Patricia Wells

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Nalco Production LLC and Nalco Co. LLC over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. The companies, which produce polymer blend chemicals, are based in Chicago, Illinois. They will pay a penalty of $401,300 as part of this agreement. The EPA claims that Nalco … Read more

Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc. reported a significant drop in its first-quarter earnings for 2025, posting a net income of around $1 billion. This marks a decline of about 33% compared to the same period last year. The company faced substantial catastrophe losses during the first three months of the year, primarily due to wildfires … Read more

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has announced the promotion of Chris Zeilinga to agency manager of the Hancock-Henry-Shelby-Rush Agency. The company, based in Indianapolis, made the announcement on May 8, 2025. Zeilinga has been with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance since 2002. He started as an agent in Marion County and worked his way up through the … Read more

In a surprising move just weeks before hurricane season, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was fired. Cameron Hamilton, who had been in the role since January, was dismissed without a clear reason. David Richardson has now taken over as FEMA administrator. Richardson previously served as the assistant secretary for the … Read more

Texas is facing a significant increase in energy demand, driven mainly by the growth of data centers and the oil and gas industry. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the state’s power grid, predicts that the state’s energy needs could nearly double in just six years. State Senator Phil King, a Republican … Read more

A proposed carbon-capture pipeline that would run through several Midwestern states is facing new challenges in Iowa. A group of 12 Republican state senators is pushing to bring the issue to a vote, insisting that any budget discussions be put on hold until a pipeline bill is addressed. Summit Carbon Solutions has plans for an … Read more

American Airlines has taken legal action against the city of Chicago over a dispute involving gate space at O’Hare International Airport. This airport serves as a hub for both American and United Airlines, making it a key location for both carriers. American Airlines claims that United is trying to push it out of the airport … Read more

Rivian Automotive Inc. is making a significant investment in Illinois with plans to spend $120 million on a new supplier park. This project is a boost for Governor JB Pritzker, especially after Rivian announced a $1.5 billion plan to expand its manufacturing plant in the state. The new supplier park, which will cover 1.2 million … Read more

Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner, Tim Temple, recently announced an important new requirement for property and casualty insurance companies in the state. Starting May 1, 2025, insurers will need to clearly disclose all available discounts that could help reduce premiums for both current and potential policyholders. This change comes after Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill aimed at … Read more

Benefit Advisors Network (BAN) has welcomed Carroll Insurance, based in Houston, Texas, as its newest member. This announcement highlights the growing network of independent employee benefit brokers and consulting firms across the United States and Canada. Carroll Insurance serves a wide range of clients in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, technology, professional … Read more