Reconciliation 3.0: The Budget Battle That Could Change Taxes, Spending & Small Business

Harvard's Grade Inflation Problem, AI in Education & The Future of College

Is higher education facing a credibility crisis? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riano, President of Cornerstone University, to discuss Harvard's controversial decision to cap A grades, the growing problem of grade inflation, declining public trust in colleges, and how artificial intelligence is transforming education. Dr. Moreno-Riano explains why grade inflation may be undermining the value of college degrees, how an entitlement culture has impacted academic rigor, and why universities must focus on preparing students for careers and life—not just handing out diplomas. The conversation also explores AI's role in education, workforce readiness, soaring tuition costs, and how innovative institutions like Cornerstone are adapting to the future. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Small Business Owner Takes on Lindsey Graham in High-Stakes Senate Battle

Can a lifelong small business owner defeat one of Washington's most powerful incumbents? On this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with South Carolina Senate candidate Mark Lynch to discuss his challenge against longtime Senator Lindsey Graham. Lynch shares how he helped grow his family's business from a small local appliance store into a major regional employer and explains why he believes that experience gives him a unique perspective on inflation, taxes, government regulation, and the challenges facing working families. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

New York’s Socialist Shift? The Policies Sparking National Backlash

Is New York becoming the center of America’s next major economic battle? Elaine Parker sits down with Nicole Huyer of the Heritage Foundation to break down the growing debate over taxes, government-run grocery stores, affordability, business regulation, and the broader impact of economic policies spreading beyond New York City. The conversation explores whether policies like rent control, higher taxes on wealthy residents, and expanded government programs help working families—or risk driving businesses and investment elsewhere. They also discuss migration trends, entrepreneurship, free-market economics, and what these debates could mean for small businesses and communities across the country. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why Homeownership Is Becoming Impossible: The Housing Crisis No One Wants to Fix

Why is homeownership becoming increasingly out of reach for young Americans? In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker sits down with Heritage Foundation economist John Gibbs to discuss the housing affordability crisis, rising home prices, government-backed mortgages, investor-owned properties, and the policies shaping today's housing market. Gibbs explains how government intervention, mortgage market policies, investor activity, immigration-driven demand, and housing finance programs may be contributing to skyrocketing housing costs. He also shares his controversial views on 30-year mortgages, mortgage-backed securities, investor tax incentives, and what reforms could help make homeownership attainable again for the next generation. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Inflation, Interest Rates & Small Business: What Happens Next?

How do decisions made in Washington impact Main Street America? Elaine Parker sits down with Caroline Melear of the R Street Institute to break down the economic forces shaping the future of small businesses. From banking regulations and lending access to inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and global conflicts, they connect policy decisions to everyday economic realities. They also discuss the lasting effects of Dodd-Frank, uncertainty caused by shifting administrations, rising gas prices, Federal Reserve challenges, and why small businesses often feel the impact of regulations first. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.