The 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons were a catastrophic shock to communities, legislators, and insurance companies. This was most evident in California, which suffered the largest and most destructive wildfires in state history. The aftermath of these disasters has led to the question of whether catastrophic wildfires will be the new normal for California and other fire-prone states and, if so, what can be done to mitigate them?

Small businesses are increasingly concerned about cyberrisk, but the Insurance Information Institute and J.D. Power 2019 Small-Business Cyber Insurance and Security Spotlight Survey^SM  finds many still are reluctant to insure against it. Based on a survey of more than 500 small business leaders, insurers, and insurance service providers, this paper addresses their continued hesitation and discusses cyber-related loss trends and how firms and their insurers are addressing these perils.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) and its successors have been an important support to efforts to supply terrorism insurance through the private market. Since the program was enacted, the percentage of companies purchasing terrorism insurance has risen to 80 percent, and the price of coverage has fallen more than 80 percent.

The spread of marijuana legalization continues apace. More than 30 states and the District of Columbia now have programs that allow qualifying patients to access medical marijuana products. Another 13 states permit non-intoxicating medical products. Eleven states and D.C. permit recreational marijuana, where adults over the age of 21 can possess and use the drug.

More than 30 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico have programs that allow qualifying patients to access medical marijuana products. Another 13 states permit non-intoxicating medical marijuana products. Ten states and D.C. permit recreational marijuana, where any adult over the age of 21 can possess and use the drug. Recreational marijuana sales are booming.