ICRT

Posted on 2026-08-27 20:16:13

Taiwan's average life expectancy rose to 81.27 years in 2025, as the number
of deaths fell for the third consecutive year.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, women had an average life
expectancy of 84.75 years, compared with 77.93 years for men.

Nearly 200-thousand people died last year, down about 17-hundred from 2024,
with people aged 65 and over accounting for more than three-quarters of all
deaths.

The increase brings Taiwan's life expectancy back to its 2019, pre-pandemic
level, as the impact of COVID-19 has eased.

Among the cities and counties included in the figures, Taipei had the highest
average life expectancy at nearly 84 years, followed by Hsinchu City and New
Taipei.

Taitung County had the lowest, at 76.49 years, making it the only county or
city in the figures below 77 years.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-27 19:23:13

The Legislative Yuan has passed a key bill prioritizing the development and
procurement of domestically made drones, with a spending cap of 240 billion
NT in principle.

The opposition-led bill passed 60 to 50 in the 113-seat Legislative Yuan,
with additional funding possible subject to legislative approval.

The legislation also aims to strengthen Taiwan's unmanned vehicle industry,
including plans for testing sites and requirements for domestic production
and cybersecurity standards.

The government says the measures are intended to strengthen defense autonomy
while developing Taiwan's drone industry.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-08-27 19:23:13

straight red light

Taiwan's economy maintained strong growth momentum in July ...

... with the government's economic monitoring indicator remaining at a red
light for the eighth consecutive month.

The National Development Council says the indicator's composite score held
steady at 41 points, while both leading and coincident indicators continued
to rise.

Strong demand for AI products helped improve conditions in the manufacturing
sector.

One weaker area was the amount of money readily available in the economy,
which declined as foreign investors moved funds out of Taiwan.

The council says the economy remains on solid footing, but warns that Middle
East tensions, changes in U-S tariff policy and monetary and fiscal policies
in major economies remain key uncertainties.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-27 19:23:13

Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that broke out behind a restaurant in
Taipei's busy Ximending district this morning.

The Taipei Fire Department received a report at around 11 AM and sent 35
emergency personnel, nine fire engines, three command vehicles and an
ambulance to the scene.

Firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of a
first-floor restaurant and brought the fire under control about 30 minutes
later.

Police temporarily restricted traffic at nearby intersections.

No one was injured or trapped, and the cause of the fire remains under
investigation.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-27 19:23:13

In news from the world of sport ...

The New York Yankees hosted Taiwanese Night at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday,
with fans receiving limited-edition Yankees merchandise featuring elements of
Taiwan's flag.

The event was held during the Yankees' 9-3 win over the Houston Astros and
was organized by ROF International Sport Marketing Co. and the Taiwanese
Chambers of Commerce of North America.

Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei (鄧愷威) came on in relief for the Astros,
drawing loud cheers from Taiwanese fans in attendance.

Buyers of Taiwanese Heritage Day ticket packages received co-branded caps and
tote bags.

Taiwan's flag and the word "Taiwan" were also displayed several times on the
stadium's video board.

It was the second Taiwanese Heritage Day held at Yankee Stadium.

Posted on 2026-08-27 19:23:13

Nepal's flood death toll has risen to at least 273 after a glacier collapse
sent a massive wall of water and mud through communities along the
Nepal-Tibet border.

Rescue teams are searching for more than 1,300 people still missing,
including foreigners and pilgrims, while hundreds have been displaced.

Videos show people fleeing as floodwaters swept away buildings and bridges.

The Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to floods and landslides.

Scientists warn that human-caused climate change is accelerating glacier melt
and increasing the risk of such disasters.

Posted on 2026-08-27 19:23:13

Torrential rain has caused flooding and landslides in Japan's north-central
prefectures of Ishikawa and Toyama.

The severe weather on Thursday closed roads and stranded people in flooded
homes and vehicles.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued its highest Level 5 heavy rain
warning for parts of the two prefectures.

Up to 20 centimeters of rain is forecast in the Kaga and Noto areas through
Friday morning.

Authorities have advised more than 380 thousand people to take precautions
against flooding and landslides, including moving to safer ground.

Posted on 2026-08-27 18:43:13

Taiwan is bracing for heavy rain in the south and rough seas around the Matsu
islands as Typhoon Saudel passes north toward eastern China.

The Central Weather Administration said Saudel is now expected to pass
closest to Taiwan tomorrow, when its outer rain bands are forecast to affect
Matsu, before making landfall around midday in China's Zhejiang Province.

The storm's outer bands, combined with strengthening southwesterly winds, are
expected to bring heavy rain to southern and southeastern Taiwan from this
evening into tomorrow.

The CWA issued "yellow" heavy rain advisories for Chiayi County, Nantou,
Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung ...

... warning of lightning, strong winds, landslides and flooding in low-lying
areas.

These are in effect through this evening.

There's also a sea warning in place for waters north of Taiwan .... and
vessels in the area are advisded to exercise extreme caution.

The CWA is also warning of rough seas ... saying waves of more than 2 meters
have already been reported along northern and eastern coasts, Matsu and other
offshore islands.

Posted on 2026-08-27 18:43:17

In other storm news,

The Central Weather Administration says newly formed Tropical Storm Etau is
not expected to affect Taiwan's weather.

Etau developed from a tropical depression northeast of Wake Island at 2 PM
today, becoming the 21st named storm of this year's Pacific typhoon season.

The storm is forecast to move northeast before turning north, keeping it well
away from Taiwan.

As of mid-afternoon, Etau was moving north-northwest at 15 kilometers per
hour, with maximum sustained winds of almost 65 kilometers per hour.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-27 18:43:17

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says the number of people
dying within 30 days of traffic accidents fell during the first half of this
year.

The figure stands at 1 thousand 333 -- down 15 percent from the same period
in 2023 -- and meeting the reduction target set under the Road Traffic Safety
Basic Act.

Deaths among those under 18 fell by nearly 60 percent, while fatalities
caused by drunk driving dropped 58.8 percent.

Motorcycle fatalities fell more than 21 percent, though motorcycles still
account for over two-thirds of annual traffic deaths.

Pedestrian fatalities, meanwhile, declined 9.2 percent.

Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai credits stronger enforcement, road
improvements and greater public awareness.

He says Taiwan has recorded fewer than 3,000 traffic deaths for three
consecutive years, with the government now targeting a seven-percent annual
reduction.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-27 18:43:17

Regional powers are seeking a way to de-escalate the Iran war as another
tanker attack is reported in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK Maritime Trade Organization says an oil tanker was hit by an unknown
projectile in the strategic waterway. No further details were immediately
available.

Diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar are continuing, while Iran
has dismissed the latest U-S sanctions.

Meanwhile, a Jerusalem court has acquitted a man accused of beating a
Catholic nun but ordered him to undergo psychiatric hospitalization for
several years.

Israel's continued strikes in Gaza have also drawn criticism from the senior
diplomat overseeing the U-S-brokered ceasefire.

Posted on 2026-08-27 18:43:17

Rescue teams are searching for hundreds of people missing along the
Nepal-China border after a devastating torrent of floodwater and mud swept
through several communities.

The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse on Wednesday, has killed at
least 168 people and left more than 1,300 missing, including foreigners and
pilgrims.

Hundreds more have been displaced across the Himalayan region.

Drone footage from Nepal shows widespread destruction, while videos from the
scene captured people trying to escape the fast-moving floodwaters.

Posted on 2026-08-27 18:43:17

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Beijing and Washington need to overcome
obstacles in their relationship ahead of an expected September summit between
U-S President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Wang made the comments during a meeting Wednesday with U-S Ambassador to
China David Perdue.

Chinese state media says Wang called on both sides to focus on a positive
agenda, manage differences and reduce interference in high-level exchanges.

Trump and Xi met in May in Beijing and agreed to keep relations stable and
maintain a fragile trade truce.

But the two countries have continued imposing targeted economic measures
against each other since then.

Posted on 2026-08-27 12:24:13

The Tai-Ex surged past the 46,000-point mark in early trading after Nvidia
reported stronger-than-expected earnings and an upbeat outlook.

Taiwan's benchmark index opened more than 550 points higher and climbed as
high as 46-thousand-390.

Heavyweight TSMC rose nearly 1 percent to 2-thousand-435 NT, while Hon Hai
gained more than 2 percent.

MediaTek briefly topped 4-thousand NT before giving up its gains and trading
near the previous close.

Memory-chip stocks also rallied, with Nanya Technology rising more than 4
percent and Winbond Electronics gaining over 3 percent.

High-priced chip designer Global Unichip hit the daily limit at
2-thousand-650 NT.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-27 12:24:15

President Lai Ching-te says everyone who makes their life in Taiwan should
receive comprehensive support, regardless of when they arrived.

Lai says providing greater care for new immigrants has long been an important
government principle.

He made the remarks as 80 new immigrants visited the Presidential Office
during a two-day educational trip organized by the DPP's Department of New
Immigrant Affairs.

Participants also visited the National Human Rights Museum's Jing-Mei White
Terror Memorial Park and the Legislative Yuan.

The DPP says it hopes the program will help new immigrants better understand
their civil rights and participate in shaping Taiwan's future.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-27 12:24:15

Large numbers of sardines became stranded inside a traditional stone fish
weir in Penghu as the tide went out yesterday.

The owner discovered the fish during a routine inspection of the structure
near Wude in Magong.

News quickly spread, and residents arrived with nets and buckets to collect
the fresh catch.

Local fishermen say the sardines likely followed the rising tide toward shore
to feed on seaweed, but failed to escape before the water receded.

Pacific reef herons were also seen circling the area in search of a meal.

Several other migratory fish species have been found trapped in Wude's stone
fish weirs this year, which fishermen say reflects the diversity of the
area's marine life.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-27 12:24:15

Qatar's prime minister is traveling to Tehran today in an effort to restart
diplomacy between Iran and the United States.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani is expected to discuss Qatar's
mediation efforts and ways to reduce regional tensions.

He will also push for the restoration of free navigation through the Strait
of Hormuz, a major route for global oil supplies.

Fighting between the United States and Iran has largely paused, but no formal
peace negotiations are underway.

Traffic through the strait has fallen sharply since the war began in
February, with oil flows dropping to about 5-million barrels a day.

Iran has sought to use its control of the waterway as leverage.

Talks between Iran and Oman over managing the strait and sharing revenue
remain unresolved.

Posted on 2026-08-27 12:24:15

A senior Pentagon official is set to brief NATO ambassadors today amid
concern over possible further cuts to U.S. forces in Europe.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby is leading a six-month
review of the U.S. military presence on the continent.

Washington currently has about 80-thousand troops in Europe but has already
announced some withdrawals and reduced forces assigned to NATO defense plans.

European officials say they remain uncertain whether the review is a genuine
consultation or a tool to pressure allies.

The United States has sent NATO members a questionnaire covering defense
spending, military procurement, basing rights and support for U.S. foreign
policy.

European diplomats are expected to use today's meeting to emphasize their
growing defense contributions and reassure Washington that it can rely on its
allies.

Posted on 2026-08-27 12:24:15

Wildfires sweeping across several Algerian provinces have killed at least 12
people as an intense heatwave grips North Africa.

Another 54 people suffered burns, including six who remain in critical
condition in intensive care.

Algeria's civil protection services recorded 154 wildfires across the country
on Wednesday.

The blazes come as exceptionally high temperatures affect Algeria and
neighboring Tunisia.

Posted on 2026-08-27 09:05:13

The Central Weather Administration has issued a sea warning for Typhoon
Saudel.

The warning covers waters north of Taiwan.

Typhoon Saudel is currently located some 560-kilometers east-northeast of
Matsu and is moving in a west-southwesterly direction at speeds of between 12
and 18-kilomters-an-hour.

The storm still has radius of 200-kilometers and is packing sustained wind
speeds of 126-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 162-kilometers-an-hour.

The weather administration's forecast center says Typhoon Saudel will move
into waters north of Matsu tomorrow as it heads towards China's Zhejiang
Province.

The storm will be closest to Taiwan proper today and tomorrow.

Posted on 2026-08-27 09:05:13

China

In international news,

Flash floods in a border area of Nepal and China have killed at least 160
people and left hundreds of others missing.

Experts say an avalanche from a glacier was the likely cause in the warming
Himalaya region.

Nepalese police are reporting 157 dead, while China’s state broadcaster
reports at least three dead there.

Drone footage shows roads destroyed and buildings buried.

Officials in Nepal say 403 people, including 341 foreign nationals, are
missing.

Many of the missing were on a pilgrimage to a sacred site.

The United Nations says several of its agencies are deploying personnel in an
effort to meet what will be a massive humanitarian need.

Posted on 2026-08-27 09:05:13

Meta has agreed to pay up to 17-billion U-S dollars to settle claims brought
by 47 U-S states that its platforms harmed children.

The Facebook and Instagram owner says it will also add stronger child-safety
measures platforms as part of a landmark legal settlement.

The deal ends a trial over teen social media addiction and resolves a case
years in the making that sought to hold the tech giant accountable for the
role its platforms played in undermining children’s mental health.

The effort targeted features designed to hook young people’s attention.

If approved by the court, it will stop an avalanche of litigation by states
against Meta.

However, the company still faces lawsuits from individuals and school
districts across the U-S.

Posted on 2026-08-27 08:07:13

The Ministry of Culture is welcoming the restoration of the name "Taiwan
Pavilion" at the Gwangju Biennale.

The ministry in thanking the Taiwan curator and artists for their
perseverance and also the global community for its support.

According to the ministry, the Gwangju Biennale Foundation sent a message
earlier this week confirming that the pavilion's name had been restored.

The organizer had arbitrarily changed it in June to the "National Taiwan
Museum of Fine Arts Pavilion."

Prior to foundation sending out the correction, the culture ministry had
issued an ultimatum demanding the original name be restored by Wednesday.

The foundation says it received an official document from Taiwan's Ministry
of Culture confirming that the museum was participating in the biennale on
behalf of Taiwan under the name "Taiwan Pavilion" and the approval process
had been completed.

The event's documents and promotional materials now identify Taiwan as an
exhibitor, while the Asia Culture Center, where the "Taiwan Pavilion" is
located says exhibition staff are now allowed to enter and begin setting it
up.

The 16th Gwangju Biennale will run from September 5 to November 15.

Posted on 2026-08-27 08:07:13

The Kinmen County Government has suspended shipments of pork and processed
pork products to Taiwan proper and other outlying islands after a African
swine fever was detected in the carcass of a pig that had washed ashore.

The suspension of shipments of processed pork products runs until next
Monday.

Live pigs from Kinmen are already banned from being shipped to Taiwan proper
and other outlying islands under existing regulations.

According to Kinmen County Department of Economic Development, the pig
carcass was found on the shoreline at Wu-sha-jiao in Jin-ning Township on
Saturday by Coast Guard personnel.

County animal health officials collected tissue samples, disinfected the
site, and incinerated and buried the carcass.

The surrounding area was also isinfected.

Authorities in Kinmen has since inspected 22 pig farms within a 10-kilometer
radius of the site and officials say no traces of the African swine fever
were found at any of the farms.

Posted on 2026-08-27 08:07:13

The Taipei District Court has sentenced the construction site supervisor of
the Kee Tai Properties project to four years and 10 months in prison over the
2023 collapse of a neighboring residential building in the city's Dazhi
District.

Prosecutors argued that Chang Po-hsiang failed to follow construction plans
and procedures, while also repeatedly altering monitoring data to avoid
disputes over damage to neighboring properties.

The court sentenced Kee Tai employee, Chiang Jo-yen to eight-months in prison.

Supervising architect Wang Te-sheng was sentenced to one year, suspended for
two years, and technician Liu Feng-shou received a 10-month sentence.

The case stems from September 7, 2023, when excavation work at the Kee Tai
Dazhi construction site caused a neighboring residential building to sink and
several nearby buildings to tilt, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate
and temporarily relocate.

All five defendants were indicted in April 2024 on charges including
violations involving construction practices.

The district court rulings can be appealed.

Posted on 2026-08-27 08:07:14

And finally,

A survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation shows that junior high school
students spend an average of nearly 40 hours online each week, while nearly a
third have encountered AI-related online safety issues.

The 2026 survey on mobile phone and internet was conducted among seventh- to
ninth-graders.

According to the foundation, the findings highlight three alarming trends -
those being that children are going online at younger ages, spending more
time online and facing growing online safety threats.

The foundation says 91.6-per cent of junior high school students own a
personal smartphone, while the average age at which children receive their
first phone has dropped to 9.98 years, down from 10.8 years in previous
surveys.

It says data shows that students spent an average of 38.4 hours online a week
in 2026.

That's up from 27.2 hours before the COVID-19 pandemic and approaching the
length of a standard 40-hour workweek.

The survey also found that 20.1-per cent of respondents had experienced
potentially harmful situations online, including cyberbullying, requests to
provide personal information and unwanted sexually explicit messages.

Posted on 2026-08-27 06:56:13

No damage or injuries have been reported following this morning's 5.2
magnitude earthquake the rattled the southeast.

The quake struck at 5:47 and was centered some 21-kilometers east of Taitung
County Hall at a depth of 35-kilometers.

It was felt strongest in Taitung's Donghe, Chenggong, Chishang townships and
Orchid Island, as well as in Hualien's Fuli Township where it registered a
magnitude 3 on the Central Weather Administration's intensity scale.

The quake was also felt in parts of Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Tainan, Chiayi,
Yunlin and Namtou, where it registered a magnitude 2 on the weather
administration's intensity scale.

Posted on 2026-08-27 06:56:18

Lawmakers are set to vote on competing drone procurement bills later today.

The vote had originally been scheduled for tomorrow, but legislative caucuses
agreed to move up the vote to allow lawmakers to return to their districts to
inspect damage caused by the recent heavy rains and flooding in southern
Taiwan.

The D-P-P, K-M-T and Taiwan People's Party caucuses are still at odds over
key aspects of the bills... these include which ministry will oversee the
drone procurement program, the budget for drone procurement, and whether
annual spending caps will be imposed.

The Cabinet's proposal seeks to earmark 210-billion N-T in a special budget
from now through the end of 2031 and will designate the Ministry of National
Defense as the competent authority for drone procurement.

The K-M-T bill proposes earmarking 240-billion N-T in the general budget over
six years, with an annual spending cap of 40-billion N-T, and placing the
Ministry of Economic Affairs in charge of the spending plan.

While the T-P-P's proposal will designate both the defense and the economics
ministries as the competent authorities and seeks to fund drone procurement
through the general budget, with no annual spending limits.

Posted on 2026-08-27 06:56:18

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will attend this year's Pacific Islands Forum,
which takes place in Palau next week.

Lin will be attending the Taiwan/Republic of China-Forum Countries Dialogue
and the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit.

He departs for Palau today and attend events coinciding with the 55th Pacific
Islands Forum annual summit, which begins on Sunday.

The foreign ministry says Lin will also meet with Palau's President Surangel
Whipps, and inspect a Taiwan-funded development of the Belau National
Hospital's A-I system, to assess the progress being made to date and discuss
future cooperation.

Lin will be accompanied by a delegation which includes representatives from
the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce and from Taiwan's energy, technology, food,
construction and organic agriculture sectors.

The foreign ministry says says they will be exploring business and investment
opportunities in Palau.

Taiwan and other non-members of the bloc were barred from participating in
last year's event in the Solomon Islands, which was only attended only by the
bloc's 18 member states.

Posted on 2026-08-27 06:56:18

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting two new cases of Mpox involving
a strain not seen before...

It marks the first domestic cases of the variant... which is believed to be
more transmissible and more easily spread through close physical or intimate
contact.

Both patients are men in their 30s who had not been vaccinated and contact
tracing found they had engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with unspecified
partners.

The C-D-C says the sources of both infections remain unknown.

The first patient sought medical attention in late July, while the second
patient sought treatment in earlier this month.

The C-D-C has recorded 28 Mpox cases, including 19 domestic and nine imported
cases, from January 1 through August 23.

That figure is lower than the 48 cases reported in 2024 and 31cases reported
in 2025 over the same period.

Posted on 2026-08-27 06:56:18

The Chiayi City Public Health Bureau has ordered a sesame cooking oil maker
to suspend operations after excessive levels of of a known carcinogen were
detected in its products.

The bureau said it inspected Uni‑Procurement Corporation on Monday after the
company reported that testing of its 255‑milliliter
bottles of black sesame oil found excessive levels of the carcinogen.

Inspectors also sampled black sesame oil stored in on‑site tanks.

The city's public health bureau says Uni-Procurement reported the matter to
authorities after Santa Cruz, an organic brand owned by Taoyuan's President
Natural Industrial, detected non-compliant results during self-inspections.

President Natural Industrial has also notified the Taipei City Department of
Health of the results and officials have order a blanket recall of the
product across all sales platforms and retail channels.

Uni‑Procurement is a legacy brand that has been in business for more than 70
years.

Posted on 2026-08-27 06:56:18

The government's main foreign development aid agency has signed a memorandum
of understanding with the Ukrainian city of Lviv to help modernize two of its
hospitals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the virtual agreement on Smart
Healthcare enhancement was signed between Taiwan I-C-D-F Secretary General
and Lviv officials gathered in the Lviv City Council session hall.

The ministry says the agreement will pave the way for the launch of a
Taiwan-funded project aimed at strengthening the emergency departments and
intensive care units of the two hospitals by integrating hardware, software
and AI-driven information systems.

The project will also provide professional training for medical and IT
personnel at the two hospitals and is expected to benefit Lviv's 720,000
residents.

Lviv's Mayor Andriy Sadovyi expressed gratitude for Taiwan's support and
friendship at the signing ceremony.

Posted on 2026-08-26 20:13:13

Taipei health authorities have ordered all batches of a cold-pressed black
sesame oil removed from sale after tests found excessive levels of the
carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene.

The affected product, labelled "100% Natural Black Sesame Oil," was supplied
by UNI-PROCUREMENT CORPORATION and sold mainly through the Santa Cruz retail
chain.

Authorities say 216 bottles from the affected batch had been stocked, with
187 already removed.

All batches are now being pulled as a precaution.

The recall comes amid wider testing of cooking oils following the Central
Union Oil contamination case.

Taipei has launched a fourth round of testing, focusing on sesame oil sold
through restaurants, stores and online retailers, as well as other cooking
oils.

Officials say Taipei schools did not use the affected product, while the
retailer is offering full refunds for bottles from the affected batch.

Posted on 2026-08-26 19:11:13

A passenger ferry carrying 146 people ran aground in a channel at Donggang in
southern Taiwan today, leaving passengers and crew stranded for more than
three hours.

The "LEUCO SAPPHIRE No. 1" was carrying 141 passengers and five crew members
to Xiaoliuqiu when it became stuck shortly before noon.

No one was injured.

Officials say heavy rain had washed sediment into the channel, while low tide
reduced water levels.

Several attempts to free the ferry failed before a tugboat was brought in.

The rising tide eventually freed the vessel about three and a half hours
later.

The ferry returned to Donggang, where passengers transferred to another
vessel.

The Pingtung County Government says dredging will begin tomorrow, while the
operator has been ordered to submit a maritime accident report.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-26 19:11:13

The Ministry of Education has released a new guidebook to help universities
establish gender-friendly dormitories across Taiwan.

Developed alongside gender equity experts and academic researchers, the
handbook highlights flexible housing models, including gender-inclusive floor
plans and facilities where student groups can apply for shared housing units
and coordinate their own room arrangements.

Officials say the initiative aims to reduce unnecessary gender barriers while
protecting student privacy and campus safety.

The ministry encourages universities to introduce inclusive housing options
gradually based on student needs and campus infrastructure.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-08-26 19:11:13

National Taipei University of Technology has signed an agreement with Dresden
University of Technology to join a Taiwan-Germany program aimed at developing
semiconductor talent.

The partnership will take effect this fall, making Taipei Tech the fourth
Taiwanese university in the Semiconductor Talent Incubation Program Taiwan.

The six-month program combines semiconductor coursework at a Taiwanese
university with practical training at T-S-M-C in Taichung.

The number of German university students coming to Taiwan each year is
expected to rise from a previous maximum of around 70 to about 100.

The program was established alongside T-S-M-C's investment in Germany to
develop the semiconductor talent needed in Dresden.

Selected students have their tuition and program fees covered, plus a monthly
grant of 700 euros and a 1,500-euro travel allowance.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-08-26 19:11:13

And in Nepal,

An avalanche of ice and rock has triggered massive flash floods, killing at
least eight people and causing widespread damage.

Officials say 384 tourists are missing, including 291 foreigners from
countries such as India, Britain, the United States and Malaysia.

The Bhotekoshi River flooded today, destroying villages and infrastructure
and prompting authorities to warn people to stay away from riverbanks.

Nepal has requested rescue assistance from India and China.

Climate experts say the flooding was likely triggered by an ice-and-rock
avalanche from a glacier, highlighting the Himalayan region's growing
vulnerability to extreme weather linked to climate change.

Posted on 2026-08-26 19:11:13

Thousands of people have descended on the Spanish town of Buñol {boo-NYOHL}
for the annual La Tomatina food fight ...

.... where participants are expected to throw up to 165 tons of overripe
tomatoes at each other.

The messy event lasts about an hour, with buildings covered in tarps to
protect them from the tomato barrage.

More than 20 thousand people are expected to take part this year, with about
40 percent coming from outside Spain.

La Tomatina began in 1945 and became an international attraction in the 1980s.

Participants are required to squash the tomatoes before throwing them to
reduce the risk of injury.

Posted on 2026-08-26 18:08:13

Use

Premier Cho Jung-tai says Taiwan will raise its projected annual electricity
demand growth through 2035 as the rapid expansion of AI computing drives
greater demand for power.

The government currently forecasts annual growth of 2.5 percent, but Cho says
the figure will be raised significantly to provide a more prudent estimate.

He says the government is working with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and
the state-run TaiPower to strengthen the power supply ...

... including expanding renewable energy, reinforcing the national grid and
developing regional microgrids with energy storage.

Cho also touched on nuclear power ... saying it remains an option.

Any restart of the No. 3 Nuclear Power Plant would require safety reviews, a
solution for nuclear waste and broad public support.

He says the government is also open to newer nuclear technologies, including
small modular reactors and nuclear fusion.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-26 18:08:14

New data shows Taiwanese junior high school students now spend an average of
38.4 hours a week online, nearly matching a typical 40-hour adult workweek.

The finding comes from a survey by the Child Welfare League Foundation ...
which pointed out that children spent just over 27 hours a week online before
COVID.

That jumped to more than 47 hours during the pandemic, partly because of
online classes, before falling again.

The survey also finds almost 92 percent of junior high students have their
own smartphones, while the average age at which they get their first phone
has fallen to just under 10.

More than 20 percent have encountered problems online such as cyberbullying,
as well as requests for personal information and unwanted explicit messages
or images.

In addition, about 31 percent say they or a classmate have encountered
problems with AI ... ranging from over-reliance on the technology to fake
AI-generated photos or videos of classmates.

And when shown an AI-generated fake-news image, only about 32 percent
immediately recognized it as fake, while 15.5 percent believed it completely
(without question).

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-26 18:08:14

Taiwan has reported its first two domestic cases of a more transmissible
strain of Mpox ... known as clade lb.

The Centers for Disease Control says both patients are men in their 30s who
had not been vaccinated and had engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.

The sources of their infections remain unclear.

The two men developed fever and rashes in late July and early August and
tested positive after doctors suspected Mpox.

Taiwan has recorded 28 Mpox cases this year, including 19 domestic and nine
imported

Nine of the cases have involved the clade Ib strain, including the two newly
reported domestic infections.

The CDC says vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent Mpox, with
publicly funded vaccines available to people considered at higher risk.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-08-26 14:57:13

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed the country's first two locally
transmitted cases of Clade one-b mpox.

Both patients are men in their 30s from central Taiwan who had not received
an mpox vaccine.

They developed symptoms including fever, rashes, pustules and muscle aches
before testing positive.

CDC spokesperson Lin Ming-cheng (林明誠) says both men had engaged in
unprotected sex with unspecified partners, although the source of their
infections remains unknown.

Taiwan has now recorded nine Clade one-b cases this year, including seven
imported infections.

Health officials say existing mpox vaccines remain effective against the
strain and are urging eligible people to complete the two-dose vaccination
series.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-26 14:57:15

Fraud cases in Taipei fell more than 17 percent in the first half of this
year compared with the same period last year.

The Taipei City Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says
8-thousand-97 cases were reported from January through June, while the number
of victims fell 17.1 percent to 8-thousand-277.

Fake online auctions were the most common type of scam, accounting for 26
percent of victims, followed by investment fraud at 19.5 percent.

The sharpest declines were among younger people, with the number of victims
aged 17 or under falling more than 40 percent.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-26 14:57:15

Dolly Parton, a beloved icon whose influence spans music, film, and
philanthropy, has died at 80.

She was known for her rhinestone-studded style and quick wit, and captivated
fans across all walks of life.

Her music includes hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You."

Her songs have over 100 million worldwide sales and over 1 billion online
streams in total.

She starred in films including "9 to 5," "The Best Little Whorehouse In
Texas" and "Steel Magnolias."

Parton grew up in poverty in Tennessee and rose to fame with her unique blend
of authenticity and talent.

She was also a dedicated philanthropist.

Her Imagination Library has donated over 300 million free books.

Parton's legacy is one of creativity, generosity and unity.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-26 14:57:15

In Pakistan, officials say a fire that erupted at a newborn nursery at a
major government hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, has killed 14
newborns.

The nursery at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences housed at least 15
newborns when the fire broke out today, hospital officials said.

At least one baby was rescued.

Rescue officials said the fire began at about 6:45 a.m., apparently after the
compressor of an air-conditioning unit exploded inside the nursery.

Firefighters quickly responded and extinguished the blaze, and rescue teams
were carrying out cooling operations at the site, local media reported.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (sheh-BAHZ shah-REEF) expressed sorrow over the
deaths and ordered an immediate investigation.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-26 12:11:13

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is urging lawmakers to back the government's
210-billion N.T. special budget for military drones, saying delays could
weaken Taiwan's deterrence and international confidence.

In an interview with CNA, Hsiao said drone capabilities are urgently needed
to prevent Beijing from misjudging Taiwan's determination to defend itself.

The proposal would fund coastal surveillance and attack drones, as well as
unmanned attack boats, with the Defense Ministry overseeing procurement based
on military needs.

Hsiao said the plan is separate from a six-year, 44.2-billion N.T. program
aimed at developing Taiwan's wider drone industry.

She said large government orders, international cooperation, and AI
technology could help Taiwan expand domestic production and build a globally
competitive, non-China supply chain.

Lawmakers have yet to reach agreement on competing versions of the special
legislation.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-08-26 12:11:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will lead an official delegation to Palau
tomorrow to attend events surrounding the 55th Pacific Islands Forum summit.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today that the weeklong visit
running through September 3rd will focus on strengthening bilateral ties with
Taiwan's Pacific allies.

Officials say Lin will host the 30th Taiwan-PIF dialogue meeting and meet
with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. to review ongoing health and
infrastructure projects.

The ministry notes that the delegation includes leaders from Taiwan business
groups and representatives from the clean energy, tech, and agricultural
industries.

MOFA emphasized that Taiwan remains committed to supporting the Pacific
Islands Forum's 2050 development strategy, expanding technical cooperation,
scholarships, and resilience funding across the region.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-08-26 12:11:13

Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh held a rally Tuesday to
demand safe return to Myanmar.

They fled Myanmar nine years ago during a government crackdown.

The demonstrators urged the international community to ensure security in
Myanmar's Rakhine state.

More than 1 million Rohingya now live in camps around the Bangladeshi city of
Cox's Bazar.

Bangladesh has attempted to repatriate refugees twice, but refugees cited
security concerns.

The International Court of Justice held hearings in January on genocide
accusations against Myanmar.

Myanmar claims its actions were counter-terrorism operations.

The situation in Rakhine remains volatile.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-26 12:11:13

In Syria, the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces has
announced the group's official dissolution.

Speaking Tuesday at the presidential palace in Damascus, the commander said
the SDF has completed a merger with the Syrian army and will no longer
operate independently.

The Kurdish-led force once controlled a de facto autonomous zone in Syria's
northeast, but lost it to a government offensive in January.

The SDF was once the main U.S. partner in Syria against the Islamic State
group.

However, after the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December
2024, Washington formed close ties with the new government in Damascus.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-26 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Lawmakers have approved a sweeping reorganization of the Ministry of Health.

The move create two new agencies and two government-funded administrative
institutions.

It's the first major structural overhaul to the ministry since 2013 and the
governnent says it will give more attention to children's health and
healthcare issues, long-term care, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Lawmakers approved amendments abolishing the existing Social and Family
Affairs Administration and split its functions into a new Administration of
Children, Youth and Family Support and a new Administration of Social
Development and Long-term Care.

The new children, youth and family support administration will oversee
policies and programs related to childcare, early intervention services,
child and youth welfare and rights, family support services, and pediatric
health care.

While the social development and long-term care administration will be
responsible for policies covering senior citizens, people with disabilities,
long-term care services, and the National Pension program.

The Cabinet first approved the amendments to the Organic Act of the Ministry
of Health and related organic acts in December of last year.

The Cabinet cited the need to respond to Taiwan's declining birthrate and
rapidly aging population as the reasons for the amendments.

Posted on 2026-08-26 08:14:14

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says his administration will fully support the
rebuilding of the Chih-Nan Temple's Lingxiao Chapel after it suffered
extensive damage in a fire Monday night.

Speaking during an inspection of the site with temple officials, Chiang said
the city will establish a cross-agency task force to coordinate restoration
efforts and provide administrative assistance to help the temple rebuild the
chapel as soon as possible.

According to Chiang, experts will determine which parts of the damaged hall
should be preserved and which can be removed.

The fire broke out at about 8:50 Monday evening and the 60-year-old Taoist
structure burned for more than three hours.

The blaze destroyed the first floor and damaging about one-third of the
second floor and fire officials say the hall's wooden structure and
combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of flames.

The temple's mountainous location, narrow roads and limited water supply also
hampered efforts to get fire teams to the site.

No one was injured in the fire and the cause of the blaze remains under
investigation.

Posted on 2026-08-26 08:14:14

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is talks with St. Vincent and the
Grenadines on funding a national development bank and several social
empowerment projects in the Caribbean country.

According to ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuangwei, the projects remain under
active discussion and nothing has been finalized, but Taiwan will continue to
work closely with the Caribbean ally to help it implement policy priorities
within Taiwan's capabilities.

The statement follows comments by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime
Minister Godwin Friday, who last week announced that the Lai administration
had pledged at least 2-million U-S dollars in grant funding to help establish
a national development bank.

That pledge was made during Friday's recent visit to Taiwan earlier this
month.

Friday also said that Lai administration also promised to provide 1-million
U-S dollars annually in grant funding for social and community empowerment
programs.

Posted on 2026-08-26 08:14:14

The Centers for Disease Control says this year's government-funded seasonal
flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will begin as usual on October 1.

According to the C-D-C, it has purchased a record 7.05-million publicly
funded flu vaccine doses for the upcoming flu season.

That total includes about 208,000 doses of enhanced vaccines designed to
provide stronger protection.

The enhanced vaccines will initially be prioritized for people aged 65 and
older in long-term care and nursing facilities.

The C-D-C also says the government has also purchased 2.4-million COVID-19
vaccine doses, including 1.9 million doses of newer-generation vaccines for
people aged 12 years or older.

The publicly funded flu and COVID-19 vaccination program will open on October
1 for adults aged 65 and older, preschool-aged children, healthcare and
disease prevention personnel, and people with chronic illnesses.

Adults aged between 50 and 64 without high-risk chronic conditions will be
eligible for the free flu and COVID-19 jabs from November 2.

Posted on 2026-08-26 08:14:14

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says Typhoon Saudel is continuing to
weaken and veering in a more northerly direction.

According to the administration, it could issues a sea warning this evening
and it may issue a land warning for the outlying island of Matsu tomorrow
morning.

Typhoon Saudel is currently located some 800-kilometers northeast of Taipei
and is moving in a northwesterly direction at 17-kilomters-an-hour.

The storm now has a radius of 200-kilometers and is packing sustained wind
speeds of 136-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 172-kilometers-an-hour.

The administration's forecast center says the storm is expected to be closest
to Taiwan from tomorrow night through Friday.

It is expected to bring localized rain to north and south and mountainous
areas in the center.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has released K-M-T lawmaker Chen
Hsueh-sheng on bail of 2-million N-T after he was questioned as part an
investigation into corruption allegations.

Chen is said to have used his official position to fraudulently obtain
property, as well as for accepting bribes and other improper benefits.

The lawmaker has been banned from leaving Taiwan.

Prosecutors searched 35 locations, including Chen's residence, his
legislative office, and the homes of related individuals earlier this week.

The search targets also included the offices of several shipping companies.

A total of 27 people, including Chen, were brought in for questioning.

Chen's younger brother, Chen Hsueh-huai, who serves as his office director,
was released on 100,000 bail, while several other relatives and staff members
were granted bail ranging from 80,000 to 500,000 N-T.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

The Legislative Yuan has passed a series of amendments to the Medical Care
Act penalising medical personnel who capture images of a patient's intimate
body parts without permission.

The amendments also bar medical institutions and their staff from using
equipment to view patients' intimate body parts, or view or listen to
patients' medical records, "without a valid reason."

Those found guilty of making recordings could face up to three years in
prison or fines of up to 300 thousand NT.

While those who make money off the images and recordings face up to five
years in prison and fines of up to 500,000 N-T.

The amendments were originally proposed after beauty clinics were said to
have filmed patients' intimate body parts without their consent.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

Reports from South Korean media say the Gwangju Biennale Foundation has
agreed to allow Taiwan’s exhibitors to use the name "Taiwan Pavilion" in the
exhibition venue and in official documents and promotional materials.

The foundation reportedly revised its previous decision to rename Taiwan's
participation the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts Pavilion after Taiwan
artists threatened to pull out of the event.

The Ministry of Culture had urged the foundation to respond to its request to
restore the name of Taiwan’s participating exhibition from to "Taiwan
Pavilion."

The ministry said it also "sternly protested" the foundation's and the Asia
Culture Center's refusal to restore the exhibition name.

The Culture Ministry said early this month that the agreed name of "Taiwan
Pavilion" was changed to without discussion or prior notice.

It also said there were efforts to prevent Taiwan Pavilion personnel from
entering the venue to set up the exhibition.

A statement signed by 10 Taiwanese artists and curators invited to
participate in the biennale in South Korea, had accused the foundation of
politically censoring an art exhibition.

However, the foundation denied that - calling it an administrative matter
involving participant classification and naming conventions.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

The Central Weather Administration says it issued a national-level earthquake
alert because an offshore quake was initially overestimated at magnitude 6.6.

The quake was later determined to have a magnitude of 5.8.

It registered an intensity of 4 on the administration's intensity scale in
Tainan, Chiayi, Yunlin, Taitung and Hualien.

Most other areas experienced little or no shaking.

The national-level earthquake alerts were issued across Taiwan except for
Taoyuan and Keelung.

The quake's depth was initially estimated at more than 30-kilometers, about
17-kilometers deeper than its actual depth.

That error caused the system to overestimate the quake's magnitude at
magnitude 6.6, triggering the nationwide alerts.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

The Centers for Disease Control is warning that flu activity could rise again
after schools re-open... and that the public can expect cases to keep rising
until around October.

C-D-C Director-General Philip Lo is the number of flu cases have remained
unusually high this summer, with weekly outpatient and emergency visits for
flu-like illness in August reaching their highest levels for the same period
in a decade.

Data shows more than 94 thousand people sought outpatient or emergency care
for flu symptoms between August 16 to 22.

The H1N1 strain currently accounts for most of the flu cases detected in the
community.

Schools are being urged to strengthen infection-control measures, while
members of the public are being advised to wear masks in crowded or poorly
ventilated places.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

The High Speed Rail Corporation says it is adding 176 train services during a
six-day travel period from September 24 to 29 covering the four-day
Mid-Autumn Festival and Teachers' Day holiday weekend.

Tickets for long weekend holiday travel well go on sale starting August 27.

Tickets for the additional services will be available through the T-EX mobile
app as well as participating convenience stores, and station ticket counters
and machines.

Passengers who need reserved seats are advised to book in advance and collect
their tickets before arriving at the station to avoid lines.

Each train during the holiday travel period will have between two and nine
unreserved-seat carriages.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

The Taipei is welcoming a new Malayan tapir calf.... born on August 17.

The zoo says both mother and baby are healthy and have been doing well in the
week since the calf was born.

The female calf is the second offspring for Putri and 12-year-old male
Malayan tapir Mosu...

Malaysian tapirs have a gestation period of about 13 months... Putri's
pregnancy was detected in November of last year.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is set to launch a lottery in September to boost
pet registration.

Up for grabs: 30,000 "pet gift cards" worth 300 N-T each and 100 pet
health-check packages valued at 3,000 N-T each to owners of registered dogs
and cats.

The gift cards can be used to purchase pet food or agricultural products at
436 participating stores, while the health check packages can be redeemed at
licensed veterinary institutions.

To qualify, pet owners can log into the "Pet Owners' Section" of the
ministry's Pet Registration Information System from September 1 through 30...
then pick "Pet Gift Card Program" to verify their pets' registration
information and enter the draw.

Each dog or cat is eligible for one entry.

Owners who have not yet registered their pets can also enter the lottery as
long as they complete the registration process by September 30.

The draw will be held Oct. 2 and livestreamed on the Animal Welfare
Information Website YouTube channel.

Posted on 2026-08-26 06:58:13

A prominent Sikh separatist says that the FBI and the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police have warned him that he faces a new credible threat to his life.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said he was warned by FBI agents who visited him last
week that he should not travel while an investigation of the threat is
underway.

Pannun is a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, and advocates for the creation of the
sovereign Sikh state and is considered a terrorist by the Indian government.

The new threat comes as a man from India who pleaded guilty to federal
conspiracy charges faces sentencing later this year in Manhattan federal
court for plotting in 2023 with others to assassinate Pannun.

The FBI has said the man in the 2023 plot coordinated his plans with an
Indian government employee.

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck off the coast of southeastern Taiwan at
3:00 p.m. today.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The Central Weather Administration said the epicenter of the temblor was
located at sea, about 48 kilometers east-southeast of Taitung County Hall, at
a depth of 13.1 km.

The earthquake's intensity was highest in Taitung County, where it measured 4
on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale.

The quake also measured an intensity of 3 in Hua-lien, Chia-yi, Yun-lin and
Tai-nan.

Meanwhile, Taiwan Railway says trains have been ordered to reduce speed on
several sections of track following the earthquake.

They were all passing through the eastern railroad in Hua-lien and Tai-tung.

(CNA JL)

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

DPP lawmakers say, the Cabinet's special drone funding bill would offer more
stability than the opposition version.

That's as lawmakers prepare to take another go at drone funding negotiations
tomorrow, and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has said that he hopes a third
reading can be completed within the week.

Lawmaker Zhong Jia Bin says, the multi-year cabinet version would provide
more stable funding year-over-year...

while opposition versions are written into the 2027 central government
budgets.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of long-term contracts for
developing the domestic supply chain.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

Pingtung

Rescuers in Pingtung are searching for an elderly man suspected of having
been swept away by floodwarers yesterday.

The 70 year old man and his wife were motorcycling around the Wandan area
yesterday.

It is understood that they were not paying attention to the floodwaters and
were swept into a river.

Fortunately, the wife was able to hold onto a tree and got rescued later, but
her husband is still missing.

Authorities have deployed search teams and drones in an effort to find the
man...

but conditions are still poor due to ongoing rain and high water levels.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

Now turning to international news..

Israel has killed at least 4 people today in Gaza, including two kids.

Residents evacuated after receiving notice of strikes, with some uing canes
or wheelchairs to navigate the destroyed terrain.

That's as the US says it asked Israel to "reduce attacks" last week.

In the 7 days since the US made that claim, Israel announced strikes on 6
days.

Since an agreement last October, Israel has killed at least 1288 Palestinians
in Gaza.

5 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the same time period.

Posted on 2026-08-25 17:11:13

Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is growing in Poland, after the country initially
was one of the first to welcome refugees when Russia launched its full scale
invasion of the country.

One Ukrainian woman living in Poland launched a support group for female
Ukrainian refugees escaping gender-based violence in 2022.

But now she struggles to keep the organization above water, as funding for
refugee support runs dry and hostility towards Ukrainians grows.

The organization, called Martynka, has hoted more than 100 women and children
to escape abusers and access medical care, psychological support, jobs, and
housing.

But, as Martynka faces financial troubles, efforts to fundraise have been
meant with online abuse.

Founders say, it's due to the associations with Ukraine.

Around 3.5 million Ukrainians fled to Poland in the first weeks of the war.

The government granted refugees access to jobs and social security benefits.

But the refugees have increasingly become targets of anti-Ukrainian rhetoric,
particularly since last year's elections.

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:13

Local Hualien officials say that two access roads in the county have been
severed after days of heavy rain in the south and east.

In Fuli and Yuli townships, the Yuchang and Luntian access roads were broken
by floodwaters.

Officials say they've reported the issue to the county government and are
discussing repair options.

Authorities emphasize that the roads have cracked and become impassable.

Drivers are advised to take alternative routes.

The Mingli Bridge, however, has reopened given the relatively lighter level
of rain.

Meanwhile, emergency workers are continuing to search for a man surnamed
Huang, who's suspected to have been swept away in floods.

And in Kaohsiung...

a landslide has blocked off part of the Provincial Highway 20 Baiyun Temple
Road.

Officials say they're working to clear the blockage now, and traffic is
expected to resume later this evening.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:20

In a related news...

Heavy rain has continued to pound southern Taiwan today with the accumulated
rainfall having reached 260 millimeters in Kaohsiung Zuo-ying (左營) and 230 in
Ping-tung Shi-zi (獅子) Township so far.

The Central Emergency Operation Center said 35 locations remain inundated in
the south as of noontime, while more than 6,100 residents have been evacuated
from high-risk areas since Saturday.

The Center noted that Water Resources Agency officials have deployed 80 large
water pumps to help drain flood water.

Red alerts also remain in effect for 57 potential mudslide areas and three
areas at risk of large-scale landslides.

Although the rain is expected to ease starting today, people in mountainous
areas are still being warned to watch out for landslides, falling rocks and
debris flows.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:20

The Ministry of Agriculture is launching a campaign to encourage owners to
register their pets, offering vouchers worth 300 NT.

The ministry says 30-thousand pet shopping vouchers are available, with the
aim of raising registration coverage across the island's 3.2 million domestic
pets.

The government is also offering a grand prize draw for 100 pet health checkup
packages valued at 3,000 NT.

Under the Animal Protection Act, owners must microchip and register dogs and
cats once they reach four months of age, or face fines up to $15-thousand NT.

Officials say the ministry will conduct a live public drawing on October 2nd,
sending winning vouchers directly to participating pet owners.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:22

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 407 points to
close the session at 45169.

The turnover was 696 billionNT

Posted on 2026-08-25 14:08:22

In the US,

the Federal Bureau of Investigation is announcing tens of thousands of
dollars for help in solving cold cases involving Native Americans.

The move is part of a broader effort to address high rates of violence
affecting such communities.

But victims' families and experts have mixed reactions.

Some hope that the money will being fresh attention to such cases...

but others aren't sure that a reward will be enough to encourage witnesses to
come forward.

The minimum 25,000 USD will apply to more than 50 cases.

Experts say, some may be reluctant to turn over a friend or relative to a
system that has failed to serve them in the past.

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:13

by 3

The Taiwan Railways Corporation says, a landslide has taken place on the
southern link line, obstructing traffic in both directions...

but it's expected to be cleared before 3pm today.

TRC says that the landslide took place between Fangshan枋山 and Fangye枋野
stations.

This comes as Pingtung's Fangshan township has gotten over 200 milimeters of
rain today as of 12:45.

Meanwhile, TRC says some trains running between Fangliao, Qidu, Fangye, Dawu,
and Taitung stations will be rerouted.

Passengers are advised to check their reservations or the TRC website before
heading to the station.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:19

Now turning to international news...

Nikkei Asia is reporting that Japan's ruling party will propose hundreds of
millions of dollars in funding to help buy undersea cable ships.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will include the nearly
630 million US dollars in next year's budget.

It is reportedly considering covering about half of the cost of procuring
such ships...

which have a price tag of more than 8 billion NT

It will be the first time that Japan directly supports the purchase of such
ships.

This comes as security concerns have grown, with cable disruptions near
Taiwan and in Europe raising suspicion of Chinese and Russian involvement.

During Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, undersea cables
around the country were severed.

A shortage of cable-laying vessels would make it more difficult to respond to
such challenges.

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:18

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An says, the city government will do its utmost in
restoring Wenshan District's Zhinan temple...

following a fire last night that devastated the main building of the complex.

Chiang noted that that none were harmed in the fire, and said that the cause
of the fire was under investigation.

Firefighters say that the entire first floor of the building was destroyed in
addition to part of the second floor.

They add that the fire was exacerbated by the wood construction and paper
money and incense in the temple.

Plus, Zhinan gong's relatively difficult-to-reach location also made it
harder for firefighters to fight the fire, with efforts continuing past
midnight this morning.

Mayor Chiang says, the city has established a one-stop service window for
reconstruction efforts, and added that he hopes the temple can be restored as
quickly as possible.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-25 13:06:20

Authorities in Indonesia's South Sumatra are praying for rain as forest fires
continue across parts of the country.

About 3000 residents gathered to perform a mass islamic prayer seeking rain
as smoke has reduced visibility and disrupted daily life.

South Sumatra has recorded the highest number of wildfire hot spots in
Indonesia.

Local officials say the prayer completed ongoing firefighting efforts,
including water-bombing and cloud-seeding operations.

The fires, driven by prolonged dry weather and an intensifying El Nino
pattern, have scorched vast areas and spread haze to neighboring countries as
well.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:13

In news from and abour Taiwan this morning ...

Officials from the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office have searched the
legislative office of K-M-T lawmaker Chen Hsueh-sheng.

Chen's Matsu office was also searched.

Prosecutors says the raids were carried out as part of an investigsation into
allegations that Chen lobbied on behalf of a shipping company owned by the
family of the chairman of the Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing
Corporation.

According to the prosecutors' office, that company secured more than
800-million N-T worth of contracts from C-P-C between 2004 and 2020.

Prosecutors also say Chen is being investigated for allegedly using relatives
and associates to fraudulently claim government-funded aide expenses.

Some 20 people, including Chen's brother have been questioned in connection
with the investigation.

Prosecutors says Chen is facing possible charges of violating the
Anti-Corruption Act and other offenses.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

The Central Weather Administration says there is a low probability of Typhoon
Saudel making landfall in Taiwan, but uncertainty remains over its track in
the later stages, including how close it will come to Taiwan.

Typhoon Saudel is currently located some 1,000-kilometers east of Taipei and
is moving in a west-northwesterly direction at 21-kilomters-an-hour.

The storm has a radius of 220-kilometers and is packing sustained wind speeds
of 172-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 208-kilometers-an-hour.

The weather administration's forecast center says Typhoon Saudel is expected
to gradually weaken after its reaches Japan's Ryukyu Islands.

If the storm continues on it current projected path, Saudel is forecast to
move over waters north of Taiwan on Thursday and Friday - when it will have
its most significant impact on the island ...

... as it's storm circulation will affect northern parts of Taiwan proper and
the outlying island of Matsu.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

The Taiwan-based Chinese National Federation of Industries says labor
shortages are a major issue facing the country's industrial development.

The warning is included in the federation's 2026 white paper.

According to federation vice chairman Zhan Cheng-tien, a declining birth rate
and aging population are worsening the labor shortage and the lack of workers
is a pressing challenge in terms of enhancing industrial innovation and
economic resilience.

The white paper suggests the government review its policy on migrant workers
by shifting from a focus on the 3-K industries -- those considered to
dangerous, dirty and intense -- to one guided by actual labor shortages.

The federation is urging the government to extend the length of time
industrial migrant workers can stay in Taiwan from 12 to 14 years, and
calling on it to seek alternative sources of migrant workers beyond Vietnam,
Thailand and Indonesia.

The federation says a recent survey shows that 76.6-per cent of its members
say the labor shortage is their top concern.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

Reports are saying the Air Force's AT-3 trainer aircraft has completed its
final flight-training missions and been fully replaced by the Brave Eagle
advanced jet trainer.

The AT-3 had been one of the Air Force's trainer aircraft since it entered
service in 1984.

It was jointly developed by the Aero Industry Development Center, the
predecessor of Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and U-S company
Northrop.

The Taichung-based Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation later
developed the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer to gradually replace the aging
fleet of AT-3s under the government's indigenous defense program.

Reports say the AT-3s final flight-training missions were completed in late
July.

An official decommissioning ceremony has yet to be held and the Air Force has
released not details concerning when the could be.

The Air Force held a handover ceremony at its Gangshan base in Kaohsiung in
August last year for the Thunder Tigers aerobatic team, which previously flew
the AT-3s.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

The Ministry of the Interior says Taiwan's average life expectancy stood at
81.27 in 2025, up from 80.77 a year earlier.

Taipei recorded the longest average life expectancy rate of 83.98 last year.

According to the ministry, the national average life expectancy had not
returned to the pre-COVID 19 peak of 81.32 in 2020 despite the year-on-year
rise.

However, the ministry says Taiwan's average was higher than the global
average of 73.5 in 2025.

Average life expectancy for both women and men in Taiwan was higher than the
global average of 76.2 years and 70.9 years.

Data shows that number of deaths moved lower for the third consecutive year
in 2025 as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic eased, down by 1,674 from a
year earlier to stand at 199,639.

The number of deaths at ages of 65 or older in 2025 accounted for 76.1
percent of the national total.

Posted on 2026-08-25 08:13:14

And finally,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says donations raised through a dedicated
bank account set up by the government to help people affected by the
magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture late last
month has surpassed 300-million N-T.

The designated Mega International Commercial Bank account was set up on
August 1 and will continue to accept public donations until August 31.

According to the foreign ministry, the government and its Japanese
counterparts are still discussing how the funds will be used to assist
post-disaster relief efforts in Kumamoto after the one-month donation period
ends.

The ministry says more details will be announced later.

Along with the fund raising campaign, the government has already donated
5-million N-T to support Japan's reconstruction efforts following the
earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Posted on 2026-08-24 17:08:13

Central Union

A poll has shown that a slight majority of the public is dissatisfied with
the speed that the government recalled and removed oil contaminated in the
Central Union scandal...

while over 2/3rds of respondents said that they were worried about eating
contaminated oil.

The poll, from the Grassroots Influence Foundation also found that a majority
of respondents said they did not agree with an initial decision to only
recall items with over 20% of the contaminated oil.

Of all statistics presented by the foundation, the highest consensus, at over
80%, was appproval of penalties leveled at Central Union over the
contamination...

but only 1/3rd of people were satisfied with the government's handling of the
issue.

And, nearly half of respondents believe the cabinet should be reshuffled over
the mishandling.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 17:08:13

Now turning to international news...

Amnesty for political offenses committed in Thailand over the past 20 years
has gone into effect...

but it excludes some more serious cases, like those involving defamation of
the monarchy.

That decision has drawn much criticism, with opponents saying an amnesty law
that does not include amnesty for criticizing the moarchy will fail to
resolve the country's political divisions.

A committee chair chaired by the prime mnister will determine who qualifies
for amnesty.

It will grant release for current prisoners and clear their records...

in addition to closing investigations and dismissing pending court cases.

Posted on 2026-08-24 17:08:13

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is proposing to ban kids under
16 from social media.

However, the proposal does not have enough support from his coalition
government to pass.

Acknowledging the shortfall, Luxon said that his governmetn would enact the
restrictions if he's reelected.

If he is successful in making the changes, New Zealand would be the latest
country to enact such restructions for social media platforms.

Luxon said that last year's research shows that one third of Kiwi teenagers
spend at least 5 hours daily on social media.

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

The Central Weather Administration says, a sea warning could be issued for
Typhoon Saudel as early as Wednesday.

The storm is expected to pass closest to Taiwan Thursday and Friday, but it's
too early to say if the storm will make landfall in Taiwan.

Forecasters say, the north can expect gradually heavier rain starting
Thursday. Until then those in the north should still some sunshine Tuesday
and Wednesday.

Meanwhile, heavy rain continues particularly across the south and east due to
a low pressure system and strong southwesterly winds.

The Water Resources Agency says, most areas have seen water levels retreat,
and water pumps are currently being utilized in Tainan, Kaohsuing, and
Pingtung.

As of 3:30, parts of Hualien have been hardest-hit by the rain, with the
county's Fuli township getting over 360 milimeters of rain total.

And...

Taiwan Railways says, it will continue suspending reserved-seat service on
its eastern main line after 6pm today due to ongoing heavy rain...

while local trains will operate depending on weather conditions.

And on the northern semi-circle, all reserved-seat trains except for 176 from
Chaozhou to Ruifang will only go as far as Qidu station.

As for tomorrow, TRC says, it'll release information at 10pm this evening.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

The DPP legislative caucus is calling for fewer thresholds for the special
budget plan to procure domestically produced drones.

DPP lawmakers warn that too many restrictions could hinder the development of
Taiwan's defense capabilities and the unmanned vehicle industry.

There are currently 14 different versions of the proposed Unmanned Vehicle
Act, brought forward by the Cabinet, and the opposition KMT and the TPP.

The Cabinet in June proposed a special budget bill for defense drones
totaling $210 billion NT over six years.

Recent cross-party negotiations to integrate those proposals have failed to
reach a consensus, and they are now pending a plenary session's vote on the
28th.

DPP caucus secretary-general Zhuang Rui-xiong (莊瑞雄) said today that drone
technology is advancing rapidly worldwide, and Taiwan needs to catch up with
bigger investment as quickly as possible.

He added that he's optimistic the long-stalled draft bill will pass on Friday.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

Deputy Legislative Speaker Jiang Qi Chen is heading to Japan to participate
in the Asian Pacific Parliamentarians' Union.

Representing Speaker Han Kuo-yu, Jiang is leading a tripartisan group of
lawmakers to the Japanese capital, including the KMT's Hong Meng Kai and Wang
Yu Min...

the DPP's Chen Guan Ting and Luo Meiling, and the TPP's Xu Zhong Xin, among
others.

A statement from the Legislature said that the delegation would make full use
of the opportunity to conduct international outreach and maintain good
relations.

Among the topics expected to be discussed with Japanese lawmakers in
particular are trade, culture, and bilateral relations.

The Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union was established in 1965 and is a
long-established transnational parliamentary organization in Asia.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

Now turning to international news...

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is in Ukraine today to meet his Ukrainian
counterpart.

The visit coincides with the Ukrainian Independence Day, and is Burnham's
first overseas trip since taking office.

Other European leaders are also in Kyiv.

Burnham's office says the British government agreed to allow a domesic
defense company to release classified information about British components to
Ukraine...

in a move that could advance plans for local production in Ukraine.

Burnham is also expected to take part in Independence Day commemorations and
discuss continued international support for Ukraine during the coalition of
the willing meeting.

Ukraine marks 35 years of independence today following the collapse of the
Soviet Union in 1991.

Posted on 2026-08-24 16:11:13

Japanese lawmakers are in Beijing to meet with Chinese officials for the
first visit since tensions rose following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's
comments over Taiwan.

The group from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party aims to mend strained
ties.

Tensions between Japan and China have affected the economy and bilateral
communications.

One lawmaker from the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance noted that during
previous lows between the two countries, there was still communication...

but that now, all channels between officials and ministries have been cut
off.

Since stating that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could justify Japanaese
military force, Takaichi has not retracted her comments.

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Continual rain in Kaohsiung has created hazardous road conditions and
flooding.

Authorities are warning of poor road conditions, particularly in the city's
Qianzhen and Renwu districts, where flooding has created potholes as wide as
3 meters across.

Other areas of Kaohsiung, particularly in the mountains, are experiencing
flooding and are at risk of landslides.

The city government has already evacuated more than 2500 people.

This comes as Kaohsiung has gotten as much as 693 milimeters of rain from
yesterday through 1:30 today.

Meanwhile, disaster relief workers have dispatched man and mechanic power to
relieve areas in the south of flooding.

Over 1000 people were called up with equipment including generators and water
pumps to offer assistance to areas across the south affected by flooding.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

A wall that's part of old Tai-nan's East Gate, built under the Qing dynasty,
has collapsed due to days of heavy rain in the city.

Established some 300 years ago, the wall had been undergoing renovations
since November of last year, with scaffolding still up last week.

A preliminary investigation suggests that the issue was caused by an excess
of rain water seeping into the foundational structure.

The wall apparently collapsed between 5 and 6 am today, with nearby residents
reporting the issue and police controlling traffic in the area.

Locals say the wall also previously collapsed about 70 years ago before
undergoing repairs in the 1970s.

Officials say the collapse may have been due to incomplete repairs
exacerbated by the excessive rain...

with parts of Tainan getting over 630 milimeters of rain since early
yesterday.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Asian shares are mostly lower, with Tokyo's Nikkei falling .5% and South
Korea's Kospi losing 3.5%.

Taiwan shares are also down today with the benchmark tai ex losing 462 points
to close the session at 44,762.

The turnover was 629.4 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Military officials from Uganda and Burundi have visited Israel to discuss
deploying troops to Gaza.

Official say that they would be part of what the so-called Board of Peace
describes as an international stabilization force for Gaza.

Uganda's parliament approved the troop contribution this month, while Burundi
hasn't commented publicly.

They would follow Morocco, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, and Albania in committing
forces.

Indonesia earlier said it was preparing to send 8,000 troops, by far the
largest commitment, but put that on hold after the U.S. and Israel attacked
Iran.

The 20,000-member force would be led by a U.S. major in theory, but the
amoutn of troops committed remain far short of that goal.

Progress on the force and the ceasefire has slowed because of disagreements
over Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas’ disarmament.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-24 14:17:13

Iceland will vote this weekend on whether or not to join the European Union.

The issue has ignited discussions over sovereignty, with supporters believing
it offers protection and economic benefits...

while opponents say that the country already enjoys European integration
without losing control over resources.

The referendum will ask voters about resuming accession negotiations.

A yes vote would mean a length negotiation process, particularly for fishing
rights...

as Iceland hopes to maintain control over rich fishing groups.

It's expected to be a close results.

Posted on 2026-08-24 13:06:13

Landslide alerts have been issued for nearly 350 areas across the south and
east today due to ongoing heavy rain and flooding.

As of 12:30, Hualien County's Fuli township had gotten the most rain of all
of Taiwan today, with nearly 360 milimeters since midnight.

The Ministry of Agriculture is warning of landslides across Chiayi County,
Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, and Hualien, concentrated in 32
townships.

The areas with the highest level of risk are in Kaohsiung Maolin district's
Wanshan and Maolin villages, as well as in the Liugui Xinglong and Xinfa
neighborhoods...

as well as in Pingtung's Laiyi village and Taitung's Yanping Hongye village.

Residents of areas under red alerts are advised to evacuate immediately.

Meanwhile, evacuations have already begun in parts of Pingtung, where several
roads have flooded.

Authorities in the mountainous regions of the county already evacuated 700
residents due to risk of landslides and flooding.

Officials also warn of flooding across several roads in the county, including
Wandan township's Xingnong road, Section 2 Zhongzheng road in Donggang
Township, Provincial Highway 17 at Donggang and Mingde Road...

and across other areas as well.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 13:06:13

Officials are maintaining a red alert for Hualien's Wan-li river barrier
lake, warning that it could overflow despite the water level actually going
down since early this morning.

Hualien authorities note that the amount of water in the lake has decreased
by about one million tonnes, but emphasize that the risk of danger remains
present.

The Hualien branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says, the
water level began decreasing this morning around 1am and continued for about
4 hours...

with the water level dropping by about 2.4 meters in total.

Officials say that the risk of flood is for now mostly confined to the river
channel...

so the area is currently off-limits to the public, as residents are urged the
remain vigilant.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-24 13:06:16

In Guinea, a mountainous heap of refuse has collapsed in the largest landfill
in the capital, killing 30 people.

Heavy rain started around 2 a.m. on Sunday and washed over the refuse,
triggering a landslide that buried nearby shacks.

An official said the site was designated for closure on Sunday.

Locals living around the landfill had been given eviction notices.

Many had left, but many others were still around when the landslide happened.

Guinea is mineral-rich, but according to the World Bank, 43.7% of the
population of the west African country lives below the national poverty line.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:14

Local governments in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung and Hualien
says offices and schools will be closed today as torrential or heavy rain is
effecting the areas.

The local governments announced the closures after the Central Weather
Administration forecast that rainfall would reach the thresholds for work and
school suspensions.

Authorities in all of the areas are also warning of further flooding and
landslides.

The local government's have also evacuated residents from high-risk areas..

The heavy rain has already caused widespread flooding and other damage across
the region.

In Kaohsiung, a vehicle was nearly submerged in floodwater in Niaosong
District, with all three people inside rescued safely. A fallen tree also
struck a Kaohsiung Light Rail train, temporarily disrupting service.

Floodwaters reached waist high around the Heart of Love River park in Sanmin
District, while several other Kaohsiung districts reported flooded roads and
traffic restrictions.

The weather administration says the heavy rain is due to a low-pressure
system and strong southwesterly winds and the heavy rain is likely to
continue until Wednesday.

However, the weather conditions will depend the path of Typhoon Saudel later
in this week.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:14

President Lai Ching-te says he believes that successful defense of Kinmen in
1958 is a prime example of "peace through strength.

Lai made the comments as he took part in the annual memorial of the
anniversary of a Chinese artillery bombardment of Kinmen which marked the
beginning of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis.

Lai said the heroes in Kinmen - regardless of the their backgrounds - united
as one to repel the aggression of communist totalitarianism and urged
cross-party unity to supporting his 2027 defense budget.

The president said victory in the 1958 battle stands as the ultimate proof
that "peace is secured through strength" and the only guarantee of peace lies
in safeguarding every single inch of the nation's territory while
continuously strengthening and investing in national defense.

Kinmen was peppered with 475,000 artillery shells over a 44 day period.

During the ceremony, Lai burned incense, laid a wreath, and bowed his head to
pay his respects amid pouring rain to the soldiers who successfully repelled
the attempted Chinese invasion of Kinmen.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:14

Meanwhile,

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun used her speech marking the anniversary of the
Chinese artillery bombardment of Kinmen in August of 1958 by calling in the
government to recognize the 1992 consensus in order to ease cross-strait
tensions.

Cheng paid a visit to the 823 Artillery Bombardment Museum, where she said
the soldiers killed during the battle defended the Republic of China, its
Constitution, democracy and freedom.

Cheng claims the K-M-T is seeking to transform Kinmen from a military
stronghold into a hub for peace - and believes if the government recognize
the 1992 consensus, then cross-strait dialogue and exchanges could resume.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

Indonesian migrant fishers have launched the Freedom for Fishers Campaign.

The Freedom for Fishers Campaign was initiated by the Pingtung County Migrant
Fishers Union.

The campaign was announced at the Donggang Fishing Harbor in Pingtung County
and demands that Indonesian migrant fishers recieve fair wages and employment
contracts and have guaranteed access to Wi-Fi on all vessels.

The union is also calling for the right to organize and join a union free
from intimidation and retaliation, a transparent and fair grievance
mechanism, and healthy and safe working conditions.

The group says although the government has repeatedly insisted that many of
the issues have been addressed and improved, abuses continue and it still get
reports of incidents on Taiwan's distant-water fishing vessels.

The union says it hopes the campaign will help it to reach a binding and
implementable agreement with companies in the international seafood supply
chain to better protect the rights of migrant fishers.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

Government data shows that smaller households are becoming the norm thanks to
changing marriage and childbearing patterns and as the population ages.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, households of
two people or fewer accounting for more than half of all households for the
first time in 2025.

The government agency's latest household income and expenditure survey shows
that one- and two-person households accounted for 51.6-per cent of all
households last year.

Two-person households were the most common type, accounting for 34.27-per
cent, while one-person households made up 17.33-per cent.
Both figures were record highs.

The share of one-person households surpassed that of four-person households
for the first time and data shows that four-person households accounted for
16.63-per cent of all households, compared with 23.21-per cent for
three-person households.

Four-person households were the dominant household type in the 1990s,
accounting for between 25 and 27-per cent of all households.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

And,

Taiwan-born NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren is set to throw out the ceremonial
first pitch at the Washington Nationals second Taiwan Heritage Day at
Nationals Park on August 29.

The Nationals will be playing the Miami Marlins.

The Millennial Global Youth Foundation, which organizes of the annual Taiwan
Heritage Day says Lindgren was chosen for the honor because of his status as
an accomplished astronaut who connects Taiwan and the U-S through his
multicultural heritage.

Lindgren, whose Chinese name is Lin Chi-erh, was born in Taipei in 1973 while
his father was serving in the U-S Air Force in Taiwan and lived in Taichung
for more than two years.

His mother is Taiwanese.

It will be the third time this year that Lindgren will have thrown out the
first pitch for a Taiwan-related professional baseball event.

He threw the the first pitch before a game here in Taiwan between the Rakuten
Monkeys and the Wei Chuan Dragons in April.

He then joined Chinese Professional Baseball League commissioner Tsai
Chi-chang to throw out the first pitch for the New York Mets' annual Taiwan
Heritage Day in July.

Posted on 2026-08-24 06:58:19

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has held an urgent meeting with
security officials after coordinated violence erupted in three southern
provinces.

The meeting took place before Anutin traveled to inspect flood-hit areas in
the north.

The violence, which occurred at the weekend... involved small bombs, arson,
and property damage at Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, where a Muslim
insurgency is active.

No group has claimed responsibility, but the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu
Patani is suspected.

The group seeks self-rule for these provinces.

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