YouTube sensation MrBeast is making his debut as a tv host, together with his controversial Amazon Prime present Beast Video games touchdown on 19 December.

MrBeast, actual title Jimmy Donaldson, is the most important YouTuber on the earth and presently has greater than 300 million subscribers to his account. A lot of his content material revolves round costly stunts, that includes a whole bunch of individuals and philanthropy tasks.

In March, he introduced he was teaming up with Amazon MGM Studios to create a actuality competitors present referred to as Beast Video games. The present guarantees the winner a prize of $5m (£3.94m), the most important prize in streaming and tv historical past.

In line with Amazon, it’s going to see “1,000 contestants compete in nail-biting, bodily, psychological, and social challenges”.

The discharge provides: “Week by week, contestants will use their power and wit to remain within the sport, with the hope of being the multi-million-dollar winner.”

Nevertheless, regardless of the sheer measurement of the manufacturing and the historic prize on supply, Beast Video games has been dogged with controversy because it started taking pictures and is now dealing with a lawsuit lodged by 5 sad contestants.

The swimsuit alleges that Amazon and MrBeast’s manufacturing firm have didn’t pay minimal wages and extra time; failed to forestall sexual harassment; subjected contestants to “infliction of emotional misery”; didn’t present meal breaks, relaxation breaks or entry to primary hygiene and that contestants have been uncovered to “harmful circumstances and circumstances as a situation of their employment”.

Insufficient meals

In August, The New York Instances reported that contestants on the present didn’t have ample entry to meals and medical care.

“We signed up for the present, however we didn’t join not being fed or watered or handled like human beings,” one contestant stated on the situation of anonymity, as they’d signed a non-disclosure settlement.

One meal, described by a number of totally different contestants, consisted of a small portion of chilly oatmeal, a number of items of uncooked greens and a single hard-boiled egg.

Contestants reported being fed these small meals twice a day, though a spokesperson for MrBeast maintained they’d been provided three meals a day.

A number of contestants stated that they’d sought out manufacturing employees for help with medical care, meals and hygiene points, solely to search out that employees members have been unhelpful and appeared to be disorganised.

A prolonged report from Las Vegas 3 Information on 26 September stated that employees who labored on the present had referred to as it “past embarrassing” and that it was probably the most “unprofessional” manufacturing they’d ever labored on, with some calling for Donaldson to be “blacklisted”.

The report claims that contestants weren’t allowed to deliver any belongings, together with treatment, with them into Allegiant Stadium, the place 2000 contestants have been primarily based for a preliminary qualifying “episode” for the present supposed for YouTube.

Nearly all of contestants have been staying on the Rio and Luxor casinos the place the manufacturing medics have been additionally primarily based however they’d “no concept that [some contestants] have been at different casinos”.

A medic named Mona claims “their stuff was speculated to be changed into us and by no means was” and that “every part was on the fly”. She added: “We didn’t have an actual understanding of what they anticipated, or even when they knew what they have been anticipating. I don’t suppose that it was deliberate out as a result of all the data was not given.”

One other contestant wrangler, Kara, who labored at Allegiant Stadium between 18-21 July, stated there was additionally an enormous sanitary challenge with the moveable bogs used on set.

She claims that she solely noticed the moveable bogs emptied as soon as through the 4 days on set which resulted in overflowing. Kara added on the third day: “We had a man come as much as us together with his sleeping bag, and his sleeping bag was lined in excrement.”

Kara additionally stated that an unnamed contestant wrangler was threatened with “termination” after they refused to wash up the mess, regardless of not being given the correct gear to take care of human waste.

A 3rd contestant wrangler, Hannah, who was in control of guiding and coordinating contestants, stated that she felt “unprofessional” after she was left with none name sheets and that she “ought to have had extra protocols to assist me [do my job]”.

She additionally claims that one contestant had a seizure and “they simply left him there” with the incident solely being dropped at their consideration an hour later with the group ambulance medical crew then treating the affected person.

MrBeast and Amazon sued for ‘persistent mistreatment’

In September, Selection reported that MrBeast and Amazon had been sued for “persistent mistreatment” and sexual harassment.

The swimsuit alleges that Amazon and MrBeast’s manufacturing firm have didn’t pay minimal wages and extra time; failed to forestall sexual harassment; subjected contestants to “infliction of emotional misery”; didn’t present meal breaks, relaxation breaks or entry to primary hygiene and that contestants have been uncovered to “harmful circumstances and circumstances as a situation of their employment”.

In a press release, attorneys for the nameless contestants stated: “Whereas contributors knew upon signing the contract on the manufacturing’s inception that they have been dealing with a doubtlessly lengthy and difficult competitors, they allege getting much more than they bargained for.”

They added: “A number of contestants ended up hospitalised, whereas others reported struggling bodily and psychological issues whereas being subjected to persistent mistreatment, degradation and, for the feminine contestants, hostile working circumstances.”

A separate plaintiff, recognized solely as “Contestant 5”, stated that she solely joined Beast Video games as a result of she was a fan of MrBeast’s YouTube movies and that they made her “smile through the Covid-19 pandemic” however felt that she was handled like “lower than nothing” whereas on the present.

She added: “As one of many ladies, I can say it completely felt like a hostile atmosphere for us. We actually couldn’t have been revered much less – as individuals, a lot much less workers – in the event that they tried.”

The lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Robert Pafundi, stated in a press release: “As excessive because the allegations in opposition to defendants are right here, the legislation couldn’t be extra clear. Individuals entered into contracts they usually have been promised compensation for his or her companies. Their expectation of compensation, together with them being constantly beneath the management and supervision of the manufacturing employees, makes them workers beneath California legislation. As such, they have been entitled to and denied, sure protections. And if you add to that the intense neglect, degradation, harassment and inhumane circumstances — it’s fairly merely an enormous dereliction of obligation, for which the defendants should and can now be held accountable.”

MrBeast responds

In a press release given to The Hollywood Reporter in August, a spokesperson for the YouTuber stated: “The MrBeast promotional video shoot, which included over 2,000 contributors, was sadly difficult by the CrowdStrike incident, excessive climate, and different surprising logistical and communications points, which we’re presently reviewing, however we’re grateful that nearly all of these invited to Toronto for our subsequent manufacturing have enthusiastically accepted our invitation.”

“We’ve got communicated straight with 97 per cent of the two,000 individuals who attended to ask for suggestions, have launched a proper overview of the method, and have taken steps to make sure that we study from this expertise and we’re excited to welcome a whole bunch of women and men to the world’s largest sport present in historical past.”

Donaldson has not formally commented on the allegations however, on 25 November, he responded to a submit on X/Twitter writing: “We’ve got tons of behind-the-scenes [clips] dropping when the present does, to indicate how blown out of proportion these claims have been. Simply can’t launch it now as a result of it will spoil the video games.”

The Unbiased has contacted MrBeast and Amazon for remark.

CNN
 — 

5-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman has apologized to his daughter, Olympic gold medal-winning soccer participant Trinity Rodman, after she criticized him for being absent for a lot of her life within the Name Her Daddy podcast.

“He’s not a dad. Perhaps by blood, however nothing else,” she informed host Alex Cooper. “Listening to his voice is painful.”

CNN tried to contact Dennis Rodman for remark however the former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls star posted a public apology to his daughter on Instagram shortly after the podcast episode was revealed.

“Sorry I wasn’t the Dad you needed me to be however both approach I nonetheless tried and I nonetheless try to by no means will cease,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’ll hold attempting even once you’re being informed as an grownup not to reply to my cellphone calls. I’ll attempt even when it’s troublesome and if it takes a very long time.

“I’m all the time right here and let you know on a regular basis – relatively it’s your voice or voicemail – how proud I’m. I all the time had one want and it was I want my children would name me and are available see me. Hopefully at some point I can get that. I’m right here and I’m nonetheless attempting decide up the cellphone you have got my quantity. You see me calling, I’m nonetheless right here.”

Former NBA star Dennis added that he watches Trinity play soccer “on a regular basis” and as soon as flew to observe a recreation however ended up watching from his lodge balcony after being informed to not present up due to who he was with.

Regardless of her father reportedly incomes greater than $27 million in wage throughout his NBA profession, per SpotRac, Trinity defined that she had at one level been compelled to reside in a automotive.

“We had (a Ford) Expedition and we sort of lived in that for a bit bit,” she stated. “We tried to reside with him, however he’s having events 24/7, he’s bringing random b*tches in. He loves the highlight. He loves the cameras.

“Earlier than the divorce (from Trinity’s mom Michelle Moyer in 2012) occurred, my dad was truly serving to cash sensible,” she continued. “He would truly give cash to my mother and allow us to sort of reside life a bit bit, however then when the divorce occurred, it was identical to, ‘F**ok you guys.’

“I feel he’s an especially egocentric human being,” she added. “I feel the whole lot has all the time been about him.”

Trinity has 10 objectives and 9 assists in 45 appearances for the US Girls’s Nationwide Staff (USWNT). She was one of many stars of the crew which took gold on the Paris Olympics this 12 months, contributing three objectives and one help, together with an extra-time winner within the quarterfinals towards Japan.

When she was drafted by the Washington Spirit at 18 years outdated in 2021, she turned the youngest participant ever drafted into the NWSL on the time. That season, Dennis turned up unannounced to the Spirit’s playoffs quarterfinal match towards the North Carolina Braveness, having not spoken to his daughter in months.

“When he confirmed up at my recreation, I used to be, like, so mad,” remembered the Spirit ahead. “I began crying on the sphere. So I’m attempting to play the soccer recreation and I’m crying.”

The Spirit gained the sport 1-0 and went on to assert the NWSL title, however Trinity was livid along with her father.

“I used to be so mad. I used to be like ‘You took this joyful second from me. You f**ked with my head once more,’” she stated. “I’m strolling over there (in direction of Dennis) so mad, like ‘F**ok you.’ I stroll over there, he grabs my head and I simply begin bawling into his arms as if it’s a daddy-daughter (second).”

The ensuing embrace went viral, and Trinity launched an Instagram publish by which she expressed hope that their relationship may enhance.

“After that, radio silence. I didn’t see him for, like… till this 12 months,” she informed Name Her Daddy host Cooper. “Silly me for pondering that was gonna be some kind of recent spark. That was me each single time. He would come round, and I’d be like ‘Okay, right here it’s once more. We’re gonna begin one thing. He’s gonna be round.’ Growth, months and months and months (with out chatting with him). This time, it was years.

“I feel after that was once I misplaced hope in ever getting him again.”

Dennis met Trinity’s mom, Michelle Moyer, in 1999. Trinity’s brother – Dennis “DJ” Jr. – was born in 2001, adopted a 12 months later by Trinity. The couple married in 2003, earlier than Moyer filed for divorce in 2004. After a interval of reconciliation, they finalized the divorce in 2012.

The seven-time NBA rebounding champion, who didn’t meet his personal father till his late 30s, has beforehand spoken out about his need to be a greater guardian.

“For some cause, it’s very onerous for me to interrupt out of that cycle,” he informed ESPN in 2019. “I by no means had anybody to ever try this for me.”

Tokyo, Japan and Cambridge, UK, 20 December 2024 – Nxera Pharma Co., Ltd. (“Nxera” or “the Firm”; TSE 4565) – previously often known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares – proclaims that Chris Cargill, President and CEO, will current on the 43^rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Convention on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 3:00 p.m. PST.

Traders, analysts, members of the media and most people are invited to hearken to a dwell audio webcast of the presentation at this weblink.

Presentation slides will probably be made accessible by the investor part of the Firm’s web site.

–END–

About Nxera Pharma
Nxera Pharma (previously Sosei Heptares) is a know-how powered biopharma firm, in pursuit of latest specialty medicines to enhance the lives of sufferers with unmet wants in Japan and globally.

Along with a number of merchandise being commercialized in Japan, we’re advancing an in depth pipeline of over 30 lively applications from discovery by to late scientific stage internally and in partnership with main pharma and biotech corporations. This pipeline is concentrated on addressing main unmet wants in a few of the fastest-growing areas of medication throughout neurology, GI and immunology, metabolic problems and uncommon ailments, and leverages the ability of our distinctive and trade main GPCR-targeted structure-based drug discovery NxWave™ platform to supply a sustainable supply of best- or first-in-class candidates.

Nxera employs over 350 gifted individuals at key places in Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), London and Cambridge (UK), Basel (Switzerland) and Seoul (South Korea) and is listed on the Tokyo Inventory Alternate (ticker: 4565).

For extra data, please go to www.nxera.life
LinkedIn: @NxeraPharma | X: @NxeraPharma | YouTube: @NxeraPharma

Enquiries:

Nxera – Media and Investor Relations
Kentaro Tahara, VP Investor Relations and Company Technique
Shinichiro Nishishita, VP Investor Relations, Head of Regulatory Disclosures
Maya Bennison, Communications Supervisor
+81 (0)3 5210 3399 | +44 (0)1223 949390 |IR@Nxera.life

MEDiSTRAVA (for Worldwide Media)
Mark Swallow, Frazer Corridor, Erica Hollingsworth
+44 (0)203 928 6900 | Nxera@medistrava.com

Ahead-looking statements
This press launch comprises forward-looking statements, together with statements concerning the discovery, growth, and commercialization of merchandise. Numerous dangers could trigger Nxera Pharma Group’s precise outcomes to vary materially from these expressed or implied by the ahead trying statements, together with: adversarial ends in scientific growth applications; failure to acquire patent safety for innovations; industrial limitations imposed by patents owned or managed by third events; dependence upon strategic alliance companions to develop and commercialize services and products; difficulties or delays in acquiring regulatory approvals to market services and products ensuing from growth efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct analysis and growth and to broaden commercialization actions; and product initiatives by opponents. On account of these elements, potential traders are cautioned to not depend on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to replace or revise any forward-looking statements, whether or not because of new data, future occasions or in any other case.

Our TDF rebalancing coverage seeks to offer traders with one of the best probability for long-term funding success. To realize this objective, we goal to decrease transaction prices, that are a drag on returns, and restrict the danger from giant allocation drifts between rebalancing occasions.

Our analysis exhibits a threshold of 200 bps is appropriate throughout totally different forecast fashions, whereas a vacation spot of 175 bps results in decrease transaction prices compared with different locations. For a hypothetical 60% international fairness/40% international mounted revenue portfolio over a 10-year interval, Vanguard analysis exhibits that, when in comparison with calendar-based rebalancing methods, the 200/175 threshold-based rebalancing methodology leads to:

• Larger danger management. Allocation deviations are decrease and higher managed when using the 200/175 rebalancing methodology, which is predicted to lead to 43 bps much less allocation deviation per yr in contrast with month-to-month rebalancing and 135 bps much less in contrast with quarterly rebalancing.
• Diminished transaction prices. The anticipated transaction prices are about 13–17 bps decrease relative to quarterly and month-to-month approaches.
• Probably greater relative returns. The 200/175 rebalancing coverage leads to relative returns which are doubtlessly 11–18 bps greater per yr than calendar-based approaches.

The general profit to TDF traders might be substantial. As a part of the evaluation, the authors measured the relative good thing about rebalancing approaches utilizing the understanding charge equal, which might be interpreted because the charge an investor could be keen to pay for one rebalancing methodology over one other.

“We discovered that, for a TDF investor, the annual relative good thing about 200/175 rebalancing can vary from 5 to 21 bps when in comparison with calendar-based approaches,” stated Zhang. “That benefit can add as much as giant sums over time, enhancing an investor’s finest probability of funding success. Based mostly on our evaluation, the necessity for day by day monitoring is nicely well worth the potential for enhanced funding outcomes over the long run.”

Olympic soccer gold medalist Trinity Rodman may be the daughter of a legendary athlete, however she revealed she spent years not listening to from her father, Dennis Rodman.

Trinity Rodman, 22, waded into what she described as “new territory” by discussing her household in an interview on the “Name Her Daddy” podcast Wednesday.

Trinity Rodman, who at 18 grew to become the youngest participant drafted into the Nationwide Girls’s Soccer League and was important to the Washington Spirit’s championship in her rookie yr, is a rising star within the soccer world.

She skyrocketed to turn into a family identify this summer time when she helped the US convey dwelling its first gold medal in girls’s soccer because the London 2012 Summer season Olympics.

However “Rodman” is not precisely an unknown identify to sports activities followers.

Dennis Rodman was a five-time NBA champion, having gained three titles with the Chicago Bulls within the Nineteen Nineties alongside Michael Jordan. On the top of his fame, he developed a rebellious status with an unconventional type and outlandish antics.

To Trinity Rodman, nonetheless, he was an absentee father who deserted his household each emotionally and financially, she mentioned.

“I believe when it comes to the dad scenario — when it comes to what I’ve filtered and what I’ve talked about — I really feel like me and my brother have been very beneficiant with the way in which that we have talked about it and really unselfish,” she mentioned.

Dennis Rodman did not reply to requests for remark Wednesday.

She and her older brother, DJ, have been born throughout Dennis Rodman’s relationship to Michelle Moyer, however the couple separated when Trinity Rodman was nonetheless a toddler. The divorce was drawn out from 2004 to 2012. Trinity Rodman mentioned that her mom struggled with cash and that her father barely gave them sufficient to pay hire.

For a time, Moyer and her youngsters have been homeless.

“Think about dwelling in a automobile going to a wealthy college; it was probably the most bizarre factor,” she mentioned. “We have been dwelling in automobile, however then we may afford to remain in a motel for a bit bit, so we have been form of backwards and forwards.”

Dennis Rodman gave a tearful speech in 2011 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame, saying he by no means had a father. He appeared to specific some contrition over being a foul husband and a foul father.

“I’ve one remorse — I want I used to be a greater father,” he mentioned.

Throughout some intervals, Trinity Rodman mentioned, she noticed her father solely three or 4 occasions a yr, regardless that they lived in the identical metropolis.

“Even now, I am making an attempt to be sincere about it, and I am nonetheless giving him sympathy,” she mentioned. “Which is irritating for me as a result of in actuality, I believe he is an especially egocentric human being. I believe every part has at all times been about him.”

Trinity Rodman recalled bursting into offended tears throughout her NWSL quarterfinal match in 2021 when she realized her father — whom she hadn’t spoken to in months — confirmed up unannounced. She mentioned she cried her eyes out within the locker room at halftime earlier than she acquired again on the sphere to win the sport.

“The whistle blew, and I used to be so mad,” she mentioned. “Such as you took this comfortable second from me.”

The 2 spoke after the sport in what she described as a reasonably “healthful” catch-up, together with her father even saying he needed to see her extra, she mentioned. However she did not see or discuss to him till someday within the final yr.

Trinity Rodman posted to her Instagram account about their difficult relationship after the sport, including on Wednesday’s podcast that she needed to be optimistic and really feel grateful that he confirmed up in any respect. That was offset, she mentioned, by the months of silence that adopted.

“I believe after that was after I misplaced hope in ever getting him again. It was simply going to be, like, he is popping in every time he desires to be in a digital camera,” she mentioned. “And even at that sport, I do not suppose that was for me. I believe he needed to have conscience after which be like, headline, Dennis Rodman confirmed as much as his daughter’s sport.”

She mentioned listening to his voice is painful, including that she’s going to reply when he telephones however that the “random” calls are terrible for her.

“He isn’t a dad,” she mentioned. “Perhaps by blood however nothing else.”

Ford was described in court docket as a “jobbing” actor and mannequin, who preyed on ladies that he met by way of relationship apps.

He boasted of being one in every of Brad Pitt’s stand-ins when the Hollywood star filmed World Battle Z in Glasgow in 2013. He additionally appeared in a Deacon Blue music video.

A number of victims described Ford’s abusive and controlling behaviour, which brought on them to be remoted from family and friends in addition to fearful for their very own security.

Det Insp Grey mentioned that the victims testimonies “vastly contributed” to Ford being convicted.

He added: “I hope that realizing he’s now behind bars for his crimes helps them proceed to maneuver ahead with their lives.”

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for Excessive Court docket Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes, mentioned that Ford was ready to make use of manipulation, pressure or threats to hold out his abuse.

She mentioned: “He confirmed disregard for the significance of consent between companions.

“It’s vital that amongst the various offences he dedicated our prosecutors have been capable of show rape in Ford’s failure to make use of a condom throughout intercourse – with out the consent of his then-partner.”

She added that hopefully his victims would discover “reduction” over the sentence.

Legal professionals performing for Ford and the Crown had debated whether or not he ought to be subjected to an order for lifelong restriction.

On the Excessive Court docket in Edinburgh Lord Summers declined to implement the order, saying there was “purpose to assume” Ford could also be amenable to vary, citing his relative youth and willingness to participate in academic workshops.

Lord Summers advised Ford he could be subjected to 5 years supervision following his launch from custody.

Ford was additionally positioned on the Intercourse Offenders Register for all times.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Everybody has a fortunate quantity in Las Vegas. For the Milwaukee Bucks, it was 3.

And the NBA Cup was their prize.

Match MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 factors to associate with 19 rebounds and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 23 factors and the Bucks linked on 17 3-pointers on the best way to beating the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder 97-81 within the NBA Cup title recreation on Tuesday evening.

See more

Quest for the Cup full. pic.twitter.com/cVgT61eWgx

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 18, 2024

“All people did their job,” Lillard mentioned. “We defended. We performed nicely from the beginning of the sport right through the end. I believe it simply confirmed what we’ve been constructing. I believe all of it got here out in our greatest recreation so far.”

Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. every scored 13 for the Bucks, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers as the one champions of the 2-year-old occasion. A 19-5 Milwaukee run within the second half turned what was a five-point recreation right into a 19-point recreation early within the fourth, and the Bucks saved management the remainder of the best way.

“It’s nice, it’s nice for our group,” Antetokounmpo mentioned. “We’re getting higher. … We all know we’re leaving Vegas as a greater group. I’m so happy with this group. Man, I’m so happy with this group.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 and Jalen Williams added 18 for the Thunder, who had scored at the very least 99 factors in each recreation this season. However they sputtered in loads of methods Tuesday, getting outscored 51-15 from past the arc and capturing solely 34%.

“We didn’t shoot it nicely,” Gilgeous-Alexander mentioned. “However that’s by no means an excuse. … We’ve shot dangerous and received video games earlier than, in order that’s not an excuse.”

Isaiah Hartenstein had 16 factors and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma Metropolis, which was held to 31 factors after halftime.

“We did some good issues. We outscored them within the paint so clearly we did the job defensively on that finish,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault mentioned. “However clearly a tricky evening offensively all the best way round for us. We didn’t rating almost sufficient factors, particularly within the second half, to present ourselves an opportunity to win. However we are able to study from it, transfer ahead right here.”

It’s a recreation that solely counted for match functions. There was about $300,000 in further bonus cash for Bucks gamers — they obtained $514,971 apiece, whereas the Thunder gamers obtained $205,988 every — however the win, the loss and the statistics from the sport received’t rely towards the common season.

Mired towards the underside of the NBA after a 2-8 begin, the Bucks have been on a tear since. This was their thirteenth win of their final 16 video games, despite the fact that it received’t be a part of the official document.

Irrespective of: When the Bucks emptied their bench with 1:37 left, Antetokounmpo pumped his fists prefer it was a real championship second.

He’s received greater video games — he and the Bucks captured the 2021 NBA title, in spite of everything. However they mentioned from the outset of this match that the NBA Cup was a precedence.

And so they left little doubt in the long run.

“We struggled popping out of the gates,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers mentioned. “Nobody right here doubted what we could be and who we could be and we simply hung in there. We caught collectively and that is the byproduct of a group sticking collectively. However we nonetheless have work to do.”

Antetokounmpo was much more succinct: “Job’s not achieved,” he mentioned.

His level was clear: There’s one other title to chase in June. However this was nonetheless a trophy second to have fun.

Takeaways

Bucks: Milwaukee performed with out guard Khris Middleton (non-COVID sickness) and nonetheless improved to an NBA-best 12-1 in NBA Cup video games, together with an ideal 7-0 this season. The Bucks’ solely in-season match loss was to Indiana in final 12 months’s semifinals.

Thunder: It was a uncommon evening of enjoying uphill for Oklahoma Metropolis, which trailed by as many as 20. The Thunder trailed by greater than 14 factors in solely two of their 25 video games up to now within the common season — getting down by 30 towards Golden State and by 21 to San Antonio.

Key second

No fewer than 5 gamers ended up on the ground, all scrapping for a unfastened ball with 9:12 left within the third quarter. Thunder ahead Lu Dort was hit with a technical, Daigneault obtained one other just a few seconds later and Lillard ended up with a five-point possession — two free throws for the techs, adopted by a 3-pointer.

Key stat

The Thunder are 20-1 this season when main after three quarters. They’re now 0-5 when tied or trailing going into the ultimate quarter (despite the fact that it is going to formally be 0-4 since this recreation received’t be counted).

Up subsequent

The Thunder go to Orlando on Thursday and Miami on Friday. The Bucks go to Cleveland on Friday and host Washington on Saturday.

 

What extra protection of the NBA? Take us with you, wherever you go.

Obtain the brand new & improved KSL Sports activities app from Utah’s sports activities chief. You’ll be able to stream stay radio, video and keep updated on your entire favourite groups.

Disney Acquires International Theatrical Movie Rights for No. 1 Streaming Collection, Bluey, With Streaming on Disney+

BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Firm at present introduced the first-ever animated characteristic movie for ’Bluey’, the beloved Emmy® and BAFTA Award-winning animated collection that’s 2024’s No. 1 collection on streaming. The brand new deal sees Disney buying the worldwide theatrical rights for the movie, which can land in cinemas in 2027 beneath the Disney banner. Following the worldwide theatrical launch, it’s going to stream on Disney+.

Written and directed by ’Bluey’ creator Joe Brumm, the movie is a Ludo Studio manufacturing in collaboration with BBC Studios. Delivering the identical appeal and humor that made the tv collection a world phenomenon, the film will proceed the adventures of Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler canine, who lives together with her mum, dad and her little sister, Bingo.

Joe Brumm, creator of ‘Bluey’, mentioned: “I actually loved the expertise of working with an extended format on ‘The Signal’ in Collection 3, so going even additional with a characteristic movie appears like a pure extension of that. I’ve all the time thought ’Bluey’ deserved a theatrical film. I would like this to be an experiential occasion for the entire household to get pleasure from collectively. I’m excited to proceed to associate with Cecilia Persson, Tom Fussell and the workforce at BBC Studios, and Dana Walden, Alan Bergman and Disney to deliver this new ’Bluey’ story to the massive display screen.”

Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, co-chairmen, Disney Leisure, mentioned: “Since its debut on Disney Jr. and Disney+, ’Bluey’ has turn out to be a world phenomenon, uniting households in all places with its heartfelt tales of play, creativeness and connection. We’re so proud to increase upon our relationship with BBC Studios to deliver the magic of ‘Bluey’ to the massive display screen – for actual life! – and we’re deeply grateful to Joe Brumm for making a world that continues to encourage and delight households in all places.”

Tom Fussell, CEO, BBC Studios, mentioned: “We’re extremely excited to take ’Bluey’ to cinemas given its extraordinary success on a world scale – it’s among the hottest IP on the planet. It has been such a privilege to work with Joe and the workforce at Ludo Studio on ‘Bluey’’s meteoric rise from inception by way of to changing into one of the vital beloved TV reveals of all time. BBC Studios has an extended historical past of bringing the perfect youngsters’s tv to the world in new and thrilling methods, so working with Joe and the workforce, we felt a feature-length movie was the pure subsequent step. We’re happy to work with Disney on ’Bluey’s eagerly awaited theatrical debut and stay up for partnering with Dana, Alan, and the whole workforce on this momentous journey.”

Daley Pearson and Charlie Aspinwall, Co-Founders and Administrators, Ludo Studio, mentioned: “Over the previous eight years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside a unprecedented workforce of greater than fifty artists and producers whose expertise, dedication, and creativity have formed ’Bluey’ into the beloved collection it’s at present. Their work has paved the best way for this unbelievable alternative to increase ’Bluey’’s world onto the massive display screen. We’re excited to proceed exhibiting Queensland as a house for world-class expertise and to share a brand new stunning ’Bluey’ story by Joe Brumm with households world wide.”

The movie will star vocal expertise from the hit present together with Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey’s mum and pa, Chilli and Bandit Heeler, and music created by ’Bluey’ composer Joff Bush.

The CG animated movie shall be produced by award-winning animation producer Amber Naismith (‘Completely happy Toes’, ‘The Lego Film’, ‘The Lego Batman Film’) with Richard Jeffery returning to co-direct (’Bluey’

 

Collection 1-3), Joe Brumm is Government Producer alongside Justine Flynn for BBC Studios, with Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson from Ludo Studio. For Disney, the movie shall be overseen by David Greenbaum, president of Disney Dwell Motion and twentieth Century Studios, and his workforce.

BBC Studios is financing and licensing the image for distribution. The movie is being supported by the Australian authorities by way of the Producer Offset and Display screen Australia, and assist from the Queensland Authorities by way of Display screen Queensland’s Put up, Digital and Visible Results Incentive.

Disney will launch the ’Bluey’ film in theaters worldwide, adopted by streaming on Disney+. The film can even air on ABC iview and ABC Youngsters in Australia post-theatrical launch.

Accessible in over 140 international locations, ’Bluey’ is 2024’s most-watched collection globally on Disney+, and the 12 months’s No. 1 most-watched collection on streaming so far by way of November amongst whole viewers within the U.S., with greater than 50.5 billion minutes watched (842 million hours). (*Supply: Nielsen Media Analysis; Streaming Content material Scores 1/1/24-11/24/24). ’Bluey’ can also be the No. 1 children present on CBeebies and Disney+ within the UK. The present has additionally garnered quite a few awards, together with a 2024 Peabody Award and back-to-back Tv Critics Affiliation Awards in 2023 and 2024.

For film updates, signal as much as blueytv.com

 

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios is the principle industrial arm of BBC Business Ltd and generated revenues of £1.8 billion within the final 12 months and income of over £200 million for a 3rd consecutive 12 months. In a position to take an thought seamlessly from thought to display screen and past, the enterprise is constructed on two working areas: the Content material Studio, which produces, invests and distributes TV and audio globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, providers together with UKTV, bbc.com and BritBox Worldwide and joint ventures within the UK and internationally. The enterprise made greater than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programmes final 12 months for a variety of UK and international broadcasters and platforms. Its content material is internationally recognised throughout a broad vary of genres and specialisms, and consists of world-famous manufacturers like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet collection, Bluey and Physician Who.

 

 

About The Walt Disney Firm

The Walt Disney Firm, along with its subsidiaries and associates, is a number one diversified worldwide leisure and media enterprise that features three enterprise segments: Leisure, Sports activities, and Experiences. Disney is a Dow 30 firm and had annual income of $91.4 billion in its Fiscal Yr 2024.

 

About Ludo Studio

Ludo Studio is a BAFTA, multi-Emmy®, Logie and Peabody award-winning Australian studio and considered one of TIME’s Most Influential Corporations of 2024, that creates and produces authentic scripted drama, animation and digital tales which are authored by unbelievable native expertise, distributed globally and cherished by audiences in all places. Ludostudio.com.au

About Display screen Queensland

Display screen Queensland is the state government-owned company investing in regionally made movies, collection and digital video games, and attracting worldwide and interstate manufacturing and post-production. The company runs career-building initiatives for practitioners across the state and helps movie festivals and business occasions akin to Display screen Without end, Asia Pacific Display screen Awards and the AACTA Awards and Competition. Display screen Queensland additionally operates Display screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane and Cairns.

67 video games. 30 groups. 1 winner.

The Milwaukee Bucks are your 2024 Emirates NBA Cup champions.

5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀

Dec. 18, 2024

Bucks Beat Thunder: Milwaukee caps its historic turnaround by hoisting the Emirates NBA Cup

“We Win Collectively”: With their season sputtering, the Bucks’ chemistry clicked

Giannis’ Rise: The NBA Cup MVP joined elite firm final night time, however he’s nonetheless hungry

Capturing The Chase: 7 pictures honoring Milwaukee’s 7-0 run to the Cup

NBA All-Star 2025: A contemporary format, mini-tourney and thrilling twists for this season’s ASG

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1. BUCKS TOP THUNDER IN EMIRATES NBA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

On Nov. 10, the Bucks fell to 2-8 — their worst 10-game begin in a decade. 

Now? They’re NBA history-makers and Emirates NBA Cup champions.

Bucks 97, Thunder 81: Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a monster triple-double (26 pts, 19 reb, 10 ast) whereas Damian Lillard added 23 factors because the Bucks outscored the Thunder 46-31 within the 2nd half to win the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup championship in Las Vegas. | Recap

• Giannis MVP: Antetokounmpo — a two-time Kia NBA MVP and the 2021 Finals MVP — was named the NBA Cup MVP, including to his already embellished resume
• Good: The Bucks, who entered the semifinals as the one remaining unbeaten workforce in Cup play, completed the in-season competitors with a 7-0 report
• Historical past: Milwaukee (14-11) is the primary workforce in NBA historical past to begin 2-8 or worse by means of their first 10 video games after which win 12 of their subsequent 15

The Turning Level: After coming into the break with a one-point lead, Milwaukee outscored OKC 26-14 within the third quarter and used a 16-2 run between the third and 4th to take a 20-point lead and slam the door shut.

• Lockdown: OKC’s 14 factors within the third marked its lowest-scoring quarter in Cup play, and so they have been held to only 5-of-19 capturing (26.3%) whereas committing six turnovers
• Giannis & Dame Time: Giannis took over within the third, posting 12 factors, 10 boards, three assists and a block, whereas combining with Lillard (8 pts) to single-handedly outscore OKC

The three&D Distinction: The Thunder are permitting a league-low 103.5 ppg, nevertheless it was the Bucks protection that shined on Tuesday, holding OKC to a season-low in factors — together with 5-for-32 (15.6%) from past the arc.

• Proudly owning The three: It’s the Thunder’s lowest 3-point proportion in a sport since March 2023, and so they have been outscored 51-15 from downtown, because the Bucks went 17-of-40 (42.5%) from lengthy vary 
• Deer From Deep: Lillard led Milwaukee with 5 triples, whereas Brook Lopez, Gary Trent Jr., and AJ Inexperienced sank three apiece
• Inside & Out: Giannis posted a game-high 18 factors within the paint, and the Bucks gained the rebounding battle 52-43
• Lillard: “To be the final workforce standing on this match, it feels nice.”
• Get Up Shut: For Milwaukee’s title celebration and Lillard telling Giannis to not drop the trophy

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2. STRUGGLES TO STRENGTH: MILWAUKEE’S CUP CONNECTION

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Earlier than taking the ground for Tuesday’s championship bout, Bucks coach Doc Rivers had a easy message for his workforce:

• “Three phrases: we win collectively.”

Amid their 2-8 begin, the Bucks had one sport with 25+ assists. Of their final 15 video games, they’ve had 10. 

On Tuesday, 73.5% of Milwaukee’s 34 area objectives have been assisted — 14.8% greater than its season common (58.7%) because it recorded 25 dimes in comparison with OKC’s 13. 

Whereas the NBA Cup championship doesn’t depend towards regular-season statistics, the Bucks’ 73.5% help fee would have been their season-high.

• “We felt extraordinarily related on the market,” stated Damian Lillard postgame. “Having the powerful begin that we had, the one manner out of it was us being collectively and doing it as a collective group…
• “How related we have been tonight when the stakes have been this excessive was going to be crucial factor, and I feel we performed that manner.”

Milwaukee’s historic turnaround started with its NBA Cup Group Play opener, because it beat Toronto to enhance to 3-8. The win sparked a 9-1 stretch that noticed them end Group Play at 4-0 with an NBA-best +50 level differential.

Within the Knockout Rounds, the Bucks ousted two of the most well liked groups in basketball — the Magic and Hawks — to succeed in the championship, the place they handed the 20-5 Thunder, the highest workforce within the West, their largest lack of the season.

• “Outdoors Milwaukee, I feel lots of people stated, ‘What’s occurring?’” stated Rivers on their sluggish begin. “I don’t suppose one individual inside thought that in any respect…
• “We simply believed that it was going to click on, it was going to occur — I might make a degree of claiming we assumed that. Now it’s.”

The Bucks closed the NBA Cup ranked first in internet ranking (11.9), second in defensive ranking (101.3) and third in 3-point proportion (40.7%). However Milwaukee’s turnaround wasn’t nearly numbers.

• “We set the tone,” stated Giannis postgame. “We performed nice workforce basketball … most significantly, we have been competing defensively.  That’s who we’re — that’s what we’re going to proceed to be.”

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3. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO NBA HISTORY: GIANNIS’ RELENTLESS PURSUIT

Very like the Bucks’ begin this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA journey started with challenges.

When Giannis entered the league as an 18-year-old from Greece, he had solely been taking part in basketball for 5 years. As a rookie, he averaged 6.8 factors, 4.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per sport.

His numbers elevated in every of the subsequent 4 seasons, marking the start of a meteoric rise into the NBA 75 — alongside his now-teammate Lillard — that has seen his sport stage up yr after yr.

• In 2016-17, Giannis’ fourth season, he averaged 20+ ppg for the primary time whereas being named an All-Star and the NBA’s Most Improved Participant
• In 2018-19, simply two seasons after his first All-Star choice, he was named Kia NBA MVP
• In 2019-20, he earned his second straight MVP whereas additionally being named Defensive Participant of the 12 months
• In 2020-21, he led the Bucks to their first championship in 50 years whereas being named Finals MVP
• This season, he’s main the NBA with a career-high 32.7 ppg whereas capturing 50% or higher in all 23 video games he’s performed – the second-longest streak to open a season in NBA historical past

“That’s simply who he’s” stated Damian Lillard on Giannis’ starvation to enhance. “He’s a decided individual and participant. Simply the background that he comes from — his journey to changing into the famous person that he’s, is a tricky one.”

Giannis hasn’t simply pushed himself to new heights this season — he’s additionally powered his workforce’s turnaround. After a loss to the Knicks in early November, the two-time MVP referred to as out his teammates, demanding extra depth:

• “Are we okay with not competing? I’m not okay with that … We’ve obtained to compete each single possession. Each free ball, we’ve obtained to get a physique on the ground and put it on the road.”

Giannis’ problem sparked a response. Twelve wins later, the Bucks have jumped from 14th within the East to fifth, highlighted by an Emirates NBA Cup title.

Twelve seasons later for Giannis, he’s gone from a rookie looking for his option to standing with LeBron James as the one two gamers in NBA historical past with a Kia NBA MVP, a Finals MVP, an All-Star Recreation MVP and an Emirates NBA Cup MVP. 

However the Greek Freak isn’t targeted on particular person accolades — he’s hungry for extra wins.

• “We’ve got what it takes to compete with the most effective groups. We’ve got to remain humble. The final 15 video games, we’ve been competing, taking part in workforce basketball, particularly down the stretch…
• “However there’s a stage that we nonetheless haven’t tapped.”

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4. CAPTURING THE BUCKS’ CHASE FOR THE CUP IN 7 PHOTOS

The whole lot concerning the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup popped — from the colourful courts to the finale in Las Vegas.

In honor of the Bucks ending 7-0, beneath are seven of our favourite frames from their title run.

Plus, check your Emirates NBA Cup data with right now’s NBA Play Trivia!

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5. NBA UNVEILS NEW ALL-STAR GAME FORMAT FOR 2025

The 2025 NBA All-Star Recreation is simply 60 days away. And it’s bringing a brand new twist, with the NBA and Nationwide Basketball Gamers Affiliation saying a reimagined format for the sport, set to happen in San Francisco on Sunday, Feb. 16 (8 ET, TNT).

• 4 Groups: For the primary time, the NBA All-Star Recreation will function a mini-tournament with 4 groups of eight gamers
• Three Video games: There will likely be two semifinal matchups, with the winners shifting on to the championship sport
• One Goal Rating: For every sport, the winner would be the first workforce to succeed in or surpass 40 factors

The 24 NBA All-Stars will likely be divided evenly into three groups, with the rosters drafted by TNT’s Contained in the NBA commentators Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, who will function honorary workforce GMs.

• NBA All-Star Draft: The three analysts will make their respective picks for Group Charles, Group Shaq and Group Kenny dwell on TNT on Thursday, Feb. 6
• The Fourth Squad? The winner of the Castrol Rising Stars Recreation (Feb. 14), with TNT analyst and WNBA legend Candace Parker main the way in which because the honorary GM

The voting course of to find out the 24 NBA All-Stars will stay the identical:

• Starters: The 5 gamers honored as starters in every convention will likely be chosen by followers (50% of the vote), present NBA gamers (25%) and a media panel (25%)
• Reserves: The seven gamers honored as reserves in every convention will likely be chosen by NBA head coaches
• Coaches: As of Feb. 2, the pinnacle coach of the main workforce within the East and West will every coach an All-Star workforce. One assistant from every workforce will coach the opposite two remaining squads

NBA All-Star Voting opens on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 am ET and concludes on Monday, Jan. 20 at 11:59 pm. ET, giving followers the possibility to vote for the NBA All-Star Recreation starters by way of the NBA App and NBA.com with their NBA ID.

Bluey, the pet and star of the Bafta-winning kids’s TV present, is hitting the massive display screen in her first characteristic movie.

It would arrive in cinemas in 2027 and can then stream on Disney+, ABC iView and ABC Youngsters in Australia.

BBC Studios, the BBC’s business arm, is teaming up with Disney for the undertaking.

Bluey is a blue heeler canine, who lives together with her mum, dad and little sister, Bingo. She turns on a regular basis occasions in her life into adventures.

The present’s creator, Joe Brumm, mentioned: “I’ve at all times thought Bluey deserved a theatrical film. I would like this to be an experiential occasion for the entire household to take pleasure in collectively.”

The TV collection was co-commissioned by ABC and BBC Studios in 2017 and is made by Australian manufacturing firm Ludo (a blue heeler is an Australian canine breed).

It is obtainable in additional than 140 international locations, and is the highest present on CBeebies and Disney+ within the UK. It is also this 12 months’s most-watched collection globally on Disney+, based on Nielsen Media Analysis.

The collection has additionally received quite a few awards together with Tv Critics Affiliation Awards in 2023 and 2024 and this 12 months’s Peabody Award.

The collection has been streamed for greater than 20 billion minutes on Disney+ within the US during the last 12 months, placing it within the nation’s high 10 streaming programmes for minutes seen.

The movie will characteristic the vocal actors from the TV present, together with Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey’s dad and mom, Chilli and Bandit Heeler, and music created by its composer Joff Bush.