Patricia Wells

U.S. and Canadian auto sales are expected to take a significant hit this year, with a forecasted decline of 1.8 million vehicles. This grim outlook comes from an automotive advisory firm based in the Detroit area, which warns that if the global trade war worsens, sales could remain stagnant for the next decade. According to … Read more

Buyers of directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance have enjoyed a favorable market in recent years, with consistent rate decreases thanks to strong competition among insurers. However, this trend may soon change as new challenges arise in the marketplace. Analysts from AM Best have pointed out that past losses and rising expenses are beginning to … Read more

A plumbing contractor has been ordered to pay $1 million in restitution after being found guilty of workers’ compensation fraud. Daniela G. Birdwell, the 41-year-old owner of GPS Plumbing, entered a guilty plea to one count of insurance premium fraud. In addition to the hefty restitution, a judge sentenced her to two years of formal … Read more

AM Best has recently changed its outlook for Loudoun Mutual Insurance Co., based in Waterford, Virginia, from stable to negative. This shift comes as a result of the company’s declining performance in underwriting and operations over recent years, which has also led to a drop in its risk-adjusted capitalization. Despite the negative outlook, AM Best … Read more

Federal officials have recently criticized a major coal plant near the Ohio River for improperly managing a massive pile of coal waste. This pile, which is so large it could fill the Dallas Cowboys’ football stadium twice, poses a serious risk to groundwater due to heavy metal pollution. The coal ash, a byproduct of burning … Read more

Retired coal miner Stanley “Goose” Stewart is raising concerns about safety in the mining industry. His worries come as the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk and created under President Donald Trump, pushes for cuts that could compromise mine safety. The plan includes shutting down about three dozen offices of the Mine Safety … Read more

Marsh McLennan has reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with consolidated revenue reaching $7.1 billion. This marks a 9% increase compared to the same period last year, and a 4% rise when looking at organic growth alone. The company’s operating income for the quarter stood at $2.0 billion, which is slightly … Read more

The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) has issued a new bulletin to clarify how insurance companies should handle virtual claims adjustments for automobile damage. This guidance comes as more insurers are using photos and videos from customers or repair shops instead of doing in-person inspections. DJ Bettencourt, the state’s insurance commissioner, emphasized that while these … Read more

A man was arrested outside the UnitedHealthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, after making threats and claiming he had a loaded gun. The 26-year-old, who has a history of mental health issues, was charged with felony firearm offenses and making threats of violence. On Monday morning, the man called the FBI and informed them that he … Read more

A federal judge has stepped in to halt a controversial requirement from the U.S. Department of Labor that would force government contractors and grant recipients to certify they are not running any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that might violate anti-discrimination laws. This ruling came from Judge Matthew Kennelly of the U.S. District Court … Read more