Chicago Jury Selected in Boeing Trial Concerning Payments Linked to Ethiopia Crash
More than six years after a tragic Boeing 737 Max crash in Ethiopia that claimed the lives of all 157 people on board, the first civil trial connected to the disaster is now underway. The trial, taking place in Chicago, involves two remaining wrongful death lawsuits filed by the families of victims. Boeing has already
Former Injury Lawyer and South Carolina House Member Charged with Defrauding Clients
A former South Carolina lawmaker and attorney is facing serious federal charges for allegedly cheating his clients out of money. Marvin Pendarvis, who represented the Charleston area, was indicted on Wednesday by a federal grand jury on 10 counts, including wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. Prosecutors say that between 2022 and 2024, Pendarvis
AM Best Reports Louisiana Farm Bureau to Benefit from Demutualization
AM Best has put the financial strength and credit ratings of Louisiana Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company under review with positive signs. This move follows the announcement that Louisiana Farm Bureau and Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company have agreed to a unique deal that will change how Louisiana Farm Bureau operates. In the deal,
Ammonia Leak and Evacuations Follow Explosion at Mississippi Chemical Plant
An explosion at a chemical plant in Mississippi on Wednesday caused a dangerous ammonia leak, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents. The incident happened at a CF Industries facility just north of Yazoo City, which manufactures hydrogen and nitrogen products, including ammonia and nitric acid. Governor Tate Reeves confirmed on social media that emergency
Markets/Coverages: Fidelis Initiates Construction Consortium to Support AI Data Center Projects
The Fidelis Partnership, a managing general underwriter based in Bermuda, has unveiled a new insurance consortium aimed at covering risks tied to building AI data centers. This move comes as the demand for these centers grows quickly, with the market expected to bring in billions in new insurance premiums annually. The consortium will focus on
Personnel Update: MMA Names Balentine President of National Business Insurance
Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) has named Adam Balentine as the new President of National Business Insurance. Balentine, who will be based in Kansas City, Missouri, will focus on growing MMA’s property and casualty business. He will also oversee the national claims team and manage specialized risk practices along with proprietary products and programs. Balentine brings
Americans Are Leaving Flood-Prone Neighborhoods
For the first time since 2019, more people are leaving American counties at high risk for floods than moving in. According to a recent report from Redfin, around 30,000 more residents left these areas than those who relocated there, marking a significant shift from pandemic years when many sought coastal and Sun Belt locations. The
Root Inc. Reports Robust Growth Despite Q3 Loss
Root Inc., the Columbus-based parent company of Root Insurance, posted a net loss of $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2025, a sharp turnaround from the $22.8 million profit it reported in the same period last year. CEO Alex Timm explained the loss was largely due to a $17 million non-cash expense tied to
Jamaica Catastrophe Bond Expected to Make Full Payout Following Hurricane, Says World Bank
Investors in Jamaica’s catastrophe bond are now facing a total payout after Hurricane Melissa triggered the full conditions of the $150 million bond. The World Bank, which arranged the bond, confirmed this recent development following the storm’s severe impact on the island. The bond was set up to fund recovery efforts only in extreme weather
Personnel Changes: MGA Pen Underwriting Appoints Doyle as CEO of Ireland; Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Elevates de Blieck to Belgium Country Manager
Michael Doyle is set to lead Pen Underwriting’s new operations in Ireland as the company looks to expand its foothold across the region. Doyle, who has spent over 25 years working in the Irish insurance market, will officially start as CEO of Pen’s Irish business on March 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval. Before joining Pen
Engine Fell Off UPS Plane Prior to Deadly Kentucky Crash
A United Parcel Service (UPS) cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, killing at least 12 people. The crash happened after the plane’s left engine detached shortly after takeoff, according to officials. The aircraft then crashed into nearby buildings and terrain, setting off fires and scattering debris. The plane was a
Wildfire Victims Urge Gov. Newsom to Request Insurance Commissioner’s Resignation
Several victims of the recent Los Angeles wildfires are calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to ask for the resignation of Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. They blame Lara for a controversial deal he made with insurance companies that seems to have allowed tens of thousands of policyholders to lose their coverage just before the fires
Two Men Arrested for Alleged Terrorism Plot Targeting LGBTQ+ Bars in Detroit Suburb
Two 20-year-old men in suburban Detroit were stopped before they could carry out a planned Halloween attack targeting LGBTQ+ bars, authorities announced Monday. The men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, had obtained high-powered weapons and practiced shooting at gun ranges while scouting locations in Ferndale, a city known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and annual
Manufacturer WNA Receives TDI Lone Star Safety Award
WNA, a part of The Novolex organization, has been honored with the Lone Star Safety Award by the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation. This recognition celebrates the company’s strong commitment to keeping its workplace safe and healthy. Located in Texas, WNA employs 123 people who make plastic stadium cups used all over
Lemonade Books Reports Q3 Net Loss of $37.5 Million
Insurtech company Lemonade reported a smaller net loss for the third quarter of 2025, with a loss of about $37.5 million compared to $67.7 million in the same period last year. This improvement comes alongside a boost in revenue and gross profit, which rose 42% and 113% respectively compared to Q3 2024. Despite these gains,
Chubb Group Vice Chair Lupica to Retire at the End of 2025
John Lupica, a longtime leader at Chubb Group, is set to retire at the end of this year. Lupica has served as vice chairman of Chubb Group and executive chair of North America Insurance, playing a key role in overseeing the company’s strategy and governance in the region. Lupica has been with the company for
Personnel Updates: AXA XL Appoints Lahrmann as Head of International Property; Fidelis Insurance Group Selects IQUW’s Waddell-Dudley as UK Chief Underwriting Officer
AXA XL and Fidelis Insurance Group have announced key leadership changes in their UK operations, strengthening their teams as they face an evolving insurance landscape. Starting November 1, 2025, Sabrina Lahrmann takes over as Head of International Property for AXA XL’s UK and Lloyd’s business. Based in London, Lahrmann brings over 20 years of experience
Key Takeaways from Applied Net 2025: Revolutionizing Agencies with EZLynx Innovations
More than 350 EZLynx users gathered recently at Applied Net 2025 for a lively event full of learning, sharing, and new ideas. The conference brought together EZLynx customers and over 50 team members to connect and explore fresh tools designed to make insurance agencies run more smoothly. Attendees had access to over 25 sessions tailored
Dismissed Indiana University Student Newspaper Adviser Alleges Free Speech Violation
A faculty adviser at Indiana University has taken the university to court after he was fired over a dispute involving the student newspaper’s homecoming print edition. James Rodenbush says his free speech and due process rights were violated when he refused to block all news stories from that issue. Rodenbush, who advised the Indiana Daily
Texas Courier Service to Pay $800K Settlement in Workers’ Compensation Fraud Case
Trinity Couriers Inc., a San Antonio delivery company, has admitted to cheating on its workers’ compensation insurance. The Texas Department of Insurance revealed that the company purposely reported lower payroll numbers to Texas Mutual Insurance Company from 2016 to 2018. This allowed them to pay less for coverage than they actually should have. The company
The Louisiana Bar Association Chooses ORLSI as Provider for Lawyers Malpractice Insurance
The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) has chosen Old Republic Lawyers Specialty Insurance (ORLSI) to be its official provider for lawyers’ malpractice insurance. This new partnership will bring improved coverage options and several new benefits to LSBA members starting January 2026. Through this collaboration, the LSBA Insurance Program will offer perks such as a claims-free
NAIC Names Johnston as Interim CEO Following Anderson’s Departure
Gary Anderson has stepped down as the chief executive officer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the organization announced late last week. Anderson officially left the role on October 29 to pursue other opportunities. Taking over as interim CEO is Jeff Johnston, the NAIC’s Chief Regulatory Affairs Officer. Johnston has been with the
Afore Launches Virginia Expansion by Acquiring Norfolk’s Salzberg Agency
Afore Insurance Services, LLC has acquired Salzberg Insurance Agency, a well-established firm based in Norfolk, Virginia. Salzberg has been serving the Hampton Roads business community for 87 years. Although the financial details of the deal were not shared, this move marks a major step for Afore as it expands its presence in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Lawsuit Aims to Invalidate Dallas Ordinances, Including LGBTQ+ Protections
Three Dallas residents took the city to court this week, challenging dozens of local rules they say break a state law passed in 2023. This law, nicknamed the "Death Star" by its critics, stops cities and counties in Texas from making rules that go beyond what state law allows. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Denton
ReSource Pro Acquires Supportive Insurance Services, Based in Indiana
ReSource Pro, a company that supports operations in the insurance industry, has acquired Supportive Insurance Services (SIS), a firm based in Indiana that specializes in licensing and renewal services. The deal brings together SIS’s expertise in adjuster licensing and compliance with ReSource Pro’s existing services, such as surplus lines tax filings and corporate and franchise
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Continues to Resonate 50 Years On
Fifty years ago, the massive freighter Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior during a fierce storm, taking all 29 men on board with it. The ship, nearly 730 feet long and once the largest on the Great Lakes, disappeared on November 10, 1975, after leaving Superior, Wisconsin, the day before, loaded with 26,000 tons of
Personnel Update: Encova Insurance Appoints Webber and Rao as Vice Presidents
Encova Insurance, based in Columbus, Ohio, has announced two new vice president appointments. Zach Webber will lead as vice president of corporate actuarial, while Boppana Rao takes on the role of vice president for enterprise digitization, AI, and data. Webber brings nearly 20 years of experience working with both commercial and personal insurance lines. He
Is Traditional Insurance Coming to an End?
Traditional insurance, especially for property, is losing its edge as a reliable and affordable way to manage risk. Experts point out that many homeowners are now skipping insurance altogether because rates have soared to levels that just don’t make sense. In fact, about a quarter of homeowners in some areas are going without coverage, highlighting
Assisting Customers in Navigating Rising Medical Costs
Insurance companies are changing the way they handle workplace injury claims by using smart technology and expert teams to keep costs down and help workers recover faster. These companies are turning to artificial intelligence to look at billing data as it happens. This allows them to find the cheapest good-quality care options within their networks.
Insurance Embraces AI as a Key Driver to Enhance Agility
The insurance industry is facing tough challenges right now. Severe natural disasters, rising inflation, and high interest rates have led many companies to pull back coverage or refuse renewals. This leaves both insurance agents and customers in a bind, struggling to find the right policies and support. Amid these difficulties, technology—especially artificial intelligence (AI)—is starting