In a stunning twist in the months-long war between Netflix and Paramount over which company would purchase Warner Bros., the streaming giant has bowed out. After Warner Bros. released a statement on Thursday saying that the company’s board of directors viewed Paramount’s latest offer as a “superior proposal,” and that Netflix had four days to respond, the streamer backed out of the bidding war. “Under the terms of the Netflix merger agreement, this notice triggers a four business day period during which Netflix has the right to propose revisions to the Netflix merger agreement so that the PSKY proposal would cease to constitute a ‘Company Superior Proposal,'” Warner Bros. stated in their press release. Netflix Co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters responded in a statement of their own. “The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval. However, we’ve always been disciplined, and at the price required to match Paramount Skydance’s latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match the Paramount Skydance bid,” Sarandos and Peters said. The company heads added that they believe Netflix would have taken good care of the Warner Bros. IP (intellectual property) and “strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the U.S.” “But this transaction was always a ‘nice to have’ at the right price, not a ‘must have’ at any price,” they concluded. Paramount’s most recent bid raised the per-share price to $31, and featured a ticking fee, which would have paid shareholders if the deal took too long to come to fruition. Additionally, the company offered a $7 billion breakup fee, which would be paid if the deal were to fall through due to regulatory issues, and a nearly $3 billion fee that Warner Bros. owes Netflix as a result of their prior deal not materializing. Netflix’s last offer was valued at $82.7 billion, and was aimed at purchasing Warner Bros.’ film and streaming divisions (HBO Max), as well as DC Comics. Paramount, on the other hand, would be purchasing all of Warner Bros. Discovery, including its linear and cable TV networks. There has been much consternation in Hollywood, especially following the Disney-Fox acquisition, over the Warner Bros. bidding war, with many in the industry voicing concerns that further media consolidation would do irreparable damage to the movie and TV business, with lost jobs and fewer options for creatives. Though neither company (Paramount or Netflix) were favored by those in the industry, Netflix was viewed with a particularly skeptical eye as some questioned the streaming giant’s commitment to the theatrical experience. Others view Paramount CEO David Ellison’s apparently close relationship with the Trump administration as a reason for pause.

Several prominent Democrats decried the fact that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended a number of DACA (Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals) recipients during the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, demanding that they be given a “path to citizenship” in spite of data showing the “vast majority” of them had criminal histories. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released a joint statement with Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), protesting the arrests and casting doubt on Homeland Security’s assertion that 92% had criminal histories outside of immigration-related civil violations. News of DACA recipients being arrested and deported is deeply troubling. These arrests disrupt families, harm communities, and inflict unnecessary social, emotional, and economic costs. And it is a waste of taxpayer dollars. Secretary Noem’s response to our letter claims that 241 of the 261 DACA recipients arrested had ‘criminal histories,’ without providing any further details. DACA recipients go through strict background checks every time they renew this protection, and the Trump Administration has not hesitated to arrest immigrants with no serious criminal convictions and falsely label them the “worst of the worst.” In the face of this Administration’s actions, it is important for Congress to protect young people who know no other home than the United States and continue the critical work to find a pathway to citizenship for them. We won’t accept partial information, and we demand that Secretary Noem provide more information on their basis for arresting and deporting DACA holders immediately. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in her letter to Durbin, explained, “[DACA] comes with no right or entitlement to remain in the United States indefinitely. Aliens with certain criminal histories will not be considered for DACA. Further, those who violate the terms are also subject to termination and removal.” According to data compiled by the federal government and shared in Noem’s letter to Durbin, immigration agents arrested 261 DACA recipients in the first ten months of 2025 — and 241 (92%) of those arrested had criminal histories apart from civil immigration violations. Just over one-third (86) of those arrested were subsequently deported. Durbin responded by claiming that the arrests were “wrongful,” despite the overwhelming number with criminal histories, and that “Dreamers” should be given a path to citizenship. “The Trump Administration just admitted to wrongfully arresting 261 DACA recipients. 86 were deported. Dreamers deserve a path to citizenship, not deportation,” he posted on X on Thursday. DACA was a program implemented by former President Barack Obama’s administration, and offered work permits and temporary deportation protections for those who either entered the United States illegally or overstayed their visas when they were children. President Trump’s first-term attempt to terminate DACA altogether was blocked by the Supreme Court in 2020.

When the news of a Goldendoodle abandoned at Harry Reid International Airport began to circulate, outrage quickly followed. Security reportedly told the woman she could not bring the animal in without proper service animal paperwork. Instead of providing paperwork, she allegedly tied the dog up and went to board her flight. Officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department quickly responded and took the woman into custody. But her sweet dog had nowhere to go. “Animal Protective Services took custody of the dog. After the mandatory 10-day hold period passed and the owner never returned, Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas stepped in. The dog — now affectionately named ‘Jet Blue’ — is safe, in foster care, and will soon be placed in a new, loving home,” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police shared on X. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LVMPD (@lvmpd) Life is Looking Up for the Abandoned Goldendoodle The dog’s owner never returned to claim it, but the abandoned Goldendoodle had a very happy ending. Officer Skeeter Black, who responded to the call at the airport, officially adopted Jet Blue. “Officer Black and his family had already been approved through Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas months earlier while searching to adopt a golden doodle of their own. Following the mandatory hold period, the rescue organization selected them to provide Jet Blue with the safe and loving home he deserves,” the police shared on Instagram. “I’m so happy that this beautiful baby will have a loving home & will be cared for and not abandoned. God Bless them all,” a follower shared. “Yay! Just read the story (I’m in Idaho, used to live in Vegas), and I’m so happy this pup got a good home to go to,” another person wrote. “Cheers to Jet Blue and Officer Skeeter Black!” This story’s featured image can be found here.

If you love a good parade, NASA has great news for you. Days from now, six planets will come together for a planetary parade of sorts, giving stargazers a spectacular view! According to NASA, new sonification from its Chandra X-ray Observatory, released Feb. 25, provided great insight into what to expect in the sky.       “While Chandra is best known for its X-ray insight into black holes and other extreme objects, the telescope has also played an important role in the exploration of our solar system. The Sun gives off X-rays that travel out into the solar system and can be reflected by planets, moons, and other bodies. This gives astronomers a unique window into certain physics that cannot be discovered through other kinds of telescopes,” NASA explained. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ABC News (@abcnews) The Planetary Parade Will Be a Sight to See Per ABC News, Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will all be part of the planetary parade. “For the best view, astronomy guides recommend looking toward the western horizon about 30 minutes after sunset. This will give viewers the highest probability of spotting at least three planets at the same time, since Saturn, Mercury, and Venus set in the west right after the sun,” ABC explained. Many shared their excitement for the planetary parade. “Gazing Heavenward Forever,” someone wrote. Others wondered the best way to watch the show. “Will nasa show it on their website feed?” A follower asked. This person is ready for the planetary parade. They marked it on the calendar a long time ago so they wouldn’t miss the show. “I put it on my calendar a while back for Saturday the 28th,” they wrote. We love these rare opportunities and know where we’ll be on Saturday night! This story’s featured image can be found here.

Delta flight attendants created an incredible homecoming celebration for Team USA 2026 Olympic Gold Medal figure skater Alysa Liu. They decorated the jetway with balloons and streamers before making a sweet announcement for Alysa. A viral video captured the touching post-Olympic moment, and we’re all in our feels. “Ladies and gentlemen, today we welcome home a new champion. After representing us with courage, dedication and excellence, please join me in celebrating our gold medalist Alysa Liu, who brought home the gold from the olympic games… welcome home champion,” the flight attendant said. @tbaabyy28 So dope! Not everyday you get to meet a gold medalist & from your hometown! She made the #bayarea so proud!! Congratulations #alysaliu #foryoupage #goldmedal #olympics ♬ MacArthur Park – Single Version – Donna Summer Seeing Alysa Liu Return Home Meant So Much to Fans “The excitement surrounding her homecoming is palpable—her accomplishments are a testament to the talent nurtured in the Bay Area. Celebrating together as a community aids in fostering future generations of athletes who aspire to follow in her footsteps,” the video’s caption reads in part. As Alysa expected the plane, she beamed as fans cheered. “Congratulations, Alysa Liu, for making the Bay Area proud with your hard-earned gold medal! Your success is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing your future endeavors in sports and beyond,” the caption added. Alysa Liu is a hero for so many. “Busy celebrating the queen until further notice,” Walmart commented. “So what day is her parade because it is that serious,” another fan asked. Alysa Liu’s return made many people, including us, cry. “Why’d I get all choked up listening to the flight attendant talk about Alysa Liu,” someone asked. “Why did this make me wanna start sobbing?” another person asked. We can’t wait to see what Alysa’s future has in store. We’re here for the  skating and her incredible vibe. She’s got it all. This story’s featured image is by Tang Xinyu/VCG via Getty Images.

'I am upset and saddened. He was such a good actor and person'

'we're getting to the bottom of what exactly happened there'

Discover how medieval armor, from chainmail to plate designs, shaped retro gaming worlds. Learn about historical elements that influenced pixel art aesthetics. The post 3 Retro Gaming Worlds Built on Medieval Armour appeared first on The Retro Network.

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to secure American elections without relying on Congress passing legislation. Trump has directed his counsel’s office to explore if he could develop an executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo identification at polling locations across the country, MS NOW first reported. The Washington Post reported that Trump is preparing a 17-page executive order to declare a national emergency over elections and ban mail-in ballots and voting machines, on the basis that they are susceptible to foreign interference. Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief white house strategist, told The Daily Signal the president should declare an emergency to secure elections ahead of the 2026 midterms. “It’s the president’s duty as commander-in-chief to declare a national security emergency and take all necessary precautions today to ensure the safety of the November elections—I just pray we are not already too late,” Bannon said. It is unclear if the president can use an executive order in this way, as the Elections Clause of the Constitution gives the state legislatures and Congress, not the executive branch, the power to regulate elections. But Cleta Mitchell, chairwoman of the Trump-friendly Election Integrity Network, told The Daily Signal the president is not going to do anything that is not fully based in law. “I’ve had no conversations with anyone that would suggest in any way that the president is going to issue some kind of illegal order that’s not based in law,” Mitchell said. “He hasn’t done that yet.” Democrats and the corporate media like to portray the president as being willing to issue orders without legal footing, but that’s not what he does, Mitchell said. Mitchell cited Democracy Docket founder Marc Elias, who responded to reports of the executive order saying, “My team and I have been anticipating this for months. It is unconstitutional and illegal.” “The media should note: Last time he issued an EO about voting, we sued and won,” Elias said. “If Trump issues such an order we will sue again, and we will win again.” Though a judge earlier this year blocked Trump’s Executive Order 14248 strengthening voter citizenship verification, Mitchell is confident the order was legal, and the judge’s ruling will be overturned. “Something is not going to be issued by President Trump and coming from his White House that is not fully grounded,” according to Mitchell. “He hasn’t done that previously, and he’s not going to do it now.” No matter what’s in the executive order, Executive Director of the Honest Elections Project Jason Snead expects to see litigation. “Almost no matter what is ultimately in the order, it will be challenged in court,” he said. Snead thinks an executive order could legally encourage states to pass voter ID laws. “There’s a lot that could be done to nudge states towards enacting voter identification laws,” Snead said. “The states have primary regulatory authority in this space and then Congress, as far as congressional elections are concerned, as there’s a certain amount of leeway under the Elections Clause to make or alter state regulations.” “I don’t think that we should discount the role of states here,” he added. The president’s turn to executive authority to secure elections comes after Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., seemed to rule out using the talking filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act. The SAVE America Act would institute national requirements of proof of citizenship to register to vote, as well as photo identification to vote in federal elections. The act doesn’t have the 60 votes to pass the Senate unless Thune invokes the talking filibuster, a procedural maneuver that would only require 50 votes for the bill’s passage. “If we were to go down that path, it’s very hard to pivot and get back to open up the government,” Thune said of the talking filibuster Wednesday. “There just isn’t the support for doing that at this point,” he added. Trump asked lawmakers to pass the SAVE America Act in his Tuesday State of the Union. “The cheating is rampant in our elections. … We have to stop it, John,” he said. “We have to stop it.” The post Can Trump Use Executive Authority to Require Voter ID? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Communists in Hollywood Refuse to Host the Anti-Communist Film Festival