Experts in the News

“By the time we identify a new variant, it’s already gone global,” said fellow Peter Hotez, in light of concerns over the new Omicron variant of COVID-19 and the announcement of new travel bans instated for the U.S.

The reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border for fully vaccinated tourists came just in time for one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year. But so far, shoppers have returned in disappointingly low numbers. “More than 230,000 people cross the ports of entry into the U.S. every day to work, go to school, shop, go on vacation,” said research scholar José Iván Rodríguez. “They represent an important source of business for counties on the Texas border.”

While current gas prices remain below historic highs, projections show they increased by an average 82 cents a gallon in 2021 — the biggest jump since 1992. "The year-to-year change is significant," said energy fellow Mark Finley.

"Hanging hopes for lower oil and gasoline prices on promises from OPEC+ countries to increase production is a risky bet," wrote energy fellow Mark Finley. "The White House is missing an opportunity."

Beto O'Rourke's recently announced campaign for Texas governor will showcase an updated version of the candidate: "Beto 3.0," said fellow Mark Jones. "Beto 1.0, which almost defeated Ted Cruz, was killed off by Beto 2.0, who made a failed attempt for a Democratic presidential nomination." O'Rourke's statements during his presidential run may have alienated many Texas voters, he added.