R Street Institute’s Kathryn Waldron provides an update on contact tracing app technology as part of the effort to slow down the spread of COVID19. She reviews current and potential cyber security risks as well as the possible benefits of using a trustworthy app.

Amanda Smithfield is the founder of ProvectCiv, which organizes conversations for high school students about difficult and controversial issues. The purpose is to, among other things, teach civility in disagreement, critical listening skills, and research skills by requiring participants to read arguments from multiple perspectives before having the conversations. ProjectCiv makes their resources available to schools and libraries across the nation.

Neetu Arnold from the National Association of Scholars discusses ideological bias and intolerance on most college and university campuses and why she believes that affects the rest of society. Arnold argues for conditions to be put on public funding of higher education that demands an increase in diversity of ideas.

Mat Staver from Liberty Counsel discusses both the overall concept of religious freedom in the US and some individual cases his organization is litigating. Staver argues that both the text and precedent connected to the First Amendment makes several coronavirus lock down orders unconstitutional. He also explains why he feels churches and other religious organizations should be treated as essential.

Mark Hamrick from Bankrate.com discusses their recent survey that found many Americans are delaying major financial and life decisions because of the current coronavirus-affected economy. Among the examples of financial opportunities being delayed are home purchases, pursuing different jobs, and retirement. Even marriage and having children are being delayed by some because of financial concerns. Hamrick also offers financial advice on planning during uncertain economic times.

Gretchen Smith, founder of Code of Vets, describes the work they do to provide financial assistance to veterans who are in difficult temporary situations. Examples include veterans who are laid off or are suffering from service-related disabilities and have had utility service shut off or are in need of money for groceries. Smith explains how they identify legitimate needs, vet the applications to avoid fraud, and provide financial assistance quickly (often in one day). She also discusses why veterans in particular are often in need after their military service.

Economist and news commentator John Lott, author of Freedomnomics and More Guns, Less Crime, discusses the findings written about in his new book, Gun Control Myths. He discusses the current debate over defunding police departments and the issues of gun ownership and the proper application of the Second Amendment.

Former Missouri Speaker of the House Tim Jones discusses the proper role of government in times of emergency and crisis and offers advice to both lawmakers and citizens on cooperation during crises.

Damon Dunn, former football standout and current fellow at the Pacific Research Institute, discusses his book, Punting Poverty: Breaking the Chains of Welfare. Dunn describes his childhood in poverty and his reflections on how he believes government programs were a disincentive for his family to pursue some better economic opportunities.

Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, describes the history of the Negro Leagues and their importance to America’s history. The discussion includes the role baseball, the Negro Leagues, and the integration of the game had in the Civil Rights Movement. The importance of black baseball as a business and economic driver for many communities is also a part of this discussion. Kendrick also explains why preserving the museum, the history, and the stories are important.

Image courtesy of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO