ICRT

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed Taiwan's first meningococcal
disease death of the year.

The CDC says the patient is a woman in her 60s from central Taiwan who died
just one day after falling ill.

The woman, who had a history of hypertension, developed fever, vomiting,
diarrhea, dizziness, chills, and general weakness on May 7th.

She sought emergency care the following day, but rapidly deteriorated,
passing away on May 8th.

Health authorities have identified 20 close contacts including family members
and hospital staff, all of whom have received preventive antibiotics.

Officials say none of the contacts have shown symptoms so far.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

In similar news,

The CDC is also reporting a new imported measles case.

According to the CDC, the patient is a foreign woman in her 30s who developed
symptoms including fever and a rash after arriving in Taiwan for travel.

Health officials say she is believed to have contracted the disease in
Thailand before entering Taiwan.

The CDC says Taiwan has now recorded 10 measles cases this year -- including
eight imported infections and two domestic cases.

Officials also warned that measles outbreaks remain a concern in Bangladesh
and Japan, as well as parts of Europe and the Americas.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

Former foreign ministers from the Czech Republic and the Philippines will
speak at the first-ever Forum for Democratic Cooperation (FDC), set to be
held in Taipei tomorrow.

The FDC is being organized by the Forum 2000 Foundation, to get democratic
actors to address shared challenges in "an increasingly contested global
environment," the foundation said in an earlier press release.

The foundation's executive director says Taipei was chosen as the forum's
first stop as Taiwan plays a crucial role in the growth of artificial
intelligence and the restructuring of the global economy.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is co-organizing the FDC, and has
facilitated discussions by inviting parliamentarians and city councilors from
10 European countries to attend Wednesday's forum.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

An elderly dog that drew national media attention after its owner offered a
500-thousand NT reward for its return has been found safe in Yunlin County.

The mixed-breed dog, named Chen Mei-chi, had gone missing over the weekend
during a family visit in Erlun Township.

Its owner posted notices across social media offering the large reward,
sparking widespread discussion online.

The dog was eventually discovered Tuesday morning in a nearby resident's
yard, about 800 meters from where it disappeared.

The man who found the dog said he contacted the owner after his family
recognized the animal from online posts, but added he did not plan to accept
the full reward.

The owner said she was relieved to be reunited with her pet, but added that
the publicity also led to hundreds of scam calls and fake messages claiming
the dog had been found.

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the government will study stronger controls to
prevent drug use after a rise in drug-impaired driving cases.

It comes after lawmaker Chen Chao-tzu (陳昭姿) says drug use has become easier
because new drugs can be mixed into vape oil.

She says some members of the public want electronic vaporizers listed as
regulated drug-use tools.

Cho says e-cigarette devices are already banned items in Taiwan.

But he says any measure that helps prevent drug use will be reviewed.

Chen says etomidate can be mixed into vape oil and absorbed quickly.

She says that has made drug use more convenient and worsened drug-driving
risks.

Several public proposals now call for heavier penalties and tighter controls
on e-cigarette devices.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging its nationals to leave the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as soon as possible.

The ministry says both countries are under a red travel alert after recent
Ebola outbreaks, and that the public should not travel there for now.

Official Yen Chia-liang (顏嘉良) says MOFA is staying in close contact with
Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control.

He says overseas offices responsible for the two countries have posted
outbreak information on social media.

Taiwan's CDC raised its travel health notice for both countries to Level 2 on
May 17.

MOFA says it has also updated alerts for 10 other African countries listed as
high risk.

Officials say Taiwan will continue tracking the outbreak and follow the
latest health measures.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Three pantropical spotted dolphins have safely left a Penghu fishing harbor
after staying there for several days.

The Ocean Conservation Administration says the dolphins left Shagang West
Fishing Harbor this morning during the spring tide.

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) says Shagang was once known
for hunting dolphins.

But she says the area now protects dolphins and treats them like treasures.

Officials say the dolphins had no obvious injuries, though one showed unusual
behavior.

Experts believe the group may have stayed because dolphins often protect and
accompany each other.

Conservation teams worked with local officials to monitor the animals and
reduce human disturbance.

Officials urge the public to report injured or trapped dolphins, and not
intervene on their own.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

South Korea plans to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the
mid-2030s.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back says the program is aimed at countering North
Korea's submarine-launched nuclear and missile threats.

Ahn says the submarine will use low-enriched uranium fuel.

He says it will be developed and built in South Korea.

Ahn says Seoul will not acquire or develop nuclear weapons.

He says South Korea will work with the U.S. and the International Atomic
Energy Agency on nonproliferation rules.

The government says nuclear propulsion would let the submarine stay
underwater much longer.

It says the vessel would also have greater mobility than South Korea's
current submarines.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Rescue crews in Laos are racing to free seven people trapped for nearly a
week inside a flooded cave.

The group entered the cave in Xaysomboun province last Wednesday to look for
gold and wildlife.

Authorities say rain and landslides blocked the cave entrance.

Rescuers are pumping out water and moving through narrow, muddy passages.

Some chambers are only about 50 centimeters wide.

Thai cave rescue experts from the 2018 Chiang Rai operation are helping with
the effort.

Rescuers say they have not detected signs of life so far.

But one Thai rescue worker says teams may be less than 20 meters from where
the group is believed to be trapped.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says plans to bring workers from diplomatic
ally Eswatini to Taiwan remains in the feasibility assessment stage,

The ministry made the statement this morning while reporting on the current
state of labor and vocational training cooperation between Taiwan and
Eswatini.

Officials say the immediate priority is helping Eswatini upgrade its
vocational training centers rather than recruiting Swati workers for Taiwan.

On the question of whether Swati workers or professionals might eventually
come to Taiwan, the ministry says any migrant workers from any country must
meet Taiwan's existing legal requirements for foreign worker recruitment, and
that filling specific labor shortages and promoting bilateral technical
exchange would be the key considerations in any future planning.

The Ministry of Labor has dispatched a team to Eswatini to conduct an on-site
assessment of vocational training centers, evaluating their current capacity
in manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, energy, and construction skills
training.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai says Taiwan High Speed Rail must find
the cause of Monday's signal abnormality and review online refunds for
affected passengers.

Chen says THSR resumed normal operations this morning after crews completed
overnight repairs.

He says the company has replaced equipment and formed an investigation team.

The disruption began Monday morning after a signal problem on a section of
track near Miaoli.

It led to train cancellations and rescheduling, and forced northbound and
southbound trains to share a single track.

THSR says more than 200-thousand passengers were affected.

Chen says some passengers may receive a 50-percent refund, while others may
get a full refund.

He says asking passengers to apply at station counters would be inconvenient,
especially for those who bought tickets online.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

Two young anglers who caught an alligator gar in Taipei's 228 Memorial Park,
ate it and then posted about it online will be fined.

The incident came to light when the Facebook page for the National Cheng Kung
University (NCKU) fishing club in Tainan posted a photo of two men holding a
meter-long fish identified as an alligator gar.

The post claims the fish was invasive, and also contained a video of the men
filleting the fish, then display several dishes apparently cooked from the
fish to eat.

The post drew angry responses with several noting that fishing at the park is
illegal, adn the fish was well-known to park visitors, having been there for
over 20 years.

The Taipei City government says the men would be fined $3,600 NT each for
illegal fishing.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says talks with Iran could take a few
days, lowering hopes for an immediate end to the conflict.

Rubio spoke after U.S. forces carried out new strikes in southern Iran.

Washington says the strikes targeted boats laying mines and missile launch
sites.

Rubio says the Strait of Hormuz must remain open "one way or the other."

U.S. Central Command says the strikes were meant to protect American troops
from Iranian threats.

Talks are continuing in Doha, with discussions focused on the strait and
Iran's enriched uranium stockpile.

President Donald Trump says talks are going well, but warned of new attacks
if they fail.

The conflict has sharply reduced shipping through Hormuz and pushed up oil,
fuel, fertilizer, and food costs.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

A Paris school assistant is going on trial today over accusations of sexual
mistreatment of young children.

The case is part of a wider scandal involving after-school assistants in the
French capital.

Investigations are underway at nearly 100 daycares, kindergartens, and junior
schools.

Authorities are looking into claims of inappropriate, aggressive, or
sexualized behavior by assistants.

The assistant is accused of sexualized touching involving five children.

Paris officials have promised new training, monitoring, and faster
suspensions after complaints.

But assistants say they now face broad suspicion, as parents and unions
demand deeper reforms.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:18:13

Film score composer Hans Zimmer will perform in Taiwan for the first time
this September.

The two-time Oscar winner will bring "Hans Zimmer Live - The Next Level" to
Kaohsiung Arena on Sept. 19.

He will also perform at Taipei Arena on Sept. 20.

Zimmer has written music for more than 500 film and television works.

His scores include "Dune," "Interstellar," "Inception," "Gladiator," and
"Pirates of the Caribbean."

Organizers say the show will feature upgraded staging, visuals, and sound.

Zimmer says he wants the audience to feel like they are at a carnival or
riding a roller coaster.

Tickets will go on sale at noon on June 2.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:18:13

The 2026 East Coast Land Arts Festival will take place in Taitung from June
through September.

The annual event brings together local and international artists, who will
showcase a wide range of works for visitors to enjoy along Taiwan’s east
coast.

This year’s Moonlit Sea Concerts are scheduled for late June, as well as
July, August, and September.

The festival highlights sustainability, environmental awareness, and local
culture through art, music, and community activities.

In addition to performances, visitors will also be able to take part in
workshops and explore art markets during the festival.

More information is available on the Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival
website.

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says Taiwan can meet electricity demand through 2032 as
it works to supply more clean energy for industry.

He made the comment after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Taiwan needs more
energy, adding that there is no economic growth without energy.

Cho says the government is pushing a second energy transition to support
modern industries.

He says Taiwan Power Company has calculated that electricity demand will not
fall short before 2032.

Cho says several coal-fired power plants are being converted into gas-fired
plants.

He says traditional nuclear power plants are also under review for possible
restart plans.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Formosa Petrochemical is speeding up sustainable aviation fuel development as
global energy risks raise pressure for transition.

Chairman Tsao Minh (曹明) says the U.S.-Iran war has highlighted the urgent
need for energy transition.

He says the company is building new equipment to recycle waste cooking oil
for SAF production.

Tsao says Formosa Petrochemical made about 5-thousand-500 metric tons of SAF
in 2025.

He says output is expected to rise by another 1-thousand metric tons this
year.

But the figure remains far below the company's medium- to long-term goal of
50-thousand metric tons.

Tsao says raw material supply and airline demand are the main challenges.

He says wider SAF use will depend on government rules, airline costs, and
passenger acceptance.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Kaohsiung will reopen Singuang Riverside Park on May 30 after upgrading it
into a larger water recreation site.

The city's Public Works Bureau says the park covers about 2.9 hectares in
Asia New Bay Area.

It says the water play zone covers about 1.3 hectares.

The upgraded area adds water slides, water swings, shaded walkways, seats,
and outdoor shower areas.

Officials say visitors can also see sunset views over Kaohsiung Harbor.

The bureau says last year's trial run drew about 80-thousand people over a
three-day holiday.

The park will open from April 1 to Oct. 31 each year.

It will open Fridays to Sundays, with maintenance scheduled from Mondays to
Thursdays.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Health workers responding to a rapidly spreading outbreak of a rare type of
Ebola in eastern Congo face two threats.

They risk contracting the virus and encounter hostility from wary locals.

Aid workers are especially vulnerable in this volatile region where armed
groups have caused significant unrest.

Trust is scarce among the traumatized population, complicating efforts to
contain the outbreak.

Healthcare facilities have been attacked at least three times in the past
week, forcing evacuations and hindering response efforts.

Gaining community trust is essential.

The World Health Organization reports over 900 suspected Ebola cases and more
than 220 deaths.

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Australia's government says 19 Australian women and children linked to the
Islamic State group have booked flights to return from Syria and some could
face charges.

The seven women and 12 children are expected to arrive on flights to Sydney
and Melbourne on Tuesday less than three weeks after a group of 13 returned
to Australia’s largest cities.

Three of the four women on those flights were charged with slavery and
terrorism offenses and remain behind bars.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says anyone among the 19 on their way to
Australia who had “committed crimes can expect to face the full force of the
law.”

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

South Korean retail tycoon Chung Yong-jin has apologized for a second time in
two weeks as Starbucks’ local operation faces a backlash over a recent
marketing campaign that was widely perceived as mocking victims of a bloody
military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1980.

The coffee chain sparked public outrage when it attempted to promote a large
size of tumbler it calls a “tank” by declaring May 18 to be “Tank Day.”

That’s the anniversary of a democratic uprising in the southern city of
Gwangju that was brutally suppressed by troops, tanks and helicopters,
killing or injuring hundreds.

Chung bowed three times as he asked for forgiveness on Tuesday, and asked
people not to take out their frustration on Starbucks staff, saying the
responsibility lies with management.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:13

The High-Speed Rail Corporation resumed regular services this morning - with
all trains departing according to the timetable - following major disruptions
on Monday after the network experienced a signal abnormality on a section of
track near Miaoli.

The signal problem resulted in the cancellation and rescheduling of trains
from 8AM yesterday.

Regular scheduled services were replaced with three hourly trains offering
only non-reserved seating and both northbound and southbound trains were
forced to use a single track.

The corporation says more than 200,000 passengers were affected.

According to the rail operator, an investigation found that the disruption to
services was due to faulty power module in a track switch control cabinet.

Repair work began at 11:30 last night and was completed at 1:43 this morning.

The corporation convened an Emergency Response Meeting at 3:30 last night at
which it was confirmed that all equipment and facilities were operating
normally.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:14

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is insisting that K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng
Li-wun adhere to the policy of diplomacy transcending party lines and serve
Taiwan's national interests when she travels to the U-S.

Speaking to reporters ahead of meeting of the Legislative Foreign Affairs and
National Defense Committee, Lin said diplomacy should not be divided along
partisan lines and he hopes Cheng's visit will convey the Lai
administration's policy positions.

According to Lin, Cheng should make it clear while in the U-S, that peace
must be backed by strength and both the government and the public are firmly
committed to defending the country.

The statements come amid reports the K-M-T chairwoman will travel to the U-S
next Monday and visit major East and West Coast cities.

The trip is reportedly focused on the "normalization of peace" in the Taiwan
Strait and Cheng is expected to meet with U-S lawmakers and think-tanks while
in Washington D.C.

The foreign minister is also insisting that the Lai administration maintains
institutional channels of communication with the U-S and arms sales to Taiwan
will continue to follow the Taiwan Relations Act and strengthen Taiwan's
defense capabilities.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:19

The US-Taiwan Business Council's 9th annual defense delegation will be
visiting Taiwan from today through Friday.

According to the council, the delegation is being led this year by retired
general Charles A. Flynn - who last served as Commanding General of United
States Army Pacific from 2021 to 2024.

It consists of 41 senior executives to promote expanded bilateral cooperation
with the U-S and in support of the national security goals of both countries.

The council says the delegation will be meeting with senior government
officials responsible for political, military, and security issues.

The talks are expected to focus on matters ranging from expediting U-S
weapons deliveries to supporting development and production of indigenous
platforms and systems.

The delegation will also visit think tanks, tour centers of defense
innovation, and participate in the public 2026 Taiwan-US Defense Industry
Forum - which will be held in Taipei on Thursday.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:21

The Ministry of Transport is planning to raise airport service fees in two
phases starting in September.

The move will see the current fee of 500 N-T increased to 1,000 N-T when
fully initiated.

According to the transport ministry, the airport service fee will be
increased to 750 N-T from September 1 in the first phase, while the second
phase will be implemented on September 1 of 2028 -- when it will be raised
further to 1,000 N-T.

The airport service fee is paid by departing passengers and has been frozen
at 500 N-T for 10 years -- which the transport ministry argues is lower than
the same fee paid in neighboring countries.

Ministry officials say the increase in the fee will be used mainly to fund
infrastructure projects at airports, particularly the construction of a third
terminal and runway at Taoyuan International Airport.

Currently, 50-per cent of the airport service fee is allocated to the
country's Tourism Development Fund, and the remaining 50-per cent to the
Taoyuan International Airport Corporation.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:26

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former engineer at
Avago Technologies for allegedly leaking the company's trade secrets,
including client orders and executive meeting materials.

Prosecutors say the former employee has been charged with violating the Trade
Secrets Act and related offenses.

The indictment follows an investigation triggered by an internal
whistleblower report.

The employee worked at the company from August 2012 to March 2025, serving as
an application engineer and a regional sales engineer in the semiconductor
solutions division.

According to prosecutors, he allegedly used a company-issued laptop to access
Avago's client order analysis system, without authorization.

Prosecutors say he downloaded and reproduced customer orders, financial
forecasts, product development schedules, client lists and operational data,
which he later compiled into lecture material for use at paid seminars.

He allegedly earned 2.9-million N-T in speaking fees from the seminars.

Avago Taiwan is a subsidiary of Broadcom -- a global semiconductor and
infrastructure software company headquartered in California.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:27

A woman has died after falling several floors inside the Taipei 101 shopping
mall.

Police says emergency service personnel found her with no vital signs and
rushed her to nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead after
resuscitation efforts failed.

According to police, the woman apparently fell from the mall's fifth floor
for unknown reasons to the second floor, with the incident immediately
reported to authorities by security personnel.

The cause of the fall is still under investigation.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts in Taiwan, please call the 1925,
1995, or 1980 hotlines for help.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:29

And,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued its condolences over the passing
of former Foreign Minister Timothy Yang who died on Sunday.

He was 83.

Yang served as Taiwan's top diplomat from September 2009 to September 2012.

According to the foreign ministry, Yang was one of the key promoters of
Taiwan being granted preferential visa and/or visa-free treatments and of
signing trade agreements with foreign countries ..

.. and "his hard work and outstanding diplomatic achievements will be truly
missed by all his colleagues."

In his memoir, which was published in January, Yang said he saw the opening
of Taiwan's representative office in Ireland in 1988 and facilitating
visa-free entry to the European Union for R-O-C passport holders in 2011 as
the greatest achievements of his diplomatic career.

Prior to being appointed foreign minister under then-President Ma Ying-jeou,
Yang served as Taiwan's top envoy to Ireland, Australia and Indonesia.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:32

A new conscription law in Cambodia has come into effect, imposig penalties of
up to 5 years in prison for evading military service.

Prime Minister Hun Manet says, the law was signed by Senate President Hun
Sen, who is acting head of state.

This comes after significant border fighting with Thailand last year.

The law requires Cambodian men aged 18 to 25 to serve two years in the
military, while women may serve voluntarily.

Penalties for evasion vary, depending on whether Cambodia is at peace or at
war.

Individuals summoned for service must appear within 30 days of receiving
notice or be considered as evading their duty.

Exemptions to serving are granted to monks, priests, people with
disabilities, and those with specialized skills in science and technology.

After completing their required service, individuals become part of reserve
forces until age 45.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:33

And in related news,

Hospital officials in Gaza say two were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Israel struck a tent sheltering displaced families in the area of Muwasi in
southern Gaza, killing a woman and child.

The Israeli military claimed to have struck a militant but did not offer
further details.

Despite a ceasefire, Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and
frequently fire on Palestinians near military-held zones, killing more than
880 Palestinians.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, Israel says it struck sites belonging to militant group
Hezbollah.

That's as Lebanese and Israeli officials are set to meet this week to discuss
a tenuous ceasefire.

Posted on 2026-05-25 20:07:13

Taiwan High-Speed Rail says it will announce tomorrow's operating schedule
before service begins, after signal problems disrupted trains throughout the
day.

The operator says the exact cause still needs to be confirmed through
overnight inspections ...

... but preliminary findings suggest unstable electrical currents developed
after a power module was replaced in an SMC switch control unit.

THSR says the malfunction caused the system to lose track-position signals,
preventing normal system control of train operations.

Trains instead had to move under manual authorization, leading to longer
travel and dispatch times.

Repair crews are expected to work through the night, and the company says
tomorrow's service update will be posted on its website before operations
begin.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-25 20:07:13

The head of the Washington-based The Jamestown Foundation says recent remarks
by U-S President Donald Trump about Taiwan do not signal a change in
long-standing American policy.

Today in Taipei, foundation president Peter Mattis said the key point was
that Trump repeatedly stated U-S policy toward Taiwan had not changed during
a recent interview following his trip to China.

Trump had said he was 'not looking' for Taiwan to declare independence, while
also emphasizing that 'nothing's changed' in U-S policy.

Mattis said Washington's position has long been that Taiwan's future should
be decided peacefully and without coercion.

He also rejected speculation that pending U-S arms sales to Taiwan could be
tied to American military operations in Iran.

Taiwan's Presidential Office says it has not received any formal notification
from Washington regarding changes to planned arms sales.

Posted on 2026-05-25 20:07:13

The Ministry of Finance has released the winning numbers for the March-April
uniform invoice lottery, with the top special prize set at 10 million NT.

The draw also includes a 2 million NT grand prize and three first prizes
worth 200-thousand NT each.

Additional cash prizes are available for receipts matching the final digits
of the winning numbers, while separate rewards are also being offered through
the cloud invoice lottery program.

The ministry says prizes can be claimed from June 6th through September 7th
at designated banks, credit cooperatives and convenience stores across
Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-05-25 19:09:13

Taichung is moving ahead with plans for its proposed Orange Airport MRT Line
...

... as the city government opens public review for the next stage of project
planning and design.

The planned line would begin at Taichung International Airport and run
through districts including Daya, Xitun, Beitun, North, East, South, Dali and
Wufeng.

City officials say the project moved closer to the detailed planning stage
after the Ministry of Transportation and Communications resubmitted the
proposal to the Executive Yuan for review earlier this year.

The Orange Line is expected to stretch about 29 kilometers, with 26 stations,
including both elevated and underground stops.

Officials say the route is designed not only to improve transportation links
to the airport, but also to support broader urban development and boost the
city's competitiveness.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-25 19:09:14

Taiwan Seminconductor Manufacturing is denying rumors of a 15% reduction in
employee bonuses.

Recent social media speculation regarding bonus cuts sparked frustration
among some employees, with some threatening strike action similar to recent
protests seen at Samsung.

In a statement today, TSMC emphasized its gratitude for employee
contributions, and says it is confident that the annual growth rate of
employee bonuses will exceed the growth rate seen last year.

The chipmaker acknowledged that it is increasing the proportion of its
earnings allocated toward social sustainability initiatives to give back to
the community, but says it expects employee bonuses to continue increasing in
line with its steady future development.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 19:09:14

Over in the UK...

Peter Murrell, the estranged husband of former Scottish leader Nicola
Sturgeon, has pleaded guilty to embezzling over 400,000 pounds from the
Scottish National Party.

Authorities say he used the money to buy a motorhome and two cars.

Murrell, who was the SNP's chief executive, was remanded into custody after
his plea in the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday.

He was originally arrested in April 2023 during an investigation into the
SNP’s finances.

Sturgeon, who resigned in 2023 after eight years as first minister, was later
cleared of any wrongdoing.

Murrell and Sturgeon announced their divorce last year.

Posted on 2026-05-25 18:34:13

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is planning to raise the
airport service fee starting in September.

In the first phase, the airport service fee will be increased to $750 NT
effective Sept. 1st.

And the MOTC says the second phase will be implemented on Sept. 1, 2028 and
raise the fee further to $1-thousand NT.

The ministry says the airport service fee, which is paid by departing
passengers, has been frozen for 10 years at $500NT, which is lower than the
same fee paid in neighboring countries.

Officials say the increase will be used mainly to fund infrastructure
projects at Taiwan airports, particularly the construction of a third
terminal and runway at Taoyuan International Airport.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 18:34:13

New Taipei officials say the newly opened Danjiang Bridge is quickly becoming
a popular weekend sunset spot — and that is now causing heavy traffic in the
area.

The city's Transportation Department says traffic has been mostly smooth on
weekdays since the bridge opened two weeks ago.

But on weekends, cars start pouring in after 10 in the morning, with the
worst congestion usually hitting between 2 and 6 P-M as crowds head to Tamsui
and Bali districts.

According to the department, traffic backups have sometimes stretched as long
as three kilometers.

The city says weekend crowds on the bridge now include growing numbers of
pedestrians and cyclists, and is reminding people to watch for strong winds
and slow down.

Transport officials are also urging visitors to take the MRT, buses or
YouBike to avoid long traffic jams.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

Taipei police have launched a special drug task force to crack down on drug-
and alcohol-impaired driving...

saying in the first day after launching, the task force caught 7 people
suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Police add that they dispatched 500 officers to support the effort, which
aims to launch in full by the end of August.

Authorities say that the operation will increase officers' knowledge of
saliva screening tools, enforcement procedures, and legal basis.

It will also aim to strengthen prevention efforts, targeting suspicious
vehicles and seeking out high-risk areas to improve efficacy.

This comes as there has been a string of drug-impaired driving cases recently.

Cabinet spokesman Michelle Lee says, Premier Zhuo Rong Tai has expressed that
he believes relevant existing laws to be insufficient...

and has ordered the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough review.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

The Central Weather Administration issued high temperature alerts for 13
municipalities today, with temperatures in Tainan hitting a sweltering 39.6
degrees Celsius by early afternoon.

As of 2:00 PM, the highest temperature was recorded in Tainan's Yujing
District at 39.6 degrees, followed by 38.6 degrees in the city's Nanhua
District.

New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung also reported temperatures
exceeding 37 degrees, while Taipei, Chiayi County, and Hualien saw
temperatures climb above 36 degrees.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

A woman has died after falling from the fifth floor to the second floor of
the Taipei 101 shopping mall this morning.

Emergency services received a call at 10:49 a.m. after mall security staff
discovered the woman and alerted authorities.

Paramedics found her without vital signs and transported her to hospital,
where she was pronounced dead.

Police say preliminary investigation has not found evidence of third-party
involvement.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

Now turning to international news...

Rescuers in the Philippines' Angeles City have pulled three people from the
rubble of a collapsed hotel that was under construction.

2 of the men were found dead, while efforts to save the third were
unsuccessful.

That brings the total death toll to 4.

17 others are still missing, with rescue operations still underway.

Most of the missing are construction workers.

The buidling collapsed after a thunderstorm, but the cause is still under
investigation.

Officials say the search is challenging due to precarious debris.

They add they are still hoping to rescue more people alive.

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

Colombia is heading into a national election later this week against the
backdrop of persistent safety concerns.

The vote is being seen as a referendum on the policies of President Gustavo
Petro...

particularly his "total peace" initiative, which aims to negotiate with the
country's remaining rebel groups.

But the numbers show that violence tied to armed groups has gotten worse
under Petro.

Voters who live close to a police station are especially concerned, given
that police stations are frequent targets for drone-dropped explosives.

Authorities blame the attacks on a rebel faction that rejected a peace
agreement with the Colombian government.

Experts say about one third of the country is vulnerable to violence from
illegal armed groups.

Government data shows that drone attacks hit over 300 targets last year,
marking a significant increase from 2024.

In Sunday's election, voters will choose between IvAn Cepeda of Petro's
"pro-dialogue" camp...

and those of the "hard-line" camp that appears to favor military pressure on
the armed groups, including Paloma Valencia and Abelardo de la Espriella.

Posted on 2026-05-25 16:07:48

A proposed national rocket launch facility in Pingtung County has cleared its
first hurdle in the environmental review process, with some conditions.

The Ministry of Environment convened an initial expert committee review today
for the National Space Center's plan to establish a launch facility in
Jiupeng Village.

The proposed site covers about 26 hectares and would include a core launch
zone, and a space technology museum.

The committee echoed concerns of a nearby indigenous community about access
to coastal waters for fishing and shellfish harvesting, and worry that
pollution from rocket launches would blow toward the village.

They also called for stronger assessments of instantaneous noise, vibration,
and air pollution from test launches on nearby residents and ecosystems.

The committee voted to send the case back for supplementary revisions before
a second review.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 16:07:48

350 files related to the Core Pacific City case have arrived at the Taiwan
High Court.

That's after prosecutors and defendants both appealed an earlier ruling
doling out prison time.

The Taipei District Court sentenced Former Taipei Mayor Ke Wen Zhe to 17
years back in March...

while other defendants like KMT City Councilor Ying Xiao Wei got 15 and a
half years.

7 defendants in total appealed the sentences, while prosecutors appealed the
sentences of all 9 defendants found guilty, believing the rulings to be too
lenient.

The case is now in the hands of the Taiwan High Court.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-25 16:07:49

Officials said a speeding minibus has struck a bus parked along a motorway in
northwest Pakistan, killing 17 people and injuring five others.

The minibus was carrying passengers to the scenic Swat Valley.

The crash occurred Monday near Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

An emergency response official said preliminary findings suggested driver
negligence caused the crash.

Posted on 2026-05-25 16:07:49

Hanukkah Attack

An Australian spy agency boss has told an inquiry he had pivoted resources
away from counterterrorism a few years before two gunmen massacred 15 people
at a Sydney Hanukkah celebration last year.

The director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization
testified today at a government inquiry into the spread of antisemitism in
Australia ahead of the attack, the nation’s worst mass shooting since 1996.

The agency reduced Australia’s National Terrorism Threat Level in 2022.

The director-general said the agency then shifted to increase its focus on
foreign interference and espionage investigations, but left its
“counterterrorism mission” with sufficient resources.

The Hanukkah event was given the lowest security priority by the police.

Only four police officers were at the event when the gunmen opened fire on a
crowd of around 1,000 people.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-25 15:24:13

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says business sentiment improved
across all three major industry sectors in April despite ongoing Middle East
conflict.

TIER released its April business climate monitor today, showing the
manufacturing sector index rising 0.9 points, the service sector edging up
0.5 points, and the construction sector ended three consecutive months of
decline with a 2.6-point gain.

TIER forecasters say the AI boom continues to fuel strong demand in IT
technology, and rising raw material prices linked to the Middle East conflict
have stimulated restocking and procurement activity in traditional
industries.

As for whether the institute will follow some forecasters in revising
Taiwan's full-year economic growth projection above 9 percent, TIER says an
upward revision is possible.

But key factors to watch include whether NVIDIA chief Jensen Huang's
prediction of a busy second half for Taiwan's supply chain materializes, and
how quickly the Strait of Hormuz reopens once the conflict ends.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 15:24:13

Taichung City is expanding its free school lunch program to include private
junior high and elementary school students starting next school year,

Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says once the expansion takes effect, all public and
private junior high and elementary school students, as well as disadvantaged
students at senior high and vocational schools across the city, will receive
free school lunches.

The mayor says the change will benefit an additional 25-thousand students.

The expansion will increase annual spending on the program from roughly $3.6
billion NT to about $4 billion.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 15:24:13

Now turning to internatioanl news...

Experts say several simultaneous crises in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo have combined to make the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the
country difficult to contain.

Those factors include violence linked to armed rebel groups, the displacement
of a large number of people, the failure of local government and
international aid cuts that have devastated health facilities.

Attacks on three Ebola treatment facilities show another complication for
health and aid workers: a backlash of anger in local communities.

Congolese health authorities say there are 904 suspected cases and 119
suspected deaths, mostly in a northeastern province

This is a significant jump from the previously announced number of suspected
cases.

They also warned the case numbers are likely much bigger and rising fast.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-25 15:24:13

In central Bangladesh, a truck carrying iron rods and passengers has
overturned on a major highway, killing at least 15 people and injuring 10.

Police said the truck was carrying day laborers traveling to join their
families for a festival.

They died at the scene when the truck overturned around 5 a.m. today.

Bangladesh has a weeklong holiday ahead of the Islamic festival Eid al-Adha
on Thursday, and many people are traveling ahead of the festival.

Road accidents kill thousands in the country every year due to lax oversight
of safety rules, bad road conditions, and unsafe driving.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

The Tai-Ex surged over 1,000 points this morning at it broke through the
43,000-point mark.

The main board added just over 1,100 points to reach a high of 43,438 and
setting a new all-time record.

The electronics and semiconductor indices all rose by more than 2-per cent as
investors were buoyed by the arrival in Taiwan of Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rose 2.2-per cent from Friday's close to
hit a high of 2,305 N-T.

MediaTek hit its daily limit of 4,245 N-T, setting another new all-time high,
while Delta Electronics surged over 8-per cent to hit a high of 2,280 N-T.

Huang is scheduled to meet with T-S-M-C Chairman C.C. Wei and Quanta Computer
Chairman Barry Lam in Taipei this - boosting expectations of announcements of
new deals and sparking strong interest in tech stocks in early trading.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the first payment for the High Mobility
Artillery Rocket System from the U-S is due by the end of this month and the
government applied for emergency funding under Article 84 of the Budget Act.

The Article dictates the legal framework for reviewing and executing special
budgets.

According to Koo, after the Cabinet approves the 800-million N-T first
payment, it will be sent to the Legislative Yuan for approval, after which
Article 84 will be invoked and the first payment can be made.

Koo says he believes there should be no problem with meeting the May 31
deadline.

The Cabinet last week approved an initial 295-billion N-T special defense
budget for a package of weapons already approved for sale to Taiwan by the
U-S, which has been sent to the Legislative Yuan for a final review.

The budget items include the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems,
self-propelled howitzers, anti-armor drone weapon systems and anti-tank
missiles.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

The Central Weather Administration says hot and mostly stable weather is
expected across Taiwan through Thursday, before another seasonal rain front
moves in on Friday.

Temperatures in some areas are likely to hit 37-degrees or higher early in
the week.

A "red" heat alert - meaning maximum temperature could reaches 38-degrees for
three consecutive days - has been issued for the Tainan area.

"Orange" heat alerts are in effect in Keelung, New Taipei, Taipei, Changhua,
Yunlin, Chiayi City, Kaohsiung and Pingtung - where the mercury could reach a
daily maximum temperature of 38-degrees today, or reaches 36-degrees for
three consecutive days.

While "yellow" heat alerts have been issued for Taoyuan, Chiayi County,
Hualien and Taitung, where temperature are forecast to reaches 36-degrees.

All of the heat alerts are currently in effect through this afternoon.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

In international news,

Regional officials say the United States is close to a deal with Iran to end
the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The regional officials say the agreement would see Iran give up its stockpile
of highly enriched uranium.

The strait's reopening would happen in parallel with the U-S lifting its
blockade of Iranian ports.

That would begin to ease the global energy crisis.

The deal would also end the war between Israel and Hezbollah, though Israel
remains concerned about Hezbollah's threat.

U-S President Donald Trump has said negotiations are proceeding
constructively, but he advised not rushing into a deal.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

difficult to contain.

Experts say several crises have combined to make the Ebola outbreak in
eastern Congo difficult to contain.

They include violence linked to armed rebel groups, the displacement of a
large number of people, the failure of local government and international aid
cuts that have devastated health facilities.

Arson attacks on two Ebola treatment centers show another complication for
health and aid workers.

The World Health Organization says there are now more than 900 ‌suspected
Ebola cases, including 101 confirmed cases, and have been 119 suspected
Ebola deaths.

That's a significant jump from the previously announced number of suspected
cases and health officials are warning the case numbers are likely much
bigger and rising fast.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

China has sent three astronauts to its space station - one of whom will stay
for a year, a record length for the country.

That comes as Beijing is seeking a crewed moon ‌landing by 2030.

The Shenzhou-23 vessel was launched using the Long March-2F Y23 carrier
rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

A former Hong Kong police inspector is the first astronaut from the city to
take part in a Chinese space mission.

China has sent astronauts to its space station almost a dozen times.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

And finally in soccer news,

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is calling on broadcaster TNT Sports to
show next weekend's Champions League final between England's Arsenal and
Paris St Germain of ‌France to viewers in the U-K who are not paying
customers.

According to Starmer, who is an Arsenal supporter, the issue is important
to soccer fans beyond those whose teams are in Saturday's final in Budapest
..

.. and is about supporters of all teams coming together in living rooms and
pubs in every corner of the country to watch the most ‌elite players in
Europe.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

The Coast Guard Administration says it has been involved in a standoff since
early Saturday with a Chinese coast guard vessel found entering waters near
the Dongsha Island in the South China Sea.

The 5,500-ton Chinese patrol vessel was spotted operating outside restricted
waters near Dongsha Island early Saturday morning as it headed toward the
island.

The administration's Dongsha-Nansha Branch dispatched the 1,000-ton patrol
vessel "Taichung" to monitor the Chinese ship.

The "Taichung" approached the Chinese vessel after it entered Dongsha's
restricted waters and the two vessels exchanged radio warnings in both
Chinese and English, each ordering the other to leave the area.

The Chinese vessel claimed jurisdiction over the island, while the Taiwan
side rejected the claim.

The Chinese coast guard ship left the area Sunday.

The Coast Guard Administration says latest incident marks the sixth time a
Chinese coast guard vessel has entered waters near Dongsha Island.

Dongsha Island is located some 450-kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung and is
currently staffed by around 300 Coast Guard personnel.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

Reports say K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun will travel to the U-S on June 1
for a two-week trip to promote "normalization of cross-strait peace" and
exploring a "sustainable solution for cross-strait peace."

Cheng is expected to lead a delegation including K-M-T International Affairs
Department chief Tung Chia-yu and the head of the party's Overseas
Department, Wennie Wu.

The visit is expected to kick off on the West Coast, but no details of which
cities they will visit have been released.

Cheng will then travel east, with stops in New York, Washington, D.C., and
Boston, where she is expected to meet with U-S politicians and think tank
representatives before returning to the West Coast to meet overseas Taiwanese
communitiess.

The itinerary is being drafted by the K-M-T's representative to the U-S,
Victor Chin.

Details of Cheng's upcoming trip emerged days after American Institute in
Taiwan Director Raymond Greene said many U-S politicians and scholars are
looking forward to meeting with her to determine whether the KMT is
"fundamentally changing the party's political orientation."

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

An internal probe into two ex-employees of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation has
found no evidence of financial wrongdoing.

An investigation committee said its probe found that former foundation chief
executive Hsiao Hsu-tsen, who also serves as a K-M-T vice chair, had not
meddled in the foundation's finances.

It also confirmed that former foundation employee Wang Kuang-tzu had kept
comprehensive accounting records and documentation in her role handling the
organization's finances.

The three-person committee says it conducted the investigation via multiple
meetings held over a month and three days, using foundation records and other
internal documents sent to the foundation's board of directors on April 20.

However, the committee says its investigation was "anything but smooth."

Former National Security Council secretary-general King Pu-tsung has claimed
that he was authorized by Ma to handle the case, but the committee says he
never presented a letter of authorization.

Hsiao and Wang both left their positions in late February amid allegations of
a "power struggle" at the foundation.

Both Hsiao and Wang also persistently denied any wrongdoing.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed the first domestic dengue fever
case of this year.

The patient is a man in his 60s who lives in Kaohsiung’s Cianjhen District
who has tested positive for the dengue virus type 1.

The man didn't travel overseas during the incubation period and remains
hospitalized for treatment.

The Kaohsiung Department of Health says it has now launched a disease
prevention campaign and the area around the man's home has been disinfected

Similar measures are being taken in other high-risk areas of the city to
eliminate potential mosquito breading sites.

The C-D-C has also confirmed two new imported dengue fever cases in
Kaohsiung’s Cianjhen and Sanming districts.

They involve two university students who had recently traveled to Malaysia.

A total of 64 dengue cases have been confirmed this year - one local and 63
imported.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

President Lai Ching-te is promoting his administration's program to boost
childcare benefits and increases to farmers’ allowances.

During a visit to Chiayi County's Wangling Temple, Lai said families will
receive 5,000 N-T per month for each child from birth through the age of 18
starting from next January.

If payments continue for the full period, each child can expect to receive a
total amount of 1.08-million N-T when they reach adulthood.

Lai said parents will be advised to set aside part of the allowance for the
children's college or future business plans.

Meanwhile, Lai also said his administration plans to raise the old-age
farmers’ allowance to 10,000 N-T a month.

That comes as the Cabinet has proposed amendments to the Provisional Act
Governing the Welfare Allowance for Older Farmers, which is still under
review in the legislature.

Older farmer current subsidy payments 8,110 N-T.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

Premier Zhu Rong-tai is urging a crackdown on drug driving and for new laws
to be enacted to tackle the issue of drug driving accidents.

This comes after two separate suspected drug-impaired driving incidents in
New Taipei and Changhua County killed three people and left two others
injured.

The drivers of the vehicles involved in both accidents have been arrested.

In Changhua County a truck, crashed into a residence Friday night, killing a
man and his daughter, leaving the man's wife injured.

The driver Lee sustained minor injuries... police found etomidate vape
products in his vehicle.

The other incident occurred in New Taipei's Zhonghe District, when a car ran
over motorcycle rider and a passenger.

Police say the driver of that vehicle tested positive in a rapid drug
screening, and an etomidate vape cartridge and vaporizer were found in his
possession.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

And,

Uni-President Group Chairman Lo Chih-hsien says Cosmed and Starbucks Taiwan
will continue their retail expansion after hitting a milestone of 600 stores
for each brand nationwide on Sunday.

Lo says the company is already gearing up to establish "the next 600 outlets."

The Uni-President Group chairman made the announcement at the opening
ceremony of a new mega-combination store in Taipei's Nangang District.

That location marks the simultaneous launch of both Cosmed's 600th outlet and
Starbucks Taiwan's 600th branch.

Named "Yuen-Hsiu," the flagship store honors the Uni-President Group's late
founder Kao Ching-yuen and his daughter, Kao Hsiu-ling, who is Lo's wife and
heads Uni-President's beauty and wellness businesses.

The venue was jointly launched by Cosmed, Starbucks, and 7-Eleven, which are
all subsidiaries of Uni-President Group.

Sunday's opening also marks the first time that Cosmed has overtaken its
major foreign-backed competitor Watsons in total store count, making it
Taiwan's largest drugstore chain by number of outlets.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

A nine-story building under construction in a city north of the Philippine
capital has collapsed, leaving at least one Malaysian tourist dead and 21
workers trapped.

Officials say the building fell before dawn on Sunday.

Two trapped workers have been located alive but could not be immediately
rescued.

At least 24 workers managed to escape or were rescued after the building
crumbled.

The collapse occurred in a crowded neighborhood near a former U.S. Air Force
base.

Police say nearly 200 officers are assisting in the rescue efforts, which
will continue until everyone is accounted for,

Posted on 2026-05-23 16:06:13

A gas explosion at a coal mine in China's Shanxi province has killed at least
90 people.

Xinhua News Agency says the accident at Changzhi city's Liushenyu coal mine
occured yesterday evening.

Around 247 workers were on duty at the time.

Nine people remained trapped as of this afternoon.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation, and rescue efforts
continue.

CCTV says that many of the injured were affected by toxic gas.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a full rescue effort and an
investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 14:08:13

A gas explosion at a coal mine in China's northern province of Shanxi killed
at least 82 people.

State media said dozens are trapped underground.

Xinhua reports that the accident at Changzhi city's Liushenyu coal mine
happened yesterday evening.

It initially reported that around 247 workers were trapped underground.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation and rescue work is pressing
on, according to Xinhua.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 12:08:13

SpaceX has launched its biggest, most powerful Starship yet.

The rocket blasted off from the southern tip of Texas carrying 20 mock
Starlink satellites on a test flight extending halfway around the world --
ending at the Indian Ocean.

It's the 12th test flight of the rocket that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is aiming
to take people to Mars one day.

The mega rocket made its debut two days after Musk announced he's taking the
company public.

The spacecraft erupted in flames upon impact with the ocean. This was not
unexpected, according to SpaceX.

Musk called it "an epic" launch and landing.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew in for the launch and said Starship is
now one step closer to the moon. The spacecraft could play a part in Artemis
IV moon mission.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 12:08:13

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in India ahead of a meeting
next week with his counterparts from India, Australia, and Japan.

The four countries comprise the Indo-Pacific strategic alliance known as the
Quad.

The visit comes as Washington is seeking to stabilize relations with India
after ties soured over President Donald Trump's tariff policies.

Much of Rubio's four-day visit will focus on a multi-city tour, along with a
gala reception in New Delhi marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.

He landed in Calcutta, where he's scheduled to visit the headquarters of
Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity headquarters.

He's also scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart as well as Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 11:07:48

husband's health

The US's national intelligence director is the fourth cabinet member to quit
since the start of President Trump's second term.

The AP's Sagar Meghani has the details on Tulsi Gabbard's resignation:

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