5 Governments Write to China, Expressing Concern over New & Draft Laws

The United States, Canada, Germany, Japan and the European Union have written to China to express concern over three new or planned laws, including one on counterterrorism, in a rare joint bid to pressure Beijing into taking their objections seriously. …

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North Carolina Sees Dramatic Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses

Officials say fatal drug overdoses in North Carolina have jumped from 2002 to 2014. The Charlotte Observer reports federal data shows that overdoses killed as many as 16 people per 100,000 residents in the state in 2014 compared to about …

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Georgia Reports $7M in Claims Settlements Returned to Consumers in 2015

Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens announced that in 2015 his office mediated thousands of claims disputes between Georgians and insurance companies, resulting in more than $7 million in claim settlements favorable to the consumer. Last year the Georgia Department of …

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Oscars host rapped over Asian 'joke'

US comedian Chris Rock is criticised for a joke he made at the expense of Asian-Americans while hosting the Oscars ceremony.

Oklahoma’s Workers’ Comp Opt-Out Act Ruled Unconstitutional

The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission has determined that the opt-out portion of the state’s 2013 workers’ compensation statute is unconstitutional. Ruling on an appeal under the provisions of the Oklahoma Employee Injury Benefit Act, or Opt-Out Act, the three judge panel …

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Stone Creek Brings on Hansen in California

Lafayette, Calif.-based Stone Creek Insurance Agency has named Maridel Hansen front office manager in its Northern California office. Hansen has more than 10 years of insurance experience ranging in duties from supervision to customer service. Her past positions include claims and …

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EPIC Adds Hall as P/C Broker in California

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has hired Steve Hall as a property/casualty insurance broker/producer. Hall will be based in EPIC’s Concord, Calif. office and report to Curt Perata, regional director of property/casualty operations. Hall will be responsible for new business …

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Will attacks on Trump be too little, too late?

Will attacks on Trump be too little, too late?

Judge backs Apple in new access fight

A US judge rules that Apple cannot be forced to give the FBI access to a locked iPhone in a case that echoes an ongoing legal battle.

Few Rideshare Drivers Have Insurance, But Interest is Growing

Powered by InsuranceJournal.tv A large portion of rideshare drivers do not have the required insurance – but more are buying it, or seem to be more interested in it. According to a recent survey by the Rideshare Guy, roughly one-in-five …

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VIDEO: Final countdown to Super Tuesday

Democratic and Republican presidential hopefuls are busy working for every vote ahead of Super Tuesday, when nearly a dozen states will cast their ballots.

VIDEO: Scott Kelly's year in space

Astronaut Scott Kelly returns home after spending a year in space. He documented his journey on Twitter and Instagram.

Naked Gun star George Kennedy dies

US actor George Kennedy, star of Cool Hand Luke and Naked Gun, has died at the age of 91, his grandson announces.

Self-Driving Car Hits Municipal Bus in Minor California Crash, Google Says

Alphabet Inc.’s Google self-driving car struck a municipal bus in a minor crash, in what may be the first case of one of its autonomous cars hitting another vehicle. In a Feb. 23 report filed with California regulators, Google said …

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US judge breaks 10-year court silence

One of the eight judges at the US Supreme Court, Justice Clarence Thomas, asks his first question from the bench in 10 years.

Nevada Insurance Commissioner Approves Workers’ Comp Rate Decrease

Acting Nevada Insurance Commissioner Amy L. Parks approved a filing from the National Council on Compensation Insurance for an average decrease of 5.5 percent for Nevada workers’ compensation voluntary insurance loss costs. An average decrease of 4.2 percent for workers’ …

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US Navy Seal honoured for hostage raid

A Navy Seal who helped rescue a US civilian held hostage in Afghanistan is awarded the nation's highest military honour at the White House.

SAN Group Hires Cassell as Regional VP for New Hampshire, Maine

Satellite Agency Network (SAN) Group Inc., an alliance of independent property/casualty insurance agencies in the Northeast, has hired Jim Cassell as regional vice president for New Hampshire and Maine. In this position, Cassell is responsible for membership sales and service, …

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Insurance, Specialty License Plate Bills Go Forward in Arizona

Bills that would create standard designs for specialty license plates and free auto insurance companies from limits on non-renewals moved in the Arizona Legislature. Senate Bill 1101: Standard designed for specialty license plates Democratic Sen. Steve Farley of Tucson has …

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Conviction in Fatal Maryland Crash Reversed on Insurance Technicality

A West Virginia woman sentenced to a year in jail for a crash that killed a 5-year-old girl has had her conviction reversed because Maryland has no criminal penalty for drivers of uninsured, out-of-state vehicles. The Herald-Mail reports that Washington …

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Insurance Council: Ford Truck #1 Target for Auto Thieves in Texas

The Ford pick-up truck is stolen more often than any other vehicle on the roadway in Texas, according to the Insurance Council of Texas. The monthly report from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lists Ford trucks, GM trucks …

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Vermont Fines Continental Indemnity for Workers’ Comp Premium Overcharges

Vermont Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Susan L. Donegan announced on Feb. 26 that Continental Indemnity Co., a subsidiary of Applied Underwriters Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company, has paid Vermont $335,000 and owes 16 Vermont businesses an additional $352,000. The …

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Higginbotham Adds Henyon as Personal Lines Associate

Texas-based Higginbotham hired Bernie Henyon as associate of personal property/casualty insurance in the insurance firm’s Fort Worth headquarters. Henyon provides home, automobile and liability insurance services to high net worth individuals in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. For the past four years, …

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Security Video Catches Hoverboard Catching Fire in Illinois Home

A security camera inside a suburban Chicago home recorded a hoverboard catching fire shortly after a child left the house, which was extensively damaged by the blaze. Homeowner Dan Perper says the video shows his 11-year-old daughter grabbing her soccer …

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Pipeline Companies Ordered to Pay $6.5 M in Damages from Oklahoma Wildfire

Two pipelines companies have been ordered to pay more than $6.5 million in damages to more than 70 plaintiffs whose property was destroyed in a 2012 wildfire in Oklahoma. Court documents say a Payne County jury ordered IPS Engineering L.L.C. …

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VIDEO: Mexicans on Trump: 'He has no values'

Donald Trump says Mexico would be 'thrilled' to pay for a wall on the borer of the US. We talked to Mexican citizens to find out their opinion.

Lee Named Head of Regulation and Enforcement at Wisconsin Insurance Department

Wisconsin’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance announced that Cari Lee has been appointed as division administrator of Regulation and Enforcement. Lee supervises both the Bureau of Market Regulation and the Bureau of Financial Analysis and Examinations. Prior to her …

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Michigan Insurance Regulators: Consumer Complaints on the Rise

Michigan’s insurance and financial services regulators say the number of consumer complaints is on the rise and that more than 7,400 consumers were assisted during January alone. The Department of Insurance and Financial Services reported that in January of this …

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Rhode Island Lawmakers Eye Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

Lawmakers in Rhode Island are making another attempt to grant driving privileges to immigrants who are in the country illegally. Similar legislation stalled last year but state Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat, said he hopes to build on the …

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Software Provider Vertafore Acquires Canada’s Keal Technology

Vertafore, the Bothell, Wash.-based insurance software provider, announced the acquisition of Keal Technology, a leading provider of broker and commercial management systems in Canada. The move extends Vertafore’s customer base into Canada, further enhancing its international footprint, the company said …

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Cal Fire Files Lawsuit Against Utility For Cost of Powerhouse Fire

A state agency is suing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to recover the more than $4 million cost in fighting a wildfire sparked by power lines three years ago. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection …

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Chubb Appoints Marine Insurance Executive Team for Asia Pacific Region

Chubb has appointed for the Asia Pacific region Christine Aldrich as its marine cargo underwriting manager and Callum Clark as marine hull underwriting manager. Both Aldrich and Clark will report to Anthony O’Brien, regional head of marine for Asia Pacific. Aldrich was previously marine underwriting manager for Australia and New …

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Best Revises Issuer Credit Rating Outlook for W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe)

A.M. Best has revised the issuer credit rating (ICR) outlook to negative from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and the ICR of “a+” of W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe) Ltd. (WRBIEL). The outlook for the …

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MassMutual Agrees to Pay $300M for MetLife Adviser Network

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. agreed to buy MetLife Inc.’s adviser-force business and affiliated broker-dealer for about $300 million. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. agreed to buy MetLife Inc.’s adviser-force business and affiliated broker-dealer for about $300 million. As part …

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Top Republican rejects 'divisive' Trump

Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse says he won't back Republican front-runner Donald Trump, the highest-ranked party member to do so, on the eve of "Super Tuesday".

G20 Puts ‘Brexit’ on List of Top Global Risks After Push From UK Government

British finance minister George Osborne pushed financial leaders from the top 20 economies to include the risk of Britain leaving the European Union in their list of dangers to the world economy on Saturday, gaining explicit support from the United …

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XL Group Proposes Moving Domicile to Bermuda from Ireland

XL Group plc announced a proposal to change its parent holding company’s place of incorporation to Bermuda from Ireland. “Establishing our corporate home in Bermuda is a natural step for XL. XL has had a presence in Bermuda since 1986, …

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Hamilton Re Hires Davis to Lead Entry into Property Direct & Facultative

Hamilton Re, the reinsurance operations of Hamilton Insurance Group, announced that Gavin Davis has joined the Bermuda-based company as senior vice president, head of Property Insurance, Bermuda. Davis will be instrumental in leading the ongoing diversification of Hamilton Re’s portfolio …

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Eight women who decided to propose

Eight women who proposed to their partners

DUAL Commercial Launches New Online Cyber Program

DUAL Commercial, LLC has developed DUAL CyberSecurity, a new cyber program to be led by Phil Hoyt, director of Cyber Insurance. DUAL CyberSecurity provides coverage in conjunction with DUAL Commercial’s programs, as well as on a stand alone basis. DUAL’s …

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Breckenridge Insurance Forms New Company for Transactional Liability Market

Breckenridge Insurance Group has formed Vista Insurance Advisors, a new company for the transactional and mergers & acquisitions market offering various coverage options. Vista Insurance Advisors is led by Chief Executive Officer Thomas Dowd based in New York. Dowd has …

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US student 'stole propaganda' in N Korea

A US student who was arrested in North Korea for a "hostile act" appears on state TV admitting to trying to steal a propaganda sign.

Oscars 2016: Rylance and Vikander win

British actor Mark Rylance wins his first Oscar for Bridge of Spies and Alicia Vikander wins for The Danish Girl and Mad Max wins six so far.

Buffett Says Pessimism on Economy and America Is ‘Dead Wrong’

Warren Buffett reaches a broad audience with his annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. shareholders — and, on Saturday, he reached right out to U.S. voters. In sweeping passages, he rejected the economic pessimism dominating the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign …

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State Farm Reports Investments Overcame Underwriting Loss in 2015

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., the largest U.S. property/casualty insurer, said 2015 profit rose 48 percent on investment gains tied to pharmaceutical holdings. Net income increased to $6.2 billion from $4.2 billion in 2014, the Bloomington, Illinois-based company said …

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Presidential Hopeful Trump Vows to Make It Easier to Sue Media

Donald Trump said Friday he will weaken First Amendment protections for reporters as president, making it easier for him to sue them. The celebrity businessman turned Republican presidential front-runner said he wants to “open up” libel laws at a rally …

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VIDEO: Bernie Sanders tattoos offered for free

A tattoo studio in Winooski is offering Bernie Sanders tattoos free of charge to anyone who wants one.

E-Cigarette Explosion Injures Florida Woman, Destroys Car

A Florida woman says an e-cigarette exploded as she took a puff, knocking her teeth loose and catching her rental car on fire. Cassandra Koziol told the Naples Daily News she had parked her car outside a friend’s house Feb. …

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Citizens: $4.2M in Florida Customer Premiums Recovered in 2015

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. reports that it recovered more than $4.2 million in customer premiums in 2015 by aggressively pursuing third parties responsible for losses and salvaging property involved in a claim, the company said in a statement. Citizens said …

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FEMA Designates Additional 18K South Carolina Properties in Flood Zone

Thousands of property owners in Horry County are being told they will be required to buy flood insurance. Local media outlets report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has updated flood plain maps and now an additional 18,000 properties in …

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Florida Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill Limiting Citizens’ Take-Out Letters

Florida legislators may try once again give additional protections to customers of Citizens Property Insurance. A Senate panel on Feb. 25 approved a bill that would put a limit on how many times a year a homeowner could be asked …

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Trump retweets fascist parody account

Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump retweets a quote attributed to Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini.

Infantino denies US World Cup promise

New Fifa president Gianni Infantino denies securing his election win with promises to the United States over the 2026 World Cup.

Obama's 'blackest' Black History Month

Was this Obama's 'blackest' Black History Month?

Policewoman shot dead on first shift

Police officer Ashley Guindon is shot and killed in US state of Virginia after responding to a domestic incident, just a day after being sworn in.

Spotlight triumphs at Spirit Awards

Spotlight collects best picture and director prizes at the Independent Spirit Awards, while Idris Elba wins best supporting actor.

VIDEO: South Carolina sees 106-year-old voter

A 106-year-old woman has cast her vote in the South Carolina Democratic primary.

Four stabbed in brawl at KKK rally

At least four people are stabbed in scuffles between Ku Klux Klan members and counter-protesters in Anaheim, California.

Clinton eyes big South Carolina win

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders face off in the South Carolina primary - the latest battleground for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Bohn has heart attack at Honda Classic

American Jason Bohn suffers a heart attack at the age of 42 after the second round of The Honda Classic in Florida.

On the road with Hillary Clinton

The long road to the Democratic nomination

VIDEO: Escaped 'unicorn' rescued in California

An escaped "unicorn" was rescued after a four-hour chase through the streets of Madera County in California.

Yoko Ono admitted to New York hospital

Yoko Ono, widow of former Beatle John Lennon, is admitted to hospital in New York with "flu-like symptoms", her spokesperson says.

Oregon scraps goat landscaping scheme

A pilot scheme in Oregon's capital using goats to remove invasive plants will not be renewed amid cost over-runs and complaints they had a "barnyard aroma".

VIDEO: Pop art's scandalous history

Pop art's far-reaching and scandalous influence

Five very strange Trump-Rubio insults

Wet trousers, sweaty moustaches and other weird insults

VIDEO: Trump and Rubio exchange insults

After a contentious debate on Thursday, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio continued to insult one another on the campaign trail.

US taxpayer data accessed by hackers

The US tax authorities (IRS) said Friday the personal information of a further 390,000 individuals may have been accessed by cyber criminals.

Why does the internet give a damn about Daniel?

Why is the internet so interested in Daniel and his shoes?

US professor to quit over Texas gun law

A dean announces he is leaving the University of Texas over a new law that will allow concealed handguns on university campuses in the US state.

Christie endorses Trump in shock move

Donald Trump is endorsed for the Republican presidential nomination by ex-rival Chris Christie as "best hope" to beat Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

S&P Responds to Swett & Crawford Sale

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services  has removed its ratings on Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford Ltd.  (CGSC) from CreditWatch with developing implications, where S&P initially placed them Nov. 13, 2015. At the same time, S&P has raised its long-term corporate …

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Florida Reports 3 Pregnant Women Test Positive for Zika

Health officials say three pregnant women have tested positive for the Zika virus in Florida. Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong announced the cases Wednesday in his daily Zika update. A news release says all three cases are believed to …

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New York Classical Pianist Awarded $2.5M for Car Crash Injuries

A classical pianist from New York City who hurt his elbow in a car accident and can no longer play at the level he mastered has been awarded $2.5 million by a New Jersey jury. The award was against a …

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BHSI Launches Portfolio Product for Nonprofit Organizations

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has launched Executive First Nonprofit Portfolio, a collection of executive and professional lines coverages tailor-made for America’s nonprofit organizations. The Portfolio offers directors & officers liability, EPLI, fiduciary liability, employed lawyers liability and commercial crime …

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Maryland Issues Bulletin on Minimum Days Notice Requirement

The Maryland Insurance Administration said it has come to regulators’ attention that some insurers and premium finance companies may not be providing the minimum days’ notice as prescribed by the Maryland statutes before companies cancel, non-renew, increase the premium, or …

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WCRI Report Examines Trends in New York Workers’ Comp System

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) has published its eight annual report examining the trends in the performance of the New York workers’ compensation system following reforms enacted in 2007. WCRI said the metrics in this report, “Monitoring Trends in …

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South Carolina Announces Initiative to Prevent, Fight Cybercrime

The South Carolina Revenue Department’s massive 2012 data breach gave Gov. Nikki Haley a firsthand lesson on the need for efforts to counter cybercrime, she said Wednesday. “Today, there is never a day I don’t think about cybersecurity,” Haley told …

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St. Louis Police Sargeant Prevails in Discrimination Suit; City to Pay $800K

A St. Louis police sergeant who won a racial discrimination case over a police academy promotion will be paid the $620,000 he won in a federal lawsuit, plus $172,000 in attorney’s fees. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that a federal …

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Officials: 10 Tornadoes Recorded in Louisiana on Tuesday

The National Weather Service has updated to 10 the number of tornadoes that hit Louisiana on Feb. 23, including four EF-2 tornadoes that were responsible for the extreme damage in Convent and LaPlace, along with an EF-2 in Livingston Parish …

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Texas Adopts Rules for Residential Property Dec Pages, TWIA Premium Surcharge

The Texas Department of Insurance reported it has adopted rules pertaining to property insurance changes resulting from legislation passed in 2013 and 2015 Residential Property Declarations Page The new rules include requirements for residential property insurance policy declarations pages and …

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Indianapolis Man Convicted of Murder, Insurance Fraud in Home Explosion

An Indianapolis man was convicted of murder, arson and insurance fraud on Feb. 24 for his role in a 2012 house explosion that killed two neighbors and devastated a subdivision in the southern part of the city. A northern Indiana …

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At Least 7 Tornadoes Hit Mississippi as Severe Storms Batter Region

A major storm system hit several Southeast states this week, bringing high winds and tornadoes to multiple regions and killing at least one person in Mississippi. Injuries and damage were also reported in Florida from an apparent tornado. The National …

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New Jersey Issues Reminder: Certificates Law Will Take Effect in April

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s administration issued a statement this week reminding insurance agents, contractors and other interested parties in the state that the new certificates of insurance law will take effect on April 30. The Certificates of Insurance Act, …

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Brazil & Samarco Close to Agreeing on Damages from Mining Disaster

Brazil’s government and Samarco Mineracao SA are meeting on Friday to finalize the settlement of a lawsuit for damages caused by a deadly dam spill at a mine in November, with the attorney general’s office saying the accord was 95 percent complete. …

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Editor Sues Montana Newspaper Over Wrongful Discharge Claim

The former editor of the Missoulian has sued the publisher of the Montana newspaper and its owner, Lee Enterprises Inc., claiming wrongful discharge. Sherry Devlin’s lawsuit says she was demoted in April; her pay was cut nearly in half; she …

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Zenefits Axes 250 Employees Amid Compliance Investigations

Zenefits said it will cut about 250 jobs as the human resources software startup faces investigations over compliance with state rules. The staff reductions amount to about 17 percent of the San Francisco-based company’s workforce. Government officials in California and …

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Crystal & Co. Hires Wozencraft as Executive Director in New York City

Crystal & Company has hired Ann L. Wozencraft as executive director. She is based in Crystal & Company’s New York City headquarters office. Wozencraft comes from Aon where she served as managing director since 2007, with a focus on financial …

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Specialist Lloyd’s Underwriter Marketform to Exit General Liability Business

Specialist Lloyd’s underwriter Marketform announced it will cease to write general liability business. This decision forms part of a broader strategic review of the business, which included an assessment of Marketform’s general liability account. “Alongside its shareholder, American Financial Group, …

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Program Specialists Targeting Emerging Risks and ‘Doing Old Things Better’

Specialists in the program business segment agree – this is a good market to be in right now. Those specialists also agree that the program business market is poised to handle emerging risks that face the industry, in fact, they …

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MassMutual Emerges as Potential Buyer of MetLife Retail Group

MetLife Inc., the life insurer that is reshaping its business mix to limit government oversight, is in talks with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. about a possible sale of MetLife Premier Client Group, the company’s U.S. adviser force. The group …

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US growth rate revised upwards

US growth in the last quarter of 2105 was higher than first thought, according to the latest figures from the Commerce Department.

Jury Clears BP Manager of Clean Water Act Charge

A former BP manager charged with violating U.S. pollution law over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill was cleared by a New Orleans jury, thwarting federal prosecutors’ last chance to jail someone over the disaster. Robert Kaluza, a well-site …

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Why Buyers, Sellers File Claims Under M&A Insurance: AIG Study

Nearly 14 percent of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) insurance policies written globally by American International Group Inc. resulted in a claim, according to a study by the insurer, one of the largest writers of M&A policies in the world. AIG …

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Israeli Cyber Security Business Foundry, Team8, on Track to Build 5 Firms by 2020

Team8, a cyber security business foundry created by veterans of the Israeli army’s technology and intelligence unit 8200, said it closed a $23 million round of financing. Team8 plans to use the money to develop five companies over the next …

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As UK Debate Over Brexit Heats Up, Some Suggest Looking at Lessons of History

Cities don’t stay on top forever. Just look at Venice in the 15th century, Philadelphia in the 18th or even Vienna in the 19th. It’s a lesson some Londoners worry is being forgotten when it comes to the U.K.’s membership …

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Rocky actor Tony Burton dies aged 78

Tony Burton, who appeared in six Rocky films with Sylvester Stallone, dies at the age of 78.

XL Catlin Names Brookman Sr. VP, Alternative Capital, in Newly Created Role

XL Catlin has appointed Daniel Brookman as senior vice president, Alternative Capital, a newly created role. Brookman was previously head of Capital Markets at Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. where he developed and managed account investment strategies for major institutional investors. …

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Third Point Re Reports 2015 Net Loss of $87.4M on Poor Investment Returns

Third Point Reinsurance Ltd., which counts on Dan Loeb to oversee investments, swung to a profit in the fourth-quarter as the hedge fund manager’s results improved before a January slump. Net income was $42.2 million, or 39 cents a share, …

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London City Airport bought for £2bn

London City Airport in London's Docklands has been bought by a consortium led by a major Canadian pension fund for an estimated £2bn.

Methane leak 'largest in US history'

A leaking natural gas well in southern California vented almost 100,000 tonnes of methane into the atmosphere before it was plugged.

Nashville-Based Alternative Service Concepts Makes 2 Promotions

Alternative Service Concepts (ASC), a national workers’ compensation and property and casualty third party claims administrator (TPA), has promoted Tammy Moore and Jeff Logsdon to company assistant vice president. Promoted from the positions of claim manager, Logsdon and Moore will …

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Appelbaum Joins IRMI as VP, Knowledge Resources

Dallas-based International Risk Management Institute Inc. (IRMI), has appointed Joel A. Appelbaum as vice president of knowledge resources. Appelbaum will serve as a member of the IRMI executive team and is responsible for all strategic and tactical leadership for the …

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Keystone Insurers Group Adds 3 Missouri Agencies

Keystone Insurers Group announced it has added three new partners in Missouri: Scott Agency of Montgomery City, Harrison Agency of Columbia and Anderson & Green Insurance Agency of Sikeston. Harrison Agency was originally established in 1985 by Don Harrison. Don’s …

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Casualties in Kansas factory shooting

At least 20 people have been injured in a shooting at a lawnmower factory in the US state of Kansas, police say.

Can we predict Oscar winners using data analytics alone?

Can we predict Oscar winners without watching the films?

Republicans on a mission: Stop Trump

Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are determined to bring down frontrunner Donald Trump as US Republicans take the debate stage in Texas ahead of Super Tuesday.

Obama: 'Critical' weeks ahead for Syria

President Obama says the coming weeks will be 'critical' for Syria's future ahead of a two-week truce due to start on Friday.

Ukraine man poses as US school student

A Ukrainian man is arrested after he was found to be using the false identity of a high school student for four years in the US state of Pennsylvania.

Apple asks court to reverse iPhone order

Apple has asked a US court to overturn an earlier ruling forcing the company to help the FBI break into a phone used by one of the San Bernardino killers.

SeaWorld spied on animal rights groups

US marine amusement park SeaWorld admits some of its employees posed as animal activists to spy on its critics.

EPIC Adds Drew to Northern California Construction Practice

EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has added Trish Drew to the firm’s Northern California construction practice. Drew has more than 35 years of experience, and has focused on the risk management and insurance needs of the construction industry, both as …

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Lockton Adds Winter in Colorado

Lockton’s Mountain West operation in Denver, Colo. named Greg Winter as an employee benefits producer. Prior to Lockton Winter was responsible for developing and maintaining broker relationships in Colorado and New Mexico for Assurant Employee Benefits. He was with Enterprise …

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'Hard questions' in Apple phone row

The FBI director has said the row over access to a dead murderer's iPhone was the "hardest question" he had tackled in his job.

After Blizzard, Federal Disaster Loans Offered in 7 New Jersey Counties

Some residents and businesses in seven New Jersey counties affected by last month’s blizzard might be eligible for low-interest federal loans to help with recovery efforts. Eligible homeowners and renters can borrow up to $200,000 for repairs or replacements from …

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5th Annual National Tornado Summit Turning into an International Event

With registered attendees from as far away as Nepal and as nearby as Canada, the 2016 National Tornado Summit to be held next week in Oklahoma City has become an international event. The Oklahoma Department of Insurance, one of the …

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2.8M Enroll in New York’s Health Exchange

The New York Health Exchange says more than 2.8 million people have signed up for Medicaid and low-cost insurance through its 2016 open enrollment that ended Jan. 31. According to state health officials, federal data show the number of uninsured …

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Purdue Univ.: U.S. Grain Bin Entrapments Fall to Lowest Level in Decade

Grain bin entrapments and other confined space accidents on the nation’s farms fell to their lowest level in a decade last year, a Purdue University study has found. The U.S. had 47 accidents in grain bins or other confined spaces …

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Michigan Says Potholes Make State a Great Place to Test Robot Cars

Michigan and California, vying for control of our driverless future, are each proposing crumbling World War II military sites as ideal locations to test robot cars. Michigan’s secret weapon? Better potholes. The Great Lakes state plans to make a test …

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Huczek Joins Compass Specialty Risk Assistant VP, Broker

Middleton, Wis.-based wholesale broker and managing general agent, Compass Specialty Risk LLC, has added Matt Huczek as assistant vice president and broker. Based in Middleton and focused on casualty lines with an emphasis on construction and environmental, Huczek will concentrate …

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Missouri Insurance Director: State Sees Strong Growth in Industry Jobs

The total number of insurance producers operating in Missouri has grown nearly 25 percent since 2009, from 119,064 to 147,688 today, according to Missouri Department of Insurance Director John M. Huff. The state insurance department also reports an upswing in …

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Organizers of Salt Lake Comic Con Closer to Name Rights Settlement

The organizers of Salt Lake Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con say they’re getting closer to settling a court battle over naming rights. Attorneys for the two pop-culture conventions say they have been able to resolve many of their disagreements …

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Alaska Flight Company Ordered to Compensate Whistleblower Pilot

A federal agency has ordered an Alaska flight service company to compensate and rehire a pilot fired after reporting safety concerns four years ago. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it’s ordering Homer-based Bald Mountain Air …

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Romney: Trump tax 'bombshell' coming

Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has warned of a possible "bombshell" in the tax situation of the 2016 frontrunner Donald Trump.

Teachers re-convicted of Indonesia abuse

Indonesia's Supreme Court overturns the acquittals of two men accused of sexually abusing children, ruling their sentences should be extended.

Harvard abolishes 'master' in titles

Harvard University in the US is going to remove the word "master" from academic titles, after protests from students who clamed the title had echoes of slavery.

US hoax bomb caller has severe autism

A teenager charged with making bomb threat calls to major airports and a high school in the US has severe autism, a court has heard.

Aon Announces U.S. Leadership Changes; Mula Named Risk Solutions President

Insurance broker Aon announced several leadership appointments in the U.S. Warren Mula assumes the newly created global role of president of Aon Risk Solutions. He will serve as a strategic advisor across the business. Mula most recently served as chief …

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With Google Gone, What’s the Future for Online Insurance Shopping?

The demise of Google’s online insurance comparison site Google Compare is being hailed by some in the industry as a victory for the traditional agency system. But agents may want to hold off on breaking out the champagne. Leading online …

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Supreme Court Justices Signal Flexibility in Patent Infringement Damages

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday signaled a willingness to give federal judges more discretion to boost penalties for patent infringement as the justices heard arguments in cases brought by Stryker Corp. and Halo Electronics Inc. Stryker, a medical device …

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U.S. Says Coal Mine Companies Should Cover Full Cleanup

The ailing coal industry must face the costs of cleaning up spent mines even as companies get pushed toward bankruptcy, the U.S. Interior Secretary said this week. The mining industry is responsible for restoring old mine sites but a taxpayer …

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Thawing Arctic Ice Creates New Environmental Risks as Shipping Routes Open

The Arctic is thawing even faster than lawmakers can formulate new rules to prevent the environmental threat of heavy fuel oil pollution from ships plying an increasingly popular trade route. Average Arctic temperatures are rising twice as fast as elsewhere …

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Marsh Captive Solutions Names Thomas-Ferrand Head of Strategy & Operations

Marsh Captive Solutions announced with immediate effect the appointments of Will Thomas-Ferrand as Strategy & Operations leader, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific, and Stephen Portelli as head of office in Malta. Both report to Ian …

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RSA’s CEO Warns that UK Withdrawal from EU Could Have Negative Impact

RSA chief Stephen Hester said a British exit from the European Union could have a negative impact on the insurer’s business and investment returns, underscoring a warning from top executives about the impact of withdrawal. Hester was one of 36 …

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AXA’s 2015 Net Income Rises 12% on Life Insurance Sales in Europe, Asia

AXA SA, France’s largest insurer, said 2015 profit rose 12 percent, helped by higher life insurance sales in Europe and Asia. Net income climbed to 5.62 billion euros ($6.2 billion) from 5.02 billion euros [$5.5 billion] a year earlier, the …

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AIA 2015 Net Income Drops 22% on Weak Asian Currencies, Market Volatility

AIA Group Ltd., the third-largest Asia-based insurer by market value, posted a 22 percent decline in full-year profit as weaker regional currencies and stock-market gyrations detracted from business growth. The insurance company announced an unexpected 50 percent increase in its …

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Georgia Agency Owner Gives Handguns to Office Workers

The owner of a Georgia-based insurance firm is requiring all of his employees to get permits to carry concealed weapons and providing each of them with a handgun. Lance Toland of Lance Toland Associates said Tuesday that the slaying of …

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5 North Carolinian’s Accused of Staged Accident Ring

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrests of five Wilmington women in connection with an alleged staged auto accident ring. Investigators allege that over the course of three separate vehicle crashes, the women provided false statements to law …

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Venture Insurance Programs Acquires North Carolina-Based Tidal Solutions

Venture Insurance Programs, a national insurance program administrator, has acquired Tidal Solutions, LLC, a Charlotte, NC-based managing general underwriter serving the North American specialty commercial marine market. Venture will integrate the Tidal Solutions marine products into its portfolio of industry …

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President of USAA Property and Casualty Insurance Group to Retire

Alan Krapf, president of San Antonio-based USAA Property and Casualty Insurance Group, has announced his intention to retire. USAA has begun the process of identifying internal and external candidates for the role. Once a new president is in place, Krapf …

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Officials: 45 Died in Rhode Island Vehicle Crashes Last Year

Rhode Island transportation officials say 45 people died on the state’s roadways last year, a steady decline from previous years. Most victims were in a motor vehicle. Nine were riding bicycles and eight were pedestrians. Transportation Director Peter Alviti says …

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New York woman recants gang rape claim

New York City authorities are dropping sexual assault charges against five teenagers after their accuser recanted her story.

VIDEO: Obama sings at Ray Charles event

President Obama leads the crowd in a sing-a-long at the end of a concert paying tribute to the late Ray Charles - despite initially saying that he would not sing at the event.

Ramsey Named Commercial Lines Director for State Auto’s Western Region

State Auto Insurance Co. has selected Gayle Ramsey to lead the company’s Western Region as commercial lines regional director. She is based in Austin, Texas. Ramsey joined State Auto in 2013 as an underwriter in State Auto’s practice groups and …

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Storms kill at least three in Virginia

At least three people are dead and thousands are without power after a strong storm system barrelled up the east coast of the US.

BB&T to Buy Swett & Crawford for $500M

Three months after it announced it would sell its North American operations, U.K.-based wholesale and reinsurance broker Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford (CGSC) has a buyer. North Carolina-based BB&T Corp. has agreed to acquire CGSC North America Holdings Corp. for …

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Gun Maker Seeks Dismissal of Newtown Shooting Lawsuit

Lawyers for a gun maker and families of some Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre victims squared off in a Connecticut courtroom Monday over whether a federal law prevents the families’ wrongful death lawsuit targeting the AR-15 rifle used to kill …

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BB&T Corp. to Purchase Swett & Crawford Business for $500M

Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford Ltd. (CGSC or the Group), the global wholesale and reinsurance broker and underwriting management group, announced that it has reached an agreement to sell CGSC North America Holdings Corporation (Swett & Crawford) to BB&T Corp. for …

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AmWINS Group Acquires Group Benefit Services in Maryland

AmWINS Group Inc. announced that it has acquired Group Benefit Services Inc. and GBS Payroll Plus Inc., known collectively as Group Benefit Services, in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1980, Group Benefit Services …

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Apple boss hits back at FBI conduct

Apple boss Tim Cook hits back at the FBI over the handling of a court order to help unlock the iPhone of San Bernardino killer Syed Rizwan Farook.

Oregon occupiers plead not guilty

More than a dozen people plead not guilty to charges related to an armed takeover of wildlife refuge in the US state of Oregon.

VIDEO: Apple CEO on why he won't work with FBI

Apple CEO Tim Cook explains why he is refusing to build a system to break into the iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino killers.

VIDEO: Ex-CIA boss 'frightened' by Trump

The former head of the CIA, Michael Hayden, says he's 'frightened' of a possible Trump presidency, based on the Republican frontrunner's comments as a candidate.

Charges against Rick Perry dismissed

The highest criminal court in Texas drops a charge against Rick Perry of abuse of power during his time as governor of the US state of Texas.

UK’s Towergate and Ageas Announce 5-Year Capacity Deal

Towergate and its subsidiary Arista, a Lloyd’s coverholder, have formed a partnership with the insurer Ageas, which will provide capacity of £60 million ($82.9 million), each year for the next five years. The capacity will be used for Arista’s commercial motor, …

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The untold story of Donald Trump's win

The untold story of Donald Trump's win

Louisiana Governor Declares State of Emergency Following Severe Weather

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency in nine parishes following severe weather that hit the state on Feb. 23. More than 100 structures were reported destroyed and two persons killed by a tornado that tore through …

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The Hilb Group Acquires PriMed Consulting in New Jersey

The Hilb Group, a middle market insurance agency based in Richmond, Virginia, announced that it has acquired PriMed Consulting, an independent agency in Ocean Township, New Jersey. The deal represents The Hilb Group’s first acquisition in New Jersey. Terms of …

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Creedon Begins Tenure as CEO of Utica Mutual in New York

Utica Mutual Insurance Company in New Hartford, New York, said Richard P. Creedon officially began his tenure as chief executive officer of the company with the retirement of J. Douglas Robinson as CEO. Utica Mutual first provided its CEO succession …

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Attorney: U. of Oklahoma Settles Suit over Painting Stolen by Nazis

An attorney for a French woman who sued the University of Oklahoma over a painting that the Nazis stole from her family says a settlement has been reached and that the university will return the painting to her. New York …

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Minnesota AG Says Missouri Auto Company Deceives Customers about Repair Coverage

Minnesota’s attorney general is suing a Missouri company, accusing it of misleading consumers into unnecessarily buying coverage for auto repairs. The lawsuit by Attorney General Lori Swanson was filed in Dakota County against United Auto Defense. The lawsuit alleges that …

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Turner Tapped as Chairman and CEO; McCormack, President at RT Specialty

The board of directors of Chicago, Ill.-based Ryan Specialty Group has approved the following executive leadership changes at its wholesale brokerage, RT Specialty: Timothy W. Turner – chairman and CEO Edward F.  McCormack – president Michael T. VanAcker – chief …

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State Auto Names Gritton Commercial Lines Regional Director in Midwest

Rob Gritton will move from a product manager role in homeowners to become the commercial lines regional director in State Auto Insurance Co.’s Midwest Region. He replaces Kevin Kelly. In addition to various leadership roles in commercial and personal lines …

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San Antonio-Based Quirk Group Announces Executive Leadership Changes

Karen Quirk has been named chairman and chief operating officer of San Antonio-based Quirk Group Inc., and Luis Vázquez has been promoted to president and CEO of the managing general agency and surplus lines broker, Quirk & Company. Quirk began …

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Texas Tornadoes Trigger Closer Look at Building Construction, Codes

Before the walls shook, before the two-by-fours twisted and the roof began tearing off, Amanda Bose saw news about the tornado on television. “Everybody in the bathroom — right now!” the 36-year-old mother told her 5-year-old and 15-year-old. There was …

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Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Washington Nursing Home

A nursing home in Marysville, Wash has again been accused of giving a patient inadequate care that resulted in death. The Daily Herald reported an Edmonds lawyer has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Marysville Care Center in connection to …

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IronPro Enhances Cyber Policy Risk Management Services

IronPro, the professional liability unit of Ironshore Inc., is introducing a suite of enhanced risk management services for cyber policyholders. IronPro will provide eligible Ironshore Highly Protected Information (HPI) policyholders with cyber monitoring and alert services (CMAS) during the policy period. IronPro …

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Penn. Fracking Trial Begins; Driller Accused of Contaminating Drinking Water

Cabot Oil & Gas Co contaminated drinking water for two Pennsylvania families in its rush to begin fracking operations during the state’s natural gas boom, a lawyer told a federal jury in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday at the start of …

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LP Insurance Services Taps Morris in Arizona

LP Insurance Services Inc. has named Matthew Morris to its Phoenix, Ariz. team. Morris is responsible for maintaining and servicing existing and new business client relationships. His areas of expertise include professional services, real estate, technology, manufacturing and construction among …

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SDS General Insurance Services in California Names Bareno Vice President

SDS General Insurance Services Inc. in California has named Pauline Bareno vice president of marketing. Bareno began her career at an insurance carrier, moving to the retail side at John Burnham Insurance, International Facility and most recently Maverick Insurance as …

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Startup Lemonade Bets Behavioral Science Can Help Insurance Not Suck

A company that openly berates the current insurance industry as one that sucks believes that adding behavioral science to the mix will help fix it. The New York-based startup Lemonade, which is promising to be a revolutionary peer-to-peer insurer, announced …

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Pennsylvania Reclaimed $185M for Insurance Consumers in 2015

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller announced that the state’s Insurance Department reclaimed $185,055,050 for insurance consumers throughout the state during 2015. The commissioner said that throughout 2015, the state’s Insurance Department helped 12,307 consumers around Pennsylvania receive some form of …

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New Jersey Issues Bulletin on Web-Based Travel Insurance Sales

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance issued a bulletin stating that the opt-out sales process used for selling travel insurance by some web-based travel services companies would be considered unfair methods of competition. The department issued Bulletin No. …

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Kalteux, Deich Head New Great American Executive Liability Offices in Atlanta, Denver

Great American Insurance Group’s Executive Liability Division has opened regional offices in Atlanta and Denver. The Atlanta regional office is led by Tim Kalteux, who has been with Great American’s Executive Liability Division for 15 years including a role in …

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Investors Shunning Once-Hot Cybersecurity Startups

The U.S. cyber security industry, once one of the hottest targets for venture capitalists, is now grappling with a funding slump that has forced some startups to sell themselves or cut spending. Amid widespread concerns about cyber attacks and data …

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UK’s MGAA Elects New Board Members Birrell and Manchester

The London-based Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) announced the election of new board members Mark Birrell, chief executive of Castel Underwriting, and Charles Manchester, chief executive of Manchester Underwriting Management. They join directors Catherine Bell, chairman of inet3, Charles Earle, …

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MPs criticise £130m Google tax deal

An influential group of MPs has criticised the £130m tax deal agreed between Google and HMRC

VIDEO: Why is America so politically divided?

The BBC is travelling across the American South to explore how the US became so divided.

Health Insurance Startup Oscar Narrows Hospital Networks to Compete

Oscar Health Insurance Corp. CEO Mario Schlosser has found the strategy he says will build his startup into a million-customer player in the health insurance industry: use tight, exclusive networks with hospitals to sell competitively priced insurance in perhaps 30 …

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Reyes suspended amid violence case

Jose Reyes has become the first player to be suspended under new MLB rules to address domestic violence issues in the sport.

VIDEO: Boston robot fights against pushing

Google-owned robotics company builds humanoid that demonstrates remarkable balance - even when taunted by humans.

Delta Lloyd Cuts Size of Rights Offer to $715 Million to Placate Investors

Delta Lloyd NV surged as much as 12 percent in Amsterdam trading after the Dutch insurer bowed to investor pressure and cut the size of a rights offer to 650 million euros ($715 million). “Following months of analysis, today’s announcement …

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Huge damages award in talc-cancer case

A US jury orders Johnson & Johnson to pay $72m (£51m) to the family of a woman who claimed her death was linked to use of the company's Baby Powder talc.

Mars Recalls Chocolate Bars Made in Dutch Factory; Plastic Found in Snickers Bar

Mars Inc. has recalled chocolate bars and other products in 55 countries, mainly in Europe, due to choking risk after a piece of plastic was found in a Snickers bar in Germany. All of the recalled products, which include Mars, …

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Allianz Puts South Korean Life Insurance Unit on Block: Sources

Europe’s largest insurer Allianz has put its South Korean life insurance business on the block as part of a global overhaul in a tough low-interest rate environment, sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. The South Korean asset is attracting …

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Zurich Insurance Weighs Sale of Hong Kong & Singapore Units: Sources

Zurich Insurance is exploring a sale of its Hong Kong and Singapore operations as it reviews its non-core businesses outside Europe, sources familiar with the matter said. The Swiss insurer has discussed the plan with several investment banks but has yet to …

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VIDEO: Portrait of the 46th president?

Why Frank Underwood portrait hangs in the US National Portrait Gallery.

VIDEO: Tornado destroys US trailer park

Pictures have emerged showing waterspouts on a lake in Louisiana, where a trailer park was destroyed, killing two and injuring more.

Tennessee Reports Fire Death Rate Reached New Low In 2015

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal (SFMO) reports that for the second consecutive year, Tennessee fire deaths decreased to a new state-record low while the number of lives saved by smoke alarms installed by the state’s fire departments continues to climb. …

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A.M. Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Rating of Florida-Based Seven Seas Insurance Co.

A.M. Best has upgraded the issuer credit rating (ICR) to “a+” from “a” and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A (Excellent) of Seven Seas Insurance Company, Inc. (Riviera Beach, Fla). The outlook for the ICR has been revised …

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$50M Suit Challenges Florida’s Suspension of Driver’s Licenses in DUI Cases

A federal lawsuit is challenging the way driver’s licenses are automatically taken away from drunken-driving suspects in Florida. The class-action lawsuit filed Feb. 17 in federal court in Orlando says the current process denies DUI suspects the right to due …

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Lawsuit Filed Over Death of Former Jackson, Mississippi Mayor

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against St. Dominic Hospital and two doctors who treated the late Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba (SHOW’-kway Lu-MOOM’-bah). The Clarion-Ledger reports at 9 a.m. on Feb. 25, 2014 Lumumba checked into St. Dominic’s emergency …

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Three dead as tornadoes hit southern US

At least three people die as several tornadoes hit the southern US, officials say.

Industry Offers Take on Google’s Failed Online Insurance Experiment

The industry had a lot to say on Tuesday about what Google did wrong, and why it may or may not be back some day, with their Google Compare experiment a day after it was learned it was kaput – …

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US polygamist sect leaders arrested

Eleven members of a polygamist Mormon offshoot group are arrested in the US on suspicion of food stamp fraud and money laundering.

VIDEO: NYC window washers stuck on 62nd floor

Two window washers became stuck on the 62nd floor of a New York City skyscraper.

US investigates 14 new Zika sex cases

US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says it is investigating 14 new reports of possible sexual transmission of the Zika virus.

Trump betting on big win in Nevada

Republican presidential hopefuls are set to face off in the US state of Nevada in the fourth test to win the party's nomination for president.

JP Morgan prepares for oil loan losses

JP Morgan will set aside an additional $500m (£357m) to cover potential loses from its exposure to the oil and gas sector.

Lockton in California Adds Betterly to Employee Benefits Team

Lockton Pacific has named Suzy R. Betterly as a vice president, and consultant in in San Diego, Calif. She will be responsible for delivering solutions to clients’ benefits programs. Betterly has more than 17 years of experience in in data …

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California Insurance Agent Faces Felony Charges for Pocketing Auto Premiums

Anthony John Diaz, 35, was arraigned today in the Fresno County Superior Court in California to answer charges that he allegedly stole insurance premiums from policyholders. Diaz was arrested earlier this month by California Department of Insurance detectives and booked …

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Strong housing market boosts Home Depot

Home Depot has reported better than expected sales growth, helped by a strong US housing market.

Obama was 'raised white' - Ben Carson

Barack Obama was "raised white" and cannot understand the African-American experience the way he could, Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson says.

Senate to block Obama's court nominee

The US Senate will not allow a vote on any Supreme Court nominee from President Barack Obama, the Republican Majority Leader in the chamber warns.

China pulls out of Western Digital deal

The merger of hard drive makers Western Digital and SanDisk will proceed at a lower price following the withdrawal of a key investor.

Liberty Hires Quintrell for Global Financial Risks Team in D.C.

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has hired Edith Quintrell as its U.S.-based underwriting development director for its Global Financial Risks division. Quintrell previously was director of operations of the World Bank’s political risk insurance arm, …

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VIDEO: 'I'm not ready for another President'

Millions have watched a video of a little girl sobbing after hearing Barack Obama must step down at the end of his current term.

Maryland County to Pilot State Changes to Drug Treatment Funding

Carroll County, Maryland, is poised to serve as a model for treating substance abuse across the state. The Carroll County Health Department plans to address changes to state funding of outpatient substance abuse services, officials told the Board of Commissioners …

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Former NYPD Cop Jailed for Filing False Auto Claims

Authorities said a former New York City police officer has been sentenced to two to six years in state prison for a scheme to defraud auto insurance companies. New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the sentencing of Jose …

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McMahon Brings Life Sciences Industry Expertise to Assurance

Schaumburg, Ill.-based insurance brokerage Assurance, has added Scott McMahon to serve as vice president in the firm’s healthcare and life sciences practice. McMahon has focused his entire insurance and risk management career in the life sciences field, harnessing his expertise from prior …

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Oklahoma Wildfire That Burned Homes, Outbuildings Almost Contained

Oklahoma Forestry Services says firefighters have almost contained a large wildfire east of Okmulgee. Officials say the Pharoah-Nuyaka fire has burned about 34 square miles and is about 60 percent contained. But residents will likely see and smell smoke for …

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Attacks by Michigan Uber Driver Renew Questions About Vetting Processes

The deaths of six people in Kalamazoo, Michigan, who authorities say were shot by a driver for Uber Technologies Inc., have revived scrutiny over how the ride service vets its drivers, an issue that has plagued it for years. Uber, …

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Progressive Introduces Coverage for Rideshare Drivers in Texas

Progressive Insurance said it is now offering coverage for drivers of transportation network companies (TNCs) in Texas. The coverage will be a personal policy endorsement that fills most of the coverage gap between a personal auto policy and the commercial …

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J&J Must Pay $72M Over Powder Tied to Woman’s Cancer

Johnson & Johnson must pay $72 million to the family of a woman who blamed her fatal ovarian cancer on the company’s talcum powder in the first state-court case over the claims to go to trial. Jurors in St. Louis …

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North Carolina Judge Dismisses Academic ‘Sham’ Lawsuit by UNC Athletes

A North Carolina judge dismissed a lawsuit Friday in which two former University of North Carolina athletes alleged the school failed to provide them and other athletes a quality education by directing them toward sham classes. Mecklenburg County Superior Court …

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Arkansas Insurance Agent Charged with Fraud Ordered to Repay Nearly $128K

An Arkansas insurance agent has been charged with fraud and ordered to pay $127,748.06 in restitution. The Arkansas Insurance Department revoked the resident producer’s license of Samuel Bowron Phillips of Fort Smith following a Jan. 26 hearing over an October 2015 complaint …

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BHSI Launches Professional & Pollution Liability Coverage for Contractors

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has launched Contractor’s Protective, Professional and Pollution (CP3) Liability Policy, which is available on a primary and excess basis for practice or project-specific risks in the U.S. Martin Andrejko, head of Contractors Professional, BHSI, said …

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Homeowners Ask Judge to Rule Against New Jersey in Protective Dune Case

Nine oceanfront homeowners in Bay Head, New Jersey, are asking a judge to declare that the state has no legal right to seize parts of privately owned beaches for a protective dune project. In court papers filed Feb. 19, the …

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Burnham Benefits Names Feldman Vice President

Burnham Benefits Insurance Services in California has named Denise Feldman vice president. Feldman has experience in the health care industry, regulatory compliance and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Prior to Burnham Feldman spent six years as vice president …

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Hoverboards Banned on San Francisco State University Campus

Students at San Francisco State University will have to come back from the future now that hoverboards have been banned from campus due to fire concerns. Administrators informed students by email Monday that the two-wheeled, self-balancing devices are prohibited on …

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Wyoming Man Sentenced to Probation For Workers’ Comp Fraud

A Sheridan, Wyo. man accused of collecting disability payments while working for a tree service company has entered a no contest plea to one count of workers’ compensation fraud. The Sheridan Press reported that Victor Rodriguez recently entered the plea …

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Seattle Considers Adding More Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras led to nearly 40,000 tickets in Seattle. in 2015. Now Washington’s largest city is considering adding more. KING-TV reported Seattle’s existing red light cameras brought in more than $5 million last year. The Seattle Department of Transportation is …

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Credit Card Buyers, Sellers Making Out Like Bandits

Cyber thieves who steal credit and debit card numbers are making millions of dollars in profits, fueling a global criminal enterprise marked by the high-profile data breaches of major companies such as Target and Home Depot. On average, a batch …

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Obama in bid to close Guantanamo prison

Plan to close Guantanamo Bay prison and move some detainees to US submitted by President Obama to Congress.

Widow of El Faro Crew Member Calls for More Oversight of Shipping in Bad Weather

The widow of one of the 33 crew members killed when the El Faro sank in a hurricane last fall called on Friday for stricter oversight of decisions by shipping companies and their captains to sail in adverse weather. Rochelle …

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Gates calls for terror data debate

The row between Apple and the FBI over access to a dead murderer's phone should start a debate about access to data in terror investigations, says Bill Gates.

Hollywood star weighs into oil well row

A Hollywood superstar weighs into a dispute over a controversial oil well in Northern Ireland.

Bermuda-Based Mt. Logan Re Appoints Burke as Chief Financial Officer

Bermuda-based Mt. Logan Re Ltd. announced the appointment of Martin Burke as its chief financial officer, effective Feb. 22, 2016. Burke has 15 years of experience in senior finance roles in the reinsurance industry and was most recently with Sirius …

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Brazil’s BB Seguridade Could Deliver Returns Near 60%, Despite Poor Economy

BB Seguridade Participações SA, the insurance unit of state-controlled Banco do Brasil SA, could deliver returns near 60 percent this year even as Brazil’s worst recession in decades hampers growth in underwriting premiums and fans delinquencies, Chief Financial Officer Werner Süffert said …

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Swiss Re’s 2015 Net Income Rises 31% to $4.6B; Q4 Profit Up to $938M

Swiss Re AG reported fourth-quarter profit that beat estimates after a quiet year for natural catastrophes and announced that Christian Mumenthaler, head of the company’s main reinsurance unit, will take over as chief executive officer on July 1. Net income …

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Canada’s Fairfax Financial to Raise $536.4M to Fund Larger Stakes in 2 Insurers

Fairfax Financial Holdings said on Monday it plans to raise C$735 million ($536.42 million) through an equity issuance, to fund its acquisition of interests in Eurolife ERB Insurance Group Holdings and ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. The offering of one million shares, which is …

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Swiss Re Appoints Mumenthaler as Group CEO, Succeeding Liès Who Is Retiring

Swiss Re announced that Christian Mumenthaler, 46, currently CEO of Reinsurance, will become group chief executive officer on July 1, succeeding Michel M. Liès, who is retiring. Since October 2011, Mumenthaler has successfully led the Reinsurance business unit, “maintaining underwriting outperformance …

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‘Brexit’ Would Risk Economy & Jobs, Caution 200 Executives in Open Letter

The bosses of a third of Britain’s biggest companies warned on Tuesday that an exit from the European Union would put the economy at risk and threaten jobs. In a letter to the Times newspaper, bosses from big employers including …

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United Technologies rebuffs Honeywell

United Technologies rebuffs another merger offer from Honeywell International over concerns it will not be approved by antitrust regulators.

Mississippi City to Sell Abandoned Properties to Homeowners for $10 to $250

Homeowners in Jackson, Miss., will be allowed to purchase blighted properties in their neighborhoods for $10 to $250, under an order passed by a City Council committee. The panel on Feb. 16 approved the Neighbors First Lot Program, which would …

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Florida’s Citizens Rolls Out New Website for Agents, Insureds

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has launched a new website for customers, agents and other stakeholders that, according to the company, offers a more comprehensive gateway into the state’s insurer of last resort. Launched Feb. 1, the new site provides a …

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GEICO Expands Ridesharing Coverage to South Carolina Drivers

GEICO is now offering a new ridesharing insurance product to drivers in South Carolina. GEICO’s ridesharing product replaces the driver’s personal auto policy and provides coverage for personal, ridesharing and other on-demand services whether the rideshare app is on or …

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VIDEO: When a Trump fan met a Muslim refugee

The BBC goes for brunch with a Donald Trump supporter, a Muslim refugee from Syria and the Alabama pastor trying to bridge the divide.

Entitled Millennial or starving ex-employee?

Entitled Millennial or starving ex-employee?

VIDEO: Filthy Lucre: Art, excess and decay

Excess, decay and fine art

Canadian serial killer book withdrawn

A memoir apparently written by a Canadian serial killer and put on sale online angers victims' relatives, reports say.

Google Withdrawing from Online Insurance

It appears Google Compare’s grand experiment in online comparison shopping for insurance is dead. One of its major partners was told today that Google Compare is shutting down its massive online shopping comparison undertaking. The partner, Compare.com, heard the news …

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Cruz sacks top aide over doctored video

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz asks his campaign spokesman to resign after the staffer promoted doctored video of rival Marco Rubio on Twitter.

VIDEO: Gabourey Sidibe on Oscars race row

Gabourey Sidibe tells the BBC she is hoping for more diversity at the Oscars in years to come.

Donegal Group Reports $7.7M Q4 Net Income

Donegal Group Inc. reported $7.76 million in net income for the 2015 fourth quarter, up 73 percent from $4.49 million during the same period in 2014. The full-year 2015 net income jumped to $26.77 million, an 84 percent increase from …

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Kasich: Women 'left kitchens' for me

Republican presidential candidate John Kasich tells a rally that he got support from "many women, who left their kitchens" when he first ran for office in the 1970s.

Trump questions Rubio's eligibility

Republican frontrunner Donald Trump questions whether his rival Florida-born Marco Rubio, who finished second in South Carolina, is eligible to run for US president.

Hub Hires Albert as Security Risk Management Specialist in New York

Hub International Limited has hired Ross Albert as assistant vice president of Organizational Resilience and security risk management specialist for the Risk Services division. In this role, Albert will be responsible for establishing intelligence-led risk management programs for the firm’s …

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Vermont Republicans Call for Review of State’s Health Exchange

Vermont Lt. Gov. Phil Scott and the state’s legislative Republican leaders are calling for an independent assessment of the Vermont Health Connect state insurance exchange, with an eye toward possibly closing it and shifting to the federal exchange or some …

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Safety National Forms Safety Specialty Insurance Company

Safety National Casualty Corporation has acquired an excess and surplus company that will begin operations in March 2016 as Safety Specialty Insurance Company (SSIC). Safety Specialty will initially focus on complementing Safety National’s public entity multi-line program, which includes general …

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Feds Want Circus Operator Fined for Fatal Tent Collapse in N.H.

Federal safety officials have proposed more than $33,000 in fines against a Florida-based circus operator for a tent collapse that killed two people and injured dozens in New Hampshire. Robert Young, 41, and his 6-year-old daughter, Annabelle, died Aug. 3 …

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N.H. Group Gets Update on Substance Abuse Treatment Coverage

An initial review of whether health insurance companies are appropriately covering substance abuse treatment in New Hampshire shows significant differences in how often claims are denied, but experts identified problems with only a handful of cases. The probe comes as …

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'Charlie Sheen effect' on HIV

Google searches for HIV rocketed to a record high in the US in the hours after actor Charlie Sheen announced that he was HIV positive, research reveals.

Louisiana Court Rules Flood Board Can Hire Outside Lawyers for Oil Suit

A south Louisiana flood board has won a legal round in its fight against oil and gas companies over coastal wetland damage. A state appeal court ruled last week that the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East legally hired a team …

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Arkansas County

A joint federal/state disaster recovery center opened in Jefferson County Feb. 20 to help those whose homes or businesses were affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding in December and January, Representatives from the Arkansas Department of Emergency …

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Construction on Public Safe Rooms Around Joplin Nearly Complete

Thousands of students and residents in the Joplin area will have shelter during the upcoming severe weather season thanks to the construction of safe rooms that began after the deadly May 2011 tornado. The Joplin Globe reported ocal school districts …

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Medication Errors at Minnesota Hospitals Resulted in 4 Deaths Last Year

A new report shows that despite improvements in how medicine is dispensed at Minnesota hospitals, the risk of injury or death from errors still exists. Hospitals have disclosed four deaths and 10 serious injuries related to medication errors in a …

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Low Odds of Serious Flooding Throughout North Dakota

The National Weather Service says that the threat of substantial spring flooding in North Dakota is low, including along a river in the eastern part of the state that has caused millions of dollars of damage in the last decade. …

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Michigan’s Inadvertent Tax Break for Car Insurers Targeted for Repeal

Gov. Rick Snyder and lawmakers inadvertently gave auto insurers a tax break worth $80 million a year. Now, they want to end it _ either to bail out Detroit’s state-managed school district or to address other priorities at a time …

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Arizona House Passes Accelerated Insurance Company Tax Cut

The Republican-controlled Arizona House has passed a bill accelerating the phase-in of insurance company tax cuts they passed last year. House Bill 2002 is sponsored by House Republican Majority Whip David Livingston. He also sponsored the bill signed by Gov. …

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New Mexico’s High Court Will Hear Workers’ Comp Case

The New Mexico Supreme Court plans to review a lower court ruling that cleared the way for farm and ranch laborers across the state to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The justices issued a brief order suspending a ruling by the …

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Kalamazoo killings baffle US police

Authorities in the US state of Michigan search for a motive after a taxi driver went on a random shooting spree on Saturday, killing six people.

State Auto Says Corrections Underway After Disappointing 2015

State Auto Financial Corp. ended 2015 with a steep drop in net income and a combined ratio that landed well above 100. Executives blamed a bad year for the insurer’s auto lines but added that they’ve taken corrective steps. Net …

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Revised CDC Report Claims Higher Cancer Risk for Lumber Liquidators’ Flooring

Lumber Liquidators Holdings Inc. flooring, tested for formaldehyde, was found to have a three times higher risk of causing cancer than previously stated, U.S. regulators said in reversing their own finding from earlier this month. A report released Feb. 10 used …

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Hiscox Launches E-Trading System for U.K. Commercial Brokers

After a successful pilot, Hiscox has launched Hiscox Trader, a new e-trading solution for U.K. commercial insurance brokers in partnership with insurance technology specialists Open GI London. The new cloud-based technology enables brokers to give their customers an indication of …

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British Corporate Leaders Will Likely Vote to Remain in EU: UK Business Groups

British corporate leaders will likely vote for the U.K. to remain a part of the European Union, according to lobby groups for business, manufacturing and financial services. The Institute of Directors said the deal reached by Prime Minister David Cameron …

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Startup Zenefits Shows How Hard Hitting Revenue Targets Can Be

Zenefits probably couldn’t have predicted it would spend the first two weeks of February dealing with the resignation of its founding chief executive officer under pressure from the board and the loss of its biggest customer—all while facing investigations by authorities …

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Everest Appoints Downey as Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer

Bermuda-based Everest Re Group Ltd. announced that Christopher Downey has been named deputy chief underwriting officer. Downey joins Everest from Montpelier Reinsurance Ltd. where he served as senior vice president and head of their Global Casualty & Specialty Treaty unit. …

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VIDEO: US voters 'more divided than ever'

Polls in the US show that voters are angry at the Washington establishment and that American society is as divided as never before.

Risk Accumulation Aggravated Zurich’s Tianjin Port Explosion Losses: Chairman

Zurich Insurance Group AG is fixing how it detects risks after miscommunication among units aggravated losses from a port explosion in China last year, Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer Tom de Swaan said. “There was accumulation of risk there, which …

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North Carolina Insurance Agent Charge with Embezzlement

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrest of Jacob Christopher Mullins, 28, of Fremont; he is charged with one count each of embezzlement by an insurance agent, financial card fraud and obtaining property by false pretense. Department of …

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Fiji’s Strongest-Ever Cyclone Flattens Entire Villages; Death Toll Rises

The death toll from the strongest tropical cyclone ever to hit Fiji climbed to at least 20 as aerial surveillance of affected areas showed entire villages were obliterated as the Category-5 storm roared across the South Pacific nation at the weekend. A …

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NORCAL Mutual to Expand Med Mal Coverage to 5 Additional States

NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company, a nationwide medical professional liability insurance companies, will begin offering coverage this month to physicians in Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and South Carolina. NORCAL will begin offering coverage in Indiana beginning in March. These five states are …

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Nashville Police Remind Citizens Not to Help Thieves Steal Cars

Nashville Police say some citizens are unwittingly helping car thieves steal their vehicles. Police say a review of reports of vehicles stolen from the week of Jan. 31 to Feb. 6 showed that 68 percent of the automobiles were easy …

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Mid-Month Storms Caused 4 Twisters in Alabama

The National Weather Service says four tornadoes touched down throughout south Alabama when severe storms hit the state Feb. 16. Officials say damage surveys after the storms showed that tornadoes ranging between EF0 and EF1 in strength touched down in …

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Capital Adequacy Is Key Strength of Reinsurers in Difficult Market: S&P

Strength of capital and good enterprise risk management are two of the main reasons the global reinsurance industry will be able to maintain a stable outlook during 2016 from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, despite the many competitive pressures it …

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Gig Economy Now 6.5% of U.S. Workforce; Provides Extra Income for 10 Million

It’s a job market revolution: an estimated 10.3 million Americans earned income through web-based platforms like Uber and Airbnb between 2012 and 2015. That’s more people than reside in the entire state of Georgia and amounts to 6.5 percent of the total …

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USI Insurance Services Acquires Florida-Based Best Insurance

USI Insurance Services has acquired Best Insurance, located in Tamarac, Fla. Best Insurance offers a range of personal insurance products, including homeowners, automobile, motorcycle, boat and watercraft, to customers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Terms of the …

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Taxi driver held over Kalamazoo deaths

A taxi driver is being held over the deaths of six people in an apparently random shooting spree in the Michigan city of Kalamazoo.

The truth about the torso

Why a 19th Century female murderer is an important part of black history

The man who made 'the worst video game in history'

The man who made 'the worst video game in history'

Police hunt after shootings in Michigan

US police hunt for suspect in Michigan town of Kalamazoo after multiple deaths in shootings.

VIDEO: Emotional Jeb Bush quits US election

Jeb Bush has dropped out of the US Republican presidential race after a disappointing finish in the South Carolina primary.

VIDEO: Hillary Clinton: 'This one's for you'

Hillary Clinton wins a narrow victory in the Nevada caucuses, the latest stage in the contest for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.

Jeb Bush drops out of Republican race

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush drops out of the Republican race to be the presidential nominee, after failing to rank high in the first three state primaries.

Harper Lee buried in Alabama hometown

Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, is buried in a private funeral in her hometown of Monroeville in Alabama.

Why is Facebook shutting down legal marijuana pages in the US?

Why Facebook is shutting down legal marijuana pages in the US

Hillary Clinton 'wins Nevada caucuses'

US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has won the Nevada Democratic caucuses, US media report.

Meet the 'founding father' of electronica

Meet the 'founding father' of electronica

VIDEO: Bernie fans want 'bold ideas' not realism

Hillary Clinton says Bernie Sanders is "making promises he can't keep" - but his supporters in Nevada say they care more about "bold ideas" than practical politics.

Funeral Mass for US Justice Scalia

A funeral Mass is celebrated in Washington for US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last weekend at the age of 79.

White House race enters key third round

The contest for Republican and Democratic contenders to become US presidential candidates enters a third round, in Nevada and South Carolina.

Sanders taps into anti-Obama sentiment

How disappointment with Obama is boosting Bernie Sanders

VIDEO: The influence of Harper Lee's Mockingbird

Following the death of author Harper Lee, BBC News asks the people of South Carolina what the author and her seminal novel To Kill A Mockingbird meant to them.

One 24-year-old's search for love on a phone

One 24-year-old's search for love on a phone

Obama visits Scalia's coffin

US President Barack Obama pays tribute to Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia who died last week, throwing the court into uncertainty.

Libya group 'threatened US interests'

Militants from the Islamic State group killed in a US air strike in Libya posed a threat to US and Western interests, the Pentagon says.

Lifelong Republicans turned off by Trump

Lifelong Republicans turned off by Trump

Oklahoma Gun Range Sued for Refusing Muslim Man Service

A U.S. Army reservist from Tulsa asked to leave a gun range in eastern Oklahoma after identifying himself as a Muslim sued the owners Wednesday, the latest in a series of cases across the nation alleging anti-Islamic discrimination. The lawsuit …

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US man freed after 40 years in solitary

A man who has been in solitary confinement for more than four decades in the US state of Louisiana has been freed, says his lawyer.

HSBC to Pay Mass. Homeowners $2.7M Over Force-Placed Insurance Practices

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said national mortgage lender and servicer HSBC has agreed to pay $4 million to resolve allegations involving force-placed insurance practices. The settlement resolves allegations that HSBC received commissions and other “kickbacks” relating to force-placed insurance …

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Yosemite 'firefall' has hikers transfixed

A rare phenomenon known as "firefall" has drawn visitors and photographers to Yosemite National Park in California.

RLI to Roll Out New Cyber Liability Unit, Coverage in Q3

RLI Insurance Company and its Executive Products Group have created a new business unit to offer cyber liability insurance. The Cyber Liability Insurance unit will offer protection for exposures arising from adverse cyber events including but not limited to data …

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S&P Affirms Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Units’ Ratings

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has  affirmed its ‘AA+’ financial strength and long-term  counterparty credit ratings on Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s (BRK) operating  insurance subsidiaries. The ratings apply to  National Indemnity Co., Government Employees Insurance  Co., General Reinsurance Corp., all related …

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'No personal attack' on Trump - Vatican

A spokesperson for Pope Francis says the pontiff's comments about US Republican candidate Donald Trump's pledge to build a wall with Mexico was not "a personal attack".

Earthquake Response Legislation Passes Oklahoma House Panel

Legislation that reaffirms the Oklahoma Corporation’s Commission’s authority to respond to emergencies involving oil and natural gas production in the state, including drilling-related earthquakes, has been approved by a state House committee. The House Rules Committee this week voted 10-0 …

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Texas A&M Settle ’12th Man’ Trademark Suit with NFL’s Colts

Texas A&M University says it has reached a settlement agreement with the Indianapolis Colts in the school’s federal lawsuit it says was meant to protect its “12th Man” trademark from infringement. In a statement issued Wednesday, A&M officials said the …

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Richardson Named Nevada Insurance Commissioner

Barbara Richardson has been appointed as commissioner of the Nevada Division of Insurance. Richardson will join the Division in March. The appointment comes after a long nationwide recruitment to fill the vacancy after the resignation of Scott Kipper in July …

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3 Examples of How Telematics Can Aid Insurance Claims Handling

While information derived from usage based insurance telematics hasn’t been fully utilized in the claims process, the benefits it can provide – consistency, efficiency and accuracy – offer a way to reduce claims costs. David Lukens, LexisNexis director, says telematics …

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New Mexico Senate OKs Uber, Lyft Operations

A bill aimed at welcoming and regulating ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft in New Mexico has been approved by state Senate. The Senate passed the legislation Thursday morning. The legal status of the companies has been in limbo in the state …

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Record Number of Flood Policies Bought by Californians, FEMA Says

Federal emergency officials reported Tuesday a surge in the number of California residents who have purchased flood insurance, most likely in response to a rainy El Niño winter. Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency said insurers have written more …

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US author Harper Lee dies

American novelist Harper Lee, author of Pulitzer Prize-winning To Kill A Mockingbird, dies aged 89.

VIDEO: What do Cubans think about Obama visit?

The BBC's Will Grant took to the streets of Old Havana to find out what ordinary Cubans think about US President Barack Obama's planned visit

Why Robots Replacing Humans at Work Is More Science Fiction Than Fact

Ever since robots emerged from the pages of science-fiction novels into the real world, humans have feared being usurped in the workplace. That worry may be more fictional than scientific. A recent study by the VDMA Robotics and Automation Association shows that …

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US 'militarising South China Sea'

China accuses the US of militarising the disputed South China Sea, days after Beijing is accused of placing missiles on a contested island.

Yahoo looks to separate its Alibaba stake

The US search engine Yahoo has confirmed it is looking at "strategic alternatives" for its business - including splitting off its stake in Chinese online retailer Alibaba.

Apple apologises for iPhone 'error 53'

Apple has said sorry to iPhone customers whose phones were disabled after third-party repairs and issued a fix for the problem.

New York Senator Urges USDA to Expand Barley Crop Insurance

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the federal agency to expand crop insurance for barley in all counties in New York where production is possible. Currently, 28 out of 62 counties in …

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Connecticut Agency Donates $12K to Winter Energy Assistance Program

GoodWorks Insurance, an independent agency based in Glastonbury, Connecticut, donated more than $12,000 to help local families stay warm this winter. The donation was made to Operation Fuel, a nonprofit program that provides emergency energy assistance through its statewide network …

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UK’s Aviva Beefs Up Fraud Screening in Commercial Motor Business

Aviva detected fraud in almost 2,200 commercial motor policies in 2015 using various anti-fraud tools, the London-based insurer revealed. But the company is taking its fight against fraud to a new level — by screening all commercial motor policies at …

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Philadelphia Insurance Companies Promotes 2 to Senior VP

Philadelphia Insurance Companies, a commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance company for niche markets, announced the promotion of two vice presidents to senior vice president. Sam Garro is now senior vice president of Compliance and Patrick Walton assumes the position …

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What Will ‘Brexit’ Mean for London as Financial Center? Some Questions Answered

The U.K.’s looming in/out referendum on European Union membership, which may come as early as June, has sparked jitters, with analysts predicting declines in everything from London property prices to the pound. But what would so-called Brexit really mean for …

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Allianz, AXA & Sompo to Distribute Products Across Asia via CIMB Bank Branches

Allianz SE, AXA SA and Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Holdings Inc. made final bids for the rights to distribute their general insurance products through CIMB Group Holdings Bhd.’s branches across Asia, people with knowledge of the matter said. CIMB could fetch about $200 …

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Zurich Insurance Plans to Sell South Africa & Morocco Units: Sources

Zurich Insurance Group AG has started a process to sell its units in South Africa and Morocco as it works toward turning around its money-losing insurance operations, according to people familiar with the matter. Zurich is working with financial advisers on the sale of …

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Trump praises Pope after US wall row

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump heaps praise on Pope Francis, hours after the pontiff questioned his Christian faith.

What to Know About El Nino, La Nina

If you have never heard the term “El Nino,” you might have been living under a rock. The common informed person is probably somewhat aware that we are amidst a record-setting El Nino, and rumors of a possible switch to …

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Big Lebowski house to open to public

A luxury house featured in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski is donated to an LA art museum.

Aegon Reports 20% Rise in Q4 Net Income on Improved Investment Income

Aegon NV, the Dutch owner of U.S. insurer Transamerica Corp., said fourth-quarter profit rose 20 percent on higher investment income and a lower tax bill. Net income grew to 477 million euros [$525 million] from 399 million euros [$439.2 million] …

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Allianz Q4 2015 Profit Rises to $1.6B on Cat Claims, Lower Than Analyst Estimates

Allianz SE missed analyst estimates for fourth-quarter profit on claims from natural catastrophes. Net income at Europe’s biggest insurer increased to 1.42 billion euros ($1.6 billion) in the quarter from 1.22 billion euros [$1.3 billion] a year earlier, the Munich-based …

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Condom-for-porn measure rejected

California workplace safety officials vote against forcing porn actors to wear condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Oklahoma Senate Approves Uninsured Motorist Bill

The Oklahoma Senate approved has approved a bill that requires drivers whose licenses have been suspended due to lack of auto insurance to show proof of insurance to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in order to have their lack-of-insurance …

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International Insurance Agency Services Names Boisvert as New CEO

International Insurance Agency (IIS), a Chicago, Ill.-based managing general underwriter, announced that Daniel G. Boisvert has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. Boisvert is a seasoned veteran with 25 years of experience in the global insurance and reinsurance markets with …

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Robertson Ryan & Associates Promotes Bott to VP, Shareholder

Robertson Ryan & Associates Inc. in Milwaukee, Wis., promoted Jason Bott to vice president and shareholder. Bott handles standard and non-standard insurance policies. He specializes in real estate risk management solutions and has developed a national reputation for insuring real …

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ProHost Adds EPLI Coverage to Restaurant Program

Restaurant insurance program administrator ProHost USA has added employment practices liability insurance coverage as an option in its packaged insurance program specifically designed for restaurants. According to Heidi Strommen, president of ProHost USA, the endorsement covers third‐party violations including actual …

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Schwan’s Global Supply Chain Fined $172K for Machine Hazards

A supplier of frozen specialty foods is facing more than $172,000 in fines after two workers at its Salina, Kan., facility suffered amputations in separate incidents and a third suffered lacerations and burns. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and …

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Oklahoma Agency Gets Grant for Well-Tracking System

The state is trying to make it easier for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to gather data on wastewater disposal wells with a new digital system. Gov. Mary Fallin’s office announced a research grant from the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board will …

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Unlicensed Georgia Agent Arrested for Stealing Premiums From Florida Seniors

The Florida Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF), which operates under the direction of Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, announced the arrest of William David Rodeffer III of Folkston, Ga. Rodeffer allegedly accepted insurance premium payments from two clients for insurance …

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Tennessee High Court Rules to Make it Easier to Arrest, Convict Drunk Drivers

In two unanimous decisions, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled Feb. 11 that police have the right to stop motorists if their vehicles cross roadway markings, even if briefly, essentially making it easier to arrest and convict people driving under the …

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Florida State Troopers Report 186 Deaths from Hit-and-Run Crashes in 2015

State troopers say 186 people died in hit-and-run crashes in Florida last year. According to statistics released Monday by the Florida Highway Patrol, more than half the fatalities last year were pedestrians. Officials say hit-and-run crashes also caused over 19,000 …

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Ex-Freedom President Gets 1 Month in Prison for West Virginia Chemical Spill

An executive who appeared unsympathetic when he spoke to the public after a chemical spill sullied tap water for 300,000 people in West Virginia was sentenced to one month in federal prison Wednesday. Ex-Freedom Industries President Gary Southern, who told …

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Report: Most California Workers’ Comp Medical Review Decisions Upheld

An examination of California workers’ compensation independent medical review decisions shows roughly nine-in-10 of disputed medical service requests reviewed by an IMR physician agree with the utilization review determination that the service is not medically necessary. The IMR and UR …

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Climate Change’s No Justice, No Pancake, No Fly Zone

A conceivable diminishment in my pancake experience is what I’ll take away from the last two weeks of weird headlines tied to the topic of climate change. However, it was the rancor over the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia …

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Obama imposes new North Korea sanctions

US President Barack Obama signs off new expanded sanctions on North Korea, after the country fired a test missile.

Nordstrom sales disappoint investors

Department store Nordstrom sees its share price fall more than 7% in after hours trading after it reported lower than expected profits in the fourth quarter.

How Democrats are vying for black voters

How Clinton and Sanders are wooing African Americans

LA methane leak 'permanently sealed'

A gas well near Los Angeles that has caused a massive methane leak for four months has been "permanently sealed", state officials say.

World economy 'needs urgent action'

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development calls for urgent action by world leaders to tackle slowing growth as it cuts global economic forecasts for 2016.

US plans to boost cable TV competition

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approves a proposal on Thursday that could boost competition in the cable set top box industry.

AssuredPartners Acquires Encompass Risk Solutions in Pennsylvania

AssuredPartners Inc. announced Thursday that it has acquired Encompass Risk Solutions Inc., an independent agency based in Warminster, Pennsylvania, with two additional offices in York, Pennsylvania, and Marietta, Georgia. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2011, Encompass …

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