ABB FIA Formula E S11 - Mexico City ePrix

Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues in Mexico City, kicking off the year 2025 with intense zero-emission action situated at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. A chance for the GEN3 EVO machines to flex their electric muscles in the Mexican setting.

Screengrab from Formula E

Oliver Rowland won the first race of the season for NISMO. He beat out two Porsche drivers, Antonio Felix Da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein, to take the checkered flag.

The next race is in Jeddah for this season's first two-parter this February 14 to 15, 2025.

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.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Attempt to arrest S Korea president Yoon suspended after dramatic standoff

 

South Korean investigators have called off an attempt to arrest suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol after a dramatic six-hour standoff with the security team outside his home.

"We've determined that the arrest is practically impossible," said the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which has been investigating Yoon's short-lived martial law declaration.

"Next steps will be decided after review," the CIO said, adding that Yoon's "refusal of the legal process" is "deeply regrettable".

Yoon's supporters, who have been camped out in front of the presidential residence for days, cheered in song and dance as the suspension was announced. "We won!" they chanted.

The CIO said that concern for the safety of the team on the ground was another factor in their decision to call off the attempted arrest.

Investigators have until 6 January to arrest Yoon before the current warrant expires. They can, however, apply for a new warrant and try to detain him again.

Since early morning, dozens of police vans lined the street outside Yoon's residence in central Seoul.

At about 08:00 local time (23:00 GMT), an arrest team made up of police officers and CIO members marched towards the compound.

This started out with a 20-strong team, but quickly multiplied to some 150 people.

While about half of the arrest team was able to get inside, they were locked for hours in a standoff with security officers - who are still responsible for protecting Yoon, despite him being stripped of his powers - and a military unit responsible for protecting the city of Seoul.

At one point the security team engaged in a "confrontation with the CIO at the presidential residence", an official with Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff told AFP.

Before the attempt was stood down, Yoon's security team told the news agency they had been "in negotiation" with the investigators who sought to access the president.

Yoon's legal team was also seen entering the residence slightly past noon local time.

His lawyer Yoon Gab-keun had earlier said they would take legal action over the arrest warrant, which they called "illegal and invalid".

A Seoul court issued the arrest warrant early this week, after Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning over the past fortnight.

On Friday, prosecutors also indicted on insurrection charges army chief Park An-su, who was named martial law commander during the brief declaration last month, and special forces commander Kwak Jong-geun, according to Seoul-based news outlet Yonhap.

They are to face trial while in prison.

Source: BBC News

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.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea police raid Jeju Air, airport over fatal crash

 

South Korean police on Thursday raided the offices of Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport as part of the probe into the fatal crash of a Boeing 737-800 plane that killed 179 people.

The flight was carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea on Sunday when it issued a mayday call and belly-landed before slamming into a barrier, killing everyone aboard except two flight attendants pulled from the burning wreckage.

Authorities carried out search and seizure operations at the Muan airport where flight 2216 crashed, a regional aviation office in the southwestern city, and Jeju Air's office in the capital Seoul.

South Korean and US investigators, including from Boeing, have been combing the crash site since the disaster to establish a cause, with both black boxes found and decoding work ongoing.

"In relation to the plane accident... a search and seizure operation is being conducted from 9 am (0000 GMT) on January 2 at three locations," police said in a statement sent to AFP.

"The police plan to swiftly and rigorously determine the cause and responsibility for this accident in accordance with the law and principles."

Police told AFP the search warrant was issued, and Yonhap reported it was approved on charges of professional negligence resulting in death, citing officials.

South Korea has also announced it will inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by its carriers, focusing on the landing gear, which appears to have malfunctioned during the Sunday crash.

South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, said Thursday that "immediate action" must be taken if that probe uncovered any issues with the aircraft model.

Authorities have previously said 101 aircraft of the same model were in operation by six different airlines.

"As there's great public concern about the same aircraft model involved in the accident, the transport ministry and relevant agencies must conduct a thorough inspection of operation maintenance, education, and training," Choi said Thursday.

"If any issues are found during the inspection, please take immediate corrective action," he added.

The accident is the worst-ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil.

South Korean authorities have completed the initial extraction of data for the cockpit voice recorder, but the flight data recorder was damaged and was to be sent to the United States for analysis, officials said Wednesday.

Officials initially pointed to a bird strike as a possible cause of the disaster, and have since said the probe was also examining a concrete barrier at the end of the runway.

Dramatic video showed the plane colliding with it before bursting into flames.

The land ministry said in a statement that the country's airports were also being inspected "to evaluate the installation locations" around their runways.

As the investigation continued, families travelled to the crash site for the first time to pay their respects on Wednesday and some returned the following day with cardboard boxes to collect their loved ones's belongings.

On Thursday at the airport, a monk led prayers close to the crash site, while inside the airport, the stairs were covered in colourful post-it notes left by mourners.

"Honey, I miss you way too much," one of them said.

"Even if you faced lonely and painful moments in death, may you now soar like a butterfly," another read.

Relatives also left flowers and food near the site including tteokguk —- rice cake soup traditionally enjoyed in South Korea on New Year's Day —- as they said their goodbyes, many in tears.

Local media reported on a handwritten note, seemingly written by the pilot's brother, that was placed alongside gimbap -- a popular Korean dish -- and a drink cup near the crash site.

"I feel heartbroken when I think about the struggles you faced alone (in your last moments)," it read.

"You were truly amazing and did so well, so I hope you can now find happiness in a warm place. Thank you, and I'm sorry."

On Wednesday -- a public holiday in the South -- hundreds of people queued up to pay their respects at an airport memorial altar set up to honour the victims.

So many people came to the memorial that the queue stretched for hundreds of metres and the local cell phone network was overloaded, local media reported.

Other altars for the victims have been set up nationwide.

Source: Agence-France-Presse

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.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: Seoul to Inspect All Boeing 737-800 Aircraft in Country following Jeju Air Crash

 

The government said Monday it plans to conduct a safety inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines following a Jeju Air Co. plane crash that claimed 179 lives the previous day.

In Sunday’s Jeju Air crash in the southwestern county of Muan, it is believed that all three landing gears had failed to operate properly. The aircraft involved in the accident was a Boeing B737-800.

A transport ministry official said the government plans to thoroughly examine whether various regulations of the Boeing model are being properly followed by airlines, which would check their aircraft utilization rates, flight inspections and maintenance records.

The Boeing 737-800 is widely operated by domestic low-cost carriers. Jeju Air operates the largest number of this model, with 39 aircraft in its fleet. Other operators include T’way Air with 27 aircraft, Jin Air with 19 and Eastar Jet with 10.

The ministry, in particular, plans to conduct rigorous safety inspections of Jeju Air following repeated landing gear issues.

Earlier in the day, a separate Jeju Air flight of the same aircraft model made a return after taking off from Gimpo International Airport due to a landing gear issue that was found similarly in Sunday’s crash. It was of the same Boeing B737-800 model involved in the accident.

“We plan to implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to the (landing gear) incidents,” Joo Jong-wan, aviation policy chief at the transport ministry, said during a briefing at the Sejong government complex.

Joo noted that Jeju Air was known for its high aircraft utilization rate, which some observers have pointed to as a possible factor in Sunday’s crash.

Following the landing gear issue reported on Monday, the ministry dispatched safety inspectors to the company to investigate the latest case.

Meanwhile, one of the two flight recording devices recovered from the crash site has been found with external damage, according to Joo. It has been transported to Gimpo International Airport for further analysis.

The ministry official also said the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board will participate in the investigation into the crash. Boeing and engine manufacturer CFM International have also been approached for cooperation.

Source: Yonhap/Korea Bizwire

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.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: 179 feared dead in worst aviation disaster in South Korea

 

A tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning has claimed at least 124 lives as of 3:30 p.m., with authorities warning the death toll could rise to 179 in what is South Korea's worst domestic aviation disaster to date.

The Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 passengers and crew, was attempting to land when it veered off the runway. Two minutes after the pilot called mayday, the plane collided with the perimeter fence and burst into flames, according to the Transport Ministry.

According to the Jeonnam Fire Services Headquarters Wednesday, most of those onboard were likely deceased, leaving two survivors, which are reported to be crew members, one male and one female. The passengers on the crashed plane included 173 South Koreans and two Thai nationals, according to authorities.

No additional survivors had been found among the passengers, and the condition of the wreckage suggested that hopes for more survivors were slim, fire authorities said in a briefing to families of those on board.

The aircraft's fuselage was completely destroyed in the crash, making the identification of victims extremely difficult. Rescue teams were continuing their efforts to locate the remains of missing passengers, while temporary mortuaries had been set up to house the bodies recovered.

Many of the remains were severely damaged, complicating the process of identification, authorities added.

President of Jeju Air Co Ltd. Kim E-bae expressed his sympathy and apologized to the passengers who lost their lives and their bereaved families in the aftermath of the tragic crash of a Jeju Air flight at Muan International Airport, pledging full cooperation with the government to uncover the cause of the accident.

Taking responsibility as the airline’s top executive, Kim added, “Regardless of the cause, I deeply feel my responsibility as CEO. Jeju Air will do everything in its power to expedite recovery efforts and provide full support to the families of the victims.”

Kim stated that the cause of the crash remains unclear and emphasized that the airline is awaiting official investigation results from government authorities. “At this point, it is difficult to determine the cause of the accident, and we must wait for the official findings from the relevant government agencies,” he said.

A Jeju Air representative also noted that the crashed aircraft, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800, had no prior history of accidents. The airline was working to identify the precise cause of the crash and clarify the circumstances surrounding it, the representative said.

Meanwhile, Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance designated Muan as a special disaster zone.

Choi emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting the extensive loss of life and the urgent need for a coordinated response. “The government has activated the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters and will deploy all necessary resources. We will officially declare Muan as a special disaster zone to ensure effective relief and recovery efforts,” he stated.

The designation of a special disaster zone, as outlined under the Framework Act on Disaster and Safety Management, allows for enhanced administrative, financial and medical support in affected regions. This includes emergency relief, disaster recovery plans, and financial aid for victims and their families.

Under this designation, joint investigation teams comprising disaster management agencies will conduct assessments and draft a recovery plan tailored to the severity of the disaster. These measures aim to expedite both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for affected individuals and communities.

Authorities remained focused on recovery operations and the identification of victims as investigations into the cause of the tragedy continue. Some 720 officials, including personnel from the airport, fire fighters, police, military and coast guards were deployed to the scene.

The aircraft departed from Bangkok at 1:30 a.m. and was scheduled to land in Muan at 8:30 a.m. During its first landing attempt on runway No. 1, the plane failed to land and performed a go-around, a flight maneuver where a pilot chooses to abort a landing and return to the air to fly round and try again.

On its second attempt, the landing gear malfunctioned, leading to an emergency belly landing near the runway's end, according to authorities. A belly landing, also known as a gear-up landing, is an emergency landing where an aircraft lands on its underside, or belly, without its landing gear fully extended.

Unable to decelerate fully, the plane struck airport perimeter fences at speed, resulting in its destruction and instant fire, according to the authorities.

Emergency personnel, including 80 firefighters, were immediately deployed to the site. The fire was first controlled within 43 minutes, and rescue efforts began from the rear of the aircraft. Two survivors were rescued, but authorities feared that more dead would be discovered as they continued to search the wreckage.

Initial investigations pointed to a "bird strike" as the likely cause of the landing gear malfunction. This occurs when an aircraft collides with a flock of birds or when birds enter the engine.

Source: The Korea Herald

YEAR IN REVIEW: 20 things we learned in 2024

As 2024 approaches its end, it's time for my annual YEAR IN REVIEW, where I will outline the 20 biggest news we learned throughout the year.

1) Donald Trump's re-election - Unfazed by controversies, two failed assassination attempts, and a guilty verdict regarding the "hush money" case, Donald Trump became the first Republican President in the US to win two non-consecutive terms. The world's greatest fear has been confirmed as Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress will undo what the Biden administration did.

2) Starmer becomes UK PM - In July 2024, the Labour Party officially won the 2024 UK General Election after reaching 326 seats. As a result, Keir Starmer became the new British Prime Minister, replacing Conservative Rishi Sunak. Labour won more than 400 out of the 650 seats in the Commons, while the Conservatives won only 110. The Lib Dems made big gains, while the SNP lost most of their seats.

3) Global IT Outage - On July 19, 2024, a faulty update to CrowdStrike's Falcon Sensor security software caused a widespread outage affecting over 8.5 million Windows devices.

4) Harrods Scandal - Harrods, a British luxury department store, faced a major scandal regarding sexual abuses done by its late owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. Over 250 people are seeking compensation claims, alleging historical sexual assault by the late tycoon.

5) 25 Years of SpongeBob - 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Nickelodoen's megahit cartoon show, SpongeBob SquarePants. The SpongeBob franchise's 25th-anniversary celebration featured SpongeBob and Patrick hosting not just Super Bowl LVIII, where the Kansas City Chiefs crowned champions, but also the 2024 Kids Choice Awards alongside character Sandy Cheeks. It also packs special episodes, a collaboration with Wendy's to create a real-world Krabby Patty, Star Wars legend Mark Hamill to voice The Flying Dutchman in next year's SpongeBob movie, and more.

6) The end of Old Eat Bulaga - On January 5, 2024, a court ruled that TAPE, Inc. and GMA Network did not have the right to use the Eat Bulaga or EB trademark. As a result, the Eat Bulaga! variety show that Filipinos knew was rebranded as "Tahanang Pinakamasaya!" while the TV5 EAT... variety show was renamed as "EAT...BULAGA!" Two months later, Tahanang Pinakamasaya officially ended its broadcast run.

7) Robert Downey Jr returns to MCU - On the final day of the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, actor Robert Downey Jr. made a shocking comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was announced that RDJ will play Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday movie. The news was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some are excited to see Downey Jr. take on a new role in the MCU, while others are disappointed that he won't be returning as Iron Man. However, Marvel Studios is not afraid to take risks.

8) Alice Guo's POGO problem - Alice Guo stripped off her Bamban, Tarlac mayoral position because of her involvement with the Bamban POGO hub. Guo went hiding following the revelation until she was caught by Indonesian authorities at Tangerang. Guo faced charges of graft and corruption, among others.

9) F1 2024 - The F1 2024 season marked the end of Lewis Hamilton's career as a Mercedes-AMG driver as he made the switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Not only that, it marked the end for Zhou Guanyu's F1 journey while Valtteri Bottas will return to Mercedes-AMG as a reserve driver. As Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the World Champion title, it was the McLaren team that won its first Constructors Championship title in 26 years.

10) Paris 2024 Olympics - The Paris 2024 opening ceremony did not take part at a stadium for the first time in Olympic Summer Games history. Instead, it was held in the Seine River. During the course of 17 days, the United States scored 40 golds out of 126, China with 40 golds out of 91, and Japan with 20 golds out of 45. In conclusion, the US and China ended the Paris 2024 rivalry in an honorable draw in terms of gold medals but the real winner goes to Team USA for scoring the most medals in the Paris 2024 Olympics with 126 medals.

11) The downfall of the Assad regime - The reign of Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad ended when the former Al-Qaeda affiliate Islamist group stormed Syria and sent Al-Assad packing, only to end up in Russia for asylum. The HTS Islamist group that took over Syria promises to bring change to the war-torn country and bring down those who are loyal to Assad.

12) Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment - Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial rule prompted the National Assembly to nullify it and triggered the impeachment case against the South Korean leader. They failed in the first attempt because the ruling party boycotted it but in the second attempt, 204-85, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol.

13) The murder of the UHC boss - In Early December, the boss of the United Healthcare insurance company was killed in New York City, triggering a manhunt for the gunman behind it. The gunman was revealed as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione and police arrested him and charged him with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

14) Sayonara, Toriyama-sensei - Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball series, passed away at the age of 68. The news shocked the anime world as it anticipates the airing of the latest Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball DAIMA, which made its world television premiere last October 11, 2024.

15) The deadliest typhoons hit the Philippines - The Philippines was hit by several deadly typhoons this year, including Super Typhoon Leon (Kong-Rey), Typhoons Marce (Ynixing) and Nika (Toraji), and Super Typhoons Ofel (Usagi) and Pepito (Man-Yi). These storms caused catastrophic damage in Luzon provinces, especially those that were already hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. The typhoons caused heavy floods, landslides, and storm surges, affecting over 15 million people and displacing over 600,000.

16) One For The Road - Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May have been butting heads for over two decades. Their final Grand Tour adventure, "One For The Road," signals the end of the world's most undesirable but desirable threesome. After over two decades, the days of seeing Clarkson, Hammond, and May butting each other came to a complete end. From Top Gear to The Grand Tour, driving and rambling across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, they have cemented themselves as the greatest motoring trio that ever existed. Now that they've fully served their purpose, it's hard to imagine what's next for them after their final Grand Tour.

17) Spain floods - Massive rainfall caused Spain to be hit by historic floods with over 200 people dying.

18) The Diddy Scandal - In mid-September 2024, hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested in New York City on unspecified federal charges. Diddy faced trial over sex trafficking charges. Diddy denied bail after pleading not guilty to charges. Over 100 people are suing Sean "Diddy" Combs alleging rape, assault, and sexual exploitation.

19) World's fastest convertible - Bugatti's W16 Mistral smashed the open-top road car speed record with 282mph top speed.

20) AMG ONE beats previous Nurburgring record - The Mercedes-AMG One hypercar re-attempted its Nurburgring Nordschleife time attack and set a new production car lap record in 6m29.090, beating its previous 2022 record.

As the saying goes, "The end of one nightmare is just the prelude to the next." So, what will the year 2025 bring us? Whatever it is, we should brace ourselves for impact and turbulence. Until then, let's all have a happy new year.

THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: South Korea votes to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo

 

South Korea has voted to impeach its acting president Han Duck-soo, two weeks after parliament voted to impeach its President Yoon Suk Yeol.

A total of 192 lawmakers voted for his impeachment, more than the 151 votes needed for it to succeed.

Prime minister Han took over the role after President Yoon was impeached by parliament following his failed attempt to impose martial law on 3 December.

Han was supposed to lead the country out of its political turmoil, but opposition MPs argued that he was refusing demands to complete Yoon's impeachment process.

Chaos erupted in parliament as the vote was held on Friday.

Lawmakers from Yoon and Han's ruling People Power Party (PPP) protested after National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik announced that only 151 votes would be needed to pass the impeachment bill.

This meant that, unlike the 200 votes required for Yoon's impeachment, no votes from ruling lawmakers would be needed this time for Han to be impeached in parliament.

Ruling party MPs gathered in the middle of the voting chamber chanting, "invalid!" and "abuse of power!" in response, and called for the Speaker to step down. Most of them boycotted the vote.

Han will be suspended from his duties as soon as he is officially notified by parliament.

The opposition first filed an impeachment motion against Han on Thursday after he blocked the appointment of three judges that parliament had chosen to oversee Yoon's case.

Korea's Constitutional Court is typically made up of a nine-member bench. At least six judges must uphold Yoon's impeachment in order for the decision to be upheld.

There are currently only six judges on the bench, meaning a single rejection would save Yoon from being removed.

The opposition had hoped the three additional nominees would help improve the odds of Yoon getting impeached.

This is the first time an acting president has been impeached since South Korea became a democracy.

Finance minister Choi Sang-mok is set to replace Han as acting president.

Like Yoon, Han's impeachment will need to be confirmed by the constitutional court, which has 180 days to rule on whether the impeachment should be upheld.

"I respect the decision of the National Assembly," Han said Friday, adding that he "will wait for the Constitutional Court's decision."

He also said that he would suspend his duties to "not add to the chaos".

On 3 December, Yoon took the country by surprise as he declared that he was imposing martial law, citing the need to protect the country from "anti-state" forces.

Hours later he reversed the order after 190 MPs voted it down, with many of them climbing fences and breaking barricades to get into the voting chamber.

Yoon later apologised but said he had sought to protect the country's democracy.

Since then, Yoon and his allies have been dogged by the political and legal repercussions of the short-lived martial law order.

Top officials from Yoon's government have been arrested and indicted on allegations of insurrection, while Yoon is facing an impeachment trial. However, the suspended president, who is banned from leaving the country, has been defying summons from investigating authorities.

On Friday, the Korean won plunged to its lowest level against the dollar since the global financial crisis 16 years ago - with both parties blaming each other for the chaos.

Han's removal will likely intensify the political gridlock and uncertainty the country is currently grappling with.

Source: BBC News

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.