Patricia Wells

Chad Hemenway, National News Editor at Insurance Journal, has been covering the insurance industry since 2007. He reports on various topics including insurance trends, natural disasters, regulation, and litigation. Recently, Hemenway highlighted several important developments in the insurance world. One story covers ongoing efforts by advocacy groups pushing for a federal court rule that would … Read more

Coalition, a San Francisco-based cyber insurance and security firm, has expanded its reach in Canada by offering Excess Cyber Insurance policies in Quebec. The company also announced an update to its Excess coverage across the country, making it easier for businesses to protect themselves against cyber risks. The new Excess Cyber Insurance policies come with … Read more

Air travel across several major U.S. airports is facing delays due to staffing problems at air traffic control, caused by the ongoing government shutdown now in its 23rd day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that airports in New York, Washington, Newark, and Houston are among those affected. The FAA is dealing with staffing issues … Read more

Florida’s Villages, the world’s largest retirement community, is growing bigger. The sprawling 57,000-acre development is raising nearly $130 million through a high-yield municipal bond deal to build more than 2,800 new homes and new amenities. Located in one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., The Villages has become a popular spot for Baby … Read more

Higginbotham, a Fort Worth, Texas-based insurance agency, has built a strong reputation as one of the best independent agencies to work for, thanks largely to its unique approach to hiring and company culture. For 35 years, the firm has enjoyed an average annual growth rate of 21%, an impressive feat in the insurance industry that … Read more

DSP Insurance Services, a Schaumburg, Illinois-based agency, is standing out by choosing to grow from within rather than selling to bigger firms. While many agencies its size are being acquired, DSP is focused on staying independent and investing in its own people. Taylor Virgil, president of DSP, says the agency spends a lot of time … Read more

A French court ruled that energy company TotalEnergies misled the public with its 2021 advertising by claiming it could reach carbon neutrality by 2050. This is the first time France’s greenwashing law has been applied to a major energy firm. The court ordered TotalEnergies to remove misleading statements about carbon neutrality and its role in … Read more

A recent and intense marine heat wave in 2023 has wiped out two crucial coral species on Florida’s Coral Reef, researchers report. These species, known as elkhorn and staghorn corals, once played a vital role in building and expanding the reef that stretches 350 miles along Florida’s southeastern and southern coasts. The loss is significant … Read more

Two major moves have been made in the insurance world, with Aon and ACORD Solutions Group announcing new key appointments aimed at growth and innovation. Aon plc has named Andrew Secker as the EMEA chief client officer for Reinsurance Solutions. Secker, who has been with Aon for over 20 years, will focus on improving how … Read more

The Trump administration is preparing a plan to open nearly all U.S. coastal waters to new offshore oil drilling, even though many state governors and local leaders oppose it. This proposal would reverse previous restrictions, including areas near the Southeast coast that President Trump himself moved to protect during his 2020 reelection campaign. According to … Read more