A Recap of This Week’s Top News – September 8, 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, September 2, to Friday, September 8. 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:

• Florida’s public university system, including the University of Florida and Florida State University, is expected to become the first state system to approve the Classic Learning Test (CLT) for use in admissions. The CLT is an alternative to the SAT or ACT, emphasizing Western canon and Christian thought.
• The U.S. Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona, recently stated that the digital divide is the “equity issue of our moment,” citing that internet access is “the new pencil” and crucial to student success.
• A lawsuit filed against Yale in 2021 over its affirmative action policies was dropped on Thursday after the university agreed to make some of the most significant and wide-reaching changes to its admissions policies due to the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious admissions, financial aid, and data transparency.

Health News:

• Although a late summer COVID-19 wave was anticipated, it is still harder to track due to the end of federal case tracking and the increasing prevalence of at-home testing, leaving only hospitalization rates and wastewater analyses to monitor the spread.
• A new study shows that some marijuana users may have elevated levels of lead and cadmium in their blood and urine. Both of these heavy metals are linked to long-term health issues. Chronic exposure to these metals can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, and kidney damage.
• Researchers have determined that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with a higher incidence of anorexia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even the risk of suicide attempts. The lead study author noted that impulsivity, a core component of ADHD, is also closely associated with suicidal behavior.
• Narcan, the nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses, is now available to purchase over the counter. Major retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart will stock the two-spray kits in the coming days.