Volkswagen AG executives in Germany controlled the key aspects of emissions tests whose results the carmaker now admits were faked, according to three people familiar with the company’s U.S. operations. The criteria, outcomes and engineering of cars that missed emissions … Source: Claims Journal

A pair of massive California wildfires that have destroyed more than 2,000 structures are now considered among the most damaging fires in state history, and they could change the way insurers view risk or conduct underwriting in rural areas in … Source: Claims Journal

Every fall, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) sets workers’ compensation rates for the following year. As wages and healthcare costs rise, the cost of providing workers’ compensation insurance goes up. This year, the department is proposing … Source: Claims Journal

Call 2015 the year of hurricane anniversary coincidence in Louisiana. Besides marking the 10th anniversary of the devastating hurricanes Katrina and Rita, this year is the 100th anniversary of a deadly storm that struck in 1915, the 50th anniversary of … Source: Claims Journal

Vacant slabs, weed-choked lots and solitary stairs to nowhere permeate this tiny town in southwest Louisiana. All that remains of the Klean-N-Kruise car wash is a rusted white sign overlooking an empty, overgrown lot. Residents travel 30 miles away for … Source: Claims Journal

Bangladesh said it has met the conditions put forward by the United States for better safety and workers’ rights in its factories that were essential to regain preferential trade status the impoverished South Asian nation lost in 2013 after two … Source: Claims Journal

A U.S. judge on Tuesday ruled that Warner/Chappell Music does not own a valid copyright to one of the world’s most recognizable songs, “Happy Birthday to You,” a decision that brings the song into the public domain. The highly-anticipated ruling … Source: Claims Journal

To better meet the property risk engineering needs of commercial insurance policyholders, Boston-based Liberty Mutual has appointed Robert Morelli, National Accounts Engineering Practice Leader. In this role, Morelli is responsible for the development and delivery of engineering products and services … Source: Claims Journal

As boat owners begin the annual task of winterizing and dry docking their boats for the season, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that watercraft theft continues to drop. NICB’s annual report looks at watercraft theft and recoveries in … Source: Claims Journal

Two top Republican lawmakers are considering an independent investigation into how the state bought $71 million in asphalt that is possibly defective and may be causing newly paved roads to crumble. Valparaiso Rep. Ed Soliday told The Indianapolis Star that … Source: Claims Journal