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Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story – Pro Pickleball, Billionaires, and Cultural Impact

Discover the explosive growth of pro pickleball and the involvement of billionaires in this captivating documentary, “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story.”

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Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Daily News Staff

Pickleball


🎙️ Welcome to the STM Daily News podcast, your gateway to the latest news from around the world! 🌍

Are you ready to dive into a captivating documentary that will have you on the edge of your seat? 🍿 In our latest episode, our brilliant host Rod Washington takes you on a journey into the enchanting world of “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story.”

🏓 Recently, director Ashley Underwood sat down with the amazing Mike Sliwa on his podcast, “People of Pickleball,” to unravel the explosive growth of pickleball and the intense race between billionaires for control. 😮 https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/episodes/exploring-the-pickleball-documentary-billionaires-and-pro-scene

With our exclusive insights straight from Ashley Underwood herself, this episode explores the emergence of pro pickleball, offering an inside look into the making of the documentary and the involvement of billionaires in the pro pickleball scene. It’s a behind-the-scenes adventure you won’t want to miss!

Not only does our episode provide an enthralling discussion about the cultural significance of pickleball, but it also offers a profound look into the impact this sport has on people’s lives. 🎾

Curious to hear this fascinating conversation? Head over to the Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report YouTube channel to find the full interview. 📺 If you prefer to listen on the go, you can also catch our podcast on Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Podcasts.

🥒 So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to be immersed in the captivating world of “Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story.” Join us, and let’s discover the magic of the sport that’s sweeping the globe!

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more exciting news and engaging conversations. You won’t want to miss what we have in store! 🎧

https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/episodes/exploring-the-pickleball-documentary-billionaires-and-pro-scene

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https://stories-this-moment.castos.com

STM Daily News: Navigating the Entertaining Pickleball Documentary and 2 Night UFO Mysteries Unraveled

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Entertainment

Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Wins 7 Emmys, Sets New Record

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Executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z, the show becomes the most-awarded halftime production in Emmy history.

Stadium vibe: Nighttime stadium halftime stage with bright spotlights, confetti, and a silhouetted performer before a packed crowd. Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
A nighttime Super Bowl-style stadium halftime stage lit with dramatic spotlights and pyrotechnics, as a silhouetted performer stands center stage with confetti falling and a packed crowd glowing with phone lights.

The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show starring Bad Bunny took home seven Emmy Awards at the 78th Emmy Awards, making it the most-awarded Super Bowl halftime show in Emmy history, according to Roc Nation. The live spectacle—executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z—won across major production categories, underscoring how the halftime stage has evolved into a full-scale, awards-caliber live television event.

The record-setting wins included Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special. Roc Nation also noted the show set a global viewership record, pulling 4.157 billion views in 24 hours across global broadcast, YouTube, and social platforms.

Beyond the trophies and viewership numbers, the halftime show leaned into big-name star power with special guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, plus additional appearances from Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Young Miko, and others. The sweep signals not just a win for the artists on stage, but for the behind-the-scenes creative teams turning the halftime show into one of the most technically ambitious live productions on television.

What to watch for: With Emmy recognition now firmly in the conversation, expect future halftime shows to push even harder on cinematic staging, choreography, and broadcast innovation—because the bar (and the awards) just got higher.

Source: Roc Nation (PRNewswire), Sept. 6, 2026

Link to original press release: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-apple-music-super-bowl-lx-halftime-starring-bad-bunny–executive-produced-by-roc-nation–jay-z-wins-seven-emmys-302870842.html

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Entertainment

Paramount Prepares for Possible California Exit Amid Warner Bros. Merger Battle

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Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by Daily News Staff

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paramount’s century-long connection to Hollywood could be facing one of its biggest challenges yet, as the entertainment giant reportedly prepares for the possibility of moving major operations out of California amid an escalating legal battle over its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paramount is reportedly preparing for a possible California exit as its $110 billion Warner Bros. Discovery merger faces an antitrust battle.
Studio weighs California exit amid Warner Bros. merger battle

Paramount has informed the offices of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Attorney General Rob Bonta that it is prepared to formally announce plans to leave California, according to reporting Wednesday from TheWrap. Paramount has not formally announced a relocation, and a company spokesperson declined to comment to the publication.

The potential move centers on Paramount Skydance’s proposed approximately $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal being challenged on antitrust grounds by California and a coalition of 11 other states, along with a separate challenge from the Writers Guild of America. California Attorney General Rob Bonta argues that combining the two entertainment companies could reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers.

A court agreement currently prevents Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery from completing the merger until June 1, 2027, or until after a court decision on the states’ claims, whichever comes first. The antitrust case is scheduled for trial in March 2027.

Paramount’s Hollywood Future

At the center of the controversy is Paramount’s historic studio complex at 5555 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, one of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable properties.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Paramount CEO David Ellison has told associates that he would prefer to remain in Los Angeles. However, Paramount’s board has reportedly approved a contingency plan that could move the company’s headquarters out of Hollywood, and Ellison has indicated that the company is prepared to sell its historic studio properties and relocate operations if the merger remains stalled.

Tennessee, Texas and Georgia have emerged in reports as potential destinations should Paramount ultimately decide to relocate.

The financial pressure is significant. Beginning October 1, Paramount faces a roughly $7 million-per-day additional payment obligation tied to delays in completing the Warner Bros. Discovery transaction. Paramount has asked the federal court to require the states and the Writers Guild of America to post a $1.88 billion bond to cover potential costs associated with the delay.

What’s at Stake for Los Angeles?

A Paramount departure could extend far beyond the loss of a famous Hollywood address.

An economic analysis cited by TheWrap estimates that a large-scale Paramount departure could put as many as 57,980 full-time jobs, $21.2 billion in annual economic output and approximately $1.17 billion in state and local tax revenue at risk. Those figures represent an economic-impact scenario rather than a prediction that all of those losses would necessarily occur.

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There are competing concerns about the merger itself. Los Angeles County analysis has estimated that completing the Paramount-Warner Bros. combination could also eliminate thousands of entertainment and related jobs because of consolidation. Opponents of the merger, including entertainment unions, have raised concerns about reduced competition and employment, while supporters argue that reaching a settlement could help prevent Paramount from moving operations out of California.

Mayor Bass has said she remains focused on protecting Los Angeles entertainment jobs and keeping Hollywood’s entertainment industry centered in the city. Bonta’s office, meanwhile, has maintained that California will continue enforcing its antitrust laws while remaining open to good-faith discussions.

Settlement Talks Scheduled

There is still an opportunity for the dispute to be resolved before Paramount makes a final decision about its California operations.

Paramount Skydance and representatives for California Attorney General Rob Bonta are scheduled to participate in court-ordered settlement talks on October 14 and 15. The discussions could potentially resolve the antitrust dispute and clear a path for Paramount’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.

For now, Paramount has made no official announcement that it is leaving California. The company declined to comment on reports Wednesday that it was preparing to announce a departure.

That leaves the future of Paramount’s Hollywood operations — including its historic Melrose Avenue studio — uncertain as the legal and financial pressure surrounding the merger continues to build.

For now, the gates at Paramount remain firmly planted on Melrose Avenue.

Settlement Talks Scheduled

There is still an opportunity for the dispute to be resolved before Paramount makes a final decision about its California operations.

Paramount Skydance and representatives for California Attorney General Rob Bonta are scheduled to participate in court-ordered settlement talks on October 14 and 15. The discussions could potentially resolve the antitrust dispute and clear a path for Paramount’s proposed Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition.

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For now, Paramount has made no official announcement that it is leaving California. The company declined to comment on reports Wednesday that it was preparing to announce a departure.

That leaves the future of Paramount’s Hollywood operations — including its historic Melrose Avenue studio — uncertain as the legal and financial pressure surrounding the merger continues to build.uilding around the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, the question of whether one of Hollywood’s most historic studios will continue calling California home has moved from speculation to a potentially consequential decision for Los Angeles and its entertainment industry.

STM Daily News will continue monitoring the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery dispute and what it could mean for Hollywood, entertainment workers and the future of film and television production in California.

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Community

Veggies for Veterans Distributes 600 Produce Bags at Phoenix VA

Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh produce in less than an hour during the latest Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. Santander participated for the first time, while Peddler’s Son donated watermelons.

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Last Updated on September 17, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Santander made its first appearance alongside volunteers and partners supporting the fresh-food distribution.

PHOENIX — Volunteers distributed 600 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to veterans in less than an hour during the September 10 Veggies for Veterans event at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.

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Volunteers and community partners distributed 600 bags of fresh produce to veterans in less than an hour.

Hosted by Diana Gregory Outreach Services, the event brought volunteers together in an assembly line to pack grocery bags and distribute them to waiting veterans. Participating volunteer groups and partners included SRP, State Farm, Fry’s, Legacy and Santander. This marked Santander’s first appearance at a Veggies for Veterans event.

“It’s been almost a decade since we’ve been doing Veggies for Veterans,” Diana Gregory said. “We want to thank all the volunteers, our partners and everyone who makes this possible.”

Veterans received an additional seasonal treat during the distribution. Peddler’s Son donated watermelons for the event, providing a bonus item alongside the bags of produce.

Veggies for Veterans Distributes 600 Produce Bags in Phoenix

Dr. Isabel Kozak, a partner in the outreach effort, said the fresh food can be especially meaningful for veterans managing chronic health conditions.

“We distributed 600 bags to veterans today, and I heard many, many heartfelt thank-yous,” Dr. Kozak said. “We have veterans who have hypertension and diabetes, and I think it’s really important that we provide this very nutritious food.”

The strong early turnout kept volunteers busy as veterans moved through the indoor distribution area and the outdoor setup near the medical center’s main entrance. Gregory praised the teamwork that allowed all 600 bags to be handed out in under an hour.

Diana Gregory Outreach Services plans to hold two more community events before the end of 2026. One will be another Veggies for Veterans distribution in November, featuring more fresh fruits and vegetables.

The organization’s continuing work supports its broader mission of uplifting veterans and seniors throughout the Phoenix community.

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To learn more about Veggies for Veterans, upcoming community events, volunteer opportunities or ways to support Diana Gregory Outreach Services, visit DianaGregory.com.

Reporting and video production by STM Daily News and TNC Network, LLC.

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