BRIEFCASE.

Byline: - Staff and Wire Services

Katrina losses no shock to Farmers

Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance Group of Companies announced Tuesday an estimated pre-tax loss of $200 million to $220 million from Hurricane Katrina.

The estimate is within total expected catastrophe losses for the year and will not affect plans for surplus growth in insurance exchanges in 2005, Farmers officials said.

Farmers anticipates about 32,000 Katrina claims, ``on which our National Catastrophe Team is making good progress already,'' according to a printed statement from the group.

Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi are relatively new markets for Farmers, whose market share in those states is about 3 percent in homeowner policies and even less in auto insurance, according to the group.

Judge urged to kill plea deal for Yuen

Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. asked a judge Tuesday to reject a plea deal for former Chief Executive Officer Henry C. Yuen, arguing he deserves a harsher sentence for obstructing a federal investigation into company accounting practices.

Yuen, who was forced out of his management post in 2002 and later charged with inflating revenue, was expected - under a deal that would keep him out of prison - to plead guilty Tuesday to a felony charge of obstruction of justice.

But U.S. District Court Judge John Walter said he needed additional information to determine whether to accept the plea.

Under the terms of the plea deal, Yuen would be sentenced to two years probation, including six months of home detention. He would also have to pay a $250,000 fine, donate a total of $1 million to three charities that represent low-income victims of fraud, and face other restrictions.

Yuen's sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19. However, if Walter rejects the plea agreement, Yuen could have to stand trial.

Calls to Yuen's attorney, Stanley S. Arkin, were not immediately returned. Gemstar-TV Guide declined further comment.

Firm announces pact with Rutgers

Universal Detection Technology on Tuesday announced an agreement with Rutgers University for independent testing of the company's BSM-2000 device to detect anthrax and other bioterrorism threats.

The device is based on advanced technology developed by scientists in NASA's space program, according to the Los Angeles-based developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats.

The Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation is testing the technology as part of a national program of university transportation centers funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The mission of the federally supported Rutgers program includes improvement of the nation's transportation infrastructure in the critical areas of safety and national security.

McDonald's offers Monopoly prizes

OAK BROOK - McDonald's Corp. on Tuesday launched what it called its biggest promotion ever, reprising a version of its Monopoly game for a third straight year with partner Best Buy Co. Inc.

The Monopoly Best Chance Game 3.0 will run through Oct. 31 or while distribution supplies last at participating U.S. McDonald's.

McDonald's is giving away $1 million cash, and customers also can win a car, a chance to be in an upcoming Hollywood movie, a home electronics makeover and other prizes. All told, $200 million is available for total winnings, according to the fast-food company.

Customers can play by purchasing medium and large soft drinks, large fries, hash browns, chicken breast strips and premium chicken sandwiches. They also can play online.