RECENT data from the National Center for Education Statistics revealed that U.S. school attendance rates have dropped significantly in the past year. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 46 percent of parents reported that their children’s mental health had worsened during the pandemic, which could be a factor in students’ absenteeism. Additionally, chronic absenteeism was found to be higher among students from low-income families.

IN the wake of the Great Resignation and reports of quiet quitting, only about half of U.S. workers say they are extremely or very satisfied with their job overall, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of 5,902 workers. Most workers say they are extremely or very satisfied with their relationship with their co-workers (67 percent) and with their manager or supervisor (62 percent).

IN that same survey, about seven in 10 of respondents say they’re treated with respect (78 percent) and can be themselves at work (72 percent) all or most of the time, and majorities also say they feel their contributions at work are valued a great deal or a fair amount (62 percent).

NEW Hampshire has ranked No. 9 as one of the most innovative states in the U.S., according to a recent WalletHub study. The Granite State came in at No. 2 for eighthgrade math and science performance, 10th for share of STEM professionals, 9th for share of technology companies, and 8th for projected STEM-job demand by 2030.

A new Ecommerce Intelligence survey found that online reviews have a significant impact on consumer behavior — 86 percent of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, with 65 percent saying they were more likely to buy a product with positive reviews. On the other hand, negative reviews can have a major impact on consumer behavior, with 45 percent saying they would not purchase a product with negative reviews.