Companies

U.S. Education Department moves to strip ABA of law school accreditor status
Federal review finds American Bar Association's legal education council lacks independence; revocation could disrupt law school accreditation and bar exam access. ABA disputes findings ahead of September hearing.

Allianz Commercial appoints Emma Woolley as global specialty president
Woolley will lead specialty lines and UK operations, joining Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE board and reporting to CEO Thomas Lillelund. Appointment pending regulatory approval.

Ukrainian drones strike Ozon warehouse in Russia’s Samara region
Ozon halts operations at Chapayevsk logistics hub after overnight drone attack; Governor reports injuries. Russia claims 457 Ukrainian drones intercepted.

NHTSA launches probe into 997,743 GM trucks, SUVs over engine failures
U.S. auto safety regulator opens engineering analysis into post-recall engine issues in GM pickup trucks and SUVs from model years 2021-2026. Nearly 500 complaints received since last year's recall.

JPMorgan poaches Bank of America tech M&A head Fishman
David Fishman, co-head of TMT banking at Bank of America, joins JPMorgan as head of North America technology M&A. Internal memo details reshuffle and new advisory council.

Swiss independent wealth managers warned on unapproved AI use
Regulators and compliance experts urge firms to adopt approved AI tools to avoid breaches of Swiss data protection and professional secrecy laws amid rising 'shadow AI' risks.

Asure Software to expand AWS Marketplace reach with payroll tax solutions
Asure Software will begin co-selling its payroll tax and treasury solutions to 330,000 AWS enterprise customers starting in September. The move follows a partnership with AWS Premier Partner Labra.io.

University of Georgia extends biotech partnership with Lokahi Therapeutics
Renewed collaboration to continue student-driven therapeutic asset evaluation program, with 64 participants in first year and over 45 assets identified.

ESPN fantasy draft to feature live picks from 35,000 feet on United flight
The 2026 ESPN Fantasy Football Draft will include a live pick from a United Airlines flight, showcasing Starlink Wi-Fi capabilities. Broadcast begins Aug. 25 at 9 p.m. ET.

Deutsche Bank launches UK auto sales tracker as Chinese exports surge
New monthly monitor tracks Britain’s fast-growing auto market amid 21% export growth from China in 2025 and 14% UK sales rise in July.

LiveWire begins U.S. deliveries of S4 Honcho Trail electric motorcycles
First production units shipped to U.S. dealers as part of LiveWire's mini-moto platform rollout. European expansion planned for fall.

Dermata opens preorders for Tome skincare product ahead of launch
Tome Foundational Treatment, priced at $178 with four weekly treatments, begins shipping on Aug. 25. Subscribers receive a 10% discount on the direct-to-consumer product.

PSQ Payments to integrate with LendSuite’s lending platforms in September
PSQ Payments will offer card, ACH, RTP and FedNow processing to about 150 lenders via LendSuite’s Infinity Software, Tekambi and EPIC Loan Systems. Integration to launch next month.

Airbus softens return-to-office policy after union protests
Aerospace giant backs away from mandated four-day on-site work after strikes in Spain and France over teleworking terms. CEO cites need for gradual transition amid workforce feedback.

Judge trims Ben & Jerry's lawsuit against Unilever, Magnum as defendant
A U.S. judge dismissed seven claims in a dispute over alleged suppression of activism and withheld payments, leaving two payment-related claims and part of a governance dispute intact. Magnum Ice Cream now leads the case.

Southern Water’s credit outlooks upgraded by Moody’s and S&P
Moody’s shifts outlook to positive, S&P revises to stable, as degearing and shareholder support bolster credit profile ahead of 2029 targets.

China’s offshore trust tax crackdown forces wealthy investors to reassess holdings
New 20% levy on offshore trusts and stricter reporting rules prompt China’s super-rich to unwind structures, liquidate assets or seek alternative offshore arrangements amid broader tax enforcement push.

Hyundai workers launch first major strike in a decade over pay and automation
South Korean automaker hit by walkout involving Hyundai, Kia and suppliers over demands for higher pensions, job security and bonuses. Production losses already top 55,200 vehicles.

U.S. retail sales dip as consumers prioritize essentials over discretionary spending
July marked the first decline in U.S. retail sales in nine months, with Walmart reporting its slowest same-store sales growth in six years. Shoppers are cutting back on non-essentials while maintaining foot traffic at discount retailers.

EU ends antitrust probe into RTX unit after contract changes
European Commission closes investigation into Pratt & Whitney Canada after the company revised clauses that restricted spare parts suppliers' access to inputs and services.

Trump-backed IndyCar race in D.C. secures Boeing, Starlink, Delta as sponsors
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a 250-mile race through downtown Washington, D.C., has attracted major corporate backing including Boeing, SpaceX’s Starlink, and Delta Air Lines, with President Trump set to attend.

Swarmer teams with Erik Prince's Vectus on air defense systems
Drone autonomy firm Swarmer partners with Prince-backed Vectus to deploy layered air-defense systems via a private-sector service model. Deal builds on over 100,000 combat missions supported by Swarmer since 2024.

Australia probes fourth Sydney airport runway incident in a month
Regulator examines near-miss involving Qantas planes after air traffic control clearance conflict. Investigation follows three prior incidents and a June survey citing training pressures.

Judge dismisses most of Ben & Jerry’s lawsuit against Unilever
Manhattan judge narrows case alleging Unilever sought to silence activism and withheld payments, shifting focus to missed settlement funds.

