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Is AI leading to unemployment? St. Louis Fed weighs in

4 months 1 week ago
The July jobs report showed payroll growth slowed to just 35,000 jobs per month from May through July, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.2%. The cause is being debated, and a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis points to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). 
Alex Barton

Alton School District to Implement Internship Program for High School Students

4 months 1 week ago
ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 is implementing new internship and vocational training opportunities for its students. Superintendent Elaine Kane outlined plans for a new internship program that will allow students to get experience outside of the classroom. She emphasized the importance of giving students these opportunities wherever possible. “Our goal is to help students develop the skills that lead them to any opportunity they want to pursue when they graduate,” she explained. “We’re thinking about preparing our graduates. One of the things that we need to do more intentionally is create opportunities outside of the school walls.” Developed in partnership with the Alton Educational Foundation, this internship program will collaborate with local employers so students can spend 60 hours a semester in their place of work. The application process will take place during the fall semester, and the students will intern during the

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Abandoned school in The Hill coming down; Townhomes planned

4 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS - Demolition is underway at a long-abandoned school in The Hill neighborhood of St. Louis, clearing the way for a plan to build new townhomes at the site. On Tuesday, crews began tearing down buildings that once made up the Hubert Wheeler State School. The school was located in the 5700 block of [...]
Joey Schneider

Disney, ESPN Sue Sling TV For The Crime Of Streaming TV Pricing Innovation

4 months 1 week ago
Earlier this month, Dish’s Sling TV unveiled a rare bit of innovation in an increasingly enshittified streaming video market. They began offering what they called “mini-subscriptions,” allowing users to subscribe to live streaming TV for the day, weekend, or a full week for prices starting at around $5. It was a nice option for folks […]
Karl Bode

Alton Superintendent Clarifies District's New Cell Phone Policy and Crisis Management Plan

4 months 1 week ago
ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 has chosen to become a phone-free district, and Superintendent Elaine Kane explains what this means and how it impacts student learning and safety. In Spring 2025, the district announced that they would be cell phone-free for the entire instructional day, including during passing periods and lunchtime. Students at the middle and high schools have been issued Yondr pouches, which have magnetic locking mechanisms. They lock their devices in the pouch during the school day and have access to their pouch all day, until dismissal, when the pouches are unlocked. Kane said that while it’s “a big adjustment,” students at both schools have quickly met the new expectations. “Our students have adjusted very quickly and very well,” she said. “We’re really happy about how things are looking and feeling at Alton High School and Alton Middle School.” She added that she has heard from many

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Godfrey Approves 29 New Dog Park Rules

4 months 1 week ago
GODFREY – N early 30 new rules and regulations for the Godfrey Dog Park were made official at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Trustees unanimously approved an ordinance to establish rules and regulations for the village’s dog park after giving the item a first reading in August. As previously reported on Rivebender.com , the full list of new regulations covers membership terms, guidelines for dogs and dog owners, and more. One of these rules states that “all dog owners/handlers who fail to comply with these rules may be asked to leave the dog park and their privileges revoked.” Additional terms and conditions are included in the Village of Godfrey Dog Park Application , which individuals must fill out and submit to the village for consideration of a membership to use the dog park. The membership fee for village residents is $10, while the non-resident fee is $20. All dog park m embers must be 18 years of age or older, and any

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Officer Elementary Marks One Year As Community School

4 months 1 week ago
EAST ST. LOUIS — Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 recently celebrated its first year as a community school with a Back2School Block Party. The event was aimed to showcase school pride, strengthen community connections, and honor families within the district. Families and staff gathered at Officer Elementary to participate in a variety of activities, including games, bounce houses, face painting, bubble machines, and a foam party. Attendees also enjoyed food provided during the festivities. More than 30 vendors contributed to the event, which drew enthusiastic participation from school families and staff alike. East St. Louis School District officials expressed gratitude to the staff, families, volunteers, and community partners who helped organize and support the celebration. The Back2School Block Party marked a milestone for Officer Elementary as it continues to build community engagement and foster a supportive environment for students

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