The Weekend: When the tide turns

A man was violently attacked by Brendon Lee Varu at Te Rapa Tavern in Hamilton during a pool competition, leaving his partner and teenage daughter traumatized after witnessing the brutal assault. The attack, which involved punches and knee strikes to the victim's head, occurred after Varu and his associates confronted the victim's friend outside the pub. Want More Context? 🔎

As Sky TV prepares for its takeover, Warner Bros Discovery's channel Three (TV3) has reported a $77.6 million after-tax loss for the year ending December 31, 2024, showing an improvement from the previous year's $138.2 million loss. The company is also facing a redundancy bill of nearly $15 million and is engaged in cost-reduction strategies while exploring potential buyers. Want More Context? 🔎

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has condemned the open sale of class A drugs on Facebook Marketplace, labeling it “outrageous” and demanding accountability from the tech giant. A recent investigation uncovered 56 listings for substances including magic mushrooms, cannabis, and LSD, with some ads directing users to connect via the encrypted app Telegram for further transactions. Want More Context? 🔎

22-year-old Faith Ward has achieved her dream of becoming a member of the prestigious Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, marking her as the first Kiwi representative in the team. Born in Wellington, her journey from a young dancer in New Zealand to this significant accomplishment reflects her passion and dedication to dance. Want More Context? 🔎

Stars from sports and entertainment are honoring Hulk Hogan, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer and world champion, who passed away at 71. WWE recognized him as a key figure in achieving global fame for the organization in the 1980s, while Vince McMahon described him as “the greatest WWE Superstar of ALL TIME” and a “treasure.” Want More Context? 🔎

Terry Bollea, known as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71 in Clearwater Beach, Florida, following a cardiac arrest. A wrestling icon of the 1980s, he became a cultural phenomenon through his larger-than-life persona, which included roles in film and television, and was the face of the World Wrestling Federation during its peak. Want More Context? 🔎