National News

Microsoft’s OpenAI Investment Risks Scrutiny From US, UK Regulators

The US Federal Trade Commission is examining the nature of Microsoft Corp.’s investment in OpenAI Inc. and whether it may violate antitrust laws, according to a person familiar with the matter. The inquiries are preliminary and the agency hasn’t opened …

Boy Scout Abuse Claims Fund Shouldn’t Pay $21M in Lawyers’ Fees, Judge Says

The judge presiding over the Boys Scouts of America’s bankruptcy has rejected a $21 million fee request from attorneys hired by law firms representing survivors of child sexual abuse. A group of personal injury firms called the Coalition of Abused …

US P/C Industry Turns in $32.2B Underwriting Loss After 9 Months

U.S. property/casualty underwriting results deteriorated during the first nine months of 2023 to a loss of $32.2 billion. The result, highlighted in short financial review from AM Best, is $7.6 billion worse than the same period a year ago. The …

People Moves: Newbold Named President of Verisk Extreme Event Solutions; Rudnick Division Manager of FM Global’s AFM

Verisk, headquartered in Jersey City, N.J., named Rob Newbold president of Extreme Event Solutions. Current President Bill Churney will retire effective December 31. Newbold joined Verisk in 2002 as a risk consultant and most recently served as executive vice president …

US, UK Say Russia Targeted Officials in Political Cyber Campaign

The US and UK have launched a coordinated effort to disrupt a longtime alleged Russian government hacking campaign aimed at what they say is an attempt to undermine democratic processes in both their countries. The UK accused Russia’s main intelligence …

Regulatory Battles In Personal Lines Ahead; Allstate May Drop Customers

Analysts from Standard & Poor’s predicted this week that while personal auto results are starting to stabilize, the continued push for rate in 2024 will set the stage for more faceoffs between regulators and insurers. Tim Zawacki, principal insurance analyst, …

Costs of Small Business Cyberattacks Are Down But Frequency Is Up, Says Hiscox

The less-than-encouraging news: Only a third (33%) of US small businesses consider cyber risk high or very high. The somewhat encouraging news: 53% of U.S. small businesses have either a standalone cyber insurance policy or have cyber coverage through another …

Global Insured Losses From Severe Convective Storms Hit New High of $60B: Swiss Re

Global insured losses from severe thunderstorms have hit a new all-time high of US$60 billion in 2023, with overall natural catastrophe claims surpassing $100 billion, according to Swiss Re Institute in a new report. As the US is particularly prone …

Markets/Coverages: Driver Technologies Launches Video Telematics-Based Driver Score

Driver Technologies, Inc., an AI-based mobility tech company, has announced its Driver Technologies Rating Service Inc. (DTRS) is rolling out its newly launched driver score to commercial fleets and insurance partners. In a press release, Driver Technologies said Driver Score …

Airline Industry to Meet to Discuss Safety Concerns Around Spike in GPS Spoofing

Global aviation industry leaders will meet in January to discuss safety concerns around increased GPS interference by cyberattackers steering planes off course, an International Air Transport Association executive said on Wednesday. Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofing has spiked in recent …

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