Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Hollywood studios are writing a new script.

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The Story

Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Hollywood studios are writing a new script.

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Since May, more than 11,000 writers have been striking against major Hollywood studios. They’ve demanded better pay, increased residuals, and protections against AI when creating scripts. Many writers say they’ve had to work longer hours for lower wages. Lasting 146 days, it was the second-longest strike in the union’s history. It gained support from celebrities and other unions across the country. Now, after a marathon of negotiations over five days, Hollywood’s writers and studios have reached a tentative agreement for a new three-year contract.

What's in it?

It’s still not clear what the writers and studios have agreed to. As the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers put it, the tentative deal is “subject to drafting final contract language.” WGA told its members to not return to work “until specifically authorized” and that they are still technically on strike. They just won’t be hitting the picket lines for now. The union’s members have to vote to ratify the deal in the coming days. The WGA called it “exceptional” and said it includes “meaningful gains and protections.” 

theSkimm

The writers and actors strikes hit Hollywood this year, upending the entertainment industry and costing California’s economy $5 billion. And with the writers' strike potentially coming to a wrap, Hollywood studios can now turn their attention to the actors' union. 

Who’s in the hot seat…

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ). Over the weekend, federal prosecutors indicted the three-term senator and his wife on bribery charges. The Justice Dept alleged Menendez used his role as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to sign off on an arms deal and hand over sensitive government information in exchange for gold bars, around $500,000 in cash, a luxury car, and more. Menendez has called the allegations “baseless.” Now, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — including the NJ delegation — are calling on Menendez to give up his seat with 2024 just around the corner. This is reportedly the third time that Menendez has been investigated and appears to be the first sitting senator in US history to be indicted on two different criminal allegations.

Where tensions are rising...

Nagorno-Karabakh. Yesterday, hundreds of ethnic Armenians fled the disputed region to nearby Armenia days after Azerbaijan launched an offensive to reclaim the territory. It ended in a ceasefire. The two countries have been disputing over the region — internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan — since the late 1980s. Now, ethnic Armenians say thousands are in the area without food or water, and their only option is to flee. Azerbaijan said it wants to reintegrate the Armenians as “equal citizens,” but many fear ethnic cleansing is next. Armenia said it’s prepared to welcome 40,000 families.

What’s debuting at the White House…

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Over the weekend, President Biden unveiled the office that aims to reduce the epidemic of gun violence in the US. VP Kamala Harris will oversee the new office, which will “centralize, accelerate and intensify” the admin’s push to curb gun violence. The White House said the office will work to implement Biden’s executive orders on gun violence, which include more background checks. Biden called the move “the first steps toward what is needed.”

...Oh and speaking of the Biden admin, starting today, it's giving out free COVID tests. Each household will be able to order up to four COVID tests for free. Order yours here.

Who made history…

Tigst Assefa. Yesterday, the Ethiopian runner broke the women’s marathon world record by more than two minutes in Berlin. Assefa won last year’s Berlin Marathon as well. Going for gold.

Who might be banking on a new love...

Pete Davidson and Madelyn Cline.

Who’s saying “Yeah!” to the Super Bowl…

Usher.