politico Sacramento Summit. Finally, they dive into new poll numbers on the governor's race and key ballot measures including the wealth tax.
info_outline
What is Gavin Newsom doing all day?
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt discuss the latest release of Gov. Gavin Newsom's calendar and explore the larger issue of public officials in California releasing their schedules. They also discuss Newsom's political roadshow to Michigan, the California Labor Federation endorsing the wealth tax, and California Forever making an end of session push to make it easier to push forward with their planned new city in Solano County.
info_outline
Assembly Republicans Oust Their Leader
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt discuss the breaking news that Assembly Republicans have voted to oust Heath Flora as Leader, in favor of Alexandra Macedo. They also discuss California Democrats voting to endorse the wealth tax ballot measure, Gavin Newsom trumpeting the latest state minimum wage hike, and Steve Hilton challenging Xavier Becerra to six debates this fall.
info_outline
The Grizzly Bear Days of Summer
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt discuss the federal government halting some Medi-Cal payments to California due to fraud, Steve Hilton's campaign appealing to anti-Trump voters, and Xavier Becerra being criticized for discussing street vendors. Then, they discuss a proposal to reintroduce the grizzly bear population to California.
info_outline
California Sues to Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger and Newsom Says Democrats Should Do Better Fighting "Income Inequality"
Next Round
This week, Tim and Matt discuss the passing and legacy of US Sen. Lindsey Graham. They then discuss AG Rob Bonta's lawsuit to try and block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger and Gov. Newsom's challenge to fellow Democrats to do better fighting income inequality.
info_outlineGov. Newsom recently ordered homeless encampments on property under the state’s jurisdiction to be cleared due to the Grants Pass Supreme Court decision that ruled that it is not cruel and unusual punishment to forbid people from camping on public property. This podcast is an audio version of Free Cities Center director Steve Greenhut’s interview with Erica Sandberg, a freelance journalist and frequent commentator on San Francisco’s homeless crisis.