Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirmed that they are in “advanced” merger talks that would create a single US railroad with service stretching from the East to the West Coast. The Associated Press reported last week that the companies were discussing a tie-up but neither company acknowledged that until Thursday morning.

Paramount has locked up streaming rights for the entire South Park back catalog. The media company and creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker have signed a five-year deal worth $1.5 billion. HBO Max was the previous streaming home to the show.

Union Pacific , the largest U.S. freight railroad operator, is exploring a possible acquisition of Norfolk Southern to create a $200 billion coast-to-coast rail network, a person familiar with the matter said.