ICRT

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:13

President Lai Ching-te has asked government agencies to be on high alert ...

... after a pig carcass found on a beach in offshore Kinmen County earlier
this week tested positive for African Swine Fever.

Lai is urging relevant authorities to implement quarantine, surveillance, and
control measures ... to safeguard the nation's pig farming industry.

County officials immediately disinfected the site, incinerated the carcass
and suspended shipments of pork from Kinmen.

They also assure that pigs in nearby swineries are all confirmed to be in
good health.

The Coast Guard Administration has also stepped up patrols and anti-smuggling
operations.

In April, the World Health Organization officially approved Taiwan's
self-declaration as a African Swine Flu free area.

(JC)

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

The American Institute in Taiwan has welcomed TSMC's decision to invest an
additional 100 billion U-S dollars in the United States, calling it a sign of
confidence in U-S-Taiwan relations.

AIT Director Raymond Greene says the investment will allow the chipmaker to
work more closely with its largest American customers, respond more quickly
to growing demand for advanced semiconductors and help strengthen global
supply chains.

Greene also rejected concerns that the investment could weaken Taiwan's
position in the semiconductor industry, saying Taiwan will remain the anchor
of global chip manufacturing even as TSMC expands overseas.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

And,

Authorities in Tainan are investigating the death of a one-year-old boy who
died while in the care of an unlicensed babysitter.

The babysitter, surnamed Lee (李), reported that the child had stopped
breathing and no longer had a heartbeat.

The boy was pronounced dead before arriving at hospital.

Police say the cause of death has not yet been determined and have referred
the case to prosecutors for further investigation.

Tainan's Social Affairs Bureau says Lee was not licensed or registered as a
childcare provider and was illegally caring for children outside her
immediate family.

She faces a 60-thousand NT fine for violating child welfare regulations.

Officials say prosecutors will determine whether there is any criminal
liability in connection with the child's death.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

An independent committee investigating Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades
has heard closing arguments on how regulatory failures allowed a small fire
to become a major tragedy.

The November blaze spread through seven buildings at the Wang Fuk Court
apartment complex in Tai Po, killing 168 people and displacing thousands of
residents.

Lawyers for the inquiry say companies involved in renovation work at the
complex cut corners and misled regulators.

They also criticized the government's oversight system, arguing that it
relied too heavily on contractors to comply with safety requirements.

The inquiry is now moving toward its conclusion.

Posted on 2026-07-17 17:18:14

India has introduced its first domestically designed and built
hydrogen-powered train as part of efforts to expand the use of clean energy
on its rail network.

The train, named the "NaMo Green Rail" after Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
will begin operating in Haryana state.

Officials say it can carry up to 26-hundred passengers and travel at speeds
of up to 75 kilometers per hour.

The pilot project also includes hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure.

Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity while emitting only water vapor,
making the technology a cleaner alternative to diesel-powered trains.

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:13

The Control Yuan has issued a stern rebuke to the Hsinchu City Government and
the Ministry of Sports over major failures in the Hsinchu Baseball Stadium
project.

The government watchdog announced today that it has passed official
corrections against both government agencies following a thorough
investigation into the stadium's multi-million NT renovation.

It says the city committed major administrative failures by opening the
unfinished stadium for professional games in 2022, which resulted in player
injuries.

Investigators found that the field's soil was filled with debris and lacked
proper drainage.

They also revealed that the city hired an unqualified firm to oversee the
project, violating regulations.

Watchdog members say they will wait for the Hsinchu District Prosecutors
Office to complete its ongoing criminal investigation before deciding on
final administrative punishments for the public servants involved.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:13

A Taoyuan airport MRT train, bound for Taipei, experienced a technical
malfunction at A6 Taishan Guihe Station during the morning rush hour today,
causing service disruptions and frustrating commuters.

The incident occurred at around 7:54 a.m..

The operator said passengers were transferred to another train within 10
minutes, and train dispatching was adjusted to restore normal service.

The company apologized for the disruption and said the affected train will
undergo a detailed inspection after service to determine the cause of the
malfunction.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:14

Taiwan shares have crashed today, in line with steep losses across Asia ...

... as heavy selling in chipmakers and other AI-related stocks have dragged
markets lower.

The benchmark Tai-ex lost 2 thousand 953 points to close at 42 thousand 671.

Turnover for the trading session topped 1.21 trillion NT.

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:14

The British government plans to tighten oversight of the MI5 spy agency after
a report revealed it misled courts about a neo-Nazi informant.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced urgent action on Thursday to address
the issue after the Investigatory Powers Tribunal found MI5 gave false
accounts regarding Agent X, an informant accused of attacking his partner.

Earlier this year, MI5 apologized and paid compensation to the woman
involved.

MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum acknowledged the agency's serious failings
and vowed to prevent similar issues.

The report highlights systemic failures and the need for improved integrity
and accountability within MI5.

Posted on 2026-07-17 14:16:14

Japan’s parliament has enacted a historic revision to the 19th-century
Imperial House Law by insisting only paternal-lineage men can become emperor.

The revisions include adoption of distant male relatives to father future
heirs and allowing princesses to keep their royal status after marrying
commoners.

Japan’s male-only succession rule means the line must move to the emperor's
younger brother, then to his 19-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito.

The emporer's 24-year-old daughter Princess Aiko is ineligible, because she
is a woman.

Friday’s revisions have led to protests from Japanese who see the government
efforts as meant to eliminate Aiko from ruling and to justify discrimination
against women and a patriarchal system.

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Prosecutors have indicted a Taipei city councilor on corruption charges.

Li Fu Zhong Wu 李傅中武, of the KMT, is accused of taking fraudulent assistant
fees totaling 9,770,000 NT.

Prosecutors also indicted 6 others in the case.

Prosecutors are gunning for a lighter sentence for Li Fu, as he confessed to
the crimes and returned the stolen money to prosecutors.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Classes and work are off in parts of Hualien today, ahead of the expected
overflow of a barrier lake in Wanli.

The county government is cancelling work and classes for those in Wanrong
village, as well as in Fenglin township's Senrong森榮, Chang Qiao長橋, Shan
Xing山興, Feng Xin鳳信, and Darong大榮.

That's after officials issued a red alert flood warning yesterday for the
barrier lake, which is expected to overflow today.

As of yesterday morning, the lake was about 97% full and just one meter below
its overflow warning level.

About 210 people in Wanrong and Fenglin were evacuated earlier this week.

Officials are forecasting a gradual overflow, but, they say, the possibility
of a suddent breach of the barrier lake cannot be ruled out.

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Taiwan's freedom and prosperity indicies have risen in an annual
international report.

Taiwan ranked 21st in the freedom index and 19th in the prosperity index out
of 171 countries surveyed.

Both those indices mark improvements from last year.

But around the world, political freedom and the rule of the law declined
overall, while prosperity growth slowed.

The only country to beat out Taiwan for freedom in Asia was Japan at number
14...

but Singapore was the only one to beat Taiwan for prosperity.

The indices from the Atlantic Council were established in 2022 and have been
published annually since.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-07-17 11:08:13

Now turning to international news...

A law set to pass Japan's parliament today may spell trouble for the imperial
family.

The law would dictate that only men can be emperor, and would revise the
rules to allow distant male relatives to father future heirs.

It would also allow princesses to keep their royal status after marrying
commoners.

Emperor Naruhito's 24 year old daughter is very popular, and many Japanese
people want her to succeed him.

But Princess Aiko is ineligible because she is a woman.

Japan's male-only succession rule means that the emperor's teenage nephew,
Prince Hisahito, is likely to be heir instead.

Hisahito is the first such boy to be born in four decades.

Only five of the 16 adults in the imperial family are men.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other conservatives insist that the male
bloodline is "the only source of the emperor’s authority and legitimacy."

There were 8 female monarchs before, the last reigning until 1770.

Critics say, the new measures treat female royals as "childbearing machines"
to produce male offspring.

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

The Executive Yuan is defending Taiwan's system for declaring typhoon days,
saying the criteria used by local governments are clear and objective.

The comments come after some areas suspended work and classes during Typhoon
Bavi despite experiencing little wind or rain, prompting calls for reforms to
reduce local officials' discretion.

Cabinet spokesperson Lee Hui-chih (李慧芝) says existing regulations already
contain specific standards for work and class suspensions during natural
disasters.

She says the Central Weather Administration provides local governments with
regular typhoon forecasts, wind and rainfall projections, and real-time
updates through coordination meetings.

Lee adds that local governments make decisions based on these forecasts ...
as well as regional circumstances, and the long-standing system remains
appropriate without the need for revisions.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen has unveiled a sports policy platform
aimed at expanding exercise opportunities in the capital.

If elected, Shen says he will seek to build an international-standard soccer
stadium and transform Taipei Expo Park in Yuanshan into a large community
sports center.

The facility would include traditional courts, rock climbing areas, youth
fitness spaces and adaptive sports facilities for people with disabilities.

Shen is also proposing converting electric buses into mobile fitness
classrooms that would provide senior citizens with exercise classes, health
screenings and fitness coaching.

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

The Ministry of Labor says the number of workers on Taiwan's reduced-hours
program has continue to decline.

As of today, 2,768 employees at 231 companies are participating.

That's down nearly 130 workers from two weeks ago.

More than 80 percent of affected employees are eligible for wage-difference
subsidies, while others can receive training allowances during working hours.

The maufacturing sector remains the hardest hit, especially the metal
industry, with Tainan reporting the highest of participating companies.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

In sports news,

TSG Hawks pitcher Huang Tzu-peng (黃子鵬) has set a new record for consecutive
scoreless innings by a Taiwanese pitcher in the Chinese Professional Baseball
League.

Huang threw six scoreless innings in the Hawks' 12-0 win over the Fubon
Guardians to extend his streak to 33 and two-thirds innings, breaking the
previous domestic record of 33 innings set by former Uni-President Lions ace
Pan Wei-lun (潘威倫).

The 32-year-old has now gone five straight starts without allowing a run.

The Hawks also delivered plenty of offensive support in the victory,
collecting 23 hits as they handed the Guardians a lopsided defeat.

(JC)

Posted on 2026-07-16 19:14:13

Polish prosecutors have charged a Ukrainian man with carrying out sabotage
activities on behalf of Russian intelligence.

They allege he desecrated memorials honoring Polish victims of World War Two
in an attempt to inflame tensions between Poland and Ukraine.

Warsaw has accused Russia of trying to drive a wedge between the two
countries, which have been close allies since Russia's full-scale invasion of
Ukraine in 2022.

Prosecutors say the suspect committed 47 offenses, including preparing a
drone attack, and was paid in cryptocurrency.

The case comes amid growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment in Poland and worsening
ties between Warsaw and Kyiv.

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:39:13

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company says it plans to invest an
additional 100 billion U-S dollars in Arizona to expand its advanced
chipmaking and packagaing capacity ...

... which would bring its total planned investment there to 265 billion
dollars ... and is expected to include four additional wafer fabs as well as
advanced packaging facilities.

The announcement came as the world's largest contract chipmaker reported
record quarterly earnings and raised its full-year revenue forecast, driven
by booming demand for artificial intelligence chips.

TSMC posted a record net profit of more than 706 billion NT, or nearly 22
billion U-S dollars, for the April to June quarter, up more than 77 percent
from a year earlier.

The company has raised its full-year revenue growth forecast for the second
time this year and now expects U-S dollar revenue to grow by slightly more
than 40 percent.

TSMC says demand remains particularly strong for AI and high-performance
computing applications and has increased its capital spending plans for this
year to between 60 and 64 billion U-S dollars.

Looking ahead, the chipmaker expects another strong quarter and says it sees
no major constraints on expanding production capacity to meet future demand.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:39:13

Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion in Taiwan, offering
Apple Store gift cards instead of free accessories for eligible purchases.

The promotion runs through August 27th and is available to university
students and faculty members.

Customers who purchase selected MacBook Pro models will receive gift cards
worth up to 4 thousand 800 NT, while eligible MacBook Air and iPad models
come with 3 thousand 200 NT gift cards.

The promotion comes after Apple raised MacBook and iPad prices in Taiwan last
month, with the market watching closely to see whether the discounts will
help offset the impact of the higher prices.

The gift cards can be used toward future Apple Store purchases, encouraging
customers to return for additional spending.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:39:14

Japanese technology company Fujitsu is leading a major artificial
intelligence and robotics initiative using Nvidia's technology to develop
so-called "physical AI".

The project was announced in Tokyo by Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang and
Fujitsu Chief Executive Takahito Tokita.

Leading Japanese robotics manufacturers Fanuc, Yaskawa Electric and Kawasaki
Heavy Industries have also joined the initiative.

Fujitsu says the partnership combines Japan's expertise in robotics
manufacturing with advances in artificial intelligence.

Physical AI refers to intelligent robots that can make decisions and work
safely alongside people in settings such as factories, homes and hospitals.

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:37:13

Taiwan's Cabinet has approved the Youth Housing Loan 3.0 program, which will
take effect on August 1st and run for six years.

The new plan introduces age, income, and price limits to better fit targeted
homebuyers.

Applicants must be under 50 years old, earn less than 2 million NT annually,
and purchase homes within regional price caps, with Taipei's limits set at 35
million NT.

While interest subsidies will be gradually phased out, the five-year grace
period remains.

Loan ceiling will also be increased for newly married couples and families
with children to support home ownership and family formation.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:37:14

Taipei Metro has expanded its barrier-free gate pilot program to Taipei Main
Station, which replaces traditional gate flaps with LED traffic light
indicators.

Two gates on the B3 level near the Taiwan High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways
transfer area have been modified to use green and red lights to indicate
whether a passenger's fare card has been successfully scanned.

The system also includes a flashing red warning light to alert staff to
unauthorized entry attempts.

Taipei Metro says the pilot program has received positive feedback since it
was first introduced at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station in June, allowing
passengers to pass through gates more quickly and intuitively.

Officials are continuing to evaluate the trial before considering a wider
rollout.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-16 18:37:14

(Jonathan )

Taiwan has improved its standing in the Atlantic Council's 2026 Freedom and
Prosperity Indexes, climbing nine places from last year.

Taiwan ranked 21st in the freedom index and 19th in the prosperity index
among 171 countries and territories.

The report found that global political freedom and the rule of law continue
to decline, while Taiwan scored well above the global average in both
categories.

In East Asia, Japan ranked 14th in freedom and 25th in prosperity.

While South Korea ranked 24th and 28th, respectively.

The Freedom and Prosperity Center publishes the indexes annually using
political and economic data to help inform policymakers.

(JC)

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

Exhibition

Taiwanese animated film "Madame: Welcome to Dolly's House" will team up with
its related webcomic "DOLLY" for a stage event at this year's Comic
Exhibition.

The film was selected as the Contrechamp competition opening feature at
France's Annecy International Animation Film Festival earlier this year.

Lead actors Yao Ai-ning, Teresa Daley and Chiu Yi-tai will appear at the
event.

The Taiwan Comics Pavilion will feature 75 works from 39 partner
organizations, publishers and major digital platforms.

Other programs include an animation teaser from workplace comic creator "I'm
Mark," a new-volume launch for "PATAAUW," and a preview performance from
"Your Work & Your Dayoff The Musical."

The exhibition runs from July 23 through 27 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall
1.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

Two 35-meter whale kites will make their debut at this year's Cijin Kite
Festival in Kaohsiung.

The event will take place at Cijin Beach on Saturdays and Sundays from July
25 through Aug. 2.

The whale kites will be joined by stingrays, octopuses, sea turtles and other
ocean-themed designs.

The festival will also feature an inflatable water park with nine
attractions, including water-play structures and amusement rides.

Sunday programs will include evening fire-dancing performances.

A DJ show is scheduled for July 25, while singing, dancing and a bubble show
will take place on Aug. 1.

Family activities and food promotions will also be available in Cijin and
nearby Hamasen.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

The United States has intensified its strikes targeting Iran, hitting targets
further north.

American forces also fired into a ship it accused of trying to break its
naval blockade on the Islamic Republic.

Tehran retaliated early Thursday with missile and drone fire targeting
Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait before dawn.

Days of back-and-forth strikes by the U.S. and Iran across the Middle East
and renewed threats to the Strait of Hormuz have shredded the interim deal to
end the Iran war and the region could tip back into all-out war.

Already, Iranian officials say U.S. strikes have killed at more than than 35
people and wounded over 300 others.

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

U.N. agencies say more than 500 people are feared dead after reports that two
boats carrying members of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya minority have
capsized in the Bay of Bengal.

The International Organization for Migration and the United Nations refugee
agency said Thursday that according to preliminary information, the two boats
left Myanmar’s in late June carrying mostly Rohingya passengers.

One boat, believed to have been carrying around 250 people, lost contact
shortly after departure.

A second boat, reportedly carrying 280 people, is believed to have sunk off
Myanmar’s coast on July 8.

Posted on 2026-07-16 14:57:13

The northern Indian town of Banda has endured weeks of extreme heat, with
daytime temperatures repeatedly reaching 46 degrees and nighttime lows
staying above 33 degrees.

Banda has repeatedly ranked among India's hottest cities, with temperatures
peaking at 47 degrees.

A climatologist and weather historian also said Banda was the hottest spot on
Earth seven times this year, most of them in April.

Brief spells of rain have brought only temporary relief.

Residents, long accustomed to scorching summers, are now changing their daily
routines to cope, beginning work at the vegetable market by 4 a.m. or
shifting hours to avoid the afternoon heat.

Posted on 2026-07-16 11:09:13

President Lai Ching-te has presented the outgoing French representative with
the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon.

The award honors Franck Paris' efforts to strengthen Taiwan/France
cooperation in politics, culture, science, and other fields.

Paris took office in August 2023, and is set to leave Taiwan today after
completing his tenure.

Lai praised him for helping to elevate ties between the two countries...

pointing out Paris' contributions to major milestones in relations between
the two sides, like closer political exchanges, scientific collaboration, and
youth programs that helped more than 100 Taiwanese young people pursue
opportunities in France.

Paris thanked Lai for the honor and shared the recognition with his team at
the French Office in Taipei.

He said working with Taiwan has been a rewarding experience and that France
will remain Taiwan's partner.

Posted on 2026-07-16 11:09:13

A French national has been detained for allegedly attempting to smuggle
heroin into Taiwan, by swallowing over 100 capsules full of the drug.

Prosecutors say that investigators received a tip off that a drug trafficking
ring planned to use a "body packer" to bring drugs into Taiwan by air.

A task force identified the body packer as a French man arriving from
Thailand.

The office did not provide more details on the tip or how it would able to
pinpoint the man as a drug mule...

but Kaohsiung police say the suspect had entered Taiwan several times prior
from other Southeast Asian countries.

On this trip, police said, an X-ray examination revealed numerous oval-shaped
foreign objects in the man's gastrointestinal tract, confirming he was
concealing drugs inside his body.

He ultimately passed all the heroin capsules over a 5 day period.

Police warn that swallowing drugs- even within packaging- can be fatal if the
packages break while inside the digestive tract.

Posted on 2026-07-16 11:09:13

Now turning to international news...

A new survey shows that most countries now view China more favorably than the
US.

The findings mark a significant shift, especially for US allies like Canada.

Only 6 countries surveyed still view the US more positively than China.

Those countries include Japan and Israel.

Experts say, not only are views of the US declining, but those of China are
improving at the same time.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is also viewed more favorably than his US
counterpart...

but people in many countries view both men relatively negatively.

However, the US still leads on government respect for personal freedoms...

although the gap is narrowing.

The results mark the first time in the 20 year study that China has been
viewed more positively than the US.

The survey was conducted after the US and Israel launched their war on Iran.

Experts say, the results reflect the view that US is just not contributing to
peace and stability, with actions in Iran and Venezuela as well as demands to
control Greenland at the forefront.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

China's Taiwan Affairs Office is rejecting reports that Taiwanese nationals
have gone missing in China, calling them "fake news".

The denial comes after the Mainland Affairs Council said 10 Taiwanese
citizens have gone missing or had their personal freedom restricted in China
during the first nine days of this month.

According to the M-A-C, a total of 385 Taiwanese nationals have gone missing,
been detained or had their personal freedom restricted in China since 2024.

The council says it is investigating the latest cases and has upgraded its
travel alert for Hong Kong and Macau to orange, advising Taiwanese citizens
to be aware of safety risks when traveling to China.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office says the number of Taiwanese people visiting
China has continued to increase since 2024.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

A U.S. citizen who teaches at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University has
been arrested after allegedly stabbing a relative to death in Hsinchu.

Police say the 43-year-old suspect attacked the owner of a musical instrument
store on Sanmin Road Tuesday afternoon.

Officers found the victim lying in a pool of blood and the suspect still
holding a knife.

Police say he refused to surrender and repeatedly confronted officers.

They fired four shots, hitting him in the leg, before taking him into custody.

Ten people, including four children, were trapped inside the store during the
incident.

The victim was later pronounced dead.

Police are investigating the motive and circumstances of the killing.

The university says it will cooperate with the investigation.

(CNA-PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

A new market survey by FundRich Securities shows fund managers in Taiwan
remain cautiously optimistic about investment opportunities in the second
half of 2026.

Technology was the top investment pick among the eight fund companies
surveyed, followed by Taiwan equities, U-S equities and Asia-Pacific stocks.

Fund managers say AI has moved beyond the infrastructure buildout phase and
into a stage of commercial returns, benefiting semiconductor, server and
cloud computing companies.

The survey also found positive sentiment toward investment-grade bonds, with
fund managers saying they can provide stable income and help cushion against
geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

FundRich also advises investors to diversify rather than concentrate too
heavily in any single asset class.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

Clouded Leopard armored vehicles rolled through the streets of Taipei earlier
today as part of Taiwan's Joint Defense Exercises, which run through Friday.

The vehicles traveled from the Presidential Office area to the Ministry of
National Defense's Bo'ai Camp in the Dazhi neighborhood.

The drills simulate Chinese forces entering Taiwan's territorial waters and
test the military's ability to prepare forces, assemble units by operational
sectors and conduct mobile deployments under a decentralized command
structure.

The exercises are designed to improve troops' familiarity with their missions
and help ensure the security of critical infrastructure and key military
facilities in the Taipei garrison area.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

In international news,

Thai officials say two more people have died following a fire at a music bar
in Bangkok, bringing the death toll to 32.

More than 70 people were injured in the blaze, and 30 remain hospitalized,
including 15 in intensive care.

The fire broke out late Sunday at the Rong Beer Na Ladprao bar in northern
Bangkok and was brought under control within about 30 minutes.

Authorities say it was the city's deadliest fire in 17 years and are
investigating its cause and whether the venue complied with safety
regulations.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

A group of Brazilian mothers whose sons were killed by police are calling for
a nationwide policy to support families affected by state violence.

The nonprofit Crossfire Institute says 460 people were killed during police
operations in Rio de Janeiro last year, the highest number since 2016 and a
sharp increase from the previous year.

Among the activists is Monica Cunha, whose 20-year-old son was killed by
police in 2006.

Cunha later entered politics and says she will launch her campaign this month
to run for a seat in Brazil's state legislature in October.

Posted on 2026-07-15 19:12:13

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Kyiv to mark
Ukraine's Statehood Day and pledge continued military and financial support.

Von der Leyen is expected to announce new steps to strengthen cooperation
between European and Ukrainian defense industries during her 11th wartime
visit to the country.

Russia first annexed Crimea in 2014 before launching its full-scale invasion
of Ukraine in 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials say Russian attacks have killed at least eight
civilians.

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

The Central Union Oil contamination case has now affected more than 1,000
downstream businesses across Taiwan.

The Food and Drug Administration says five batches of cooking oil from the
company containing excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene have
been traced to the affected businesses.

Officials say more than 1,661 metric tons of the contaminated oil have been
removed from the market.

Another 6,020 metric tons of oil from other batches produced between April
and June have been precautionarily removed while testing continues.

The affected businesses include well-known restaurant chains, hotels and food
manufacturers, including TTFB Restaurant Group, Dim Dim Sum, Regent Taipei,
and others.

The FDA says it is continuing to investigate whether the contamination was
caused by raw materials, manufacturing processes or both.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration says nearly all civil
servants have signed declarations stating they do not hold Chinese household
registration or identity documents.

The figures were released after lawmakers questioned the government's policy
requiring the declarations.

Officials say 99.8 percent — more than 620 thousand civil servants — have
signed, while 95 people had not done so as of May.

The agency says no disciplinary or adverse action has been taken against
those individuals.

Beginning this year, the declaration requirement has become a standard
procedure for newly appointed and transferred civil servants, with officials
reporting full compliance so far.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

straight year

Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital was Taiwan's most profitable hospital in
2024, marking its ninth consecutive year at the top.

According to the National Health Insurance Administration, the hospital
posted a surplus of over 3.72 billion NT that year, although profits declined
from the previous year due to lower dividend income.

Officials say much of Linkou Chang Gung's earnings came from non-medical
income, including dividends from affiliated investments.

When looking only at medical operations, China Medical University Hospital
ranked first, posting an operating surplus of 1.78 billion NT for an eleventh
consecutive year.

Overall, about 90 percent of Taiwan's hospitals reported surpluses, while
roughly three-quarters made money from their core medical operations.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

In international news ... and in the latest from the Middle East ...

The U-S military has reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports as
Washington seeks to stop Iran's attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The move comes amid days of retaliatory strikes between Iran and the United
States that have raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

An Iranian government official says more than 30 people have been killed in
recent days, including seven troops in southeastern Iran.

The Iranian Health Ministry also reports that more than 260 people were
wounded in today's strikes alone.

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Congo have reached 2,011, including 754 deaths,
in what authorities say is the country's fastest-growing outbreak on record.

Government data show that 753 people remain in isolation or in hospital,
while 366 have recovered.

Health officials say contact tracing remains a challenge, with only 67
percent of those exposed to the virus currently being monitored.

The Central African nation has been battling the outbreak, caused by the rare
Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, since May 15.

Posted on 2026-07-15 18:25:13

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will face lawmakers in the House of
Commons for the final time today before stepping down next week.

The weekly Prime Minister's Questions session marks the end of his two years
in office -- and is scheduled to begin in around 40 mintues from now.

Starmer is due to leave office this coming Monday, after announcing his
resignation in the wake of the ruling Labour Party's poor showing in local
elections earlier this year.

He was elected in a landslide victory in July 2024 but has seen his
popularity decline amid a series of political missteps.

Andy Burnham is expected to succeed him as Labour Party leader and Britain's
next prime minister.

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

work together

Premier Zhuo Rong Tai says, central and local governments should work
together to confront the Central Union Oils contamination scandal.

That's as Zhuo faces mounting criticism over the central government's
handling of the issue.

Zhuo today thanked deputy Legislative Speaker Chiang Chi-chen for yesterday
allowing him to time and opportunity to report on the handling of the issue.

He also thanked Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan for reporting the issue on June
30th...

before the Ministry of Health and Welfare took action the following day to
order Central Union to stop production and remove products from the shelves.

Zhuo said, cooperation between central and local governments is the only way
to ensure food safety for the public.

Meanwhile, Mayor Lu criticized the central government for what she called a
spotty response, saying they failed to disclose information to the public in
a timely manner.

Lu further suggested that the central government should not only investigate
the cause of the incident, but also should apologize, and those responsible
should resign.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the government's decision to raise the
permitted level of pesticide residue on apples was not linked to a trade
agreement with the United States.

The revised limit for the pesticide fipronil is 3 parts per million.

That compares with 5 parts per million in the United States, 3 in South Korea
and 2 in Japan.

Shih says Taiwan did not simply adopt the U.S. standard.

He says the change was based on scientific evidence, expert review and
domestic demand.

An application to establish a separate fipronil limit for apples was first
submitted in 2022.

The proposal was announced in January and formally adopted in April as part
of revisions covering 174 agricultural products.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

DPP Lawmaker and Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen is downplaying concerns
for his safety ahead of a trip overseas...

as China has initiated a criminal investigation into Shen for what they call
"separatism."

That, on top of the recent attack on Japanese-Taiwanese political commentator
Akio Yaita in Taichung...

which the DPP believes to be an instance of cross-border repression.

Shen says, he's not too concerned about the risks of traveling to the US,
adding that he "will speak every word that ought to be spoken."

The remarks come after Shen and his campaign office announced next week's
trip to the US.

Responding to media questions after the announcement, Shen said that the more
China sought to prevent Taiwan from participating in the international
sphere, the more Taiwan would strengthen its international outreach.

Shen added that the attack on Yaita and past actions targeting Vice President
Hsiao Bi-khim while abroad did not lead either of them to be any less
outspoken.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:34:13

Smoke from multiple wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is expected to swamp
vast areas of the Midwest and Northeast US this week.

It will expose millions of people to dangeous air pollution, and the air
quality levels are expected to be hazardous, making the area unsafe for
everyone.

The wildfires come as the combination of severe dought conditions and extreme
heat in Canada and the US has created perfect fuel for the wildfires to burn.

Yellowish and brownish color skies were reported in parts of Maine, while
officials in Minnesota advised people to stay indoors as much as possible and
to avoid the extreme heat.

Exposure to fine particulate matter in the air can cause health issues,
particularly for more sensitive groups, like kids and the elderly.

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:19:13

Three Air Force personnel have been sentenced to between two and
eight-and-a-half years in prison in a Chinese espionage case.

Prosecutors say an illegal lender surnamed Huang targeted military personnel
in financial trouble and offered money or debt relief in exchange for
classified information.

One Air Force captain received eight-and-a-half years for leaking military
documents.

A staff sergeant was sentenced to eight years for providing military and
official secrets, while another received two years for accessing classified
records for people linked to China.

Huang remains at large.

His sister received prison terms of up to 10 months for helping conceal
payments and conduct underground money transfers.

The rulings can still be appealed.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:19:13

Taipei Zoo has welcomed six African penguin chicks after successfully
incubating their eggs.

The chicks were born to four breeding pairs between mid-May and late June.

Keepers are raising them by hand in a nursery area inside the penguin house.

They are weighed and checked several times a day, and fed either pieces of
fish or mashed fish depending on their size.

The chicks will gradually join the zoo's larger penguin colony after they
develop swimming feathers and pass health and feeding checks.

Visitors may be able to see them during extended Saturday evening hours this
summer.

African penguins are classified as endangered, and the zoo says its breeding
program helps maintain population numbers and genetic diversity.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 15:19:13

Production has begun in New Zealand on "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for
Gollum."

Warner Bros. has released the first behind-the-scenes footage showing Andy
Serkis back in a motion-capture suit as Gollum.

Serkis is also directing the film, which reunites him with original trilogy
filmmakers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens.

Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are returning as Gandalf and Frodo.

Jamie Dornan will take over the role of Aragorn, while Kate Winslet and Anya
Taylor-Joy are among the new cast members.

"The Hunt for Gollum" is scheduled to open in theaters on December 17, 2027.

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

DPP Lawmaker and Taipei Mayoral Candidate Puma Shen will be heading to the US
next week.

That's according to an announcement from Shen and his campaign manager and
colleague, Wu Si Yao, today.

Shen and his delegation including Legislative Caucus Whip Cai Qi Chang and
lawmaker and chair of the Taiwan-US Legislative Friendship Association Wang
Ding Yu will visit Los Angeles, Washington DC, and New York from July 20th to
28th.

Wu said at a press conference this morning that the trip would aim to provide
support to overseas Taiwanese communities and promote the "limitless city"
concept.

The "limitless city" concept refers to Shen's alternative to the Twin Cities
Forum, aimed at establishing relationships with more cities in democratic
countries.

Wu emphasized that the campaign office has received invitations from overseas
communities requesting help in establishing support associations.

In addition to working with local support associations, Shen is also expected
to give a speech to the Washington DC chapter of the Taiwanese Association of
America.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che has visited the Osaka City Council to promote
closer exchanges between the two cities.

Huang met with council Speaker Shu Umezono and the head of its Japan-Taiwan
friendship alliance, Junko Tsuji.

They discussed tourism, culture, local products and student exchanges.

Huang invited Osaka students to visit Tainan and explore historic sites and
buildings connected to Taiwan-Japan relations.

Tsuji, who has visited the city several times, praised Tainan's pineapples
and said she had fond memories of its museums and other attractions.

The Tainan and Osaka city councils are also discussing a possible formal
partnership.

Huang invited both council members to visit Tainan and experience the city's
culture and attractions.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

A French man has been detained after allegedly trying to smuggle more than
100 heroin capsules into Taiwan inside his body.

Police stopped the man after he arrived at Taoyuan airport from Thailand on
July 7.

An X-ray showed numerous foreign objects in his digestive tract.

The suspect took five days to pass 101 capsules containing about 1.4
kilograms of heroin.

Prosecutors estimate the drugs were worth more than 20-million N.T. dollars.

Police say the man claimed he accepted the job because he needed money for
medical treatment and was promised about 3-thousand U.S. dollars.

A court has approved his detention while authorities continue investigating
the trafficking group.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

Taiwan shares are up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 893 points to
close the session at 45631.

The turnover was 984 billion NT

Posted on 2026-07-15 14:09:13

In the US,

A Senator says the motorist shot and killed by an ice agent in the state of
Maine was not even the target of the warrant the agents were serving.

Advocates say he was authorized to work in the US, and lived nearby with his
wife and daughter.

The man was a 25 year old from Colombia.

Trump administration officials claim that the vehicle tried to flee, and that
an officer fired fearing for public safety.

But accounts of what happened differ, and the shooting is now under
investigation.

It's at least the ninth death since US President Trump's immigration
crackdown began.

Hundreds gathered in the city of Biddeford, Maine, to protest.

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

A judge is calling for closer cooperation with the United States to counter
suspected Chinese transnational repression.

Taipei District Court judge Hsu Kai-chieh (許凱傑) says law enforcement agencies
from both sides should form a joint task force.

He says they could share cases, enforcement experience and response
strategies.

Hsu also wants Taiwan to improve its reporting platform so suspected
incidents can be reported and reviewed immediately.

His comments follow the assault of Taiwan-based commentator Akio Yaita by a
Chinese national in Taichung.

Taiwanese officials have described the attack as the first transnational
repression case since China's new ethnic unity law took effect on July 1.

Hsu says Taiwan's Anti-Infiltration Act may not cover state-directed assault,
harassment or property damage.

The government says it is considering amendments to increase penalties for
such crimes.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

The government may revise its rules for removing food products from store
shelves as food safety cases become more complex.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the current guidelines were introduced
after the 2014 cooking oil scandal, when major companies were exposed for
recycling and selling tainted waste oil as edible cooking oil.

His comments come as authorities continue investigating contaminated soybean
oil produced by Central Union Oil.

Shih says the most likely cause is the manufacturing process, including
possible temperature changes during refining.

However, experts must confirm the findings before a final report is released.

He says products removed as a precaution may return to stores once individual
batches are confirmed safe.

The Food and Drug Administration has also begun discussing whether the
current recall system can adequately address newer forms of food safety
incidents.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

The Taitung County Government is partnering with a major travel group to
launch direct charter flights to Penghu.

Officials say the new flights will fly directly from Taitung Airport, cutting
travel times down to a fraction of the usual journey.

The initiative includes four round-trip flights scheduled for September 11th,
13th, 15th, and 17th.

The flights are paired with three-day tour packages that include popular
sites like the historic Magong Old Town, and the famous volcanic basalt
columns at Daguoye.

Travelers will also be able to take boat trips to the southern islands of
Qimei and Wangan.

The county says the charter packages are open for registration starting today
through local travel agencies in Taitung.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

Moscow's mayor says 340 Ukrainian drones were sent toward the Russian capital
region over a 24-hour period.

Sergei Sobyanin says most were intercepted far from the city, including more
than 50 destroyed while approaching Moscow.

Ukraine has increased drone attacks on Russian infrastructure, particularly
oil and petrochemical facilities.

Ukraine's military says it struck the Salavat petrochemical complex in the
Ural region and the Afipsky refinery in southern Russia.

The attacks have contributed to fuel shortages in parts of Russia.

Russia has also intensified strikes on Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials say drones and ballistic missiles hit the capital early
Tuesday, damaging 16 sites, including a school and a business.

It was the fifth major attack on Kyiv this month.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 13:30:13

China has reported that its economy grew at 4.3% for the April-June quarter,
slowing from the strong 5% at the start of the year.

That's the slowest growth since the last quarter of 2022.

Exports rose 17.6% in the first half of the year from a year earlier, thanks
partly to the artificial intelligence boom.

Though China has largely absorbed the shock of the economic impacts of the
Iran War, domestic spending and investment have slowed...

restricting the growth driven by Chinese export manufacturing.

Chinese leaders have set a growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, and the
international monetary fund expects China's economy to expand just 4.1% in
2027.

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

TaiSugar says, the precautionary removal of some products over the ongoing
Central Union Oils scandal is sure to incur losses for the company.

TaiSugar Executive Wu Ming Chang says, the company has removed 9 products
from shelves, in accordance with government regulations...

but, he says, TaiSugar will wait to observe the fallout to decide whether or
not to request compensation from Central Union.

Wu said that the company complied with government orders to remove the
products for now, but said that the company always rigorously tests oils
purchased from outside companies.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says the Taiwan-France Cultural Association,
also known as Alliance Française de Taiwan, will move into a historic former
U.S. aid housing complex in Taipei.

Lin made the announcement at a French National Day reception on Tuesday.

He says the building on Chang'an East Road will become a new center for
French language, culture, art and food.

Lin also thanked outgoing French Representative Franck Paris for his work
over the past three years.

Paris said he had fallen deeply in love with Taiwan and would not forget the
country or its people.

Lin says Taiwan and France are expanding cooperation in semiconductors,
artificial intelligence, solid-state batteries and space technology.

He also praised France for supporting peace and stability in the Taiwan
Strait.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

The US military is reimposing a blockade of Iranian ports as Iran launches
attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Iran threatened to halt energy exports from the Middle East.

The US first imposed that blockade in mid-April before lifting it about 2
months later...

one day after the signing of an interim deal aimed at permanently ending the
war.

But another wave of US strikes on Iran, plus Iranian attacks on shipping and
US allies left the deal in tatters.

The agreement was supposed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and give
negotiators time to hammer out a permanent deal.

Posted on 2026-07-15 11:09:13

A historic treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom has
dismantled the fence separating Gibraltar and Spain, making travel easier for
thousands who cross daily.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory that is also claimed by Spain.

Yesterday, the territory secured their economic future through an agreement
signed between the UK and the EU.

Without such an agreement, Gibraltar's border could have been much more
difficult to navigate, with passport checks and frontier queues, posing an
economic risk for the territory deeply dependent on around 15,000 Spaniards
for their workforce.

The entry points of Gibraltar are now fit with CCTV cameras and live facial
recognition...

or what Gibraltar's chief minister calls "a digital fortress."

The deal also de facto brings Gibraltar into the EU's Schengen free travel
area, where EU passport holders can travel freely.

The territory's contested status still remains unresolved between Spain and
the UK.

Posted on 2026-07-14 19:07:13

Women's groups are calling on the legislative yuan to accelerate reviews of
the Assisted Reproduction draft bill.

The NGOs emphasized the need to act quickly to protect women's rights and
allow single women and same-sex female couples to undergo assisted
reproduction.

The proposed amendments to the draft bill would also seek to separate
assisted reproduction from surrogacy.

The Legislature is set to continue the examination process of the draft on
Thursday...

after the Executive Yuan proposed it last year.

The draft legislation would legalize assisted reproduction for single and
married gay women, without addressing surrogacy, which has proven to be a
much thornier issue in terms of public opinion.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-14 19:07:13

Taiwan could enter a new COVID-19 epidemic phase as early as this week after
2-thousand 800 people sought treatment for the disease last week, up 34-
percent from the previous week.

The Centers for Disease Control said COVID-19 activity has been rising in
Taiwan for five consecutive weeks.

Neighboring countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, South Korea
and Singapore, have also reported increasing case numbers.

Based on its analysis, the CDC expects the number of COVID-19-related medical
visits to continue rising.

Once weekly visits exceed 5,000, Taiwan will officially enter a new epidemic
phase, with infections expected to peak in one month to 45 days after that.

Officials said the upcoming peak is unlikely to surpass last year's as
schools are closed for the summer vacation, reducing opportunities for
transmission.

About 456,000 vaccine doses remain available, and eligibility for publicly
funded COVID-19 vaccination has been expanded to everyone aged 6 months and
older through July 31st.

(CNA)

Posted on 2026-07-14 19:07:13

Turning to world news...

The U.S. launched strikes on Iran, hours after President Donald Trump vowed
to reinstate an American blockade of Iranian ports and charge ships for safe
passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran responded with attacks on Middle East allies of the U.S.

The actions today leave in tatters an interim deal meant to pause the
fighting, reopen a waterway that is a crucial passage for the world’s energy
supplies, and give negotiators time to hammer out a permanent end to the war.

Instead, fighting has once again engulfed the region and threatened the
global economy.

Unless a diplomatic solution is found quickly, it could intensify into
all-out war.

Posted on 2026-07-14 18:09:14

Two opposition-led referendum proposals have passed a first reading in the
legislature.

The TPP caucus today proposed a referendum on euthanasia, which they say aims
to ensure autonomy for those suffering from chronic diseases.

Party chair Huang Kuo-chang today criticized the legislature for moving- in
his words- at a "snail's pace..."

saying it made more sense to turn the matter over to the people to decide
instead.

If the referendum makes it onto the ballot this November, voters would be
asked whether they support assisted suicide for those suffering from
unbearable pain or difficult-to-treat diseases.

Huang also said the Central Election Commission is responsible for ensuring
that elections and referendums run smoothly.

Meanwhile the KMT-proposed referendum vote would aim to abolish the
"nuclear-free homeland" policy.

It would ask voters if they agree with abolishing the policy to ensure stable
and sufficient power supply as well as reasonable electricity rates.

Both the proposals have now passed the first reading, and have been handed
over to party caucuses for further negotiation ahead of a second reading.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-14 18:09:14

A shipment of frozen mixed vegetables imported by Costco from the United
States was recently intercepted at the border after testing positive for
excessive pesticide residues.

The Food and Drug Administration said today that more than 10-thousand
kilograms of "Kirkland Signature" brand vegetables were ordered returned or
destroyed and none had entered the market.

The products affected include peas and broccoli.

As this was the importer's first failed inspection case in the past six
months, the FDA has increased border inspection sampling rates for items
imported by Costco Taiwan to 20-50 percent, up from routine random checks of
2-10 percent.

Nine other products that recently failed safety inspections include fresh
oranges from Japan and two shipments of cheese imported from France.

The shipments will also be returned or destroyed.

(CNA JL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 18:09:14

Pingtung County is promoting night tourism with a year-round "Stargazing in
pingtung" compaign.

The next event, " Venus and Leo: A Night Under the Stars, " will take place
this Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Haikou (海口) Beach in Checheng (車城)
Township.

Visitors can enjoy guided stargazing, astronomy activities, and night-sky
photography while viewing Venus in the evening sky.

The county hopes to attract more visitors by combing astronomy with local
attractions and to promote dark-sky conversation through unique nighttime
travel experiences.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 18:09:14

The Michelin Guide has added 13 new Bib Gourmand eateries across Taiwan,
taking the total number of recommendations to 146.

The new additions include four restaurants in Taipei, three each in Tainan
and New Taipei City, two in Hsinchu County, and one in Taichung.

Michelin said more than 80 percent of the new entries serve Taiwanese local
cuisine or traditional Hakka specialist, highlighting the country's rich food
culture.

The Michelin Bib Gourmand is an award that recognizes restaurants offering
exceptional food at moderate prices.

Michelin's international director, Gwendal Poullennec, said Taiwan has become
one of Asia's most exciting culinary destinations thanks to its quality
cooking and openness to cultural exchange.

The full Michelin Guide Taiwan 2026 will be announced on July 21st.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 17:10:13

Under mounting pressure, Premier Chuo Rung-tai today expressed "deep regrets"
about the contaminated oil issues, saying he'll conduct "a thorough
self-review and reflection."

But he's stopped short of making apologies and denied that the Cabinet
covered up the Central Union Oil soybean oil contamination case.

The opposition parties have been demanding Chuo's resignation, saying that he
failed to respond properly and promptly to the recent food scare, leading to
anxiety among businesses and consumers.

Speaking at the Legislative Yuan, the Premier reviewed the timeline of the
case, saying the Health Ministry has taken concrete steps following Central
Union Oil's first report about the carcinogen BaP in its products on June
30th.

He also reiterated the follow-up measures going forward, including requiring
removed products to meet new safeguards before being allowed back on shelves.

Investigators will continue to look into the case as well hold the companies
involved accountable.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 17:10:13

A new report by Taiwan's think tank D-E-S-T says Taiwan has become Ukraine's
third-largest battery supplier in 2025, behind only China and Vietnam.

The Research Institute for Democracy, Society and Emerging Technology report
indicates that Taiwanese companies are now shipping 5 to 7 million drone
battery cells every month to Ukraine, mainly high-energy lithium batteries
designed to perform in cold weather.

The report also notes that Taiwan has reduced its reliance on Chinese battery
cells, but warms that key upstream battery materials are still heavily
dependent on china.

It recommends further diversifying supply chains to strengthen Taiwan's drone
battery industry and reduce geopolitical risks.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 17:10:13

Now turning to international news...

The CCP has expelled a senior official.

That's according to state media, which added that the purge was part of Xi
Jinping's anti-corruption campaign.

Ma Xingrui was a Politburo member, and one of three members of the current
Politburo to be purged campaign, joining two military generals.

Analysts see the campaign as a tool to enforce loyalty to Xi and root our
corruption.

CCP officials believe that Ma committed violations including accepting gifts
and using his position to help others.

Ma was previously party chief in Xinjiang and governor of Guangdong province.

Posted on 2026-07-14 17:10:13

War and economic crisis are making it harder to protect Iran's endangered
wildlife.

At least 86 animal species are at risk of extinction, including the Asiatic
cheetah and the Persian leopard.

US and Israeli strikes this year hit desert and mountain sites, which are the
same terrain those animals depend on.

One wildlife expert says the bombing contaminated soil and water, and that
predators simply abandon an area once it's been hit.

There's an economic conflict too.

Iran's currency has lost more than half its value in a year.

This has driven a black market in endangered falcons, sold to buyers abroad
who pay in foreign currency.

Posted on 2026-07-14 17:10:13

The U.S. has launched more strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump said
Washington is “reinstating” a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump announced a twenty per cent toll on all cargo passing through the
Strait of Hormuz and ordered the reimposition of a naval blockade of Iranian
ports, with US Central Command confirming the blockade will take effect
today.

The move upends hundreds of years of US policy supporting freedom of
navigation across the globe.

Kate Fisher reports from Washington.

This comes as the United Arab Emirates says Iran attacked two tankers in the
Strait of Hormuz, killing one mariner and wounding eight others.

Bahrain also came under renewed attack as Iran retaliated over the latest
round of U.S. airstrikes.

Posted on 2026-07-14 15:16:14

Din Tai Fung has recalled several frozen gift sets after discovering that its
central kitchen had used soybean oil from one of the contaminated batches
linked to the Central Union Oil case.

The renowned company says its chain restaurants did not use the affected oil,
and current inventory has already been switched to a different supplier whose
products have passed safety inspections.

The recall afffects seven frozen gift set products, including buns,
dumplings, wontons, braised pork knuckle, and beef noodle soup, and their
expiration dates range from July this year to May next year.

Customers who purchased the affected products can apply for a full refund
through August 7th with proof of purchase.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 15:16:14

Typhoon Bavi-triggered torrential rain has cut off the only road leading to
three villages in Miao-li's Tai-an (泰安) Township.

The Miao-li County government says County Road 62 in Tai-an is now closed as
an estimated 1-thousand tons of rocks fell down last night.

Tai-an Fire department says it received reports at 10:50 PM saying huge
boulders had crashed onto the road near the 2.3-kilometer mark in Fu-xing
(復興) Village.

One truck was hit, luckily the driver the driver suffered only minor scrapes
and bruises.

He later called for help from a convenience store nearby.

Local officials say County Road 62 is a vital route connecting the township's
three villages and also the main access to Tai-an's popular hot spring area.

They are calling for repair work to be completed as soon as possible.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 15:16:14

The 2026 East Longitudinal Valley Festival will be held from August 20 to 23
at the Hualien Luoshan Visitor Center in Fuli Township.

With this year’s theme, “Indigenous Brewing,” the festival will bring
together more than 20 Indigenous communities from the East Longitudinal
Valley for a celebration of food, craft, and culture.

Visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine, a curated market, hands-on workshops,
and themed areas showcasing the cultures of the Amis, Bunun, Seediq, Truku,
and Puyuma peoples.

Ticketed corporate banquet events will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on August
20 and 21.

And the festival will open to the public free of charge from 3 to 8:30 p.m.
on August 22 and 23.

Posted on 2026-07-14 15:16:14

China's top mine-safety official in a major coal region is under
investigation for corruption.

The government announced today that Hu Haijun, director of the Shanxi Bureau
of the National Mine Safety Administration, faces allegations of serious
violations of law.

The investigation follows a gas explosion in May that killed 82 workers.

This was China's deadliest mining accident in years.

Authorities have since launched a blanket inspection of Shanxi's coal mining
sector.

Despite improvements, mine safety remains a concern.

Shanxi province produced almost a third of China’s coal last year.

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

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration has announced new rules for products
removed during the Central Union Oil contamination case to return to store
shelves.

The FDA said products must meet three conditions: the source of the oil must
be verified, each batch must be confirmed individually, and upstream and
downstream records must match.

Officials emphasized that both the raw oil and the finished product must pass
safety inspections.

If any finished product fails testing, all related products made from the
same upstream oil batch will remain barred from sale.

The FDA also confirmed that five out of 29 batches produced by Central Union
Oil between April and June were found to exceed limits for the carcinogen
BaP, and the related products have all been removed from stores.

Officials say testing of 52 raw oil samples and 321 finished products
provided by the oil company is expected to be completed within a week.

(AL)

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

An environmental group is warning that plastic baby food pouches may be
exposing infants to microplastics.

Greenpeace released a survey today, finding that out of over 700 fruit purees
and yogurts it checked, nearly 80-percent used pouches with plastic spouts.

The group also points out that such pouches are made of multiple layers of
plastic and foil, and recent studies show that these materials can leak
microplastics directly into the food they contain.

Greenpeace is calling on the government to immediately investigate baby food
packaging and create risk assessment standards.

(NS)

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

A summer festival in eastern Taiwan is ready to launch after typhoon delays.

The "2026 Hualien Fun Summer" festival officially opens at Liyu Lake
tomorrow, featuring the popular Japanese anime series "One Piece."

The highlight is a 15-meter-wide installation of the "Thousand Sunny" pirate
ship on the lake.

Recreations of popular characters like Luffy and Chopper will also appear at
the Hualien train station and the Dongdamen Night market.

An opening ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow evening at 7:30 pm, with fire
dancing performances, water fountain light shows, and an eight-minute night
sky laser show over the water.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-07-14 14:08:19

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 642 points to
close the session at 44737.

The turnover was 1.178 trillion NT

Posted on 2026-07-14 14:08:19

MNow turning to internatuional news

Workers at an Ebola treatment center in Congo have walked off the job because
they haven't been paid.

Dozens of staff at a hospital in the outbreak's epicenter went on strike
yesterday, shutting the facility and blocking the road outside.

Epidemiologists, case investigators, drivers, gravediggers say they've gone
two months without pay.

The government says they’re working on it, and they blame irregularities in
the payroll list.

The timing could not be worse, as this is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak
ever recorded in Africa.

There are nearly 2000 confirmed cases, and more than 700 deaths.

Even worse, there's no approved treatment or vaccine for this strain of the
virus, and it's now spread to two more provinces.

Posted on 2026-07-14 14:08:19

Wildfires are burning across western Europe as the region endures its third
major heat wave of the summer.

In France, a fire is spreading through the Fontainebleau forest, 70
kilometers from Paris.

Neighborhoods have been evacuated, trains have been disrupted, and a highway
shut.

President Macron called the fire “of exceptional scale”.

Officials say arson hasn't been ruled out.

Meanwhile in Spain, 10 people are still missing after a wildfire in the south
killed 13.

It was one of the country's deadliest ever.

And in the UK, homes were evacuated in north Wales.

That's all as an exceptional heat wave grips the region, with Temperatures in
France topping 40 degrees.

Britain has now had six days above 35 degrees this year, marking a new
record.

Posted on 2026-07-14 14:08:19

In France, this year's Bastille Day celebrations will focus on European unity
and support for Ukraine.

Troops and warplanes from across Europe are joining today's parade in Paris.

President Emmanuel Macron is hosting around 30 leaders, aiming to show unity
and strength to Russia and the U.S.

Meanwhile, forest fires and a heat wave are affecting the holiday, leading to
the cancellation of traditional fireworks and events.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend, with Ukrainian troops
and pilots participating.

The parade will feature 6,800 troops, setting a record.

Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of the French revolution, when
Parisians stormed the Bastille fortress.

Posted on 2026-07-14 13:09:13

The Presidential Office says, it is investigating cross-border repression,
following an attack on a Japanese-Taiwanese political commentator.

Akio Yaita, who heads the Indo-Pacific Strategic Thinktank, was attacked by a
Hong Kong national, surnamed Liao, after an event last week.

Media reports claiming that Liao may have been working with a Hong Kong gang
emerged today...

saying that he also brought five other accomplices along to Taiwan to assist
in planning the attack, with the whole process chronicled meticulously on
WhatsApp.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo says today that the government is
working with international partners to target cross-border crimes.

Kuo added that the government will not tolerate authoritarian interference.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-07-14 13:09:13

A delegation from Taiwan People’s Party has departed for Shanghai for a
four-day visit, marking the party’s first official exchange trip to China
since its founding.

The group, led by TPP Central Review Committee Chair Lee Wei-hua 李偉華,
includes party staff and youth members.

Lee cited party founder Ke Wen-zhe, saying that the 4 day visit aims to
promote dialogue amid growing cross-strait tensions, emphasizing the party's
position of “Taiwan autonomy and cross-strait peace.”

The delegation will visit economic and technology sites, tour historical
landmarks, and hold discussions with students at Shanghai Jiao Tong 交通
University。。。

with youth exchange serving as a key focus of the trip.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 13:09:13

The Ministry of Agriculture is urging farmers in Taitung to begin recovery
efforts after Typhoon Bavi brought strong winds and hot, dry foehn winds that
damaged crops.

Officials recommend clearing fallen branches and fruits, pruning damaged
trees, and strengthening disease prevention to reduce further losses.

Farmers are also advised to increase irrigation to help crops recover from
heat and salt brought on by the storm.

The ministry says sugar apple growers should increase hand pollination to
improve fruit production...

while rice, vegetable, and betel leaf farmers are encourged to repair
irrigation systems and reinforce damaged crop supports as soon as possible.

(AL)

Posted on 2026-07-14 13:09:13

Now turning to international news...

Thai officials say, the death toll in a pub fire has now risen to 30.

Authorities say, most of the victims dead in the Bangkok fire were found in
windowless bathrooms, where they'd tried to take shelter from the flames.

That's the city's deadliest blaze in seventeen years.

Police say, victims may have been blocked from reaching a nearby exit and
there are signs that some exit doors may have been locked.

Investigators are examining decorative materials on the ceiling above the
stage, and the building's electrical wiring.

A musician who was performing told officials he saw smoke coming from a
circuit breaker before the power cut out.

70 people remain hospitalized, with 24 remaining in critical condition.

Investigations into the bar's compliance with safety regulations are ongoing.

Posted on 2026-07-14 13:09:13

China says, its exports were up last month, jumping over a quarter from a
year earlier.

They say, that's due to strong demand due to the AI boom.

The increase in exports was much better than what economists had expected.

China's exports of vehicles, especially EVs, and other tech-related products
have boomed as rapid adoption of AI increases the need for semiconductors and
other electronic equipment.

The strength in export manufacturing has helped to offset weakness in
domestic spending and investment.

Experts say growth is likely to continue, but may be more and more fragile.

Posted on 2026-07-14 13:09:13

President Nayib Bukele’s candidacy for El Salvador’s February presidential
elections has been ratified by its ruling party...

paving the way for a third consecutive term amid criticism from human rights
advocates.

Bukele took office in 2019, but a 2024 reelection was criticized for
violating a ban on consecutive terms...

however a 2025 court ruling permitted indefinite reelection.

He's been accused of illegally replacing the constitutional court judges to
concentrate his power.

The president continues to hold high approval ratings and has been credited
with drastically reducing homicide rates within the country.

But human rights groups say more than 500 people have died in prison during
the state of emergency that made those numbers possible.

Posted on 2026-07-14 11:07:13

Major retailers and restaurant chains in Taiwan say they have completed the
precautionary removal of products linked to the expanding Central Union Oil
contamination case.

Costco Taiwan, Louisa Coffee and the TTFB Restaurant Group all say they
removed affected products after receiving government notifications and
supplier alerts.

Louisa says it removed and sealed all cooking oils and related products from
the three affected suppliers before the government deadline, regardless of
whether individual batches had tested above the legal limit.

The companies say none of the affected oil products remain in use, and that
stores and restaurants are now using products which meet food safety
standards.

The case involves cooking oils from Central Union ... found to contain
excessive levels of the carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene -- or BaP -- prompting
nationwide recalls and precautionary product withdrawals.

BaP is commonly found in vehicle exhaust fumes and tobacco smoke.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-14 11:07:13

Academia Sinica has sharply raised its forecast for Taiwan's economic growth
this year to 10.16 percent, citing easing uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy
and continued investment in artificial intelligence.

The new forecast is a significant increase from the institute's previous
projection of 3.71 percent released late last year.

Researchers say the upgrade reflects Taiwan's stronger-than-expected economic
performance in the first quarter, with continued investment in AI
infrastructure helping to boost exports and overall growth.

Academia Sinica expects global investment in artificial intelligence to
remain strong in the second half of the year, supporting Taiwan's export
momentum.

Even so, the institute says economic growth is likely to moderate later this
year as the pace of expansion returns to more normal levels.

Posted on 2026-07-14 11:07:13

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is expected to focus on capital
spending and the development of its most advanced chipmaking technology when
it holds its quarterly investor conference this Thursday.

Taiwan Institute of Economic Research economist Liu Pei-chen (劉佩真) says the
chipmaker's capital expenditure could reach a record high over the next three
years ...

... when TSMC's accumulated capital spending could top 150 billion U-S
dollars.

She says TSMC is expected to continue investing heavily in its 2-nanometer
and next-generation manufacturing technologies while accelerating its
overseas expansion.

Liu also expects the company to increase spending on advanced chip packaging
as demand for artificial intelligence applications continues to drive growth.

Posted on 2026-07-14 11:07:13

In international news ... and in the latest form the Middle East ...

Bahrain has sounded its missile alert sirens for a second time as Iran
continues retaliatory attacks following the latest U-S strikes.

The United States announced a new round of attacks on Iran hours after U-S
President Donald Trump said Washington was reinstating a blockade in the
Strait of Hormuz.

Trump separately suggested the United States will charge other ships for safe
passage, upending hundreds of years of American policy supporting freedom of
navigation across the globe.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence says Iran also fired two cruise
missiles at two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one mariner and
wounding eight others.

The Emirates threatened to retaliate against Iran, potentially drawing the
nation home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai back into fighting with Tehran.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai has ordered health authorities to complete all testing
linked to contaminated cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil within a
week...

...and prepare draft amendments to Taiwan's food safety laws over the same
period.

The premier says all confirmed contaminated oil has been removed from sale,
while edible oils and related products made using oil from Central Union
produced between April and June have been recalled as a precaution.

He has also instructed the Ministry of Health and Welfare to establish rules
allowing recalled products to return to store shelves only after passing
inspections by the Food and Drug Administration or accredited third-party
laboratories.

The proposed legal changes are expected to tighten oversight of food
manufacturers and strengthen food safety inspections ...

... as authorities continue investigating how cooking oil from the company
became contaminated with benzo[a]pyrene ... or BaP ...

... a cancer-causing chemical commonly found in vehicle exhaust fumes and
tobacco smoke.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:16

In related news,

Taichung health authorities have identified two more edible oil products
contaminated with excessive levels of BaP, widening the food safety scandal
surrounding Central Union Oil.

Officials say the affected products are Fwusow Peanut Flavored Blended Oil
and Fwusow Unsaturated Soybean Salad Oil, both made using oil supplied by
Central Union.

Five batches of oil from Central Union have now been found to exceed Taiwan's
legal safety limit for BaP.

Authorities say the contaminated oil was distributed to hundreds of food
businesses, and manufacturers have been ordered to continue tracing affected
products and supply chains.

Taichung has also fined Fwusow Industry six million NT for failing to
promptly report contamination involving the two products.

Prosecutors are continuing their criminal investigation into Central Union
Oil.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:21

The Food and Drug Administration has denied online claims that it relaxed
limits on pesticide residues in apples.

It’s calling the allegations false and warning that anyone spreading the
misinformation could face criminal penalties.

The claims circulated on Facebook, alleging that the allowable residue limit
for the pesticide fipronil in apples had been increased sixfold.

The agency says the recent regulatory change involved a different pesticide,
known as fenpropathrin, and not fipronil, stressing that the two are
completely different substances.

The FDA says the false claims have unnecessarily raised concerns about apple
safety and has referred the case to local authorities for investigation.

Under the Food Safety and Sanitation Act, anyone who intentionally spreads
false or misleading information about food safety can face up to three years
in prison, criminal detention or a fine of up to $1 million NT.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:23

Repairs Continue

Taiwan has fully restored water service in the wake of Typhoon Bavi.

However, more than 100 households in Hsinchu County remained without
electricity as of this morning, as blocked roads continued to hamper repair
work.

The National Communications Commission says it activated emergency disaster
roaming services Sunday night for typhoon-hit areas, with support focused on
Wufeng Township in Hsinchu County.

The service allows residents whose own provider's network is unavailable to
connect through another participating mobile network.

Officials say the typhoon damaged 170 mobile base stations nationwide, with
46 still awaiting repairs.

Recovery work is continuing, with local governments clearing roads, repairing
public facilities and assessing agricultural damage.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:24

Speaking of which ...

Agricultural losses from Typhoon Bavi have now risen to an estimated 37.7
million NT ...

... with crop damage accounting for more than 90 percent of the total.

The Ministry of Agriculture says persimmons were by far the hardest-hit crop,
making up around 40 percent of all crop losses.

Bananas, jujubes, peaches and first-season rice were also significantly
affected.

Private agricultural facilities accounted for another 3.3 million NT in
losses — the vast majority of it from farmland that was washed away or buried
by mud, mainly in New Taipei and Hsinchu County.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:27

The Kinmen Aviation Station says most travelers stranded by Typhoon Bavi have
now returned to Taiwan, after more than 300 people secured standby seats on
flights yesterday evening.

Regular flights to Taiwan and ferry services to Xiamen resumed Sunday after
two days of weather-related disruptions, but demand exceeded capacity,
leaving hundreds waiting for seats.

Officials say 333 travelers had boarded standby flights back to Taiwan by 8
PM Monday, with only several dozen passengers still waiting at Kinmen
Airport.

In addition, a planned military relief flight was canceled Monday, as poor
weather in Pingtung prevented the aircraft from taking off.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:29

Taiwanese organizations have joined dozens of overseas groups in calling on
governments around the world to reject the extraterritorial reach of China's
new Ethnic Unity Law.

The letter, coordinated by the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch, was
signed by 54 overseas community and civil society organizations, including
groups representing Hong Kong, Uyghur, Tibetan and Taiwanese communities.

The groups say the law claims legal jurisdiction beyond China's borders and
could be used to pursue, intimidate and silence overseas communities.

They are urging governments to declare that the law has no legal effect over
foreign citizens or residents, and to strengthen protections against what
they describe as Beijing's transnational repression.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:32

In similar news,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on reiterated Taiwan's stance on the South on
the South China Sea — on the 10th anniversary of an international arbitration
ruling that rejected many of China's claims in the disputed waterway.

MOFA says Taiwan should not be excluded from efforts to resolve issues
affecting its rights and interests, and that disputes should be settled
peacefully in accordance with international law through multilateral
dialogue.

It also reiterated Taiwan's opposition to unilateral expansion, gray-zone
coercion and militarization in the South China Sea, calling on all parties to
resolve their differences peacefully.

The ministry's statement came as several countries, including the United
States, Japan and Australia, also marked the anniversary by reaffirming their
support for international law and a rules-based order in the South China Sea.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:33

Taiwan's military has launched a five-day joint defense exercise featuring
Marine Corps mobilization operations to reinforce the Taipei metropolitan
area.

The drill focuses on integrating the Army, Navy and Air Force while testing
decentralized command-and-control systems.

As part of the exercise, dozens of Marine Corps vehicles deployed from
southern Taiwan to Taipei's Nangang District and New Taipei's Xizhi District
to establish temporary command posts and conduct reconnaissance.

The Ministry of National Defense says the exercise is designed to strengthen
coordination among the military's three branches and improve their ability to
conduct joint operations under a decentralized command-and-control system.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:37

A Taichung junior high school student has lost a lawsuit after claiming to
have developed depression as a result of disciplinary measures imposed by a
homeroom teacher.

The Taichung District Court ruled the case did not meet the legal
requirements for government compensation.

The student and a parent argued the teacher required students to arrive at
school too early, set excessively high academic standards and punished them
by making them write lines.

The court found students were only required to arrive early once a week for
the school's flag-raising ceremony and said the teacher was acting within
their authority in setting academic standards and assigning the punishment.

It also ruled the family failed to prove a link between the student's mental
health and the teacher's disciplinary measures.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:40

The Marine National Park Headquarters has signed a cooperation agreement with
TIPC Marine Corporation to strengthen maritime patrols in the waters of South
Penghu Marine National Park.

Returning port service vessels will carry park personnel on patrol missions
during their return voyages, increasing surveillance of protected waters.

The partnership will also establish a system for sharing vessel tracking
data, images and patrol records to help detect suspected illegal fishing,
coral reef damage and other violations.

Officials say the partnership will expand patrol coverage and create a
stronger marine patrol network, helping better protect the national park's
marine ecosystem.

The two sides also plan to work together on marine conservation education and
public awareness programs.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:45

The U.K. government says it is banning several groups with links to Iran...
one of them, a proxy group which it said is responsible for recent arson and
vandalism attacks on Jewish sites in Britain.

The government announced a ban on the Islamic Movement of the Companions of
the Right... they also banned Iran’s powerful paramilitary Revolutionary
Guard.

Security Minister Angela Eagle stated that the IMCR has claimed seven attacks
in the U.K.

She added that members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force
almost certainly directed such attacks across Europe.

At the same time, authorities Britain would designate the GRU Volunteer
Corps, a group controlled by Russia’s military intelligence agency, as a
national security threat.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:45

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched missiles and drones at
Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport.

They say it's a response to airstrikes they blame on Saudi Arabia that hit
Sanaa International Airport earlier on Monday.

No casualties have been reported, but this marks a potentially significant
escalation.

The Houthi military spokesman warned airlines against flying in Saudi
airspace.

The strikes are the first major escalation between the Houthis and Saudi
Arabia after a period of relative calm.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:45

Hungary's Parliament has passed a constitutional amendment aimed at removing
the president, seen as a loyalist of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

It comes as Prime Minister Péter Magyar's government works to dismantle
Orbán's political system.

Magyar's Tisza party holds a two-thirds majority, allowing them to roll back
many of Orbán's policies.

Since taking office, Magyar has removed political appointees and suspended
Hungary’s public news service.
Orbán's Fidesz party boycotted the vote, calling the amendment an assault on
democracy.

The amendment also includes judicial reforms and a new authority to
investigate financial abuses.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:45

The Trump administration is launching an effort to dismantle what it calls
the threat ‌to U.S. sovereignty by the International Criminal Court.

The Reuters News Agency cited Secretary of State Marco Rubio as saying the
ICC was initially intended to prosecute only the gravest offenses, but had
turned out to be "something far more radical and extreme."

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters
earlier that a wide range of options is under consideration to target the
ICC.

These include including travel bans, visa revocations, increased sanctions
against the ICC and affiliated organizations, and diplomatic pressure on
other nations to withdraw from the ICC.

The ICC was established in 2002 by the international community to prosecute
war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

It asserts jurisdiction only if a member state is unable or unwilling to
prosecute atrocities itself.

Posted on 2026-07-14 08:00:48

Investors are suing BlackRock by investors who said it stuck them with
higher management fees and tax bills ‌by using improper accounting that
inflated the values of more than 70 equity mutual funds.

In a complaint filed in a New York state court in Manhattan, investors say
BlackRock misclassified dividend income and realized capital gains as fund
assets, despite having to distribute these sums to investors within the tax
year.

Investors said the inflated data caused them to buy fewer shares than they
were entitled to, and pay management fees and higher taxes on what were
essentially fund liabilities.

BlackRock did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The New York-based company ended March with $13.89 trillion of assets under
management, including $7.66 trillion in equities.

---

The European Union will not yet introduce a ban on products from territories
illegally occupied by Israel after less than half of the bloc’s foreign
ministers voted for action on the issue.

A group of EU countries has been urging the executive to ban trade with
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

However, it fell short of the simple majority needed to compel the European
Commission to present specific sanctions for member countries to vote on.

The Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has resisted efforts to impose
new trade barriers on Israel and did not present EU countries with formal
measures for them to vote on at Monday’s meeting.

---

Paramount Skydance is hitting out at a coalition of 12 Democratic state
attorneys general that sued to block the David Ellison-led company’s takeover
of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paramount claims the lawsuit "distorts settled antitrust law and is based on
a misrepresentation of competition in the entertainment industry today."

Jennifer King has more.

---

Hundreds of economists are sounding the alarm on the need for guardrails for
AI... beacause of its potential to transform the way economies work.

Lisa Dwyer explains...

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