HUD Proposes Ending Green Discount for Multifamily Loans

Green Discount

Move could reshape incentives for energy-efficient housing and multifamily development The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has introduced a proposal that’s turning heads in both the housing and sustainability sectors. It wants to end the Green Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) reduction—an incentive designed to reward multifamily housing projects that meet green building standards. Here’s the twist: the reduced premium won’t disappear. Instead, HUD plans to extend it to all multifamily loans, no matter the project’s energy efficiency. This change? It’s a big deal. For renters. For developers.…

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Genworth Rate Hike Shakes Up Long-Term Care Insurance Landscape

Long-Term Care Insurance

Genworth Life Insurance dropped a bombshell when it proposed a jaw-dropping 233% rate hike for its long-term care insurance policies. That’s right, 233%. In Maine, regulators pulled the brakes—chopping that monster hike down to 76%. But let’s get real: a jump like that still hurts. And if you’re thinking this is just a Maine thing, think again. Genworth’s campaign for higher premiums is nationwide—with hundreds of hikes already stamped “approved.” Between 2021 and 2023, Genworth scored the green light for 429 rate increase requests across the country. The average increase…

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Louisiana Distracted Driving Law Update: What’s Changing on August 1st?

Louisiana Distracted Driving Law

Louisiana drivers, take note. The rules of the road are about to change. Starting August 1, 2025, the state is stepping up its fight against distracted driving with stricter enforcement of a new law that bans most handheld phone use while driving. But what exactly does this mean for you? Here’s the scoop on what’s happening and why it matters. What’s the Situation Right Now? Currently, handheld phone use while driving isn’t a free-for-all in Louisiana. Nope. There are already plenty of rules: Texting or emailing while driving? Illegal statewide.…

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Washington’s 1st of it’s Kind Long Term Care Program Nears Launch

long term care

Washington State is making history. Its groundbreaking long term care insurance program, WA Cares, is set to roll out on July 1, 2026. This isn’t just another government initiative—it’s the first program of its kind in the U.S. And it’s a big deal. Why? Because long-term care is expensive. Really expensive. And most people don’t have a plan for it. WA Cares aims to change that by giving workers a way to save for care as they age. How It Works Here’s the deal: WA Cares is funded by a 0.58% payroll…

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Declawing, Diets, and Digital Vets – What Pet Owners Need to Know

What Pet Owners Need to Know

The AVMA is Shaking Things Up This summer, the American Veterinary Medical Association is rolling out some big policy updates. From pet food to telemedicine, they’re addressing issues that could change how we care for our pets—and even how we pay for it. Let’s break it down. Who is the AVMA? The AVMA represents over 100,000 veterinarians across the U.S. They set the standard for animal care, shaping policies that protect animal health, welfare, and public health. But their influence goes beyond vets. Their decisions impact pet owners, farmers, lawmakers,…

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One Small Law, One Big Win for Rhode Island Drivers

Rhode Island Auto Insurance Law

Rhode Island Takes a Stand on Insurance Questions Starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Islanders will no longer have to worry about paying extra for simply asking their auto insurance provider a question. Sounds surprising, right? But until now, insurers in the state could raise your premium just because you checked in about your coverage. That’s changing—thanks to a new law. What’s the Deal? The law, passed in June 2025, prevents insurers from slapping policyholders with a rate hike just for asking about their coverage. It’s a small legislative tweak, but…

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Oregon Leads the Way in Menopause Treatment Coverage

Oregon

Changing the Game for Women’s Health? Oregon is making waves. Big waves. The state’s House recently passed a bill requiring health insurers to cover treatments for perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. What’s the big deal? For starters, it’s an all-too-ignored area of healthcare that affects millions of women. And Oregon isn’t alone. Could this be the beginning of a nationwide trend? Maybe. Oregon Leads the Charge The bill—House Bill 3064—was inspired by the personal struggle of Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany. She experienced menopause symptoms but was denied care and medication…

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