Let's Do The News! (March 17, 2026)

                                 

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- One of the suspects in the killing of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's security escort, George Capistrano, has surrendered. According to Mayor Isko, the suspect, identified as the driver of the motorcycle used in the crime, voluntarily surrendered after the mayor's 48-hour ultimatum.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the Senate's approval on the third and final reading of the bill mandating law enforcement agencies to wear body-worn cameras during their operations.

- The Duterte Bloc has filed House Resolution No. 885 in the House requesting the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to submit reports regarding its investigation into the anomalous flood control projects. Representatives Harold Duterte, Omar Duterte, Paolo Duterte, and Isidro Ungab requested this in light of the gradual cessation of ICI operations following its submission of the evidence it had gathered to the Ombudsman.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up measures against abusive online lending platforms by investigating operators who harass borrowers, violate privacy, and violate laws against cybercrime.

- The PH House of Representatives approved a bill allowing the PBBM administration to suspend the fuel excise tax.

- An unidentified missile struck a tanker, east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, early on the morning of March 17. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), it caused minor damage to the ship. However, there were no reports of injuries to the ship's crew, and the incident had no environmental impact.

- Meningitis B is the strain behind the outbreak of cases in Kent, England, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

- Subaru turns the current-generation Impreza into a High Performance X Version II race car for the 2026 Super Taikyu.

- Toyota's GR Yaris received a Type 26 update.

- BMW's M3 Touring GT3 Evo, its April Fools 2025 presentation, will compete at the 2026 Nurburgring 24hrs.

- The WRC is making its UK comeback in the 2027 season with the Rally Scotland.

- Project Motor Racing is receiving its 2.0 update, improving major aspects of this game.

- Sekiro: No Defeat anime series will make its theater debut in 2026.

- DEVSISTERS, the game developer behind the Cookie Run series, will hold its DevNow presentation this March 20th, discussing the future of its brands.

- The Alabama Crimson Tide is playing without Aden Holloway in the NCAA tournament following the player's arrest on a felony drug charge.

TTFN.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korean Supreme Court Finalizes Ruling in Favor of Webtoon Creator Pito in Copyright Dispute

 

According to reporting from Korean news outlet Nocut News on February 26, South Korea's Supreme Court has finalized a ruling in favor of webtoon creator Pito in a long-running copyright infringement case, rejecting claims that a platform executive held joint authorship of the work.

Following the court's decision to dismiss the final appeal, the Korea Cartoonist Association issued a statement welcoming the outcome, saying the ruling “clearly confirms creators' rights under the law.”

The association added that the verdict, which came after seven years of legal disputes, demonstrates that coercion and undue pressure tied to hierarchical power cannot be justified under the guise of creative collaboration.

The case dates back to 2013, when then-Lezhin Comics CEO Hee-sung Han listed himself as a “story writer” on Pito's debut webtoon My Pleasure. At the time, Pito was 17 years old. Han subsequently received between 15% and 30% of the work's revenue.

Pito argued that Han had not meaningfully contributed to the project, stating that the executive had only suggested ideas and provided verbal feedback without participating in script writing or storyboard creation. Han, however, claimed joint copyright ownership, arguing that he had created the story's genre framework, characters, and overall narrative.

In the first trial in 2022, the court ruled that merely proposing ideas or themes does not constitute creative contribution under copyright law. Han was fined 10 million won (about US$6,700). The appellate court upheld the ruling, and the Supreme Court's dismissal of the appeal has now finalized the judgment.

The court reaffirmed the legal principle that copyright belongs to individuals who make substantive contributions to the concrete expression of a work. The decision clarifies that providing ideas or participating in planning alone does not qualify someone as a joint copyright holder.

The Korea Cartoonist Association described the case as significant because a minor and rookie creator successfully defended their rights against the head of a major platform. The group also said that unfair contract terms should not be tolerated simply because they were formally agreed to.

Source: Anime News Network 

Let's Do The News! (March 16, 2026)

                                

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Transport group PISTON is holding a massive transport strike on March 19, 2026.

- Senator Raffy Tulfo proposes installing CCTV in every classroom to combat bullying in schools.

- The Duterte Bloc in the House of Representatives filed a resolution to request the Office of the President and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, or ICI, to release the accomplishment report regarding the investigation into the flood control anomaly.

- The University of Kent confirms one of the two people who died in the meningitis outbreak was one of its students.

- The FIA announced the cancellation of next month's F1 races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain due to ongoing clashes in the Middle East.

- The MiSK Foundation's investment company, EGDC, has acquired more than 5% of CAPCOM shares.

- Amazon Prime Video's ad-free tier will see its subscription price hike to five dollars per month.

- TV series Kamen Rider Zeztz casts Kosei Amano, a familiar face to the Kamen Rider franchise, as the new enemy character Sieg/Kamen Rider Dawn.

- Webtoon platform Blice will end its service.

- Shinhwa member Lee Min Woo shared his wedding pictorial.

- One Battle After Another scored the most wins in the 2026 Academy Awards, while Michael B. Jordan was named best actor for his role in Sinners, and Jessie Buckley was named best actress for her performance in Hamnet. K-Pop Demon Hunters won the best animated feature, along with its original song "Golden" by HUNTR/X.

TTFN.

2026 NASCAR Cup Series - Pennzoil 400

With Spring fast approaching, all eyes turn to Las Vegas for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube. In recent Sin City races, the race for the victory has come down to the wire, with the pass for the win coming in the final six laps in five of the last eight races.

As the green flag waved, the action in Sin City was a go. As Christopher Bell takes Stage 1, William Byron picks up Stage 2, and the final stage saw Connor Zilisch slipping at Turn 4.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After an almost-perfect Las Vegas bout, Denny Hamlin wins the Pennzoil 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400 this March 22, 2026.

NTT IndyCar Series 2026 - Java House Grand Prix of Arlington

The streets of Arlington, Texas, marked its IndyCar debut with the first-ever Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. This race is brand new for the 2026 season, and drivers are going through uncharted heights to dominate this new kind of street race.

The first 15 laps of the new Arlington race saw a spin by Christian Lundgaard in Turn 5. Moments later, there were collisions by the Penske drivers, another misfortune for Mick Schumacher, and a duel between Kyle Kirkwood and Alex Palou for the lead that saw the former overtaking the latter on Lap 55.

Screengrab from IndyCar

In a dramatic last-lap incident involving Grosjean and Siegel, Kyle Kirkwood outpaced Alex Palou to secure victory in the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington, while Will Power rounded out the podium in third place.

The next race is at Alabama's Barber for the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on March 29, 2026.

WRC 2026: Safari Rally Kenya

The 2026 World Rally Championship is underway with the challenging Safari Rally in Kenya. Teams transition from cold conditions to the warm savanna, equipping their cars with special Safari specifications to navigate the demanding terrain. Many competitors have entered the rally, but only one will emerge victorious.

The opening stages saw Oliver Solberg secure a dominant lead. Still, his weekend ended in heartbreak when he sustained significant damage to his car, allowing Takamoto Katsuta to take the lead he had been striving for.

Screengrab from WRC

Takamoto Katsuta made headlines in Kenya by becoming the first Japanese driver to win a WRC round since Kenjiro Shinozuka's victory at the Ivory Coast Rally in 1992. Katsuta finished the race with a time of 3:16:05.6, finishing 27.4 seconds ahead of Adrien Fourmaux. Sami Pajari rounded out the podium by securing third place.

Despite retiring from second overall on the Saturday stages, Elfyn Evans leads the championship fight with 66 points.

The next event is the Croatia Rally from the 9th to the 12th of April, 2026.

F1 2026 - Heineken Chinese Grand Prix

The 2026 F1 season continues in Shanghai for the Heineken Chinese Grand Prix. With Mercedes demonstrating the capabilities of the new-generation F1 machines following Russell's win in Melbourne, it seems that the new machines' debut in China will showcase even more.

Unfortunately, the championship-winning McLaren team faced a significant setback in China before the race began, as the cars driven by champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri encountered mechanical issues, resulting in a DID NOT START.

There's more news before the race. Due to ongoing clashes in the Middle East, the FIA announced the cancellation of next month's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with no substitutions.

 

Screengrab from F1

Andrea Kimi Antonelli made headlines in Shanghai by becoming the youngest pole-sitter in history and the youngest Formula 1 driver to win a race at the age of 19. Kimi led Mercedes to another 1-2 finish, with George Russell finishing in second place. Lewis Hamilton secured a podium spot for the first time as a Ferrari driver, finishing in third place. Other finishers include Charles Leclerc, Ollie Bearman, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, Carlos Sainz, and Franco Colapinto.

The next race is at Suzuka for the Aramco Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, 2026.

F1 Academy 2026 - Shanghai

The fourth season of F1 Academy adopted a fresh look while continuing its mission to develop female racing drivers from around the world. For the 2026 season, familiar faces like Nina Gademan, Alisha Palmowski, Alba Larsen, and others are spending their so-called final time in the series alongside newcomers like Ella Stevens, Kaylee Countryman, Megan Bruce, and others. With Audi joining the pack, retail brand SEPHORA joins the F1 Academy sponsorship bandwagon.

The first round of the season took place in Shanghai, the venue of the 2026 F1 season's Chinese Grand Prix. Shi Wei returns as the wild card entry of this season, showcasing her determination to the home crowd.

Screengrab from F1 Academy

In the first race of the new season, Nina Gademan, wearing Alpine colors, made an impressive debut by defeating the rookie Natalia Granada and Emma Felbermayr, who is supported by Audi. In the second part of the race, Felbermayr secured her first victory as an Audi-backed driver, triumphing over competitors such as Alisha Palmowski and the Mercedes-supported newcomer, Payton Westcott.

With the Shanghai campaign done, the new season of the F1 Academy has just begun.

Following the FIA's announcement to cancel the Jeddah leg of the 2026 season due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the next race will take place in Montreal, Canada, from May 22 to May 24, 2026. Stay tuned for updates.

Guinness Men's Six Nations 2026 FINAL

After four rounds prior to the big finale, France, Ireland, and Scotland are locked in the title fight to determine which team deserves to win the 2026 Guinness Men’s 6 Nations championship title. In the fifth and final week of the 2026 season, only one team has the right to take home the champion's title.

Screengrab from Six Nations

In the final week of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, Ireland beats Scotland at the score of 43-21 while Wales broke their winless streak by defeating Italy 31-17. However, in what’s known to be the closest M6N finish in history, France’s final penalty kick blow trumped England 48-46, earning them the right to be crowned the 2026 Men’s 6 Nations champions.

Congratulations to the France Rugby team for winning the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations!

This concludes the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations. However, there’s more Six Nations action next month with the Women’s Six Nations kicking off this April 11, 2026.

Himitsu no AiPri: Mankai Buzzlume Live!

First aired on TV Tokyo in April 2024, Himitsu no AiPri follows the lives of two girls, Himari Aozora and Mitsuki Hoshikawa, as they strive to become the best in the AiPriVerse amidst fierce competition from their rivals. As the show approaches its 100th episode and nears its finale this month, one exciting way to commemorate the climax of the Poppin' Dreamin' adventure is with a movie! Yes, the AiPri movie is indeed happening.

Himitsu no AiPri: Mankai Buzzlume Live!

"Himitsu no AiPri: Mankai Buzzlume Live!" sees the movie debut of your favorite AiPri teams, ranging from Poppin' Dreamin' (Himari Aozora and Mitsuki Hoshikawa), Love Juriel (Juria Igarashi and Elle Rokudo), Jumping Rocket (Subaru and Otome Nanaura), VIVI & CHII (Vivi Hachioji and Chii Mamiya), Luminous Flora (Tsumugi Suzukaze and Ring Clover), and Quartet STAR (Sakura Ichijoji, Tamaki Nikaido, Airi Mitsuba, and Rinrin Shinomiya).

In this movie, Ring and Tsumugi have organized a race at the AiPriVerse, where the winner will receive the ultimate prize. It's a new challenge for the Poppin' Dreamin' tandem as they're going all out to win the race amid the heated competition. However, the Dark AiPri idols are out for revenge.

As expected, this movie features an all-original storyline that distinguishes it from the TV show, which is approaching its conclusion later this month. Your favorite AiPri idols make their theatrical debut, and it's an experience like no other, especially with the new songs created specifically for this film. True to AiPri's style, you'll hear your idols speaking during their performances. In short, this movie captures the spirit of AiPri from start to finish. You'll find yourself standing up and cheering for your favorite idols—but not for the Dark AiPri ones.

When the story of Himitsu no AiPri began two years ago, fans were already engaged with the latest installment of the Pretty Series. They celebrated by singing songs, dancing, and even debating which idol had the smelliest armpits. This movie serves as a way to thank the fans who have supported the show from its inception to the present day.

As Himari and Mitsuki's AiPri journey comes to an end, this movie reminds us of the progress they have made. It's time to return to the AiPriVerse with them one last time.

Let's Do The News! (March 13, 2026)

                                

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- ICI Chairman Andres Reyes recommended that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) cease operations after March 31, 2026.

- Amid the ongoing tension and worsening conflict in the Middle East, Roman Catholic Bishop Julito B. Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete is calling for the implementation of fair prices for goods. In a pastoral message on March 12, Cortes sympathized with the problems experienced by the people, especially the poor.

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is in full swing with intelligence operations to identify and track down the international drug syndicate behind more than ₱5.8 billion worth of shabu seized off the coast of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.

- The suspect who attacked the synagogue in Michigan was killed, and the security guard was hurt, according to police.

- A US refuelling plane crashed in Iraq after an incident involving another aircraft, according to the US military.

- Honda canceled plans for production of the 0 Saloon, the 0 SUV, and the Acura RSX, citing multiple reasons.

- BMW will unveil the i3 sedan this March 18, followed by the 7-Series minor change shortly.

- Jakarta will host the first-ever FIA Rallycross World Cup this December 2026.

- MG's first seven-seater SUV, the MGS9 PHEV, was unveiled.

2027 MG S9 PHEV

- The all-new RAM ProMaster City has been unveiled. This model is based on the current generation of Eurovans, including the Peugeot Traveler and Opel Zafira Life, among others. It is designed to fit in standard parking garages with a height of under 80 inches. The ProMaster City can accommodate two standard pallets, offering a cargo volume of 167 cubic feet. It has a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. The vehicle will be available in 2027 in both Cargo and Passenger variants.

2027 RAM ProMaster City

- The Ferrari Amalfi received the open-top Spider variant.

2027 Ferrari Amalfi Spider

- Jeep unveiled the fifth of the Twelve By Twelve limited edition range, the Wrangler and the Gladiator Rockslide Edition. The next drop's on April 12, 2026.

Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Rockslide

- Seiyuu Masako Ikeda passed away at 87.

-The Big 12 will return to a traditional hardwood court for the rest of its conference tournament at T-Mobile Center, as the innovative LED glass court it previously used caused slipping and grip issues for players.

- Two missing Doctor Who episodes - The Nightmare Begins and The Devil's Planet - are coming to the BBC iPlayer this Easter.

- Jayson Zoleta, age 24, was killed after allegedly being shot by his ex-boyfriend at a store in Lucena City.

TTFN.

Suzuki e-Every

The Suzuki e-Every is being marketed as the company's first-ever electric vehicle (EV) kei car available to the public. However, it's important to note that this isn't truly their first of its kind, as it has similarities to the e-Hijet Cargo from its longtime rival, Daihatsu.

2027 Suzuki e-Every

The Suzuki e-Every is a business-friendly vehicle that starts at 3,146,000 yen and is available in either a 2-seater or 4-seater configuration. It is equipped with Daihatsu's e-SMART ELECTRIC system, which features a power supply unit and lithium-ion battery located in the center of the vehicle, while the e-axle powers the rear wheels. This system delivers 47 kW of power, 126 Nm of torque, and offers a driving range of up to 257 km. Charging time is approximately 6 to 12 hours at home or about 50 minutes at public fast-charging stations.

In terms of drivability, the Suzuki e-Every provides a comfortable riding experience, even when carrying heavy loads. It is notably quiet and stable, offering a flat driving feel that enhances overall comfort and reduces fatigue. Additionally, it comes with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capability, which can be beneficial during power outages.

The e-Every also features Smart Assist, which includes 14 advanced active safety features to ensure road safety.

While it may seem unusual for Suzuki to reach out to its long-time competitor, Daihatsu, for the e-Hijet Cargo to be used in the e-Every, this collaboration offers a solution for those who prefer the e-Hijet Cargo but can only access a Suzuki dealership. Could this mark a truce between the two?

Available colors: Leather Blue Crystal Shine (4-seater only), White, and Bright Silver Metallic.

Photo: Suzuki Motor Corporation

Let's Do The News! (March 12, 2026)

                               

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. insisted that the Philippines' record at the United Nations remains good, even though the country faces challenges such as the issue of corruption and the possible impact of the oil crisis on the economy. However, he did not directly answer how he would promote the Philippines' image in the international community despite the challenges.

- The Philippine National Police is ready to provide security for the distribution of fuel subsidy for drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) who are affected by the continued increase in the price of petroleum products.

- There was lava fountaining at Mayon Volcano recently, according to PHIVOLCS.

- The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) has given a sneak peek at its newest 'baby eagle'. In a post on its social media on Tuesday, March 10, PEF introduced Philippine Eagle Chick 32 named Bayani – the offspring of Philippine Eagles Dakila and Sinag, who were conceived through cooperative artificial insemination as part of the foundation's conservation breeding program.

- Three tugboats with Filipino crew members were hit by Iranian projectiles while in the Persian Gulf. All Filipinos on board are safe and have been evacuated to safe ports, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

- The Italian government has purchased a rare painting by Italian artist Caravaggio of Pope Urban VIII for 30 million euros, set to be added to the Barberini museum collection in Rome. The portrait of the then Monsignor Maffeo Barberini was painted by Caravaggio before he became Pope when he was 30. Barberini was elected Pope in 1623, and his papacy lasted until he died in 1644.

- The first batch of documents relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as British ambassador to the US went public.

- Natalia Granada completes the 2026 F1 Academy season driver roster, representing the series' latest sponsor, SEPHORA.

- Lexus confirms that the production version of the LFA Concept will have solid-state batteries.

- The third-generation Nissan Leaf wins 2026 Women's Worldwide Car of the Year.

- The official X account for the Yu-Gi-Oh franchise has responded to a post from the US White House, which used footage from the anime series without obtaining authorization from the rights holder. The franchise representatives clarified that no one associated with Yu-Gi-Oh was involved in this matter, and no permission was granted for the use of this intellectual property.

- SEVENTEEN members Vernon and The8 launched their own unit group.

- Maxx Crosby commits to the Las Vegas Raiders after the Baltimore Ravens rejected the trade that would have sent him to the said team.

- The Big Ten asks the NCAA to delay tampering inquiries, according to sources.

- P-pop giants SB19 and BINI have joined the Weverse.

TTFN.

BURN:BORN/WAKE:WOKE

The Guilty Kiss sub-unit and the rival duo Saint Snow from "Love Live! Sunshine!!" are set to face off in an exciting TWO-MAN LIVE event coming soon. This two-version single showcases their powerful songs, proving that neither group will hold back in this musical showdown.

BURN:BORN

WAKE:WOKE

Saint Snow and Aqours' Guilty Kiss sub-unit clash together with their new songs titled "BURN:BORN" and "WAKE:WOKE". These two new songs serve as the anthems for their upcoming TWO-MAN LIVE show, packed with powerful performances that are sure to leave the audience thrilled. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

The Saint Snow version of the single includes their new song "WHITE OUT," while the Guilty Kiss version includes their new song titled "BLACK OUT." Choose your punishment wisely.

With this two-version single made in honor of the Guilty Kiss x Saint Snow TWO-MAN LIVE event, no butts are safe from their buttkicking songs. Get ready.

Let's Do The News! (March 11, 2026)

                              

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Several civil society group leaders have approached the Supreme Court to question some provisions of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 86 and 88. The leaders are questioning the legality of BAA 86 and some provisions of BAA 88. According to petitioners Sultan Alim Saad Amate and Maulana Mamutuk, BAA 86 did not comply with the Supreme Court's guidelines on the division of parliamentary districts in accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

- The ad interim appointment of Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican) Raphael Lotilla has been approved by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Commission on Appointments. Lotilla previously served as secretary of the DENR and DOE and has been in government service for 20 years. Lotilla's position as representative to the Vatican is an important diplomatic position.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the government has prepared chartered flights for OFWs in the Middle East.

- The GSIS is launching its solar energy loan as the Philippine government pushes for energy conservation.

- The US War Secretary says Iran strikes will be intensified as Tehran residents report that the city was hit hard.

- The UK warship HMS Dragon is en route to Cyprus.

- Japan marks the 15th anniversary of the deadly Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that killed over 20,000 people on this day, 15 years ago, as well as the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown.

- A limited-edition Audi RS3 competition limited was unveiled and it comes with special coilovers. Only 750 will be made.

- The Dacia Striker was unveiled, and it will be offered with a choice of hybrid (FF and 4WD) and LPG powertrains.

2027 Dacia Striker

- ENHYPEN shared a message to the fans in the wake of Heeseung's departure from the group.

- The IBF revoked Janibek Alimkhanuly's middleweight title, citing multiple violations, first and foremost for using performance-enhancing drugs.

- Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scored a total of 83 points, surpassing Kobe Bryant's record for single-game scoring total, in their match against the Washington Wizards, which ended with a score of 150-129.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (March 10, 2026)

                             

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- French President Emmanuel Macron made a state visit to Cyprus, moments after Iranian drone strikes hit the European island nation.

- The United Nations recently held meetings discussing the situation in the Middle East and Iran's potential threats to the world following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba, has taken over his slain father's leadership and vowed revenge.

- The Philippine Army (PA) demonstrated its coastal defense capabilities through the Littoral Defense Live Fire Exercise in Burgos, Pangasinan, yesterday, March 9, 2026. Using armor and artillery assets such as Remote Control Weapons Systems on Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 105mm towed howitzers, as well as combat drones from reservists, the 701st Combined Arms Brigade was able to repel a simulated enemy attack. This is part of the 3rd iteration of CATEX Katihan 03-2026, which tests the Army's Land Defense Concept in support of External Security Operations. Up to 4,222 soldiers participated in the unilateral exercise in various training areas in Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte.

- The House Committee on Ways and Means has approved a bill to grant emergency powers to Philippine President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. to suspend the collection of excise taxes on petroleum products.

- The Low Pressure Area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of ​​Responsibility (PAR) has now become a full-fledged typhoon, according to PAGASA.

- Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula led the inauguration of the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation in Makati City, the first Catholic exorcism center in Asia. According to the Archdiocese of Manila, the center will serve as the headquarters of the Philippine Association of Catholic Exorcists under the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and the Archdiocese of Manila.

- An anti-obesity and diabetes drug could drop to $3/month once its patent expires later this month, opening up a huge opportunity to boost health in low- and middle-income countries. In one study, semaglutide – an active molecule in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy treatments- caused significant weight loss in patients and may also help manage diabetes and other medical problems related to obesity.

- Several foreign companies are suing the US government for tariffs imposed last year. Nintendo is one of them.

- Chrysler previews the Pacifica's minor change for the 2027 model year.

2027 Chrysler Pacifica

- Your first look at the IndyCar Freedom 250 track layout.

- Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa plans to sign a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, according to reports.

- Oleksandr Usyk confirms he will have three fights left before his retirement.

- UFC boss Dana White says "lawsuits coming" following the dispute between Jai Opetaia and the IBF.

TTFN.

2026 NASCAR Cup Series - Straight Talk Wireless 500

As the clocks sprang forward, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series went to Phoenix Raceway for the Straight Talk Wireless 500, which is the first of two trips to Arizona for the 2026 season.

As the green flag waved, the action in Arizona began. Ryan Blaney won Stage 1, but Stage 2 saw Kyle Busch and Shane Van Gisbergen encounter issues that triggered a caution on Lap 94. This was followed by a crash involving Daniel Suarez and Chase Elliott. Christopher Bell ended up winning Stage 2. In the finale, another crash occurred that involved Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric, along with a significant wreck that involved Daniel Suarez, Josh Berry, and Joey Logano.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After a thrilling Phoenix campaign, Ryan Blaney wins the Straight Talk Wireless 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 15, 2026.

Let's Do The News! (March 9, 2026)

                            

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Oil prices passed the $100/barrel for the first time since 2022, with the G7 set for emergency talks later.

- A fire in Glasgow shuts down the city's Central Station, with Scottish First Minister John Swinney saying he is "deeply concerned".

- Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was named as Iran's new Supreme Leader.

- US President Donald Trump accused UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer of seeking to "join wars after we've already won" and says "we don't need" UK aircraft carriers. This comes after Iran's ambassador in London says the UK should be "very careful" about becoming further involved in war.

- The PH Department of Energy (DOE) sends a show cause order to 54 gas stations to explain the alleged illegal price hikes of some petroleum products.

- Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro echoed Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte's statement that it would be easy to send a plane for Filipinos stranded amid the conflict in the Middle East.

- Former F1 Academy driver Aurelia Nobels will drive in the GB3 Championship this season with Hillspeed.

- Max Verstappen will race a Mercedes at the 2026 Nurburgring 24 Hours.

- Caterham unveiled the Seven HWM Edition in honor of the 75th anniversary of the HWM Alta single-seat racer.

2026 Caterham Seven HWM Edition

- Mahou no Kyodai Lulutto Lilly, the new anime series from Studio Pierrot, premieres on April 5, 2026, at 22:30 JST on TOKYO MX, and it has a half-year run.

- I.O.I launched their official social media accounts for their 10th anniversary comeback.

- FIFTY FIFTY member, Hana, will temporarily halt activities due to health.

- The Dolphins will release quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after the start of the new league year, resulting in an NFL-record $99 million in dead money against the salary cap for Miami.

TTFN.

Guinness Men's Six Nations 2026 ROUND 4

The penultimate week of the 2026 M6N saw Ireland taking on Wales, Scotland taking on France, and Italy taking on England.

Screengrab from Six Nations

In an exhilarating round of matches, Italy triumphed over England with a nail-biting score of 23-18, showcasing their resilience and skill. Meanwhile, Scotland delivered a stunning performance against France, winning decisively with a remarkable 50-40 finish. Not to be overlooked, Ireland claimed victory against a struggling Wales, sealing their win at 27-17. What an electrifying day of rugby it was.

After Week 4, France and Scotland are tied for the title, each with 16 points, two points ahead of Ireland. All three teams—France, Scotland, and Ireland—still have a chance to win the finale. The big question is: which team deserves the title? The season finale will take place on March 14, 2026. Don't miss it!

F1 2026 - Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix

The controversial new generation of F1 cars has arrived as the 2026 season heralds the beginning of the new era.

Before diving into the recap, let's take a moment to summarize the major regulation changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season, which represents one of the most significant overhauls in the sport's history.

The new cars will weigh 768 kg, which is a reduction of 30 to 32 kg from the previous weight of 800 kg, including the driver and an estimated tire mass of around 46 kg. The wheelbase has been shortened by 200 mm, while the width has been decreased by 100 mm, and the floor width has been reduced by 100 to 150 mm in various areas.

In terms of aerodynamics, downforce has been decreased by 30%, and drag has been reduced by 55%. Notably, Active Aerodynamics will replace the DRS used in previous seasons, while the beam wing and front wheel arches have been removed. The front wing has been narrowed, and the rear wing has undergone revisions. Such controversial aero revamps resulted in, some say, more lifting and coasting, not to mention frequent understeering.

The 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid engine has been revamped with a 50/50 power split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric components. It features a 350 kW MGU-K, the removal of the MGU-H, and doubled energy recovery, allowing it to produce over 1000 horsepower thanks to electric boost modes like Overtake Mode. Additionally, the engine will now run on 100% sustainable and advanced fuels derived from biomass.

The 2026 season introduced several new faces and teams. On the drivers' side, Isack Hadjar has joined the Red Bull team, while Arvid Lndblad will race for the Racing Bulls, and Franco Colapinto for Alpine. Additionally, Audi and Cadillac are entering the competition, featuring former Sauber drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoletto representing Audi. Meanwhile, F1 veterans Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will represent the newcomer Cadillac F1 team.

The new-generation F1 cars were staged in Melbourne's Albert Park for the Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix, providing a true test of their capabilities.

Screengrab from F1

The Mercedes-AMG team made a strong start in the first race of the new F1 era, with George Russell leading the 1-2 finish to victory lane alongside Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc secured third place on the podium.

Melbourne demonstrated the controversial dynamics and performance of the new F1 machines; this is only the beginning. The next race is the Heineken Chinese Grand Prix on the 15th of March, 2026.