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As of December 31, 2025, Larry Ellison has personally guaranteed $40.4 billion to support Paramount Skydance's $108 billion hostile all-cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). This move addresses WBD's concerns over financing reliability, challenging Netflix's $82.7 billion cash-and-stock offer for part of WBD. The Ellisons aim to acquire all of WBD, including CNN and Discovery, intensifying a contentious bidding war with regulatory and shareholder implications.
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Carl Rinsch, known for directing '47 Ronin,' was convicted of defrauding Netflix of $11 million intended for a sci-fi series. Instead, he used the funds for luxury cars, jewelry, and risky investments. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2026.
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James Cameron’s 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' has surpassed $1 billion globally in three weeks, driven by strong international sales and holiday box office. Meanwhile, Disney’s 'Zootopia 2' remains a top performer, and Hollywood’s overall box office shows signs of recovery despite a challenging year.
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In early 2026, AI continues to reshape technology, with vibe coding revolutionizing software development, government launching a major tech talent initiative, and societal concerns rising over AI's influence on human behavior and security. These developments highlight rapid progress and emerging risks.
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A year into his second term, former President Trump exhibits increasingly unorthodox and aggressive actions, including pardons, attacks on critics, and efforts to undermine federal agencies. His behavior signals a potential auto-coup, with diminished White House resistance and rising far-right rhetoric, raising concerns about the stability of U.S. institutions.
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In 2025, Elon Musk experienced a tumultuous year marked by political alliances, failed government reforms, business setbacks, and expanding AI influence. His brief role in government efficiency efforts ended in chaos, while his companies faced both growth and decline amid global scrutiny and internal controversies. Today’s date is Thu, 01 Jan 2026.
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Streaming services are expected to continue raising prices in 2026 due to rising content costs and profitability challenges. Subscribers face more tier options, bundling strategies, and increased competition from free ad-supported platforms. Meanwhile, major players like HBO Max expand internationally, and Disney integrates Hulu into Disney+ to boost engagement.
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In 2025, K-pop's global influence was highlighted by a hit Netflix film and chart-topping songs, but industry disputes, notably involving NewJeans, reveal ongoing tensions between creative innovation and corporate control. Meanwhile, South Korea's gaming sector has rapidly expanded, transforming gaming into a legitimate and lucrative industry.
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The 2026 Golden Globes took place in Beverly Hills, with Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' leading nominations and winning multiple awards, including best film. The ceremony was hosted by Nikki Glaser and featured celebrity appearances, political pins, and sharp humor. The event is a key step in Hollywood's awards season.
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Danish developers have launched apps like 'Made O’Meter' and 'NonUSA' to help consumers identify and avoid American products amid rising tensions over Greenland. The apps gained significant downloads during recent diplomatic disputes, aiming to empower consumers and influence supermarket choices, though experts question their long-term impact.
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Dutch author Cees Nooteboom, renowned for his literary mastery and reporting on societal shifts, has died peacefully on Menorca. His extensive work, including novels and journalism, earned international acclaim. No funeral plans have been announced. He was 92.
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Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will face off again on September 19 at the Las Vegas Sphere, streamed on Netflix. The fight marks their second encounter, 11 years after their first, and will be the first boxing event at the Sphere. Both fighters are nearing 50 and have recently returned from retirement.
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Paramount's $81 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, creating a media giant with major franchises, is expected to close in Q3 2026. The deal faces regulatory scrutiny and involves significant debt, with key players linked to political figures and international investors.