National News

How to Make Self-Driving Cars Safer on Roads with Humans

As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Congress press for removing safety regulations in order to fast-track the introduction of highly automated vehicles, human factors/ergonomics experts are recommending requiring important testing and driver support. The Human Factors and Ergonomics …

Supreme Court Declines Paint Manufacturers’ Appeal of $400M Public Nuisance Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected appeals from Sherwin-Williams Co. and Conagra Brands Inc., leaving intact a ruling that requires them to pay more than $400 million for lead-paint remediation in California. The rebuff, issued without comment Monday, is a blow …

Lax Cyber Security Could Be Federal Law Violation, SEC Warns

Public companies that fail to tighten their cyber security controls could be violating federal law, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said on Tuesday. The regulator’s warning came in the form of a report on its investigation to assess …

Latest Storms May Finally Shift Focus to Disaster Mitigation by Local Communities

Hurricane Michael’s devastation could spur policymakers to better prepare vulnerable communities for the effects of climate change. The images of entire towns in Florida’s panhandle all but erased by storm surges, as well as accounts of bodies pulled from shattered …

Google Invests in Insurance Agency Software Firm Applied Systems

Giant Google’s investment arm has purchased a minority stake in Applied Systems, a provider of insurance technology and cloud-based software for independent agencies. The investment in Applied Systems is being made through CapitalG, the growth equity investment fund of Google’s …

Facebook Facing Another Lawsuit Over Allegedly Misleading Advertising Claims

Facebook Inc. knew in early 2015 that it misled advertisers about the average time users spent viewing online video clips — and then lied about it, according to a lawsuit. The owner of the world’s largest social network acknowledged in …

AXA XL Launches Standalone Insurance for Workboat Risks

AXA XL’s North America marine insurance business has expanded its coverage options for the marine insurance market with a new policy specifically designed and delivered to address workboat risks. AXA XL’s Workboat policy offers owners workboats standalone hull and liability …

Colleges Handling Surge in Claims of Past Sexual Harassment

For 35 years, Ruth D’Eredita tried to dismiss her former professor’s behavior — the way he touched her, groped her and kissed her. But last year, as dozens of women came forward to share similar encounters with powerful men, she …

P/C Insurers Double Net Income in First Half of Year

U.S. property/casualty insurers saw their net income after taxes more than double to $34 billion in first-half 2018 from $15.5 billion in first-half 2017, with the help of lower catastrophe losses, growing premiums, and an increase in investment income, according …

Travelers Teams with Amazon to Offer Smart Home Products, Insurance Quotes

The Travelers Companies Inc. is teaming up with Amazon to offer smart home kits, insurance quotes and risk management information through a digital storefront: Amazon.com/Travelers. Customers will be able to obtain smart home kits at discounted prices in participating states. …

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