R. B. Pepalis News


AAA awards five diamond ratings to three new hotels in major US cities

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.

Uber announces promotion for teen users

Uber announced a month long promotion for its teenage users, offering free rides and meal or snack deliveries throughout September.

Uber announces expansion of autonomous ride-hailing with Waymo

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.

Amazon: ‘We look forward to bringing a best-in-class grocery experience to Naperville’

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.

Amazon announces updates to Amazon Fresh stores in Chicago

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.

Amazon and the National Safety Council continue collaboration to prevent MSD

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.

Amazon spotlights top-selling Nigerian-influenced Iya Foods

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.

Gas prices fall while electric vehicle charging costs remain stable

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.

Alaska cruises lead top labor day travel trends for 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.

ATRA announces California's placement on 'Heat Watch' list

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.

Amazon announces global volunteer impact

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.

Amazon uses technology and amenities to keep employees cool during summer months

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.

Gasoline prices rise ahead of Independence Day amid increasing oil costs

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.

Tips on protecting your home from lightning strikes

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.

AAA announces retirement of senior VP Paula Twidale after four decades

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.

Hoboken mayor on e-bike insurance bill: ‘Let’s park this wrongheaded bill and reposition New Jersey as a national leader in e-bikes’

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.

Gas prices continue slow decline due to weak domestic demand

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.

Staffing shortages increase road risks for company drivers: Nationwide research

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.

Michigan insurance agent announces draft pick at 2024 NFL event

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.