National News

How Commercial Insurance Rates Changed in Q4 and 2018: IVANS

Renewal premium rates for nearly all major commercial insurance lines increased in the fourth quarter of last year with the exception of workers’ compensation where the average rate dropped and remained negative. The 2018 IVANS Index for Q4 and year-end …

Judge Lets Berkshire Hathaway’s Dairy Queen Sue Over ‘Blizzard’ Trademark

A federal judge in Minnesota ruled this week that Dairy Queen, owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., may pursue its lawsuit to stop W.B. Mason Co. from selling “Blizzard” bottled spring water, the name it uses for a popular …

Alphabet Directors Sued Over Exit Pay, Coverups Tied to Harassment Allegations

Alphabet Inc.’s directors were sued by shareholders for approving a $90 million exit payment to Andy Rubin, the creator of the Android mobile software, while helping cover up his alleged misconduct and similar misbehavior by other executives. The investors claimed …

Brightway Goes ‘All In’ on Independent Agents, Unveils No-Cost Path to Agency Ownership

On the heels of celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Jacksonville, Fla.-based Brightway Insurance, a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent agencies, has unveiled a no-upfront cost program for independent insurance agents that offers a path to …

There’s 65% Chance That Weak El Niño Will Emerge in Spring, Says U.S. Weather Service

There is a 65 percent chance of an El Niño weather pattern emerging during the northern hemisphere spring this year, a U.S. government weather forecaster said on Thursday. “However, given the timing and that a weak event is favored, significant …

Neiman Marcus Settles Data Breach Claims With States for $1.5 Million

More than 40 state attorneys general have announced a $1.5 million settlement with The Neiman Marcus Group LLC over a data breach the Dallas-based retailer disclosed in January 2014. The breach exposed customer credit card data at 77 Neiman Marcus …

U.S. Says Air Travel Safe After Workers Warn of Risks of Shutdown

U.S. airport security workers and air traffic controllers working without pay have been warning that security and safety could be compromised if the government shutdown continues, but the Trump administration said on Wednesday that staffing is adequate and travelers have …

Former Insys CEO Pleads Guilty to Opioid Bribes; Agrees to Work with Prosecutors

The former chief executive of Insys Therapeutics Inc. pleaded guilty on Wednesday to participating in a nationwide scheme to bribe doctors to prescribe an addictive opioid medication and has agreed to become a government witness. Michael Babich, who resigned as …

Fiat Chrysler to Pay $700M to U.S., States, Car Owners Over Diesel Emissions Claims

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will pay more than $700 million to resolve lawsuits from the U.S. Justice Department and diesel owners over claims it used illegal software to allow 104,000 diesel vehicles to emit excess emissions, three people briefed on …

Medical Marijuana Patients Admit Driving While Under Influence

More than half of people who take medical cannabis for chronic pain say they’ve driven under the influence of cannabis within two hours of using it, at least once in the last six months, according to a new study. One …

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