Passengers wait to check in for their flights at Los Angeles International Airport, November 23, 2020. Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Will Thanksgiving Be a Super-Spreader Event?

Despite skyrocketing COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, millions of Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving—but at what cost? Will the holiday result in a deadly fallout? The risk depends on the size of the gathering and the local infection rate, says RAND's Carter Price. But no matter where you live, your safest option is to celebrate with only the people in your household. “December will be a grim month if people don't stay home,” Price warns. Read more »

Photo by Bulat Silvia/Getty Images

Under-the-Radar Lessons from COVID-19

COVID-19 has revealed several subtle “meta-lessons,” says RAND's Luke Matthews. For instance, consider that there have been at least four epidemics or pandemics since 1980 that stemmed from wildlife consumption, mixing wildlife with domestic stock, or poor animal husbandry practice. This suggests that it's time to change the relationship that people have with animals. Another lesson: Prepare for rare but high-impact events when things are calm. This applies to other challenges, such as the climate crisis. Read more »

Trial kits for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccination study at the Research Centers of America, Hollywood, Florida, September 24, 2020. Photo by Marco Bello/Reuters

A Case for Vaccinating Teachers First

There has been good news this month for COVID-19 vaccine trials. (Both Moderna and Pfizer announced their versions are 95 percent effective or better, and AstraZeneca has also reported promising results.) If one or more of these vaccines is approved, most Americans would agree that health care workers should receive them first. According to RAND experts, the nation's 3.3 million teachers should come next. This could help schools safely reopen for full-time, in-person learning more quickly. The social and economic benefits of this would likely outweigh reopening any other essential industry. Read more »

The hydroelectric dam Cachi in Ujarras de Cartago, near San Jose, Costa Rica, May 25, 2007. Photo by Juan Carlos Ulate/Reuters

Costa Rica's Ambitious Plan to Fight Climate Change

Costa Rica's National Decarbonization Plan sets an ambitious goal: Become carbon-neutral by 2050. A new RAND report takes a look at this plan, analyzing more than 3,000 plausible futures. In all but 22 of these futures, the benefits outweighed the costs. That means that Costa Rica is likely to achieve its goals—and do so at a net economic gain. Conversely, without investing in decarbonization, the country's greenhouse gas emissions will increase substantially. The findings from this study may be valuable to other countries looking to implement carbon-reduction plans and reduce the effects of climate change. Read more »

Christina Bojorquez and Kimberly Decoursey pitch a tent in their encampment next to a freeway in Los Angeles, California, October 14, 2019. Photo by Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Homeless Women in L.A. Need More Support

Homelessness is a critical problem in Los Angeles County. But it's important to note that people experiencing homelessness are not a monolith. That's why officials have designated homeless subpopulations—such as veterans, families, and unaccompanied youth—to better understand and meet their needs. As of September, LA County is including “unaccompanied women” (single women who are not caring for children or dependents) as a subpopulation. RAND experts say that this could provide a path toward better resources, which are needed to escape the perilous lifestyle associated with being a single, homeless woman. Read more »