Out of Control
An editor has some control over the selection of the top stories of the year, but it’s limited. That is, the choices are limited by the real news. Well, looking ahead to 2008 the headlines are limited only by the …
Risky Business
It’s risky business selecting the top stories of the year. One’s choices are limited — they basically have to consist of real news. Predicting headlines for the coming year, however, is pure speculation. It’s kind of fun to imagine the …
N.C. Coastal Towns Fear Change Will Increase Flood Insurance Rates
Some coastal residents could see a spike in their insurance rates because of a recent decision by the North Carolina Building Code Council. The council toughened the coastal housing code for wind-borne debris. The code now extends the zone for …
Federal Assistance Approved for Oregon, Washington Counties
In storm-ravaged parts of the Northwest, home and business owners are beginning to file insurance claims — a process that could be complicated by whether severe winds or floods did the damage. Insurers say they’ve received hundreds of claims, a …
Runaway Coastline Building Adding To Florida’s Existing Insurance Risk
The nonstop coastal building across Florida has pushed the insurance risk in the state to nearly $2 trillion, keeping it the diciest place in the world for insurers, an industry analyst said. Gov. Charlie Crist has campaigned furiously to get …
Business Moves
North Pointe Holdings Corp., American Capital Assurance Corp. Mich.-based North Pointe Holdings Corp. announced it has signed an agreement to sell its Home Pointe Insurance Co. subsidiary — which comprises North Pointe’s Florida homeowners and dwelling fire operations — to …
Hawaii County Looks to Stem Flood Hazards, Meets National Flood Insurance Program Deadline
Hawaii County has met a deadline to save Big Island residents’ federal flood insurance coverage, but at least one County Council member is not satisfied. The council voted unanimously to approve a bill that puts the county in line with …
FEMA: Decreasing Temperatures, Increasing Flood Risks for Western Residents
Winter brings more than just cold temperatures. It also brings an increased flood risk and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is warning residents of Idaho to prepare now — well ahead of rising waters. This year, predictions for La …
Hawaii County Looks to Stem Flood Hazards
Hawaii County has met a deadline to save Big Island residents’ federal flood insurance coverage, but at least one County Council member is not satisfied. The council voted unanimously this week to approve a bill that puts the county in …
Mistakes Made in New Orleans Flood Maps
A system of flood gates and pumps built since Hurricane Katrina to help alleviate flooding in several New Orleans neighborhoods may not be as much help as authorities first said. The Army Corps of Engineers released flood risk maps on …
