West News

California Wildfire Outlook: ‘A Challenging Season for Firefighters’

While the official start to California’s wildfire season is still a ways off, the best forecast of what’s ahead may be to look back on the year so far, and so far it’s been far busier for firefighters than last …

Maui Officials Highlight Steps Toward Rebuilding a Year After Deadly Wildfire

Nearly a year after wind-whipped flames raced through Kim Ball’s Hawaii community, the empty lot where his house once stood is a symbol of some of the progress being made toward rebuilding after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than …

Are Employers Prepared for California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Law?

California’s Workplace Violence Prevention Senate Bill 553, which is now in effect (July 1), requires businesses with exposure in the state to implement robust workplace violence prevention plans. SB 553, which modifies an existing California labor code, gives the state’s …

Report: Combined California Workers’ Comp Losses and Expenses Down in 2023

Total insurer combined losses and expenses incurred in 2023 were down, a new report shows. The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California released its report on workers’ compensation losses and expenses for 2023. Findings in the WCIRB report, 2023 …

California Workers’ Comp Med-Legal Costs up Sharply Under New Fee Schedule

Payments for medical-legal evaluations and reports used to resolve medical disputes in California worker injury claims rose more than expected since a new Med-Legal Fee Schedule (MLFS) took effect in 2021, according to a new study. The study by the …

People Moves: California Earthquake Authority Governing Board Appoints New CEO

The Governing Board of the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) named Tom Welsh CEO. Welsh was the chief legal and compliance officer. He has served as the interim CEO since January. He joined the CEA in 2019 as general counsel. He …

Oregon Wildfire Growing After Active Day

A wildfire near La Pine, Oregon that has prompted evacuation orders grew to 3,889 acres on Thursday morning. The Darlene 3 Fire, which started Tuesday, is now 30% contained. Winds and warm temperatures on Tuesday resulted in spotting beyond the …

Jury Awards $700k to Seattle Protesters Jailed for Anti-Police Slogans on Barricade

Four protesters who were jailed for writing anti-police graffiti in chalk on a temporary barricade near a Seattle police precinct have been awarded nearly $700,000 after a federal court jury decided their civil rights were violated. The Jan. 1, 2021, …

Report: Over 1,000 Properties Affected by New Mexico Wildfires to Cost $370M

More than 1,000 residential properties in New Mexico may have been damaged or destroyed by wildfires in New Mexico, according to property data firm CoreLogic. “Multiple, active wildfires in south-central New Mexico potentially impacted approximately 1,300 residential properties with a …

California FAIR Plan Clearinghouse Will Include Commercial Policies Starting July 1

The California FAIR Plan Association will expand its clearinghouse to include commercial policies, such as those covering farms and condos, beginning July 1. The move follows the passage of Senate Bill 505 in 2023. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara in …

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