This week, we discuss why lower-income parents are less likely to involve their kids in sports; who is liable when autonomous vehicles are hacked; supporting children with mental health issues; the challenge of North Korean denuclearization; allegations of price gouging in the U.S. generic drug industry; and students with unique learning profiles.
Members of youth soccer teams walk onto the field with the Philadelphia Union before a match against the Portland Timbers at Talen Energy Stadium in Philadelphia, May 25, 2019
Photo by Eric Hartline/USA Today Sports via Reuters
Youth Sports: Who Plays, Who Pays?
Lower-income parents are less likely than higher-income parents to involve their children in sports. That's according to a new RAND study. One reason for this gap is the costs, which are often passed along to families. At the same time, school funding for sports has remained flat or decreased. Community-based organizations may be able to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for parents. This could lead to more low-income kids enjoying the health and social benefits of sports.
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When AVs Are Hacked, Who's Liable?
When autonomous vehicles hit the road, they could become a target for hackers who want to steal data or cause mayhem. Who is liable when these attacks occur? RAND researchers explored four potential scenarios to better understand the legal implications for manufacturers, vehicle owners, insurers, and policymakers. They found that existing civil liability law is flexible enough to address most claims involving hacked AVs.
Photo by sturti/Getty Images
A Tool to Help Children in Need of Mental Health Care
An estimated half of the children in the United States with mental health issues do not receive the treatment that they need. A new RAND study examines one strategy that could help: hotlines that let doctors consult a child psychiatrist about urgent patient problems. Kids living in states with such programs were much more likely to receive mental health services than those living in states without them. These programs can complement other efforts to help children get the care they need.
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the DMZ, June 30, 2019
Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
North Korean Denuclearization: A Tough Task for U.S. Negotiators
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met at the Demilitarized Zone. This provided a much-needed political boost for denuclearization talks. But U.S. negotiators face a tough road, says RAND's Naoko Aoki. For one thing, denuclearization is more complex today than in the past. There may also be time constraints tied to the U.S. political calendar.
Photo by Stuart Ritchie/Getty Images
Price-Fixing Case Raises Concerns Over U.S. Generic Drug Industry
Earlier this year, 44 states filed a lawsuit accusing 20 major drug makers of inflating prices for generic drugs, including those that treat HIV, cancer, and depression. If these allegations are true, then the failures of generic drug manufacturers are more troubling—and more widespread—than anyone knew. That's according to RAND's Andrew Mulcahy. Many of the industry's problems could be remedied by addressing loopholes and market forces that prevent competition, he says.
Photo by Monkey Business Images/Adobe Stock
Supporting Students with Unique Learning Profiles
Teachers are vital to the success of all students. This is especially true for students who face unique challenges, such as learning disabilities or poverty. Do educators have what they need to help these pupils succeed? New RAND survey results show that most teachers say they have good support across many areas. But when it comes to training and preparation time, fewer teachers reported adequate support.
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