(NewsUSA) - Auto insurance costs have risen significantly over the last few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including higher repair costs associated with new vehicle technology, the potential impact of tariffs, and a growing number of incidents involving distracted driving and speeding. One of the keys to curbing the rising cost pressures is accurate data. This knowledge can assist insurers and employers in developing effective risk management strategies.

To help organizations understand the driving factors, SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has issued its 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Safety.

The report’s findings can help everyone, including employers, insurers, and brokers, identify the root causes of dangerous driving risk. This information can help address the underlying issues and improve safety. This year’s report delivers insight into the behavioral trends behind crashes and claims, exploring the distinctions between age groups, fleet sizes, and industry segments.

“Risk isn’t random — it’s behavioral, and overwhelmingly predictable,” said Matt Scheuing, chief executive officer at SambaSafety. “The volatility in commercial auto insurance reflects the systemic risk that builds when unsafe behaviors go unaddressed. The opportunity for real improvement starts upstream, with better visibility, targeted intervention, and sustained behavior change.”

Drawing on SambaSafety’s extensive network of telematics integrations, court connections, motor vehicle records, and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) data, the report’s key findings include:

• An 11.1% year-over-year increase in auto premiums, with vehicle complexity, nuclear verdicts and dangerous driving behavior as contributing factors.
• An increase in speed violations, which now make up nearly 40% of major driving violations in the United States.
• A violation rate of 30.3% in the Southeast.
• South Carolina increased nearly 4 percentage points over the prior year and had the highest violation rate nationwide at 50.3%.
• A violation rate of 62.7% among younger drivers (ages 18-30 years) in South Carolina, 90% of which were for speeding.
• Violation rates for monitored fleets across Construction, Government and Transportation and Logistics were more than 15 percentage points lower than the overall population, proving the effectiveness of proactive risk management.
• The report examines the impact of these trends on different aspects of driver risk management, including rising insurance premiums, hiring and retention trends, and regulatory compliance, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping driver risk and safety.

The 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Risk is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit https://sambasafety.com/free-2025-driver-risk-report?utm_source=usanews&utm_medium=press&utm_campaign=10149515-Driver-Risk-Report-Q2-25

(NewsUSA) - Storm seasons are getting stronger, longer, and more unpredictable. Whether it’s a thunderstorm knocking out neighborhood power lines, a tornado carving through a region, or a major hurricane threatening the coast, extreme weather can leave millions of Americans in the dark with little warning.

National forecasters are pointing to another above-average hurricane season in 2025, and experts are urging homeowners across the country, not just in coastal areas, to take action now. From spoiled groceries and flooded basements to sweltering homes and equipment failures, power outages can quickly go from inconvenient to dangerous.

In 2024, the U.S. experienced nearly 1.5 billion hours of power outages – the highest year since 2010 when Generac first started tracking this figure.

Now, just one year after Colorado State University predicted a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, 2025 is expected to be nearly as powerful with an anticipated above-average season. Now is the time to prepare with a plan to protect your loved ones and your home. This season is predicted to be an above-average hurricane season with an expected nine hurricanes. Four hurricanes are expected to reach major hurricane strength of a Category 3 or higher storm, which creates sustained winds of 111 miles or greater and the great risk of significant loss of life and property damage. But whether you're in the path of a hurricane, a derecho in the Midwest, or ice storms in the Northeast, the reality is clear: every home is vulnerable to outages.

“For many people, the first time they learn about backup power is when they’re already in a crisis,” said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power at Generac Power Systems, a global energy technology company. “Having a plan before severe weather strikes can make a major difference in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.”

Five Ways to Prepare for Power Outages - No Matter Where You Live

Power outage experts from Generac have provided tips on how to prepare for any storm-induced power outages during hurricane season and beyond:

1. Create a Storm Safety Plan. Identify the safest spot in your home to shelter in place. Review local evacuation routes and establish a meeting location for family members in case you're separated or need to evacuate.
2. Build a Real Emergency Kit. Stock up on essentials: at least seven days of non-perishable food per person, three gallons of water per person, a fully stocked first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, and necessary medications.
3. Stay Connected During Chaos. Keep phones and electronics fully charged before a storm. Have a battery-powered emergency radio on hand to stay up to date with local alerts and weather updates.
4. Secure Backup Power. Consider investing in a portable generator or a whole-home standby system. If you already own one, ensure it’s maintained and ready. Backup power can keep lights on, refrigerators running, operating.
5. Know How to Use Generators Safely. Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Keep it far from your home, away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure.

It Only Takes One Storm

While forecasts grab headlines with big numbers, the truth is that it only takes one storm in the right place to cause life-altering damage. Power grid reliability is already a concern in many parts of the U.S., and storm-related outages are expected to rise with climate shifts.

To help residents and communities prepare, Generac offers readiness resources, including its Hurricane Preparedness Guide that has printable inventory checklists, comparisons on backup power options and power outage safety tips, available at https://www.generac.com/hurricane-prep.

(NewsUSA) - Historically, athletic eyewear was mostly relegated to high-impact sports—goggles for the slopes, wraparounds and shields for cycling, or protective frames for basketball. In today’s performance-driven world, it’s no longer just about function or fashion—it’s about both. As the eyewear industry continues to evolve, optical frames are being designed with movement in mind, catering not only to elite athletes but to anyone living an active, on-the-go lifestyle. More brands, like Flexon Eyewear, are creating functional and timeless eyewear styles that will seamlessly fit in an active lifestyle.

In March, Flexon Eyewear introduced its Motion collection, where sleek masculine designs meet performance and functionality. From chasing the kids in the backyard and working out to balancing long workdays and screen time, people need eyewear that adapts. The sporty-inspired Motion collection incorporates key elements like memory metal, a material that bends and returns to its original shape, and rubber temples to create eyewear that moves with you. Each element ensures a secure fit through sweat, movement, and long hours, all while offering an aesthetic that’s sleek and versatile enough for everyday wear.

The latest optical styles lean into the active design, featherlight construction, and silhouettes that nod to athleticism without being overly technical. FLEXON style E1157 is a dynamic, oval-shaped optical style that offers a sleek and modern design. Featuring a Flexon memory metal bridge, rubber temples, and adjustable nose pads for distinctive style and everyday comfort. FLEXON style E1158 is a rimless, easy-to-wear optical style that offers a lightweight and effortless look. The style is crafted with durable memory metal, to ensure flexibility and comfort, and is enhanced by rubber temples and adjustable nose pads for a personalized fit.

As consumers continue to look for gear that keeps up with their dynamic lives, athletic eyewear is becoming more than a niche—it’s becoming essential. To shop the performance-driven styles like the Flexon Motion Collection, visit eyeconic.com.

(Tax Watch America) - It's tax season and consulting firms are touting their quick and easy services to relieve the stress caused by filing complex returns.

However, this year, businesses should be on the lookout for AI-driven "pop up" technology firms pretending to be expert tax consultants—their speedy "solutions" might land you an audit rather than tax credits.

One of the worst of these shady "fly-by-night" scamsters is a company called SPRX. Their CEO Dominic Vitucci is notorious for making claims that are too good to be true or flat out misleading, ranging from attacking the expertise of CPAs to downplaying the risks of IRS audits.

For example, Vitucci argues SPRX's AI model represents the true "expert" in the field rather than CPAs, stating, "You know what's a real expert? An AI model that is trained on the entire body of R&D tax credit rules."

He even admits SPRX "entirely automates the R&D tax credit claiming process using AI."

But to credibly claim R&D tax credits requires careful legal and regulatory analysis—beyond what AI models are capable of.

These types of claims echo the 2023 IRS "Dirty Dozen" list, which included firms that aggressively marketed the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) with misleading promises. The IRS also cautioned against over-relying on AI for tax filings, emphasizing that AI lacks the ability to make complex, accurate legal determinations.

A true tax professional would acknowledge the risk of overreliance on AI, yet SPRX's CEO never does. Nor does he explain what steps his firm takes to ensure their AI is generating accurate and defensible analysis for their clients.

Vitucci tries to console potential clients, stating SPRX will "represent them in an IRS exam if an agent ever questions our report." However, SPRX hasn't been around long enough for any of their clients to have been audited.

SPRX fails to mention that if their AI-generated tax advice results in an audit, their customers, not the firms themselves, are held legally liable. It remains unclear if SPRX would also represent clients in these scenarios during court proceedings.

AI can be risky during audit preparedness too. AI-generated claims may lack the necessary documentation and substantiation required to withstand an IRS audit, leaving taxpayers exposed to financial and legal risk.

All of these false or misleading claims paint a clear picture of SPRX: their overreliance on AI for R&D tax credits is a risk businesses cannot afford to take.

(NewsUSA) - U.S. energy demand is surging at an unprecedented rate. With economic growth, technological advances, and industrial expansion, our country’s energy demand is projected to grow by between 35% and 50% by 2040, potentially outpacing supply growth.

Much of this expected demand growth is projected to come from large-scale economic drivers like data centers and manufacturing facilities. While these projects typically take two to three years to construct, new power generation can take five years or more to come online. Failing to meet increased demand with increased generation could stifle economic growth, hamper technological innovation, and raise energy consumer costs.

The solution? A strategy that utilizes all affordable and reliable energy sources. Clean energy like wind and solar offers the ability to come online faster than other energy options, better keeping pace with our state’s growing economic opportunities. If we want to reach true American energy dominance, we must employ an “all of the above” energy approach – and that starts with policy at the state level to open the door for homes and businesses to access all available energy resources. Diversifying power supply mixes, strengthening infrastructure, and unlocking rapid deployment will enable states to meet the moment.

Enough clean power capacity – from utility-scale solar, wind power on land and offshore, and storage – to power 75 million homes was installed in 2024 alone. The overwhelming majority of new electric power capacity (93%) installed last year was solar, wind, and storage. But, the U.S. portfolio continues to be primarily composed of thermal resources, hydroelectric power, and nuclear. By continuing to install clean power as a complement to traditional energy sources, states can achieve reliable, abundant, and affordable energy.

A great example of a state pursuing an all-of-the-above approach to energy is Texas. In addition to being the country’s largest producer of liquified natural gas and oil (source), Texas is the nation’s leading producer of utility-scale solar, the biggest producer of wind, and the second largest in battery storage (source), showing that states can use a blend of energy sources to meet their growing needs.

If we want to achieve American energy dominance, we can’t leave any resources on the table. With an all-of-the-above approach to energy, our state – and our country as a whole – can secure our energy future.

(NewsUSA) - We are in an era of unprecedented energy demand growth, driven in large part by the rise of artificial intelligence, the rapid expansion of data centers and an unprecedented increase of American manufacturing. Clean energy is now the fastest-growing source of new power in the U.S., and meeting this rising demand will require a diverse, reliable mix of energy resources.

Advancing clean energy technologies is not just about meeting that demand with affordable, dependable power. It’s also about revitalizing local economies and bringing back American jobs by expanding supply chains here at home. By building solar panels, wind turbines and grid-scale batteries domestically, we strengthen America’s energy security, support good-paying jobs, and fuel the nation’s economic growth.

For our industry, this is not a new effort—it’s a renewed commitment to American manufacturing strength, innovation and global competitiveness.

Today, there are nearly 200 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., producing primary clean energy components for wind, solar, and energy storage projects. These are responsible for over 120,000 manufacturing-related jobs. Since 2022, 90 new or expanded clean energy manufacturing sites have started operations. And the momentum is only growing: 159 additional facilities are currently under construction or in development, expected to deliver another 130,000 American manufacturing jobs.

Just like any other modern sector, building a domestic supply chain doesn’t happen overnight. Delivering on this historic reshoring of manufacturing requires policy certainty. Clean energy manufacturers have seen up close the unintended consequences that Washington, D.C.’s whiplash of policy actions can have on local communities trying to revitalize their economy as they support American manufacturing and energy growth. Stable, consistent regulations give businesses the confidence to commit billions of dollars in capital investments, expand operations, hire American workers and partner with local businesses. It’s this policy stability that will allow our domestic clean energy manufacturing sector to reach its full potential.

For example, trade policy and tariffs require a strategic approach with clear timelines to allow continued certainty for American consumers, businesses and our economy. Tariffs understandably have their place as a policy tool to carry out macroeconomic policy, but if used, must be carefully timed and implemented with clear pathways that give U.S. manufacturers and suppliers the runway needed to invest and scale up.

The buildout of America’s clean energy supply chain represents far more than just new factories — it’s about energy security, economic opportunity, and a sustainable future powered by innovation built right here at home. Whether it’s solar panels produced in Ohio, steel wind towers in New Mexico, undersea cables in Virginia, or advanced batteries in West Virginia, this clean energy manufacturing renaissance can lift communities across the nation. It’s a uniquely American opportunity — and it’s abundant.

(NewsUSA) - The American energy landscape is evolving, and with it, new opportunities are emerging for economic growth, job creation, and energy independence. Offshore wind energy stands out as a transformative solution, capable of revitalizing communities and securing a sustainable future.

At the heart of this transformation is a story of vision and adaptation. In Louisiana, Chett Chiasson has overseen Port Fourchon, a port vital to America's energy sector, for the last 15 years. Building on the port's extensive experience serving offshore oil and gas operations, Chett recognizes its potential to support America’s growing offshore wind industry. Chett’s work to integrate offshore wind into Louisiana's energy heritage exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking needed to power America's future.

Offshore wind energy presents numerous economic benefits for communities like Chett’s across the country. If all the planned projects are allowed to move forward, the offshore wind industry will bring an estimated $65 billion of investment in large-scale projects by 2030, creating an estimated 56,000 jobs across various industries. These are high-paying jobs in construction, maritime trades, and manufacturing, offering vital opportunities for professional growth. Beyond job creation, offshore wind projects stimulate local economies by creating new revenue for communities like land lease payments and tax payments.

The coastal states that are pursuing offshore wind energy are densely populated without more land area to grow other power sources. These big cities with surging demand for power have limited transmission and pipeline capacity. So offshore wind power is the best option for meeting growing electricity demand in short order, as the projects have already been under development for years. And producing wind energy here at home means greater energy independence and less reliance on foreign sources.

New polling data conducted by the Terrance Group shows bipartisan support for tapping into offshore wind’s vast potential. Nearly two-thirds of voters polled in 12 states favor offshore wind development both in the U.S. and off the coast of their own states. Support for offshore wind bridges party lines, with particularly high Republican support in states like Texas and Virginia. And majorities of voters agree that we should incorporate more clean energy like offshore wind into our energy mix.

Offshore wind energy represents a transformative opportunity to power our economy, create jobs, and ensure a sustainable energy supply. By embracing offshore wind as part of America’s all-of-the-above energy mix, we can create a bright future powered by homegrown American energy.

(NewsUSA) - There is broad agreement across party lines that it takes too long to build anything in the United States.   A new energy generation project, like a solar or wind farm, that needs a federal permit takes an average of 4.5 years to secure it. Projects that only need state or local permits can go faster but still take unnecessarily long.
Some projects’ permit wait time is more than a decade. That’s twice the time it took to build the Hoover Dam or the Golden Gate Bridge.  Protecting the environment is critical, of course, but deployment of the energy infrastructure necessary to help our nation meet the growing demand for electricity while continuing to power our economy is being done in ways that are compatible with environmental protection.

While the industry has been accelerating investments in clean energy projects, manufacturing facilities and new technology, timely permitting is critical to unlocking the pipeline of projects that will unleash economic growth, create additional good-paying American jobs, and reduce costs for American consumers.

Failure to reform our current permitting system puts clean energy projects that power millions of homes at risk of significant delay, along with 150,000 jobs and $100 billion+ of investment, including over 40 GW of projects reliant on the siting and permitting of new transmission lines.

Delays create uncertainty and raise costs for project developers that ultimately get passed on to the consumer. Delays can also have ripple effects throughout the economy—throwing off project timelines, the buildout of domestic supply chains, and the jobs and economic activity tied to these projects.

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) advocates for comprehensive permitting policies, working with members of Congress from both political parties to accelerate the deployment of clean energy and cut red tape—all while maintaining robust environmental reviews.

Clean power sources like solar and wind have minimal environmental impacts and proactively take steps to reduce even those and they provide economic benefits in the form of tax revenue, land lease payments and job creation. They also generate large amounts of electricity while diversifying America’s energy portfolio, which enhances reliability while benefiting consumers.

Expanding power generation and transmission is about as fundamental as you can get – we need more electricity to power our devices, factories, workplaces; really our entire lives. Having a dependable supply of electricity is not something we should ever take for granted. Reforming the permitting process is critical to setting the U.S on a path to greater energy security.

(NewsUSA) - At first glance, a golf ball may seem simple, but OnCore Golf has proven there's much more to it than meets the eye. This innovative startup has revolutionized golf ball technology in ways that larger companies haven't been able to.

Founded by longtime friends and business partners Bret Blakely and Steve Coulton, OnCore Golf was born out of a desire to bring innovation to golf ball design. Their proprietary perimeter-weighting technology minimizes unwanted sidespin—helping golfers achieve straighter shots, even in challenging conditions.

But OnCore's journey wasn't just about physics; it was also about breaking through barriers in the traditional golf industry. As newcomers introducing cutting-edge technology, they faced resistance. However, their perseverance paid off when, after a two-year appeal, the U.S. Golf Association approved OnCore balls for use in professional tournaments.

"OnCore represents those who embrace their differences and use them to shape a unique vision for what golf can be," Blakely shared in an interview. "We don't just sell products; we inspire individuality and drive through our approach and messaging."

A Golf Ball for Every Player

OnCore offers a lineup of balls tailored to different skill levels:

• Beginner-Friendly: The Avant 55 is designed for golfers with slower swing speeds, offering a soft feel and enhanced distance.
• Intermediate & Advanced: The Elixr and Elixr 2020 feature a urethane blend that enhances distance and accuracy for skilled players.
• Tour-Level Performance:
  • Vero X1 (85 compression) is crafted for serious golfers seeking precision.
  • Vero X2 (95 compression) provides advanced players with exceptional control and responsiveness.

Smart Tech Meets Golf: The Genius Ball

OnCore isn't stopping at traditional golf balls—the company is pioneering smart technology with its upcoming Genius Ball. Equipped with microelectronics and AI-driven analysis, this revolutionary ball tracks data to help golfers refine their game.

Initially designed for chipping and putting, the Genius Ball provides real-time feedback to improve technique. A full-course version is also in development, though it will be a training aid rather than a tournament-legal ball.

For more details, visit oncoregolf.com.

(NewsUSA) - Many small, family-owned farms in America are struggling to make ends meet. But some farmers like Byron Kominek are discovering how renewable energy can help them keep their land and their way of life.

Byron’s 24-acre farm in Longmont, Colorado, has been in his family for 50 years. His family’s hay-growing business was no longer paying the bills, and Byron needed to find a new way to sustain the land that honored the hard work put in over multiple generations.

After exploring several land management options, Byron decided to build a solar farm on four acres of land, which generates land lease revenue for his family and power for more than 300 homes each year.

Byron is also exploring the emerging farming technique of agrivoltaics, which involves growing crops under solar panels. The microclimates created beneath the solar panels open the door for farmers to grow different varieties of crops. It’s a win-win for forward-thinking farmers like Byron, who are re-purposing their land to grow new crops and produce clean energy.

Byron is not alone in his adoption of American-made energy on the family farm. Approximately one-third of Colorado’s electricity is currently generated by wind or solar power, including from family farms like Byron’s, according to the American Clean Power Association (ACP).

ACP represents the clean energy industry, including companies developing wind, solar, and clean hydrogen power. Visit cleanpower.org to learn more about how renewable energy sources can help family farms thrive in the future.