Alabama News

Tornadoes Cause Limited Damage in Alabama, Mississippi

The same severe weather front that destroyed property in Texas and Louisiana also spawned at least six tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama, but damage appeared to limited. In Baldwin County, in south Alabama, emergency officials and residents reported a tornado …

Alabama House Agrees to Send More Funding to Wind Mitigation Program

The Alabama House of Representatives has agreed to divert more funding to Strengthen Alabama Homes, a program that fortifies houses and roofs to mitigate wind damage. The House this week approved House Bill 39, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown and …

Alabama Agents Vow to Fight Tax Breaks That Mostly Benefit Two Carriers

Independent insurance agents in Alabama are trying again to crack open what they say is the state’s “good ol’ boy” system and end three decades of tax breaks that mostly benefit two insurance carriers at the expense of others. Ending …

University of Alabama Drops Mask Mandate for the Vaccinated

The University of Alabama is no longer requiring face coverings in most of its facilities for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Beginning Friday, masks will be mandated only for unvaccinated people indoors and in crowded outdoor settings …

People Moves: Herman Named Alabama’s Insurance Fraud Bureau Director

A veteran police officer and fire investigator has been named director of the state’s Insurance Fraud Bureau and assistant state fire marshal. Bill Herman began his career at the Montgomery County Police Department, then became a deputy state fire marshal, …

Cyberattack Crippled Hospital, Led to Baby’s Death, Lawsuit Claims

Cyberattacks may affect more than organizations’ pocketbooks. They can also hinder a hospital’s care during a crucial moment, a lawsuit filed in Mobile, Alabama, claims. The mother of a child who was born during the midst of a 2019 cyberattack …

Thousands to Get Damages in Chinese Drywall Suit, Louisiana Judge Says

A federal judge in Louisiana has ruled that nearly 4,000 homeowners who say Chinese drywall ruined their homes are eligible to share any further damages he may award in lawsuits against Taishan Gypsum Co. Ltd., a government-owned manufacturer that failed …

Arkansas Researchers: Hill Climbing Tornadoes More Dangerous

New research from the University of Arkansas finds that tornadoes cause greater damage when traveling uphill – and that the twisters tend to climb toward higher elevations rather than going downhill. Engineering researchers studied images of the 2011 deadly tornadoes …

Eastern Insurance Holdings Opens Gulf South Regional Office

Eastern Insurance Holdings Inc. has opened a Gulf South regional office in support of subsidiary Eastern Alliance Insurance Group (EAIG), a domestic casualty insurance group specializing in workers’ compensation insurance. EAIG’s Gulf South regional office will provide workers’ compensation insurance …

Ala. Regulator OKs New Insurance Certification Form for Auto Dealers

Alabama Insurance Commissioner Jim L. Ridling issued a bulletin last week approving the use of a new “insurance certification form,” MVD-1, that is designed for licensed motor vehicle dealers and others. The bulletin addresses questions raised by insurance producers about …