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⚡ Electricity Blues: Grids on Red and Yellow Alerts

By Tobias Bautista

In the latest energy update, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has extended the red alert status in Luzon and the yellow alert in the Visayas. Last night, the Luzon grid remained under red alert until 11 p.m., with the Visayas grid on yellow alert until 9 p.m. But what do these color-coded alerts really mean? Well, red alert is like your phone battery hitting the dreaded 1% mark – there's just not enough juice to go around. And yellow alert? Think of it as a cautionary yellow traffic light – things might be okay for now, but we're teetering on the edge of a potential blackout. It's like the power plants decided to pull a disappearing act, leaving us all scratching our heads and reaching for the nearest flashlight. But fear not, because the NGCP is on the case, playing power grid detective to keep the lights on and the Netflix binge sessions uninterrupted.

💊 Record-breaking Drug Bust

by Tobias Bautista

President Marcos has lauded the "bloodless" tactics employed in the Philippines' latest drug bust, a record-breaking haul of P13.3 billion worth of shabu in Batangas. The dramatic capture unfolded as authorities intercepted a staggering two tons of the illicit substance at a checkpoint in Alitagtag town.

Marveling at the efficiency of the operation, Marcos praised the arresting officers for their restraint, emphasizing that not a single shot was fired in the takedown. The seized drugs, deemed to be of "very high quality" by the Philippine National Police, represent a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, with authorities now hot on the trail of the elusive syndicates responsible.

But amidst the triumph, critics are urging a rethink of the government's approach to drug policy. Human Rights Watch (HRW) sees the bust as proof that a non-violent crackdown is possible if authorities "do their job and follow due process." In a witty turn of phrase, HRW's Carlos Conde called on Marcos to "walk the talk" on drug reform, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction and public health in tackling the issue.

World News

⚔️ Fire Devastates Denmark’s Historic Old Stock Exchange Building

By Tobias Bautista

In the midst of Copenhagen's morning hustle, a blaze engulfed one of its most treasured relics: the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange, sending shockwaves through the city and beyond. The fire tore through the historic building's roof, devouring its renowned dragon-tail spire and sending billows of smoke across the skyline. As sirens wailed and bystanders rushed to assist, firefighters battled to save priceless artworks housed within the edifice's gilded halls. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen lamented the loss of "irreplaceable cultural heritage," while onlookers joined forces with emergency crews in a frantic effort to salvage paintings and other valuables. The cause of the inferno, which erupted during renovations, remains under investigation, leaving Denmark's architectural gem shrouded in uncertainty. Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged as acts of bravery and camaraderie unfolded, underscoring the resilience of Copenhagen's spirit in the face of adversity.

Sports

🏅 Team USA just assembled the Redeem Team 2.0 for 2024 Paris Olympics

By Koby del Rosario

Uh oh. After Team USA’s disappointing semi final elimination to eventual champions, Germany, in the 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup, there was much speculation on how the nation would respond in the 2024 Paris Olympics to be held from July 26th to August 11th.

Well, they’ve just confirmed 11 out of the 12 players they will be deploying for the Games of Olympiad. And, to say the least, this team could possibly go toe-to-toe against the Dream Team and the Redeem Team.

Headlined by two of the greatest of all time in Lebron James and Steph Curry, the rest of the roster is composed of All-Stars Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Bam Adebayo. 

Shaping up to be a legendary run for all the marbles, this will be Curry’s first ever run in the Olympics—as opposed to Lebron’s fourth and KD’s third, as he is tied with Carmelo Anthony with three men’s basketball gold medals. As all of the aforementioned players have played for Team USA in certain points, reigning National Basketball Association MVP Joel Embiid will be making his debut for the country after committing to play last October over France.

What’s even scarier is that the United States still has one roster spot left for the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Jalen Brunson, Paolo Banchero, and Mikal Bridges being thrown in. Studs like Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Donovan Mitchell, and Jaylen Brown haven’t even been mentioned. Yikes.

Safe to say, Team USA will be gunning for the gold as they faced immense backlash for their loss last year. When all is said and done, we can surely expect another documentary on Netflix for this squad’s run.

🏀 Welcome to the WNBA for these wonder women

By Koby del Rosario

It’s time for these women to shine on the professional level. The 2024 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Draft was held yesterday morning Philippine time at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Center in Brooklyn, New York. A total of 36 players from different backgrounds were selected across three rounds of drafting from all 12 competing WNBA teams.

Deemed by many as one of the most stacked draft classes in WNBA history, college sensation Caitlin Clark was picked first overall to the Indiana Fever, as expected, after she decided to forego her final year of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) eligibility. She is leaving behind a storied collegiate career for the Iowa Hawkeyes in which, despite bowing out of the National Championship Finals twice, she collected a plethora of accolades including the all-time points leader in men’s or women’s Division 1 history and being the first player to lead the nation in scoring in three different seasons.

The Los Angeles Sparks, who had two picks in the top five, used pick No. 2 and 4 to select Stanford’s Cameron Brink and Tennessee's Rickea Jackson, respectively. The Sparks, who are dealing with the free agency loss of Nnneka Ogwumike, will look for an immediate impact with their lottery picks as with Brink specifically, she is coming off a career year in the NCAA with averages of 17.4 points and 11.9 boards per game. Stay tuned for the coming of Steph Curry’s godsister.

Coming off her 2024 National Championship with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Kamila Cardoso has realized her dream, being selected third overall to the Chicago Sky as Ohio State’s Jacy Sheldon went fifth to the Dallas Wings.

UConn Huskies’ standout Aaliyah Edwards was then chosen at sixth by the Washington Mystics. Falling to the seventh pick was polarizing LSU star Angel Reese, as she looks to form a twin-tower duo with Kamila Cardoso in the Chicago Sky.

Rounding out the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft, Utah’s Alissa Pili was picked eighth (Minnesota Lynx), French players Carla Leite and Leïla Lacan went ninth (Dallas Wings) and tenth (Connecticut Sun) respectively, Marquesha Davis was selected with the eleventh overall pick (New York Liberty), and from The Land Down Under, Nyadiew Puoch was pick No. 12.

Watch out for these women to make an immediate splash in the ever-evolving league.

News Roundup

• Death Toll due to Oman flooding continues to rise

• NAIA Porter Victor Perez returned 10,000 pesos lost cash to a traveler, earning him recognition from the airport authority

• The government launched projects to support resilient energy infrastructure and response capabilities in times of crisis.

• Ukraine says they ran out of missiles, allowing a Russian attack to destroy a major powerplant in Kyiv

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