INSURANCE NEWS
U.S. FDA Weighs Regulating Cannabis Compound CBD in Food, Supplements
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to make recommendations on how to regulate the use of popular cannabis compound CBD in food and supplements, the Wall Street Journal reported Dec. 27, citing agency officials. After weighing the …
Lindberg’s Top Associate To Be Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges
A top executive for embattled North Carolina insurance executive Greg Lindberg is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to federal fraud charges in connection with an elaborate scheme to shunt millions of dollars from Lindberg’s insurance companies. Christopher Herwig, a chief …
Extreme Heat in Florida: Miami-Dade Has a Plan
You’re not imagining it: Miami-Dade County has gotten hotter in the last fifty years, a trend that’s set to continue if climate change remains unchecked. That’s more than a discomfort for residents in South Florida, where more people work outdoors …
Missouri Men Sentenced in Catalytic Converter Theft Ring
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) – Three Missouri men have been sentenced for their roles in the theft of tens of thousands of stolen catalytic converters, which were taken to an Arkansas business as part of a multi-million-dollar scheme. Evan Marshall, 25, …
Minnesota Environmental Reviews Now Include Climate Impact
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota environmental regulators are now requiring developers to calculate projects’ effects on the climate. The state’s environmental review process requires regulators to consider a project’s potential impact on the land, air, water and animals. Minnesota Public Radio …
Texas’ ERCOT Given Federal Permission to Exceed Air Quality Limits
The U.S. Department of Energy has cleared the way for Texas power plants to pollute more than is usually allowed, such as by burning dirtier fuel oil instead of natural gas, to keep the electricity on through Christmas morning. The …
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Illinois’ ROC Group
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Chicago-based ROC Group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1998, ROC Group is an employee communication agency specializing in human resources and enterprise change solutions for clients across …
Oklahoma Piping Inspection Company to Pay $250K EEOC Fine
American Piping Inspection, Inc. (API), an Oklahoma-based testing and piping inspection services company, agreed to pay $250,000 and to provide other substantial equitable relief to resolve a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), …
Hilb Acquires OceanPoint Insurance in Rhode Island
National broker The Hilb Group reported it has acquired Rhode Island-based OceanPoint Insurance, building upon its presence in the New England region. OceanPoint is based in Middletown, and has additional offices in Barrington, Coventry and Tiverton. The independent agency has …
Alabama Landfill Still Burning After a Month, Shrouding City in Smoke
An underground fire has been raging at an environmental landfill near Birmingham for almost a month, covering Alabama’s largest metro area with smoke. Now, state officials, local fire departments and county commissions are trying to determine the next steps and …
Former California Insurance Agent Sentenced After Embezzling Clients’ Premium Payments
Anaiza Villarreal Lopez, 30, of McFarland, California was sentenced in Kern County Superior Court on one count of grand theft by embezzlement after pocketing clients’ premium payments and leaving several of them uninsured. After receiving a complaint, the California Department …
Maritime Liability Rules Changed After Deadly 2019 California Boat Fire
Federal lawmakers have changed 19th-century maritime liability rules for accident victims and their families in response to the 2019 boat fire off the coast of Southern California that killed 34 people. The Small Passenger Vessel Liability Fairness Act was included …