Morning Business Report: Paramount outbids Netflix for Warner Bros. Discovery, State Farm issuing refunds to policyholders

Paramount has emerged as the leading bidder to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery

(LILAMAX)-Paramount has emerged as the leading bidder to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, offering more per share than Netflix and securing what the media company calls a “superior” proposal.

According to Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global offered $31 per share — about $3 more per share than Netflix. Netflix has since dropped out of the bidding process. Paramount’s offer includes the entire company, including its cable networks, while Netflix was reportedly interested only in the movie studio division.

Meanwhile, State Farm customers can expect refunds averaging about $100, though the company says amounts will vary by state and premium paid.

Auto repair costs are beginning to decline and accident frequency dropped in 2025. However, car insurance premiums have surged in recent years — prompting the insurer to issue a dividend back to policyholders.

On Wall Street, stocks struggled throughout the session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed slightly higher, gaining just 17 points.

The The Washington Post reportedly lost more than $100 million in 2025, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal citing anonymous sources. The financial strain, attributed to overspending and rising expenses, contributed to the newspaper’s decision to cut one-third of its staff earlier this month. The Washington Post is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

In lighter news, new research finds backseat driving is officially the most irritating passenger habit for American drivers. The study found most drivers can tolerate passenger annoyances for just 13 minutes on average. Whether it’s unsolicited advice about routes, speed or driving style, backseat driving topped a list of 30 frustrating behaviors.