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Archive: August 2026

OpenAI Pauses Some Work on New Astra Model on Cyber Concerns
Insurance Journal | August 10, 2026
OpenAI Pauses Some Work on New Astra Model on Cyber Concerns
OpenAI is pausing some internal work around one of its upcoming artificial intelligence models to implement stricter safeguards after the system was found to be significantly more adept at cybersecurity tasks. The ChatGPT maker said on Friday it “cannot rule …
Heat Deaths Top 25,000 in Europe as Scorching Weather Persists
Insurance Journal | August 10, 2026
Heat Deaths Top 25,000 in Europe as Scorching Weather Persists
Extreme heat has killed more than 25,000 people across Europe this year, according to the latest available data compiled by Bloomberg. Germany recorded the highest toll, with an estimated 11,900 excess deaths linked to heat since April, according to the …
Taylor Farms Recalls Salsa and Guacamole Over Salmonella Risk
Insurance Journal | August 10, 2026
Taylor Farms Recalls Salsa and Guacamole Over Salmonella Risk
Taylor Farms on Sunday said it was recalling more than a dozen prepared food items containing jalapeños, including salsas and guacamole, from retailers over concerns about potential salmonella contamination. The California-based supplier said it had voluntarily recalled products containing jalapeño …
Alabama Courthouse Workers Smelled a Rat. Court Must Decide if Insurer Defends Suit
Insurance Journal | August 10, 2026
Alabama Courthouse Workers Smelled a Rat. Court Must Decide if Insurer Defends Suit
A group of 32 county workers in Greene County, Alabama, became so fed up with what they said were rats, faulty air-conditioning and a leaky roof at the county courthouse that they sued their own county commissioners in 2020. The …
Body Found in California Home Burned by Wildfire Believed Started by Chain Saw
Insurance Journal | August 10, 2026
Body Found in California Home Burned by Wildfire Believed Started by Chain Saw
A dead body was found inside a central California home burned by a wildfire that investigators believe was accidentally started by sparks from a chain saw, authorities said last week. Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested in connection with the …
Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million In New Mexico for Teen Mental Health Fund
Insurance Journal | August 7, 2026
Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million In New Mexico for Teen Mental Health Fund
A New Mexico state court ordered Meta on Thursday to pay $567 million into a teen mental health fund and change how its platforms function for young users after finding the company is to blame for harming children’s wellbeing. Judge …
Trump Calls Texas’ Data Center Opposition a “Mistake”
Insurance Journal | August 7, 2026
Trump Calls Texas’ Data Center Opposition a “Mistake”
President Donald Trump this week criticized Texas for being anti-data centers, just days after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott paused industry-wide approvals until the companies provide the state with more information on things like power and water use. “I saw Texas …
Texas Bakery Fined $25K for Child Labor and Back Wages Violations
Insurance Journal | August 7, 2026
Texas Bakery Fined $25K for Child Labor and Back Wages Violations
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered thousands in back wages and assessed penalties after a federal investigation revealed child labor, minimum wage, and overtime violations by the operators of three La Panaderia Bakery & Café locations in San Antonio. …
Pritzker Signs Bills Giving Insurance Department Power to Overturn Rate Changes
Insurance Journal | August 7, 2026
Pritzker Signs Bills Giving Insurance Department Power to Overturn Rate Changes
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker this week signed legislation that gives the state’s insurance department authority to object rates it deems are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory. HB 4273 and SB 714 allow the Illinois Department of Insurance to review homeowners …