Wells Media Group, Inc announced that it has become a 100% employee-owned firm via the launch of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Wells Media, the publisher of Insurance Journal, Carrier Management and Claims Journal and other news and insights … Source: Claims Journal

In four separate decisions, a panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals joined four other federal appellate courts in ruling that SARS-CoV-2 does not cause a direct physical loss or damage that triggers coverage under a commercial insurance policy. … Source: Claims Journal

WASHINGTON –Volkswagen AG’s U.S. unit will pay $3.5 million to resolve a lawsuit by the state of Illinois against the German automaker for updates of emissions software arising from the 2015 diesel cheating scandal. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court … Source: Claims Journal

CHANDLER, Ariz.–Alphabet Inc’s Waymo risks losing its lead in the U.S. race to prove robotaxis are a viable business as it sticks to a limited service and rivals backed by automakers near their own launches. Companies including Ford Motor Co’s … Source: Claims Journal

Automobile insurance carriers in Florida may limit reimbursement to health providers in keeping with a fee schedule in a personal injury protection policy, the Florida Supreme Court decided in a decision posted today. “We agree with the Second District Court … Source: Claims Journal

WASHINGTON–The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday it is discussing with Tesla its decision to replace cameras in some U.S. vehicles. CNBC reported on Monday Tesla was replacing front fender cameras in several hundred Model S, X … Source: Claims Journal

Two lawsuits seeking $100 million each have been filed against a Michigan school district, its superintendent and others after four students were fatally shot and others wounded at Oxford High School, a lawyer announced Thursday. The lawsuits were filed in … Source: Claims Journal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)–A father and son were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of starting a massive California wildfire that destroyed many homes and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities earlier this year, authorities said. David Scott … Source: Claims Journal

GALENA, Mo. (AP)–Three men charged after a tourist boat sank in Missouri during a 2018 storm, killing 17 people, were in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing to determine if the criminal case against them will proceed. Kenneth Scott McKee, … Source: Claims Journal

Swiss Re said in a report released Thursday that litigation funding has become a $17 billion industry globally, with 52% of that money being spent in the United States. The reinsurer said third-party litigation funding (TPLF) is increasing the number … Source: Claims Journal