Open Markets Institute director Sally Hubbard looked at the history of monopolies in American industry and provided her thoughts on how to prevent monopoly power. She was interviewed by Bloomberg News reporter David McLaughlin.
The House Rules Committee held a virtual "Member's Day" hearing on possible rule changes for the 117th Congress. Several topics were discussed, including modernization efforts in congress, re-establishing congressionally directed spending rules (commonly referred to as earmarks), the realignment of committee jurisdictions in relation to the agencies they serve, the use of the proxy vote, and strengthening the constitutional powers afforded to Congress. Several members testified before the committee, including Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC).
Bristol-Myers Squibb CEO Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Teva CEO Kare Schultz and former Celgene CEO Mark Alles testified on prescription drug pricing before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Members pressed the pharmaceutical executives on why the retail price of their drugs frequently increase and at a rate that far exceeds inflation. The drug makers defended the price hikes as the cost of doing research and development and talked about price-reduction programs that their companies offer. This was the first day of a two-part hearing with pharmaceutical executives.
A Senate Appropriations subcommittee held a hearing with State Department and USAID officials on efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution. Prior to witness testimony, Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) appeared before the subcommittee to outline bipartisan efforts in reducing marine debris. The hearing also addressed the economic and environmental consequences of plastic pollution, waste management assistance for developing nations and global initiatives aimed at supporting ocean conservation.
California environmental regulator Mary Nichols is said to be on the short list to become EPA administrator in the Biden administration. She discussed climate and environmental issues at the Commonwealth Club of California.
The New York Times hosted a virtual discussion with African American business leaders on race and economic opportunity. Speakers included former Xerox Corporation CEO Ursula Burns, Vista Equity Partners Founder and CEO Robert Smith along with Michael "Killer Mike" Render, a hip hop artist, entrepreneur and social activist.
Journalists Peter Baker and Susan Glasser discussed their new book on the life of former Secretary of State and former White House Chief of Staff James Baker.
Eastern Connecticut State University professor Thomas Balcerski taught a class on the relationship between two prominent mid-19th century politicians: James Buchanan, elected the nation's 15th president in 1856, and William Rufus King, who served briefly as vice president under Buchanan's predecessor, Franklin Pierce. Both men were lifelong bachelors and Professor Balcerski explored the gossip of the time that the two close confidants might have been more than friends -- an notion that persists to this day. Eastern Connecticut State University provided this video.
New York University philosophy professor Michael Strevens looked at the evolution of scientific thought and how it is applied to modern issues, including COVID-19 and climate change. This virtual event was hosted by the Kansas City Public Library in Missouri.
University of California, Berkeley Visiting Scholar Brian Christian explored the challenges we may face as we become more dependent on Artificial Intelligence. This virtual event was hosted by The Commonwealth Club of California.
Journalist Connor Towne O'Neill looked at the legacy of white supremacy through memorials in the South to Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest, the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. This was a virtual event hosted by Garden District Book Shop in New Orleans
Legal commentator Nancy Grace provided a guide on how citizens can protect themselves and avoid becoming a victim of crime. This virtual event was hosted by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and the National JCC Literary Consortium.
Contributors to the New York Times' "Finish the Fight" reported on the fight for women's right to vote. This video was provided by the Brooklyn Book Festival.
Brian Purnell, author of "Fighting Jim Crow," and Clarence Taylor, author of "Fight the Power," discussed the history of Civil Rights in New York. This video was provided by the Brooklyn Book Festival.
Joe Sacco, author of "Paying the Land," Dave Chisholm, author of "Chasin' the Bird," and Emei Butell, author of "We Served the People," discussed writing lesser known stories. This video was provided by the Brooklyn Book Festival.
Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz offered his thoughts on how to move the populist movement forward in America. This virtual program was hosted by the Ronald Reagan Foundation & Institute.
