Federal Court Strikes Down DOL’s Final Overtime Rule Nationwide

By Christopher Giannetti | January 23, 2025 |
A judge presides over a courtroom, with two individuals seated in the foreground. The scene represents the legal setting for the federal court striking down the Department of Labor’s final overtime rule.

On Nov. 15, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule amending the overtime exemption requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This ruling reverses the rule’s nationwide salary increases, restoring the pre-July 2024 thresholds. Background The FLSA exempts certain white-collar employees in…

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Boost Your Brain Health

By Christopher Giannetti | January 16, 2025 |
An elderly couple engages in a fun activity together, with the woman smiling and holding a small object while the man looks on. A healthcare worker is seen in the background, contributing to a warm, supportive environment.

About 1 in 10 adults experience worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dementias start with mild memory loss and can lead to an inability to carry on conversations or respond to one’s environment. Improving your brain health can help you stay sharp as you age.…

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Car and Booster Seats Save Lives

By Christopher Giannetti | January 9, 2025 |
A smiling woman interacts with a young child in a car seat, ensuring the child is securely fastened. The image emphasizes the importance of using car and booster seats for safety.

Proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts is crucial to protecting young passengers in the event of an accident. According to the CDC, using the correct car or booster seat can reduce the risk of injury by 71-82%. For children ages 4-8, using a booster seat reduces the risk of serious injury…

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Commercial Auto Woes Persist for U.S. Insurance Industry

By Christopher Giannetti | January 2, 2025 |
A row of commercial vehicles is lined up in the foreground, with a focus on one van in the center, set against a sunset or early morning sky. The scene represents the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. insurance industry in the commercial auto sector.

The U.S. insurance industry’s struggles with commercial auto insurance show no signs of easing, as first-half 2024 results reveal continued deterioration despite 13 years of consistent quarterly price hikes, according to a new AM Best report. “While U.S. commercial lines have generally performed well, especially in 2022 and 2023, driven by strong underwriting in workers’…

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National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

By Christopher Giannetti | December 19, 2024 |
A police officer stands by a car on the side of the road at dusk, with emergency lights flashing on a nearby police vehicle. The scene represents National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

December Is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Celebrate safely during the upcoming holiday season by talking about the risks of impaired driving and setting clear expectations for drivers. Parents and Caregivers Can Promote Responsible Decision-making The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages parents and caregivers to set clear boundaries with young drivers. Impaired driving,…

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Avoiding Cutting Hazards in the Kitchen

By Christopher Giannetti | December 12, 2024 |
A close-up of a sharp kitchen knife on a wooden cutting board with blurred, colorful vegetables in the background. The image conveys a focus on kitchen safety and cutting hazards.

Working in the food service industry can be rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of risks. One of the most common hazards in any kitchen is the potential for cuts while handling knives, chopping vegetables, or cleaning up. Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to reduce your risk of injury…

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Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Insurance Rates?

By Christopher Giannetti | December 5, 2024 |
The image shows a person inspecting a damaged car and taking notes on a clipboard. The text "Does My Credit Score Affect My Car Insurance Rates?" is displayed at the bottom, along with the SIA Blogs logo in the corner.

Many drivers don’t realize how much their credit score can impact car insurance premiums. In most states, insurers use your credit score to help determine your rates, and even a small change in your score can lead to significant fluctuations in your premium. However, three states—California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii—have banned the use of credit scores…

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NOAA Winter Forecast 2024-25: Expect a Wetter North and a Drier South

By Christopher Giannetti | November 28, 2024 |
The image shows a snow-covered landscape with tall, frosted trees under a vibrant, colorful sky at sunset. In the foreground, the text "NOAA Winter Forecast 2024-25" is displayed, along with the SIA Blogs logo in the bottom right corner.

As winter approaches, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its U.S. winter outlook for December 2024 through February 2025. Driven by La Niña conditions, this season’s forecast anticipates marked weather patterns, with wetter-than-average conditions expected in the northern regions and a drier, warmer outlook for the South. What is La Niña, and…

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Safety Tips for Holiday Meal Prep 

By Christopher Giannetti | November 21, 2024 |
A festive dining table with people serving and enjoying a variety of dishes, including roasted meat, salads, fruits, and charcuterie, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.

Getting together with friends and family can be the best part of the holiday season. However, as you start planning for Thanksgiving dinner and other gatherings, you must keep yourself and your guests safe. Even if you consider yourself an expert chef and know every nook and cranny of your kitchen, you should remain mindful…

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