DAILY SCOOP

Instagram responds to WSJ report, 3 in 5 Americans support White House vaccine rules, and Apple’s annual event sparks debate online

Also: California recall highlights COVID-19 and vaccination topics, Whirlpool offers $1,000 bonus to vaccinated workers, Litecoin creator apologizes for spreading misinformation, and more.

Announcing Ragan’s 2021 Media Relations Awards winners

Congratulations to this year's winners!

THE CONSULTANT IS IN

5 ways to draw out even the most reserved sources

Follow this guidance to make even shyest subjects shine—and freely share colorful quotes.

MEDIA RELATIONS

How Bojangles engaged NYC media to grab the national spotlight

With no stores in the Big Apple, the Southeastern restaurant chain was keen to make a big-city splash. It turned to food trucks and free meals to reach national news outlets and influencers.

COUNTDOWN

5 essential elements of an effective PR plan

You don’t simply sign the contract, put a few coins in the slot, and wait for your shiny new campaign to be dispensed. Research, parameters and regular check-ins are crucial for success.

DAILY SCOOP

Walmart reacts to fake Litecoin press release, Nicki Minaj shares vaccine misinformation, and workers take a pay cut to be remote

Also: Workers slam the honor system in enforcing vaccine mandates, a report says Instagram is toxic for teens, Kentucky distiller Heaven Hill faces strike over work conditions, and more.

RESEARCH SNAPSHOT

Report: The majority of Americans say declining union membership is bad

The data highlights the potential danger an anti-union message could have for companies looking to solidify their reputation as an employer of choice.

THE WORKPLACE

How companies can use flexible scheduling to recruit, retain essential talent

A Paychex study sheds light on the future of hybrid work and offers guidance on how employers can help staffers strike a healthier work/life balance.

WINNING CAMPAIGNS

Website offers a variety of educational resources for continuing education around racism

Talking About Race, a website from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, promotes change and has won first prize in the Website category of Ragan’s PR Daily Awards.

DAILY SCOOP

Business groups respond to Biden’s vaccine rules, majority of employees OK returning to office with unvaccinated coworkers, and Salesforce offers to relocate Texas workers

Also: Schools plan ahead as Pfizer prepares vaccine for ages 5-11, delivery app riders speak out about working conditions, how to counteract interrupters and poor office behavior, and more.

CONTENT MARKETING

4 ways to integrate local SEO into your PR strategy

Make sure local consumers can find your business when searching for products and services with these tips.

RESEARCH

Research: Key factors fueling ‘The Great Resignation’

New data from The Conference Board sheds light on return-to-work anxiety, remote work frustrations, and why employees are seeking greener pastures.

COVID-19

What communicators should do following Biden’s new vaccination mandate

Some organizations are already in sync, but either way, expect tensions and frustration to escalate.

COUNTDOWN

5 tips for identifying—and avoiding—cognitive bias during a crisis

When facing the unknown, you might not even know everything you think you know.