Birkenstock sandals, which have evolved from a symbol of counterculture to a trendy fashion item, do not qualify as art and are therefore not protected by copyright, Germany’s highest civil court ruled on Thursday. The Federal Court of Justice dismissed a lawsuit brought by the German company, which had sought to prevent competitors, such as…
The U.S. property/casualty industry took another underwriting loss in 2024, but results improved thanks to rate increases and changes in risk selection. A report from industry rating agency AM Best this week said U.S. P/C insurers posted an underwriting loss of $2.6 billion in 2024 – a large improvement over the underwriting loss of $24.6…
As Texas’ major urban areas grapple with a glut of vacant offices, state lawmakers may make it easier to transform empty office and commercial space into dwellings. A bill by state Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Mineola Republican, would effectively allow owners of struggling office properties in the state’s largest cities to convert that space into…
The North Dakota Insurance Department recovered over $2 million for policyholders across the state in 2024, helping over 1,500 customers, Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread announced. As a consumer protection agency, the Department works with individuals facing issues with health, life, auto, homeowners, and other types of insurance policies. The Department assists with denied claims, improper…
The Oklahoma Department of Insurance shared eight zip codes for the initial pilot launch of OKReady, the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program. SOH provides grants of up to $10,000 to homeowners to fortify homes pursuant to the IBHS Fortified standard. The program will provide 100 grants in its first pilot launch. The OID said the…
Kilauea volcano began shooting lava into the air once again on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has been erupting on and off for nearly two months since it burst to life on Dec. 23. The eruption has been taking place at the volcano’s summit crater inside Hawaii…
Jeff Leadley Alliant Insurance Services, headquartered in Irvine, California, hired Jeff Leadley, Glenn Pelletiere and Tom Rhatigan as senior vice presidents in Alliant Specialty, within the company’s national commercial surety practice. The commercial surety industry leaders specialize in developing and managing large, complex surety programs for clients across various industries. Based in Chicago, Leadley has…
Robert Conyers, Jr. Brown & Riding, headquartered in Dallas, appointed Robert Conyers, Jr., as energy practice leader. Conyers joined Brown & Riding in 2017 and became a principal in 2023. As energy practice leader, he will focus on developing and growing talent within the practice and cultivating partnerships with clients. Topics Leadership Was this article…
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, citing failures in the department’s response to the devastating Palisades wildfire. Bass appointed former LAFD Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran, as interim chief while the city launches a search for Crowley’s permanent replacement, according to an emailed statement from her office on…
A former Ohio fire department administrator and police officer was sentenced in federal court here to 18 months in prison for starting dozens of arson fires in Wayne National Forest. James A. Bartels, 52, of Rio Grande, Ohio, started 26 fires in the national forest in 2022, creating a substantial risk of death or significant…