Property and casualty insurer Travelers Cos. said Tuesday its first quarter profits soared 39% due to gains in new business and lower catastrophe losses. The New York-based insurer with major operations in Hartford said its first quarter profits totaled just over $1 billion, or $4.15 per diluted share, vs. $733 million, or $2.87 per share, in the year-ago period. The company, which in recent weeks began welcoming more of its employees back to its Hartford offices, said it recorded revenue growth in all three business segments (business, bond and specialty and personal insurance) for total net written premiums of $8.
Corona highlights sustainability with eco-tourism island
Beer brand Corona, owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, has opened registration for stays at Corona Island, said to be the world’s first single-use and plastic-free island with a Blue Verified designation from Oceanic Global, according to a press release.
Located off the coast of Colombia, the ecotourism spot was created in collaboration with nonprofit Oceanic Global and is meant to connect guests to nature through immersive experiences that offers educational excursions and workshops. The island will begin welcoming guests in summer 2023 although press materials indicate U.
House Hunting in South Africa: Carved Into a Mountain in Cape Town
This five-bedroom home backs onto the slopes of Table Mountain in Oranjezicht, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. Set on about three quarters of an acre, the home is designed to mimic the landscape of the mountain, a prominent landmark, with a wavy concrete roof and ample use of wood and stone.’The house is literally built into the mountain,’ said Riaan Ackerman, an agent with Pam Golding Properties, which has the listing. ‘The owners wanted it to be a bit of a sanctuary. They enjoy meditation and going on health retreats.
Rare white sea turtle found on NC’s Outer Banks
HATTERAS, N.C. — A baby sea turtle with a rare ‘genetic deviation’ was found at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. On June 27, park biologists found a ‘leucistic’ loggerhead sea turtle at the bottom of a nest. That means the sea turtle has a whiter coloration than his siblings, making him very rare. But his white color doesn’t make him albino. Albino turtles are white with pink eyes. This sea turtle is white with brown eyes! The area has boomed with baby sea turtles since the first hatching on June 23.