Patricia Wells

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

HSS Security, a Texas-based company that provides security services to hospitals, has agreed to pay $35,000 and take additional steps to settle a sex discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit claimed that the company withdrew a job offer for a security supervisor position from a highly qualified woman … Read more

Mercury Insurance is teaming up with Liberty Mutual Insurance to help thousands of California Safeco customers who are affected by changes in Liberty Mutual’s personal insurance offerings. As Liberty Mutual shifts its strategy for its California personal lines, especially for renters, condo, and some auto policies, it will advise its independent agents to guide those … Read more