California and a coalition of 12 state attorneys general file an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block Paramount’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal valued at about $110–$111 billion. The suit is filed in federal court in Sacramento and is led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, joined by 11 other states. The states argue the transaction violates the Clayton Act by substantially reducing competition in areas including wide-release film distribution, movie theaters, and basic cable services. Multiple outlets report that the lawsuit is brought despite clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice, which approved the deal last month. The states also cite potential consumer impacts, including higher prices, and they raise concerns about job losses, though specific figures vary by source. The merger would combine Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery and is widely characterized as an industry-shaping consolidation. If the states’ case succeeds, it could halt the deal entirely or force changes to its structure; if it fails, the acquisition is expected to move forward following DOJ approval.