Southeast News

Georgia Governor Signs Bill Regulating Kratom, a Supplement Blamed for Deaths

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s governor on Thursday signed a bill putting new regulations on the production and sale of products containing kratom, a plant-based supplement. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, prohibits the sale of kratom to anyone under …

Everton FC Buyer Accused of Fraud, Double-Pledging Assets in Lawsuit

Lenders to 777 Partners have accused it of fraud, claiming that the Miami-based investment firm borrowed against $350 million of assets that it didn’t own, didn’t exist or were already promised to someone else. Josh Wander, co-founder of 777 Partners, …

Fannie/Freddie Rock Insurance World With Guidelines That Bar ACV Coverage for Homes

A new rule from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, if it stands, could throw a wrench into the property-casualty insurance industry’s move toward actual cash value for more homeowners and condo coverage. Starting June 1, the government-backed mortgage corporations, which …

Georgia Governor Signs First Responders’ PTSD Benefits Bill Into Law

Starting in January, Georgia’s first responders will be eligible for limited, supplemental benefits to help cover treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, after Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 451 into law. The law requires municipalities and other jurisdictions to provide …

Mississippi City Councilman Pleads Guilty to Selling Doctored CBD Products

GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi city council member pleaded guilty to federal charges after running a multimillion-dollar illegal drug business, prosecutors said last week. Biloxi City Council member Robert Leon Deming, III, 47, reached a plea agreement with the …

NC News Chopper Crash Likely Caused by Shaky Inspections, Loose Parts, NTSB Finds

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Investigators found disconnected and missing hardware aboard a helicopter that crashed in 2022, killing the pilot and a North Carolina television station’s meteorologist, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB’s final report on the …

Florida Saw Jump in Workers’ Comp Cost per Claim in 2022-23, WCRI Report Shows

Call it the effects of wage creep during the pandemic, along with a little bit of creep in the duration of benefits. Employers and insurers in Florida saw a 7% increase in total cost per workers’ compensation claim in 2022 …

Death of 4 Officers in Charlotte Shows Risks Police Face When Serving Warrants

(AP) Arrest warrants must be served to alleged criminals if society is going to function. But there is no guarantee of safety for police officers knocking on their doors. The grim risks came into stark relief Monday when four law …

Miami Retirement Fund Class Action Alleges Globe Life Officers Concealed Fraud

After an investment research firm dropped a bombshell last month and sent shares of Globe Life Inc. plunging by 53%, the insurance company denied the allegations that officers had concealed fraud and sexual harassment issues. But this week, the City …

Florida’s Heritage Insurance Sees More Profits in Q1 This Year

Heritage Insurance Holdings Inc. (HRTG) on Wednesday reported earnings of $14.2 million in its first quarter of this year, about the same as earnings for Q1 of 2023, but down from the $31 million in net income reported for the …

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