business

4/15/25

American Airlines ends its holdout, becomes the last major airline to offer free Wi-Fi

As the US aviation industry grips the armrest through trade war turbulence, American Airlines has decided at last to join the free Wi-Fi club.

The airline said free in-flight internet will be available to its loyalty members on 90% of its flights beginning in January 2026 through a partnership with AT&T. American began testing the service early last month.

American had been holding out on free Wi-Fi and even free messaging on its flights and falling behind rivals. Delta Air Lines started the service in 2023, while United Airlines last year announced plans to outfit its airplanes with Starlink beginning in May. Southwest Airlines offers free messaging and entertainment — something American in 2017 said it was planning to add but never did.

American currently sells a connection plan for $35 on cross-country routes, one of the industry’s priciest scrolling fees. It made an estimated $8.4 billion in ancillary revenue (bags, Wi-Fi, in-flight food, etc.) in 2023.

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Claire Yubin Oh

Shake Shack is launching a French onion soup... burger

The fast-casual chain will be hoping premium upsells can fatten up its profit margins.

Shake Shack French onion soup burger

business

9/11/25

Paramount Skydance reportedly preparing an Ellison-backed Warner Bros. Discovery takeover bid, sending shares soaring

Paramount Skydance is preparing a majority cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, The Wall Street Journal reported, sending shares of both companies surging. The Journal’s sources say the deal is backed by the Ellison family, led by David Ellison.

WBD shares were up 30% on the report, while Paramount Skydance jumped 8%.

The offer would cover WBD’s entire business — cable networks, movie studios, the whole enchilada. That comes after WBD announced plans last year to split into two divisions: one for streaming and studios, the other for its traditional cable and TV assets. A recent Wells Fargo note gave WBD a price target hike, primarily because the analysts viewed it as a prime takeover candidate.

If the deal goes through, it would bring together HBO, CNN, DC Studios, and Warner Bros.’ film library with Paramount+, Nickelodeon, and MTV, all under one umbrella.

Exclusive | Paramount Skydance Prepares Ellison-Backed Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

Exclusive | Paramount Skydance Prepares Ellison-Backed Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

The offer would cover WBD’s entire business — cable networks, movie studios, the whole enchilada. That comes after WBD announced plans last year to split into two divisions: one for streaming and studios, the other for its traditional cable and TV assets. A recent Wells Fargo note gave WBD a price target hike, primarily because the analysts viewed it as a prime takeover candidate.

If the deal goes through, it would bring together HBO, CNN, DC Studios, and Warner Bros.’ film library with Paramount+, Nickelodeon, and MTV, all under one umbrella.

As tariffs take root, August new vehicle prices climb by the most in more than 2 years

According to data from Cox Automotive, 17 vehicle brands raised prices of their new vehicles by more than 3% in August.

Ford Issues Recalls On Some Of Its Mach-E Mustangs And Aviators

Netflix taps Amazon to sell streaming ads in new partnership

Starting this fall, brands will be able to access Netflix’s premium ad slots using Amazon’s buying tech.

Netflix Headquarters

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