Paramount goes hostile in bid for Warner Bros., challenging a $72 billion offer by Netflix
NEW YORK (AP) — Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The effort announced Monday initiates a potentially bruising battle with Netflix to buy the company behind HBO and CNN, along with the power to reshape much of the nation’s entertainment landscape. Emerging just days after Netflix reached a $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros., the takeover attempt means Paramount will go straight to Warner shareholders with a bid worth about $74.4 billion, or $30 per share in cash. Unlike Netflix, Paramount is also offering to buy the cable television assets of Warner Bros.
IBM buys data streaming platform Confluent in $11 billion deal
IBM has announced it's acquiring data streaming platform Confluent in an $11 billion deal. The companies have signed a definitive agreement for IBM to buy all of Confluent's common stock at $31 per share in cash. Confluent is an open-source platform that connects, processes, and governs data and events in real time. IBM's CEO, Arvind Krishna, says the acquisition will enhance AI services by improving data communication and flow. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, pending approval from Confluent shareholders and regulators.
Golden Globes enter the world of podcasts and tread carefully, avoiding controversy
NEW YORK (AP) — The Golden Globes have introduced a best podcast category that's likely to spark conversations. On Monday, the Globes announced six nominees, including “Armchair Expert” and “SmartLess.” They represented a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews. Notably absent are politically oriented podcasts like “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “Pod Save America.” Experts suggest the Globes aim to avoid controversy by focusing on entertainment. The selection process has raised questions, as Luminate Data, owned by Penske Media Corp., chose the nominees. Despite the controversy, the inclusion of podcasts in a major awards show is seen as a positive step, highlighting the medium's growing influence and mainstream appeal.
Trump approves sale of more advanced Nvidia computer chips used in AI to China
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he will allow Nvidia to sell its H200 computer chip used in the development of artificial intelligence to “approved customers” in China. Trump said Monday on his social media site that he had informed China’s leader Xi Jinping and “President Xi responded positively!” There had been concerns about allowing advanced computer chips into China as it could help them to compete against the U.S. in building out AI capabilities. But there has also been a desire to develop the AI ecosystem with American companies such as chipmaker Nvidia.
ICEBlock app maker sues Trump administration over its pressure on Apple to remove app
The maker of an iPhone app that flagged sightings of U.S. immigration agents has sued the Trump administration for free speech violations. The lawsuit, filed Monday, alleges that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi used her power to force Apple to remove the app. Apple removed ICEBlock and other apps from its store in October after Bondi claimed they put Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at risk. The lawsuit argues that the government's actions violated the First Amendment. It also seeks protection for the Texas-based developer from prosecution. The Department of Justice declined comment on the lawsuit.
AI-powered police body cameras, once taboo, get tested on Canadian city's 'watch list' of faces
Police in Edmonton, Canada, have started a pilot project using AI-equipped body cameras to detect faces on a "high risk" watch list. The move by Axon Enterprise, Inc. has raised ethical concerns, especially since the company previously paused facial recognition due to privacy issues. The pilot aims to enhance officer and public safety by identifying individuals flagged for a history of serious offenses. However, critics worry about societal risks and the lack of public debate. Axon CEO Rick Smith describes the project as "early-stage field research" to gather insights. The pilot will run through December, with results analyzed later at the station.
As sea drones force Russia to retreat, Ukraine examines ways to launch more complex attacks
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A top Ukrainian sea-drone commander says more complex attacks on Russian forces are expected next year as Kyiv’s uncrewed fleet continues to restrict the once-dominant Black Sea navy. The officer, known as “13th,” told The Associated Press that Russia has adapted by keeping ships in port and operating at greater distances, reducing opportunities for high-profile strikes. The defense intelligence agency's Group 13 operates Magura drones that have played a key role in limiting Russian movements, while Ukraine plans to expand drone production with NATO partners. The commander said deeper use of artificial intelligence will enhance targeting and keep pressure on Russian forces.
Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. studio and streaming business for $72 billion
NEW YORK (AP) — Netflix has struck a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, the Hollywood giant behind “Harry Potter” and HBO Max. The $72 billion deal announced Friday would bring together two of the biggest players in television and film and potentially reshape the entertainment industry. If approved by regulators, the merger would put two of the world’s biggest streaming services under the same ownership — and join Warner’s television and motion picture division, including DC Studios, with Netflix’s vast library and its production arm, which has released popular titles such as “Stranger Things” and “Squid Game.”
Notable early reaction to Netflix's deal to acquire Warner Bros.
NEW YORK (AP) — Netflix's $72 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. studio has sparked reactions from the worlds of entertainment, politics and business. Michael O’Leary, CEO of Cinema United, warns that Netflix's model could harm theaters and communities. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls the deal an “anti-monopoly nightmare,” fearing higher prices and fewer choices. Former WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar believes it will reduce competition. And the Producers Guild of America said Friday that a key test for Netflix to pass is whether the deal “promotes opportunities for workers and artists, empowers consumers with choices, and upholds freedom of speech.”
Georgia Power says it needs a huge increase in power capacity to meet data center demand
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia's largest utility wants to spend more than $15 billion to increase its electricity capacity by 50% over the next six years to serve data centers. It would be one of the biggest buildouts to meet the demand from developers of artificial intelligence. The five elected Republicans on Georgia's Public Service Commission will vote on the request by Georgia Power on Dec. 19. The decision comes as electricity bills have emerged as a potent political issue. In Georgia, voters ousted two incumbent Republicans in favor of Democrats last month. Those Democrats won in campaigns that centered on Georgia Power bill increases, even though the company agreed to a three-year rate freeze.
