Patricia Wells

Flooding is becoming a regular and serious problem in Texas, with some communities facing the risk of repeated damage. Experts on housing and urban planning are now urging the state to start a voluntary buyout program. This would give residents living in high-risk flood areas a chance to move out safely. About 5 million people … Read more

Tesla has received approval to operate a rideshare service in Texas, marking a new step for the company’s self-driving taxi ambitions. Tesla Robotaxi LLC has been granted a transportation network company license by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This license allows Tesla to run its robotaxi service alongside other ride-hailing giants like Uber … Read more

In Minnesota, some cities are reluctant about the new legal cannabis market, while others see a chance to benefit. Elk River is one of 13 cities thinking about opening city-owned cannabis stores, a move that’s new and rare in the U.S. City Administrator Cal Portner explains that although the city council isn’t thrilled about legal … Read more

Iowa’s Attorney General Brenna Bird has announced two settlements related to environmental violations at local facilities. These cases were handled on behalf of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Agri Star Meat and Poultry, LLC has agreed to pay a $50,000 fine. The company must also fully comply with its wastewater discharge permit by the … Read more

A large brush fire burning north of Los Angeles has forced thousands of people to evacuate and is one of two major wildfires currently threatening California. The blaze, known as the Canyon fire, has spread across nearly 4,850 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties since it began Thursday afternoon. Fire officials say it is … Read more

Root Inc., the parent company of Root Insurance based in Columbus, Ohio, reported a strong financial turnaround in the second quarter of 2025. The company posted a net income of $22 million for Q2, a significant improvement from a loss of $7.8 million during the same period last year. This follows a solid first quarter, … Read more

The Louisiana Department of Insurance is rolling out an updated version of its mobile app just in time for the busiest part of hurricane season. The new LDIConnect app is designed to keep people informed and safe as storms approach, with peak hurricane activity expected around September 10. This upgraded app offers a variety of … Read more

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has made several key leadership appointments recently. Angela Nelson, the department director, announced that new leaders have been named for four important roles: Deputy Department Director, General Counsel, Director of Insurance Consumer Affairs, and Director of DCI Administration. Gina Clark is returning to the department as deputy director. … Read more

Marsh has introduced a new insurance feature for companies going public that offers extra protection during their initial public offering (IPO) process. This addition focuses on helping companies cover the costs of indemnifying investment banks involved in their IPOs—something not usually covered by standard directors and officers (D&O) insurance policies. When a company decides to … Read more

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois, is facing legal action for not accommodating employees who asked to avoid the COVID-19 vaccine due to religious beliefs and medical issues. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed two lawsuits against the hospital, accusing it of violating federal law. One lawsuit involves a lab worker who … Read more