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Net hiring remains boring in November

7 months 3 weeks ago
Net hiring in November (hires minus separations) went up slightly, but not enough to matter: Net hiring has been basically flat for the past two years and is roughly at its pre-pandemic average:
Kevin Drum

Blue Or White: Which Is The Right Collar?

7 months 3 weeks ago
From Forbes:  2025 is almost upon us, and in the space of a few short years it feels like everything has changed in the workplace. After decades of college being promoted for every student, employers are now moving toward skills-first hiring that places a premium not on your college degree, but your actual skill set. […]
Kacey Crawley

Harman Family Bluegrass Band to Perform 47th Annual Show This Weekend

7 months 3 weeks ago
GODFREY - The 47th Annual Harman Family Bluegrass Show is slated for this weekend, and Mike Harman promises old-fashioned fun and toe-tapping tunes. Hosted by the Harman Family Bluegrass Band, the show is a beloved January tradition for many people in the Riverbend region. This year’s performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Lewis and Clark Community College. Mike, the family’s patriarch, can’t wait to share music with the community for the 47th year in a row. “People long for just the simple things in life, it seems like, more than the high-falootin’ stuff. That’s kind of what we are, simple, and we just hope that other people enjoy it,” he said. “There are several family bands in the bluegrass world and have been for a long time, but I don’t think any of them have been together for 47 years.” The Harman Family Bluegrass Band is made up of Mike, his siblings, their spouses, and their children.

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Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of Month: Kaylynn Buttry Scores 32 Points in Historic Basketball Game

7 months 3 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER - Kaylynn Buttry, a junior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has garnered recognition for her exceptional performance in girls' basketball, specifically for scoring 32 points in a game recently against Bunker Hill, marking the sixth-highest scoring output in Oiler girls basketball history. She has also led the Oilers in scoring several games over the 2024-2025 season. Buttry has been playing basketball since the third grade and expresses a deep passion for the sport, citing its intensity and competitiveness as her favorite aspects. In addition to her basketball achievements, Buttry maintains a perfect GPA, demonstrating her commitment to academics alongside athletics. She is also involved in tennis, softball as an outfielder, and track. Kaylynn is a Midwest Members Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Buttry credits her success to her family, particularly her mother, Janet, who provides emotional support after challenging games, and her cousin, Lydia, who encourages

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The Jawboning Double Standard: Brendan Carr’s Threats Are Way Worse Than What Biden Was Accused Of

7 months 3 weeks ago
I know it’s no surprise that the modern MAGA world is incredibly hypocritical. They speak of free speech while making every effort to suppress speech they dislike. But the latest example of this hypocrisy is glaring. Those who screamed to high heaven about debunked claims of the Biden admin “censoring” social media are noticeably silent […]
Mike Masnick

Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of Month: Rising Star Tamarion Marshall Shines in Basketball and Academics

7 months 3 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River junior Tamarion Marshall has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in basketball. Marshall, who has been immersed in the sport since childhood, credits his success to a combination of hard work, family support, and a passion for the game. Marshall is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Marshall’s journey in basketball began early, as he grew up in a family that valued the sport. “I’ve been playing this sport for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I like just the mentality when I get onto the court; it gives me something to go after.” His dedication extends beyond regular practice, as he consistently puts in extra time honing his skills. Under the guidance of Coach Eric DeWerff, Marshall has developed into a leader on and off the court. He acknowledges the importance of his coaches and mentors in his growth as a player. “I also want to thank all of my coaches.

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Community Rallies to Support Family After Alton Teen's Tragic Death

7 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON — The community is coming together to support the family of Dreya Mackenzie Colley, a 16-year-old student who died following a severe car accident on Dec. 23, 2024. Jeralyn Colley is organizing a fundraiser on behalf of Bryan Colley, to help cover funeral expenses after Dreya's passing. Dreya, an 11th-grade student at Alton High School, succumbed to her injuries at 4:39 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. Despite extensive medical efforts, Dreya was unable to recover after the tragic accident. In her final act of generosity, Dreya's family noted that she donated her organs, which they hope will help save others. A visitation for Dreya is scheduled for 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Daniel Sternquist will officiate the service for Dreya, and burial will take place at Upper Alton Cemetery. The family is also accepting memorial contributions to Mid America Transplant in Dreya's

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