Millions of American homeowners are living without a safety net. According to a new study by LendingTree, nearly 1 in 7 owner-occupied homes across the United States — an estimated 11.3 million properties — are uninsured. As natural disasters become more frequent and insurance costs continue to climb, the gap in coverage leaves a significant portion of the population dangerously exposed.

Uninsured Homes by the Numbers

The study analyzed 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data and found that 13.6% of owner-occupied homes are uninsured, defined as homes paying less than $100 annually for home insurance. That’s 11.3 million out of 82.9 million total owner-occupied homes.

“This is troubling,” says Rob Bhatt, LendingTree home insurance expert and licensed insurance agent. “Your home is likely your most important investment, and insurance is critical to protecting that investment. Without it, homeowners are just one disaster away from financial devastation.”

States With the Highest Rates of Uninsured Homes

New Mexico leads the nation, with 23.3% of homes lacking insurance coverage. West Virginia (23.0%) and Mississippi (22.9%) follow closely behind. These states often face risks like wind and hail damage—perils that may not be fully understood or accounted for by homeowners.

Bhatt warns, “Even common claims like wind or hail can have devastating effects. In areas like Mississippi’s coast, separate windstorm policies are often needed—and many people don’t realize it.”

Conversely, states with the lowest uninsured rates include the District of Columbia (8.9%), New Hampshire (9.2%), and Oregon (9.6%).

McAllen, Texas: A Troubling Outlier

Among the 100 largest U.S. metros, McAllen, Texas, stands out dramatically. An astonishing 43.3% of its homes are uninsured—nearly double the rate of the next metro, El Paso (23.0%). Miami, Florida, rounds out the top three at 21.0%.

This disparity raises concern, especially since McAllen and Miami are both prone to severe weather events.

Florida's High-Risk Counties Lacking Coverage

The study also examined the 25 U.S. counties with the highest natural disaster risk, based on FEMA’s National Risk Index. Florida dominates this list—with Miami-Dade County leading at a 23.5% uninsured rate, followed by Broward County (22.7%) and Lee County (17.9%).

Despite the Sunshine State being a hotspot for hurricanes, thousands of homeowners in high-risk areas lack basic protection. Florida recorded 307 hurricanes between 2021 and 2023 — nearly three times more than any other state.

“A major disaster could leave tens of thousands of families unable to rebuild,” Bhatt notes. “That ripple effect could extend far beyond individual homeowners, impacting entire communities.”

Why Aren’t Homes Insured?

The study suggests several factors may contribute to these gaps:

• Rising premiums: In some areas, homeowners have been priced out of the market.

• Misunderstanding risks: Many believe their homes aren't at risk of damage from natural disasters.

• Coverage confusion: Floods, for instance, are not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Separate policies are required—and often costly.

Experts advise homeowners to shop around to compare home insurance quotes, understand what’s included (and excluded) in policies, and speak to a licensed agent about risks in their area. Additionally, consider bundling policies or increasing deductibles to make coverage more affordable.

Bottom line: With millions of homes uninsured, a growing number of Americans face mounting risks without protection. As Bhatt warns, “The cost of not having insurance could be everything.”

Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com. 

ShoreOne Insurance Managers Inc. (ShoreOne), a premier provider of comprehensive insurance solutions for coastal homeowners, has announced a strategic partnership with Trisura Specialty Insurance Company (Trisura). The collaboration increases ShoreOne’s capacity, backed by Trisura’s robust financial strength, to homeowners in select coastal regions. The partnership adds a third carrier partner to ShoreOne at a time when the coastal homeowners and flood insurance market continues to experience an increased demand for capacity. With the addition, ShoreOne is poised to further its mission of closing the flood protection gap by providing an all-in-one policy that includes flood. "ShoreOne is an outstanding company providing an exceptional product that gives the option for coastal homeowners to combine home and full limits flood on every policy. We're grateful for the continued partnership," said Bill Fuge, Partner, Kinghorn Insurance Agency, Inc., Bluffton, SC. Cameron Rhodes, President and Chief Operating Officer at ShoreOne stated, “We take our role as stewards of insurance and reinsurance capital quite seriously and look forward to continue building on the track record we have established to date. The professional team at Trisura has been an absolute delight to work with, and we are grateful to share this coastal homeowners program (including flood) with them.” Michael Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of US Programs for Trisura, remarked, “We have been very selective in our approach to Homeowners business over the last few years, and we are very excited about our new partnership with ShoreOne. We find them to be a very talented team that understands their business model very well and has a demonstrated track record of success in this space. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with the ShoreOne Team.” This alliance underscores both ShoreOne’s and Trisura’s dedication and expertise in delivering superior insurance products that meet the evolving needs of coastal homeowners. Independent agents will benefit from enhanced underwriting capabilities for their valued clients, with the same great service they have come to expect from ShoreOne. About ShoreOne Insurance ShoreOne Insurance Managers, Inc. was founded in 2019 to address the significant coverage gap that flood-exposed coastal homeowners face. Rather than placing the burden on homeowners to piece together coverage for their properties, ShoreOne provides one policy that covers both traditional homeowners’ perils and floods. ShoreOne policies are distributed through independent insurance agents with strong technical expertise and experience in solving coastal insurance problems. ShoreOne is backed by some of the largest reinsurers in the world who have combined assets in excess of $90 billion. Bringing together experienced leadership, proprietary technology, and a family-friendly way of doing business, ShoreOne is taking better care of coastal homeowners. About Trisura Specialty Insurance Company Trisura Group Ltd. is a specialty insurance provider operating in the Surety, Risk Solutions, Corporate Insurance, and Fronting business lines of the market. Trisura has investments in wholly owned subsidiaries through which it conducts insurance and reinsurance operations. Those operations are primarily in Canada (“Trisura Canada”) and the United States (“Trisura US”). Trisura Group Ltd. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “TSU.” Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

Amwins Specialty Casualty Solutions (ASCS), a leading MGA and specialty insurance program creator, has announced the launch of its Public Entity Excess Casualty Program. Designed to address the persistent challenges facing public entities, this program delivers innovative, comprehensive insurance solutions that combine unmatched expertise with flexible coverage options. With this launch, ASCS reaffirms its position as the go-to partner for municipalities, schools, and special service districts, underscoring their commitment to meeting the demands of an increasingly complex and dynamic risk environment. "This program positions us as an industry leader in the public entity market," said Andrew Kay, president of Amwins Specialty Casualty Solutions. "By adding this program to our portfolio, we're empowering public entities with a seamless, all-in-one solution for property, casualty, and workers' compensation coverage all under one roof – meeting the growing demand for comprehensive and innovative risk management strategies in this space." Launching at a critical time for public entities – a notoriously challenging risk class – this program addresses the well-documented struggles these organizations face in obtaining customized (re)insurance solutions. Backed by AM Best "A-" rated carriers and supported by a sophisticated panel of global reinsurers, ASCS delivers flexible structures and stability for municipalities, educational institutions, and more. Program Highlights:

• Extensive Coverage: Liability coverage up to $3,000,000 per occurrence and workers' compensation up to $2,000,000 per occurrence, available as follow-form excess or reinsurance (workers' compensation only offered as reinsurance).
• Customizable Options: Will entertain a wide variety of attachments and structural features like annual aggregate deductibles to achieve premium targets.
• Diverse Classes: Covers municipalities (cities, counties, towns and villages), public schools, community colleges, special service districts and public housing authorities.
• Eligibility: Designed for pools and individual risks, with a minimum SIR of $100,000 and minimum premium of $200,000 per account (share).

Click to learn more. About Amwins Specialty Casualty Solutions
Amwins Specialty Casualty Solutions (ASCS) is an MGA and specialty insurance program creator, writing approximately $1 billion in annual premium across niche industries. By providing differentiated solutions, ASCS helps clients navigate the complexities of risk with confidence. About Amwins
Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the U.S., dedicated to serving retail insurance agents by providing property and casualty products, specialty group benefits, and administrative services. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company operates through more than 155 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of $39 billion annually. For more information, visit amwins.com. For further information contact:
Amwins
Lisa Kuszmar
Telephone: 704.749.2780
Email: lisa.kuszmar@amwins.com

A growing number of Minnesota’s condominium and townhouse communities are seeing sharp increases in property insurance rates, with some rising by as much as 400 percent. These hikes are placing added financial pressure on homeowners and raising concerns among real estate professionals and policymakers.

According to The Minnesota Star Tribune, buildings managed by homeowner associations (HOAs) have been particularly affected by the surge. After years of modest increases, some residents have recently faced abrupt and severe premium hikes with little notice. According to HOA leaders, the shift marks a turning point in what was once a relatively stable cost category for multifamily communities.

Insurance brokers, state lawmakers, and advocacy groups are taking note. Multifamily properties, often considered accessible options for retirees and first-time homebuyers, are becoming less affordable due to rising insurance costs. HOAs previously found cost savings by pooling resources, but that strategy is proving less effective as carriers become more hesitant to insure large-scale properties.

Several factors are contributing to these premium increases. Severe weather events related to climate change, escalating contractor costs, and large legal settlements have all played a role. Although Minnesota’s insurance industry turned a profit in 2024 for the first time in five years, the recovery followed a challenging 2022 when carriers paid out nearly double what they collected in premiums.

Advocates at organizations such as the HOA Leadership Network report that this trend is affecting communities across the state. Insurance coverage is harder to secure, rates are rising rapidly, and coverage terms are being reduced. A recent survey by the group found that property insurance now accounts for 34 percent of the average HOA's annual budget, up from 27 percent in 2022. This cost increase is often passed directly to homeowners through higher monthly dues.

The Twin Cities metro area alone contains an estimated 197,000 housing units in HOA-managed communities. Statewide, Minnesota ranks 15th in the nation for the number of HOAs, with about 8,000 associations and over 1.5 million residents living in these communities.

Rising insurance costs are having real effects at the neighborhood level. In one Edina HOA, monthly dues increased by more than $250 following a significant policy renewal. The sudden hike led to financial strain for some residents and prompted a rise in property listings. HOA board members were able to switch insurance carriers and save $100,000 annually, but the future remains uncertain.

The Minnesota Legislature is starting to take action. A state working group recently released 41 recommendations focused on governance, financial oversight, and dispute resolution in HOA communities. Some of these proposals address conflicts of interest and management practices that may be contributing to elevated insurance costs.

The Insurance Federation of Minnesota points to another issue: fewer insurance carriers are willing to write policies for multifamily properties. With fewer providers in the market, premiums tend to rise. Legal risks, such as large judgments in premises liability cases, are also pushing insurers out of the space.

Despite some short-term solutions, HOA leaders remain concerned about the long-term outlook. For many Minnesotans, especially younger buyers, high insurance premiums are creating additional obstacles to homeownership.

One HOA board member summed it up: "Property insurance is fundamental to having a home, and it's fundamental to homeownership affordability."

Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

In a landmark deal set to reshape the medical professional liability landscape, The Doctors Company — the largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer in the U.S. — has announced plans to acquire ProAssurance Corporation for $25.00 per share in cash. The $1.3 billion transaction represents a 60% premium over ProAssurance’s most recent closing price and signals a powerful consolidation of two mission-driven, physician-founded organizations.

Strengthening the Commitment to Healthcare Providers

This acquisition isn’t just about numbers—it’s about a deepened commitment to the healthcare community. Both The Doctors Company and ProAssurance share a unique legacy: founded by physicians in response to the medical liability crisis of the 1970s, both have a longstanding mission to protect healthcare professionals with tailored liability solutions.

“The addition of ProAssurance to The Doctors Company significantly enhances our ability to serve healthcare professionals now and well into the future,” said Dr. Richard E. Anderson, Chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company. “Healthcare is a team sport and the teams are getting larger. To serve them best requires a company with nationwide scale, resources, and a dedication to all medical professions.”

What the Deal Means for the Industry

The combined organization will hold approximately $12 billion in assets, further solidifying its role as a national leader in medical liability protection. By joining forces, the companies aim to deliver broader coverage, deeper expertise, and stronger financial backing to a larger pool of healthcare providers, including specialists in medical technology, life sciences, and workers’ compensation.

ProAssurance’s CEO Ned Rand emphasized the cultural and operational alignment that made the deal a natural fit. “Both companies have fulfilled a shared mission to protect others, with similar philosophies and cultures. This transaction delivers significant value to our shareholders while positioning our teams to better serve today’s complex healthcare landscape.”

What’s Next

The ProAssurance Board of Directors has unanimously approved the transaction and recommends that shareholders do the same. Subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, the acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026. Upon completion, ProAssurance will become a wholly owned subsidiary of The Doctors Company, and its shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

This move underscores the growing trend of strategic consolidation in the insurance industry, especially within niche sectors like medical professional liability. With this acquisition, The Doctors Company is poised to continue its leadership role in safeguarding the practice of good medicine for generations to come.

About The Doctors Company Founded and led by physicians, The Doctors Company (thedoctors.com), the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, is relentlessly committed to advancing, protecting, and rewarding the practice of good medicine. The Doctors Company helps all healthcare providers manage the complexities of today’s healthcare environment—with expert guidance, resources, and coverage. The Doctors Company is part of TDC Group (tdcg.com), the nation’s largest physician-owned provider of insurance and risk management solutions. TDC Group serves the full continuum of care, from individual clinicians to academic medical systems—with over 110,000 healthcare professionals and organizations nationwide—with annual revenue of $1.5 billion and more than $8 billion in assets. To learn more about our data-driven insights and to stay up to date on industry trends, follow and subscribe to The Doctors Company on X (@doctorscompany), YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. About ProAssurance Corporation ProAssurance is an industry-leading specialty insurer with extensive expertise in medical professional liability and product liability for medical technology and life sciences. ProAssurance is also a provider of workers’ compensation insurance in the eastern U.S. ProAssurance is rated “A” (Excellent) by AM Best. For the latest on ProAssurance and its industry-leading suite of products and services, cutting-edge risk management, and practice enhancement programs, visit the company’s website at proassurancegroup.com, with investor content available at Investor.proassurance.com.

Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com. 

Nearmap, a leading provider of property intelligence to insurers, announced the launch of Portfolio Intelligence, an AI-powered pre-built solution allowing insurance carriers to move beyond individual property assessments and act on portfolio-level insights. With more comprehensive intelligence, insurers can easily visualize and assess risk distribution to enhance portfolio resilience, evaluate portfolio performance by agency or region, and identify untapped market opportunities. Instead of manually aggregating property data from multiple sources to understand the full scope of portfolio health, Portfolio Intelligence, available in the Betterview platform by Nearmap, aggregates AI-powered risk detections and scores based on up-to-date aerial imagery. The result is a clear view of risk distribution and faster access to in-depth portfolio quality insights. With this new solution, insurers can:

• Improve operational efficiency by identifying and addressing areas with accumulated risks (e.g. areas with high concentration of bad roofs), then drilling down to the individual property.
• Reduce loss exposure by filtering and analyzing properties based on critical criteria including roof condition, third-party data, and custom risk flags (e.g. asphalt shingle roof material and roof older than 10 years).
• Make faster, more informed decisions to optimize underwriting strategies and improve agent performance.
• Identify untapped market opportunities and create action plans for agents and distribution partners.

"For too long, insurers have been forced to manage risk property by property, making it difficult to scale and optimize portfolio performance," said David Tobias, GM of Insurance at Nearmap. "Portfolio Intelligence changes that by bringing AI-powered property intelligence to the portfolio-level, providing a clear, immediate view of risk distribution and portfolio health—without the delays of manual analysis. More importantly, it enables insurers to take proactive steps based on these insights, improving underwriting efficiency, minimizing losses, and identifying new growth opportunities." With Portfolio Intelligence, insurers can take a more strategic approach to portfolio management—moving beyond reactive risk assessment to proactive decision-making. As insurers seek to remain profitable and resilient, Nearmap remains committed to providing the data-driven intelligence they need to stay ahead. About Nearmap:  
Nearmap is the location intelligence provider customers rely on for consistent, reliable, high-resolution imagery, insights, and answers to create meaningful change in the world. The Betterview and ImpactResponse platforms by Nearmap are integrated technology solutions built for insurers applying proprietary AI and computer vision to high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial data, generating highly accurate property intelligence. Insurance companies are empowered with on-demand insights throughout the policy lifecycle that increase quoting speed and accuracy, optimize underwriting efficiency, enhance property risk mitigation, and expedite claims. Nearmap is the only full stack provider of location intelligence—from camera, to capture, to processing, as utilized in the Betterview and ImpactResponse platforms. For more information, please visit www.nearmap.com/solutions/insurance.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

The latest OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Economic Outlook, Interim Report March 2025, provides an insightful analysis of global economic trends, highlighting resilience in 2024 but signaling headwinds in the years ahead. Below are the key takeaways from the report.

Global Economic Growth: Resilience in 2024, Moderation Ahead

• The global economy demonstrated resilience in 2024, with a solid GDP growth rate of 3.2%, driven by strong expansions in the United States and major emerging-market economies, including China.
• However, indicators suggest a slowdown in global growth, with projections falling to 3.1% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026.
• Rising trade barriers, geopolitical uncertainties, and tightening financial conditions are expected to weigh on investment and household spending.

Regional Growth Projections: A Slowing Trend

• United States: Growth is projected to slow from 2.8% in 2024 to 2.2% in 2025 and 1.6% in 2026 as domestic demand moderates.
• Euro Area: GDP growth is expected to remain subdued at 1.0% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026 due to heightened uncertainty and weak consumer confidence.
• China: Growth is forecasted to decline from 4.8% in 2024 to 4.4% in 2026, as government incentives wane and external demand fluctuates.
• Canada and Mexico: Economic activity is projected to be hit particularly hard due to increased tariffs with the United States. Canada’s growth is expected to drop to 0.7% in both 2025 and 2026, while Mexico is forecasted to enter a recession with GDP contractions of 1.3% in 2025 and 0.6% in 2026.

Trade and Inflation Pressures Persist

• New trade policies, including significant tariff hikes between major economies, could increase inflation and suppress global trade growth.
• Inflationary pressures remain, particularly in the services sector, with core inflation projected to stay above central bank targets in many countries, including the United States.
• Headline inflation in G20 economies is expected to moderate from 3.8% in 2025 to 3.2% in 2026, although trade disruptions and labor market tightness could sustain price pressures.

Labor Markets Remain Strong, but Risks Loom

• Global labor markets remained tight in 2024, with unemployment rates staying below pre-pandemic levels in many countries, including Türkiye, Brazil, Italy, and Spain.
• Wage growth, though easing, remains elevated in some regions, contributing to lingering inflation.
• Real wages in the United States, Brazil, Spain, and the United Kingdom have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, while they remain below pre-pandemic levels in South Africa, Italy, France, and Japan.

Financial Markets and Policy Adjustments

• Global financial conditions have tightened slightly since late 2024, with increased market volatility and higher government bond yields in Europe due to additional planned expenditures on defense and infrastructure.
• While monetary policy easing is expected in some economies, central banks remain cautious amid inflationary pressures and trade disruptions.
• Fiscal discipline is crucial to maintaining debt sustainability, ensuring governments have the flexibility to address future economic shocks.

Policy Recommendations and Future Considerations

• Countries should seek collaborative solutions within the global trading system to minimize economic fragmentation and promote stable growth.
• Structural reforms to enhance labor market flexibility, supply chain resilience, and skills development are essential for long-term economic stability.
• Artificial intelligence adoption and digital infrastructure investments could significantly boost productivity and support economic recovery.

Final Thoughts

The OECD’s latest projections highlight the complexities of the current economic landscape, with global growth facing mounting challenges from trade barriers, inflationary pressures, and policy uncertainties. While resilient labor markets and strategic policy measures could mitigate some risks, maintaining economic stability will require careful navigation of trade policies, fiscal management, and structural reforms. Policymakers and businesses alike must stay vigilant and adaptable to ensure sustainable growth in the coming years.

Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

Hailstorms are often overlooked compared to hurricanes and wildfires, but they are proving to be one of the most financially devastating weather events for homeowners and insurers alike. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, severe convective storms, which include hail, cost insurers $58 billion in the U.S. last year — exceeding all but two hurricanes in recorded history. As a result, insurance premiums are rising, and many homeowners are struggling to find affordable coverage.

Hail Damage: A Costly and Growing Problem

Hail is responsible for the majority of damage from convective storms, which produce strong winds and sometimes tornadoes. Historically, hailstorms primarily impacted open fields and rural areas, but suburban expansion has placed more homes, schools, and businesses in harm’s way. Today, what once landed harmlessly in empty fields now causes extensive damage to roofs, vehicles, and infrastructure.

According to research from Northern Illinois University, climate change is likely contributing to larger hailstones, which increases the potential for destruction. Unlike hurricane-related flooding, which often requires additional policies, hail damage is typically covered by standard homeowners' insurance. However, as claims increase, insurers are raising rates, dropping coverage in high-risk areas, or adjusting policies to minimize payouts.

Rising Insurance Costs and Nonrenewals

The financial burden of hail damage is hitting homeowners in middle America particularly hard. The Wall Street Journal reported that Oklahoma, a state frequently battered by severe hailstorms, is facing skyrocketing insurance costs. In some areas, insurers are refusing to renew policies on homes with roofs older than 11 years. Statewide, nearly 3,400 homeowners lost coverage in 2023, putting Oklahoma in a category similar to wildfire-prone California and hurricane-prone Florida.

This trend isn’t limited to individual households. Businesses, school districts, and municipalities are also facing significant premium hikes. In Norman, Oklahoma, a public school system saw its property insurance costs double in just five years, diverting funds away from educational resources.

Policy Changes That Shift Costs to Homeowners

In response to mounting losses, insurers are changing the way they cover hail damage. Many policies now reduce payouts based on a roof’s age, while others have increased deductibles from a fixed amount to a percentage of the home’s replacement cost. These changes leave many homeowners responsible for a larger share of repair expenses.

Additionally, some policies now only cover the "actual cash value" of a damaged roof rather than the full replacement cost. This means that homeowners with older roofs may receive a payout that doesn’t cover the full cost of repairs, making it difficult to restore their homes after a storm.

The Need for Awareness and Preparedness

With hailstorms becoming more destructive and insurance options becoming more limited, homeowners should take proactive steps to protect their properties. Regular roof maintenance, impact-resistant materials, and understanding insurance policy changes are crucial. In states where insurers are withdrawing, exploring state-backed insurance programs or alternative providers may be necessary.

Hail may not always make headlines like hurricanes or wildfires, but its financial impact is undeniable. As weather patterns shift and insurers adapt, homeowners must stay informed and prepared for the increasing risks posed by these powerful storms.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.

Recent federal and state budget reductions are affecting the U.S. food safety system, potentially increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Cuts under both the Trump and Biden administrations have impacted food testing, state inspections, and advisory committees focused on preventing outbreaks. These reductions may limit the ability of government agencies to detect and respond to contaminated food, raising concerns among public health experts.

Budget Cuts and Their Impact

• FDA spending freezes: Government credit card spending restrictions have slowed or stopped some routine food safety tests, affecting the detection of bacteria and contaminants in food products.

• State-level reductions: A $34 million FDA budget cut could reduce staffing at state laboratories and limit efforts to remove tainted products from shelves.

• Disbanded advisory committees: The Trump administration recently shut down committees focused on studying bacteria in infant formula and improving outbreak detection. These committees were working on using genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence to enhance food safety efforts.

• Federal inspection shortfalls: The FDA currently employs 443 food safety inspectors, significantly fewer than needed to meet Congress-mandated inspection schedules.

• State food safety programs at risk: State inspectors perform a large percentage of food facility and produce safety inspections. Funding reductions may lead to delays in removing contaminated food from the market.

Concerns from Food Safety Experts

Experts warn that the budget reductions could limit efforts to prevent foodborne outbreaks, leading to increased public health risks. Some scientists have raised concerns that fewer resources will shift food safety efforts from prevention to post-outbreak response.

In past outbreaks, food safety officials successfully identified contaminated products, such as listeria-tainted deli meats and lead-laden applesauce, preventing further illness. However, delays caused by budget constraints could slow future responses, potentially increasing the number of affected individuals.

Outlook and Industry Response

While the Biden administration has launched initiatives to examine food safety risks, such as "Operation Stork Speed" to assess infant formula quality, experts emphasize the need for sufficient funding to maintain effective food safety oversight.

As budget reductions continue, the food safety field is monitoring how these changes affect outbreak detection and prevention efforts. Public health officials and lawmakers have raised concerns that ongoing financial constraints could undermine progress in ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply.

New Mexico faced severe weather conditions on Tuesday as powerful winds and dust storms swept across the state, causing major highway closures, power outages, and fire hazards.

Hazardous Weather Conditions Impact the State

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued emergency alerts warning residents of dangerously low visibility and potential health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants and the elderly. Winds reached speeds of up to 70 mph (113 kph) in some areas, creating challenging conditions for travel and safety.

Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to strong winds generated by a low-pressure system over Kansas, combined with prolonged dry conditions that have intensified the risk of dust storms and wildfires.

Travel Disruptions and Road Closures

The severe dust storms led to the temporary closure of major highways across New Mexico. Authorities shut down a 130-mile stretch of Interstate 10, from the Arizona border to the outskirts of Las Cruces, along with several state highways near Deming. Interstate 25 also experienced closures near Cochiti Pueblo due to strong winds and limited visibility, though it was later reopened.

Motorists traveling along Interstate 40 and other affected routes encountered near-zero visibility conditions, particularly in the high plains communities of Torrance County and the Albuquerque-Santa Fe corridor. Officials urged drivers to exercise caution and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Fire Risk and Power Outages

Alongside the dust storms, the strong winds fueled at least two brush fires, endangering structures and worsening conditions across already dry landscapes. The increased fire threat comes after months of minimal precipitation, leaving vegetation highly susceptible to ignition.

Additionally, reports of power outages emerged in various parts of the state as wind gusts damaged power lines and infrastructure.

Safety Precautions Amid Dust Storms

Authorities recommend that residents take precautions to minimize exposure to airborne dust, particularly those with respiratory conditions. During dust storms, individuals should:

• Stay indoors when possible and keep windows and doors shut.
• Use air purifiers or wear masks if outdoor exposure is necessary.
• Avoid unnecessary travel and monitor road conditions before driving.
• Follow official guidance and updates from local authorities.

Looking Ahead

As New Mexico battles ongoing dry conditions, meteorologists continue to monitor weather patterns for potential wind and fire hazards. Travelers are advised to check road conditions and weather alerts before heading out, as sudden closures and reduced visibility may persist.

For the latest updates on road conditions, residents can visit the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) website or follow local news sources.

The Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act (SB25-058), a bill aimed at updating Colorado’s insurance regulations, has passed the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee with unanimous support, seeking to expand consumer access to insurance discounts and add-ons while maintaining key consumer protections.

Overview of SB25-058

The proposed legislation would allow insurance companies to provide certain no-cost or discounted services that directly relate to coverage. Under current law, discounting an insurance policy beyond its contracted price is considered a deceptive trade practice. SB25-058 modifies this restriction by permitting specific discounts and rebates that promote consumer safety, financial literacy, or loss mitigation.

Potential Benefits for Consumers

If enacted, the bill would enable consumers to receive various no-cost or discounted services offered by insurance companies. Examples include:

• Security cameras and motion detectors to enhance home safety
• Flood or fire protection systems
• Other tools designed to prevent loss or improve financial well-being

According to Rep. Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton, a sponsor of the bill, this legislation aims to ensure that Coloradans can access beneficial promotions and discounts that contribute to both cost savings and peace of mind.

Consumer Protections Remain a Priority

While SB25-058 expands the ability of insurers to offer incentives, it retains key consumer protections to prevent unfair or misleading practices. Insurance companies must ensure that the discounts or rebates they provide are directly related to coverage, such as mitigating risk or enhancing consumer knowledge of financial or health-related matters.

Legislative Progress and Next Steps

The bill passed the House committee with a 13-0 vote, demonstrating bipartisan support. As it moves through the legislative process, further discussions will focus on its implementation and potential impact on both insurers and policyholders. SB25-058 represents an effort to modernize Colorado’s insurance regulations while providing consumers with additional opportunities for savings and improved protection. Lawmakers and industry stakeholders will continue to assess its implications as it advances through the legislative process.