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📅February 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Warner Bros. reopens merger talks with Paramount after Netflix waiver; celebrity birthdays celebrated; entertainment industry awaits shareholder vote.
1

Warner Bros. Reopens Paramount Merger Talks with 7-Day Netflix Waiver

Warner Bros. Discovery has reopened negotiations with Paramount Skydance for one week after receiving a waiver from Netflix, allowing the companies to discuss unresolved deficiencies and clarify terms of Paramount's bidSource 2Source 6. Netflix granted the limited waiver but retains matching rights, and Warner's board continues to recommend shareholders support the Netflix deal, with a shareholder vote scheduled for March 20Source 4.

2

Warner Bros. Sets March 20 Shareholder Vote on Netflix Merger

Warner Bros. Discovery announced a Special Meeting of Shareholders on March 20, 2026, to vote on its proposed $72 billion merger with Netflix, while the definitive proxy statement is being mailed to shareholdersSource 4Source 8. The merger would cover Warner's studio, streaming business HBO Max, and legacy TV and movie production arms, with an enterprise value of approximately $83 billionSource 2.

3

Paramount Sweetens Offer with Ticking Fee and Breakup Cost Coverage

Paramount Skydance countered with a latest overall bid of approximately $77.9 billion and pledged to cover Warner's $2.8 billion Netflix breakup fee while offering shareholders 25 cents per share quarterly if the deal extends beyond December 31Source 2Source 4. The company also agreed to backstop Warner Bros. debt refinancing to strengthen its competing offerSource 4.

4

Netflix Confident in WBD Merger Despite Paramount Competition

Netflix stated it remains confident that its proposed transaction provides superior value and certainty, while acknowledging the ongoing distraction caused by Paramount's competing bidSource 2Source 6. The streaming giant noted it granted the seven-day waiver to allow Warner Bros. to finally resolve the matter with ParamountSource 6.

5

Celebrity Birthdays Celebrated on February 18

John Travolta, Molly Ringwald, and Vanna White are among notable celebrities celebrating birthdays todaySource 1. Travolta, 72, is renowned for iconic roles in Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and Pulp Fiction, while Vanna White, 69, holds a Guinness World Record as television's most frequent clapper on Wheel of FortuneSource 1.

6

Actor Matt Dillon Marks 62nd Birthday

American actor Matt Dillon, known for his roles in 1980s teen dramas and an Academy Award nomination for Crash, celebrates his birthday todaySource 1. Dillon is also noted as an avid collector of Latin music, holding one of the world's largest vinyl collectionsSource 1.

7

Actress Cybill Shepherd Turns 76

American actress Cybill Shepherd, who rose to prominence with her performance in the 1971 film The Last Picture Show, celebrates her birthday todaySource 1. Her dynamic career includes award-winning television roles, a notable singing career, and she is known for her outspoken advocacySource 1.

8

Foo Fighters Announce Australian Tour Including Perth

The Foo Fighters are coming to Australia with Western Australian artists Southern River Band and Last Quokka on the billSource 3. Perth is confirmed as part of the tour itinerarySource 3.

9

Kid Rock Faces Backlash Over Resurfaced 2021 Song

Turning Point USA headliner Kid Rock is sparking backlash for a resurfaced 2021 song about underage girlsSource 5. The controversy emerged as the musician continues to appear at prominent eventsSource 5.

10

911 Texting Service Launches in Lawrence, Kansas

911 texting has finally become available in Lawrence and surrounding communities in Douglas County, KansasSource 5. The service expansion represents a significant update to emergency response capabilities in the regionSource 5.

11

Minute Maid Discontinues Frozen Canned Juice After 80 Years

Minute Maid has ended production of its frozen canned juice product after 80 years on the marketSource 5. The discontinuation marks the end of a long-standing beverage product lineSource 5.