WIRTW #709: the “opener” edition

My home, and this Friday space, have been consumed by music for the past few weeks. The 27th and final Tri-C High School Rock Off has come to a close. Norah played a killer set of 2 originals — Potential Spam (which Cleveland.com reporter Malcolm X Abram called "a cool near-shoegaze original") and Boys Like You — and 2 covers — a PG-rated You Oughta Know that included an Alanis singalong that filled the Rock Hall's glass pyramid and Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit. I loved every second of watching her completely own that massive stage and crowd. You can tell that she's living her best life. Norah did not win or place in the top 3, but that's not what truly matters, is it?

You can watch her full set here.

The Rock Off might be over, but Norah's 2024 of music is just getting started. There are gigs at venues all over town, a music festival appearance in August, and, on May 19, she'll be the opening act for Rhett Miller of the Old 97's when he plays at the Music Box Supper Club. Given that Norah first sang with Rhett 10 years ago, it will be a fitting full-circle moment to cap her K–12 years less than 2 weeks before graduation. Tickets are on sale now. 

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Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.

We're doing DEI wrong — via Business Insider

Can states legally ban "woke" training in the workplace? — via Eric Meyer's The Employer Handbook Blog

Anheuser-Busch avoids strike in deal with union — via HR Dive

Let's take a closer look at the Starbucks "truce" with Workers United — via Labor Union News

Is it Alright to Drink Starbucks Again? — via The Chief Organizer Blog

Google cuts team of contractors who went on strike — via The Verge

Few Large Employers Have Changed Abortion Coverage Following Dobbs v. Jackson — via Above the Law

Breaking stereotypes: women over 50 shine brighter than ever — via Evil HR Lady, Suzanne Lucas

Is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act an invalid law? — via Employment & Labor Insider

How does unlimited PTO actually play out in companies that have it? — via Ask a Manager 

"Ghosting" gets more common in the job market: It's not a "passing fad," report says — via CNBC

NLRB's Final Joint Employer Rule Stayed Amid Legal Challenges — via Hunton Employment & Labor Law Perspectives™

Final Independent Contractor Rule Rejects "Core Factor" Test — via EntertainHR

Working Overtime: Is Publication of DOL's OT Exemption Rule Imminent? — via The Wage and Hour Litigation Blog

Ohio Brewers Association to host Women in Beer Summit in April — via Craft Brewing Business