Let's Do The News! (January 18, 2025)

                

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

- The National Telecommunications Commission admitted to the Senate that "real-time" hacking of cell phones is already happening. This was after Senator Raffy Tulfo questioned the NTC during the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing where he asked about the complaint of cellphone hacking after using public Wi-Fi. 

- Senator Risa Hontiveros called the "Project Dalisay" group's spread of lies, misinformation, and disinformation against the "Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill" being pushed in the Senate.

- The US Supreme Court rejected TikTok's appeal to avert the ban. Meanwhile, Biden says that enforcing the TikTok ban in the US is up to Donald Trump's return to the White House.

- The inauguration of Donald Trump will take place indoors for the first time in decades due to the arctic blast weather forecast.

- The Gaza ceasefire will come into force on Sunday, according to mediators.

- Alex Lynn will not race in next weekend's Rolex 24 at Daytona due to illness, according to Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing.

- Takeshi Kusao is named as the new voice of Detective Conan's character Toru Amuro.

- Soccer legend Denis Law passed away at the age of 84. Law played for Manchester and Scotland, scoring 237 career goals in 404 games placing him third in United's history behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton.

- Japanese baseball player Roki Sasaki says he's joining LA Dodgers as his major league team.

- Celebrities Vina Morales and John Arcilla are returning to GMA-7.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 17, 2025)

               

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

- The tunneling for the Metro Manila Subway Project Camp Aguinaldo Station has begun.

- Parts of Manila are closed for this weekend following the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo.

- Disbarment case against former President Rodrigo Duterte filed by relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings and human rights advocates in the Philippine Supreme Court.

- 17 volcanic quakes, recorded at Kanlaon Volcano in the past 24 hours, according to PHIVOLCS.

- Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has joined the race to replace Justin Trudeau as the leader of Canada's Liberal Party.

- The 'once-in-a-century' discovery in Pompeii reveals gold coins, pearl earrings, and a sumptuous private bathhouse.

- The Lexus RC and RC F Final Edition were unveiled as production ends this November 2025.

2025 Lexus RC F Final Edition

- The Alpina B8 GT was unveiled. Based on the BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe, the final Alpina model is limited to 99 units, each powered by a 625HP 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo engine mated to a ZF 8-speed AT sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds.

2026 Alpina B8 GT

- The Nintendo Switch 2 was unveiled. Set to go on sale this year, the second generation of Nintendo's multi-use handheld console is bigger and comes with magnetic Joy-Cons that can be attached or detached. It can play existing Nintendo Switch games as well in addition to upcoming games exclusive to the Switch 2. More details this early April.

Nintendo Switch 2

- Comic-Con International will stay in San Diego until 2027.

- YG Entertainment is ending its actor management operations to focus on music.

- The US Department of Education says Title IX applies to payments to athletes. The memo provides some long-awaited guidance about how gender equity laws will apply to a new era of college sports that is on track to begin this summer.

- Evgeni Malkin's three Stanley Cup rings, which had gone missing following a burglary at his home last weekend, were found in his home.

- Oscar-nominated director David Lynch, known for Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks, passed away at the age of 78.

- Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is safe after being stabbed by thieves.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 16, 2025)

              

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

- Senators have already expressed their opposition to the entirety of Senate Bill 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill. Senate President Chiz Escudero does not support the bill and wants to include amendments. He conveyed this to the bill's author, Senator Risa Hontiveros.

- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) assured the Philippine Senate that they have put in place strict online security for the upcoming elections in May.

- PHIVOLCS recorded 13 volcanic earthquakes around the Kanlaon Volcano for the past 24 hours.

- SM Megamall released a statement over a viral video of a security guard driving away a schoolgirl selling sampaguita and later ruins it and hurt the schoolgirl. The security guard in the viral video was now fired.

- In his final televised speech, outgoing US President Joe Biden warns that an oligarchy is shaping the country and threatening democracy. His speech takes a swipe on Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg's decision to end fact-checking on Facebook and Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump, among others.

- Israel and Hamas have agreed to the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. Qatar has confirmed the ceasefire deal has been agreed between the two sides and will take effect on January 19th.

- Suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury pleads guilty to assault after punching a man in his Cheshire constituency in October 2024.

- TikTok will no longer be available in the United States this January 19th. Numerous reports saying that those who are using VPN to use TikTok in the US amid the ban may face penalties.

- Acura revived the RSX name for the production version of the Performance EV Concept. Set to arrive in late 2025, the upcoming all-electric RSX coupe-crossover will be the first to feature Honda's independently developed next-generation EV platform.

- Rapper-actor T.O.P. broke his silence, apologizing for his mistakes, hurting Big Bang's reputation, and to fans for his careless actions on SNS.

- Singer-actor Rain joins the cast of the second season of the Netflix K-drama Bloodhounds, where Woo Do Whan and Lee Sang Yi confirmed their return to the series.

- K-pop boy group xikers cancelled their Asia Tour due to Visa issues and local circumstances.

- Bo Jackson, the former football and baseball star, is giving up a $21 million judgment against his niece and nephew. Jackson said the relatives harassed and tried to extort money from him.

- Singer and TV personality Linda Nolan dies at the age of 65.

- Paul Danan, the actor who played Sol Patrick in the TV drama Hollyoaks, dies at the age of 46.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 15, 2025)

             

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

- The senators clarified that the dinner held last night at the President's House was "purely social" or just a gathering, hosted by Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

- The eruption of the Kanlaon Volcano continues, and the number of areas declaring a state of calamity has increased. The latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council shows that 57 cities and municipalities are affected after Negros Oriental declared a state of calamity.

- COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia assures that the commission will finish printing the ballots by the set deadline of April 14.

- The New People's Army no longer can influence the upcoming 2025 midterm elections. According to Lt.Col. Louie Dema-ala, spokesperson for the Philippine Army, the NPA's forces have weakened.

- Tulip Siddiq has resigned as UK Treasury minister.

- Starbucks reversed its open-door policy, meaning customers are only allowed to use the comfort room or stay inside.

- The facelifted Aston Martin Vantage received the Roadster variant, retaining the same 665PS 4.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine from its hardtop equivalent.

2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster

- Ford will showcase its Mustang GTD Spirit of America as well as the Mustang RTR at the 2025 NAIAS this week.

2025 Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America

- Sophia Anne Caruso, Mark Penwill, and Anton David Jeftha join the cast for One Piece Netflix show's second season.

- Starship Entertainment issued an apology over a deepfake report involving IVE member An Yu Jin.

- Meet the contestants for the second season of the Netflix game show The Devil's Plan.

- The home of Pittsburgh Penguins player Evgeni Malkin was burglarized with three of his Stanley Cup rings stolen, the latest in a series of robberies at the residences of professional athletes.

- The Muntinlupa court issues a gag order in the Vic Sotto vs. Darryl Yap case.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 14, 2025)

            

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

- The Commission on Elections has temporarily suspended the printing of ballots for the 2025 national and local elections following a temporary restraining order issued by the PH Supreme Court that disqualified several candidates and excluded their names from the ballot.

- The Ecowaste Coalition is dismayed by the continued use of single-use plastics as banners during the upcoming feast of Sto. Niño in Tondo next week.

- Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers is urging the PH Food and Drug Administration to issue a policy that will oblige all pharmaceutical companies or "Big Pharma" to list "adverse side effects" on the labels and packaging of their drugs.

- Senator Risa Hontiveros proposed that the government enhance its alliances with countries that are united in opposing China's aggressive behavior. She stated that China has had a troubling start to this year, as it has instead of fostering peace in the region, contributed to increased chaos.

- Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman states the Gaza ceasefire agreement is "at its closest point" after several months.

- The special prosecutor's report says that US President-elect Donald Trump would have been convicted for a bid to overturn the 2020 US election results if he hadn't been elected.

- The launch of the Blue Origin rocket was delayed due to "a few anomalies" during the mission countdown.

- Social media is buzzing with a massive migration of "Tiktok Refugees" amid news of a potential TikTok ban across the United States this January 19th. New social media apps Neptune and Pageant gain over 100K email signups and 70K preorders on the App Store. ByteDance's new app, Lemon8, is holding the number one spot in the US App Store, while the "Chinese TikTok clone" called Rednote is also leading.

- Hamda Al Qubaisi will join AKCEL GP x PHM Racing for the F4 Middle East Championship after her two-season run with F1 Academy.

- Hertz Team JOTA now using the Cadillac V-Series.R racing machine for the 2025 WEC season.

- Mike Wallace was hoping to return to NASCAR competition at the Daytona 500 next month. However, NASCAR has ruled that he is ineligible to compete because he has not been active in the sport for several years.

- Disney has been sued for allegedly copying the idea for the Moana movies. Buck Woodall is suing the company for allegedly stealing his idea and is seeking damages equivalent to 2.5% of the Moana movies' gross revenue or $10B. 

- Kim Kardashian demands that the thousand incarcerated firefighters battling LA wildfires should get over 10.24 dollars a day.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 13, 2025)

           

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

- The situation in the Iglesia Ni Cristo's National Rally for Peace at the Quirino Grandstand remains peaceful. Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero supported the INC's Rally for Peace.

- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian believes there will be more delays in pursuing the impeachment complaint against PH Vice President Sara Duterte. This is also related to the National Rally for Peace held by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) today in Manila.

- Wildfire threats in Los Angeles remain very high, as officials warn that wind conditions will worsen in the coming days. The death toll has now reached 24. Meanwhile, US President-Elect Donald Trump slammed California Democrats as "incompetent".

- Amazon is discontinuing its Prime "Try Before You Buy" program at the end of January 2025.

- An anime movie based on Strawberry Prince member Jel's Toi-san video series is coming this Summer 2025.

- Los Angeles Chargers player Khalil Mack is an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his 11-year career. He says he's unsure about his football future.

- The camp of Darryl Yap claims that Eat Bulaga presenter Vic Sotto received the script from the upcoming biopic movie The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 11, 2025)

          

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

- Donald Trump is sentenced with "unconditional discharge", avoiding jail time, fines, and probation. By the time he returns to the White House on January 20th, he will be the first sitting US President with a felony conviction.

- A night-time curfew was imposed in the fire-hit Los Angeles as the city warns of looting in residences burnt by multiple wildfires.

- The United States announced a $25 million reward for the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on the day he was sworn in for his third term in rule.

- Meta terminates all of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs immediately.

- Andy Cowell assumes the role of CEO and Team Principal of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team immediately.

- PREMA Racing announced its IndyCar driver lineup, which consists of Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman, and reserve driver Romain Grosjean.

- GTWS winner Igor Fraga earned his full-time driver status for the 2025 Super Formula season.

- The Tesla Model Y minor change was unveiled.

2026 Tesla Model Y

- 2NE1 member Dara will host a new audition program featuring EXO member Chen, AB6IX member Park Woo Jin, and more as mentors.

- The NBA postpones its Supers-Lakers and Hornets-Clips matches in Los Angeles in the wake of the devastating wildfires.

- Bill McCartney, the coach who led the Colorado Buffaloes to their only national football title in 1990, has died at the age of 84. McCartney was a three-time coach of the year in the Big Eight Conference.

- The MLB banned two fans who interfered with LA Dodgers' Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending games at big league ballparks.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 10, 2025)

         

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

- US Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden were among the attendees at the state funeral of the late Jimmy Carter.

- The death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires is now at ten as the fires continue to engulf Hollywood. Meanwhile, over 20 were arrested over the looting of abandoned homes.

- The procession of Jesus Christ of Nazareth reached the Quiapo Church at around 0126 hours Manila time. It took 20 hours and 45 minutes before the image was returned to the church since it was released from the Quirino Grandstand at 0441 hours on Thursday.

- Manchester Airport closes runways due to "significant levels of snow" as warnings remain in place for snow and ice in the United Kingdom.

- Franco Colapinto was named reserve driver for the Alpine F1 team.

- All ten Pioneer 25 hydrogen-powered offroaders to be used in the inaugural Extreme H championship have been produced.

- General Motors named Russ O'Blenes as the boss of its new company that oversees its future Formula 1 power unit for the Cadillac F1 team. Cadillac will join the F1 grid in the 2026 season and will be powered by Ferrari race engines for the time being until its own power unit is ready to race.

- The Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster lineup made its premiere at the Tokyo Auto Salon. For the first time in this configuration since the ND Roadster's 2015 release, it's been fitted with a 2.0L engine producing 184PS of power while mated to a 6-speed manual. The limited-to-200-unit MSR Roadster 12R has 200PS of power from the said engine.

2026 Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster

- Subaru unveiled the STi S210 Prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon. Based on the VB WRX S4, it features aero and dynamics tweaks inspired by its Nurburgring-winning race car while the FA24 DIT 2.4L boxer-4 engine gained 25PS of power compared to the normal WRX S4 while mated to the Subaru Performance Transmission, a first for an STi S model. Sales will begin this Spring and will be limited to 500 units.

2026 Subaru WRX S4 STi S210

- Hyundai showcased its IONIQ 5 N DK Edition at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

- The Skoda Enyaq range's minor change was unveiled.

2025 Skoda Enyaq

2025 Skoda Enyaq Coupe

- The next XBOX Developer_Direct presentation will be this January 23rd.

- Rugby player Stuart Hogg was sentenced after admitting domestic abuse charge.

- WWE Raw's Netflix debut averaged an audience of 2.6 million households, a 116% increase compared to the average on the USA Network last year. Meanwhile, WWE SmackDown returns to its 2-hour format in June.

- The Neri Naig syndicated estafa case arraignment was postponed.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 9, 2025)

        

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

- A trilateral phone call between outgoing US President Joe Biden, Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, and Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru is expected this January 12th.

- Three people were hurt and were given medical assistance while in the middle of the Traslacion. The Traslacion has been going on for 12 hours since it started at 0440 hours Manila time and the estimated crowd near Quiapo Church has exceeded 192K based on the Nazareno Operations Center's records.

- The PITX is raising parking rates starting January 14 with no more flat rate and higher overnight fees.

- Los Angeles is in a state of calamity due to historic wildfires. Five people were killed in the blaze. The fire in Hollywood Hills is "rapidly expanding" and "zero progress" has been made in containing fires, according to a fire official. Celebrities like Paris Hilton lost their homes in the blaze.

- Fanatec has been the title sponsor of the SRO Motorsports Group and its signature GT World Challenge series since 2021. However, it appears that Fanatec's association with SRO Motorsports has ended.

- Sanrio's My Melody and Kuromi characters are getting a Netflix original anime this July.

- The multiplayer online game of the Transformers franchise was canceled.

- MBC responds to reports of the 2024 MBC Music Festival airing during the Lunar New Year holiday.

- Brian Matusz, a former left-handed pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and the No. 4 pick in the 2008 MLB draft, has died at the age of 37. He spent almost his entire eight-year career with the Orioles.

- The writ of habeas data petition filed by Eat Bulaga presenter Vic Sotto against Darryl Yap over the controversial teaser of The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma biopic movie was granted by the court and set for summary hearing on January 15, 2025.

- Comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto confirms her overnight stay at the NBI HQ.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 8, 2025)

       

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

- The Philippine Air Force extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of two-time Southeast Asian Games Gold medalist Mervin Guarte of Oriental Mindoro. Guarte was stabbed to death yesterday at the house of the councilor in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Local authorities are continuing the investigation behind Guarte's death.

- Representative Joey Salceda, who chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means, has called for an investigation into whether the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines violated the Anti-Dummy Law. The investigation will determine whether NGCP complies with the law, which prohibits foreign ownership of public utilities.

- California wildfires rips through a Los Angeles suburb as it spreads over nearly 3K acres, forcing thousands to flee.

- Jess Phillips says Elon Musk is putting her in danger with "disinformation" about grooming gangs.

- French far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen dies at the age of 96.

- Nearly a hundred were killed when a M7.1 quake hit the Tibetan holy city of Shigatse in China.

- BMW showcased its new-generation Panoramic iDrive, which is set to debut on next-generation models at the end of 2025.

- The AFEELA 1 from Sony-Honda Mobility will arrive in 2026 and it's available to reserve.

2027 AFEELA 1

- Honda showcased the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV prototypes before their 2026 production debut.

- KONAMI announced that the upcoming Shine Post game will be redirected from mobile to console.

- Your first look at the Netflix K-drama The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, coming this month.

- Spider-Man actors Tom Holland and Zendaya are reportedly engaged.

- Chinese actor Xing Xing was found four days after being reported missing. Xing has been returned to Thailand.

- Comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto voluntarily surrenders to the NBI.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 7, 2025)

      

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

- As the ongoing kiss of the Lord Jesus Nazarene continues, the number of devotees lining up at the Quirino Grandstand has increased.

- Approximately 1,300 police officers from Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) will be deployed to Manila to ensure a safe and orderly celebration of the Feast of the Nazarene on January 9.

- British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticizes those spreading false information regarding child sex grooming gangs after Elon Musk criticized ministers.

- Winter Storm Blair hits the US East Coast, possibly with 16 inches of snow in Washington D.C.

- Justin Trudeau resigns as leader of Canada's Liberal Party after nearly a decade as prime minister.

- The new Shutokou Battle video game will have early access this January 23rd with full launch expected mid-2025 on PC via STEAM.

- The Genesis GV60 minor change was unveiled.

2026 Genesis GV60

- An anime adaptation of the Ghost of Tsushima video game is coming in 2027.

- VTuber Tsumugihime Amanosakura parts ways with First Stage Production at the end of January 2025.

- Green Bay Packers player Christian Watson suffered a season-ending torn ACL following the team's defeat by the Chicago Bears.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 6, 2025)

     

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

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. presented some of the main priorities this 2025, including the modernization of their naval, aerial, ground, air defense, and cyber capabilities.

- The Philippine National Police is still studying whether to implement signal jamming on mobile phones on the day of Traslacion itself or on January 9, 2025.

- The Manila LGU, Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Quiapo church leadership have completed the renovation of the Quirino Grandstand for the traditional Kissing of Jesus Nazarene, as part of the Quiapo festival activities.

- UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting slammed Elon Musk for attacking MP Jess Phillips over grooming gangs, calling Musk's comments "a disgraceful smear". Meanwhile, Musk says Nigel Farage "doesn't have what it takes" and Reform UK needs a new leader.

- Heavy snow closes Manchester Airport runways and flooding hits rail lines.

- Kia unveiled the special edition Bongo Smart Selection in honor of the Bongo series' 45th anniversary.

Kia Bongo Smart Selection

- Kimi to Idol PreCure, the 2025 PreCure installment, will air this February 2, 2025.

- Kim Jung Hyun has left Story J Company.

- Emilia Perez and The Brutalist sweep Golden Globe wins.

- Drag Race UK's The Vivienne dies at the age of 32.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 4, 2025)

     

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

The PH Department of Health clarified that a post circulating on social media regarding an alleged international health concern is not from a reliable source and has no confirmation from the World Health Organization. The DOH announced this amid the spread of information about a purported new epidemic that includes Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19 and is overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums in China.

- Amber weather warnings were issued for large parts of England and Wales with heavy snow bringing hazardous travel conditions.

- US House Speaker Mike Johnson survived a razor-thin vote by overcoming a massive revolt from his fellow Republicans.

- The judge ordered US President-Elect Donald Trump to be sentenced for his "hush money" guilty verdict this January 10th.

- Defender confirms three-year FIA World Rally Raid Championship Works Program starting in 2026. It will have a two-vehicle entry across the entire season with a three-car entry in the Dakar Rally. An entry in the new "Stock" category which, from 2026, will conform to new and heavily revised regulations.

- Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson have left the Arrow McLaren team. This follows McLaren Racing's completion of its buyout of the NTT IndyCar Series outfit.

- The 39th Golden Disc Awards will now air on January 6-7 on JTBC.

- The College Football Playoff will not reschedule the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and the Capital One Orange Bowl after SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said he asked about the possibility of changing them.

- Luke Littler became the youngest darts champion at age 17 after defeating Michael van Gerwen in the World Darts Championship final.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 3, 2025)

    

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

- Government agencies are ready for the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Nazarene to be held in Quiapo, Manila on January 9. Security has also been put in place for the millions of devotees who are expected to attend the procession of the Lord of the Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand.

- Representative Toby Tiangco of Navotas is pleased that the National Food Authority has achieved 95% of its target for buffer stock, or rice reserves, from local farmers. This is a significant accomplishment, as it helps to ensure that the country has sufficient rice reserves in the event of an emergency.

- Farmers are appealing to the government to have Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. repeal the Rice Tariffication Law.

- The FBI now believes that the slain suspect behind the New Orleans New Year's Day attack acted alone and has no connection to the exploded Tesla Cybertruck outside the Las Vegas Trump Hotel. Meanwhile, Las Vegas authorities said that the man behind the exploded Cybertruck was believed to be a US soldier and was found with a gunshot wound to the head.

- Amber cold weather health alerts are in effect as temperatures drop with snow expected across the United Kingdom in the coming days.

- The 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards was rescheduled to January 29th.

- The 2024 KBS Drama Awards will be aired this January 11th at 2120 Hours KST.

- Actor Park Sung Hoon apologizes for "accidentally" sharing an explicit parody poster of Squid Game's second season. Sung Hoon played the transgender character in the second season of the hit Netflix K-drama.

- Rapper Stormzy was banned from driving for nine months after admitting to using his phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 2, 2025)

   

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

- PH President Bongbong Marcos is expected to be busy again with activities left and right after welcoming the new year. Marcos recently.

- The 1.8 million government employees with permanent positions will definitely receive a pay raise again this year. According to Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation Chairperson and Bohol 3rd District Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor, this is because the 2025 National Budget includes the allocation for the second round of wage hikes for government employees, in accordance with the Salary Standardization Law.

- Authorities identified the suspect who killed 15 after plowing through crowds in New Orleans in the middle of a New Year's Day celebration as Shamsud Din Jabbar. The FBI says they found an Islamic State flag inside the slain suspect's car.

- A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. The driver was killed and seven were hurt. According to reports, the explosion was caused by fireworks and other incendiary items inside the bed of the Cybertruck, and Tesla boss Elon Musk, a Trump ally, confirmed it had nothing to do with the vehicle, calling it "the wrong vehicle for a terrorist attack" crediting the Cybertruck's military-grade durability for containing the explosion.

- Zhengzhou became the first city in China to ban cellphone use in schools. The ban applies to all primary, secondary, and secondary vocational schools in Zhengzhou.

- The 2024 MBC Drama Awards will now be broadcast this January 5th, 2025, at 1710 Hours KST.

- The Sugar Bowl was postponed until Thursday after the New Orleans truck attack. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame team mourns attack as it preps to face Georgia in CFP.

- Bryce James, the younger son of NBA legend LeBron James, has committed to Arizona as part of the Wildcats' 2025 class.

- New York Jets' Aaron Rodgers acknowledges Sunday could be his last NFL game.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 1, 2025)

  

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

- PH Vice-President Sara Duterte delivered her New Year's speech.

- The Philippine National Police says New Year celebrations were "generally peaceful".

- A submarine drone was found by a fisherman in the waters off Brgy. Inawaran, San Pascual in Masbate. The photo of the said device was released by the Philippine National Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5), led by Regional Director PBGen. Andre Dizon. According to Dizon, the drone with the markings “HY 119” was identified as an underwater communication system owned by China.

- It took several hours before firefighters finally declared the fire that broke out in Brgy. Flores, Malabon City at 1:00 a.m. to be "fire under control." A fire destroyed a commercial building called PH Shop, which sells appliances and school supplies.

- Ten were killed and 30 were hurt after a vehicle plowed through a New Orleans crowd.

- The US Supreme Court ruled in favor of President-elect Donald Trump's immunity from charges.

- Seiyuu Kanako Takatsuki, famed for being Aqours' Hanamaru Kunikida from the Love Live franchise, announced her marriage and resignation from her current agency.

- Seiyuu Yuya Hirose announced his marriage to someone outside the entertainment industry.

- Netflix teases Squid Game's final season coming this 2025.

- Girls Generation member Seohyun was hurt on a drama set.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (December 31, 2024)

 

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

- The PH Department of Health (DOH) recorded 163 firecracker-related injuries based on data released yesterday, December 30.

- Russia and Ukraine carry out a major prisoner swap with at least 300 people set free.

- The United Nations warned of climate breakdown after a "decade of deadly heat".

- Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations were canceled due to concerns over weather including high winds.

- The boss of Jeju Air says the firm is cutting flight numbers to increase safety following South Korea's air crash.

- The Ariel Atom 4R lapped the Top Gear Test Track in 1m13.7s.

- Seiyuu Ai Fairouz is limiting some work activities due to PTSD a few months ago.

- Seiyuu Riho Iida announces her pregnancy.

- Live broadcast of the 39th Golden Disc Awards was canceled in observing a week of mourning for the plane crash victims.

- Hollywood celebrities Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement after eight years.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (December 30, 2024)

                                            

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

- Two earthquakes hit parts of Ilocos Norte, one at Bangui with M5.8 and the other at Burgos with M5.6, according to PHIVOLCS.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos has signed into law the 2025 National Budget.

- Due to the temporarily limited capacity of the Biliran Bridge, which is causing disruptions in the transportation of products, essential supplies, and even the travel of people to the area, which is already having an impact on the economy there, the province of Biliran has now been placed under a "state of calamity."

- Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at age 100. Carter won a Nobel Peace Prize after leaving the White House.

- A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport on December 28, after experiencing a landing gear failure.

- BLEACH's Thousand-Year Blood War TV series will return with its fourth and final season soon.

- SNK establishes its new studio dedicated to The King of Fighters franchise ahead of the fighting game series' 30th anniversary.

- Former Johnny's and Associates members filed a lawsuit in the US about the late founder's sexual abuse.

- In the wake of the Moan plane crash, MBC canceled its live broadcast of the 2024 MBC Drama Awards while SBS canceled its 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (December 27, 2024)

                                           

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

- The PH Department of Agriculture will examine how the removal of brand labels on imported rice will affect its market price.

- The DOLE reported that each Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) in each region have completed their respective minimum wage adjustments, except for Region V, which was reportedly caused by a series of typhoons that hit it.

- A NASA spacecraft is "safe" after a close approach with the sun.

- A series of airstrikes hit Yemen's main airport and Red Sea port, in attacks blamed on Israel by Houthi rebels. The World Health Organization chief and UN colleagues came under fire during an Israeli strike on the Yemen airport.

- Syria's new Islamist leaders launched attacks on armed groups who are loyal to the ousted leader Bashar Al-Assad.

- Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92. Singh is the architect of India's key economic reforms.

- Daihatsu will showcase its Mira e:S GR SPORT Concept at next month's Tokyo Auto Salon.

Daihatsu Mira e:S GR SPORT CONCEPT

- The Exit 8 video game is getting a live-action movie coming in 2025.

- Two sailors die in Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

- Antonio Vinzon will star in the GMA-7 TV series Mga Batang Riles.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (December 26, 2024)

                                          

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

- The PH Department of Health advised the public to refrain from using fireworks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations to avoid any accidents or injuries.

- PH VP Sara Duterte maintained that she did not violate any law with the three impeachment complaints filed against her.

- An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people on board has crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan, leaving more than 38 dead.

- King Charles delivered his Christmas speech to praise the "selfless" medical staff who cared for him during his cancer treatment.

- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky criticizes Russia for "inhumane" missile and drone attacks on Christmas Day.

- The first part of the Uma Musume Cinderella Gray TV anime will air this April 2025.

- JYP Entertainment clarifies the report on Lee Junho undergoing an intensive tax audit in 2023.

- BBC's Doctor Who TV series casts Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra. The Doctor's new companion will debut in the 2025 season.

TTFN.