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5 steps companies can make in the fight for racial justice
Damon Sayles Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThe death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has lit a global fire to where more people of all colors, creeds and orientations are expressing their opinions in favor of social justice, racial equality and human rights. Some are inquiring about what they can do to help the cause. Others are clueless as to what needs to be done in work and recreational environments. Some have even asked if it goes beyond a donation — which it does. As corporate America continues to cope with racial injustice, here are a few things companies can do to better the advancement of equality.
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Why experts are urging caution before opening schools in the fall
Bambi Majumdar EducationSchool's out for the summer in most places and districts are now focusing on how to prepare for classes in the fall. While the number of new nationwide COVID-19 cases is abating, and a large percentage of the afflicted have recovered, new cases are still happening daily. Psychologists agree that no amount of distance learning can replicate the benefits of in-person learning. However, we are talking about a deadly virus that has the potential to cause more havoc. Most experts agree that we need more research and information about the virus to guide decision-making for reopening U.S. schools.
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Dental offices lead healthcare’s job surge in May’s surprising…
Scott E. Rupp Medical & Allied HealthcareThe U.S. economy witnessed unexpected job growth in May as state and local economies began to reopen from the pandemic shutdown. In particular, medical practices and dental offices were key drivers of this finding that surprised economists. According to the May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) economic report, healthcare — including dentists — added more than 310,000 jobs during the month. Dental offices experienced job rebounds at rates unlike any in the sector.
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A look at the places where law enforcement has shown solidarity with protesters
Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityGeorge Floyd's death has shaken the nation. Protests sparked by the video of his killing have erupted in violence and looting in some places. That has, in turn, led to news of how law enforcement organizations are dealing with the protesters. Social media is filled with graphic images and video of officers using tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons to quell crowds. Some places have had to enforce strict curfews as well. But that's not the whole story. Some law enforcement organizations around the country have joined in with the protesters in solidarity, expressing their stance against racism and police brutality.
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The forthcoming budget battles in K-12 education
Patrick Gleeson EducationOnce we're past the horrifying COVID-19 pandemic, states are going to be desperately looking for ways to cut expenses, if they aren't already. Teachers and teachers' unions can expect their salaries, benefits and working conditions to take a hit. But how big a hit? And how should teachers and their unions respond?
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Airports face significant drop in revenues through the end of 2020
Matt Falcus Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementEven with bailouts and airlines easing out of lockdown, airports across the globe are facing a significant drop in revenues, which could challenge their futures and put on hold any ambitious growth or redevelopment plans until profits return. As the dust settles to some degree and airlines start increasing schedules this month, airports and analysts are beginning to assess the damage that has been caused through months of the coronavirus lockdown.
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US payrolls add 2.5 million jobs amid reopenings; unemployment drops to…
Seth Sandronsky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementEmployers added 2.5 million nonfarm jobs in May after April's 20.5 million layoffs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. May's rate of unemployment dropped to 13.3% versus 14.7% in April. Some economists had spoken of May's unemployment rate reaching 20%, rivaling the depths of the Great Depression. Instead, the labor market improved due to a partial resuming of economic activity after its curtailment in March and April to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some areas of the economy did not rebound in May.
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Charter schools: The good, the bad and the Betsy
Patrick Gleeson EducationIt’s good to remember that the charter school movement began with a 1988 speech on education by Albert Shanker, a fiery, progressive reformer — one of several who saw charter schools as a way to improve the quality of K-12 education in America. Charters would make school more accountable to students and parents and would extend the benefits of education to all. But are today's charter schools good or bad? It’s an interesting question without a clear answer. In this article, I'll sort out some of the conflicting views.
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Federal agency sets final rule on truckers’ hours of service
Gail Short Transportation Technology & AutomotiveDrivers of large, heavy trucks must regularly meet tight deadlines set by shippers and receivers to deliver goods to warehouses and other customers on time, and fatigue can make truckers' jobs both difficult and risky. To help keep fatigued and drowsy drivers of commercial motor vehicles off the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets hours of service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers. This spring, the FMCSA presented its final rule on updates to the HOS rules to give drivers more flexibility regarding when and how long they can take breaks.
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COVID-19 and national responses, part 1 of 2: Asia and Europe
Keith Carlson Medical & Allied HealthcareWhen COVID-19 first emerged and the world began to take notice, each country naturally responded in its own way. These responses were based on many factors, including available public health resources, political will, governmental structure, scientific interest and rigor, as well as the expertise of virologists, epidemiologists, and other experts. How have some countries handled the outbreak, and what lessons can we learn from our relative failures, oversights, and successes?
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