NPR News: 07-20-2026 3PM EDT

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Lakshmi Singh· Host0:15

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. A federal judge in California has temporarily halted the proposed merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Brothers Discovery. NPR's Mandalit del Barco reports this pause is what would be the largest deal in Hollywood history.

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The judge ruled in favor of the temporary halt while considering an antitrust lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 12 states, including California and New York. They're trying to block the one hundred and eleven billion dollar merger, which they argue is unlawful. Last week, California AG Rob Bonta's office argued in court that the deal would unfairly give too much power to the combined company Paramount and Warner Brothers, resulting in fewer movies and TV shows made, job losses at the studios, and higher prices for consumers. All of these are claims that David Ellison's company, Paramount Skydance, denies. It's asking that any litigation be settled by the end of September, when the company would have to begin paying fees of seven million dollars a day for any delay. Mandalit del Barco, NPR News.

Lakshmi Singh· Host1:21

Maine Democrats are entering the final stretch to nominate a new candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins this November. A front-runner