All About Surety Bonds

People Moves: Markel Taps Talbot’s O’Donoghue to Lead Fine Art & Specie for London; Aon’s Global ReSpecialty Team Promotes Mitchell, Hires Floodflash’s Rimmer

Fri, 22 May 2026 11:16:50 -0500

This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Markel and Aon. A summary of these new hires follows here. Markel Taps Talbot’s O’Donoghue to Lead Fine Art & Specie for London Operations Markel Insurance, the insurance operation within Markel …

Gov. Newsom Issues Executive Order to Prep Workers, Businesses for AI Disruption

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:37:46 -0500

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to attempt to deal with the impacts of artificial intelligence on workers and businesses. Related: Acrisure to Cut 2,250 Employees, Citing Advances in Technology and AI The order directs the state to …

Delay in Calling Police Does Not Wreck UM Claim, WV Supreme Court Says

William Rabb — Fri, 22 May 2026 09:35:35 -0500

A West Virginia uninsured motorist policy specified that the policyholder must report an accident to police within 24 hours. But that’s not enough to negate a claim, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals decided this week. The West Virginia …

Acrisure to Cut 2,250 Employees, Citing Advances in Technology and AI

Chad Hemenway — Fri, 22 May 2026 08:45:28 -0500

Acrisure’s CEO told employees that about 2,250 of them won’t be with the company by the end of 2027. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based global broker is planning to reduce its headcount by about 11%, mostly in the U.S., said a …

These Homeowners Got an Energy-Bill Lifeline. Trump Yanked It Back

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 08:45:17 -0500

In late 2024, Gretchen Holloway was approved for a new federally funded program that promised to cut her $900 utility bills by helping repair her nearly century-old home. For years, the retired teacher in Valley, Alabama, had been trying to …

OSHA Has 6 Inspectors for 60,000 West Virginia Workplaces

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:26:54 -0500

When two workers died last month in a violent chemical reaction at Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners near Charleston, federal records showed the facility had previously been cited for safety violations in 2018. But that doesn’t mean inspectors had regularly checked …

New York Issues Cybersecurity Tips for a ‘Heightened Threat’ Climate With AI

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:18:31 -0500

Citing a need for the financial services industry to be prepared for increased cybersecurity threats, New York’s regulator has issued new guidance. The guidance from the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) identifies risk management and compliance efforts …

Judge Refuses to Delay Civil Trial Over Fatal Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 06:54:48 -0500

A federal judge on Wednesday refused to postpone a trial that is scheduled to start next month for civil claims stemming from the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, rejecting a request for a delay by companies involved …

US P/C Insurers Post Biggest Q1 Underwriting Profit in 25 Years

Fri, 22 May 2026 06:25:27 -0500

The U.S. property/casualty insurance industry posted another record in the first quarter of 2026, with a combined ratio of 89.5—before policyholder dividends—standing as the best first-quarter underwriting result in at least 25 years. The insight comes from S&P Global Market …

Vermonters to Vote on Equal Protection Amendment to State Constitution

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 06:22:05 -0500

Vermont voters will have the chance to weigh in on another amendment to the state’s constitution this fall. The proposal, which got a final sign-off from the House last Wednesday, is aimed at ensuring all people are treated equally under …

Ebola Outbreak Likely Started Months Ago, Spread Undetected: WHO

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:39:48 -0500

The Ebola outbreak probably started months ago in central Africa and spread undetected until a super-spreader event in early May, possibly a funeral, World Health Organization officials said. The rare Bundibugyo strain circulated for “a couple months” before being identified …

Satellite Images Show Persian Gulf Oil Slicks Growing During War

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:17:12 -0500

Ecologists are concerned that the war in the Middle East risks creating an environmental disaster, as satellite images show that the number of oil slicks in the Persian Gulf has increased significantly since the beginning of the conflict in the …

Shell in Top Dutch Court Fight Over Call to Slash Emissions

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 05:05:03 -0500

Shell Plc is facing off with climate activists at the top Dutch court over demands for legally enforceable emissions cuts on Europe’s biggest oil and gas company. The Netherlands branch of Friends of the Earth, Milieudefensie, is try to convince …

Ohio Man Sentenced for Causing $860K in Computer Fraud Losses

Fri, 22 May 2026 04:00:43 -0500

A 36-year-old Ohio man has been sentenced for computer fraud after causing more than $860,000 in losses, Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck announced. Maxwell Schultz, Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty Nov. 18, 2025. Senior U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal …

People Moves; Church Mutual Names Kim as CFO, Promotes Schmeltzer to VP of Underwriting, Religious Markets

Fri, 22 May 2026 02:24:11 -0500

Church Mutual announced several leadership appointments to support its continued growth and operational focus. The company announced Daniel Kim has joined the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer, reporting to president and CEO Alan Ogilvie. Kim brings …

US Finalizes Easement for Dakota Access Crude Oil Pipeline

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 02:21:30 -0500

The US Army Corps of Engineers finalized an easement for a stretch of the Dakota Access pipeline that passes under a North Dakota lake, ending a years-long environmental review of the hotly contested oil conduit. The record of decision issued …

Rainy April Delays Corpus Christi’s Projected Water Crisis by 3 Months

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 02:17:25 -0500

A projection for when Corpus Christi expects to reach a water crisis was pushed back by three months after a wet April brought enough rain to delay an emergency but too little to quench a brutal drought. The city was …

Arkansas Lawsuit Alleges Discrimination by White Nationalist Group in Land Sale

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 02:14:38 -0500

A real estate broker says an organization denied her the opportunity to purchase land in an Arkansas development because of her Jewish ancestry, and because she has a Black husband and biracial children, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in …

People Moves: Howden Names Jimenez Leader of US Aviation Practice; Liberty Promotes Hyatt to Head NA Distribution, Client Engagement

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:31:14 -0500

Howden, the global insurance broking group, launched its new U.S. Aviation Practice, led by Julio Jimenez, aviation practice leader. Jimenez is a seasoned leader whose ability to build and inspire teams is matched by his experience and expertise across the …

Markets/Coverages: Canopius Insures Cyber-Triggered Spoilage of Perishable Stock

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:15:40 -0500

Canopius Group, the London-based specialty and property/casualty re/insurer, announced the launch of a spoilage product, a cyber-triggered spoilage cover designed to protect businesses when a cyber incident renders their perishable stock unsellable. When cyber incidents impact the systems that manage …

Airbus, Air France Found Guilty of Manslaughter Over 2009 Atlantic Crash

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:10:18 -0500

Airbus and Air France were found guilty on Thursday of corporate manslaughter by a Paris appeals court over the 2009 Rio-Paris plane crash that killed 228 passengers and crew, three years after being acquitted in a lower court. “Justice has …

Meta Settles First Case Over School Costs Tied to Youth Mental Health: Court Filing

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:07:57 -0500

Meta Platforms on May 21 settled the first case set for trial seeking to make social media companies cover the costs that school districts say they have incurred to combat a mental health crisis allegedly fueled by platforms. The agreement …

Shareholders Press Big Tech Over AI Energy Use and Climate Goals

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:03:34 -0500

Activist investors are pushing technology companies to explain how they’re reconciling surging electricity demand for AI with their climate commitments. Shareholders at Amazon.com Inc. voted on a proposal asking the firm to disclose more information. Voting is open for shareholders …

Reaction Muted After Former Staffer Details Texts From NC Insurance Commissioner

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:01:41 -0500

Reaction to allegations that North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey sent suggestive texts to a staff member over several years has been muted. Causey declined to comment to Insurance Journal a day after the Raleigh News & Observer reported that …

People Moves: Commissioner Kuderer to Chair NAIC’s Child Care Insurance Group

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:55 -0500

Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has been selected to chair the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ new Child Care Insurance Working Group. The new working group will explore possible solutions and make recommendations for state insurance regulators to use with …

What to Know About Midair Collision Between Navy Jets at Idaho Air Show

Admin — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:35 -0500

After the two Navy jets collided in midair, the planes sandwiched together, all four crew members were able to eject and deploy their parachutes, floating down to safety as the aircraft careened into a field, exploding into a fireball. The …

‘Decisive Sign of a Softened Market’: Premiums Decrease Across All Accounts

Chad Hemenway — Thu, 21 May 2026 23:11:23 -0500

For the first time since the third quarter 2017, respondents to a recent quarterly survey said average premiums decreased across all account sizes. During the first three months of 2026, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB)’s market survey …

One of World’s Largest Energy Storage Plants Launches in South Dakota

Admin — Thu, 21 May 2026 11:50:29 -0500

This small city in rural northeastern South Dakota has established itself as an energy hub for the entire Great Plains region, and that reputation has received a big boost by landing what will be among the world’s largest energy storage …

Markets/Coverages: MGA Rokstone Launches Cargo Stock-Only Cover for Inventory Risk

Thu, 21 May 2026 11:38:56 -0500

Rokstone, the international specialty re/insurance MGA, announced the launch of a cargo stock-only program, supported by US$25 million of capacity, to support brokers and their clients with smarter, more flexible coverage and competitive premiums. One of just a handful of …

AM Best Revises Outlooks to Stable for Missouri Valley Mutual

Thu, 21 May 2026 11:23:39 -0500

AM Best has revised the outlooks to stable from negative and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “bbb-” (Good) of Missouri Valley Mutual Insurance Company (MVMIC) based in Burke, South Dakota. …

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