Author: rb809rb

  • David Zaslav Files to Sell $59 Million More in Warner Bros. Discovery Stock

    David Zaslav Files to Sell $59 Million More in Warner Bros. Discovery Stock

    As Paramount Skydance’s deal to take over Warner Bros. Discovery is still pending, WBD CEO David Zaslav is continuing to cash out his stock in the company he is set to depart in the coming months.

    Zaslav filed to sell about 2.18 million shares of Warner Bros. Discovery stock, valued at $59.47 million, according to an SEC filing Monday. That comes after Zaslav filed to sell $114 million worth of WBD stock in March.

    Once Paramount Skydance’s megadeal to buy WBD closes, Zaslav is poised to walk away with a golden parachute package that Warner Bros. Discovery this spring had pegged as being worth more than half a billion dollars. With the sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Paramount, Zaslav will have a net worth that has been estimated to be more than $1 billion.

    Zaslav has been among the highest-compensation CEOs in the media biz. In 2025, his pay package totaled $165 million, including $3 million base salary, $22.6 million in stock, a $25.7 million cash bonus and stock options valued at $109.6 million, according to a company SEC filing. In purely symbolic moves, WBD shareholders voted against Zaslav’s exit pay package and his 2025 compensation.

    In late 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery had clinched a deal with Netflix to buy Warner Bros.’s streaming and studios businesses. But Netflix backed out of the bidding in February after Paramount upped its takeout offer for all of WBD in a deal worth $111 billion. Paramount has said it expects to close the WBD deal in the third quarter of 2026.

    Separately Monday, a coalition of 12 Democratic state attorneys general sued to block the David Ellison-led Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery on antitrust grounds. Paramount says it will “vigorously defend the transaction” and claimed that the states’ lawsuit will “shield those dominant streaming platforms like Netflix and technology companies from much-needed competition.”

    The Paramount-WBD deal is still pending regulatory approval in the U.K., where officials have said they are likely to intervene. According to Paramount, the Warner Bros. mergers has been cleared by regulators in 24 jurisdictions, including by the U.S. Justice Department, which did not impose any requirements for divestitures or other concessions on the part of Paramount Skydance.

  • Bitcoin braces for Waller warning as US inflation test looms

    Bitcoin braces for Waller warning as US inflation test looms

    Bitcoin has entered a high-risk week as fresh inflation data and renewed Federal Reserve rate concerns have intensified pressure on crypto markets.

    According to Reuters, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller warned that the U.S. central bank could consider raising interest rates if inflation continues to remain above its 2% target, placing investors on alert before this week’s key economic releases.

    His comments come as traders prepare for the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report due on July 14, followed by the Producer Price Index (PPI) data on July 15.

    Bitcoin has already reacted to rising macro uncertainty. The cryptocurrency slipped below $62,000 after climbing to around $64,500 earlier, with escalating tensions between the United States and Iran adding another layer of risk to global financial markets.

    Higher geopolitical uncertainty has combined with growing expectations of tighter monetary policy to weaken demand for risk assets.

    Inflation data could shape Fed expectations

    Wall Street economists expect the June CPI report to show monthly inflation easing to 0.2% from 0.5% in May. Annual inflation is projected to slow to 3.8% from 4.2%, offering investors another measure of whether price pressures are cooling.

    The inflation figures are likely to influence expectations for future Federal Reserve policy. If consumer prices rise faster than forecast, markets could strengthen their bets that policymakers may keep interest rates higher for longer or even consider another increase.

    Attention will then turn to the June PPI report, which measures inflation at the wholesale level. Together, the two reports are expected to provide a clearer picture of inflation trends across the U.S. economy and could influence trading across equities, bonds and digital assets.

    Following Waller’s remarks, the CME FedWatch Tool showed that the probability of a September Federal Reserve rate hike climbed to 51.3%. Higher borrowing costs typically reduce appetite for speculative investments, making cryptocurrencies particularly sensitive to changes in monetary policy expectations.

    Source: FedWatch

    Recent Federal Reserve communications have already pointed to persistent inflation risks. Minutes from the central bank’s latest policy meeting noted that several officials remain concerned about inflationary pressures, including those linked to rising artificial intelligence investment and stronger-than-expected economic activity, keeping markets cautious ahead of this week’s data releases.

    Crypto legislation adds another market catalyst

    While inflation remains the primary focus, investors are also monitoring developments in Washington as lawmakers prepare for another important week for the CLARITY Act, one of the most closely watched crypto market structure bills.

    U.S. President Donald Trump recently urged the Senate to pass the legislation in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11. The bill is expected to receive renewed attention this week as lawmakers continue discussions over its final form.

    The legislation seeks to establish a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States. Market participants have been watching the proposal closely because it could determine how cryptocurrencies are regulated by federal agencies and influence future institutional participation in the sector.

    With inflation reports, Federal Reserve policy expectations, geopolitical tensions, and crypto legislation all converging within days, investors are preparing for another volatile trading week.

    Softer-than-expected inflation could ease pressure on risk assets, while stronger readings may reinforce expectations for tighter monetary policy and keep cryptocurrencies under pressure.

  • US keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is ‘a massive force problem’

    US keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is ‘a massive force problem’

    NewsFeed

    Former NATO analyst Patrick Bury says President Trump’s push for a naval blockade on Iran and a 20% tariff on cargo in the Strait of Hormuz would require a huge military operation. He argues Iran retains an asymmetric advantage in the strait.

  • Oregon AG Drops Demand For Records & Motion To Delay Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

    Oregon AG Drops Demand For Records & Motion To Delay Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

    UPDATED, with comment from AG: Oregon‘s attorney general has dropped a civil investigative demand for Paramount to turn over records related to its efforts to secure federal approval for its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield also had asked a state circuit court judge to order Paramount to turn over the materials and to delay Paramount’s closing of its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by 60 days so the documents could be reviewed. A hearing has been scheduled for Monday in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

    A Paramount spokesperson said, “We are pleased that the Oregon Attorney General has withdrawn its motion to delay this transaction. It was the right decision and avoids an unwarranted effort to delay a lawful, pro-competitive merger.

    “Antitrust authorities around the world have carefully reviewed this transaction, clearing it or concluding that it does not violate any competition laws. That regulatory record underscores what the facts, the law and the economics make clear: this transaction will create a stronger challenger to dominant global streaming and technology platforms, expand consumer choice, increase investment in premium content and theatrical distribution, and create more opportunities for creators and workers. We look forward to completing the transaction and delivering those benefits.”

    Jenny Hansson, communications director for Rayfield, said in a statement, “Paramount made it clear that they weren’t going to comply with the investigative demand, and that they think they’re above the law. We’re not going to let them waste Oregonians’ resources on these games. We’ve withdrawn the motion to consider our next steps.”

    California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state attorneys general are said to be considering a legal challenge to the transaction.

    Rayfield sought Paramount records of lobbying of federal officials, as well as its role in a statement that the DOJ released in support of the transaction. The attorney general also sought documents “related to the formulation and execution of lobbying strategies aimed at obtaining regulatory approval of the proposed merger, which Respond as internally named ‘Project Warrior.’”

    In a court filing, Paramount has objected to the document requests, arguing, among other things, that they impose “burdens and demands which are disproportionate” to the Oregon investigation and are “of such marginal relevance that the value of any materials sought is outweighed by the burden imposed on Paramount in having to provide such information.”

    “Lobbying activities and related communications are wholly irrelevant to whether the proposed acquisition ‘violates Oregon’s antitrust laws,’” the company’s legal team wrote.

  • Video from Safeway puts a twist on Tahoe Goldilocks story

    A Tahoe-area man who reported someone had been living in his house knew sheriff’s deputies were on the right track when they showed him video of a Safeway shopper.

    Video image of man sought in alleged Tahoe home break-in. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office)
    Video image of man sought in alleged Tahoe home break-in. (Douglas County Sheriff’s Office) 

    The stranger was wearing the homeowner’s clothes.

    The sheriff’s office in Nevada’s Douglas County is now seeking the public’s help identifying the “person of interest.”

    A report last week from the agency said the case began when the homeowner returned from a three-week vacation and found that somebody had been inside his house, near Lake Tahoe’s east shore. Among the indications: Food was missing and personal property had been disturbed — including the man’s birth certificate, which was gone.

    Sheriff’s investigators searching the home for clues found a recent receipt for the purchase of two packs of Camel cigarettes from the Safeway at the Round Hill Shopping Center, on Highway 50 north of Stateline.

    They obtained the store’s surveillance video for the time of the purchase, and zeroed in on a specific shopper.

    The homeowner didn’t recognize the man but recognized the clothes: a plaid shirt and a trucker hat from his own wardrobe.

    The sheriff’s office has released an image of the shopper, to whom deputies would like to speak, and asks that anyone who has information on the case contact its Stateline office, (775) 586-7253.

     

     

  • Top Television Deal: Save $700 on This 65-Inch LG 4K Smart TV

    Top Television Deal: Save $700 on This 65-Inch LG 4K Smart TV

    If you’re ready to upgrade your binge-watching sessions, this is the deal for you. Amazon has the premium LG 65-inch C6 OLED Evo AI TV on sale for $1,999.99, down from its standard $2,699.99 price. This epic, limited-time discount saves you 26% on a flagship powerhouse packing over 8.3 million self-lit pixels, a blistering 165-hertz gaming refresh drive, a cutting-edge Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen3, and an advanced webOS platform integrated with Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.

    Bringing home a state-of-the-art 65-inch OLED display panel with an instantaneous 0.1ms response time and advanced automated panel care for under $2,000 is a great find. This flash promotion makes it the ideal time to upgrade your premier media room or build an elite next-generation gaming setup.

    This deep discount completely sweeps away the steep premium barrier typically guarded by flagship display technology, giving cinephiles, extreme esports players, and smart home curators the ultimate opportunity to capture true theatrical video quality. This deal won’t last long.

    AMAZON DEAL ALERT

    LG 65-inch C6 Series OLED evo AI 4K Smart TV

    Self-lit OLED pixels, A11 AI processor Gen3, 165Hz/0.1ms game mode, Dolby Vision/Atmos, Gemini


    $1,999.99
    at Amazon

    $2,699.99
    Save $700.00


    Get Deal

    The LG 65-inch C6 OLED TV elevates your living space with 8.3 million self-lit pixels delivering Perfect Black contrast and intelligent Brightness Booster illumination. It coordinates extreme esports fluidity with a 165Hz refresh rate matrix and near-instant 0.1ms response tracking. Powered by a heavy-duty Alpha 11 AI processor and webOS, backed by Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, it will effortlessly rule your home theater landscape. But if you wish to see the competition, check out PCMag expert Will Greenwald’s list of the best 65-inch TVs for 2026.

    The LG 65-inch C6 OLED Evo pairs infinite black contrast with unmatched 165Hz interactive gaming response mechanics. With a $700 discount, it completely deconstructs the luxury pricing wall of premium home cinema gear. Movie nights will never be the same again.

    Recommended by Our Editors

    However, if you absolutely need an even bigger screen for your movie marathons, check out this 85-inch Hisense U7 Smart TV deal, which currently saves you over $1,000.

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

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  • Score Up to 38% Off a Beatbot Robotic Pool Cleaner and Splash More, Work Less

    Score Up to 38% Off a Beatbot Robotic Pool Cleaner and Splash More, Work Less

    If you have a pool, chances are you have a World Cup watch party or backyard barbecue on the books this summer. But pool ownership isn’t all fun and games — you have to keep it clean. Beatbot robotic pool cleaners are an easy and solid summer upgrade. From AI-powered tools and multi-surface cleaning capabilities to a handy app and an automatic water-clarification system, Beatbot will keep your pool sparkling so you can skip the manual labor. 

    Now through July 19, you can even score up to 38% off a cordless Beatbot pool cleaner. Here are just a few standouts that are on sale.  

    Beatbot Sora 10 Gets the Job Done

    Sora 10 Robotic Pool Cleaner


    $449.00
    at Beatbot

    $699.00
    Save $250.00


    Get Deal

    The Sora 10 automated pool cleaner (normally $699, now $449) is a three-zone machine that tackles floors, walls, and the waterline. Its powerful 6,800 gallons per hour (GPH) suction gulps up gunk and debris in a single pass.

    The 7,800 mAh battery can handle up to 5 hours of floor-cleaning per charge, and the large, five-liter collection basket lets you focus on browning the burgers instead of constantly cleaning out the filter. It works with every type of home pool and on all surfaces. Snatch it up during the $250 price drop.

    Beatbot Sora 70 Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas 

    Sora 70 Robotic Pool Cleaner


    $1,149.00
    at Beatbot

    $1,499.00
    Save $350.00


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    The Sora 70 (normally $1,499, now $1,149) is a feature-packed powerhouse that lets you enjoy your clean pool whenever you want. Its four-zone cleaning scrubs your pool’s floor, walls, water surface, and waterline. Featuring SonicSense AI obstacle avoidance, it’s also a keen navigator that touts a six-liter debris capacity. 

    Powerful 6,800 GPH suction lifts up both ground-in dirt and debris. Additionally, it excels at navigating shallow tanning ledges, making it an excellent pick for complex pool layouts. The massive 10,000mAh battery runs for up to seven hours on a single charge.

    Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Is the Ultimate Clean

    AquaSense 2 Ultra AI Robotic Pool Cleaner


    $2,199.00
    at Beatbot

    $3,150.00
    Save $951.00


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    If you’re looking for the pinnacle of hands-off pool maintenance, the AquaSense 2 Ultra (normally $3,150, now $2,199) is it. Its five-zone system and industry-first side brushes excel at multi-level floor cleaning, wall, waterline, and corner scrubbing, and surface skimming. HybridSense Pool Mapping utilizes 28 sensors — including an AI camera and ultrasonic and infrared sensors — to map your pool’s unique layout, scan for debris, and clean uninterrupted.

    A built-in ClearWater Clarification System dispenses a skin-friendly water purifier that clumps fine debris together so the vacuum can easily collect it. It cleans for up to 10 hours on one charge.

    Ready to have a legendary summer? Jump on Beatbot’s summer sale and score up to 38% off a cordless pool vacuum until July 19.

    About Our Expert

  • Take This Deal With You: Save Over 50% on This 14-Inch HP Laptop Today

    Take This Deal With You: Save Over 50% on This 14-Inch HP Laptop Today

    Can I be honest? Ever since I got a taste of a remote lifestyle, every hour spent in an office feels like an eternity. But leveling up your digital nomad game isn’t about hoarding every gadget on the internet; it’s about scoring compact tech upgrades that keep you moving with zero friction. Walmart’s Deals of the Day are here to help you optimize your on the go persona by running epic discounts on essential tech. I have rounded up my top picks for you, so you can spend more time planning your next work-cation.

    We are leading with a massive 53% discount on the HP 14-Inch AMD Athlon laptop, a nimble, travel-ready workstation rocking a 12.5-hour battery lifespan. Next up is an incredible 52% off the Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker, a slim health navigator engineered to beam Google Maps directions right to your arm while you explore a new timezone. Finally, we are locking in a 28% price cut on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Android tablet to give you an ultra-rugged secondary touchscreen that can handle tropical splashes flawlessly. Let’s see what they’re made of.

    HP 14-inch Windows Laptop Deal

    HP 14-inch AMD Athlon Windows Laptop

    AMD Athlon Silver 7120u, 4GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB SSD, Copilot AI key, HD privacy cam, Windows 11 home


    $259.00
    at Walmart

    $559.00
    Save $300.00


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    The HP 14-inch laptop delivers responsive daily computing for simple workflows using an AMD Athlon Silver processor and 4GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It includes a dedicated Microsoft Copilot AI key for intelligent assistance, 256GB of fast SSD storage, a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal, and an HD webcam with a physical privacy shutter. Plus, with a battery that runs up to 12.5 hours, you’re always connected. At $259 right now, down 53% from its actual value of $559, this deal is nothing short of wonderful.

    However, if you need more options, check out our PCMag expert’s list of the best budget laptops for 2026, and take your pick.

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Fitbit Fitness Tracker Deal

    Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker

    Advanced heart rate tracking, 40+ exercise modes, GPS, Google apps, ECG & SpO2, 7 day battery


    $75.99
    at Walmart

    $159.95
    Save $83.96


    Get Deal

    The Fitbit Charge 6 tracker upgrades your health routine with heart rate tracking that is 60% more accurate during intense activities. It features built-in GPS, YouTube Music controls, Google Maps, and Google Wallet integrations on a vibrant color touchscreen. You get a water-resistant band that tracks over 40 sports, monitors sleep profiles, and delivers seven days of battery life.

    It got an “Outstanding” rating from PCMag expert Angela Moscaritolo, and also won our Editors’ Choice award for the best fitness tracker. As Angela said in her in-depth review, “With improvements like the new Google lifestyle apps, Bluetooth integration with gym equipment, and a refreshed companion app, the affordable Fitbit Charge 6 remains the best fitness tracker on the market.” You can get it now for $75.99, which is a huge 52% off its actual price of $159.95. Take charge of your health, and get one now.

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Samsung Android Tablet Deal

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Android Tablet

    10.9-inch screen w/ S Pen, IP68 water resistance, circle to search, Math Solver, 20-hour battery


    $395.00
    at Walmart

    $549.99
    Save $154.99


    Get Deal

    The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE features a spacious 10.9-inch display paired with an included, responsive S Pen for real-paper writing precision. Built tough with IP68 water- and dust-resistance, it packs smart tools like Handwriting Assist to clean up sloppy notes and a Math Solver, and gives you up to 20 hours of continuous battery life. Right now, it’s available for $395, which is 28% lower than its actual price of $549.99. Feel the power of the Galaxy with this deal.

    Recommended by Our Editors

    And for more options, check out PCMag expert Iyaz Akhtar’s list of the best Android Tablets for 2026.

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    Keep the savings coming with more tech deals on Walmart today.

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