Morning Business Report: Airline merger scrapped, Party City expands

A potential airline mega-merger is off the table, while retailers and markets continue to shift.

(LILAMAX)- United Airlines says its proposed merger with American Airlines will not move forward after American declined to engage in talks.

United CEO Scott Kirby said the deal could have been “transformational,” helping improve international service and better compete with rivals like Delta Air Lines. However, he confirmed the idea is now “off the table for the foreseeable future.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court appears divided over thousands of lawsuits involving Monsanto, now owned by Bayer.

The cases allege certain pesticides caused cancer, with billions of dollars at stake. The outcome could impact both the agricultural industry and environmental policy nationwide.

On Wall Street, stocks continued their upward trend, inching higher Monday to reach new record levels—even as oil prices rise.

In retail news, Party City is making a comeback by expanding into Staples stores.

The rollout of party supplies, including balloons and décor, comes just ahead of graduation season—a major spending period with nearly four million students expected to graduate in 2026.

Meanwhile, Domino’s Pizza shares fell after the company reported disappointing U.S. same-store sales and lowered its full-year forecast.

CEO Russell Weiner cited factors including winter weather, weak consumer sentiment and increased competition from chains like Papa John’s and Pizza Hut.