Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series Round 1

Super GT's 30th-anniversary celebrations have officially begun with the opening salvo of the 2024 season held in Okayama.

The 2024 season of the Autobacs Super GT Series marked the debut of the Honda Civic Type R Super GT machines that replaced the now-discontinued NSX Super GT predecessors as it prepares to clash against GT500-class machines based on the Toyota Supra and the Nissan Fairlady Z. 

The clash between the Civic Type R, the GR Supra, and the Fairlady Z became known as the most unexpected Super GT season in its 3-decade history.

Screengrab from Super GT

The #36 au TOM'S GR Supra drew of Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita drew first blood with a win in Okayama while the #39 DENSO KOBELCO SARD GR Supra finished 2nd and the #100 STANLEY CIVIC TYPE R-GT finished 3rd. In the GT300 class, meanwhile, the #2 muta Racing GR86 GT is the winner while the #65 LEON PYRAMID AMG GT3 finished 2nd and the #7 Studie BMW M4 GT3 finished 3rd.

The next round of the Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series will be in Fuji Speedway this May 4th.

2024 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - Long Beach

The streets of Long Beach, California, served as the opening salvo for the 2024 Formula Drift championship, which saw some drastic changes such as dropping single qualifying runs in favor of a reimagined tandem-only format. Not only that, they picked up new sponsors such as South Korea's Kumho Tire, hand cleaner brand Fast Orange, and Alpinestars, among others. The 2024 season is going to be the turning point in Formula Drift history.

Screengrab from Formula Drift

James Deane in his #130 AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD and Simen Olsen in his #707 Feal Suspension Nissan S14.9 are the drivers who advanced to the finals and amid wet weather, they put in a good opening salvo with their crowd-pleasing drifts.

By unanimous decision in a rain-soaked final round, James Deane drew first blood with a win against Olsen. Aurimas Bakchis in his #723 Feal Suspension / GT Radial Nissan S15 finished in 3rd place.

The next event is at Atlanta for the Road to the Championship this May 9-11.

Let's Do The News! (April 14, 2024)

                     

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

- Transport group PISTON is holding a transport strike this April 15 and 16 followed by a rally. PISTON National President Mody Floranda warned there will be major action before the end of the month. Floranda expects the majority of PISTON members will participate in the transport strike as well as others from the Manibela group and other local associations that are members of the local federation.

- Iran launched drone and missile attacks towards Israel as a reprisal for the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1st, which Israel has not officially acknowledged. Over 200 drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted by Israeli forces and its allies. Some were hit such as an IDF base in southern Israel.

- A 40-year-old male killed six people in a stabbing attack at a mall in Sydney, Australia, before he was killed by police. The attacker "acted alone" and police say it's too early to speculate on the suspect's motivations. Australian PM Anthony Albanese says "hearts go out to those injured" in this "horrific act of violence". The police urged people to avoid the area and advised that the mall was closed.

- The Link! Like! Love Live! app welcomed three new additions to the Hasu no Sora Jogakuin School Idol Club such as Hina Sakurai as Ginko Momose, Fuuka Hayama as Kosuzu Kachimachi, and Rin Kurasu as Hime Anyoji. They'll be joining alongside existing members Nozomi Nirei as Kaho Hinoshita, Kokona Nokana as Sayaka Murano, Niina Hanamiya as Kozue Otomune, Kotoko Sasaki as Tsuzuri Yugiri, Kanna Kan as Rurino Osawa, and Kona Tsukine as Megumi Fujishima.

- Denver beats Boston to win its 10th NCAA men's Frozen Four championship title.

- Alex Pereira knocked Jamahal Hill down in the first round of their UFC 300 match, retaining his light heavyweight title.

- Dave Bautista and Eric Nam are joining the cast of the movie adaptation of the Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 12, 2024)

                    

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

- Two Philippine Navy pilots were killed after a training helicopter crashed at Cavite City.

- Taal Volcano is experiencing phreatic eruption, according to PHIVOLCS.

- The Philippines, the US, and Japan vowed to strengthen their alliance in defense of the Indo-Pacific region after a three-way summit.

- OJ Simpson, the former American footballer who was controversially cleared of double murder charges, passed away at the age of 76. OJ, who was cleared of murdering his ex-wife in a court case that caused a global sensation, died of cancer.

- The Colombian capital Bogota begins rationing water to millions because of a prolonged drought that has left reservoirs exhausted

- Vietnamese billionaire Truong My Lan was sentenced to death for the $44bn fraud.

- A Japanese astronaut is set to become the first non-American astronaut to join the NASA Artemis mission. No one knows who but reports claimed a new agreement between the US and Japan was confirmed and a Japanese will join the Artemis crew.

- Fernando Alonso renewed his contract with the Aston Martin F1 team, keeping him for next season, 2026, and the sport's next regulatory cycle.

- Hyundai announced its return to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with its IONIQ 5 N.

- Nickelodeon announced a new SpongeBob Squarepants movie coming at the end of 2025. The fourth SpongeBob movie is titled Search For SquarePants.

- Baldur's Gate 3 wins five awards at the BAFTA Games Awards, including the best game award.

- Korean singer Park Bo Ram dies at the age of 30. Before her death, Park Bo Ram was reportedly gearing up for a comeback.

- aespa member Winter is undergoing surgery for her collapsed lung, according to SM Entertainment.

- The list of performers for MBC's Music Core's Japan event at Belluna Dome this June 29-30 was announced.

- Kansas City Chiefs' Rashee Rice surrenders to police on charges from crash.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 11, 2024)

                   

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

- The Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant against KJC leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, proving the Philippines' criminal justice system is functional.

- A magnitude 5.1 quake hits New Bataan, Davao De Oro.

- PH President Bongbong Marcos arrived in Washington DC for the trilateral meeting with the US and Japan. The government expects to raise US$ 100 billion worth of investments at the trilateral summit in the United States. PBBM held a trilateral summit to discuss leadership and foreign policy.

- The EU Parliament approved a major overhaul of migration rules, requiring countries to share responsibility for asylum seekers. The EU Asylum and Migration Pact has been in the works since 2015. It will come into force in two years.

- Gazans celebrated Eid with "only pain". In Rafah in southern Gaza, prayers were held beside the ruins of the al-Farouk mosque, destroyed in Israeli bombardments. 

- Israel confirms the killing in Gaza of three sons of the Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh.

- The Mercedes-Benz EQS saloon received a minor change for the 2025 model year.

- Chevrolet will unveil the C8 Corvette ZR1 this Summer.

- Pininfarina unveiled the Battista Reversario, a two-unit continuation of the Anniversario.

Pininfarina Battista Reversario

- Lamborghini unveiled the final edition Huracan STJ. All 10 units are sold out.

2024 Lamborghini Huracan STJ

- The first-ever Alfa Romeo Milano was unveiled. The newest compact crossover will be offered as a hybrid and fully electric vehicle.

2025 Alfa Romeo Milano

- Kia confirms the name of its first pickup truck coming in 2025. Kia's upcoming pickup truck will be officially named the Tasman and will go on sale in South Korea next year, followed by Australia, the Middle East, and worldwide.

- Jann Mardenborough, the 2011 Nissan GT Academy winner, will participate in the Silverstone 500 this April 27-28, representing Team RJN and driving the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo race car.

- The Gakuen IDOLM@STER app game casts Mao Ito as China Kuramoto.

- SM Entertainment announced strong legal action against malicious posts on singer BoA.

- Shohei Ohtani's ex-interpreter faces federal charges, according to reports.

- Kansas City Chiefs' Rashee Rice faces 8 charges concerning high-speed crash.

- Former NBA guard Ben McLemore was arrested by U.S. Marshals and jailed in Oregon, where he faces sex crime charges stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2021 when he was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.

- Pokwang's former partner, Lee O'Brian was deported by the Bureau of Immigration.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 10, 2024)

                  

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

- Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is not in hiding and he's still in the Philippines, according to his legal counsel.

- The PH Department of Health recorded 54 deaths due to pertussis. Most of the casualties were children under the age of 5. The DOH is evaluating various pertussis vaccines.

- Peter Higgs, a physicist who theorized the Higgs boson particle, passed away at the age of 94.

- European Champions League matches saw heightened security after alleged ISIS threats.

- The Arizona state court revived an 1864 anti-abortion law that saw condemnation from US President Joe Biden, calling it a cruel decision that rips away women's rights. It joins more than 12 other states where abortions have been largely outlawed since the SCOTUS stripped off the Roe v Wade ruling two years ago.

- Gaza receives its largest airdrop of aid in six months.

- Paolo Pininfarina, the chairman of the Pininfarina Group, passed away at the age of 65.

- The Opel/Vauxhall Frontera returns as a crossover with mild-hybrid and electric variants.

- The third-generation Buick Enclave was unveiled.

2025 Buick Enclave

- The Acura MDX received a minor change for the 2025 model year.

2025 Acura MDX

- The Audi S3 range received a minor change for the 2025 model year. The 2.0L TFSi engine improved to produce 333PS of power.

2025 Audi S3

2025 Audi S3 Sportback

- PREMA Racing announced their participation in the NTT IndyCar Series in the 2025 season.

- Prosecutors dropped a felony rape case against former Kansas basketball player Arterio Morris, citing insufficient evidence while filing a motion in Douglas County District Court to seek its dismissal without prejudice.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 9, 2024)

                 

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

- Public schools in Manila have been directed to conduct half-day classes from April 11 to May 28 following the “dangerous” heat index level, the Division of City Schools-Manila said.

- Japan is committed to strengthening regional and international cooperation to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

- Parts of Mexico and eastern parts of the United States have observed the total solar eclipse. A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle was witnessed by millions across the continent. The celestial event began in Mexico and ended in Newfoundland. It is the last total solar eclipse, NASA said, to cross North America until 2045.

- Donald Trump said in his campaign rally that he should let US states decide on abortion laws.

- Scientists say that Long Covid blood clues could prompt future trials for vaccines.

- The Myanmar junta recruits Rohingyas to fight rebels. It comes despite the group not being recognized as legal residents of Myanmar.

- Tesla's Cybertruck is completely sold out for 2024 and new orders will be delivered in 2025.

- Toyota will take over its ASEAN car development in the wake of the Daihatsu safety scandal, according to reports.

- Former Nogizaka46 idol Nanase Nishino and actor Yuki Yamada announced their marriage.

- The University of Connecticut beats Purdue to win its sixth NCAA Men's Basketball title.

- Former child actress Serena Dalrymple and her husband Thomas Bredillet welcomed their first child.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 8, 2024)

                

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

- MERALCO is reducing electricity rates by P0.9879 per kWh this month.

- PH Senate President Migz Zubiri was promoted to "reserve officer" in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

- According to the DND, the quadrilateral maritime activity with the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Australia in the West Philippine Sea became successful, calling it a "show of unity" against China's aggressions. Activities include communication, photo exercises, division tactics, or office of the watch maneuver aimed at strengthening defense interoperability and effectively responding to various maritime scenarios.

- Israel reduced its troops in southern Gaza but plans for the Rafah offensive are still on the table.

- IAEA urges restraint after a drone attack on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

- Liberty Media, which owns Formula 1, acquired MotoGP and WSBK rights holder Dorna Sports in a £3.6 billion deal. With the deal made public, F1 owner Liberty Media will now own 86% of Dorna and thus holds the controlling stake in motorcycle racing’s two biggest international products.

- Disney announced that password-sharing restrictions on Disney+ will commence this June in select countries and worldwide this September.

- John Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal to become Arkansas's next coach, according to reports. A move that will shake up the SEC and college basketball landscape.

- South Carolina beats Iowa 87-75 to win its third NCAA Women's Championship title.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out 400

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series continues in Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400. A great way to kick off Spring Break with this one.

The Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway kicked off Spring Break racing action with a win by Kyle Larson in Stage 1. Stage 2 saw a loose wheel nut from Christopher Bell's car on Lap 110, which triggered a caution four laps later. Denny Hamlin won Stage 2, and the final stage saw Christopher Bell spin in turn 4, followed by a turn 3 crash by John Hunter Nemechek that triggered an overtime.

Screengrab from NASCAR

It's a full podium sweep for Hendrick Motorsports with Chase Elliott in 3rd, Kyle Larson in 2nd, and the Cook Out 400 winner, William Byron.

The next race is at Texas for the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 this April 14.

F1 2024: Rolex Australian Grand Prix

The F1 24 season continues with the MSC Cruises Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. Originally set during the autumn season, the Japanese Grand Prix is now a springtime treat for F1 fans and for Max Verstappen, a chance for redemption after his Australia disaster.

The race kicked off and a red flag was triggered when Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo crashed. A few moments later after the red flag, the race resumed, and Verstappen's in the lead while Lewis Hamilton dropped behind Charles Leclerc. As Red Bull leads the race, McLaren's Lando Norris is the first to pit on Lap 12 followed by Fernando Alonso two laps later.

As Verstappen regained the lead on Lap 21 from Charles Leclerc, Hamilton pits on Lap 24. Halfway through the race, Verstappen pits, giving a chance to Carlos Sainz to gain the lead, only to pit on Lap 36 and Verstappen retaking the lead.

As the race nears its climax, Logan Sargeant goes off-track while the two Ferrari drivers are gunning for the final podium spot.

Screengrab from Formula 1

In a show of redemption, Max Verstappen wins the Japanese Grand Prix, earning him a spot on the list of F1 drivers who led 3000 laps overall. Sergio Perez finished 2nd Carlos Sainz finished 3rd. Other finishers include Leclerc, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso, Geroge Russell, Oscar Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, and Yuki Tsunoda.

After Japan, Verstappen leads with 77 points, 13 points ahead of Sergio Perez, and Leclerc is in 3rd with 59 points.

The next race is the Lenovo Chinese Grand Prix this April 21st in Shanghai.

Let's Do The News! (April 5, 2024)

              

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

- Some portions of NAIA are expecting a series of power interruptions until May 28th to give way for maintenance activities, according to reports.

- PH President Bongbong Marcos declared April 10 as a regular holiday in observance of Eid'l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan.

- The Philippines' inflation rate since March 2024 has risen to 3.7% compared to 3.4% last February, according to the PSA.

- US President Joe Biden told Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu that support between the two countries will depend on "steps to address civilian harm and humanitarian suffering" in Gaza. Recently, Israel said it will open two new aid routes into Gaza after President Biden warned steps must be taken to relieve suffering.

- Denmark warns planes and ships to avoid busy shipping lanes due to the risk of falling fragments from missile failure.

- Piran Ditta Khan is found guilty of the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky, who was shot during a robbery in Bradford, UK, in 2005.

- Peru's congress votes against impeaching President Dina Boluarte who's being investigated for corruption in a scandal over her Rolex watches.

- The second-generation Renault Captur has been given a big minor change for the 2025 model year.

2025 Renault Captur

- Manga artist Yoichi Takahashi announced his retirement on his X account after the completion of the Captain Tsubasa magazine series. Takahashi says he's "relieved to have finished the ongoing series."

- Tsuburaya Productions announced the 2024 Ultraman installment airing on TV Tokyo this July 6th. The new Ultraman TV series is titled Ultraman Arc and it stars Yuki Totsuka as Yuuma Hize, a member of SKIP who wields the Arc Ariser and an Arc Cube to become Ultraman Arc.

- Chanty of Lapillus will take an indefinite hiatus from group activities.

- Kansas City Chiefs' Rashee Rice was the driver of one of two speeding sports cars who left after causing a chain-reaction crash on a Dallas highway over the weekend, the wide receiver's attorney said.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 4, 2024)

             

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

- Fifteen vehicles were apprehended in the exclusive EDSA Bus Lane, according to reports. Among the vehicles were two buses of the Metro Manila Development Authority and a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board shuttle.

- Most senators were dismayed over the DENR's failure to monitor the "protected areas".

- About 1,000 people were hurt and nine dead in the M7.4 quake that struck eastern Taiwan. Rescue efforts for the trapped are still underway.

- In a rare admission, Israel said its attack on a humanitarian convoy which killed seven aid workers was a tragic error that had occurred due to a misidentification. Israel is accused of targeting aid workers in Gaza.

- The French parliament tries its hand at Britain's often raucous Prime Ministers Questions.

- The Superrace Championship and the KARA have signed a motorsports publicization expansion partnership. The signing occurred during pre-season testing at the Everland Speedway.

- The Gakuen IDOLM@STER app game stars Kana Hanaiwa as Lilja Katsuragi.

- Lee Jin Hyuk announced his April 23rd comeback under his new agency, Bill Entertainment, which he signed with last year.

- New York City demands NYC Marathon organizers to pay $750K to cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

- Quezon City's Lorraine Ojimba is withdrawing from the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant due to health reasons.

- Singer Angeline Quinto will marry Nonrev Daquina at the Quiapo Church this April 25th.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 3, 2024)

            

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

- A magnitude 7.4 quake hits the east coast of Taiwan, setting off tsunami warnings here and neighboring countries. It's the strongest in 25 years, according to its seismology center. The epicenter is located about 18km south of Taiwan's Hualien city, according to the USGS.

- Police Scotland says that JK Rowling's social media comments challenging Scotland's new hate crime law are not being treated as a crime.

- At least 29 died in a fire at a nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey.

- Israel faces international anger after the food aid truck tragedy. Israel has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, in which at least seven foreign aid workers were killed.

- US and Chinese presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are expected to hold their first direct talks since November last year.

- Alpine will unveil the A290 at Le Mans this June 13th.

- The Toyota Corolla and Corolla Touring lineup, updated for the 2025 model year, gained a special edition ACTIVE SPORT that features black side mirrors, black cladding, and Cement Gray Metallic exclusive paint, among others.

Toyota Corolla ACTIVE SPORT
and Toyota Corolla Touring ACTIVE SPORT

- The McLaren F1 team has confirmed several organizational updates with Rob Marshall as the new Chief Designer, and Neil Houldey reassigned as Technical Director - Engineering. Peter Prodromou will continue in his role as Technical Director – Aerodynamics. The Concept and Performance department will be streamlined to focus on Performance and will be led by the Technical Director – Performance. Andrea Stella will assume this role in the interim until a permanent appointment is confirmed.

- K-Pop boy group RIIZE announces their comeback this month and plans to release their 1st mini album this June.

- Actress Song Ha Yoon was accused of bullying and her agency reacted to the accusations.

- The NCAA women's tournament may see changes in 2025.

- Rajon Rondo announced his retirement from the NBA after 16 seasons.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 2, 2024)

           

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

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos is forming a national organizing council in preparation for the country's hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit.

- According to PH DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, the pertussis outbreak in the country can be controllable.

- The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea  clarified that the Philippines planned countermeasures over China's repeated aggressions in the South China Sea are not "purely military."

- Newscaster Mel Tiangco re-signs her contract with GMA-7.

- One child was killed and two hurt in a school shooting in Finland after a 12-year-old pupil opened fire.

- Seven aid workers were killed in a Gaza air strike.

- Donald Trump posts a $175m bond in his New York civil fraud case, averting the seizure of his assets by the state while he appeals against his penalty. 

- An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander was killed in an Israel-led offensive on the Iranian consulate in Syria.

- Nekokurage, the creator of The Apothecary Diaries manga, was indicted on suspicion of tax evasion. Nekokurage claims neglect of tax returns due to ignorance.

- Voice actor Bon Ishihara dies at the age of 68.

- aespa member Karina confirmed her breakup with Lee Jae Wook.

- Former MOMOLAND member Nancy has joined the roster of GMA's Sparkle Artist Center talents. She will take part in the second season of GMA-7's Running Man Philippines.

- Actress Barbara Baldavin passed away at the age of 85.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (April 1, 2024)

          

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

- A fire broke out at Manuyo Dos, Las Piñas. The fire alert level is in its 5th alarm.

- Of the 12 recorded cases of pertussis in Pampanga, three have died. 48 cases have been recorded throughout Central Luzon.

- PH Senate President Migz Zubiri says he has no plans to run as president for the 2028 PH Presidential Elections.

- The Turkish opposition claims victory in local elections. In its strongest-ever showing, the CHP is well ahead of President Erdogan's AK party in many urban centers. 

- Israeli PM Netanyahu says negotiation and military force is still the best way of securing the release of the Gaza hostages.

- Actor Kim Min Kyu has officially enlisted in the military.

- IPQ shared updates on the lawsuits against SPIRE Entertainment and YouTuber In Ji Woong. OMEGA X’s agency released an official statement announcing that they won the main lawsuit to terminate their exclusive contract with SPIRE Entertainment.

- BBC's TV series Doctor Who's first season with Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor is listed with 8 episodes.

TTFN.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Toyota Owners 400

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series continues in Richmond Raceway for the Toyota Owners 400 as drivers celebrate Easter Sunday with speed and a show of force.

As the green flag waved, NASCAR's Easter Sunday race is underway. Stage 1 saw the whole race in caution in Lap 30 as NASCAR deemed the track dry and teams changed to slick tires. After that, Josh Berry sent Daniel Suarez spinning in Lap 64. As Kyle Larson wins Stage 1 under caution, Stage 2 saw numerous drivers taking pit stops, and as Martin Truex Jr. wins Stage 2, the final stage saw an overtime-triggering spin by Kyle Larson.

Screengrab from NASCAR

Denny Hamlin won the Toyota Owners 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series while Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr. contact after the finish after MTJ drove him hard on the final hard then bumped the back of Hamlin, unhappy that he ran him up the track on the final restart.

The next race is at Martinsville Speedway for the Cook Out 400 this April 7th.

WRC 2024: Safari Rally Kenya

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the toughest race of the season, the Safari Rally Kenya, as drivers are going all-in, do-or-die, to survive and conquer Africa's most punishing terrains.

Screengrab from WRC

As Thierry Neuville grabbed the early lead after the Kasarani Super Special, the Friday leg saw Kalle Rovanpera storming to the lead while Elfyn Evans faced misfortunes due to a punctured tire. Saturday stages, meanwhile, saw no stopping for Kalle Rovanpera's podium hopes gone following tire troubles.

Kalle Rovanpera was crowned the Safari Rally Kenya winner at 3:36:04, 1:37.8 quicker than Takamoto Katsuta, while Adrien Formaux finished 3rd, the best podium finish for Ford today.

The next event is the Croatia Rally this April 18-21.

ABB FIA Formula E S10 - Tokyo ePrix

Formula E's 10th-anniversary celebration continues in its brand new location; Tokyo, Japan. The first-ever Tokyo ePrix brings electric street racing action in the Land of the Rising Sun and a chance for Nissan to shine on its home turf.

Screengrab from Formula E

Maserati beats Nissan on its home turf as Maximilian Guenther beats Oliver Rowland in the fight to the finish. Andretti driver Jake Dennis completes the podium with a third-place finish.

After Tokyo, Pascal Wehrlein leads with 63 points, two points ahead of Nick Cassidy, and Oliver Rowland is in third with 54 points.

The next event will be Formula E's first real circuit racing in Misano this April 13-14.

Let's Do The News! (March 28, 2024)

         

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

- ICYMI: Thailand became the first ASEAN country to legalize same-sex marriage.

- Two bodies from the Baltimore bridge collapse were found in the water.

- At least five were killed and others hurt after a Flixbus coach overturned on a German motorway.

- Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu backtracks on talks with the US following the Rafah offensive, moments after the UNSC's resolution vote calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Washington wants to discuss Israel's invasion plans.

- UN investigators accuse the Burmese military of being behind an online hate campaign against the Rohingya minority ahead of a brutal crackdown in 2017.

- The Kia EV9 wins 2024 World Car of the Year. It also won the 2024 World Electric Vehicle Award as well.

- Toyota fully acquired Primearth EV Energy from Panasonic. The acquisition prompted the renaming of the company as Toyota Battery.

- Volvo will stop making diesel engines and set to become an EV maker by 2030.

- Lola Cars joins the Formula E grid in the 2025 season with a technical partnership with Yamaha.

- Gakuen IDOLM@STER app game casts Reina Kawamura as Hiro Shinosawa.

- The first set of contestants for the upcoming KBS reality show MAKE MATE 1 was announced.

- The UFC's first match in Saudi Arabia this June 22 is headlined by the middleweight match between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker.

- Bruce Springsteen becomes the first international songwriter to be awarded a UK Ivors Academy Fellowship.

TTFN.

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

        

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

- The Land Transportation Office revealed the full schedule of the release of plastic license cars. For driver's licenses with expiration dates of 4/1/2023 - 8/31/2023 and 4/1/2024 - 4/30/2024, the renewal starts from April 15 to 30, 2024, May 1 to 31, 2024 for driver's licenses with expiration dates of 12/31/2023 and May 1-31, 2024, and June 2024 for driver's licenses with expiration dates of January 1 - March 31, 2024, and June 2024.

- The change of command for the next Philippine National Police chief has been postponed to Monday.

- Philippine President Bongbong Marcos earned support from the US Congressional Delegation following China's recent harassment at the West Philippine Sea.

- A certain health expert warns over a Pertussis "super spreader" event this Holy Week.

- Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship. Search operations are suspended as police say all six missing people were presumed dead.

- King Charles III will attend Easter service at the St. George's Chapel at Windsor, according to the Buckingham Palace.

- Wikileaks founder Julian Assange faces further wait to find out whether he can appeal against US extradition.

- After hearing rival arguments, US Supreme Court judges appear unlikely to limit access to a widely-used abortion drug.

- Nissan plans to launch 30 new vehicles worldwide by fiscal year 2026. 16 of them will be electrified either by e-POWER, PHEV, or fully electric.

- The Mercedes-Benz G-Class range was updated for the 2025 model year. The 3.0L straight-six from the G500 and the six-cylinder diesel from the G450d have gained a 48-volt hybrid boost while the Mercedes-AMG G63 received a new OFFROAD PACK.

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

2025 Mercedes-AMG G63

- HYBE expands its partnership with Universal Music Group. HYBE officially announced an expansion of their relationship with Universal Music Group that will give them exclusive distribution rights to HYBE artists’ music for the next 10 years.

- K-pop girl group NewJeans announced plans for their May 24 comeback, their Japanese debut, and more.

- NFL owners approved a massive revamp of the kickoff play opting, after three days of discussions at the league's annual meeting, for a format that originated in the XFL.

TTFN.