INSURANCE NEWS
Peruvian Farmer Takes Germany’s RWE to Court in Landmark Climate Case
A Peruvian farmer who says German energy giant RWE’s emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home, took his case to court on Monday in a hearing that could set a precedent …
Cyclone Alfred to Cost Australia’s Budget A$1.2B, Hit Growth and Increase Inflation
Cyclone Alfred will cost Australia’s March 25 budget at least A$1.2 billion [US$759 million], hit growth and put pressure on inflation, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says. In a Tuesday speech previewing the budget, Chalmers will also say that on preliminary estimates, …
Cybersecurity Officials Warn Against Potentially Costly Medusa Ransomware Attacks
The FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are warning against a dangerous ransomware scheme. In an advisory posted earlier this week, government officials warned that a ransomware-as-a-service software called Medusa, which has launched ransomware attacks since 2021, …
Diversification, Risk Modeling Top of Mind for Carriers as Cyber Market Softens
As cyber insurance rates have begun to stabilize, insurance carriers are seeking more diversification to fuel their underwriting and growth strategies, according to panelists at this year’s PLUS Cyber Symposium in New York City. “They’re seeking diversification in the standard …
People Moves: California Reappoints Members to Diversity Task Force and WCIRB Governing Committee
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara reappointed members Mitch Steiger and C. Bryan Little to the California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau Governing Committee and reappointed member Dr. Fabiola Cobarrubias to the Insurance Diversity Task Force. The WCIRB Governing Committee sets …
Judge Finds Frozen Embryos Are Not Property That Can Be Divided
A northern Virginia judge determined embryos are not property that can be divided up, rejecting a previous analysis by the court saying such fertilized eggs could be considered divisible “goods or chattel” based on 19th-century slave law. Nearly 10 months …
Volcano Near Alaska’s Largest City Could Erupt in Coming Weeks Or Months, Scientists Say
A volcano near Alaska’s largest city is showing new signs of unrest, with experts saying the likelihood of an eruption at Mount Spurr in the next few weeks or months has increased. The Alaska Volcano Observatory said last week that …
US Court Allows Trump to Enforce Ban on DEI Programs, For Now
A U.S. appeals court on Friday said the Trump administration could temporarily implement a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at federal agencies and businesses with government contracts, which had been blocked by a judge. The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th …
California Insurance Commissioner Provisionally OK’s State Farm’s 22% Rate Request
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara provisionally approved State Farm’s request for a 22% interim rate hike, the California Department of Insurance announced on Friday. The approval is on the provision that the company can justify the hike with data in …
Fraternity Members Charged in Death of Southern University Student
Two more arrests have been made in connection with the death of a 20-year-old Southern University student who was repeatedly punched during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual, Baton Rouge police announced. Kyle Thurman, 25, and Isaiah Smith, 28, have been …
Keystone Agency Partners Acquires Oklahoma’s Ascent Insurance Group
Keystone Agency Partners, an insurance agency partnership platform, announced the acquisition of Ascent Insurance Group, a prominent Oklahoma-based insurance agency. The deal also includes Cole, Paine & Carlin Insurance Agency, Inc., which will join Ascent Insurance Group. Aaron Bogie, who …
Texas Tech Medical School Settles Suit Over Alleged Race-Based Admissions Practices
A group led by Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff, is claiming victory after it got a commitment from Texas Tech’s medical school not to consider race in admission decisions, which the school continues to deny ever …