Monthly Archives: <span>September 2011</span>

Nationwide, Harleysville CEOs Reassure Agents: Merger All About Growth

The merger of insurer Nationwide Mutual with regional carrier Harleysville Mutual is all about growth, not only for the companies but also for their independent agents, according to the CEOs of the two insurers. Harleysville is a “perfect match” for …

Global Insurance Rates Flat Overall in Q3 Says Marsh

Insurance rates are rising for property in high-risk areas, while rates are falling for many lines of professional insurance, leading to an overall stable market around the world, according to a report from Marsh, the brokerage arm of Marsh & …

After Embezzlement Claim, Insurer Drops Tennessee County’s Policy

Officials in Shelby County in Tennessee said their insurance company is not renewing the county’s policy protecting against financial crimes, a move that stems from an alleged embezzlement scheme at Chancery Court that led to $1 million in losses. Travelers …

BP Pays Alabama City $1.2M for Revenues Lost Due to Oil Spill

The city of Orange Beach, Alabama has reached a settlement with BP PLC over lost revenues stemming from last year’s Gulf oil spill, with the oil giant agreeing to pay $1.27 million for lodging and retail revenues the coastal town …

Failed Alabama Bank Executives Settle Investor Lawsuit for $10.5M

Officers and directors of failed Colonial BancGroup in Alabama, including Auburn University trustee Bobby Lowder and former Auburn football coach Pat Dye, have agreed to pay investors $10.5 million to settle a class-action suit. Terms of the proposed settlement were …

New Jersey Flood Victims Have Received $116M in Federal Aid

Dina Zampelle expects that by December, her credit score will be as muddied as her central New Jersey home. That’s because unless the government jumps in to help, she expects the bank to foreclose. “I owe $290,000 on that house. …

Pennsylvania Injury Lawsuit Over Band’s Stage-Diving Upheld

A woman who broke her skull and collarbone when a member of the band Fishbone dived from a Philadelphia stage will soon have her day in court. A federal judge has upheld a negligence lawsuit filed by Kimberly Myers. The …

Climate Aid Progress May End Kyoto Rancor

U.N. climate talks resume in Panama next week, but expect more action in Cape Town 10 days later, where an informal panel will quietly agree the outlines of a climate fund which could surpass lending by the World Bank. Climate …

New York Law Requires Risk Reports by Group Homes

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a law requiring that group homes and other private facilities licensed by the state to house juvenile delinquents assess workplace safety, record violent incidents and take preventive steps. It takes effect in January. …

Federal Agency Alters Public Pool Safety Rule

Thousands of public pools in cities and towns nationwide will be taking a fresh look at their safety systems after federal regulators changed course Wednesday on measures required to keep swimmers, especially children, from getting trapped in pool drains. The …