American late-night news talk show host bound by CBS franchise
The 2026 Emmy Awards have crowned Widow’s Bay and Hacks with multiple wins, marking historic achievements for lead actors and series. Noah Wyle and Jean Smart have topped drama and comedy categories, while Kate O’Flynn and Stephen Root are among the standout performers. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has concluded its run with an Emmy in a year heavy with recognitions.
The CBS News division, led by Bari Weiss, has seen a wave of departures at 60 Minutes, including Sharyn Alfonsi, Cecilia Vega, Tanya Simon, and other veterans. Anderson Cooper has left, and Scott Pelley was fired, as the network faces internal tensions and questions about editorial direction. New hires across the program aim to stabilize coverage and restore trust amid ongoing changes and a larger merger dispute involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee has voted 8–5 to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment repeatedly during a hearing on pandemic decisions and the origins of COVID‑19. Chairman Rand Paul has authorised sending the committees report to the DC US attorney for possible prosecution and has threatened to certify the citation to the Senate president if the chamber is not in session.
The Fauci diaries have intensified scrutiny of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate panel has voted to hold him in contempt for refusing to answer questions, while states push for records. Republicans argue for accountability; Democrats defend the former NIH director amid a renewed focus on origins, lockdowns, and media coverage.
Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery has been paused amid a flurry of antitrust challenges from U.S. states and industry groups. CEO David Ellison has publicly defended the deal, arguing independence for CNN and CBS News, and detailing commitments to keep production flowing if the deal proceeds.
The Emmy Awards are underway. The Pitt leads drama nominations, Hacks headlines the comedy field with a record number of nods, while Widow’s Bay could spoil Hacks’ send-off. Mariska Hargitay hosts as Apple TV+, HBO Max, and NBC vie for trophies across categories.
Jimmy Kimmel has said he will not air his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on ABC and has posted it to YouTube instead, saying the FCC under President Donald Trump has threatened his show and ABC affiliates. ABC and parent Disney have sued the FCC over early licence reviews and equal-time guidance.