WIRTW #693: the “tough out” edition

If you've been following along these past few weeks with the trials of the Lake Ridge Academy soccer team, I have some sad news to share. Earlier this week they fell 2-0 in the district semifinals to a quality opponent, ending their season. It was a hard-fought match, scoreless for 65 minutes. There were lots of tears in my car after the game. The team set a goal, of which they fell a couple of games short. That said, it was the best soccer season this team has had in 15 years.

Donovan had an amazing experience. He fully embraced being one of the "soccer boys," and is already thinking about his sophomore season. "220 days until practice starts," he told me the next morning. He's says he's going to start training ASAP with a personal goal of improving and gaining more playing time next year.

As for me, I've never been a sports parent before. I've always been a music parent (which y'all know I love). I'm happy to report that being a sports parent is pretty damn great. I loved everything about this team and this season. The wins and losses were the least import part. More importantly, I loved watching Donovan embrace being part of a team and the team embracing him as one of their own. Like D-man, I'm already ready for the 2024-25 season. 

Go Royals!

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

The Grind: Inside Starbucks Workers' Union Push in Northeast Ohio — via Cleveland Magazine

The Beatles Are Releasing a New Song in the Year 2023 — via Consequence

Is my co-worker AI? Bizarre product reviews leave Gannett staff wondering — via The Verge 

Dollar General Is Paying a $1 Million Fine for Violating a Law You've Probably Never Heard Of — via Evil HR Lady, Suzanne Lucas

When an Employee Fails to Return FMLA Medical Certification, Can an Employer Lawfully Terminate the Employee? — via Jeff Nowak's FMLA Insights

On Instagram, an ER doctor said Israelis got "a taste of their own medicine." CORRECTION: Former ER doctor. — via Eric Meyer's The Employer Handbook Blog

Law Firms Need to Stop Suing Associates for Not Hitting Their Billable Hours — via Above the Law

Working moms report child care difficulties 3 days per month, creating a retention problem — via HR Dive

Calling Your Wage and Hour Lawyer Might Save Your Company $22 Million — via The Wage and Hour Litigation Blog

NLRB Issues New Joint Employer Standard (Yet Again) — via Employment Law Worldview

Emerging Pay Range Disclosure Class Action Suits — via The D & O Diary

OSHA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Rule on Walkarounds During Safety Inspections — via Joe's HR and Benefits Blog

Great Lakes Brewing Co. Now Available in New York City — via Brewbound