INSURANCE NEWS

Most Ransomware Claims Begin With Compromised Perimeter Security: Coalition

More than half of ransomware claims in 2024 started with threat actors compromising perimeter security appliances, according to a new report from Coalition. In its Cyber Threat Index 2025, the insurance provider reported that 58% of claims began with such …
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Oakbridge Names Ledyard Chief Operating Officer; Hub Hires Nashville Advisors

Atlanta-area-based Oakbridge Insurance, one of the largest privately owned agencies in the Southeast, named John Ledyard chief operating officer and executive vice president. Ledyard spent almost 11 months at Higginbotham, a Texas-based insurance brokerage and agency, much of that time …
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AM Best Revises Outlooks for Members of Grange Insurance Group in Washington

AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “bbb+” (Good) of Grange Insurance Association and its reinsured subsidiary Granwest Property & Casualty. …
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Kennedy Wants FDA to Close ‘Self-Affirm’ Safety ‘Loophole’ Used by Food Manufacturers

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. directed the Food and Drug Administration on Monday to revise safety rules to help eliminate a provision that allows companies to self-affirm that food ingredients are safe. This would increase …
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School Owner Sentenced for Falsifying Asbestos Removal Training Documents

The owner of a Rhode Island asbestos abatement training center who falsified documents attesting individuals paid for, attended, and successfully completed an Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)-approved abatement training program has been sentenced to two years’ probation, announced Acting United States …
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Viewpoint: The Evolution of Homeowners Insurance in California—From Niche to Necessity

For many years, the homeowners insurance market operated as a relatively stable and predictable sector in California. Changes were incremental, and the market largely catered to established patterns of risk and pricing. This stability, however, has been disrupted recently, with …
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Girl Scouts Sued Over Alleged Metals, Pesticides in Thin Mints, Other Cookies

The Girl Scouts have been sued by consumers over the alleged presence of “heavy metals” and pesticides in its popular Thin Mints and other cookies. A proposed class action was filed on Monday night in the Brooklyn, New York federal …
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People Moves: TFI Announces Executive Team Promotions; Brown & Riding Adds Murphree to Transportation Practice

Texas First Insurance announced the promotions of Jerry Blystone to Chief Executive Officer and Bryan Burkhart to President. Having celebrated 100 years in business earlier this year, these promotions position the independent insurance agency for continued growth and success over …
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Justice Dept. Says Ending La. Petrochemical Case Helps Dismantle ‘DEI Programs’

The Justice Department on Friday celebrated its decision to drop a federal lawsuit against a Louisiana petrochemical plant accused of worsening cancer risks for residents in a majority-Black community, saying the dismissal showed that officials are “delivering on President (Donald) …
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Wisconsin Voters Seek Damages Over Uncounted Ballots

Four Wisconsin voters whose ballots were not counted in the November presidential election initiated a class-action lawsuit Thursday seeking $175,000 in damages each. The voters were among 193 in Madison whose ballots were misplaced by the city clerk and not …
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People Moves: Marsh Promotes George as President of Marsh Specialty; Specialist Risk Group Taps Marsh’s Morgan as Head of Corporate for UK Retail Pillar

This edition of International People Moves details appointments at the brokers Marsh and Specialist Risk Group (SRG). A summary of these new hires follows here. Marsh Promotes George as President of Marsh Specialty Insurance broker Marsh announced the appointment of …
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People Moves: Alera Group Appoints Bashford as Managing Director of the Midwest Region

Alera Group, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, appointed Talicia Bashford as managing director of the Midwest region. Bashford will lead the growth of Alera Group’s capabilities and market share across the Midwest. She will focus on collaboration across offices, regions and …
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