All About Surety Bonds

Meta Loses Bid to Dismiss States’ Claims That Facebook, Instagram Addict Children

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:25:17 -0500

A federal judge rejected Meta Platforms’ bid to dismiss a lawsuit by 29 U.S. state attorneys general accusing it of designing Facebook and Instagram to addict children and knowingly concealing the harm from the public. In a decision late on …

US House Passes Bill to Extend Federal Terrorism Backstop Through 2034

Chad Hemenway — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:28:51 -0500

The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation to extend the public-private partnership to insure terrorism risk though 2034. The TRIA Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 (HR 7128), sponsored by Mike Flood, R-Neb., passed by a vote of vote …

Cyberattacks Are Growing Threat to SMEs – but Insurance Protection Is Low: GlobalData

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:24:26 -0500

Cyberattacks are becoming an increasingly significant threat to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), yet insurance adoption remains disproportionately low, according to GlobalData, the London-based data and analytics company. Limited awareness of cyber risks, affordability challenges, and evolving threat landscapes continue …

Report: $2.9B in Claims Paid in Missouri After Severe 2025 Season

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 10:12:34 -0500

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance reported that more than $2.9 billion in claims have been paid statewide one year after the catastrophic events of the 2025 severe weather season. DCI this month reported on incurred losses and paid …

Postal Worker Stole Workers’ Compensation Checks Sent to Girlfriend’s Mother

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:03:31 -0500

A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee has been sentenced on charges that he defrauded the New York workers’ compensation system of nearly $10,000 by stealing wage reimbursement checks intended for his then-girlfriend’s deceased mother. New York State Workers’ Compensation Fraud …

New Law Could Create List of Immigrants Illegally Living in Mississippi

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:50:43 -0500

A new Mississippi law will authorize the state’s top law enforcement agency to compile a list of all immigrants illegally living in the state. What’s to be done with that information is a bit open-ended. But the law set to …

US Cyber Insurance Market Sees Flat Premium, More Third-Party Claims Hit Loss Ratio

Chad Hemenway — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:39:17 -0500

The U.S. cyber insurance market may be facing a time of transition as certain signs point to eventual adverse development. According to AM Best, the market’s loss ratio in 2025 increased for the second straight year to 53—the first time …

Supreme Court: Rastafari Can’t Sue Louisiana Prison Officials Who Cut Dreadlocks

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 08:32:06 -0500

The Supreme Court barred a former Louisiana inmate from suing prison officials who cut off his dreadlocks in violation of his Rastafari religious beliefs. The justices condemned what happened to the former inmate, Damon Landor. But they ruled that a …

Amazon Sued by Australian Consumer Watchdog Over Prime Video Ads

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:27:35 -0500

Amazon.com Inc. has been sued by Australia’s consumer watchdog for introducing advertising to its Prime Video streaming service and then forcing existing subscribers to pay more to avoid the ads. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission said Tuesday it has …

Viewpoint: Boom in Hyperscale Data Centers Puts Re/Insurers to the Test

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:38:48 -0500

Hyperscale data center campuses represent the latest growth opportunity for the global re/insurance industry. Annual investment in these specialized facilities will likely surpass $300 billion by 2027 and the total insurable asset base for the roughly 11,000 data centers currently …

It’s a Sweltering Summer. Can We Finally Wear Shorts to Work?

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 05:30:47 -0500

Last week, as temperatures in Europe soared and France recorded its highest-ever average temperature, Bloomberg conducted a poll of its clients — including traders, portfolio managers and strategists. The question was simple, but important: Is it ever appropriate to wear …

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Supplier List, Parts and Photos Exposed in Tata Data Leak

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:42:21 -0500

Sensitive lists of components and suppliers, and photos of Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models are part of files posted on the dark web by the ransomware group that stole data from the U.S. firm’s Indian supplier Tata Electronics, according …

Iran Ratchets Up Talk of Controlling Hormuz Before New Talks

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:22:50 -0500

Iran reiterated its determination to control maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the stakes ahead of fresh talks in Qatar on formally ending its war with the US. Speaking to state television, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said …

Texas Reaches $34M Settlement With AstraZeneca for Illegal Kickback Scheme

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:00:36 -0500

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a settlement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals to resolve claims that the company engaged in an illegal kickback scheme that improperly influenced prescriptions paid for by Texas Medicaid. Under the settlement, the company will pay $33,998,000.00 …

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Cincinnati Benefit Solutions

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 02:00:16 -0500

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Ohio-based Cincinnati Benefit Solutions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Cincinnati Benefit Solutions provides employee benefits services for small businesses in Cincinnati and nearby areas. Drew Locaputo and the Cincinnati …

DOJ Closes Criminal Probe Into Abbott Over Baby Formula Plant, WSJ Reports

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:47:14 -0500

The U.S. Justice Department closed a criminal probe into Abbott Laboratories over its handling of a baby formula plant linked to potentially deadly bacteria and infant deaths, opting instead for civil penalties, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. Reuters …

Proxy Advisers Notch Third Legal Win Staving Off Republican ‘Anti-ESG’ Rules

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:22:15 -0500

A federal judge late on June 26 granted a preliminary injunction blocking an Indiana law requiring new disclosures from proxy advisers, marking a third legal victory for Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis against restrictions backed by Republican lawmakers. The …

AssuranceAmerica Suffers Third-Party Data Breach, Customer Data Exposed

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:20:29 -0500

About three months after it detected suspicious activity within its network systems, AssuranceAmerica has started alerting consumers. The Atlanta-based managing general agency with about 9,500 agents selling personal auto, renters, and commercial auto policies in 14 states, said on March …

Viewpoint: Why Florida Property Insurance Rates Might (and Might Not) Keep Falling

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:02:18 -0500

Editor’s note: As some national news reports continue to claim that Florida’s property insurance crisis has endured and premiums keep rising, one Florida insurance executive offered a view from inside the industry, shaped by more than three decades in the …

Florida Governor Vetoes E-Bike Safety Bill, Citing Concerns About Bigger Government

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:01:40 -0500

Despite growing concerns about e-bikes on city streets—and the recent, high-profile death of a teenager—Florida’s governor has vetoed a bill that would have put new requirements on the popular vehicles. DeSantis said in a letter that Senate Bill 382, approved …

3 Firefighters Killed in Colorado as Wildfires Stoked By Heat, Wind Rage Across West

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:41 -0500

Blistering heat and strong winds Sunday stoked wildfires across the West after three firefighters were killed a day earlier in Colorado while battling a blaze along the state’s border with Utah. The National Weather Service said wildfire conditions “remain critical” …

LA Palisades Fire Jury Fails to Reach Verdict in Arson Trial

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:40 -0500

A federal jury failed to reach a verdict in the arson case over the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang declared a mistrial after jurors told her Friday they were divided and unable to …

New Jersey High Court Upholds Immunity for Paramedics in Infant’s Brain Injury Case

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:34 -0500

In a unanimous opinion, the New Jersey Supreme Court has upheld lower court rulings that paramedics who attempted to intubate an infant following the orders of a doctor in two phone calls are entitled to immunity under the state’s Emergency …

World Insurance Adds Fillmore Agency of New York

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:28 -0500

National insurance broker World Insurance Associates reported that it acquired Fillmore Insurance Agency of Brooklyn, New York on March 1, 2026. Fillmore is a commercial lines focused agency with specialties in real estate, contractors and retail stores. The agency, which …

Uber and Waymo End Robotaxi Deal in Phoenix; Uber to Announce New Partner

Admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:13 -0500

Uber Technologies Inc. said it has wound down its robotaxi offering with Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo in Phoenix, the latest relationship twist between two companies that simultaneously function as partners and competitors. The Arizona capital was the first market where Waymo …

Texas Supreme Court Rejects Lawsuit by Survivors of Uvalde School Shooting

Admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:34:58 -0500

The Texas Supreme Court on Friday rejected an appeal by Robb Elementary students and teachers who argued failures by the Department of Public Safety and Uvalde County contributed to a botched response to the 2022 shooting that killed 19 students …

ANV Agrees to Acquire Specialist MGA Assured Underwriting Group

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:22:16 -0500

ANV Group Holdings Ltd., a global insurance intermediary platform, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Assured Underwriting Group Ltd. (AUG), a specialist MGA providing insurance-backed financial protection products to tour operators and the travel sector across …

Texas Industrial Facility Faces $3.5M in Fines for Safety Violations

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:13:36 -0500

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed more than $3.5 million in fines against three companies after federal inspectors determined they failed to protect workers during post-emergency response cleanup after a chemical spill at the BWC Terminals industrial facility east …

Michigan Communities Fight to Address Lead in Drinking Water

Admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:10:04 -0500

Twenty-five Metro Detroit communities exceeded Michigan’s lead action level for drinking water since 2018, according to state compliance data analyzed by a drinking water engineer and reviewed by Planet Detroit. The communities all receive water treated by the Great Lakes …

People Moves: Intact Insurance Names Meleniclis as CIO

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:02:37 -0500

Intact Insurance announced the appointment of Rory Meleniclis as Chief Information Officer. In this role, he will lead the next phase of the company’s technology evolution across its global specialty lines business, with a focus on strengthening core systems, advancing …

SFAA has updated its Small Business Loan Step by Step Guidance https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/govrel-pub/SBA-2020-04-24.pdf …. Additional COVID-19 resources can be found at https://www.surety.org/page/COVID pic.twitter.com/bXunH6jBW

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 19 May 2020 08:18:57 -0500

SFAA has updated its Small Business Loan Step by Step Guidance https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/govrel-pub/SBA-2020-04-24.pdf …. Additional COVID-19 resources can be found at https://www.surety.org/page/COVID pic.twitter.com/bXunH6jBWE

SFAA and NASBP commend DOD for taking Action to Provide Common-Sense Solution for Execution of Surety Bonds During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Order Will Provide a Safe Working Environment and Allow Critical Infrastructure Projects to Move Forward - https://c

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 05 May 2020 20:18:43 -0500

SFAA and NASBP commend DOD for taking Action to Provide Common-Sense Solution for Execution of Surety Bonds During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Order Will Provide a Safe Working Environment and Allow Critical Infrastructure Projects to Move Forward - https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/news/NR-2020-05-05.pdf … pic.twitter.com/V5DPtfRORh

Check out the most recent updates to the Small Business CARES Act Guide from SFAA. Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act that adds $310 billion in funding for the SBA Paycheck Performance Program (PPP). https://c

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 08:11:27 -0500

Check out the most recent updates to the Small Business CARES Act Guide from SFAA. Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act that adds $310 billion in funding for the SBA Paycheck Performance Program (PPP). https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/govrel-pub/SBA-2020-04-23.pdf … pic.twitter.com/LVziK7pcUl

SFAA issues Advisory Paper compiling best practices titled: COVID-19 - Cyber Criminals Exploiting Company Teleworking Platforms to Access Sensitive Data. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/covid/SFAA_CyberAdvisory.pdf …pic.twitter.com/M

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:58:11 -0500

SFAA issues Advisory Paper compiling best practices titled: COVID-19 - Cyber Criminals Exploiting Company Teleworking Platforms to Access Sensitive Data. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/covid/SFAA_CyberAdvisory.pdf … pic.twitter.com/MBnZ9Lbot8

Please find SFAA and NASBP's press release below, highlighting the need for federal, state and local officials, to take emergency action to expand the acceptance of electronic bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/s

(@SuretyFidelity) — Sat, 11 Apr 2020 09:52:21 -0500

Please find SFAA and NASBP's press release below, highlighting the need for federal, state and local officials, to take emergency action to expand the acceptance of electronic bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sfaa-and-nasbp-request-emergency-action-requiring-acceptance-of-electronic-execution-of-surety-bonding-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-301035927.html?tc=eml_cleartime … pic.twitter.com/xbfLXGMJq0

SFAA and NASBP commend the GSA for issuing the order to accept e-signatures for surety bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Release: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/news/NR-2020-04-09.pdf … The order allows critical infrastructu

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 08:02:20 -0500

SFAA and NASBP commend the GSA for issuing the order to accept e-signatures for surety bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Press Release: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.surety.org/resource/resmgr/news/NR-2020-04-09.pdf … The order allows critical infrastructure projects to move forward. GSA Order: https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/CD-2020-05_0.pdf …. pic.twitter.com/dth8bLyniy

Please find SFAA and NASBP's press release below, highlighting the need for federal, state and local officials, to take emergency action to expand the acceptance of electronic bonds during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sf

(@SuretyFidelity) — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:38:33 -0500

Please find important updates to the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program in the link below. Loan applications open today! https://lnkd.in/em272AC

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 07:24:09 -0500

Please find important updates to the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program in the link below. Loan applications open today! https://lnkd.in/em272AC

Thank you @USChamber for the great walk through on the SBA's new Paycheck Protection Program. See how your small business construction clients can take steps to access new Paycheck Protection Loans - https://lnkd.in/em272AC

(@SuretyFidelity) — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 17:45:37 -0500

Thank you @USChamber for the great walk through on the SBA's new Paycheck Protection Program. See how your small business construction clients can take steps to access new Paycheck Protection Loans - https://lnkd.in/em272AC

COVID-19 Executive Orders on Non-Essential Business and Construction Exemptions by State https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/covid-19-executive-orders-on-non-21153/ … | by @DorseyWhitney

(@BuildingLaw) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:17:17 -0500

COVID-19 Executive Orders on Non-Essential Business and Construction Exemptions by State https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/covid-19-executive-orders-on-non-21153/ … | by @DorseyWhitney

Thank you @SuretyFidelity team for all you are doing remotely to serve our members!!! Great to see everyone on Zoom this morning during our team meeting! #surety #bondingmatters #sfaapic.twitter.com/dqaxLdtOkA

(@LeeCovington) — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:42:47 -0500

Thank you @SuretyFidelity team for all you are doing remotely to serve our members!!! Great to see everyone on Zoom this morning during our team meeting! #surety #bondingmatters #sfaa pic.twitter.com/dqaxLdtOkA

Cheers to @ASAupdate #Subexcel2020 and tonight's Award Winners!!!! @SuretyFidelity is excited to sponsor tonight's festivities!!!pic.twitter.com/sF0Ya6TxsD

(@LeeCovington) — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 20:01:44 -0600

Cheers to @ASAupdate #Subexcel2020 and tonight's Award Winners!!!! @SuretyFidelity is excited to sponsor tonight's festivities!!! pic.twitter.com/sF0Ya6TxsD

Great to support @ASAupdate at ASA's #Subexcel2020!!! Thank you Richard Bright, Mike Oscar and all ASA Members for your partnership!!!pic.twitter.com/zCN3xyhKOM

(@LeeCovington) — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:39:18 -0600

Great to support @ASAupdate at ASA's #Subexcel2020!!! Thank you Richard Bright, Mike Oscar and all ASA Members for your partnership!!! pic.twitter.com/zCN3xyhKOM

Thank you SFAA members and @nasbp members for participating in SFAA's 2020 Legislative Fly-in. We appreciate your hard work as surety advocates in Washington. @ZurichAdvocacy @fwbondman #surety #Congresspic.twitter.com/ucel7FubHC

(@SuretyFidelity) — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:43:09 -0600

Thank you SFAA members and @nasbp members for participating in SFAA's 2020 Legislative Fly-in. We appreciate your hard work as surety advocates in Washington. @ZurichAdvocacy @fwbondman #surety #Congress pic.twitter.com/ucel7FubHC

Thank you @SenJoniErnst for recognizing the importance of #suretybonds on #infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurancepic.twitter.com/meYeL

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:45:01 -0600

Thank you @SenJoniErnst for recognizing the importance of #suretybonds on #infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurance pic.twitter.com/meYeL4ZNCW

Thank you @RepPeterDeFazio for your leadership on infrastructure reform... great to meet w/ your team about importance of #suretybonds on these vital projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:40:40 -0600

Thank you @RepPeterDeFazio for your leadership on infrastructure reform... great to meet w/ your team about importance of #suretybonds on these vital projects...protecting taxpayer funds ... local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond pic.twitter.com/8ZqhdTGCld

Great to meet with @RodneyDavis regarding importance of #suretybonds to the success of infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds...local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurancepic.twitte

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:34:05 -0600

Great to meet with @RodneyDavis regarding importance of #suretybonds to the success of infrastructure projects...protecting taxpayer funds...local construction companies and workers. @SuretyFidelity @nasbp @LBT1823 @MerchantsBond @CNA_Insurance pic.twitter.com/YSRP73j06q

Today, @ZurichNA's @GWhidby and Mary Jean Pethick were on Capitol Hill discussing #suretybonds while supporting the @SuretyFidelity (SFAA) #FlyIn! #SFAAOnTheHill #ZurichAdvocacy #AdvocacyInActionpic.twitter.com/jlmNbsAm9P

(@ZurichAdvocacy) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 17:17:45 -0600

Today, @ZurichNA's @GWhidby and Mary Jean Pethick were on Capitol Hill discussing #suretybonds while supporting the @SuretyFidelity (SFAA) #FlyIn! #SFAAOnTheHill #ZurichAdvocacy #AdvocacyInAction pic.twitter.com/jlmNbsAm9P

Great meeting with @RepSamGraves to discuss the important role #surety #bonds play in the #infrastructure projects. #suretybonds @SuretyFidelity @CNA_Insurance @MerchantsBond @LBT1823pic.twitter.com/2Za7yTswk8

(@LeeCovington) — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 09:55:16 -0600

Great meeting with @RepSamGraves to discuss the important role #surety #bonds play in the #infrastructure projects. #suretybonds @SuretyFidelity @CNA_Insurance @MerchantsBond @LBT1823 pic.twitter.com/2Za7yTswk8

Requiring that surety bonds are in place to protect state and local entities as federal money comes in to improve our nation’s #infrastructure is vital to insuring the infrastructure work we need to move quickly on. Read more about Zurich's position here:

(@ZurichAdvocacy) — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 10:07:11 -0600

Requiring that surety bonds are in place to protect state and local entities as federal money comes in to improve our nation’s #infrastructure is vital to insuring the infrastructure work we need to move quickly on. Read more about Zurich's position here: https://bit.ly/36Dzwfm pic.twitter.com/RTBZzHSStP