China State Firms Curb Russian Oil Imports on Sanctions Risks, Sources Say
Chinese state oil companies are shying away from Russian oil this month, with two importers halting purchases while two others scaled back volumes as they assess compliance following recent U.S. sanctions on Moscow, multiple trade sources said. Russian oil supplies …
Tech Sector Sees Softer Insurance Market but Less Comprehensive Policies
A softer-than-expected market kept insurance premiums for technology companies down or flat in some lines in 2024, according to a new report from business insurance platform Embroker. Embroker’s 2024 Business Insurance Index: Tech Sector found average errors & omissions/cyber premiums …
Delaware Forest Service Warns of Elevated Wildfire Risk
Delaware officials are reporting that the ongoing drought and current weather conditions have caused an uptick in wildfires in all three counties. Due to an elevated wildfire risk, the Delaware Forest Service is urging all residents to refrain from outdoor …
Europe’s Winter Storms Will Get Worse as Emissions Rise, Study Says
Global carbon emissions are amplifying a North Atlantic wind pattern that drives northern Europe’s biggest winter storms, new research shows. According to projections from scientists at the UK’s Met Office and University of Exeter, in a scenario with very high …
As Chips Race Spews ‘Forever Chemicals,’ Startups Emerge to Destroy Them
The battle for artificial intelligence supremacy hinges on microchips. But the semiconductor sector that produces them has a dirty secret: It’s a major source of chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems. Global chip sales surged more than 19% …
Indonesian Fishermen Sue Tuna Giant Bumble Bee, Alleging Abuse in Supply Chain
Lawyers representing four Indonesian fishermen who say they were beaten and trapped on vessels that were part of the global supply chain that provided tuna to Bumble Bee Seafoods filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the canned seafood giant. It is …
Verisk: Catastrophe Claims in Q4 Double on Late Hurricane Activity
A significant rise in claims from hurricanes rather than winter storms was to blame for a 36% increase in total fourth quarter 2024 claims. A new report from Verisk Analytics found catastrophe claims more than doubled year over year during …
Global Instability Leads to 16-Year Low for Insurance Carrier M&A Deals
Two new reports highlight the stagnant mergers and acquisitions in the insurance industry in 2024. In fact, global insurance carrier M&As slumped to a 16-year low in 2024 amid a wave uncertainty and volatility through the year, Clyde & Co.’s …
USG Insurance Services Adds Reinhold to Tampa Office
USG Insurance Services, a national wholesaler and managing general agent, has hired Joshua Reinhold as associate producer and broker in its Tampa office – another step in the company’s nationwide expansion plans. Reinhold has seven years of experience in the …
Medical Chopper Reported Flight Control Problem Before Fatal Crash in Mississippi
CANTON, Miss. (AP) — A medical helicopter that crashed in a wooded area in Mississippi reported “a flight control problem” shortly before a Monday crash that killed all three people on board, federal authorities said. The pilot was going to …
Rescue Plan for Bankrupt New Jersey Hospitals Under Threat
A plan to rescue three troubled New Jersey hospitals from bankruptcy is being challenged by their former owners, who claim mismanagement and an unfair land deal have tainted the reorganization. The bankruptcy-exit plan for CarePoint Health Systems pays too much …
Next Round of Inspections in LA Fire Expected Next Week, Edison CEO Says
Southern California Edison will begin its first close-up physical inspections of certain power equipment under investigation for possible links to the start of the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles early this year, Edison International CEO Pedro Pizarro told Reuters at …
News Corp. Sued by Google Search Engine Rival Brave Software to Defend Its ‘Fair Use’
News Corp. has been sued by Google search engine rival Brave Software, which seeks to forestall a lawsuit by Rupert Murdoch’s company for when readers are directed to copyrighted articles from the Wall Street Journal and New York Post. In …
People Moves: SAN Names Sakraida Regional VP; Washington Named Pro-Praxis VP
Satellite Agency Network Group, Inc. (SAN), headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire, appointed Michael Sakraida as regional vice president for Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. With more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, Sakraida most recently served as …
Maryland Regulator Takes Action Against Erie Insurance Over Discrimination Claims
Maryland’s insurance regulator has announced actions to settle a long-running dispute with Erie Insurance Group over a report on the insurer’s practices involving some urban agents and their insureds. The Maryland Insurance Administration said its market conduct examination that was …
State Farm, Consumer Group Battle Ahead of Calif. Insurance Commissioner Decision
Ahead of a decision from California’s insurance commissioner on a State Farm General request for emergency rate increases, company executives and representatives of a consumer group pled their opposing cases in letters to Commissioner Ricardo Lara. Breaking News Update: After …
CannGen Launches Workers’ Comp Program Through Crum & Forester
CannGen Insurance Services LLC is now offering workers’ compensation coverage for the legal cannabis industry through specialty insurance provider Crum & Forster. The program is available in all 50 states. CannGen policyholders can access C&F Connect, an online portal designed …
Insurer Payouts Now at $12B for LA Wildfires, Report Shows
Insurance companies have so far paid out more than $12 billion for losses from the two biggest of the Los Angeles-area wildfires that swept through the region and destroyed tens of thousands of homes in January. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo …
People Moves: Arch Insurance Names 2 Senior Leaders for Casualty Team in Spain
Arch Insurance Names 2 Senior Leaders for Casualty Team in Spain Arch Insurance announced the appointments of Carmen Cobeta as head of Casualty, Spain, and Irene Fernandez Franic as senior casualty underwriter, effective immediately. Cobeta and Fernandez Franic join Arch …
J.P. Morgan Economist Sees 40% Chance of US Recession
There is about a 40% chance of a U.S. recession this year and a risk of lasting damage to the country’s standing as an investment destination if the administration undermines trust in U.S. governance, according to J.P. Morgan’s chief economist. …