ICRT

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.

Posted on 2026-08-22 15:07:13

Canadian and American officials are blaming each other for leaving the
negotiating table just ahead of a deadline for resolving a tariff dispute.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said "last-minute changes in the US
proposed terms were unfair," while US trade representative Garrison Greer
said Canada passed up an offer that would have given it the best deal on
tariffs among all of the US's trading partners.

As of midnight, the US started imposing 50% tariffs on $20 billion of
Canadian products that account for about 5% of what Canada ships to the
United States every year.

Carney said, "Canada will match those tariffs dollar for dollar to protect
our workers and businesses."

He added that his government would announce additional support for Canadian
workers and businesses in the coming days.

According to AP, a senior Trump administration official told reporters that
Canada sought concessions on Trump tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars and
lumber that the United States was unwilling to provide.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 14:07:13

Authorities in Africa say the Ebola outbreak in Congo hasn't peaked yet and
could be three times the current known size.

According to Prof. Yap Boum, head of emergency preparedness and response at
the Africa CDC, less than 10% of cases are currently coming from known
contacts.

This is far below the 90-95% rate when the outbreak can be said to be under
control.

At this stage, the outbreak has recorded 10 times more cases than history's
largest, which was the 2014-2016 outbreak across West Africa.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

The Central Weather Administration says a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck off
the coast of northeastern Taiwan at 11:40am today.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The epicenter was located about 42 kilometers southeast of Yilan County Hall,
at a depth of 28km.

The quake's intensity was felt as a 3 on Taiwan's 7-tier intensity scale in
Yilan County and Hualien County.

It was felt as a 2 in places ranging from Taipei to Nantou.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has signed a temporary order to
allow work on the White House ballroom to continue as the court considers an
emergency appeal from the administration.

The temporary order came hours before lower-court rulings would have forced a
halt to aboveground construction of the project because Trump didn't obtain
congressional approval.

The Trump administration says 65% of the work on the ballroom has already
been completed ... and the work is on course to come in ahead of schedule and
under budget.

Roberts' order will remain in place until the Supreme Court issues a more
durable decision. The one-page document doesn't detail Roberts' reasoning or
indicate when another ruling will be handed down.

Trump thanked the court and Roberts and called the court's action a "good
thing."

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

Tesla and other carmakers in China are recalling more than 4 million vehicles
over safety concerns.

Tesla's recall is the biggest of all carmakers involved.

It is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles, including Models 3, Y, X and S,
over door handle safety risks.

This follows China's announcement in February that it will ban hidden door
handles seen commonly on Tesla and other Chinese electric vehicles.

The ban starts next year.

China has stepped up scrutiny on door handles of EVs following accidents in
which hidden electronic door handles failed to open and trapped passengers.

Other Chinese carmakers involved in the recall include Xiaomi, Geely,
Leapmotor and XPENG.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-22 13:08:13

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said a breakdown in negotiations between
the US and Canada was due to the American side introducing last-minute terms
that were "unfair, uneconomic, and called into question the reliability of
any deal."

Carney said Canada was ready to match US tariffs "dollar for dollar" after an
extended deadline for the two sides to avert an impasse over Trump's
threatened 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods elapsed at noon Taiwan time.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Canada walked away "despite the
US offer to Canada to receive the best treatment of any major exporter to our
market."

I'll have more on this developing story later this afternoon.

Posted on 2026-08-22 12:09:13

The United States is ready to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of
Canadian products after last-ditch negotiations failed to resolve the latest
strain in already tense relations between the North American neighbors.

President Trump's import taxes will hit about 5% of what Canada ships to the
United States every year, including products ranging from hockey sticks to
tongue depressors.

Canada has threatened to retaliate against any new tariffs with levies of its
own, aggravating a trade fight between countries that sold each other $880
billion worth of goods and services last year.

The tariffs were initially supposed to kick in at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. But
Trump extended the deadline for three days to allow talks to continue.

The two countries couldn't reach an agreement in time, despite Trump having
hailed a deal that was all-but-finalized.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-08-21 19:40:13

A lineup of Japanese musical acts will perform in Taipei this autumn,
including pop idol group SKE48 ...

... which will perform at CLAPPER STUDIO on September 25th.

While composer Akira Yamaoka, who's known for his work on the "Silent Hill"
video game series, will perform at SUB LIVE on October 23rd.

Tickets for these two concerts are already on-sale.

And that's not all ...

Veteran anime singer Yoko Takahashi, famous for singing the theme song "A
Cruel Angel's Thesis" from the classic hit anime series "Neon Genesis
Evangelion", will perform at Legacy TERA on October 24th.

Tickets for that show go on sale tomorrow at 11 AM.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 19:40:13

In the U-S ...

Jurors heard Duane “Keffe D” Davis tell detectives in 2008 that his nephew
Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson fired the shots that killed Tupac Shakur.

Davis' interview was played Thursday at a trial over the 1996 killing.

Davis, who said in the interview that he was in the car with Anderson, is
accused of orchestrating the drive-by shooting of the 25-year-old hip-hop
superstar.

The interview is essential evidence in the case against Davis.

Prosecutors told jurors that they would lean heavily on Davis’ own admissions
in interviews with police and on podcasts, as well as in the 2019 memoir he
co-wrote, “Compton Street Legend.”

They allege Shakur was killed to avenge Shakur’s entourage attacking
Anderson a few hours earlier after a Mike Tyson fight.

Davis was at the fight but not the brawl.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Shakur remains a cultural icon, and one of the most influential and versatile
rappers of all time.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-21 19:40:13

U.S. President Donald Trump appeared on his former fixer-turned-foe Michael
Cohen's radio show.

The interview lacked fireworks, but it marked a stunning public reunion
between Trump and a man who once called the president a “Cheeto-dusted
cartoon villain” and testified against him both in court and before Congress.

Cohen went to prison for what he told a judge were his efforts to cover up
Trump's “dirty deeds.”

He and Trump have since reconciled, with Cohen saying that he has forgiven
Trump and wants to move forward.

For Cohen, that may include getting pardoned.

In an interview with CNN shortly before the radio interview aired, Cohen said
he had resubmitted a pardon application to the White House that had been
denied by the previous administration.

He had yet to receive any response and planned to follow up today.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-21 18:55:13

The Mainland Affairs Council is calling for the immediate release of the two
Hong Kong pro-democracy activists convicted under the city's national
security law.

Former Hong Kong Alliance chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and former vice chairwoman
Chow Hang-tung were convicted today of inciting subversion of state power.

The now-defunct Alliance had organized annual commemorations of the 1989
Tiananmen crackdown and advocated democracy and freedom in China.

Taiwan's government expressed deep regret over the convictions, accusing
Beijing and Hong Kong authorities of using national security laws to suppress
dissent.

The council also urged the authorities to release others detained in the case
and respect freedom of speech, human rights and the rule of law.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 18:55:13

Taipei Songshan Airport has temporarily suspended ground operations due to
thunderstorms in the area, with some flights expected to be delayed.

The Civil Aviation Administration says ground operations were suspended just
after 5:00 PM today.

The airport's departure boards shows a number of outbound and arriving
flights marked as delayed.

Passengers and people meeting arriving travelers are advised to keep up to
date with the latest flight information.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 18:55:13

The National Immigration Agency says seven Chinese travelers were denied
entry and sent back after arriving at Taipei Songshan Airport with purposes
that did not match their approved applications.

The cases were recorded in the first half of this year, with family
visitation among the reasons given for coming to Taiwan.

Officials say some travelers knew little about the relatives they claimed to
be visiting, while others were suspected of planning to work illegally.

The agency says having a valid entry permit does not guarantee admission, and
travelers must still undergo immigration checks and stick to the purpose of
their approved stay.

Officials say suspicious cases will continue to face closer scrutiny, with
entry denied when violations are confirmed.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 18:55:13

The Taiwan High Court has overturned the corruption convictions of incumbent
KMT legislator Chen Chao-ming and former New Power Party legislator Hsu
Yung-ming ...

.... acquitting both in a case involving the ownership of Pacific SOGO
department stores.

However, the court upheld the convictions of former DPP legislator Su
Chen-ching (蘇震清) and former KMT legislator Liao Kuo-tung (廖國棟) ...

... who were sentenced to 10 years and eight years and six months in prison,
respectively.

Prosecutors alleged that businessman Lee Heng-lung paid lawmakers to use
their influence to help him regain control of SOGO, including by pushing for
changes to company law.

The case dates back to alleged payments made from 2012 onward, with lawmakers
later accused of pressuring the Ministry of Economic Affairs to amend
relevant regulations.

The ruling can still be appealed.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 17:13:13

A man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for pushing a Taiwan Railways
employee onto the tracks.

The incident took place in October at Taichung's Wuquan station after the
man, surnamed Chen, had a verbal dispute with the employee, surnamed Chang.

Prosecutors say that Chen used the full force of his body to push Chang off
the platform and only the train tracks before fleeing immediately after.

Fortunately, the approaching train was able to stop in time to avoid hitting
Chang, but he did sustain two fractures.

Prosecutors indicted Chen on attempted murder and the Taichung District Court
today sentenced him to 5 years in prison.

The sentence can be appealed.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 17:13:15

New Taipei mayoral candidate Li Si Chuan paid a visit to the KMT and TPP
caucuses today to garner support for his candidacy.

He says, the TPP caucus and party chairman Huang Kuo-chang exchanged views on
issued faced by New Taipei.

He added that he aimed to gather feedback on his policy proposals through the
first 5 months of his campaign and to identify outdated laws.

Li said that they also discussed how to deepen cooperation between the two
opposition parties.

Huang reiterated that Li has the full support of the TPP in New Taipei.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 17:13:15

A second round of extra flights and larger aircraft to Penghu and Kinmen ...

... for the Mid-Autumn Festival and Teachers' Day holiday ...

... will open for booking next Wednesday at 9 AM.

The Civil Aviation Administration says the additional capacity will provide
more than 7,300 seats, including about 4,900 for Penghu and 2,500 for Kinmen.

The four-day holiday runs from September 25th to 28th, with peak travel
expected before the holiday for flights to the islands and immediately
afterward for return trips.

The CAA says tickets during peak periods will carry stricter conditions and
tiered cancellation fees.

It urges travelers to book ahead because island flights can be affected by
weather.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 17:13:15

Now turning to international news...

Indonesia and China are discussing increasing defense cooperation...

with the two countries' ministers meeting in the Indonesia capital today.

The Indonesia side said that the two countries aimed to ensure that there was
progress toward their priorities for strengthening cooperation in political,
economic, security, maritime and people-to-people relations.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said that they agreed to coordinate on major
development and security priorities.

Wang said that the two countries aimed to "jointly oppose unilateral
bullying."

Posted on 2026-08-21 17:13:15

Residents in the Tunisian capital are protesting the president's rule...

as people face water and electricity shortages amid extreme heat.

The protest, organized by the Nafas movement, aims to unite political parties
and independent figures against President Kais Saied's rule.

Some of the protesters' grievances include utility cuts, medicine shortages,
and rising living costs.

The ongoing heatwave has pushed electricity demands to record levels, leading
to rationing.

Recent protests have seen increased participation demaning the release of
prisoners.

Protesters pleaded for improvements to basic utility services and an end to
medicine shortages and restrictions on freedoms.

Some called out the president, for failing to meet the people's demands since
he was elected 7 years ago.

Posted on 2026-08-21 16:06:14

Mainland Affairs Council Chair Chiu Chui Cheng says today that the council
"wronged" Taitung Magistrate Rao Qing Ling over her video appearance at
China's Straits Forum.

He emphasized that her remarks at the forum were just niceties and did not
touch on political topics.

Rao expressed her thanks and said that she was satisfied with the outcome.

The exchange comes after the MAC said it would fine Rao over her recorded
remarks at the event, in which she was promoting Taitung's shijia.

Shortly before the forum took place, the MAC called the Straits Forum a
platform for the CCP's united front work...

and said that local and central government officials were prohibited from
participating in the event.

But Rao still appeared in the pre-recorded video.

Chiu today noted that Rao applied to participate and was denied, but added
that her video appearance did not count as participation and that she had
respected the central government regulations.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 16:06:14

Forecasters are warning of possible heavy rain through Tuesday...

especially in southwestern Taiwan, as a broad low-pressure system combines
with moisture-laden southwesterly winds.

They say, strong thunderstorms could bring lightning, strong winds and
intense downpours, with several days of rain increasing the risk of flooding
and other damage.

Forecasts also note that Tropical Storm Saudel could strengthen into a
typhoon as it moves toward Japan's Ryukyu Islands.

Weather conditions after Wednesday will depend largely on Saudel's track and
its interaction with surrounding weather systems.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 16:06:14

The Food and Drug Administration says there is no record of recalled frozen
berries from the United States being imported into Taiwan.

U-S authorities recalled the product named "Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries
and Whole Mixed Berries, 10 oz and 48 oz" ... by the brand GreenWise ... over
possible E. coli contamination - a type of bacteria that can cause stomach
pain.

Taiwan's F-D-A says it found no import inspection records for the affected
products as of July 30th and has classified the recall notice as its
lowest-risk "green" alert.

The agency is advising importers not to bring in the affected products and to
immediately suspend sales and notify authorities if any recalled items are
found.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 16:06:14

In internatiional news,

Japan says it has executed a man convicted of killing five people after
setting fire to a pachinko parlor in 2009.

Today's execution is the first by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government
as the country faces growing calls for more transparency and the abolition of
capital punishment.

The Japanese Justice Ministry says the 58-year-old man was hanged to death
earlier today.

The man set fire to a crowded pachinko parlor in Osaka by spreading gasoline
and throwing a lit match, engulfing the building.

In addition to the five people killed, 10 were injured.

Japan and the U.S. are the only two countries in the Group of Seven leading
industrialized nations that use capital punishment.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-21 15:28:13

The KMT says, it supports federal cash handouts of 20-30,000 NT.

That's after Premier Zhuo Rong Tai said 10,000 NT handouts were reasonable,
but that doubling that figure would seriously squeeze social welfare and
population growth subsidies.

The Lai administration previously announced that it would include those
handouts in next year's central government budget proposal...

but KMT legislative caucus whip Fu Kun Chi says, the opposition not only
supports the measure, but also hopes that the amount will be doubled or
tripled.

He says, that's due to the unprecedented economic growth that Taiwan has
enjoyed this year.

Fu added that the caucus will continue discussions on the issue.

The Cabinet yesterday passed the 2027 Central Goverment Budget proposal, with
235.7 billion NT carved out in the Ministry of Finance's budget for 10,000 NT
handouts.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 15:28:14

With less than 100 days to go before November's local elections, Taipei
mayoral candidate Puma Shen says, he hopes candidates can focus on this
year's elections, rather than any presidential ambitions.

Shen made the comments this morning as he headed to Neihu to campaign, when
reporters mentioned that excitement and speculation over the 2028 elections
seems to be building.

He said that he hoped other candidates would shift their focus to municipal
issues instead of thinking ahead to 2028.

Meanwhile, the DPP candidate also voiced his support for his opponent Chiang
Wan An pursuing legal action over the Charisse kindergarten's use of his
thank-you note.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 15:28:14

Several ferry operators between Pingtung and Xiaoliuqiu Island are ending
services early today because of heavy rain and rough seas.

Waves have reached up to 1.5 meters as a low-pressure system and strong
southwesterly winds affect the area.

LEUCO SAPPHIRE Shipping, Taifu Ferry and Dafu Liuqiu Shipping have all
adjusted their afternoon schedules, while Dong-Liu Ferry is operating
normally.

LEUCO SAPPHIRE and Taifu say services will return to normal tomorrow, while
Taifu's Sunday schedule will depend on sea conditions.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 15:28:14

Turning to international news,

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken from prison to a
private hospital in Islamabad for medical treatment.

His party says this follows a Supreme Court order earlier this week.

It's unclear if he will return to prison or stay in the hospital for
treatment.

His party and family want him to remain at the hospital.

Concerns about Khan’s health have been ongoing, with reports of vision
issues.

Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-21 15:28:14

Status

The U.S. has deported 161 people to Haiti, the first deportations to the
country since the Trump administration won a legal battle to end Temporary
Protected Status for some 350,000 Haitians.

The plane landed in a northern Haitian city because the main international
airport in Port-au-Prince is considered too dangerous because of ongoing gang
violence.

Many deportees covered their faces out of safety as journalists filmed their
arrival.

Nearly all declined to talk, with some fearing being targeted by gangs that
control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince and swaths of land beyond.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-21 14:08:13

Premier Zhuo Rong Tai and the Taipei mayor are again trading fire over cash
handouts, after the premier said yesterday that upping the amount to 20,000
NT would squeeze the budget for social welfare and population growth
subsidies.

That's after the Lai administration has said that 10,000 NT handouts will be
included in the 2027 general government budget.

Zhuo called the 10,000 NT amount reasonable, but said that doubling it would
negatively affect other expenditures.

However, the premier added that local governments can consider issuing extra
funds to their residents if they feel so inclined...

especially considering that next year's Cabinet-proposed version of the
central government budget includes over 1.3 trillion NT in subsidies for
local governments.

But Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An is emphasizing today that the city government
is not in a place financially speaking to be distributing cash handouts.

Chiang says that the city's debts exceed its revenue, and that it's therefore
not able to finance such a move.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 14:08:14

The Ministry of Education has announced a list of 10 kindergartens
shortlisted for this year's Teaching Excellence Awards.

Officials say, 29 kindergartens were considered for the award after being
recommended by local governments.

The schools are being recognized for their integration in local communities
and tribal ones in particular...

and for fostering special talents in their children.

One shortlisted school, in Yilan's Datong explores Atayal culture through
teaching the migration history of the Pyanan tribe to introduce students to
lands where their ancestors traversed.

Another school in Hsinchu City's East District helps kids cultivate empathy
for animals with interviews at the local zoo, emphasizing the relationship
between humans and the environment.

The MOE says, the award winner will be announced in November, with a top
prize of 600,000 NT.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 14:08:14

The Ministry of National Defense says it detected seven Chinese military
vessels and six government vessels operating around Taiwan between 6 AM
yesterday and 6 AM today.

No Chinese military aircraft were detected during the same 24-hour period.

The ministry says Taiwan's armed forces monitored the activity using
aircraft, naval vessels and land-based missile systems.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-08-21 14:08:14

Asian shares are mixed following a retreat on Wall Street, as the U.S.
Treasury Department's plan to expand government debt buybacks appeared to
have only limited capacity to calm markets.

Taiwan shares are up today with the benchmark tai ex gaining 290 points to
close the session at 45224

The turnover was 719.2 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-08-21 14:08:14

Keep Fighting

Turning to international news,

In Canada, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew (WOHB kih-NEW) has launched a
blistering attack on U.S. President Donald Trump in urging Canada to keep
fighting rather than rush to make concessions in trade talks with Washington.

On Thursday, he called Trump a “bad person” and “not to be trusted.”

Kinew says Canada has leverage in the talks even as his province weighs
restoring U.S. alcohol sales at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s urging,
to help secure a deal to avert threatened 50% tariffs.

Despite his criticism, Kinew said Manitoba may go along with Carney’s request
as part of a “Team Canada” approach.

Eight of 10 provinces restrict or ban U.S. alcohol in retaliation for
Trump’s previous tariffs.

Provinces do not have a veto over the overall trade agreement, but they
control measures such as liquor sales that have become part of the
negotiations.

Kinew urged consumers to keep buying Canadian even if U.S. liquor returns.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-21 13:07:13

The Taiwan High court has overturned two rulings related to two lawmakers'
corruption charges, finding both current lawmaker Chen Chao Ming陳超明 and
former lawmaker Xu Yong Ming徐永明 innocent.

However, in the same ruling, the court also rejected the appeals of two other
former lawmakers, sentencing them to 10 and 8 and a half years.

The case stems from accusations against a former chairman of Pacific Tong Liu
Investment, who allegedly used a middleman to bribe the four legislators in
an attempt to retain control of SOGO.

The Taipei District Court previously sentenced the KMT's Chen, who was
acquitted today, to 7 years and 8 months in prison, independent Su Zhen
Qing蘇震清 to 10 years, and Liao Guo Dong廖國棟, of the KMT, to 8 and a half years,
all on bribery charges under the Anti-Corruption Act.

Meanwhile, Xu of the New Power Party, who was also acquitted today, was
originally sentenced to 7 years and 4 months on bribery charges under a
pre-arranged agreement.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 13:07:13

The Taipei MRT today suffered its second issue in two days...

with the doors of a train on the red line stopped at Zhongshan station
failing to close for about 5 minutes earlier this morning.

Officials say, the cause of the issue was a passenger's umbrella being stuck
in the doors, causing them to be unable to close.

The issue caused passengers to be forced to switch trains and wait for the
next one about 5 minutes later.

Regular service was restored shortly afterwards.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-08-21 13:07:13

In Hong Kong, two former organizers of the city's decades-old vigil in
remembrance of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have been convicted in a
national security case.

It was brought under a Beijing-imposed law that has effectively crushed the
city’s previously thriving pro-democracy movement.

The candelight vigil was the only large-scale public commemoration in China
that drew tens of thousands of people annually to mourn the Tiananmen Square
victims.

Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung are former leaders of the now-disbanded Hong
Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.

They both were charged in 2021 with inciting subversion...

and the two both pled not guilty.

They are expected to be sentenced at a later date and face a maximum prison
term of 10 years.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China
itself was also found guilty.

Observers say the trial symbolizes the erosion of freedom of expression in
the former British colony, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-08-21 08:13:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The Cabinet has approved the central government's 2027 general budget
proposal.

The proposed budget totals 3.9266-trillion N-T, an increase of 29.4-per cent
from this year's general budget.

The government is insisting that the proposed budget will be balanced between
revenue and expenditure, with 179-billion N-T in borrowing needed to finance
debt repayments.

The 2027 budget allocates 1.1225-trillion N-T for defense spending.

The Cabinet is expected to submit the budget to the Legislative Yuan for
review by the end of August.

Posted on 2026-08-21 08:13:13

The Central Election Commission has announced that 11,051 officials will be
elected in the upcoming nine-in-one local elections and around 19.65 million
people expected to be eligible to vote.

The statement comes as there's now 99 days to go before the November 28
ballots.

According to commission chairman Michael You, elections will involve 8,906
electoral districts and 18,244 polling stations, with nearly 250,000 election
workers to be mobilized, excluding personnel needed for any referendums.

Data shows that of the 19.65 million eligible voters, around 600,000 will be
casting their ballots for the first time.

You says the Central Election Commission will coordinate with local election
commissions to ensure the elections are conducted professionally and
smoothly.

The commission chairman says his office had originally planned to review
three referendum proposals passed by the Legislature last week, but it only
received the Legislative Yuan's official notice on Tuesday, leaving
insufficient time to prepare for the review.

That meeting has now been postponed until August 28.

Posted on 2026-08-21 08:13:13

Taiwan's shortage of readily available low-carbon electricity could deter
investment in artificial intelligence data centers despite the country's
technological strengths - that, according to a renewable energy executive.

According I-N-A Energy Corporation Chairman Norman Tsai, A-I data centers
require power that is available around the clock, scalable, affordable,
low-carbon and deliverable within their development timelines.

Tsai says large facilities can require between 50-megawatts and several
hundred megawatts of power, with some reaching gigawatt scale - and that
required power infrastructure must also be available quickly because data
centers can be completed within 12 to 24 months.

Tsai is warning that new transmission lines or substations currently often
take five to 10 years to complete.

The I-N-A Energy Corporation Chairman is also stressing that Taiwan lacks
green electricity and identifying an adequate low-carbon power source is a
major challenge facing an AI date center operator seeking to establish a
facility Taiwan.

Citing the International Energy Agency, Tsai's says global data center
electricity demand is projected to rise from 485 terawatt-hours in 2025 to
950 terawatt-hours in 2030.

Posted on 2026-08-21 08:13:13

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che has announced plans to in invest 2.47-billion N-T
over four years to provide every student in the city with a tablet computer
and to expand smart learning in schools.

According to Huang the program will run from this year through 2029 and
schools will receive funding to upgrade computer classrooms to ensure that
the machines are capable of running A-I applications

Teachers will also receive training in using A-I learning platforms to
monitor student progress, provide tailored instruction and reduce learning
gaps.

Huang says schools will be required to develop specialized technology courses
in areas such as robotics or drones.

While other planned classes will cover evaluating online information, digital
communication.

The mayor says the programs have been planned with the aim of strengthen
students' technology and communication skills.

The Tainan City Government has also said that it will fully subsidize lunches
for elementary and junior high students, improvements air conditioning at
schools and ensure that all schools have covered sports areas.

Posted on 2026-08-21 08:13:13

And,

Government subsidies for extended care at public preschools will increase
from two hours to three hours beginning September 1.

Public preschools usually finish classes at around 4PM - which some have long
argued creates difficulties for households where both parents work.

The plan will mean that care services are extended until 6PM.

The Ministry of Education says schools can receive up to 850,000 N-T for each
additional caregiver they hire, and the government will also increase
subsidies for hourly wages and overtime pay.

However, teachers’ unions are warning that preschools may struggle to recruit
staff for late afternoons and evenings and such work could instread fall on
existing educators and create additional overtime.

The unions say schools should not be forced to offer extended care if they
lack sufficient staff or cannot ensure children’s safety.

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