Contractor Penalized $430,000 for Labor Violations in California

A construction company in California has been fined over $430,000 for failing to pay workers properly. The fines were imposed after an investigation revealed that 86 carpenters employed by Howood Company Inc. were not paid their wages and overtime for several weeks. The Labor Commissioner’s Office in California took action to recover the unpaid wages … Read more

Experts Explore Challenges and Opportunities in Transportation Insurance Through Captives

Insurance professionals in the trucking industry gathered earlier this month for a webinar hosted by Insurance Journal to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in transportation insurance. The panel featured experts who shared insights on the tough market conditions and the benefits of alternative insurance options, such as member-owned captives. Kenny Planeta, a senior vice … Read more

Retailers Publicly Abandon Certain ‘DEI’ Initiatives While Discreetly Backing Others

Several major U.S. retailers, including Target, Amazon, and Tractor Supply, have recently decided to end their public diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. However, behind the scenes, they are still supporting some initiatives related to LGBTQ+ Pride and racial justice. This shift comes amid political pressures and concerns about potential legal repercussions following former President … Read more

The UK warns that the world must brace itself to combat climate change independently of the US.

The global fight against climate change is facing new challenges as the United States pulls back on its financial commitments, according to the UK’s climate envoy, Rachel Kyte. Speaking in Pretoria, South Africa, she emphasized the need for countries to prepare for a future where American funding for green initiatives is significantly reduced or absent. … Read more

Personnel Updates: Miller Appoints SCOR’s Foucart as Managing Director in Reinsurance Practice; Acrisure Re Corporate Advisory & Solutions Welcomes Four Senior Executives.

Miller and Acrisure Re have made significant new appointments in their teams, signaling growth and strategic focus in the reinsurance sector. Miller, an independent re/insurance broker based in London, has welcomed Vincent Foucart as the new managing director in its Reinsurance practice. Foucart joins Miller after a 16-year career at SCOR, where he held several … Read more

Zurich Insurance Increases Its Stake in Banco Sabadell During BBVA Acquisition Attempt

Zurich Insurance Group has significantly increased its stake in Banco Sabadell, now owning nearly 4% of the Spanish bank. This move comes as Sabadell faces a takeover bid from BBVA, a larger competitor. Zurich’s investment is noteworthy, especially since it has become Sabadell’s second-largest investor. The Swiss insurer first crossed the 3% ownership threshold in … Read more

Gallagher Relaunches Cyber Risk-Adjusted Rating Index to Monitor Reinsurance Rates

The world of cyber insurance is changing. Recently, experts have noted a growing interest in non-proportional risk transfer solutions, particularly those that address cyber catastrophe losses. These solutions focus on both individual events and broader risks, but they are still in the early stages of development. One of the challenges in this area is the … Read more

SC House Passes Liquor Liability Bill, But Wider Tort Reform Efforts May Be Stalled

The South Carolina House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards reforming liquor liability laws. On Thursday, the House voted unanimously, 109-0, in favor of a new bill aimed at easing the financial burden on bars and restaurants regarding liquor liability insurance. This legislation seeks to end the joint-and-several liability rule, which has long … Read more