To recap the issues raised during this week’s conference call, here are the key media stories we discussed, and the messages we’re conveying.
If there is a subject you would like to see addressed on Wednesday, June 24, please email me at michaelb@iii.org.
TROPICAL STORM BILL MAKES LANDFALL IN TEXAS
Governor Greg Abbott gave a live interview to The Weather Channel on Tuesday, June 16, the same day Tropical Storm Bill made landfall. The storm was downgraded to a tropical depression soon thereafter.
FEDERAL JUDGE SIDES WITH CRITICS OF AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP’S (AIG) 2008 BAILOUT
Judge Thomas Wheeler of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims ruled in favor of Starr International Company, and against the U.S., in a lawsuit which challenged the legality of the government’s 2008 takeover of American International Group (AIG).
NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU (NICB) SAYS MORE THIEVES IN MICHIGAN ARE STEALING CAR PARTS, RATHER THAN ENTIRE VEHICLES
The NICB’s findings were explained in this news release.
STORIES IN THE WORKS
The I.I.I.’s Lynne McChristian is working with WTVR-TV reporter Melissa Hipolit in Richmond, Virginia, on a story about auto insurer claim payouts for windshield damage.
The I.I.I.’s Michael Barry spoke to Portland, Oregon-based Associated Press reporter Tim Fought about the reasons some home insurers decline to write policies for properties in which certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls, reside.
The I.I.I.’s Barry discussed transportation network companies (TNCs) and insurance this week with Caitlin Huston of Marketwatch and Autumn Giusti of AutoInsuranceCenter.com.
CAPITOL HILL
USA Today’s editorial board says Congress needs to give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) additional resources and broaden its powers when it comes to investigating auto defects and consumer complaints.
The Washington Post’s editorial board called on Congress to reform the federal employees’ workers compensation system, which has changed little in the past 40 years, according to the Post’s editors.
STATES
Alaska
The Card Street Fire, situated about 50 miles southwest of Anchorage, and the Sockeye Fire, burning in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, prompted the mandatory evacuations of hundreds of people.
California
John Finston has been appointed General Counsel for the state’s Department of Insurance (DOI). He will succeed Adam Cole in that position effective Monday, July 6.
Florida
The Palm Beach Post reported today (June 17) that Tropical Storm Bill gave the National Hurricane Center (NHC) its second live test of its new storm surge mapping program. The first live test came during July 2014’s Hurricane Arthur, which made landfall in North Carolina.
The Florida Association for Insurance Reform (FAIR) wants lawmakers to override Governor Rick Scott’s veto of a bill (HB 1087) which, had it been signed into law, would likely have slowed the migration to private insurers from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
Louisiana
The Red River in the northwestern part of the state rose to its highest level in about 70 years, flooding portions of Shreveport late last week.
Nevada
Insurance Commissioner Scott Kipper is resigning effective Thursday, July 2.
New York
The state’s home insurers are more profitable than their counterparts nationally in part because policyholders are reluctant to sue them, according to a United Policyholders (UP) report which was covered in the Monday, June 15, Newsday (subscription required) print edition.
A day after the Newsday story appeared, the I.I.I.’s Barry gave a live, five-minute interview to 103.9 FM, Long Island news radio, rebutting UP’s charges.
Anthony Albanese was named acting superintendent of the state’s Department of Financial Services.
Oklahoma
The state’s Tax Commission incorrectly paid more than $90 million to workers compensation insurers over the past five years as part of the state’s Multiple Injury Trust Fund assessment program, according to an Oklahoma Watch article.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Tropical Storm Bill made landfall along the Texas coast and, on social, people were sharing tips on how to be sure your property is prepared for the storm. The Weather Channel provided live updates of TS Bill as its aftermath caused flooding in multiple states.
FEMA announced it has set up a new technical support hotline for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders.
The I.I.I. linked to a few articles on the federal judge’s ruling this week on the AIG bailout’s legality. Former AIG CEO Maurice Greenberg is going to appeal the decision because Judge Wheeler said AIG’s shareholders were not entitled to compensation.
MEDIA MATTERS
Hulk Hogan’s lawsuit against Gawker Media is set to go to trial in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Monday, July 6, and Gawker has already exhausted its insurance coverage while defending itself, according to a Sunday, June 14, article in The New York Times.
Alabama Media Group and Louisiana’s NOLA Media Group will become part of the Southeast Regional Media Group, when it launches later this year. The new entity will also focus on Mississippi because Alabama Media Group operates Gulflive.com, and The Mississippi Press.
The I.I.I. is cited regularly in the media as an authoritative source of insurance information. To access the current I.I.I. press clips, click here
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