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

                                    

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

- Typhoon Ada maintained its strength while moving northwestward over the eastern part of Eastern Visayas. The center of the storm was last observed at 255 km East Northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, or 335 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h.

- House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao Del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong suspects that the floating of the impeachment plan against Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is a way to divert public attention from those involved in corruption, especially in the flood control scandal.

- The Department of Social Welfare and Development is strongly warning the public against suspicious individuals or groups offering cash assistance through private messages and claiming to have a "backer" within the DSWD. This comes after the department received reports of individuals sending private messages to their victims promising to be included in the list of beneficiaries in exchange for a percentage cut and their personal information.

- X (formerly Twitter) announced that its Grok AI will no longer be allowed to generate fake explicit images of real people. The ban applies to all users, including paying subscribers.

- Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado says she presented US President Donald Trump with her medal.

- The UK NHS trust "violated the dignity" of nurses by allowing a transgender woman to use the female changing room, according to the tribunal.

- UK MP Robert Jenrick tells BBC his defection to Reform UK is not about personal ambition and will "unite the right".

- The Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, the first of the new Ford Racing performance brand, was unveiled during Ford Racing's 2026 season reveal. It will use the same supercharged V8 engine from the hardcore GTD. Also, Ford Racing announced that the new Dark Horse SC joins the NASCAR fray in the 2027 season, as well as drivers for its WEC Hypercar campaign.

2027 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC

- Red Bull unveiled its F1 2026 liveries of both the main team and the Racing Bulls. Both are powered by Ford powertrains as part of the new collaboration.

- PREMA Racing undergoes ownership shake-up.

- The Netflix original series, Culinary Class Wars, was renewed for Season 3, and auditions are underway. The next season will be a clash between restaurants.

- FNC is ending its variety management.

- The Zerafa Vs. Tsuyu match ended with a "no contest" result after a headbutt left the former unable to fight.

- The alleged secret daughter of Freddie Mercury, named Bibi, dies at 48.

TTFN.

Let's Do The News! (January 15, 2026)

                                   

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

- Senate President pro tempore Ping Lacson challenged Senator Imee Marcos to join and cooperate in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) hearing to be held on Monday, January 19. This is regarding the senator's allegation that the Blue Ribbon Committee is blocking or not allowing them to speak about high-ranking government officials involved in corruption in flood control projects. Lacson challenged Sen. Marcos, if the senator can contribute anything to pressure her cousin Romualdez, she should attend the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.

- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured that someone will be held accountable for the landslide at a landfill in Balamban, Cebu City, that killed at least 20 people. According to the President, the government is working to ensure accountability, safety, and a transparent investigation into the incident. The search and rescue operations are continuing in the area.

- Typhoon Ada maintained its strength as it moved west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea. Based on PAGASA's 11 a.m. weather bulletin, Typhoon Ada was last spotted 420 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, and was moving west-northwestward at a speed of only 20 kph. It has maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

- The Trump administration is suspending the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries, including those from South America, the Balkans, South Asian countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as most African and Caribbean nations. However, this latest announcement does not impact the issuance of visitor visas, as the United States is the primary host for this June's FIFA World Cup.

- NATO says that Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran aligning with each other is testing the alliance between NATO member states, including the United States.

- The Danish minister says "fundamental disagreement" remains after a "frank" Greenland talks with the US.

- The US is pulling some personnel from a Qatari air base as a "precautionary measure" as President Donald Trump weighs up action against Iran amid ongoing protests.

- Acura is axing the RDX crossover, but the next-generation RDX is coming soon.

- Dodge is axing the Hornet crossover due to harsh tariffs on European imports. The Hornet, based on the Alfa Romeo Tonale, is fully imported from Italy.

- The Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1 becomes America's fastest production car with a 0-60mph time of less than two seconds and a quarter-mile time of 8.675 seconds.

- Jensen returns with a teaser of its upcoming V8-powered GT car inspired by the legendary Interceptor.

- Caterham showcases its updated Project V prototype vehicle.

- Nina Gademan will return for the 2026 F1 Academy season under Alpine sponsorship, while Rachel Robertson joins the grid under PUMA sponsorship.

- Mamoru Oshii will direct the new Votoms anime series at Sunrise and Production I.G.

- Cygames said it will not use generative AI on its current products despite establishing its AI studio.

- John Harbaugh is ready to accept the Giants' head coaching job, according to reports.

- The NCAA asks the CFTC to suspend prediction markets.

TTFN.

KGM Musso (Q300)

Korea's first pickup truck, the Musso, is now in its third generation. This all-new model promises to be as tough and dependable as its ancestors.

2026 KGM Musso

Starting at 29.90 million Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new Musso is more affordable to own than the Kia Tasman and the Chevrolet Colorado, making it the true bargain off-roader Koreans will gladly spend their Won on. The question is, is the all-new Musso worth it?

2026 KGM Musso

Beginning with the styling, the front of the Musso is like a mashup between the Ford F-150's headlamps and the illuminated grille from the GMC Hummer EV. Despite the questionable front view, the robust and macho styling gives this pickup a physical presence and a tendency to flex its muscles everywhere. The same goes for the more muscular Musso Grand Style variant as well.

The Musso is offered with a choice of two body styles: the Standard Deck, featuring 1,011 litres of bed space, and the Long Deck, which replaces the Khan from the previous model, offering up to 1,262 litres of boot space.

2026 KGM Musso interior

2026 KGM Musso interior

In contrast to its macho exterior, the luxurious interior features a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a touch screen powered by the Athena 3.0 GUI, a dual-type climate control, 32-colour ambient lighting, suede quilting on the dashboard, and two different centre consoles. The petrol variant features an improved centre console space, while the diesel variant features a lever-type gear knob. As a five-seater, the rear legroom is somewhat regular for pickup standards, but it should be good enough for everyday life.

2026 KGM Musso

The all-new Musso is powered by two engine choices. The 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to an AISIN 8-speed automatic transmission produces 217PS of power, 38.7kgf-m of torque, and 8.6km/L of fuel economy. The 2.2-litre diesel engine mated to an AISIN 6-speed automatic, meanwhile, produces 202PS of power, 45kgf-m of torque, and 10.1km/L of fuel economy. Both of these engines can give the Musso a three-ton towing capacity. Both of them are packed with the differential locking device and the available 4TRONIC system with various settings that surely come in handy in case of tarmac, gravel, or snow. When Sandping comes knocking on your door, 4TRONIC's coming in handy.

The all-new Musso features two suspension choices. Those who love off-roading should go for the one with the five-link dynamic suspension with up to 500kg load capacity, while those who are running businesses should consider the one with the Power Lift Suspension that grants them up to 700kg of maximum load capacity.

Although taking pride in its ultra-high-strength quadruple-structure frame body, the all-new Musso is packed with the DeepControl suite of ADAS, Electronic Stability Program, and 3D Around & Clear Sight View, among others.

Being the offroader that placed South Korea in the pickup wars for the past 25 years, the all-new Musso continues the legacy with new and promising features worthy of bearing the legendary Musso name. This new-generation Korean-made pickup truck is more than ready to tackle not just its home base, but also the Belt & Road Initiative. KGM is on a roll now.

Available Colours: Ultra Marine, Space Black, Smoke Taupe, Sandstone Beige, Marble Grey, Grand White, and Amazonia Green.

Photo: KG Mobility

Let's Do The News! (January 14, 2026)

                                  

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

- The Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, has issued arrest warrants against gambling tycoon Atong Ang and 17 others for kidnapping with homicide in connection with the PH Department of Justice case involving the missing sabungeros.

- The death toll from the Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City has reached 19.

- Typhoon Ada is slowly approaching east of Mindanao. According to PAGASA, the typhoon is spotted 545km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

- Police chief admits misleading MPs after AI was used to justify banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans froma match in Birmingham, UK, last year.

- A construction crane fell on the moving train in Thailand, killing 22 people.

- Homes worth over one million pounds will face higher council tax bills under plans unveiled by the Scottish Budget.

- US President Donald Trump encourages Iranians to "keep protesting" and that "help is on its way". The "help" Trump mentioned refers to the possible use of the same military tactic that brought down Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

- Max Esterson and Nikita Johnson will run full-time for the RLL Team McLaren.

- BMW previews its next-generation M3, which will be offered in a quad-motor EV and a straight-six petrol.

- Honda will introduce its squareless H logo in 2027. The new logo will apply to future Honda hybrid and electric models.

- The Ford Bronco RTR was unveiled.

- The Toyota Hiace was updated for the 2026 model year with new LED headlamps.

2026 Toyota Hiace

- The Netflix K-drama, The Art of Sarah, will be streamed this Friday the 13th of February, 2026.

- TNT advances to the PBA finals after defeating Meralco 99-96.

- The Nations Championship is happening this July and November. The Six Nations teams will compete against the best rugby teams from Argentina, Australia, Fiji, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa with this North vs. South approach. The Finale will take place in London's Allianz Stadium.

- Marvel Studios' Avengers Doomsday will hit cinemas on December 18, 2026.

TTFN.

Genesis GV60 Magma

Genesis Magma Racing is the newest performance division of the South Korean luxury car brand Genesis that promises to compete against BMW's M and Mercedes-AMG. This is Magma's first offering: the GV60 MAGMA.

2026 Genesis GV60 MAGMA

2026 Genesis GV60 MAGMA interior

Priced at 98,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the first-ever Genesis GV60 MAGMA exemplifies what the Magma series is all about, allowing its drivers to feel the heat.

At first glance, it looks and operates like the standard GV60, but thanks to Genesis Magma Racing, it features a muscular aerodynamic design, a wider stance, a Genesis-first rear spoiler, a Magma-themed interior, sports seats, and MAGMA-specific modes displayed on its 27-inch panoramic screen, which combines both the virtual instrument panel and the infotainment touchscreen on the dashboard. The vehicle also includes various driving sounds to enhance the experience, which may be controversial, but adds to its uniqueness.

To match the allure of its counterparts—the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Kia EV6 GT—the electric powertrain of the GV60 MAGMA is equipped with an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors that drive the front and rear wheels. It generates up to 650 PS of power and 790 Nm of torque, thanks to its Boost Mode. The GV60 MAGMA can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 264 km/h, which outperforms the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

In addition to its impressive performance, the GV60 MAGMA comes with stroke-sensing ECS (Electronically Controlled Suspension) dampers, torque distribution, Drift Mode, MAGMA Mode with GT and Sprint settings, and the unique Virtual Gear Shift feature.

The first-ever GV60 MAGMA may be the most expensive of the triplets, but being the first of the Genesis Magma project, such controversially intense features will make drivers feel the heat behind the wheel. From the streets of Seoul to a track day in Inje, the Magma heat comes alive. Welcome to your new favorite Korean-made hot EV.

Available Colors: Magma Orange, Uyuni White, Beak Black, Makalu Grey, Seville Silver, Tromso Green, Stor Green, Ceres Blue, and Capri Blue.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

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

                                 

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

- Cebu City is placed under a State of Calamity in the aftermath of the Binaliw landfill. The death toll from the landfill is now 11.

- Senator Raffy Tulfo has requested the immediate enactment of the bill that eliminates the travel tax for economy class passengers. Tulfo noted that the travel tax bill continues to be a burden for those traveling in economy class with limited budgets. In Senate Bill 88 filed by the senator, Presidential Decree 1183, which created Republic Act 1478 and Republic Act 6141, is being amended to eliminate the travel tax for economy class passengers traveling anywhere in the world.

- DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has directed them to study how to bring former Rep. Zaldy Co back to the Philippines without having to go through the lengthy extradition treaty process. In a phone interview with Malacañang media, Remulla said the President did not order the immediate formation of an extradition treaty with Portugal. Instead, the directive is to find a faster way to bring Co home.

- The Philippine National Police rolled out full security measures for the 2026 Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, and Dinagyang Festivals.

- An investigation into X (formerly Twitter) was launched by the UK's OFCOM after concerns that X's Grok AI was being used to create sexualized images. Following the investigation, the UK will enforce a law this week to criminalize non-consensual intimate images.

- Malaysia is taking legal action against X over its Grok AI concerns.

- Nadhim Zahawi, former UK Conservative chancellor, has defected to Reform UK.

- Starting in the 2026 season, NASCAR will eliminate its elimination-style post-season playoffs. Instead, the top 16 drivers from the regular season will qualify for the 10-race Chase. The driver with the highest points at the end of this series will be crowned the champion.

- Victor Martins joins Alpine's WEC Hypercar campaign for the 2026 season.

- Italdesign previewed its NSX Tribute special machine based on the second-generation Honda NSX with design inspired by the first-generation NSX.

- The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator 85th Anniversary Edition were unveiled, part of the year-long Twelve For Twelve limited edition drops.

Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator
85th Anniversary Edition

- The recent Bushiroad New Year's presentation announced several exciting projects. This includes an all-new Revue Starlight anime produced by Kinema Citrus, as well as the introduction of the new Zero Rise franchise, which will feature a TV anime and a stage play. Additionally, a new Weiss Schwarz online game was announced, along with the release of a new BanG Dream Our Notes app game. Fans can also look forward to the Ave Mujica movie, set to release in autumn 2026, and the BanG Dream Yume Mita anime, which is scheduled for Summer 2026, among other announcements.

- Mayu Yokota and Junki Tozuka join the cast of the live-action Sakamoto Days movie as Lu Shaotang and Heisuke Mashimo.

- THE SIMS production team stated that despite the EA sale, creative control remains with MAXIS, and their core values of inclusivity and player expression remain intact.

- VARO Entertainment announces legal action against malicious acts targeting actors.

- Production of the next season of the puzzle show Crime Scene Zero was announced.

- Moses Itauma was injured, resulting in his fight being rescheduled for March 28.

TTFN.

MY GT7 Log: Platinum Star

Polestar, the Swedish luxury electric car brand of the Geely Group, which currently owns Volvo, made its Gran Turismo debut, although it is not yet available in the Japanese market.

What Polestar is featured in Gran Turismo 7? You're not right. It's actually this...

This is the first-ever Polestar 5, the brand's flagship EV saloon. You can drive this exclusively on Gran Turismo 7.

Born from the Precept Concept, the Polestar 5 is the brand's four-door luxury GT car that serves as the flagship of the Polestar range.

The Polestar 5 is built on the Polestar Performance Architecture and is available in two variants: Long Range and Performance (shown here). Both models are equipped with a 112kWh lithium nickel battery. The high-performance variant delivers an impressive 884 PS of power and 1,015 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. It also features an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. This makes it as distinctly European as any high-performance saloon can be.

The Polestar 5 features a Polestar-first 800V EV architecture, allowing it to charge at rates of up to 350 kW when connected to a compatible DC charger. This means that charging from 10% to 80% can take as little as 22 minutes. Additionally, an external charging indicator located on the C-pillar provides a quick glimpse of the vehicle's state of charge (SOC).

To enhance efficiency, the rear motor of the Polestar 5 can disconnect when not in use. The Polestar 5 Dual Motor variant can achieve a range of up to 670 km (WLTP) on a single charge, while the Polestar 5 Performance variant can drive for up to 565 km (WLTP).

The Dual Motor Launch Edition starts at 119,900 Euros, while the Performance Launch Edition costs 142,900 Euros. Additional costs are included. 

The EV powertrain made the car difficult to handle, corner, and maneuver. Despite its bulk from the EV powertrain, the acceleration is signature electric car performance as expected for an all-electric Polestar flagship.

To prove its worth, I went to the Red Bull Ring to demonstrate the Polestar 5's capabilities as a four-door GT that combines the qualities of a full-size luxury sedan and a sports car. Well, sports weren't in this car's DNA, but...whatever. Let's get this experiment rolling.

Around the sacred ground of the Austrian Grand Prix, I managed to post a 1:45.855 lap time. Not bad for a full-sized EV premium GT that is luxurious and decent to drive.

The fully imported Polestar 5 may not match the Porsche Taycan's credentials, but for Polestar, it is worthy of being the pack leader. Not perfect, but this is the Polestar speedo boys truly want. From concept-to-reality styling to its sporty performance, the most powerful Polestar EV is ready to shock the world.