Latest news with #Maverick
RNZ News
6 hours ago
- RNZ News
Police open to negotiations with missing Marokopa dad Tom Phillips
Tom Phillips and his children Jayda, Maverick and Ember. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police Police say they are open to negotiations with fugitive Tom Phillips to bring the father and his three children out of hiding after nearly four years at large. In Paddy Gower Has Issues detective senior sergeant Andrew Saunders said police were willing to speak with anyone who could be helping the family "to get them out of there safely". Phillips and his children Jayda, 10, Maverick, 8, and Ember, 7 have been missing since their father took them from Marokopa to an unknown location in December 2021. Saunders said they were open to direct contact with people assisting Phillips but could also work through an intermediary if that would be necessary to bring people forward. "Everything can be worked through but he's got to have some end game. It's been long enough now and it's just time to get those children out and let them get on with their lives. "Tom can deal with what ever he needs to deal with and then continue," Saunders said. In September 2023 a warrant was issued for Phillips' arrest after he was linked to a bank robbery in Te Kuiti. In May that year two people, both armed, entered a bank on Rora Street, Te Kuiti and demanded cash, fleeing the scene on a black, farm-style motorbike. Phillips was charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawfully possessing a firearm. Police still believe the children are in the King Country, within Marokopa or the surrounding areas . Saunders said the environment Phillips was likely to be hidden in was "incredibly challenging". "It's not just a simple case of sending plenty of people in the bush to look for him. We're very measured about any investigation we conduct in that area," Saunders said. He said he hoped pleas from Phillips' family and the length of time that had passed could help bring about the change that would bring Phillips out of hiding. "I'd like to think they'll finally say 'enough's enough' and we work towards a safe solution. "We want this to end safely. We're willing to negotiate with anyone that actually is helping Tom and in communication with him," Saunders said. In a letter - released to Paddy Gower - Phillips' mother Julia said she woke up every day hoping it would be the day her grandchildren came home . In it, she addressed her son directly. "Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you. "It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here. Thinking what could have been if you had not gone away," she wrote. Julia Phillips also addressed the children. "Jayda, Maverick, Ember - I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives. Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"I know how much effort he worked this summer" - Boban Marjanovic believes Luka Doncic can win the MVP this coming season
"I know how much effort he worked this summer" - Boban Marjanovic believes Luka Doncic can win the MVP this coming season originally appeared on Basketball Network. Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic's former teammate, Boban Marjanovic, is unsurprised to see the Slovenian native's body transformation this summer. According to Marjanovic, Doncic's focus has always been to win, and if that meant getting in the best physical shape possible, the Slovenian native would do everything he could to achieve that. "Luka is the best. Luka is like a hard worker. He's always in the gym, he always works out. He always competes. And this is what he wants to do. He wants the best of himself and he's really best, you know, like all these moves that he does right now. He works on it and basically he is gifted to make every move that he wants even when he sees on a video he is capable of making moves immediately even better than some guy shown on video like the top basketball players in the world, he basically can do immediately. He's super strong, super powerful," Marjanovic recently said in an appearance on Yahoo! Sports Daily. Doncic is primed to win the MVP award Now in the best shape of his career, there's more optimism for Luka to finally nab the MVP award this coming season, with the expectation that he will miss fewer games due to injury. It also helps that the 6'7" guard is coming off a season wherein he was traded by his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, which sets up the narrative of this year being some sort of vengeance tour for him. In addition, Doncic will be entering his first full season with the Lakers on a retooled roster compared to the post-trade deadline team that competed last playoffs. He averaged 28.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 8.1 rebounds in 28 games as a Laker, and given that the adjustment phase is done, Marjanovic said it's fair to think that the sky's the limit for the former Maverick this coming season. "I know his mental strength and how he works and how he basically plays for his national team and every summer, even if he's tired, he'll have a full season in the NBA, he's still right now in the national team and playing for his country. What makes him like yes, you know, you're never tired, you work hard and everything he does, he works because of basketball," said Boban. For Doncic to win MVP Being in the best shape of his career won't be enough for Doncic to win the MVP award, but it's certainly a great start. For the international superstar to win the aforementioned award, he must lead the Lakers to at least a top seed in the competitive Western Conference. He must lead his team in most statistical categories, and while competing with his competitors, which won't be an easy task. That's why this is where Doncic's work this summer will have to pay off, which Marjanovic thinks will happen. "I know how much effort he worked this summer and how he worked like all these years that we know each other and I have full respect for him," added Boban. With two months to go until the regular season, there's certainly a ton of hype around Doncic's transformative summer.. Whether it'll be a pivotal difference remains up in the air, but suffice it to say that the expectations are once again going to be monumental for the incoming eight-year guard. Anything less than an MVP or a championship would be a story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Top Gear
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
This one-off, 2,031bhp, manual Venom is the most powerful and expensive F5 ever built
First Look Special 'LF' announces Hennessey's new 'Maverick' commissions division Skip 12 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Hennessey has revealed a shiny new customer car designed and built by its new in-house customer commissions division. Call sign, 'Maverick'. And 'Maverick' has created a one-off Venom F5 Revolution called the 'LF', resplendent in 'River Sand' metallic paint over 'Coco Brown' carbon fibre. Oh, and there's a gated six-speed manual gearbox bolted in and much more power, making this a proper one-off (and proper scary) Venom F5. Advertisement - Page continues below Indeed, Hennessey said this car – built for an American chap called Louis Florey – is the most expensive, most complex and highest spec Venom F5 ever built. As you can see, it's based off the roadster iteration of Hennessey's F5 Revolution, which in turn is geared more for track performance. And this one previews a number of bits from the upcoming Venom F5 'Evolution'. You might like Bits like a new front splitter, reshaped dive planes, new louvres, a new rear deck with an integrated lip spoiler, and a 'significantly taller' rear wing. There's new suspension, and the not so small matter of a power hike. So where previously the F5 Revolution's 6.6-litre twin-turbo churned out 1,817bhp, it now produces 2,031bhp. For the sake of clarity, 2,031bhp is rather a lot of horsepower to be marshalling yourself via the gated manual. Advertisement - Page continues below That being said, this one-off Venom F5 LF offers a more 'positive' environment in which to exploit those new muscles. The car debuts an upgraded carbon monocoque, which is stiffer, and offers better seating ergonomics, more footwell space, a new centre console milled from solid aluminium, and new switchgear. You can of course take your F5 back to Hennessey to get it bespokerised by Maverick, and upgraded to Evo spec, while all future F5s will be built with 2,031bhp and better aero from the start. Time to buzz the tower. Looking for more from the USA? Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Hennessey Unveils 1-of-1 Manual Venom F5 Hypercar with 2,031 Horsepower
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Hennessey establishes 'Maverick' division to produce exceptional customer commissions 1-of-1 Venom F5 LF is most expensive, complex, and highest spec Hennessey hypercar ever Special model features all-new carbon tub, all-new gated six-speed manual transmission, Cocoa Brown exposed carbon fiber, totally new interior layout, horology-inspired switchgear, and 'Evolution' aero, suspension, and comfort enhancements Monterey Car Week also sees global public debut for new, 2,031 bhp Venom F5 Revolution Evolution production car Images: New 1-of-1 manual Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Evolution LF Video: John Hennessey overview and drive of Venom F5 Revolution Evolution LF MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hennessey Special Vehicles, the Texas-based manufacturer of America's Hypercar, has revealed the Venom F5 Revolution LF – a 1-of-1 customer commission created by Hennessey's new bespoke customer commission division: 'Maverick'. Unveiled today (August 15) at The Quail, the unique new model is built as a symbol of individuality, innovation, and American pride, the bespoke LF model becomes the most personal, driver centric, analog, and engaging Venom F5 to date. Passionate collector and American Entrepreneur, Louis Florey personally specified every bespoke element, from the unique aerodynamic package to the distinctive Cocoa Brown exposed carbon fiber. Working with Hennessey's new 'Maverick' customer commission division, the 1-of-1 model sets a new benchmark for America's Hypercar and demonstrates the capabilities of the Texan firm's world-class designers and engineers. Featuring an all-new carbon fiber tub, the commission pairs Hennessey's latest Evolution package with an open-top F5 in track-spec 'Revolution' configuration. The design is based on the already exclusive 'Stealth Series', which sees exposed carbon fiber flow from nose to tail, broadening to envelop the cockpit before narrowing again beneath the 290 mm-high rear wing. Tinting the carbon fiber Coco Brown, opting for brilliant River Sand Metallic paint – the color of rich champagne, and adding a body-color tri-stripe, then specifying a six-speed gated manual transmission, instantly makes this the most unique and complex F5 to-date. John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: 'When our customers have a dream, we work to make their dreams come true – exceeding customer expectations is a badge of honor. Our new 'Maverick' division enables our customers to take our American Hypercar to a totally new dimension. I see it as the ultimate expression of the American Dream!' Previewing bodywork elements from the forthcoming Venom F5 Evolution, the LF features a wealth of aerodynamic revisions from a new front splitter, reshaped dive planes, re-sculpted fender louvres, a new rear deck with integrated lip spoiler, and a significantly taller rear wing. Paired with new suspension and Hennessey's new 6.6-liter twin-turbo V8 Fury engine with 2,031 bhp, the aerodynamic enhancements ensure high-speed poise on road or track, enabling extreme performance with the roof on or off. Inside, the LF debuts a new generation carbon monocoque. Hennessey's 'XCell_2' tub improves stiffness, seating ergonomics, and pedal box geometry, with repositioned footwells offering space for the third pedal and promoting a more positive driving position. The LF sees machined aluminum pedals completed with laser-etched Hennessey logos and moved to a new floor-mounted configuration. The interior is entirely reimagined with analog connection a guiding principle. A new center console showcases a H-pattern gated shifter – milled from solid aluminum. Above the shifter sit side-by side air vents, with a key 'holster' immediately below, which receives the F5 key as part of the ignition process. Each switch, toggle, and rotary controller has been reengineered with horology-grade detailing – including luminous-infill switchgear, which absorbs ambient light during the day and glows softly at night. Even the parking brake lever is machined to deliver a bolt-action feel, underscoring the obsessive craftsmanship throughout the cabin. Nathan Malinick, Hennessey's Director of Design: 'A common point of celebration for our customers is how the F5 delivers unmatched driving intensity. We built on this prominent theme with Louis Florey, identifying mechanical, sensory, and design-led ways of deepening the connection between F5 and driver. 'The LF demonstrates how far we'll go to deliver an outstanding customer experience and it's the perfect launchpad for our new bespoke 'Maverick' division. It's where engineering meets imagination, and where design fuses with passion – there can be no greater way to connect driver with the most raw, powerful, and intense celebration of internal combustion.' The Maverick division, officially launched with this commission, will allow a small number of customers to work hand-in-hand with the Hennessey team to create uniquely personal Venom F5 builds. From custom paints, new mechanical elements, and exposed carbon finishes to personalized interiors and even reimagined bodywork, the program reflects Hennessey's commitment to celebrating the individuality of its customers – while staying true to Hennessey's pioneering spirit and Texan independence. As the most expensive and complex F5 to date, the Venom F5 Revolution LF will stand alone as a 1-of-1 commission. However, the ethos it represents will carry forward into future Maverick projects – each as bold, personal, and uncompromising as the customers who seek their own American Dream. Monterey Car Week also saw the global public debut for the new 2,031 bhp Venom F5 Revolution Evolution production car. The F5 Evolution is the world's most powerful internal combustion road car and the next generation of Venom F5. All future F5 builds will feature Evolution enhancements as standard, while owners of the 32 customer cars already delivered can upgrade their model to the Evolution specification. Following an extensive development program, this next generation of America's Hypercar features a comprehensive set of updates that boost overall performance, handling, and comfort. The new 'Venom F5 Evolution' has increased power and torque, updated aerodynamics for improved downforce, new mode-adaptive suspension for enhanced handling and ride quality, new interior, plus an optional touring exhaust system and touring seats. For more information about Hennessey's Venom F5 models – including Coupe, Roadster, and Revolution variants – or to inquire about the Maverick bespoke division, visit or contact the company at +1 979 885 1300. ImagesClick the link below or email for images of the 1-of-1 Venom F5 LF:
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Positive Top Gun 3 update following Paramount purchase
The third Top Gun movie is a big priority for Skydance Media following the studio's purchase of Paramount Global. After Skydance acquired Paramount on August 7 for $US8 billion ($A12 billion), the fate of the studio's current projects were called into question, though Skydance CEO David Ellison has stressed that both the Top Gun: Maverick sequel and Star Trek remain a top priority for the company. Ellison said: "One of our biggest priorities is actually restoring Paramount as the No. 1 destination for the most talented artists and filmmakers in the world. "Very simply, great filmmakers make great movies." Ellison's Skydance deputy Dana Goldberg also praised Tom Cruise, 63, for his work on Paramount projects like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible franchise. She said: "It was to thank him for, frankly, the huge piece he's been in Paramount's history, Paramount's present and how important he is for Paramount's future. "Top Gun 3 is a massive priority for us." Top Gun: Maverick - which is the legacy sequel to 1986's Top Gun - stars Cruise as naval captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he returns to the Navy's elite flight school to train a new generation of aviators, confronting his past while leading them on a dangerous mission. Recently, director Joseph Kosinski teased the third Top Gun film would be "much bigger" than Maverick. The F1 filmmaker told GQ: "I think we've found a way to do it, not only in the scale of what we're proposing, but the idea itself of the story we're telling. "We're thinking much bigger than … It's a really existential crisis that Maverick has in this, and it's much bigger than himself. "It actually … I'm trying to describe it without giving anything away. It's an existential question that Maverick has to deal with, that would make Maverick feel small, I think, as a movie, compared to what we're talking about." The third Top Gun movie is a big priority for Skydance Media following the studio's purchase of Paramount Global. After Skydance acquired Paramount on August 7 for $US8 billion ($A12 billion), the fate of the studio's current projects were called into question, though Skydance CEO David Ellison has stressed that both the Top Gun: Maverick sequel and Star Trek remain a top priority for the company. Ellison said: "One of our biggest priorities is actually restoring Paramount as the No. 1 destination for the most talented artists and filmmakers in the world. "Very simply, great filmmakers make great movies." Ellison's Skydance deputy Dana Goldberg also praised Tom Cruise, 63, for his work on Paramount projects like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible franchise. She said: "It was to thank him for, frankly, the huge piece he's been in Paramount's history, Paramount's present and how important he is for Paramount's future. "Top Gun 3 is a massive priority for us." Top Gun: Maverick - which is the legacy sequel to 1986's Top Gun - stars Cruise as naval captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he returns to the Navy's elite flight school to train a new generation of aviators, confronting his past while leading them on a dangerous mission. Recently, director Joseph Kosinski teased the third Top Gun film would be "much bigger" than Maverick. The F1 filmmaker told GQ: "I think we've found a way to do it, not only in the scale of what we're proposing, but the idea itself of the story we're telling. "We're thinking much bigger than … It's a really existential crisis that Maverick has in this, and it's much bigger than himself. "It actually … I'm trying to describe it without giving anything away. It's an existential question that Maverick has to deal with, that would make Maverick feel small, I think, as a movie, compared to what we're talking about." The third Top Gun movie is a big priority for Skydance Media following the studio's purchase of Paramount Global. After Skydance acquired Paramount on August 7 for $US8 billion ($A12 billion), the fate of the studio's current projects were called into question, though Skydance CEO David Ellison has stressed that both the Top Gun: Maverick sequel and Star Trek remain a top priority for the company. Ellison said: "One of our biggest priorities is actually restoring Paramount as the No. 1 destination for the most talented artists and filmmakers in the world. "Very simply, great filmmakers make great movies." Ellison's Skydance deputy Dana Goldberg also praised Tom Cruise, 63, for his work on Paramount projects like Top Gun and the Mission: Impossible franchise. She said: "It was to thank him for, frankly, the huge piece he's been in Paramount's history, Paramount's present and how important he is for Paramount's future. "Top Gun 3 is a massive priority for us." Top Gun: Maverick - which is the legacy sequel to 1986's Top Gun - stars Cruise as naval captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell as he returns to the Navy's elite flight school to train a new generation of aviators, confronting his past while leading them on a dangerous mission. Recently, director Joseph Kosinski teased the third Top Gun film would be "much bigger" than Maverick. The F1 filmmaker told GQ: "I think we've found a way to do it, not only in the scale of what we're proposing, but the idea itself of the story we're telling. "We're thinking much bigger than … It's a really existential crisis that Maverick has in this, and it's much bigger than himself. "It actually … I'm trying to describe it without giving anything away. It's an existential question that Maverick has to deal with, that would make Maverick feel small, I think, as a movie, compared to what we're talking about."
