Maryland officials will appeal a federal government's decision to deny millions of dollars in disaster aid sought by the state, following the Freddie Gray riots in Baltimore that left the state with excessive repair costs. Doug Mayer, a spokesman for Gov. Larry Hogan said in a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), that the governor's office “will be pushing to have the decision reversed.” FEMA's decision, which claims that the aid was “not appropriate” for rioting events, is under review by the Hogan Administration. If granted, the FEMA aid would cover 75% of eligible costs for state and city public agencies.

American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is making it possible for students in 19 global cities to acquire valuable skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness through a generous grant of $425,000 to implement Junior Achievement USA^® (JA) programs. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade will benefit from JA programming during the 2015–2016 school year. The initiative will enable students to learn important skills, including creating a budget, becoming work-ready and developing a business plan. AIG employees will serve as JA classroom volunteers and board members, while supporting other special events.

Leavitt Group's Las Vegas office was recently awarded an “Agency Excellence Award” at the group's annual conference. Wade Leavitt, local managing co-owner of Leavitt Insurance Agency, who accepted the award with co-owner Dave Johnson, was also recognized for his 30-year service with the company.