Companies

W. R. Berkley launches Berkley Meridian specialty insurance unit
New unit combines Verus and Vela under Marlo Morrison's leadership, targeting excess and surplus wholesale broker market with expanded underwriting capabilities.

CACI opens 61,000 sq ft defense electronics plant in New York
New facility in Greater Rochester will produce electronic warfare systems for the U.S. Army, expanding CACI’s manufacturing capacity by over 300%. The site will also support local small businesses and future software-defined capabilities.

Rocket One unveils AI drone-swarm training platform for U.S. defense
Swarm Stage AI enables large-scale counter-drone simulations using 2,500+ field-tested formations. Platform designed to replicate mass drone threats for military training and evaluation.

FCC probes Disney’s DEI practices as agency defends investigation
FCC Chair Brendan Carr says no decision has been made yet on revoking Disney’s ABC licenses amid a probe into diversity initiatives. The agency faces pushback over its early review of the broadcaster’s eight owned stations.

Crypto-funded PAC spends $2M in Florida congressional primary
Protect Progress PAC, backed by Coinbase and Ripple, targets Democratic candidate Oliver Gilbert with ads amid low digital asset focus in the race. Total spending by Fairshake affiliates reaches $82M in 2024 primaries.

Trump conducts in-person interviews for FDA commissioner role
White House seeks to fill top health agency post amid leadership turnover. Interviews this week focus on candidates including a White House aide and oncology network leader.

Genentech completes $2 bln North Carolina biomanufacturing facility
Structural framework finished for Genentech's first East Coast plant, part of a $50 bln Roche commitment to U.S. biotech infrastructure. Facility to employ 2,000+ once operational.

Taboola to power NBC News display ads in expanded deal
Partnership expands beyond native ads to programmatic display campaigns on NBCNews.com and TODAY.com, leveraging Taboola's Realize platform for performance-based advertising.

PayPal and Venmo added to tuition payment options at U.S. universities
Students at 150+ schools can now pay tuition via PayPal or Venmo, expanding digital payment options for education expenses. Integration includes security features and direct processing through existing portals.

Zühlke appoints Kovacevic as CMO and Schulz as CCO
Swiss innovation and tech services provider Zühlke names Natasa Kovacevic Chief Marketing Officer and Thomas Schulz Chief Commercial Officer to its Group Leadership Team.

Total Wireless adds Western Union money services to 2,000 U.S. stores
Prepaid carrier expands bill payments, money orders and transfers at standard rates, with one free transfer monthly for select plan holders. Rollout runs through year-end.

Charles Schwab to expand India tech hub to 2,000 staff by 2027
Hyderabad-based global capability centre to add 500 employees in first year, replacing some outsourced roles. Expansion reflects India’s $100 billion GCC industry amid cautious hiring trends.

U.S. court upholds $1 billion real estate antitrust settlement
Appeals panel rejects objections to NAR-led deal resolving claims of inflated agent commissions. Total payout exceeds $1 billion, including $418 million from the trade group.

Total Wireless, Western Union expand money transfer services to 2,000+ U.S. stores
Partnership enables fee-free monthly transfers for eligible customers through 2026. Services include bill payments and money orders alongside 5G plans.

U.S. sanctions British Virgin Islands firm linked to Venezuela oil sector
Sanctions target Bluwaves Properties Limited, an offshore entity with ties to North American Blue Energy Partners, a major Venezuelan private oil producer. The move follows a $300 million sale by U.S. energy magnate Harry Sargeant III.

Griffon raises $800M via senior notes, extends credit facility to 2031
The diversified building products maker issued 6.25% senior notes due 2034 and extended its $500 million revolving credit line by three years. Proceeds will refinance 2028 notes.

YouTube in talks for NBA local streaming rights deal worth $1B+
Proposed nine-year agreement would aggregate regional team broadcasts starting in the 2027-28 season, with fees tied to market size and subscription-based recoupment.

Putin, Myanmar junta leader discuss energy projects in Moscow talks
Russian president and Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing explore oil refinery, LNG supply and nuclear plant projects during first non-neighbouring visit since April presidency.

Autozi secures $30 million for global automotive supply chain expansion
Chinese automotive parts platform Autozi plans to use the funds to enhance digital logistics, cross-border procurement and M&A as part of its supply-chain integration strategy.

Crypto PAC Fairshake wins 4 of 5 primaries, loses $2M Florida race
Pro-crypto PACs spent $3.6M across three states, securing wins for four candidates in House and Senate races while a fifth Florida candidate overcame $2M in negative ads. The results may shape 2026 midterm influence and crypto-related legislation.

Eurowings resumes Dubai flights after eight-month hiatus
Lufthansa’s low-cost unit restores direct routes to Dubai from Berlin, Stuttgart and Cologne/Bonn starting Oct. 25. Premium Business seats with 4-abreast configuration to launch Dec. 1.

Swiss financial planner flags 'fourth pillar' of retirement savings
A Zurich-based financial planner estimates a 40-year-old needs an extra CHF 570,000 to maintain a CHF 100,000 annual retirement income. ETF savings plans and Pillar 3a tax-advantaged accounts cited as key tools.

Genfer Privatbank Hinduja wechselt zu ARYA, ernennt neuen CEO
Das traditionsreiche Schweizer Private-Banking-Haus Hinduja Banque Privée wird als ARYA Banque Privée neu positioniert, mit modernisierter Führung und einer produktorientierten Strategie. Pascal Botteron übernimmt die CEO-Rolle.

Raiffeisen ex-CEO Vincenz awaits appeal verdict in Zurich
Former Raiffeisen and Aduno executives face reduced sentences after appeal hearing highlights disputes over hidden stakes, loan payments and alleged financial harm.

