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

                    

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

- The NDRRMC has issued an advisory over China's rocket launch this weekend. Residents of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan are warned over the possible debris from China's rocket launch.

- A magnitude 7.2 quake hits near the coast of Central Peru.

- IMF head Kristalina Georgieva held a briefing over the US economy, warning of a possible worst-case scenario in case Donald Trump returns to the White House.

- US President Joe Biden and Donald Trump clash in their first presidential debate of the 2024 US Presidential Elections. The two clash over abortion, immigration, the economy, and other key issues facing US politics. President Biden struggled and failed to quell concerns about his age, reports say.

- One person in England has died linked to an ongoing E.coli outbreak, according to a UK Health Security Agency.

- Iranians vote in snap presidential election.

- Tesla recalls its Cybertruck pickups for the fourth time in the US. Over 11,000 units of the controversial EV truck are affected.

- Rimac showcased its two-seater Verne EV robotaxi in service this 2026.

Rimac Verne

- From the organizers behind Extreme E comes Extreme H a new hydrogen offroad racing series coming this April 2025. Teams will pilot the Pioneer 25 FCEV off-roader with 550hp of power and do 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds. It will have a demo run at the Extreme E's Hydro X Prix in Scotland this July 13-14.

- The additional cast for the upcoming ONE PIECE Netflix series' 2nd season was announced.

- A former Twitch employee says streamer Dr Disrepect knew he was sending sexually explicit messages to a minor, according to a report. Recently, YouTube suspended monetization of Dr Disrepect's channel following serious allegations.

- NMIXX member Haewon will perform seated at the upcoming mid-year special due to her minor back injury.

- 2PM member Taecyeon will star in an upcoming Netflix J-drama Soul Mate alongside Hayato Isomura.

- A jury in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay more than $4.7 billion in damages after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.

TTFN.

Third Generation Honda Freed

The Honda Freed minivan has come out with its third generation, and this car is ready to take on the “new normal.” The Freed has a new design, interior, performance, efficiency, and technology. It also comes in a hybrid version for those who want to be more environmentally friendly.

2025 Honda Freed

The all-new third-generation Honda Freed is all about being a versatile family vehicle that fits all types of lifestyles. It’s subtly stylish and has a new design, technology, performance, and efficiency. The third generation of this Honda minivan comes in a hybrid version for those looking for a more eco-friendly option. Priced at 2.508 million Yen plus additional costs, the Honda Freed is a subtle yet sleek choice for your next family car.

The boxy design of the all-new Honda Freed is a significant departure from its predecessor, and it’s sure to turn heads. It's offered in two different styles: the subtle Air and the slightly rugged Crosstar variant, which features black cladding underneath.

2025 Honda Freed interior

Inside, the all-new Freed features an N-BOX-inspired dashboard layout, a new digital instrumental display, a two-spoke steering wheel, a rather unique compartment for your tissue box, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Honda CONNECT, among others. The Freed Air variant is offered in a choice of a six-seater or a seven-seater, but the Freed Crosstar, being the outdoor-oriented one, is offered only with five or six seats. It even has a modular cargo space, utility mounting points, a pegboard, and a lamp. An optional Slope for the Crosstar variant sure comes in handy for storing either a stroller or a wheelchair.

Regardless of the version you have, you can be confident that all seats can be folded down to meet your needs, whether for work or leisure. However, the presence of third-row seats does take up some boot space, which could be a drawback for cargo room, similar to the now-defunct Jade model from the past. If you're searching for the ideal configuration, be prepared for a challenging quest ahead. Good luck!

2025 Honda Freed

The all-new Freed is now offered with a 1.5-liter L15D petrol engine and a 1.5-liter e:HEV hybrid powertrain. Both of these powertrains are mated to a CVT.

The petrol variant is less powerful than the previous model, and it produces 118PS of power and 142Nm of torque. The fuel economy is around 16.5km/L based on WLTC mode standards. However, the e:HEV powertrain features a 106PS 1.5-liter petrol engine bolted to a 90kW electric motor and a 48-Ah lithium-ion battery. It's less powerful than the old Freed Hybrid, but the fuel economy is around 25km/L based on WLTC mode standards.

Although the performance is slightly short compared to its predecessor, the all-new Freed still feels so easy to drive, park, and live with, especially with the available 4WD system prepped for weather-related happenings. It also packs the latest Honda Sensing with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more.

The all-new third-generation Honda Freed hybrid minivan is the perfect vehicle for parents, no matter what kind of family you have. It’s not great in the speed department, but it is very easy to park and drive. It comes with the latest Honda Sensing technology, so you can feel secure that the Freed has your back on the road. And of course, it has that typical Japanese reliability.

Available Colors:

Freed Air: Fjord Mist Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Luna Silver Metallic, Sonic Grey Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic, Seabed Blue Pearl, and Twilight Mist Black.

Freed Crosstar: Desert Beige Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Grey Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic, Seabed Blue Pearl, and Twilight Mist Black.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

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

                   

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

- The PH DOJ confirmed that the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste approved the extradition request from the Philippines against former congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. According to Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, they're expecting Teves' return to the Philippines to face charges against him.

- US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin III reaffirms "ironclad" commitment to the Philippines after the latest actions of China in the West Philippine Sea.

- 10 rebels were killed during an encounter against PH government forces in Nueva Ecija. 

- Bolivian police have arrested the leader of an apparent attempted coup, hours after the presidential palace in La Paz was stormed by soldiers. The military leader in charge, Gen Juan José Zúñiga, had said he wanted to "restructure democracy" and that while he respected President Luis Arce "for now", there would be a change of government.

- Kenya has withdrawn its controversial tax proposal that sparked deadly protests.

- UK PM Rishi Sunak and UK Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer clash in the final election debate.

- The Hyundai Casper Electric was unveiled. The EV variant features up to 115PS of power and up to 355km of driving range.

2025 Hyundai Casper Electric

- The Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo concept was unveiled at the Busan International Motor Show as well as the facelifted Electrified G80.

Genesis X Gran Racer VGT

2025 Genesis Electrified G80

- Pierre Gasly renewed his contract with the Alpine F1 team as well as Lance Stroll with Aston Martin.

- The live-action Street Fighter movie from Legendary will reportedly be released this March 2026.

- The first round of the NBA Draft saw Zaccharie Risacher, the first of four French players taken in the first round, being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 1 pick. And it ended with the 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics drafting Creighton's Baylor Scheierman with pick No. 30, among others.

- A judge has dismissed a lawsuit claiming sexual assault against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

- Senator Robin Padilla will play Gringo Honasan in an upcoming biopic.

TTFN.

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

                  

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

- Senator Lito Lapid says he will resign if they prove he has involvement in POGO. "I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE POGO OPERATION", Lapid said as he challenged his colleagues for proof.

- Senator Bato Dela Rosa responds to PH Vice President Sara Duterte's announcement that his brothers and former president Rodrigo Duterte will run for senator. "THAT'S FUN", Bato said.

- In a letter, Mayor Alice Guo explained that the reason why she will not be able to attend the Senate hearing today is not only because of her stress and high level of anxiety, she is also said to have been suspended and is still being investigated by the BIR.

- Judge temporarily lifts Donald Trump's gag order after the hush money trial that landed Trump a guilty conviction.

- Wikileaks founder Julian Assange leaves court a free man after a plea deal over leaking US military secrets. Assange is flying back to Australia following the hearing in the Northern Mariana Islands.

- Four men were arrested for aggravated trespassing at UK PM Rishi Sunak's North Yorkshire constituency home.

- A Conservative cabinet minister has admitted placing three bets on the date of the general election in the weeks before Rishi Sunak’s surprise announcement. Scottish Secretary Alister Jack claims he won 2,000 Pounds on election bets. Meanwhile, the UK Labour Party suspended election candidate Kevin Craig after the Gambling Commission launched a probe into him.

- Part of Kenya's parliament on fire after protesters opposed to new taxes break through police lines.

- US reporter Evan Gershkovich faces trial in Russian court for espionage charges. Gershkovich denies charges. The trial is held behind closed doors.

- The all-female Iron Dames team announced that they will not participate in this week's Spa 24-Hour endurance race following Sarah Bovy's injury at the IMSA Watkins Glen race.

- The Extreme H offroad racing series will be unveiled this June 27th.

- The BMW M5 G90 was unveiled. It's the first electrified M5 in history. Powered by a 4.4L V8 PHEV powertrain, it produces 727PS of power and 1000Nm of torque, capable of a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 305kph with the optional extra.

2025 BMW M5

- The new Bentley Continental GT Speed range was unveiled. It's the first-ever electrified Continental GT ever made with its 4.0L turbo V8 PHEV powertrain producing 771bhp and 738lb-ft of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, e-LSD, and 4WD, it does 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 208mph.

2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed

2025 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

- The Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 R range was unveiled. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine now produces 333bhp of power. Mated to a seven-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds.

2025 Volkswagen Golf R

2025 Volkswagen Golf R Variant

- Aston Martin unveiled the Valiant, a strictly limited production model based on the Valour. Powering the Valiant is a 5.2L V12 twin-turbo engine producing 735HP of power and 555lb-ft of torque.

2025 Aston Martin Valiant

- A new Ranma 1/2 anime has been announced.

- IKON member Junhoe is confirmed to make his July solo debut.

- EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin file legal complaints against SM Entertainment executives.

- Mnet reality series Road to Kingdom will air in the second half of 2024 with major changes to be implemented.

- The Minnesota Lynx team defeated the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Trophy.

- Oleksandr Usyk announced that he is vacating his IBF heavyweight title ahead of the September 21 bout between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois in Wembley Stadium.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (June 25, 2024)

                 

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

- The DILG recommends the suspension of the mayor of Porac, Pampanga, due to POGO involvement.

- The PH Ombudsman junked the move to remove the suspension order against Alice Guo and two others. Recently, the BI implemented the immigration lookout bulletin order issued by the PH DOJ against the suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor, a certain Guo Hua Ping, and 17 others.

- Voters in ten EMBO Barangays formerly covered by Makati City will not be able to vote for their next congressman in the 2025 midterm elections.

- The presence of China's "monster ship" is confirmed near the BRP Sierra Madre, according to the AFP, calling it "intrusive patrol".

- Princess Anne was hospitalized after her suspected injury from the horse. The Princess Royal is expected to make a full and swift recovery after an incident at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire on Sunday, said Buckingham Palace, adding that she is "recovering well" and is "in a comfortable condition".

- Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has left the UK after agreeing on a US plea deal that will see him plead guilty to criminal charges and go free. Assange was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information.

- The UNICEF warns that millions of children are going hungry in Sudan.

- French President Emmanuel Macron warns of civil war if extremists win snap polls.

- Spanish nuns are excommunicated for rebelling against the Vatican over the property deal.

- Boreham Motorworks announced the creation of a "remastered" Ford RS200 in honor of the rally car's 40th anniversary. It will be unveiled soon.

- The Audi RS Q8 minor change was unveiled for the 2025 model year and it adds the powerful Performance variant with the 640PS 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine.

2025 Audi RS Q8 performance

- Paramount+ subscription prices will raise this August. The intro price will now be at 7.99 USD for the ad-supported Essential tier.

- The Florida Panthers nailed their first Stanley Cup title after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in the winner-takes-all Game 7 match.

TTFN.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Exploding batteries spark deadly S Korea factory fire

 

A massive factory fire that began after several lithium batteries exploded has killed at least 22 people in South Korea.

The blaze broke out on Monday morning at the Aricell plant in Hwaseong city, about 45km (28 miles) south of the capital Seoul.

Local television footage showed large smoke clouds and small explosions going off as firefighters sought to put out the fire. A part of the roof had collapsed.

South Korea is a leading producer of lithium batteries, which are used in many items from electric vehicles to laptops.

Fire official Kim Jin-young said 18 Chinese, one Laotian and two South Korean workers had been confirmed as among the dead. A final body had yet to be identified, and there are fears at least one more person may be missing.

"Most of the bodies are badly burned so it will take some time to identify each one," Mr Kim said, according to news agency AFP.

A further eight people were injured - two seriously - out of the 100 who had been working when the fire broke out.

The Aricell factory housed an estimated 35,000 battery cells on its second floor, where the batteries were inspected and packaged, with more stored elsewhere.

Mr Kim said the fire began when a series of battery cells exploded, though it remains unclear what triggered the initial explosions.

He explained it was difficult to enter the site initially "due to fears of additional explosions".

It is not yet clear what started the blaze. Lithium batteries are at risk of exploding if they are damaged or overheated.

Whatever the cause, once the fire took hold, it would have spread at speed - giving the workers little time to escape, according to Kim Jae-ho, fire and disaster prevention professor at Daejeon University.

"Battery materials such as nickel are easily flammable," he told Reuters news agency. "So often, there is not enough time to respond, compared to a fire caused by other materials."

As a lithium fire can react intensely with water, firefighters had to use dry sand to extinguish the blaze, which took several hours to get under control.

However, there is still a risk that after the fire is extinguished, it could reignite without warning due to the chemical reaction.

Source: BBC

Let's Do The News! (June 24, 2024)

                

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

- Suspended mayor Alice Guo was kicked out from the Nationalist People's Coalition.

- The PBBM administration is appealing to the Filipinos to maintain the cleanliness of the Pasig River once the rehabilitation is done.

- The BFAR is implementing the vessel monitoring system for the security of fishermen in the West Philippine Sea amid Chinese aggression. A certain senator said that China's bullying in the West Philippine Sea must stop while an analyst said that the WPS issue will test the PBBM administration.

- Gunmen in the southern Russian republic of Dagestan have killed police officers and a priest in what officials are calling acts of terror.

- The US prepares to receive two new pandas from China.

- Liverpool legend Alan Hansen was discharged from the hospital to continue recovery at home following his illness.

- Aston Martin teases a mystery model coming June 26th.

- Hyundai will unveil the Casper Electric this June 27th.

- The WRC will add Rally Paraguay to the 2025 season.

- Asphalt Legends Unite cross-platform racing game will launch on consoles and smartphones this July 17th.

- Six climate protesters stormed the 18th green while the tournament leaders lined up their putts for the final hole of regulation at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship, delaying the finish for five minutes.

- Amy Yang became the oldest Women's PGA major winner after winning the 2024 title.

- New York Mets player Edwin Diaz got ejected for having an illegal substance on his pitching hand and he's facing a 10-game ban.

- BBC's Doctor Who TV series gets a Christmas Special coming this Christmas 2024. This was confirmed by the current showrunner Russell T Davies during the Official Doctor Who Podcast.

TTFN.