Insurance Archives - Residential Property Insurance & Business Management

ISIS claims responsibility for Sri Lanka attacks, but offers no evidence of direct involvement
Confusion and blame after bloody Easter Sunday attacks April 23, 2019
The victims: TV chef, business travelers, families eating breakfast April 23, 2019
The bomb attacks in the Sri Lankan capital that killed at least 290 people and wounded hundreds of others are a tragedy both locally and internationally.
Video of alleged suspect before blast April 22, 2019
Surveillance video provided to CNN shows the alleged suspect in one of the Sri Lanka church bombings entering a church with a backpack during a crowded Easter service moments before the blast, according to church officials. Sri Lankan police said they would not comment on the video until the conclusion of the investigation.
Democrats may not be learning the right lessons on impeachment April 23, 2019
Trump accepts Queen's invite to pay state visit to UK April 23, 2019
US President Donald Trump will make his first state visit to the United Kingdom in June, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
Woman, 57, arrested over journalist Lyra McKee's death April 23, 2019
A dissident Republican group called the New IRA has admitted responsibility for the killing of Northern Ireland journalist Lyra McKee during rioting last week and apologized to her family, according to The Irish News, which published the statement from the group on Monday.
What Zelensky's win will mean for Ukraine's relations with Russia April 23, 2019
On Sunday, Ukrainians overwhelmingly threw their support behind a political newcomer, actor and comedian Volodymyr Zelensky, to become the country's next President.
Greenland is melting so fast it's already raising sea levels April 23, 2019
Climate change is eliminating giant chunks of ice from Greenland at such a speed that the melt has already made a significant contribution to sea level rise, according to a new study. With global warming, the island will lose much more, threatening coastal cities around the world.
Insurer sent $33K to a man struggling with addiction. He went on a binge -- and died April 23, 2019
Jennifer Alba sifts through the boxes of photographs and documents. It's a collection of what once was, and what her life has become. A mother sorting through pain.
Myanmar court rejects final appeal of jailed journalists April 23, 2019
Myanmar's top court rejected the appeal of two Reuters journalists to have their convictions and seven-year prison sentences overturned on Tuesday, in a case that has raised fears over shrinking press freedoms in the country.
China pushes back against US sanctions on Iranian oil April 22, 2019
China is pushing back against the United States' decision to broaden its crackdown on Iranian oil exports, deepening the uncertainty in the global oil market.
Philippines rocked by deadly 6.1-magnitude earthquake April 23, 2019
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck near the town of Bodega on the Philippine island of Luzon on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Earthquake sends water tumbling from high-rise roof April 23, 2019
The Philippine island of Luzon was struck by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake, which damaged buildings and sent frightened workers into the streets.
Police surround home of Bobi Wine April 23, 2019
Police have surrounded the home of Ugandan popstar-turned-politician Bobi Wine, a day after canceling his nationwide shows, the musician said.
India election: Modi casts his vote
Politician condemns 'deeply racist' poem comparing migrants to rats April 23, 2019
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has condemned a "disgusting" and "racist" poem, written by a member of his far-right coalition partner, that railed against multiculturalism and compared migrants to rats.
World's first malaria vaccine to go to 360,000 African children April 23, 2019
Some 360,000 children a year in three African countries will receive the world's first malaria vaccine as part of a large-scale pilot project, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday.
Man Utd fans face devil's choice in thrilling title race April 23, 2019
It's been a tough season for Manchester United fans and the Premier League's conclusion could be even tougher for them.
US threatens to veto UN resolution on helping rape victims April 23, 2019
The US delegation to the United Nations has threatened to veto a resolution aiming to prevent rape as a weapon of war and to help its victims, because the resolution contains language about "sexual and reproductive health," sources confirmed to CNN.

Weinstein’s Former Companies, Directors, Officers Off the Hook for Sexual Misconduct Claims April 23, 2019
Harvey Weinstein’s former companies and their officers and directors were dismissed from a federal lawsuit filed by 10 women, who claim the firms and executives aided the alleged sexual misconduct that led to the movie mogul’s ouster. The women — …
Chris Dolmetsch, Bloomberg
Municipalities Try to Reassure Investors on Climate Risks in Bond Offerings April 23, 2019
When Miami Beach borrowed $162 million from Wall Street this week, it wanted investors to know rising seas and extreme weather are a real risk to the city and that it’s doing something about it. An increasing number of states …
Danielle Moran
World Insurance Associates Acquires Connecticut’s Lampe-Batkin Associates April 23, 2019
World Insurance Associates LLC, an independent insurance agency headquartered in Tinton Falls, N.J., completed its 40th acquisition with Lampe-Batkin Associates LLC of Greenwich, Conn., on April 1, 2019. Lampe-Batkin Associates LLC is a family-run insurance agency that serves the communities …
Home Improvement Contractor in Maine Charged with Manslaughter April 23, 2019
The owner of a home improvement company charged with manslaughter following the death of a worker is set for a court hearing. The Portland Press Herald reports the arraignment of Saco-based contractor, Shawn D. Purvis, is scheduled for May 20 …
Cops Draw Blood to Catch Impaired Drivers April 23, 2019
It was about 6:30 on a Friday night in January when Phoenix Police Det. Kemp Layden pulled over a white Jeep Cherokee that was speeding and weaving in and out of its lane. The 47-year-old driver spoke slowly, his eyes …
Jenni Bergal, Stateline
Marsh, Guy Carpenter and JLT to Merge Latin America Facultative Reinsurance Units April 23, 2019
Marsh and Guy Carpenter, both wholly owned subsidiaries of Marsh & McLennan Cos. (MMC), announced that, subject to regulatory approvals, they would combine their Latin American facultative reinsurance operations with those of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT), which was acquired …
Commuter Train Hits Truck in Massachusetts, Injuring Three April 23, 2019
Officials in Bridgewater, Mass., say a pickup truck with three people inside was hit by a commuter rail train after the truck driver apparently went around a railroad crossing gate. The Boston Globe reports the accident happened Saturday morning in …
Liberty Specialty Markets Promotes Silvestre to Deputy Manager for France April 23, 2019
Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has promoted Emmanuel Silvestre to deputy general manager of its French operation. He reports to Richard Deguettes, general manager for France. Based in Paris, Silvestre will retain his position as …
Powerful Earthquake Strikes Philippines, Causing Deaths and Damage April 23, 2019
A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines on Tuesday, hitting the central region hours after at least 15 people were killed by a tremor in the main Luzon island. Fourteen of the dead were from Pampanga province, among the hardest hit …
Ditas Lopez and Andreo Calonzo
Notre Dame Fire Should Be Wake-Up Call for State of Other European Monuments April 23, 2019
It’s a thin line where the patina of age on Europe’s countless monuments gives way to the onset of neglect. Like with so many loved ones, all is assumed to be fine, until suddenly it’s not. In the wake of …
Raf Casert
Brown & Riding Adds Katz in Colorado to Environmental Practice Group April 23, 2019
Brown & Riding’s environmental practice group has added Tricia Katz to its team of environmental-focused insurance brokers. Katz works out of Denver, Colo. She specializes in assisting contracting risks with the placement of environmental products as well as stand-alone contractors …
J&J Asks Federal Court to Assume Baby Powder Lawsuits from State Courts April 23, 2019
Johnson & Johnson wants a federal judge to take over more than 2,000 baby-powder lawsuits it faces instead of allowing the cases to be heard by state-court juries, where the company has a mixed record. The world’s largest maker of …
Margaret Cronin Fisk, Jef Feeley and Steven Church
AAIS Gets Insurance Department Approval for CannaBOP in Colorado April 23, 2019
The American Association of Insurance Services has received approval for its cannabis businessowners policy (CannaBOP) program from the Colorado Department of Insurance. AAIS announced it filed for approval of the program in Colorado earlier this month. AAIS first introduced CannaBOP …
Student Sues Apple for $1 Billion, Blames Face-Recognition Tech for False Arrest April 23, 2019
Apple is being sued for $1 billion in damages by an 18-year-old college student who blames the company’s facial recognition software for his false arrest and for wrongly tying him to thefts at Apple stores in several states. The plaintiff …
Andrew G. Simpson
Florida Contractor Accused of $40K AOB Insurance Fraud Scheme April 23, 2019
A restoration contracting company owner was arrested this month in Florida for allegedly stealing more than $40,000 from consumers who assigned their insurance benefits to him through assignment of benefits (AOB) contracts, according to a statement from Florida CFO Jimmy …
Strong Storms Cause Tornadoes, Deaths Across Southeast April 23, 2019
Strong storms roared across the Southeast last week, killing at least two in Mississippi and a woman in Alabama while leaving more than 100,000 people without power across Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. A girl was also killed in Florida …
North Dakota ‘Marsy’s Law’ Case Questions Whether Insurer Is a ‘Victim’ April 23, 2019
The North Dakota Supreme Court could soon clarify who is considered a victim under Marsy’s Law, which embedded victim’s rights into the state constitution. The high court is expected to rule in the upcoming months in a case that uses …
North Dakota Governor Signs Health Reinsurance Bill April 23, 2019
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has signed a bill that allows for establishing a reinsurance pool for the individual health insurance market in that state. House Bill 1106, backed by the North Dakota Department of Insurance, was passed unanimously by …
California Workers’ Comp Medical Dispute Resolution Letters Rose Last Year, Study Shows April 22, 2019
After dipping for the first time ever in 2017, the number of workers’ comp medical dispute decision letters rose to an all-time high in 2018, according to a California Workers’ Compensation Institute study on the Independent Medical Review process used …
Tokio Marine’s ProAg to Acquire AmTrust Financial’s Crop Insurance MGA April 22, 2019
Producers Ag Insurance Group Inc. has agreed to acquire Leawood, Kan.-based managing general agent AmTrust Agriculture Insurance Services. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close by May 1. Terms were not disclosed. AmTrust Ag, a …

Wall Street opens higher as technology shares gain April 23, 2019
U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday, led by gains in technology stocks and upbeat earnings from a handful of companies including Coca-Cola and Twitter.
EU watchdogs give banks no leeway on Brexit-driven hub demands April 23, 2019
European Union regulators are refusing to cut British-based banks any slack over bulking up in the bloc in preparation for Brexit, despite an extension to the process which some have taken as an opportunity to drag their feet.
Twitter gains more users, Trump renews attack on social media April 23, 2019
Twitter Inc on Tuesday posted better-than-expected quarterly revenue and a surprise increase in monthly active users, showing its efforts to police spam accounts and abusive posts were helping lure more users and advertising dollars.
Harley-Davidson profit tops estimates as Trump weighs in April 23, 2019
Harley-Davidson Inc surged past expectations for first-quarter profit on Tuesday and drew a change of tack from U.S. President Donald Trump, who vowed to protect the motorcycle maker from European tariffs, driving its shares up 3 percent.
Lockheed Martin raises 2019 profit forecast, shares jump April 23, 2019
Lockheed Martin Corp reported a better-than-expected 47 percent jump in quarterly profit on Tuesday and raised its annual profit forecast, helped by strong demand for its missiles and fighter jets, sending its shares up more than 5 percent in pre-market trading.
Verizon raises full-year profit forecast, misses subscriber estimates April 23, 2019
Verizon Communications Inc on Tuesday raised its 2019 profit forecast and beat Wall Street estimates for quarterly profit as it focuses on cost cuts, but the largest U.S. wireless carrier lost more phone subscribers than expected.
P&G beats profit, sales estimates with price hikes April 23, 2019
Higher prices and greater demand for its premium fabric care and beauty products helped Procter & Gamble Co's exceed analyst estimates for quarterly revenue and profit on Tuesday, even as grooming product sales were hurt by a stronger U.S. dollar.
United Technologies profit beats on Rockwell Collins boost April 23, 2019
United Technologies Corp reported a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday, boosted by robust demand for aircraft parts at one of the producers better placed to ride out the fallout of this year's Boeing 737 MAX groundings.
UTC expects 737 MAX goundings to impact earnings by up to 10 cents per share in 2019 April 23, 2019
United Technologies Corp said on Wednesday said it expects an impact of up to 10 cents per share in 2019 from the groundings of Boeing Co's 737 MAX aircraft.
Oil hits highest since November as U.S. tightens Iran sanctions April 23, 2019
Oil prices hit their highest since November on Tuesday after Washington announced all waivers on imports of sanctions-hit Iranian oil would end next week, pressuring importers to stop buying from Tehran.
Airbus management shake-up spreads to space unit April 23, 2019
A management shake-up at Europe's Airbus accelerated on Tuesday as Nicolas Chamussy was replaced as the head of Space Systems.
Sodas, waters drive Coca-Cola sales beat April 23, 2019
Coca-Cola Co's quarterly sales and profit beat Wall Street estimates on Tuesday, as it sold more of its water and soft drinks including its signature soda and Coke Zero, sending its shares up about 4 percent before the bell.
Stocks splutter as oil races to near six-month high April 23, 2019
Oil prices jumped to near six-month highs on Tuesday as the United States tightened sanctions on Iran, giving energy company shares their best day since January but doing surprisingly little for the main petrocurrencies.
BlackRock will not back Bayer management in AGM vote: sources April 23, 2019
Fund manager BlackRock will not support Bayer's management in a key vote at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday, two people familiar with the situation told Reuters.
U.S. expands air bag probe to 12.3 million vehicles April 23, 2019
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday it is expanding a probe into potentially defective air bags to 12.3 million vehicles.
Bumblebee movie boost transforms Hasbro first quarter April 23, 2019
Toymaker Hasbro Inc reported a surprise quarterly profit on Tuesday as the box-office success of Transformers movie spin-off "BumbleBee" charged sales of the action toys, sending its shares up 16 percent.
Nissan says senior executive Schillaci to leave amid reshuffle April 23, 2019
Japan's Nissan Motor Co on Tuesday said the executive responsible for its Nissan, Datsun and Infiniti brands was leaving, as it announced a management reshuffle to strengthen governance following the ouster of former boss Carlos Ghosn.
Trump warms to Harley Davidson, says EU tariffs 'unfair' April 23, 2019
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to reverse course on Harley Davidson Inc, saying European tariffs facing the motorcycle manufacturer were "unfair" and vowing to reciprocate, after urging a boycott of the company last year amid a steel spat.
German prosecutors probe bonus payments to suspended VW manager April 23, 2019
German prosecutors are investigating a possible breach of fiduciary duty by Volkswagen over bonus payments made to an executive who was suspended over the carmaker's emissions cheating scandal.
U.S. may follow China with first quarter GDP upside surprise April 23, 2019
A temporary government shutdown with no end in sight, rising trade conflicts and a global growth slowdown: the first quarter outlook for the U.S. economy did not look promising at the turn of the year.