American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host
The White House Correspondents’ Association re-stages a scaled dinner after a chaotic April event. Trump has attacked the press during the event, amid broader tensions over media access and First Amendment rights. Organisers and critics debate whether the gala can uphold press freedoms while the president remains adversarial.
60 Minutes has undergone leadership upheaval, with Bari Weiss at the helm of CBS News since last year. Staff departures and conflicts over editorial direction have intensified, while new hires and resident journalists reshape the program as it confronts internal tensions and broader merger dynamics.
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.
Valeria Luiselli’s fourth novel, Beginning Middle End, follows a narrator touring Europe with her daughter as she seeks a narrative arc. The book unfolds across Sicily, Germany and the Netherlands, with episodic chapters and mythic elements, meeting resistance to a conventional plot. Critics note its fragmented structure while recognizing its probing look at memory, storytelling and family.
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.
The FCC has ordered early license reviews for eight ABC stations, prompting ABC to accuse the agency of retaliating for politically unpopular content and urging broadcasters to uphold public-interest obligations. Former commissioners, civil‑liberties groups and advocacy organisations have filed opposing arguments; conservative groups warn the move could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
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.
McDonald’s has reported slower US comparable sales growth in the latest quarter as higher prices squeeze lower-income diners. The chain is restoring digital offers and rolling out targeted loyalty promotions while naming a new US leader to accelerate execution. Global sales rose modestly, with international markets also easing.
A look at how streaming and new platforms are reshaping the careers and memory of a BAFTA-winning director, with reflections from collaborators and a peek at archival material and upcoming releases.
The race for the Texas Senate seat is tightening. Paxton has secured the GOP nomination and is pursuing funding from Trump's MAGA network to fend off a strong Democratic challenger backed by polls and internal data. Other races show Trump’s endorsements affecting outcomes and the broader GOP landscape as Republicans weigh fundraising and support strategies.
A three-part Channel 4 documentary on Lyra McKee’s 2019 murder follows Detective Jason Murphy as he investigates the crime amid a culture of silence and mistrust that hampers justice. The film uses CCTV evidence and interviews, revealing tensions between police and communities in Northern Ireland.
Trump is amplifying support for Paxton in a tight Texas Senate race against James Talarico, with fundraising and messaging intensifying ahead of Election Day. Polls show a close contest, while Musk signals major spending to bolster Republicans, including Paxton, in Texas and beyond.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are underway with The Pitt leading drama nominations and Widow’s Bay challenging Hacks for comedy supremacy. Mariska Hargitay is hosting NBC’s telecast, with Apple TV+ debuts Pluribus and DTF St Louis among top contenders. The ceremony honors Buffy, Charlie’s Angels, and Dolly Parton while Zendaya and Harrison Ford are among notable presenters.
South Park has announced a name change to South America for its 29th season, in a move that mirrors President Trump’s recent renaming attempts for lakes, gulf and even a state. The show’s creators say the rename is inspired by Apple and Google and thanks Paramount Skydance, as the merger and regulatory backdrop grow.
The Celebrity Traitors has won best reality competition at the NTAs, with Alan Carr receiving a special recognition award. Paloma Faith staged a coffin entrance, while Carr reflected on the year’s achievements as the ceremony celebrated multiple categories.
Jimmy Kimmel has said he will post his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to YouTube rather than air it on ABC, saying the FCC under President Donald Trump has threatened his show and ABC affiliates. ABC and Disney have sued the FCC over early licence reviews and new guidance on equal-time rules; other late-night hosts have moved candidate interviews online.
Matthew Rhys has become the first actor to win two lead acting Emmys in a single night, taking honors for Widow’s Bay (comedy) and The Beast in Me (limited series). He also holds a previous lead drama win, making him the first man to win in all three lead acting categories. Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay dominates the night with 14 wins.
Taylor Swift has released a deluxe edition of The Life of a Showgirl, titled The Encore, adding four new songs. The move follows mixed reviews of Showgirl and signals Swift’s continuing prolific output as she expands her catalog with fresh material after the original release.
A US judge has approved a Sept. 21 consent decree that settles a 12-state antitrust challenge and clears the way for Paramount Skydance’s $110bn acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The five-year deal requires at least 30 US theatrical releases per year, separate cable negotiations, and independent editorial panels for CNN and CBS. David Ellison has named Ynon Kreiz co‑CEO.
Apple Studios’ biopic Tenzing has opened theaters and debuts on Apple TV+. The film foregrounds Tenzing Norgay’s life, recasting Everest history away from a Hillary-centric narrative, while Sherpa voices and climate-change impacts in the Himalayas frame its release.