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

                                     

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

- The COMELEC denies reports that it has erased all election files since the 2025 polls. Only soft copies from the National Printing Office were removed by privacy protocols.

- The PH House of Representatives rejected the "entry of appearance" made by the lawyers of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte.

- PH DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla believes that former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque's request for asylum hasn't reached the Netherlands. The case has reached Germany, according to sources.

- The learning crisis among Philippine students has worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Philippine Department of Education.

- Protesters in Kenya clashed with alleged government supporters in the streets of Nairobi. The protests, held in the wake of the death in custody 10 days ago of Albert Ojwang, were called to demand the sacking of a top police officer. Police said that Mr. Ojwang died of self-inflicted wounds, but were forced to retract the statement after an autopsy found that it was likely he died after being assaulted. Two policemen were arrested in connection with Ojwang's death.

- US President Donald Trump mulls joining Israel's offensive against Iran's nuclear sites. Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei warns the US against attacks, threatening "irreparable damage". Israel claims 40 Iranian sites were hit.

- The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X was unveiled. Powered by the same 5.5L V8 Twin Turbo engine as the normal ZR1 but with improved hybrid powertrain from the E-Ray and All-Wheel-Drive system, it generates a record-breaking 1250HP of power, making it the most powerful production Corvette ever made.

- Following post-race inspections, the #50 Ferrari AF Corse 499P was stripped of its 3rd place finish in last weekend's Le Mans endurance race as the rear wing support was not in compliance with the deflection test indicated in Article 3.8.7 of the 2025 LMH Technical Regulations and the homologation for car 50. As a result, the #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P was promoted to third place. Cadillac and Toyota are among the top five Le Mans finishers.

- The Canadian Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar until 2035 thanks to a new agreement.

- The Death Stranding franchise is inspiring an animated film with screenwriter Aaron Guzikowski.

- Sanrio becomes the 4th-biggest shareholder of Production I.G. and Wit Studio's parent company, IG Port.

- Hidefumi Komino steps down as the main producer of the Gakuen IDOLM@STER app game, with assistant producers Daichi Sato and Ryo Yamamoto now jointly serving as his successors.

- Ju Haknyeon has officially left THE BOYZ.

- ADOR released a statement following a recent court decision regarding the NJZ (formerly NewJeans) appeal.

- Shing Seung Ho was granted exemption from military service due to his injury.

TTFN.

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

                                    

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

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte wants to have someone inhibiting her impeachment. Meanwhile, the Malacañang, once again, clarifies that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not interfere in the matter of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte

- The COMELEC says that preparations for the Barangay and SK Elections are still ongoing.

- The Armed Forces of the Philippines insists that the purchase of F-16 multirole jets is still part of the plan.

- U.S. President Donald Trump left the G7 summit early to address the Israel-Iran conflict, according to the White House. On the fifth day of the conflict, Israel and Iran exchanged strikes while President Trump urged individuals in Tehran to evacuate. Approximately 24 people have been killed in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

- The third-generation Audi Q3 was unveiled.

2026 Audi Q3

- F1 Academy 2024 Champion Abbi Pulling is named as Nissan Formula E's rookie and simulator driver on a multi-year agreement.

- Nissan is reportedly selling part of its stake in Renault.

- Forza Motorsport's Update 21 adds two IndyCar race cars from the 2025 season.

- The TV series For Eagle Brothers will have four additional episodes.

- In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder is on the verge of a title after defeating the Indiana Pacers by the score of 120-109.

- ICYMI: Actress Pik-Sen Lim passed away at the age of 80.

- Former actor-singer Cocoy Laurel died at the age of 72.

TTFN.

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

                                   

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

- School Year 2025-2026 has officially begun in most schools in the Philippines.

- Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has relieved eight chiefs of police in Metro Manila after they failed to implement the 5-minute response time in their jurisdictions. Among the chiefs of police who were relieved of their posts are those assigned to the cities of Navotas, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Mandaluyong, Marikina, San Juan, Parañaque, and Makati.

- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assures that they are prepared for the mass repatriation of OFWs following the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran. The Migrant Workers Offices in the Middle East are on heightened alert.

- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is "over the skies of Tehran" and has killed an Iranian intelligence chief. In response, Iran carries out its first daytime strikes against Israel.

- Carlo Acutis will be declared a saint this September 2025.

- Volkswagen's Golf GTi Edition 50 lapped the Nurburgring in 7:46.16, quicker than the Golf R.

- McLaren previewed its 2027 WEC Hypercar competitor.

- The Peugeot e-208 GTi was unveiled.

- A new Corvette is coming June 17, 2025, with the X emblem on it.

- Seiyuu Yui Ogura canceled her concert appearance after her head concussion.

- Pocket Comics mulls exiting France as Webtoon platforms struggle in Europe, according to reports.

- Live-action Omniscient Reader movie will hit theaters this July 23rd.

- J.J. Spaun won his first US Open title.

- Katrina Anne Johnson wins Binibining Pilipinas International 2025.

TTFN.

NTT IndyCar Series 2025 - Bommarito Automotive Group 500

3 big races happened in North America on Father’s Day. The Canadian Grand Prix is up north in Montreal. The NASCAR Cup Series in Mexico City. In St. Louis, it’s the nighttime oval race of the IndyCar season, the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. With the former two done, it's time to understand what just happened at IndyCar's oval night race in St. Louis.

After an explosive entrance, the oval night race in St. Louis was filled with unfortunate events, including countless crashes, a fire in the pit lane, and one very big disaster that involved Louis Foster and Josef Newgarden.

Screengrab from IndyCar

Amidst the disastrous moments in St. Louis, Kyle Kirkwood wins the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 ahead of Pato O'Ward. Meanwhile, Christian Rasmussen made headlines with his first career podium finish by placing 3rd.

After St. Louis, Alex Palou remains in the lead with 335 points while Pato O'Ward is in 2nd with 262, two points ahead of Kyle Kirkwood.

The next race is at Road America for the Xpel Grand Prix this June 22, 2025.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Viva Mexico 250

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the sacred ground of F1's Mexico Grand Prix, became NASCAR's newest battleground for the Viva Mexico 250. This is the first time the NASCAR Cup Series has raced in Mexico, and it was a major undertaking due to ongoing border tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. That it took place at all is an unprecedented feat and a testament to the popularity of the sport in both countries.

As the green flag waved, the first NASCAR Cup Series on Mexican soil was underway. The first stage saw drivers struggling to get through the wet conditions in their newest foreign battleground. As Ryan Preece gets Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Denny Hamlin's temporary replacement driver, Ryan Truex, spin around the track. With Shane Van Gisbergen taking Stage 2, the finale is drama to the end.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After a long and arduous battle, a foreign driver has made history. Shane Van Gisbergen, the foreign driver, has struck back. In NASCAR’s first Cup Series Mexico race, Van Gisbergen won the Viva Mexico 250, scoring a monumental victory!

The next race is at Pocono for The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM this June 22, 2025.

F1 2025: Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the next stop for the F1 75th-anniversary celebrations with the Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada. This race not only marked Aston Martin and Alpine's 100th race start but also Haas' 200th race start. With George Russell and Max Verstappen locked in the front row, this race is a showdown between them.

The opening lap saw Alex Albon being pushed wide and losing out, dropping him to P12. On lap 48, he was forced to retire from the race. Then, near the end, the two McLaren drivers got into a dramatic crash. Oscar Piastri collided with Lando Norris, pushing him out of the race.

Screengrab from F1

Thanks to the disaster between the two McLaren drivers, George Russell nabbed Mercedes’ first win of the season, while Max Verstappen finished in 2nd place. Kimi Antonelli stood out by finishing in 3rd place, scoring his first-ever podium finish. Not bad for an 18-year-old F1 driver.

The next race is the MSC Cruises Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg this June 29, 2025.

F1 Academy 2025 - Montreal

The 2025 F1 Academy season continues in Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where this race weekend becomes a three-race match to compensate for what happened in Miami last May. For this season's Canada campaign, they were joined by not one but two wild-card entries, such as Joanne Ciconte representing Wella and Mathilda Paatz representing Gatorade.

Screengrab from F1 Academy

The Canada leg of the 2025 F1 Academy season had many exciting moments. In the first race, Doriane Pin won, while Emma Felbermayr placed third but was later disqualified due to a technical violation. The second race saw Emma Felbermayr win, earning revenge. The third race resulted in multiple accidents, culminating with a yellow flag after the last crash. The winner in the end was Chloe Chambers. One driver stood out during the entire Montreal race weekend, however, and that was Ella Lloyd of McLaren. She finished in second place in all three races.

After Canada, Doriane Pin is leading with 109 points, while Chloe Chambers is in 2nd with 89 points, and Maya Weug is in 3rd with 72 points.

The 2025 F1 Academy season will continue in Zandvoort this August 29 to 31. The girls have their well-deserved summer break before they begin another weekend of racing.