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The captain of a cargo ship involved in a collision with a U.S. oil tanker has been arrested. The incident occurred in the North Sea, and the captain, a 59-year-old man, is being held on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, according to Humberside Police in Yorkshire. The cargo ship, named Solong, was reported to be … Read more

For years, homeowners insurance in California was a stable market, with predictable patterns in risk and pricing. However, recent changes have shaken things up significantly. The surplus lines insurance market is experiencing a surge, and 2024 is shaping up to be a crucial year for its development. In 2024, the surplus lines market saw a … Read more

Jose Virgilio Fernandez, the owner of a training center in Rhode Island, has been sentenced to two years of probation for falsifying documents related to asbestos abatement training. This decision was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Between 2021 and 2023, Fernandez submitted false certifications to the Rhode Island Department of Health, claiming … Read more

Kirk Vartan is feeling the pinch of rising health insurance costs. He pays over $2,000 each month for a high-deductible plan from Blue Shield through Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace. He opted for this plan to keep his wife’s doctor, even though cheaper options were available. “It’s for the two of us, and … Read more

AM Best has made some positive changes regarding Grange Insurance Association and its subsidiary, Granwest Property & Casualty. The organization has upgraded their outlook from stable to positive and has confirmed their Financial Strength Rating at B++ (Good) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings at “bbb+” (Good). Both companies are based in Seattle, Washington, and are … Read more

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. has announced a significant shift in food safety regulations. On Monday, he directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise rules that currently allow food companies to self-declare ingredients as safe. This change aims to enhance transparency for consumers and strengthen the FDA’s oversight … Read more

Oakbridge Insurance, a prominent agency based in the Atlanta area, has appointed John Ledyard as its new chief operating officer and executive vice president. This announcement comes as Oakbridge continues its rapid growth in the Southeast, having acquired over 40 agencies since it was founded in 2020. Ledyard brings valuable experience to his new role. … Read more

The Justice Department recently announced it will drop a federal lawsuit against a Louisiana petrochemical plant linked to increased cancer risks in a predominantly Black community. This decision reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape federal environmental enforcement, moving away from policies established under President Biden. The lawsuit, which had been in place for … Read more

Texas First Insurance has announced significant leadership changes as it looks to the future. Jerry Blystone has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer, while Bryan Burkhart steps into the role of President. These promotions come shortly after the agency celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of service in the insurance industry. Blystone has been … Read more

Broker Educational Sales & Training, Inc. has teamed up with the Insurance Journal’s Academy of Insurance to enhance educational opportunities for insurance professionals. This partnership, announced on March 11, 2025, aims to provide high-quality training through both live and on-demand classes. The Academy of Insurance is well-respected in the industry, known for its rigorous and … Read more