Author: completebodyneeds

U.S. cybersecurity officials are considering sharply shorter deadlines for fixing critical flaws in government IT systems, amid concerns hackers could exploit them using artificial‑intelligence tools such as Anthropic’s Mythos, people familiar with the matter said. The move, which has not been previously reported, would slash the deadline for responding to actively exploited vulnerabilities from an average of two or three weeks to three days, the people said. Anxiety over the power and proliferation of AI models like Mythos and OpenAI’s GPT‑5.4‑Cyber has been building for weeks. Although hackers have been deploying AI since at least 2023, these newer models are…

By L.S. Howard Reinsurance rates continued to soften during the April 1 renewals despite the unstable geopolitical landscape and uncertain economic outlook, according to major reinsurance brokers. “The orderly completion of the renewal, with no structural disruption, disciplined capacity, and cedent-friendly pricing outcomes, is testament to the underlying health of the market even in a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty,” said Howden. The main reasons for the ongoing competitive market conditions were lower natural catastrophe losses in 2025 and Q1 2026, robust reinsurer balance sheets, and abundant capacity, indicated brokers Aon, Gallagher Re, Guy Carpenter, and Howden Re, in their…

The MGA market remains the most fragmented segment of the wholesale insurance distribution industry, making it attractive to strategic and capital partners looking to add to or diversify their existing MGA capabilities and portfolios. Estimated MGA premium written by U.S. insurance companies rose roughly 16% year over year in 2025 compared to a 10% increase in the broader P&C sector, according to data from Conning, driven by increased utilization of MGAs by both traditional and fronting carriers, as well as the continued launch of new independent MGAs. Fluctuating market conditions, however, are making buyers more disciplined, presenting new challenges and…

By Andrea Wells The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) reports that acts of violence rank as the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the country. Research also shows that workplace assaults have been increasing in number, with healthcare workers and teachers most often being the victims. There are, however, indications that assaults against teachers may be declining. Workplace violence covers a wide range of behaviors including physical violence, harassment, intimidation, and other threatening behaviors from verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. Workplace violence affects employees, clients, customers, and visitors. Workplace assaults have risen at an annual…

By Andrew G. Simpson New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani is seeking to lower the cost of property and liability insurance for landlords of affordable and rent-stabilized housing through a new city-backed insurance program. Mamdani plans to hire independent actuarial experts to design and launch the insurance program. By 2027, the city hopes to lower the cost of insurance coverage for 20,000 homes and, by 2030, for as many as 100,000 homes. According to the city, the cost of insurance has hit affordable and rent-stabilized housing particularly hard. The city believes the new proposal will also drive down city…

By Julie Carr Smyth Jurors failed to reach a verdict last month in the corruption trial of two fired FirstEnergy Corp. executives charged with alleged roles in a $60 million scheme to bribe politicians for a $1 billion nuclear bailout and other favors. The declaration of an impasse came after more than eight days of deliberations following the six-week trial in Akron of former CEO Chuck Jones and former senior vice president Michael Dowling. Over that time, the jury had repeatedly sent clarifying questions to Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross, who had once before sent them back…

Beware, agents. That email from the National Insurance Producers Registry may not be legit. NIPR said it has learned of an active phishing email campaign referencing past-due invoices. The emails may look like they are from trusted sources such as @nipr.com, @naic.org, or @stipe, but they are fraudulent and insurance agents are urged to use caution. Agents should not open any attachments, click links, or send payments if they receive an email asking for payment. Contact NIPR before taking action at niprbillingdept@nipr.com. “The emails impersonate NIPR and request payment. Agents should be aware of any unexpected or unsolicited invoices received,…

By Andrew G. Simpson The state of Maryland has reached a settlement in principle with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the owner and operator of the M/V Dali, resolving a portion of the state’s claims arising from the cargo ship’s allision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge two years ago. Attorney General Anthony G. Brown did not disclose any details of the settlement that is still being finalized. Brown said the settlement resolves claims brought against the vessel interest by the state and its agencies, including the Maryland Transportation Authority, the Maryland Port Administration, and the…

Florida has the largest wind-mitigation grant program in the country, providing more than $300 million to homeowners over the last few years, resulting in insurance premium discounts for thousands of people. But it’s not enough. The program is not targeted at enough properties that would produce the most benefit for insurers, homeowners and state interests. And too many insureds and builders fail to see the return from retrofitting their homes or building stronger structures in the most hurricane-prone state. That was the word from Florida professors, actuaries and insurance interests who participated in a panel discussion at the Florida Office…

The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed its version of a five-year farm bill after stripping a provision opposed by the “Make America Healthy Again” movement that would have blocked some lawsuits against pesticide makers. The House passage shows progress for the long-stalled, sweeping legislation, which funds agricultural and food aid programs, but it will still need to pass the Senate before it can advance to President Donald Trump’s desk. Historically bipartisan, the farm bill has faced hurdles since the prior bill expired in 2023, as Republicans and Democrats in both chambers battle over its provisions, which range from…