Netflix Wins Warner Bros. Bidding War in $82.7B Deal
Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros., including its film/TV studios and HBO/HBO Max, in a deal worth $82.7 billion ($72 billion equity value), the companies announced Friday. The acquisition will combine Netflix’s global streaming platform with Warner Bros.’ iconic franchises such as Game of Thrones and the DC Universe. The deal, approved by both companies’ boards, is expected to close in 12-18 months after WBD spins off its global networks division and secures regulatory and shareholder approvals.
USMNT to Open 2026 World Cup at SoFi Stadium Against Paraguay
The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw is set, and the U.S. will open its campaign on June 12 at SoFi Stadium against Paraguay in Group D, alongside Australia and the winner of a March playoff between Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. The tournament itself kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City with Mexico facing South Africa. Other notable group-stage matchups include England vs. Croatia (Group L), France vs. Senegal (Group I), defending champion Argentina vs. Algeria (Group J), and Spain, the top-ranked team, opening against first-time participant Cape Verde.
‘Sinners’, ‘One Battle After Another’ Lead Critics’ Choice Nominations
Ironically, Warner Bros. led the 31st Critics’ Choice Awards film nominations with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Sinners topped the list with 17 nods, including Best Picture, Director, and Actor, while One Battle After Another followed with 14. Frankenstein and Hamnet earned 11 each. Notable snubs included Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good and Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, both widely expected to be included in the Best Actress race.
Visa Debuts Global Art Collection at Miami Art Basel
Visa hosted “The Art of the Draw” on Thursday night during Art Basel in Miami to launch its first global art collection, celebrating creativity and the upcoming World Cup. The event, hosted by KidSuper, featured artists, creators, and cultural leaders and unveiled the first five works by Cesar Canseco, Darien Birks, Rafael Mayani, Ivan Roque, and Nathan Walker. The collection, created by over 20 artists across six continents, highlights the cultural energy of World Cup host countries and emphasizes Visa’s view that creativity drives commerce and shapes global communities.
Architectural Trailblazer Frank Gehry Passes Away At 96
Groundbreaking architect Frank O. Gehry died Friday at his Santa Monica home at age 96. Best known for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, whose striking titanium form revived the Spanish city and made him a global name, Gehry became one of the most recognizable architects since Frank Lloyd Wright. Other notable works include Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall, Miami’s New World Center, and Paris’ Fondation Louis Vuitton. The 1989 Pritzker Prize winner first drew major attention in 1978 with his unconventional remodel of his Santa Monica home, signaling the bold, sculptural style that defined his career.
‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Opens to $7.2M, Down 30% From Original
The sequel Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, from Universal and Blumhouse, opened to $7.2 million, down 30% from the $10.3 million debut of the first film. Directed again by Emma Tammi, the $36 million movie aims to boost a typically slow post-Thanksgiving weekend at the box office. Unlike the first film, which faced cast publicity restrictions due to the actors’ strike and had a simultaneous streaming release on Peacock, Part 2 is a full theatrical release.
Consumer Spending Up $65.1B in September
Data released from the Commerce Department on Friday showed that core prices (excluding food and energy) rose 2.8% year-over-year in September, with a 0.2% increase for the month. Consumer spending grew by $65.1 billion, primarily driven by services, including housing and utilities (+15.4%), health care (+12.6%), financial services and insurance (+12.5%), and food services and accommodations (+8.2%). Energy-related spending, especially on gas, saw the largest increase at 17.2%. Overall, consumers spent $63.0 billion on services and $2.1 billion on goods.
Quinta Brunson Gives Back to Philly Schools with New Field Trip Fund
Quinta Brunson, Emmy-winning creator of Abbott Elementary, has launched the Quinta Brunson Field Trip Fund to support students in Philadelphia public schools. The fund will cover costs for field trips to museums, landmarks, parks, and other educational destinations, helping students from underserved communities gain enriching experiences. Brunson said while growing up in Philadelphia, field trips were among her most memorable educational experiences, inspiring creativity and broadening her perspective.
Michigan State Lands Historic $401M Gift, Largest in School History
Michigan State University announced a historic $401 million commitment from Greg and Dawn Williams, the largest single gift in MSU history and one of the biggest in college athletics. Of this, $290 million will support Spartan Athletics through the FOR SPARTA capital initiative, enhancing national competitiveness and long-term sustainability. An additional $100 million will be invested in Spartan Ventures, a new entity focused on revenue, innovation, and development for MSU Athletics, creating new funding streams, partnerships, and opportunities for student-athletes.
Taylor Swift Documentary to Air on The CW Next Week
The CW is set to air Taylor, a British Channel 4 documentary about Taylor Swift, on Dec. 13, the singer’s 36th birthday. Directed by Guy King and produced by Sandpaper Films, the one-off doc explores Swift’s 20-year career, highlighting her rise from ambitious teen to cultural icon. Featuring interviews with industry insiders, fans, and commentators, it includes rare archival footage and offers new insights into her influence and the community she inspires.
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