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September 2025
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No Bump, No Bruise, No Problem? Think Again.
A HEADACHE AFTER A WRECK ISN’T JUST STRESS
concussions happen every year as a result of motor vehicle accidents alone. Most people assume concussions require a knockout punch or a dramatic head injury. But your head doesn’t even have to make contact with anything for your brain to sustain trauma. In a crash, the sudden jolt alone, your head whipping forward and back, can cause your brain to crash into the inside of your skull. That motion can lead to bruising, bleeding, and chemical changes that affect how your brain works. And the symptoms? They’re often delayed. The adrenaline rush after a collision can mask signs for hours or even days. By the time you start noticing issues, the injury has already been there, quietly working against your recovery.
I’ve worked with more clients than I can count who walked away from a crash thinking they were lucky. No broken bones, no bleeding, just a sore neck or a mild headache. They declined medical attention, figured they’d “sleep it off,” and went home. And then, a day or two later, things started to change. The headache didn’t go away. Maybe their vision got a little blurry. They started feeling dizzy or nauseous. One client even told me they walked into a room and forgot why they were there, more than once. The common thread? A hidden injury that’s more serious than most people realize: a concussion .
These symptoms don’t always come all at once. Sometimes, they show up days after the accident, which is why many people don’t connect the dots. I’ve had clients who thought they were tired, stressed, or shaken up, when in fact, they were dealing with a brain injury. That’s why I always tell my clients: Get checked out. Right away. You don’t have to be in agony or show dramatic symptoms to justify a visit to a doctor. A trained medical professional can spot signs of a concussion you might overlook and get you started on treatment early, when it can do the most good. And once you’re diagnosed, take it seriously. Rest your brain. Follow your doctor’s plan. Track your symptoms and let someone know if they worsen. Your brain needs time to heal, just like any other part of your body, and if you ignore the warning signs, you risk long-term complications that can affect everything from your memory to your mood. As someone who advocates for injured clients every day, I’ll always fight to make sure your medical needs are covered and your recovery supported. But nothing replaces early intervention. So, if you’ve been in a crash, big or small, and something feels off, don’t second-guess yourself. Trust your instincts. Protect your health. And remember: No injury involving your brain is ever “just a bump.”
Now, with National Concussion Awareness Day coming up on
Here are common concussion symptoms to watch for after a car accident:
Sept. 19, I wanted to take a moment to talk about why this topic is so important, especially for anyone who’s been in a car crash, even a minor one. The fact is that concussions happen more often than you think. And they’re not exclusive to athletes or high-impact collisions. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 300,000 Referrals Welcome Thank you for referring clients to us over the years. You will never be embarrassed by a referral to our office. We’re always available to lend a helping hand to anyone with any legal need. Just give us a call at (314) 961-5678 or visit us at: www.becklawmo.com .
• Persistent headaches or pressure in the head • Nausea or vomiting • Dizziness, vertigo, or problems with balance • Blurred or double vision • Ringing in the ears • Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or even smell • Sleep problems, either sleeping too much or not at all • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things • Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
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When a Gift Becomes a Crime
SNYDER V. UNITED STATES EXPLAINED
When does a gift cross the line into a crime? That’s the question the U.S. Supreme Court tackled in Snyder v. United States , a decision that could reshape how we think about corruption in state and local government. The ruling narrows the scope of federal law used to prosecute public officials by making a key distinction between a bribe and a gratuity. The Facts of the Snyder Case The case centered on James Snyder, the former mayor of Portage, Indiana. While in office, Snyder steered city contracts for garbage trucks to a local company. After the
public officials to take a bribe that influences an official act. That much is clear. But what about gifts that come after a deal is done? According to the Court, accepting those is not a crime. Writing for the majority, Justice Kavanaugh put it plainly in saying that § 666 is about corrupt deals — quid pro quo — not the small “tokens of appreciation” that sometimes follow an official act. Drawing the line differently, he warned, could have unfair implications for state and local officials nationwide. The Court’s decision also flagged federal overreach. The majority said regulating gifts and gratuities is not the federal government’s business but a job for state and local governments. Impact of the Snyder Decision The Snyder ruling is the latest in a series of decisions going back to 2000 that limit the reach of federal anti-corruption laws. It also leaves questions about who will step in to fill the gap. If federal prosecutors can’t go after public officials for gifts given after the fact, it’s now up to state and local officials to handle those situations. Local and state laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may not always be as strong or clear.
deals were done, he accepted a $13,000 payment from that same company. Federal prosecutors argued the payment was an illegal gratuity under 18 U.S.C.
§ 666, a law that bars state and local officials from taking payments in connection with their legal duties. Snyder’s defense was simple: There was no prior agreement. The payment came after the fact, with no strings attached.
But the government saw it differently, and a jury
Does this ruling open the door to more “thank you” payments to government officials? Maybe. But for now, Snyder makes one thing clear: The line is drawn at bribes. Everything else is a matter for the states to figure out.
convicted him. That conviction, though, didn’t stand for long.
The Scope of § 666 The Supreme Court’s decision came down to when a gift becomes a crime. The law at the heart of the case makes it illegal for
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TAKE A BREAK
How Retirees Are Redefining Work
Apples Aster Coffee Constitution Foliage Grandparents Labor Lunchbox Pirate Sapphire Virgo Waffles
What are you planning for your retirement? If you’re like many people, your plans likely look different from those of retirees a few decades ago. Retirement used to mean slowing down, and it still does. However, many retirees now choose to continue working through a side hustle. The flexibility of a side hustle makes it perfect for those in retirement. And it’s a great way to earn extra income for unexpected living expenses. Today, a variety of side gigs offer flexible hours or the chance to work from home. A retired teacher might start remote tutoring, and someone who spent years in a corporate office could find work as a part-time consultant. Others find a way to turn a hobby into something more, like selling homemade crafts or working as a freelance writer. Rideshare and food delivery apps are also great options and don’t require any experience to get started. Money is a big draw, but many retirees find that a side hustle has other benefits. Working part- time can add structure to your day and allow you to meet new people. It can also help you stay mentally sharp and give you a sense of purpose after the structure of a full-time job fades away. Another great thing about working this way is that you can do it on your terms. It can be as simple as helping out a few hours a week or offering services during the busy season. What matters is finding something that feels rewarding. If retirement is a new chapter, a side hustle can be a plot twist that keeps things interesting. Finding Purpose Through a Side Hustle
CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP
Ingredients
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more • 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss cauliflower with 2 tbsp olive oil. 3. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt, and bake 25–35 minutes until tender. 4. In a soup pot, warm remaining olive oil and cook onion and 1/4 tsp salt until soft. 5. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broth. 6. Add all but 4 cauliflower florets to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. 7. Transfer mixture to a blender, add butter, and blend until smooth. Then blend in lemon juice and nutmeg. 8. Garnish with cauliflower florets and serve. Add parsley, onion, and chives as desired.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Feel Fine After a Crash? Watch for These Silent Signs of Brain Injury
1
New Lines Drawn in Corruption Law
2
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
3
Why Side Hustles Are a Hit for Retirees
The War Over a Wooden Bucket
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WHEN A BUCKET SPARKED A WAR
If you’ve spent any time studying history, you know it is full of strange moments. But did you know a war was once fought over a wooden bucket? It might sound like something straight out of a cartoon, but it’s an actual story from history. In the 14th century, two Italian city-states — Modena and Bologna — found themselves in a heated feud. Tensions had been brewing between the two for years, but one act sent them over the edge. That tipping point? A bucket. According to legend, Modenese soldiers snuck into Bologna and swiped an oaken bucket from the town well. Bologna wanted it back, but Modena wouldn’t budge. The outraged Bolognese responded with all-out war. If you think this sounds too absurd to be true, you’re not alone. Of course, the bucket wasn’t really the issue. The groundwork for the War of the Bucket was
laid more than 200 years before the actual battle. Still, the bucket story is true. And yes, they fought a war. The outnumbered Modenese were the victors, and the conflict claimed the lives of around 2,000 men from both sides. What historians still don’t know for sure, though, is whether the bucket was taken before the battle or afterward as a trophy, but Modena still has it to this day. If you ever visit the city, you can see it on display in Modena’s town hall, where it sits as a reminder that even small things can spark big events.
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