New York should provide more incentives such as tax credits, waivers and grants to help residents safeguard their homes against extreme weather through measures including the installation of storm shutters and shatterproof glass, APCIA's Robert Gordon said during a recent state legislative hearing. "New York has been lucky, but it will get its next Hurricane Sandy, and that's what insurance companies have to prepare for," Gordon said.

A task force formed by the White House has drafted proposals for overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but it is not expected to recommend the elimination of FEMA, sources said. The report suggests more promptly providing aid to states, making FEMA a cabinet-level agency and ending funding for disasters after 10 years have passed. FEMA also reportedly is considering relocating its headquarters to Texas.

Insurance-related initial public offerings on US exchanges have reached their highest total in 20 years, raising $2.64 billion as of Nov. 5, Dealogic data shows. "The sector has benefited from being a bit more insulated from tariff pressure than others," said Andy Mertz of Citizens Bank, adding that the industry's growth will remain a draw for investors "despite pricing pressures in the sector."

The US Transportation Department revealed the design of an advanced female crash test dummy, the THOR-05F, with the goal of ultimately helping address women's higher rates of injury in certain types of vehicular crashes. The dummy, which is equipped with over 150 sensors, is likely to be involved in new-car safety tests by 2028.

A bill under consideration in Florida would let "certain previously conducted" physical examinations meet the requirement for first responders to qualify for presumptions related to heart disease, hypertension and tuberculosis. The legislation would permit first responders to use physicals from former employers if such exams are not mandated by their current employers.

Florida state officials submitted a legal filing as part of the process of advancing a proposed ballot measure on the legalization of recreational marijuana. The proposed measure has been submitted to the Florida attorney general, confirming that the campaign received sufficient signatures to be eligible for the 2026 ballot, pending a state Supreme Court review of the measure's language.

Parts of Texas received record rainfall amounts on Thursday, leading to the issuance of a flash flood emergency for Menard, Concho and McCulloch counties. Menard County received more than 9 inches of rain within only a few hours, with overflowing creeks and rivers and washed-out roads in some places. Nearly 4 inches of rain fell at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, marking a daily record high for November.

Today's cyberinsurance market is "ultra fluid" due to structural volatility resulting from rapidly evolving cyberthreats, requiring underwriters to pivot in response to waves of claims, says Avoca Risk President Anthony Dagostino. Meanwhile, more businesses -- particularly small and midmarket US companies -- now consider cyberinsurance to be essential, rather than optional, Dagostino said.