Welcome back to another episode of the STM Daily News podcast! In this action-packed episode, we bring you a thrilling recap of the week’s most exciting news stories from the realms of space exploration, high-speed rail, transit safety, and entertainment. Join us as we delve into the latest updates and achievements in these fascinating areas.

1. Space Milestones:
   The week witnessed significant milestones in space exploration. Boeing successfully launched their Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station. This marks a momentous step forward in the validation of Boeing’s crew transportation system. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed his overwhelming excitement, emphasizing that Boeing’s Starliner heralds a new chapter in American exploration. https://stmdailynews.com/liftoff-nasa-astronauts-pilot-first-starliner-crewed-test-to-station/

Simultaneously, SpaceX’s Starship rocket achieved a mostly reusable status, reaching impressive heights. Despite a few challenges faced during the mission, including an unplanned roll of the upper stage and engine shutdowns, SpaceX has identified the issues and is diligently working on enhancements for future flights. Elon Musk even teased a remarkable milestone for Flight 5 – catching the Super Heavy Booster using the launch tower’s “chopsticks.” These developments underline the remarkable progress being made in the world of space travel. https://stmdailynews.com/spacex-aims-for-stellar-reentry-ensuring-safety-of-starship-megarocket-for-a-successful-launch/

2. High-Speed Rail Progress:
   The world of high-speed rail has also witnessed exciting advancements. In California, the ambitious California High-Speed Rail project has reached several critical milestones. Since 2015, over 13,000 construction jobs have been created, with the majority going to residents of California’s Central Valley. These jobs have injected economic vitality into communities across the region. Furthermore, the San Joaquin River Viaduct, a major construction project, is nearing completion, ready to accommodate high-speed trains. Although there is still work to be done and the project requires federal support to complete the system, California is at the forefront of developing high-speed and regional rail. https://stmdailynews.com/putting-jobs-first-california-high-speed-rail-crosses-13000-construction-jobs-milestone/

Meanwhile, Brightline West has embarked on constructing America’s first true high-speed rail system, connecting Las Vegas to Southern California. This monumental project covers a distance of 218 miles and will feature fully electric, zero-emission trains capable of reaching speeds of 200 miles per hour. With significant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, this project exemplifies the commitment to investing in sustainable transportation solutions. The groundbreaking event garnered attention from esteemed officials and public figures, emphasizing the significance of this project. https://stmdailynews.com/connecting-las-vegas-to-southern-california-brightline-west-breaks-ground-on-americas-first-high-speed-rail-project/

3. Transit Safety:
   Switching gears to transit safety, recent concerns in Los Angeles have prompted city leaders to address escalating violence on buses and trains. To tackle these issues, a surge in law enforcement personnel has been announced. However, there is a debate on the effectiveness of relying solely on armed officers. While violent crime rates have decreased, crimes such as trespassing and drug use have increased. Transit advocates propose alternative solutions, including the increased use of unarmed transit ambassadors and community-based programs addressing the root causes of crime. Striking the right balance between addressing public perception and tackling actual crime statistics is imperative in confronting this complex issue. https://stmdailynews.com/exploring-the-debate-is-a-policing-surge-the-answer-to-l-a-s-transit-safety-concerns/
4. Exciting Entertainment Updates:
   In the realm of entertainment, we have thrilling updates to share. The indie feature film ‘INHERITANCE’ is gearing up for its world premiere at the esteemed Dances With Films festival. Directed by Emily Moss Wilson and written by Rachel Noll James, this female-driven drama is set to captivate audiences with its compelling story and stellar performances. It serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in independent filmmaking. https://stmdailynews.com/title-inheritance-the-captivating-journey-of-an-indie-feature-set-to-premiere-at-dances-with-films/

Additionally, Nickelodeon has announced the nominations for its annual slime-filled Kids’ Choice Awards. With over 50 first-time nominees, the show is set to be hosted by the beloved characters SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star. Viewers can expect enhanced graphics, fun celebrity collaborations, and, of course, epic slimings. https://stmdailynews.com/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-2024-nominations-announced-with-over-50-first-time-nods/

A New podcast coming soon: Stay Tuned!

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Dreambreaker: A Pickleball story

And that’s a wrap on this episode of the STM Daily News podcast! We hope you enjoyed this recap of the latest developments in space exploration, high-speed rail progress, transit safety, and entertainment. Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates, and remember to visit our website for the full stories and additional links. Until next time, have a fantastic day!

https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/episodes/space-milestones-california-transit-and-entertainment-updates-on-stm-daily-news-podcast

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Nickelodeon revealed the nominees for its annual slime-filled Kids’ Choice Awards, with over 50 first-time nominees from across the worlds of film, television, music, sports and more. Hosted by SpongeBob SquarePants (voiced by Tom Kenny) and Patrick Star (voiced by Bill Fagerbakke), Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2024 will premiere live from their undersea home of Bikini Bottom on Saturday, July 13, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).

First-time nominees include Halle Bailey, Austin Butler, Sabrina Carpenter, Kai Cenat, Timothée Chalamet, Luke Combs, Ariana DeBose, Ayo Edebiri, Ryan Gosling, Reneé Rapp, Margot Robbie, Paul Rudd, among others. Leading the pack with six nods is Taylor Swift, followed by Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo and Justin Timberlake, with four nominations each. Musical performances and presenters will be announced at a later date.

KCA will continue to put kids and families in control as they are transported to the biggest party of the summer in Bikini Bottom. This year’s show will also feature: enhanced graphics, high-tech motion capture and augmented reality; fun celebrity collaborations and stunts as Nickelodeon celebrates SpongeBob SquarePants’ special birthday; and the net’s signature orange blimp award and epic slimings. Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2024 will simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons, the Nick Jr. channel, TVLand, CMT and MTV2.

Beginning today, fans in the U.S. can cast their votes across 33 categories on the official Kids’ Choice Awards website, KidsChoiceAwards.com. International markets will also open voting today, including additional regional categories.

Media outlets can access photos and video for Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2024 as well as request media credentials, by visiting nickkcapress.com.

Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2024 nominees are:
*denotes first-time nominee.

TELEVISION:
FAVORITE KIDS TV SHOW
Danger Force
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Power Rangers Cosmic Fury
Raven’s Home
The Muppets Mayhem
The Really Loud House
Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan

FAVORITE FAMILY TV SHOW
Abbott Elementary
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Goosebumps
iCarly
Loki
Young Sheldon

FAVORITE REALITY SHOW
America’s Funniest Home Videos
America’s Got Talent
American Ninja Warrior
Is It Cake?
Kids Baking Championship
LEGO Masters

FAVORITE CARTOON
Big City Greens
Monster High
SpongeBob SquarePants
Teen Titans Go!
The Loud House
The Simpsons

FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (KIDS)
Hunter Deno (Amelia Jones, Power Rangers Cosmic Fury)*
Lilly Singh (Nora Singh, The Muppets Mayhem)
Olivia Rodrigo (Nini, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
Raven-Symoné (Raven Baxter, Raven’s Home)
Sofia Wylie (Gina, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
Tessa Rao (Izzy Garcia, Power Rangers Cosmic Fury)*

FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (KIDS)
Chance Perez (Javi Garcia, Power Rangers Cosmic Fury)*
Dylan Gilmer (Young Dylan, Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan)
Jahzir Bruno (Clyde McBride, The Really Loud House)*
Joshua Bassett (Ricky, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series)
Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson, Percy Jackson and the Olympians)*
Wolfgang Schaeffer (Lincoln Loud, The Really Loud House)

FAVORITE FEMALE TV STAR (FAMILY)
Janelle James (Ava Coleman, Abbott Elementary)*
Laci Mosley (Harper, iCarly)*
Miranda Cosgrove (Carly, iCarly)
Peyton List (Maddie Nears, School Spirits)
Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues, Abbott Elementary)*
Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano, Ahsoka)*

FAVORITE MALE TV STAR (FAMILY)
Gordon Cormier (Aang, Avatar: The Last Airbender)*
Iain Armitage (Sheldon Cooper, Young Sheldon)
Jerry Trainor (Spencer Shay, iCarly)
Justin Long (Nathan Bratt, Goosebumps)
Tom Hiddleston (Loki, Loki)
Zack Morris (Isaiah Howard, Goosebumps)*

FILM:
FAVORITE MOVIE
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Barbie
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
The Little Mermaid
The Marvels
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Wonka

FAVORITE MOVIE ACTOR
Adam Sandler (Danny Friedman, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah)
Chris Pratt (Peter Quill, Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3)
Jason Momoa (Arthur, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom)
John Cena (Jakob Toretto, Fast X)
Paul Rudd (Gary Grooberson, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire)*
Ryan Gosling (Ken, Barbie)*
Ryan Reynolds (Cal, IF)
Timothée Chalamet (Willy Wonka, Wonka)*

FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS
America Ferrera (Gloria, Barbie)*
Brie Larson (Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel, The Marvels)
Halle Bailey (Ariel, The Little Mermaid)*
Jennifer Garner (Jess, The Family Switch)
Margot Robbie (Barbie, Barbie)*
Melissa McCarthy (Ursula, The Little Mermaid)
Zendaya (Chani, Dune: Part Two)
Zoe Saldana (Gamora, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3)

FAVORITE ANIMATED MOVIE
Elemental
Kung Fu Panda 4
PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
The Garfield Movie
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Trolls Band Together

FAVORITE MALE VOICE FROM AN ANIMATED MOVIE
Adam Sandler (Leo, Leo)
Brady Noon (Raphael, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem)
Chris Pratt (Mario, The Super Mario Bros. Movie)
Jack Black (Bowser, The Super Mario Bros. Movie)
Jack Black (Po, Kung Fu Panda 4)
Jackie Chan (Splinter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem)
Justin Timberlake (Branch, Trolls Band Together)
Shameik Moore (Miles Morales, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)

FAVORITE FEMALE VOICE FROM AN ANIMATED MOVIE
Anna Kendrick (Poppy, Trolls Band Together)
Anya Taylor-Joy (Peach, The Super Mario Bros. Movie)*
Ariana DeBose (Asha, Wish)*
Awkwafina (Zhen, Kung Fu Panda 4)
Ayo Edebiri (April, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem)*
Hailee Steinfeld (Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)
Kristen Bell (Janet, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie)
McKenna Grace (Skye, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie)*

FAVORITE VILLAIN
Amy Schumer (Velvet, Trolls Band Together)*
Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Dune: Part Two)*
Jack Black (Bowser, The Super Mario Bros. Movie)
Keegan-Michael Key (Chief of Police, Wonka)*
Melissa McCarthy (Ursula, The Little Mermaid)
Reneé Rapp (Regina George, Mean Girls)*

MUSIC:
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST
Ariana Grande
Beyoncé
Billie Eilish
Cardi B
Miley Cyrus
Olivia Rodrigo
Selena Gomez
Taylor Swift

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST
Bad Bunny
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Justin Timberlake
Post Malone
The Weeknd
Travis Scott
Usher

FAVORITE MUSIC GROUP
Black Eyed Peas
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
*NSYNC

FAVORITE SONG
“Dance the Night”- Dua Lipa
“Fast Car”- Luke Combs*
“Flowers”- Miley Cyrus
“Paint The Town Red”- Doja Cat
“Selfish”- Justin Timberlake
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”- Beyoncé
“What Was I Made For?”- Billie Eilish
“yes, and?”- Ariana Grande

FAVORITE MUSIC COLLABORATION
“All My Life”- Lil Durk* and J. Cole*
“Baby Don’t Hurt Me”- David Guetta, Anne Marie* and Coi Leray*
“Barbie World”- Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice* with Aqua*
“Doctor (Work it Out)”- Pharrell Williams featuring Miley Cyrus
“Fortnight”- Taylor Swift featuring Post Malone
“Karma (Remix)”- Taylor Swift and Ice Spice*
“SUPPOSED TO BE LOVED”- DJ Khaled featuring Lil Baby,* Future* and Lil Uzi Vert*
“Wild Ones”- Jessie Murph* and Jelly Roll*

FAVORITE BREAKOUT ARTIST
Coco Jones*
Ice Spice*
Jelly Roll*
Reneé Rapp*
Tate McRae*
Teddy Swims*
Tyla*
Victoria Monét*

FAVORITE ALBUM
“Barbie: The Album”
“Cowboy Carter”- Beyoncé
“Endless Summer Vacation”- Miley Cyrus
“GUTS”- Olivia Rodrigo
“THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY”- Taylor Swift
“Whitsitt Chapel”- Jelly Roll*

FAVORITE GLOBAL MUSIC STAR
Africa: Tyla*
Asia: BLACKPINK
Australia/NZ: Troye Sivan
Europe: Zara Larsson
Latin America: Karol G*
North America: Taylor Swift
UK: Dua Lipa

FAVORITE TICKET OF THE YEAR
Bad Bunny: Most Wanted
Beyoncé: Renaissance Tour
BlackPink: BornPink Tour
Olivia Rodrigo: Guts Tour
Sabrina Carpenter: Emails That I Can’t Send Tour*
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

FAVORITE VIRAL SONG
“Beautiful Things”- Benson Boone*
“Daylight”- David Kushner*
“Espresso”- Sabrina Carpenter*
 “Greedy”- Tate McRae*
“Lil Boo Thang”- Paul Russell*
 “Water”- Tyla*

OTHER CATEGORIES:
FAVORITE MALE CREATOR
Dhar Mann*
Mark Rober*
Markiplier
MrBeast
Ryan’s World
Spencer X

FAVORITE FEMALE CREATOR
Charli D’Amelio
Dixie D’Amelio
Emma Chamberlain
Hannah Stocking*
Kids Diana Show
Lexi Rivera

FAVORITE GAMER
Aphmau*
Kai Cenat*
Ninja
Preston
TheBoyDilly*
Unspeakable

FAVORITE SOCIAL MUSIC STAR
Addison Rae
Bella Poarch
David Kushner*
Djo*
Madison Beer*
Paul Russell*

FAVORITE CREATOR FAMILY
FGTeeV
Jordan Matter/Salish Matter*
Ninja Kidz
Royalty Family
The Beverly Halls*
The Herberts*

FAVORITE FEMALE SPORTS STAR
Alex Morgan
Caitlin Clark*
Coco Gauff*
Sha’Carri Richardson*
Simone Biles
Venus Williams

FAVORITE MALE SPORTS STAR
Cristiano Ronaldo
LeBron James
Lionel Messi
Patrick Mahomes
Stephen Curry
Travis Kelce*

FAVORITE VIDEO GAME
Just Dance 2024
Madden NFL 24
Minecraft
Roblox
Super Mario Bros. Wonder
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2024 is produced by Nickelodeon Productions and overseen by: Ashley Kaplan, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Unscripted & Digital Franchise Studio; Paul J Medford, Vice President, Unscripted Current Series; Luke Wahl, Vice President, Unscripted Creative; Jennifer Bryson, Vice President, Production, Tentpoles, Events & Music & Specials; and Ellen Rydzewski, Senior Vice President, Celebrity, Events & Talent Relations. Guy Carrington & Kevin Hermanson of Done and Dusted serve as executive producers, with Rob Paine serving as co-executive producer. The show is directed by James Merryman.

Since its launch July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the most-watched animated series for 22 consecutive years, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount history, seen in more than 180 markets, translated in 30+ languages, and averaging more than 90 million total viewers every quarter. SpongeBob SquarePants was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif.  The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.

Nickelodeon, now in its 45^th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

SOURCE Nickelodeon

https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment

Virtual Screenings Available at Midnight!

The documentary in which Michael Sleeves Sliwa appears, “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story,” is currently featured in the San Francisco Documentary Festival. It will also be available for a virtual screening starting at midnight tonight for those who have pre-ordered it. This virtual screening allows viewers to vote and the film will be eligible for Audience Awards.

Watch the trailer: https://vimeo.com/951123135/69cb708c54

The story of the film revolves around the rapid growth of pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, over a two-year period. It explores its journey from retirement communities to the New York Stock Exchange. “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story” provides an intimate portrayal of the pioneers who brought about this new professional sport. These early advocates, including former athletes, entrepreneurs, and passionate advocates of the game, worked tirelessly to bring pickleball from the margins to the mainstream. Through their efforts, they transformed a simple pastime into a burgeoning sports industry.

As this sporting industry booms, a rivalry emerges, creating a battleground for settling territorial disputes. This intense competition isn’t just about winning matches; it’s about carving out a piece of a rapidly expanding market. In this struggle for dominance, bonds are shattered and friendships betrayed, while numerous professional pickleball players become caught in the crossfire of competing egos and ambitions from feuding Texas billionaires. These billionaires, each with their vision for the future of pickleball, invest heavily in teams and tournaments, turning the sport into a high-stakes game of financial and social influence.

Undoubtedly American, the fight for professional pickleball compels us to confront the positive and negative aspects of capitalism’s influence on sports and our collective pursuit of the American Dream. On one hand, the sport’s growth demonstrates the power of innovation and the ability to create new opportunities in unexpected places. On the other hand, the intense competition and the quest for dominance often highlight the darker side of ambition, where financial gain trumps the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. The film challenges viewers to reflect on these dualities and consider what we are willing to sacrifice in our pursuit of success.

The film, directed by Ashley Underwood, Seth Porges, and Mary Pilon, features pickleballers from various walks of life.

“Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story” is more than just a documentary about the rise of a new sport; it’s a profound narrative that delves into the American spirit and the complexities of human ambition. Through the lens of pickleball, viewers witness the innovation, conflicts, and camaraderie that characterize the American Dream. The film concludes by reflecting on how this rapidly growing sport has not only altered the lives of those involved but also offers a microcosm of larger societal dynamics. As pickleball continues to evolve, it serves as a testament to the enduring impact of passion-driven ventures in shaping our world, promising that the journey of its expansion is far from over.

For more details about the movie, its cast, storyline, and the virtual screening experience, visit the links below.

https://watch.eventive.org/sfdocfest2024/play/6620f254a0b34b0058b26d1b

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32307345/?ref_=tt_mv_close

https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment