BTN Newsbreak 29/07/2025
First up, to one of Australia's most beloved events - the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks - that might not be so beloved anymore after a decision made by the North Sydney Council last night. Watching the New Year's fireworks in Sydney just got a little harder because last night, North Sydney Council councillors voted to make firework fans fork out $50 for entry into one of the night's most popular viewing spots: Blues Point. The council says that's because they're a bit strapped for cash and they're keen to use the estimated $400,000 they'll get from ticket sales to offset the cost of managing all those people! Entry fees to the display aren't anything new. Last year, nine of the 50 major vantage points had ticketed access. But the public area of Blues Point has always been free. The North Sydney Mayor says the change is a reluctant one and is stressing that currently it's only in effect for just this year. And the council has suggested other spots to camp out that are still free.
WEBJET FINED
Travel agency Webjet has been hit with a 9 million dollar fine! The company admitted that it failed to include compulsory fees in some of its advertised airfare costs, and provided misleading booking confirmations after it was taken to court by Australia's consumer watchdog. The ACCC began investigating the travel agency after a customer complained about an airfare which had been advertised as being 'from $18', but ended up costing triple that amount after a bunch of compulsory fees were added.
CHESS KID
Now it's time to meet 11-year-old Reyaansh. He's a rising Aussie chess star, who has big plans to make history as the country's youngest Grandmaster.
ERNEST HEMINGWAY LOOKALIKES
First up, to a room full of guys with white hair and thick white beards in the US. This is the annual Ernest Hemingway lookalike contest! And if you're not sure who that is, he's a famous author from the 20th century. This year, 131 contestants battled it out for the top spot. But in the end, it was Florida man Tim who took home the trophy, and had the honour of wearing this sweater.
MOUNTAIN BIKING RECORD
Now to Wales in the UK where 18-year-old Asa Vermette has made history as the youngest ever Hardline champion. He managed to complete the course in an impressive 2 minutes and 24 seconds, breaking the previous record by about 1.6 seconds.
DOG SURFING
And finally to surfing dogs in the UK who two world records have been smashed for the number of dogs taking part in the 50-metre paddleboard race, and the most dogs on this giant paddleboard.
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