Independent Institute panel on Pope Francis and Free Markets at Freedom Fest 2018 held on July 13, 2018.

Unleashing entrepreneurs is the best way to solve the issue of plastic and other garbage ending up in the world's oceans. Sr. Fellow Lawrence McQuillan's recent Op-Ed points out how private companies are solving the plastic pollution problem, where governments are failing. Banning plastic straws and plastic bags is not the way to remove plastic from the oceans and from landfills.

Research Fellow Vicki Alger, author of Failure, appears on Sound Off on KPRL radio. Alger discusses the status of Common Core in states' education systems and the growing parental choice options for families. The recent US Supreme Court Janus decision and its effects on teacher unions is also discussed. Alger also talks about the prospects of eliminating the US Department of Education, which she advocates for in her book Failure: The Federal Misedukation of America's Children

Research Fellow Vicki E. Alger in conversation with Carol Kocivar past President of the California State PTA about School Choice. This event was organized by the Libertarian Party of San Francisco held at the Mechanics Institute on June 21, 2018.

Panel on Water Rights, Markets and the Environment held on April 3, 2018 at the 43 Annual APEE Meeting. Is water facing a crisis? Yes and no. On the one hand, declining water quality is a serious problem in many parts of the world; and if recent usage trends continue, shortages are inevitable. On the other hand, water quality has improved in many economically advanced countries, and in some regions institutions and policies have been adopted that would postpone, or even avoid, the onset of “water crises.” These policies include establishing secure and transferable water rights and extending these rights to enhance ecosystems.

Panel on The Economics of Pope Francis and the Caring Society held on April 3, 2018 at the 43 Annual APEE Meeting.

With his emphasis on service to the poor and care for the planet, Pope Francis commands the attention of not only the world’s 2.2 billion Christians, including 1.3 billion Roman Catholics, but also of people across the religious divide. In his 2015 encyclical, Laudato si’, the pontiff called for an open dialogue about poverty and the destiny of what he calls “our common home.” This invitation is the inspiration for the Independent Institute book Pope Francis and the Caring Society. The panel will feature four contributors to the book.

Sr. Fellow Ivan Eland appears on CNBC's Closing Bell to talk about President Trump's visit to England and Scotland. Trump’s trade policy and foreign policy are discussed as Trump prepares for a summit with Russian President Putin.

Sr. Fellow John C. Goodman appears in this Fox News Channel report on the rising costs of Obamacare premiums. About one million consumers are finding the cost of premiums too expensive and are opting to not have health coverage. The premiums on Obamacare are expected to rise again by 40% just before the November elections.