East News

Va. Police: Social-Media Policy Is Part of ‘Virtual Character Check’

Recent reports that some employers are asking job applicants for access to their social networks during the hiring process have raised questions about the legal liability of such practice. This growing controversy is also at the center of proposed legislation …

Virginia AG Cuccinelli Upbeat After Health Care Hearing

Virginia’s attorney general was in an upbeat mood Tuesday after listening to the U.S. Supreme Court’s arguments on the key provision in President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul — a requirement that most Americans buy health insurance or pay a …

Massachusetts Health Care 5-Year Lobbying Topped $51M

Hospitals, insurers, doctors and unions are spending tens of millions of dollars trying to make sure their voices are heard on Beacon Hill as Massachusetts lawmakers weigh sweeping changes to the way the state pays for health coverage. In 2011 …

‘Tebow-Mania’ Kicks Off Nike Damages Claim Against Reebok

Nike Inc. is accusing Reebok of trying to score an illegal Tim Tebow marketing touchdown. Nike sued its rival in U.S. District Court, saying that Reebok used the popular NFL quarterback’s name and number on New York Jets iconic green …

Virginia Insurance Fraud Arrests Going Up

The Virginia State Police insurance fraud program just released their 2011 annual report, which shows the number of arrests for insurance fraud and other related crimes, such as arson and forgery, is continuing to increase — up eight percent over …

Maryland House, Senate Pass Health Exchange Bill

The Maryland General Assembly has passed a measure to create a framework for a health insurance marketplace to provide coverage to the uninsured. The House of Delegates and state Senate voted 94-44 and 35-12, respectively, for the bill Monday. The …

AG Coakley Says High Court Case Would Not Affect Massachusetts Law

Attorney General Martha Coakley says the requirement that Massachusetts residents purchase health insurance is unlikely to be altered by any ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on a similar federal provision. The high court began hearing arguments Monday on the …

Conn.-based Research Firm MKM Partners Hires Insurance Analyst

MKM Partners, a research firm, appointed industry veteran Harry Fong as executive director in its equity research department to cover insurance companies. Fong is an experienced insurance analyst with strong corporate and buy-side relationships. He has been covering the sector …

N.Y. Law Firm Sutherland Expands Insurance Practice Group

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, a New York-headquartered law firm, said it hired six attorneys specializing in insurance regulatory, tax and transactions. They are: James Dwyer, Jeffrey Mace, John Pruitt, Linda Sciuto, Cynthia Shoss and P. Bruce Wright. All six attorneys …

Costly Natural Disasters Behind FM Global’s 2011 Net Loss

Rhode Island-based business property insurer FM Global said Monday it had a net loss of $41.5 million for 2011 — a stark contrast to $686.6 million profit the insurer had in 2010. FM Global, which was one of the last …

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