Amid escalating political unrest in South Korea, major changes to TV programming have been announced, affecting both variety shows and dramas.
MBC announced that several of its popular variety programs, including “Music Core,” “Home Alone” (“I Live Alone”), “How Do You Play?,” and “The Manager” will not air to accommodate extended coverage of “News Desk” and special news reports.
Similarly, JTBC has confirmed the cancellation of its flagship variety show “Knowing Bros” (“Ask Us Anything”) for this week.
Dramas are also seeing significant schedule changes. MBC’s drama “When the Phone Rings” will not air its 5th and 6th episodes this week—originally set to air on December 6 and 7—due to special news broadcasts. Episode 5 will instead air next week on December 13.
SBS stated, “Episode 9 of ‘The Fiery Priest 2’ will air as planned tonight (December 6), but Episode 10, scheduled for December 7, will be postponed due to special news coverage.” SBS’s music show “Inkigayo” will also not air on December 8.
JTBC’s “The Tale of Lady Ok” will not air its 3rd episode on December 7, but will instead air the episode on December 8 at 10:30 p.m. KST.
Channel A’s weekend drama “Marry YOU” will skip its December 7 airing and instead air a back-to-back broadcast of Episodes 7 and 8 on December 8 at 7:50 p.m. KST.
The changes in these TV schedules follow a series of dramatic political events in South Korea. On December 3, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an emergency address. However, just two hours later, the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding the revocation of martial law, prompting President Yoon Suk Yeol to issue a statement at 4:30 a.m. KST announcing its termination.
Despite the lifting of martial law, the political aftermath continues to unfold, with opposition parties intensifying efforts to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. A vote on the impeachment motion is scheduled for December 7.
A first for Subaru, the series-parallel hybrid system has arrived, with the Crosstrek being the first car to utilize a strong hybrid powertrain.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV
Starting at 3,833,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV features all of the similar nooks and crannies as you get from the regular mild-hybrid model, but it dons a different e-BOXER badging with black letterings instead of blue to show the world that this is the full hybrid model, not the MHEV one.
The Crosstrek S:HEV features a 160PS 2.5L FB25 DOHC 4-cylinder engine, paired with two electric motors sourced from its ally carmaker Toyota and a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT), a front differential gear, and an electronically-controlled coupling. According to WLTC Mode standards, the fuel economy is rated at 22.7 km/L, lower than its main competitor, the Toyota Corolla Cross, equipped with a 1.8L hybrid engine and e-4WD.
Subaru says that the S:HEV powertrain can cover 1000km of driving range, which is the distance from Sapporo to Fukuoka. This means you could drive from one end of the country to the other without stopping for fuel. That makes it a great choice for a Japanese road trip. Get your cameras ready.
The Crosstrek S:HEV comes standard with Subaru's signature AWD system with X-MODE, allowing you to travel through tarmac, gravel, and snow like a true Subaru should. With the Subaru Global Platform, front struts, rear double wishbones, ventilated disc brakes, and Rack and Pinion steering, driving the Crosstrek is almost no drama.
It also features an updated EyeSight system featuring a wide-angle mono camera working in tandem with the existing stereo camera, making it capable of detecting moving objects to make use of its pre-crash brake and other ADAS offered.
Whether you love it, like it, or not, the Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV marks the beginning of Subaru's electrification strategy. If the Solterra doesn't interest you, the Crosstrek S:HEV could be the ideal alternative. This should be clear to you.
Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Oasis Blue, and Offshore Blue Metallic.
- Senator Risa Hontiveros calls on the Bureau of Immigration to quickly identify those who assisted Atty. Harry Roque in escaping the Philippines.
- Cases of African Swine Fever have also spread to other areas in the province of Bohol.
- The House Good Government and Public Accountability panel has requested the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to verify the identities of 677 recipients of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
- Railways across England and Scotland are being hit with delays due to nationwide fault with the radio system.
- French President Emmanuel Macron says he will name France's new Prime Minister "in coming days" and vows to remain as president until 2027.
- The New York Police released photos of a "person of interest" wanted for questioning over the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO.
- Kevin Magnussenis named driver of BMW's Hypercar campaign.
- The 2025 F1 Academy season will have 18 cars on the grid with the addition of Hitech Grand Prix.
- The second-generation HyundaiPalisade was unveiled.
2026 Hyundai Palisade
- The third-generation Honda Freed won 2024 Japan Car of the Year while the Mitsubishi Triton LC2T won Japan Design of the Year.
- K-pop girl group NewJeans released a statement in response to a lawsuit filed by ADOR.
No, it's not Mercedes-Benz's M Class, it's BMW's M Class. Since its inclusion in the Superrace Championship in the 2018 season, the M Class is the world's first and only race series for owners of BMW M cars that are rear-wheel-drive and powered by a 3.0L turbocharged straight-six engine as said in the rulebook.
Because of the M Class rules, the M4, the M3, and the M2 are the M cars eligible for this race series, but judging by the participants, the M4 Coupe became the king of the hill in Superrace's M Class races.
Now in their G-body forms, the current-generation models are showing us what they're capable of, apart from the fact that they're the last-ever rear-wheel-drive M cars.
The G80 M3 marks the third generation of BMW's four-door M3, following the E90 and F80 models. It features the controversial vertical kidney grille on the front, which has stirred considerable debate in the automotive community. Despite its divisive design, the G80 M3 is equipped with a powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed automatic gearbox, especially in the more powerful Competition variant, which delivers 510 PS and 650 Nm of torque. It boasts a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds. Additionally, the G80 M3 comes with an upgraded suspension and chassis setup, making it wider, lower, more rigid, and overall more enjoyable to drive than its predecessor.
The G82 M4, similar to its four-door counterpart, the G80 M3, features the controversial vertical kidney grille at the front, which has sparked significant debate among car enthusiasts. Despite its polarizing design, the G82 M4 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic gearbox, particularly in the more powerful Competition variant that delivers 510 PS of power and 650 Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100 kph time of just 3.9 seconds. Additionally, the G82 M4 boasts an upgraded suspension and chassis setup, making it wider, lower, more rigid, and ultimately more enjoyable to drive compared to its predecessor.
The M2 G87, based on the G42 2-Series Coupe, features a distinctly different front design that sets it apart from the standard 2-Series Coupe. Under the hood, the M2 G82 is equipped with the same S58 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine found in the M4 G82; however, it has been detuned to deliver 460 PS of power and 550 Nm of torque, making it more powerful than the previous M2 F87 Competition model.
The M2 can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic. With this setup, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of up to 285 kph, thanks to the optional M Driver's Package—5 kph faster than the previous M2. Additionally, it is equipped with features such as the Active M Differential at the rear axle, Dynamic Stability Control, M Drive Professional with M Traction Control System, Adaptive M suspension, and other advanced dynamic technologies.
With the trio of G-body RWD M cars gathered at the festival site, let's find out which of today's M Class heroes is the king. Let's roll the tape.
And now, the results...
M3 G80 - 1m18.111s
M4 G82 - 1m17.911s
M2 G87 - 1m18.862s
It's a close result but the M4 is pure alpha of the RWD M Class cars. No wonder 9 out of 10 M Class participants go for the M4 Coupe.
The G-body RWD BMW M cars are unfortunately the last of their kind, as they are the final models to offer manual gearboxes and rear-wheel drive. While the M3 G80 and M4 G82 still have manual gearbox options and RWD, the M2 G87 is only available with RWD and offers a manual gearbox as well. However, with BMW's imminent transition to the Neue Klasse era, it's clear that these options will soon be gone, just as Audi did when it discontinued the A5 coupe range, the TT, and the R8. It's a harsh reality, but this reflects the grim situation of the "new normal" we are facing.
At this point, I'm preparing a little something for our BMW M Class friends but since Lemon has my M4 G82, she decided to decline my invitation so our little tribute show will be done by my M3 G80 and the M2 G87.
I know the M3 G80's front face looks awful but with the "Pop Step Getchu" spirit of PriPara idol Mirei Minami written all over it, I know she will cheer us up, pri!
My M2 G87 meanwhile dons the role of Liella newcomer from Love Live! Superstar!!, Tomari Onitsuka. Trust her, she's got more common sense than her big sister, Natsumi, but be warned. Because of her jellyfish insignia, she will sting your hearts out. Ouch.
With their roles assigned, my M3 G80 and the M2 G87 are ready to take on some of the coolest EventLab creations with the M3 taking on an original EventLab masterpiece while the M2 taking on what's presumably an EventLab re-enactment of the Hong Kong track from GT4. Roll the tapes.
Who performed better? Mirei or Tomari?
What will the fate of the BMW M division be as it moves into the Neue Klasse era? One certainty is that BMW will stop producing two-door coupes, similar to Audi's decision. If that happens, BMW will lack a competitive vehicle for GT3-class races, DTM, IMSA, and other motorsport disciplines. It's a tough reality, but this is the "new normal" we face.
Regardless, I appreciate that BMW has continued to make rear-wheel-drive M cars until the not-too-distant future. While this era may not last forever, they have created a lasting legacy for the M division.
Hold on to your Nintendo Switch, kids, because Himari Aozora and all of your favorite AiPri pals have arrived with fun and games in store for you!
Himitsu no AiPri: Atsumete! Secret Memories
The world of Himitsu no AiPri has landed on the Nintendo Switch with Himitsu no AiPri: Atsumete! Secret Memories. A game where AiPri fans get the chance to relive iconic AiPri anime moments in the comfort of their homes.
Although this Switch game has nothing in common with the AiPri arcade games, sadly, players can master their favorite AiPri songs such as P.O.P.P.Y by Himari Aozora, シークレット・ドリーム by Mitsuki Hoshikawa, Perfect☆STARs by Quartet STAR, We're The World by Secret Friends∞, GIRA GIRA STAR by Chii Mamiya, and more. What's interesting is that up to four players can play.
Aside from the rhythm game mechanics, you can also enjoy mini-games with your friends such as pose-matching, school clean-up, collecting chicks, and avoiding Principal Victoria's spotlight.
As you progress through the game, you can unlock extras such as character profiles, character designs, AiPri cards, and various extras. Keep on playing to unlock tons of goodies!
While this Switch game is unrelated to the AiPri arcade games, it is still a fun party game for four players that lets you enjoy your love for AiPri. It's a good thing that you've kept your Nintendo Switch for this moment. The secret...is the friends you've made along the way while playing this AiPri game.
- The Philippine National Police will deploy around 8,000 policemen in populated areas in Metro Manila this holiday season.
- The PH Senate makes no preparations for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
- Traslacion 2025 procession route will not change, says Quiapo Church official.
- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approves the creation of 4,000 uniformed positions in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
- French Prime Minister Michel Barnieris ousted in a no-confidence vote as both parties unite to topple the government.
- A manhunt is underway in New York City after the head of US insurance company UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed in what police called a "targeted attack"
- Genesis unveiled its LMDh competitor, the GMR-001. It will be set to race in the 2026 WEC season and the 2027 IMSA SportsCar Series season. The newly-established Genesis Magma Racing named Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani as its drivers for its LMDh project.
- The Dutch Grand Prix will no longer be held at Zandvoort after the F1 2026 season.
- Toyota will end its NHRA drag racing participation after the 2025 season.
- Andy Lally will retire from racing after next month's Rolex 24 Hours in Daytona and become the president of the Trans Am Series.
- Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto Online gets Agents of Sabotage update coming December 10th.
- Seiyuu Ayane Matsuda goes on hiatus due to poor health. Ayane Matsuda recently voiced Ume Hanami from the recently released Gakuen IDOLM@STER app game.
- ADOR files a lawsuit regarding the validity of NewJeans' contracts.
- The Baltimore Ravens have suspended Diontae Johnsonfor one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
Update 14 in Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X|S) showcased two heavy-hitting bowties for grabs; a #77 Beretta Trans Am and the Hennessey Exorcist. Now that I got my hands on these two, let's have a word with them.
Let's begin with the #77 Beretta Trans Am that I won from the American Thunder Tour until the December 25, 2024 deadline.
The #77 Beretta Trans Am was a race car used in the SCCA Trans Am Championship during the 1988 racing season. It was one of the notable entries of that period, driven by Scott Pruett for the Roush Racing team.
Built on a modified Beretta production car chassis, it was powered by a 4.5L V6 engine producing 515HP of power, crucial for the high-speed nature of Trans Am racing. It even featured custom body modifications for improved aerodynamics, including a large rear wing and other race-specific adjustments to improve downforce and handling.
While the #77 Beretta didn't dominate the series, it was a significant entry, with Scott Pruett consistently competing at a high level. The car's performance that year was notable for its reliability and speed, making it a strong contender in many races.
Now, let's get to know about the Hennessey Exorcist, a heavily-tuned Camaro that I won from this update's Open Class Tour until the December 11, 2024 deadline.
Using the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 as its foundation, Hennessey has transformed the ZL1 into a thousand-horsepower sleeper car known as the Demon Slayer.
At first glance, it appears to be a standard ZL1, with most interior and exterior features, including the steering and braking systems, remaining unchanged. However, Hennessey has significantly increased the ZL1's power by enhancing its supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, allowing it to produce an impressive 1,000 horsepower and 883lb-ft of torque. This makes it more powerful than the Challenger Demon and noticeably louder.
Now that I got to know more about these two bowties, let's take a quick drive around Lime Rock Park to prove their worth. Roll the tapes...
As some guy said, "bowties are cool." Do you agree? What do you think of the #77 Beretta Trans Am and the Hennessey Exorcist?
