Britain’s Postal Workers Begin Voting on Strike (printweek.com)

A new scientific report is in, affirming what most teachers can probably already tell you: Print is vital for effective education. “The argument that reading on paper results in deeper comprehension and retention, concentration, vocabulary building and memory has been given immense weight by a groundbreaking new study,” notes this article from Two Sides NA. “The research examined the results of 54 studies with a total of over 170,000 participants from 19 countries,” the article continues, “and found overwhelming evidence that comprehension of text is much stronger when reading from paper as opposed to a screen, particularly when the reader is under time pressure.” We’ve shared previous research on this topic — studies have shown that reading on paper is better for comprehension and overall learning — but there was a new twist to this study, named E-READ. The four-year study aimed to discover if students learning from digital devices progressed as rapidly as those learning by reading on paper. The results are clear. “Students learning from digital devices only progressed one third as much as they would have done had they been reading on paper,” the article notes.

Stein Mart, Inc. announced that it has instituted cost reductions expected to total savings of approximately $10 million (pre-tax) in 2018 including the elimination of approximately 10 percent of its corporate office headcount. These actions are part of the Company's ongoing efforts to control costs and simplify its business processes in this highly competitive retail environment. Most of the other cost reductions are also at the corporate headquarters. Today's announcement is in addition to tight expense controls and other steps the Company has taken this year to strengthen its financial position, including: •Lowering inventories by 15 percent •Reducing capital expenditures by $22 million over the prior year •Suspending the quarterly dividend ($14 million annual savings). Click Read More below for additional information.

Walmart Inc. announces second quarter results with strong growth in revenue and operating income. Globally, eCommerce penetration is higher across all segments. Walmart U.S. comp sales up 4.2%2 . Looking ahead, the Company issues guidance for Q3 and raises its outlook for FY25. For Q3, net sales are expected to grow 3.25% to 4.25% and operating income to grow 3.0% to 4.5% in constant currency (“cc”)1 . For FY25, net sales are expected to grow 3.75% to 4.75% and adjusted operating income to grow 6.5% to 8.0% cc.