California AG Halts Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Talks Over Alleged Leaks
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has canceled a planned meeting with Paramount Skydance over settlement talks aimed at resolving the state’s lawsuit against its proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. Bonta accused Paramount of leaking and misrepresenting the substance of discussions, calling it a sign of “bad faith.” The move comes as David Ellison faces mounting pressure from 12 states challenging the merger, despite California Gov. Gavin Newsom signaling support for settlement talks.
Raiders Make Record $25M Gift to Build Nevada Children’s Hospital
The Las Vegas Raiders are making their largest philanthropic commitment ever, donating $25 million to help build Nevada’s first stand-alone children’s hospital. The gift, led by owners Mark Davis, Egon Durban, and Michael Meldman, will support Intermountain Health’s 828,000-square-foot facility at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. The hospital will feature 180 beds and comprehensive pediatric care, with construction expected to begin soon and an anticipated opening in 2030.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Poised to Knock ‘Titanic’ From All-Time Top 5
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is closing in on another major box-office milestone. The Tom Holland-led blockbuster added $109 million globally over the weekend, bringing its worldwide total to $2.22 billion. It now sits just $44 million behind Titanic and is expected to pass James Cameron’s classic within days, moving into the all-time global top five. The film is also just $50 million behind Ne Zha 2 for No. 4. Cameron’s Avatar remains No. 1 with $2.9 billion.
Browns Name Deshaun Watson QB1 Over Shedeur Sanders
Deshaun Watson will start the season at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, beating out Shedeur Sanders for the job. Coach Todd Monken said Watson’s overall body of work gave Cleveland the best chance to win, making the decision a season-opening commitment rather than a week-to-week call. Watson’s selection comes despite his struggles this preseason and a poor track record since joining the Browns. He also apologized for calling fans “disrespectful” after being booed Saturday.
Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Adds Supreme Veteran as First-Ever Chief Design Officer
SKIMS has tapped longtime Supreme designer Erin Magee as its first-ever chief design officer, bringing 22 years of streetwear experience to Kim Kardashian’s rapidly expanding brand. Magee, who left Supreme last week, will oversee SKIMS’ design and creative product direction as the company expands its international footprint and product lineup. The appointment marks a major addition to the label’s creative leadership, while Kim Schraub was simultaneously promoted to the newly created role of chief brand officer.
Brad Pitt to Return to San Sebastian Film Festival After 17 Years
Brad Pitt is returning to Spain’s San Sebastian Film Festival for the first time since 2009, bringing his new film Heart of the Beast with director David Ayer. The Paramount thriller, screening out of competition, stars Pitt as a former Special Forces officer stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with his retired combat dog after a plane crash. The film reunites Pitt and Ayer, who previously worked together on Fury, and also stars J.K. Simmons.
Katt Williams Takes Bigger PGA Tour Role While Chasing Pro Golf Dream
Katt Williams is expanding his PGA Tour role, returning as an on-course correspondent for Thursday and Friday’s Tour Championship at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club. Williams and Michael Collins will follow the marquee group during the first 36 holes, providing commentary for ESPN. But the comedian has bigger ambitions: Williams says he wants to eventually play professional golf himself. After cutting eight strokes from his handicap, he’s now an 11 and hopes to keep improving.
‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ Sequel Is Coming to Paramount; Kate Hudson to Produce
A sequel to How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is in early development at Paramount, with original star Kate Hudson attached to produce. The studio hopes Hudson and Matthew McConaughey will reprise their roles as Andie Anderson and Benjamin Barry, though no deals are set. A screenwriter is still being sought, meaning casting and creative decisions remain ahead. The project arrives amid Hollywood’s growing appetite for nostalgic revivals of ’90s and 2000s hits.
Astros Fire GM Dana Brown Despite Sitting Atop AL West
The Houston Astros have fired general manager Dana Brown despite sitting tied for first place in their division. The move comes after a disastrous homestand and with Houston entering September at 65-66, extending concerns over the club’s shrinking roster and farm-system depth. Brown, who joined the Astros in 2023, oversaw the end of the franchise’s eight-year playoff streak last season. Owner Jim Crane will oversee baseball operations during the transition.
Kit Harington to Replace Nicholas Hoult in ‘Harry Potter’ Season 2
Kit Harington is joining HBO’s Harry Potter series as Gilderoy Lockhart for Season 2, replacing Nicholas Hoult, who reportedly exited due to scheduling conflicts with Man of Tomorrow. The Game of Thrones star will play the narcissistic Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, previously portrayed by Kenneth Branagh in the 2002 film. Harington has already voiced Lockhart in the full-cast audiobook of The Chamber of Secrets. Season 2 is expected to begin production this fall.
Bitcoin Surges Toward $80K in Biggest Rally Since 2023
Crypto is starting the week with fresh momentum after Bitcoin posted its biggest three-day rally since 2023. Bitcoin rose about 2% Monday to nearly $80,000, while Ether climbed 2% to around $2,500. The surge follows $1.92 billion in weekly inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs and more than $4 billion in liquidated bearish positions. The rally was fueled in part by shifting Treasury policy, which pushed yields lower and renewed demand for risk assets.
Walmart Bets on Fashion to Reignite Sales Growth
Walmart is stepping up its fashion push with Scenario, a new women’s clothing and accessories brand designed to attract younger shoppers. Most items, including blouses and faux leather bags, will cost less than $25, keeping the line aligned with Walmart’s value-focused customer base. The launch comes as the retailer contends with slowing sales growth and increased competition from Amazon, with Walmart betting that a stronger fashion business can help reignite momentum.
Image: Cheng Xin / Getty Images
Read More:
Inside Christian McCaffrey’s Year-Long Obsession Building the Perfect Signature Shoe
Skilla Baby Finally Made an Album He’s Completely Satisfied With
Nneka Ogwumike Is Retiring From the WNBA On Her Own Terms
Jaylen Brown Opens Up on How NBA Wealth Changed His Life & Relationships
‘Prolific’ Track by Track: Bino Rideaux on the Last Album He Made with Nipsey Hussle
