Judge Steps Down From Oriska Case

New York Supreme Court Judge Samuel D. Hester stepped down in the battle for control of Oriska Insurance Co. on Monday, extending state Insurance Superintendent Howard Mills' role as temporary receiver through Aug. 16. Hester was scheduled to hear arguments Monday from the New York Insurance Department, which is seeking to force the workers' compensation carrier into rehabilitation over the objections of Oriskany, N.Y., insurance executive James M. Kernan. Mills said in court filings that Kernan controls a holding company that owns Oriska, Insurance Company of the Americas, Reinsurance Co. o...