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News Briefing
What’s happening?
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a controversial birthright citizenship order proposed by former President Donald Trump. This ruling will determine whether executive actions can affect citizenship for individuals born in the U.S.
In analyzing coverage, NPR states, “SCOTUS to rule on birthright citizenship. And, U.S. murder rate nears new low,” which emphasizes the Supreme Court’s role in addressing the citizenship issue alongside a broader context of public safety. In contrast, the BBC headlines, “US Supreme Court to rule on Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship – follow live,” focuses specifically on the political implications of Trump’s effort, suggesting a more partisan framing of the legal battle. This difference highlights NPR’s diplomatic approach versus the BBC’s focus on the conflict between the executive branch’s actions and immigration law. Coverage analyzed: NPR | BBC | SCOTUSblog | Al Jazeera
What’s going on?
US and Iran negotiators confirmed they are heading to Doha for discussions on the nuclear deal. The talks aim to address stalled negotiations and structural issues impacting their relationship. This development marks a renewed effort amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
The framing of the story contrasts notably between different outlets. CNN reported, “Live updates: Trump and Iran issue conflicting statements about new talks,” highlighting the dichotomy of perspectives in the negotiations. In contrast, NBC News focused on the proactive angle with, “Iran and the U.S. gear up for tense talks,” suggesting a more direct approach to impending discussions. This difference in emphasis shapes the overall narrative of uncertainty in the negotiations versus a determined push for resolution.
Coverage analysed: CNN | NBC News
What’s happening?
The U.S. Midwest and East Coast are facing a severe heatwave, driven by an extreme weather phenomenon known as a “heat dome.” This situation is expected to lead to dangerous temperatures rising into the triple digits, prompting multiple heat advisories across affected regions.
In an analysis of coverage, NPR reports: “A ‘heat dome’ is driving dangerous heat across the U.S. into the July 4 weekend,” focusing on the immediate health risks and advisories for residents. Conversely, The New York Times states: “‘Heat Dome’ Could Bring Triple-Digit Temperatures to the Midwest and Eastern U.S.,” framing the story around the potential temperature impacts. This difference illustrates NPR’s emphasis on urgent health warnings versus The New York Times’ focus on the broader climatic implications of the current weather pattern.
Coverage analyzed: NPR | The New York Times | FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul | The Guardian
The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster at Universal Studios Florida left riders in a vertical position on Thanksgiving night.
This could be the start of something big (Picture: Absurd Ventures)
The first two releases from Absurd Ventures are a graphical novel and an audio fiction series but they could become games in time.
Although a GTA 6 reveal trailer is imminent, it’s been so long since GTA 5 first released that many of the people involved have since moved on, most obviously Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser and fellow writers Lazlow Jones and Michael Unsworth.
Earlier in the week it was revealed that the latter two had joined Houser at his new company Absurd Ventures, which is not a game developer exactly but a transmedia company that also intends to make live action content, books, comics, and scripted podcasts.
They’ve now announced their first two projects and while neither of them are video games they are described as ‘universes’, implying that more projects will result from both – potentially including games.
Nobody’s expecting a GTA clone from the studio, but Houser set up a separate company at the same time called Absurd Ventures in Games, so they’re certainly at the forefront of his mind.
For now though the first universe is called American Caper and will debut as a graphic novel by comic book artist Simon Bisley, famed for his 90s works with 2000 AD and Lobo.
Although his subject matter is usually more fantastical, American Caper will focus on ‘two normal, badly-damaged American families in a world of corrupt business, inept politics and bungling crime.’
That makes it sound very much like GTA, so it’s not unreasonable to expect some similar characters and dialogue, and another scathing critique of modern America.
AMERICAN CAPER centers on two normal, badly-damaged American families in a world of corrupt business, inept politics and bungling crime. AMERICAN CAPER will debut as a graphic novel that is being illustrated by renowned comic book artist, Simon Bisley. pic.twitter.com/k6Lcr1IEhA— Absurd Ventures (@AbsurdVentures) November 29, 2023
The other universe will start life as an ‘audio fiction’, aka scripted podcast, and doesn’t seem to have much in common with anything Rockstar has ever done before.
It’s described as a 12-part ‘existential suspense thriller, set in the near future’, with the title in particular making it sound like something along the lines of Black Mirror.
Although GTA 2 was technically set in the near future, science fiction is not something Rockstar has ever really tackled in the modern era, so it’s going to be interesting to see what Houser and the others come up with.
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It’s not clear when either project will be released, with A Better Paradise described only as ‘in production’, so that in particular might be a while.
If and when any new games will be released, that are set in either universe, is impossible to guess but much will no doubt depend on how these first projects are received.
The Absurd Ventures website has sections devoted to American Caper and A Better Paradise but at the moment they’re just animated logos, so it may be a while till we get more information.
A BETTER PARADISE is an existential suspense thriller, set in the near future. A 12-episode audio fiction series based on the A BETTER PARADISE universe is currently in production. Absurd Ventures is partnering with @QCODEmedia to co-produce the audio series. pic.twitter.com/JxgKauK5JS— Absurd Ventures (@AbsurdVentures) November 29, 2023
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MORE : GTA writers Lazlow Jones and Michael Unsworth join Dan Houser’s new company
MORE : Rockstar Social Club has been discontinued as GTA 6 reveal looms
MORE : GTA 5 single-player DLC and Bully 2 referenced in leaked code
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