Maria Valdez Haubrich, Author at ProgramBusiness | Where insurance industry clicks

West Coast Levee Failures Highlight Growing Risks in Aging U.S. Flood Defenses

Glendale, CA, USA February 7, 2024: After days of heavy rain, water flows through the flood control channel in the Glendale Narrows portion of the Los Angeles River in Glendale, CA.

In recent weeks, powerful atmospheric river storms moved across Washington, Oregon, and California, bringing intense rainfall and causing rivers to surge beyond their banks.

Inszone Insurance Services Acquires Shahinian Insurance Services, Inc.

The transaction expands Inszone’s specialty program capabilities while preserving Shahinian Insurance’s established operations and client focus.

Nevada’s New Wildfire Law Signals a Shift in Property Insurance Risk Allocation

Double Spring Nevada, USA - October 10, 2021: The Tamarack Fire on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest burned 68,637 acres. First being reported on July 4, 2021 the fire stretched into Nevada and was fully contained in October.

Beginning January 1, 2026, Nevada home insurers will be permitted to remove wildfire coverage from standard homeowners policies.

FDA Announces Massive Recall Tied to Rodent and Bird Contamination at Distribution Facility

Brown Rat

According to the FDA, inspectors found evidence of rodent excreta, rodent urine, and bird droppings in areas where medical devices, drugs, human food, pet food, and cosmetic products were stored.

Erie Insurance Names Todd Morrison and Chad Ackerman Branch Managers in Virginia

Morrison brings 15 years of ERIE experience to his new role in Roanoke. Ackerman began his ERIE career in 2015 as an IT business analyst intern.

Consumer Safety Commission Issues Recalls Over Child-Resistant Packaging Violations

Federal safety regulators have announced multiple product recalls after determining that certain consumer goods failed to meet child-resistant packaging requirements mandated under federal law. The recalls involve topical products that contain regulated substances and were deemed to pose a poisoning risk if ingested by young children. On December 18, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission… Continue reading Consumer Safety Commission Issues Recalls Over Child-Resistant Packaging Violations

Microsoft and NASA Introduce AI Tools to Improve Access to Flood and Water Risk Data

Their collaboration has resulted in Hydrology Copilot, a suite of AI agents designed to simplify access, analysis, and interpretation of large-scale hydrological data.

What 2025’s Consumer Trends Reveal About Risk, Behavior, and What’s Ahead

Cheerful woman enjoying shopping on a sunny day while carrying multiple bags in an urban setting. Consumerism, fashion, purchases, shopping, lifestyle concept.

Consumer behavior in 2025 proved unpredictable, fast-moving, and increasingly shaped by external shocks — from the adoption of AI to geopolitical tensions.

Second Atmospheric River Brings Heavy Rain and Snow to California Through Christmas

Pacifica California, USA - February 5, 2024: An atmospheric river touched down in Northern California late Saturday with widespread rain and moderate flooding. In Pacifica, a costal hamlet a short drive South from San Francisco a tree collapsed on a truck at Salada and Beach boulevard near the already storm damaged and closed pier.

According to AccuWeather, the pattern follows weeks of atmospheric river impacts across the Pacific Northwest and will shift southward, affecting much of California during the peak travel period.

Extreme Weather Caused More Than $300 Billion in U.S. Losses in 2025

An image of the Guadalupe River in Boerne, TX following the devastating July 4th, 2025, Hill Country flood.

AccuWeather estimates that seven major weather disasters resulted in $378 billion to $424 billion in total damage and economic loss nationwide this year.