Author: TECH

Story audio is generated using AI South Africans are, by global standards, among one of the most stressed people at work. Gallup data shows that between 35% and 40% of South African workers experience stress daily ― among the highest rates globally ― a statistic that should reframe how employers think about wellness, not as a perk, but as a business imperative. For years, workplace stress sat on the margins of the mental health conversation, overshadowed by more visible clinical concerns. Yet chronic, low-grade workplace stress ― the kind that builds quietly over months of financial pressure, long hours and…

                                On August 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of Kentucky, in K-VA-T Food Stores Inc. v. Blackburn, clarified when an employer can seek subrogation from an employee’s third-party settlement pursuant to Kentucky statute 342.700, which permits an employer or insurer to recover up to the amount of workers compensation (WC) benefits paid or payable, less a pro rata share of the attorney fees and expenses incurred by the employee. In this case, an employee who sustained a compensable injury and was receiving WC benefits, settled a claim…

The search phrase social security benefits rose as the Social Security Administration published its July 2026 statistical snapshot. The agency’s table lists 75.724 million people receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or both. The figure is a monthly administrative count, not a forecast of future enrollment and not a statement that every recipient receives the same payment.SSA’s table separates the July total into three groups. It lists 68.424 million people receiving Social Security only, 4.790 million receiving SSI only and 2.511 million receiving both programs. The categories overlap only through the separately reported combined group, so they should not be…

What would you do if you could live anywhere in the world for a year? Or wake up tomorrow with a completely different skill? Questions like these can turn an ordinary conversation into something much more interesting. Hypothetical questions invite people to imagine different situations, explore possibilities, and reveal how they think, what they value, and what they might do when faced with unexpected choices. They’re also a great way to break the ice. Whether you’re getting to know a new friend, spending time with family, or looking for fun conversation starters, the right hypothetical question can lead to surprising…

Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival is tomorrow — but she has already shared a big announcement.“It’s a real honor to announce that we are donating $10 million to be given directly to these 10 nonprofit partners,” Rodrigo said in a press conference on Friday afternoon.The “stupid song” singer is producing and headlining an all-women music festival on Saturday in Irvine, California, featuring mega acts like Chappell Roan, Bikini Kill, Doechii, and even Stevie Nicks.All artists are performing for free, with 100% of net proceeds of the event being donated. Daisy Chain Fields has encouraged attendees and supporters to donate…

Think a little less about managing your problems and a little more about managing your mindset. The real trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away all of your days waiting for better ones ahead. Just appreciate where you are. You have come a long way, and you’re still learning and growing. Be thankful for the lessons. Take them and make the best of things right now. Start by reminding yourself that inner peace and progress in life are both built through tiny daily victories. It’s the seemingly inconsequential choices we make day to day that make all the difference.…

                                Conference Recap When an injured worker hires an attorney, many employers and insurers instinctively shift into litigation mode. But according to panelists at WCI, the best outcomes often come from focusing on partnership, communication, and keeping the employee at the center of the claim. During a session featuring Nichole DuShane of Summitt Holdings, Becky Hillhouse of Ascot, and Melissa Spurlock of Select Medical Corporation, the discussion focused on selecting defense counsel, managing attorney relationships, avoiding unnecessary litigation, and improving the injured worker experience. What’s…

Key PointsThe 2027 Social Security COLA will almost certainly be larger than the 2.8% 2026 COLA.However, it may come in lower than the current 3.6% estimate.We’ll learn the actual 2027 COLA on Oct. 14, 2026. We won’t know the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for a few more weeks, but I’m pretty certain it’ll be much higher than the 2.8% boost seniors saw this year. The thought of extra money is encouraging, especially for those struggling to get by on their existing benefits. But it’s important to keep things in perspective.Social Security COLAs are designed to help your benefits…

When was the last time you intentionally invested in yourself? It’s easy to spend our time and energy taking care of work, family, responsibilities, and other people while putting our own growth on the back burner. But investing in yourself can be one of the most valuable decisions you make. Developing your skills, knowledge, confidence, and overall well-being can open new opportunities and help you create a more satisfying life. Self-investment doesn’t always require a major financial commitment. Sometimes, it means learning something new, improving an existing skill, taking better care of your health, reading, developing healthier habits, or making…

In the past decade, study after study has come to a troubling conclusion: Trust in news and journalism has declined dramatically.The public’s loss of trust corresponds with the explosive development of our information ecosystem. The more options audiences have to find news elsewhere, the less trust the public has placed in traditional forms of journalism.However, trust in journalism was displaced long before the rise of digital and social media.That’s especially true for Black communities that have been harmfully misrepresented by mainstream outlets. Research, for example, has consistently shown how the news media has contributed to overrepresentation of Black people in…