In a dramatic turn at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced their team's worst performance of the season, with Norris finishing seventh and Piastri crashing out early. Norris highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency in Formula 1, underscoring how quickly fortunes can shift in the high-stakes world of motorsport. The race exposed vulnerabilities in McLaren's strategy and car setup, potentially impacting their championship aspirations.
A key committee of the European Medicines Agency has recommended approval for an injectable version of Merck's cancer drug Keytruda, paving the way for potential authorization across the European Union. This subcutaneous formulation aims to offer a more convenient alternative to intravenous administration for patients with various cancers. The recommendation, issued on September 19, 2025, follows positive clinical data and could enhance treatment accessibility in Europe.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for an injectable version of Merck's blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda, marking a significant advancement in treatment options for patients with certain types of cancer. This subcutaneous formulation promises greater convenience over the traditional intravenous method, potentially improving patient adherence and reducing healthcare burdens. The decision, announced on September 19, 2025, underscores ongoing innovations in oncology amid rising demands for more accessible therapies.
The U.S. Senate on September 20, 2025, rejected both a Republican-proposed stopgap funding bill and a Democratic alternative, escalating the chances of a partial government shutdown starting October 1. The House-passed measure aimed to extend funding through November 21, while the competing proposal sought a shorter extension to October 31 with additional provisions. With lawmakers departing for a break and no resolution in sight, partisan divisions over spending and policy riders continue to stall progress ahead of the September 30 fiscal deadline.
ESPN disclosed on September 18, 2025, that it will conduct a 30 to 45-day tryout to find a new host for 'First Take' following Molly Qerim's departure, aiming to maintain the show's dynamic debate format. The network plans to test various candidates on-air to ensure the best fit for the popular sports talk program.
ESPN has announced its intention to preserve the beloved format of 'Inside the NBA' as the show transitions to the network in October 2025, following Warner Bros. Discovery's loss of NBA broadcasting rights. This move aims to maintain the program's unique blend of analysis and entertainment that has captivated audiences for decades.
In a surprising move amid the competitive semiconductor industry, Nvidia has agreed to invest $5 billion in struggling rival Intel, aiming to bolster chip manufacturing capabilities. The deal, announced on September 18, 2025, comes as Intel faces mounting financial pressures and seeks to regain its footing in the global market. This partnership could reshape dynamics in the tech sector, potentially easing supply chain tensions while raising antitrust concerns.
Hollywood's elite gathered on September 18, 2025, for the red-carpet premiere of the war drama 'One Battle After Another,' where fashion took center stage alongside the film's poignant narrative of conflict and resilience. Celebrities dazzled in outfits blending historical motifs with modern elegance, drawing attention to the movie's themes while setting trends for the awards season. The event, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre, highlighted the intersection of cinema, style, and cultural commentary amid ongoing global tensions.
Elon Musk has stated that the results of Tesla's upcoming shareholder vote could profoundly influence the future of the company and potentially the world, amid discussions on corporate governance and executive compensation. The vote, centered on Musk's massive pay package and board restructuring, has drawn intense scrutiny from investors. Musk's comments underscore the high stakes as Tesla navigates legal and market challenges.
Tesla has introduced new restrictions on its Smart Summon feature to reduce standby energy consumption in its vehicles, addressing concerns over battery drain during idle periods. The update, rolled out via over-the-air software, limits the feature's availability to specific scenarios, potentially improving efficiency for owners. This change reflects ongoing efforts to optimize electric vehicle performance amid growing scrutiny on energy management.
The US Senate has voted to confirm Ann Carlson as the administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, filling a key role in overseeing vehicle safety amid rapid advancements in automotive technology. The confirmation, which passed with bipartisan support, comes at a time when the agency faces mounting challenges related to autonomous vehicles and electric car regulations. This move is expected to strengthen federal oversight of the auto industry.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Merck's Keytruda Qlex, a subcutaneous formulation of the cancer drug pembrolizumab, for use in adults across most solid tumor indications. Announced on September 19, 2025, this new injectable version offers a quicker administration time compared to the traditional intravenous method, potentially enhancing patient convenience and access to treatment. The approval highlights efforts to innovate drug delivery in oncology amid growing demands for efficient therapies.
Elon Musk, the tech mogul behind Tesla and SpaceX, has redirected his energies toward his artificial intelligence startup xAI following his recent exit from Washington, D.C. Sources indicate that this move comes amid escalating tensions between tech leaders and federal regulators over AI governance. The shift underscores Musk's growing emphasis on advancing AI technologies outside the shadow of political entanglements.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not endorsed Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, amid concerns over Mamdani's positions on Israel, policing, and economic policies. This hesitation highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party, with some leaders supporting Mamdani while others remain silent. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Schumer's stance, reflecting the complexity of party dynamics in the lead-up to the general election.
In a significant move to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into everyday web browsing, Google announced a sweeping expansion of AI features in its Chrome browser. The updates, revealed at a virtual event, promise to enhance user productivity and security through tools like automated content summarization and real-time threat detection. This development comes amid growing competition in the AI space and raises questions about data privacy in an increasingly automated online world.
Astronomers announced on September 17, 2025, the detection of a black hole merger that provides strong evidence for Stephen Hawking's area theorem. Observed via gravitational waves, the event aligns with predictions that black hole surface areas cannot decrease. This bolsters fundamental physics theories amid ongoing cosmic explorations.
A new investigation by science journalists, published on September 19, 2025, exposed significant shortcomings in ChatGPT's ability to accurately summarize scientific papers. The study tested the AI on hundreds of abstracts, finding frequent errors in key details and interpretations. This raises concerns about relying on large language models for academic tasks.
The 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded on September 18 at Harvard University, celebrating quirky yet insightful scientific studies that make people laugh and then think. Winners included projects on pigeon-guided missiles and the physics of coin flips, highlighting the intersection of humor and serious inquiry. The event, marking the 35th anniversary, drew global attention to unconventional research.
Los Angeles Kings captain Anže Kopitar has declared he will retire after the 2025-26 NHL season, ending a storied career that spanned two decades. The Slovenian center, a key figure in the team's Stanley Cup victories, leaves behind a legacy of leadership and skill. This announcement comes as the Kings prepare for what could be Kopitar's farewell campaign.
Dave Portnoy's Barstool Sports has become a key player in the evolving relationship between Fox and the Big Ten conference, revealing insights into TV rights and broadcast strategies. The partnership underscores Fox's push for innovative content amid shifting college sports media dynamics. This development follows recent announcements on kickoff times and expanded coverage.