R. B. Pepalis News
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 30, 2024
Three hotels have earned the AAA Diamond Program’s highest distinction of Five Diamonds: Waldorf Astoria Chicago, The Setai, Miami Beach, and Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. These properties are recognized for their luxurious surroundings and unparalleled service. Additionally, more than a dozen hotels and restaurants joined the AAA Four Diamonds list this month. Four Diamond properties offer upscale amenities and distinctive fine dining.
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 25, 2024
Uber announced a month long promotion for its teenage users, offering free rides and meal or snack deliveries throughout September.
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 25, 2024
Uber has announced an expansion of its partnership with Waymo to offer Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing services in Austin and Atlanta through the Uber app. The service is set to launch in early 2025.
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 17, 2024
Caitlin Tully, spokesperson for Amazon, said the organization is excited about the recent two grand re-openings of Amazon Fresh grocery locations in the Naperville area.
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 14, 2024
Amazon announced that Amazon Fresh stores in Schaumburg and Oak Lawn, Illinois, now offer an expanded selection of over 1,500 new national and private-label products. Additionally, a new Amazon Fresh store has opened in Tinley Park.
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 9, 2024
Three years ago, Amazon and the National Safety Council (NSC) partnered to address musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), a leading cause of injuries across various industries. As part of this collaboration, Amazon donated $12 million for NSC to develop an MSD Solutions Lab.
By R. B. Pepalis | Sep 3, 2024
Amazon has spotlighted an Illinois-based food company in its Selling Partners channel. The feature story highlighted Nigerian-influenced Iya Foods and the success it has achieved selling its products on the Amazon site.
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 22, 2024
The national average for a gallon of gas has dropped by six cents to $3.38, a price point last seen on March 6. In contrast, the national average for Level 2 (L2) commercial electricity has remained steady over the past month.
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 19, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 19, 2024) – This year’s record-breaking summer travel season concludes with many Americans exploring Alaska by cruise. According to AAA booking data, Seattle is the number one Labor Day weekend destination, up nearly 30% from last year when it also topped the list. Anchorage and Juneau are also among the top ten Labor Day destinations.
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 14, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) announced that California has been placed on its "Heat Watch" list in the latest Legislative HeatCheck report. This designation highlights concerns over a surge of proposed legislation that could significantly increase liability in the state.
By R. B. Pepalis | Aug 9, 2024
Amazon announced that during the Global Month of Volunteering, its team members from more than 50 countries engaged in over 4,000 events, both virtual and in-person, and provided support to over 400 organizations. The company collaborates with thousands of global partners annually to address critical social issues and strengthen communities.
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 22, 2024
Amazon has reported that it is utilizing technology, amenities, and preventative measures to protect its employees from summertime heat. The company emphasized that safety is its top priority.
By R. B. Pepalis | Jun 27, 2024
The national average for gasoline has risen by five cents over the past week, reaching $3.50 per gallon, according to recent data. This increase follows a period of nearly three weeks without significant changes in prices and coincides with oil prices surpassing $80 per barrel. The cost of oil, which constitutes approximately 54% of gasoline prices, plays a crucial role in determining pump costs.
By R. B. Pepalis | Jun 25, 2024
In 2023, the United States experienced a total of 242 million lightning flashes, as reported by the 2023 Annual Lightning Report by Vaisala Xweather. State Farm paid out nearly $230 million for over 18,000 lightning-related claims in the same year, averaging just over $18,000 per claim.
By R. B. Pepalis | Jun 21, 2024
Paula Twidale, the current Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, will retire at the end of December 2024, concluding a notable 40-year career in the travel industry. Twidale's career began in the airline sector at Boston’s Logan International Airport before she transitioned to tour and leisure travel. She has achieved several milestones, including serving as the first woman board chair of the United States Tour Operators Association and being nominated five times by Travel Agent Magazine as one of the most powerful women in travel.
By R. B. Pepalis | May 23, 2024
Ravi Bhalla, the mayor of Hoboken, expressed concerns that the proposed e-bike insurance bill would obstruct New Jersey's efforts to promote sustainable and accessible transportation options like Hoboken's Citi Bike program. The bill in question mandates registration and insurance for e-bikes and e-scooters.
By R. B. Pepalis | May 16, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 16, 2024)—The national average for a gallon of gasoline continues its slow decline, falling four cents since last week to $3.60. The main factors driving this decrease are weak domestic demand and oil costs below $80 a barrel.
By R. B. Pepalis | May 15, 2024
Nationwide research reveals that company drivers are facing escalating distractions and safety risks on the road, a situation worsened by staffing shortages leading to extended hours of driving and diminished focus on safety.
By R. B. Pepalis | May 9, 2024
Steve Dalessandro, a Michigan-based insurance agent, found himself on one of football's biggest stages recently. Dalessandro, who founded Dalessandro Insurance Inc. in 1995, was invited to attend the 2024 NFL Draft weekend in Detroit as a guest of Nationwide, an official sponsor of the National Football League since 2014. As part of that experience, he was offered the chance to announce an official team selection during Round 6.