INSURANCE NEWS
New York-Based Lawley Acquires Neighboring Witkin Scott Associates
Upstate New York-based independent agency Lawley announced that Witkin Scott Associates has joined its organization effective January 1, 2026. As part of this partnership, all associates of Witkin Scott will join Lawley and relocate to its main office in Buffalo. …
Insurance Journal Launches Annual Agency Salary Survey: Participate Now
Insurance Journal has opened its annual Agency Salary Survey, inviting retail insurance agency professionals across the property/casualty sector to participate. The survey is open to agency owners, principals, producers, account managers, CSRs, and support staff, offering a comprehensive look at …
AI Regulation Battle Looms in California Despite Trump Threats
This year, many of the world’s most powerful artificial intelligence companies face a pitched battle over government regulation on their home turf—California. And even President Donald Trump’s threat to punish states that regulate AI may not stop the fight. California …
People Moves: CRU Group Names Sewell VP for Cat and Flood Services
CRU Group, a North American claims adjusting and services firm based in Dallas and Toronto, is expanding its flood insurance line with the appointment of Danny Sewell, who is based in Florida. CRU Group has “supported our Canadian clients in …
Coast Guard Suspends Search After 77-Year-old Went Overboard From Cruise Ship
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a 77-year-old woman who went overboard on a cruise ship near Cuba on New Year’s Day. Crews searched for eight hours over 690 square miles (1,787 square kilometers) for the woman, …
Pilot Dies in Plane Crash at Provincetown Airport
A small private plane with only the pilot on board crashed at Provincetown Municipal Airport on Cape Cod on Sunday. The pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. According to officials of the Massachusetts seaside town, the plane crash took …
Chatbot Grok Makes Sexual Images of Kids as Users Test AI Guardrails
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok has created sexualized images of people including minors on the social media platform X in response to user prompts in recent days, drawing rebuke from officials such as the French government. Grok created and …
Howden Buys M&A Insurance Broker Atlantic Group in US Expansion
UK insurance broker Howden agreed to buy M&A protection specialist Atlantic Group as the City firm presses ahead with a rapid expansion in the key US market. Atlantic Group’s founders — Richard French, Joe O’Brien and David Haigh — will …
Swiss Bar’s Owners Face Criminal Negligence Probe After Fire
Valais public prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the operators of Le Constellation Bar in Crans Montana, Switzerland, after a fatal fire that broke out on New Years Eve. Following the initial investigation conducted by the Valais public prosecutor’s …
UK Set New Annual Heat and Sunshine Records Last Year
The UK just wrapped the warmest and sunniest year ever recorded. The average temperature for the UK in 2025 was 10.09C, the warmest since modern weather observation started in 1884, according to new data released by the UK Met Office. …
Europe Saw Record Surge in Renewable Output, Driving Below-Zero Power Prices in 2025
Surging renewable output overwhelmed Europe’s power grid in 2025, driving electricity prices below zero more often than ever before. Negative power prices are underscoring how rapid growth in renewable generation is colliding with stagnant demand and persistent grid constraints in …
US Military Operation in Venezuela Disrupts Caribbean Travel
The U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of the country early Saturday also disrupted Caribbean travel at a busy travel time for the region. No airline flights were crossing over Venezuela that day, …