Alabama News

Watchdog Group Ranks Best, Worst States in Disciplining Doctors

Most states, including California and Florida, are failing to adequately discipline doctors who are practicing substandard medicine, according to the latest annual ranking of state medical boards by the watchdog group Public Citizen. For the first time since Public Citizen …

Lawmakers Seek to Ban Chinese Drywall

U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson, D.-Fla., and Mary Landrieu, D.-La., have filed federal legislation for a recall and immediate ban on tainted building products from China, as people around the country are reporting problems in their homes built with imported drywall. …

Somali Pirates Step up Attacks; Exemption Renewal for Europe’s Insurers

Pirates have stepped up their attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. In three days (April 6-8) the marine marauders, based in Somalia, seized four cargo ships and a French yacht (See IJ Web site …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Technology Errors & Omissions Market Detail: Chamber Insurance Agency Services gives agents access to an …

Mississippi to Twitter Disaster Information to Evacuees

Too busy fleeing from a hurricane to decide which evacuation route to take in Mississippi? You may want to check your cell phone or laptop for a tweet. Mississippi Department of Transportation officials will use the micro-blogging platform Twitter to …

Martinez Joins General Insurance Agent J.M. Wilson in Southern Region

Michigan-based managing general agency J.M. Wilson has added Debbie Martinez as Sales and Underwriting manager for its southern regional office in Charleston, South Carolina. Martinez will be responsible for developing relationships and growing J.M. Wilson’s presence in the South. With …

Somali Pirates Seize Two More Ships, U.S. Vessel, Others Attacked

Somali pirates hijacked two more cargo vessels and opened fire on two others Tuesday in attacks that showed a determination to go on striking at shipping on the region’s strategic trade routes. The capture of the Greek-owned MV Irene E.M. …

Alabama Shipper Says Piracy Needs Multinational Fix, Cautions on Firearms

The president of Mobile-based International Shipholding Corp., which manages the M/V Maersk Alabama for owner Maersk USA, said a multinational coalition must respond to Somali piracy. ISH President Erik L. Johnsen said one country cannot stand alone against pirates like …

U.S. Action Against Somali Pirates May Raise Marine Insurance Demand and Rates

The dramatic rescue of an American sailor from Somali pirates by the U.S. Navy this weekend will likely make marine insurance more expensive, not least because the killing of three pirates could lead to an escalation of violence against unarmed …

Disaster Aid Sought for 20 Alabama Counties Damaged by Floods

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has asked President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster area for 20 Alabama counties that received damage from recent heavy rain, winds and flooding. Riley said Friday the 20 counties in mostly south and central …