A Recap of This Week’s Top News – August 25, 2023

Changes to policy, scientific discovery, and expert recommendations and opinions all have the power to rapidly influence the landscape of a sector. Whether you’re a leader at a non-profit, a member of a university’s marketing department, or a stakeholder for a public health agency, being informed about the latest industry happenings can be the difference between exceeding and falling short of organizational goals. At Hager Sharp, our experts vigorously scan media coverage to identify areas of opportunity. And now, with the introduction of the Sharp Round-Up, you too can review what we consider to be some of the top news of the week.

Below you will find a compilation of news spanning the health and education, labor, and economy sectors. This list includes mainstream, DC-focused, and trade publication coverage from Saturday, August 19, to Friday, August 25. Let these clips serve as a resource when developing thoughtful strategies and use them to further foster organizational innovation and adaptability.

Here’s what you need to know.

Education News:

• As kids get ready to return to the classroom, schools across the country are navigating how to address a trend of teacher vacancies. New research shows that the increase in teaching vacancies is indicative that the trend extends beyond the pandemic, and schools should focus on how to mitigate the issue of filling America’s classrooms.
• On Wednesday, Republican presidential candidates took to the stage for the first official GOP debate. The candidates discussed the state of education, with some even calling to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been known for focusing on education in his own state, like the Parental Rights in Education Act.
• A recent report shows that Gen Z’s interest in college is continuing to decline―translating to an 8 percent decrease in college enrollment from 2019 to 2022.

Health News:

• ABC News’ chief medical correspondent shared on a segment this week that unfortunately, people cannot “catch up” on sleep. This means that people should always aim for 7+ hours a night of sleep to make sure they’re feeling their best.
• A new poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation reflects that Americans may be struggling to accurately navigate health misinformation. According to the survey, 4 in 10 people said they were aware of falsely reported statements about COVID-19, reproductive health, and gun violence.
• A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics found that increased screen time for babies may lead to a higher risk of developmental delays by the age of 2. One doctor quoted in a CNN story about the study said that being on a screen takes them away from practicing their motor, communication, and emotional skills.