ICRT

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:13

The DPP is pushing for the opposition to support the Executive Yuan's special
budget for drones.

The legislative caucus says today that the budget aims to protect Taiwan's
national security and benefits local industries.

They're urging the TPP and KMT to support the budget, adding that they hope
it will be a priority for legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu upon his return from
the US.

DPP Caucus Whip Tsai Chi Chang says, he believes the US is aware of the draft
bill, adding that Han make take the trip as an opportunity to express the
KMT's stance on the matter.

Meanwhile Caucus leader Fan Yun stated that the bill aims to invest in
Taiwan's drone industry through large-scale, long-term contracts.

The Executive Yuan passed the proposal with a budget ceiling of 210 billion
NT for spending through 2031 after a previous defense spending proposal had
drone funding cut out by the legislature.

Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan previously said that she would be in favor of the
KMT putting forward their own proposal for drone spending.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:13

A delegation from Paraguay's Alto Paraná Department is visiting Taiwan to
learn about trade, technology and public health development.

The group is led by departmental council president Gustavo Soria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the delegation arrived yesterday and is
visiting until Thursday.

Officials are scheduled to visit Taipei City Council, Yilan County Government
and Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration.

They will also visit the International Trade Administration, TaiwanICDF,
Hsinchu Science Park and the National Palace Museum.

Alto Paraná is home to the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park.

The ministry says Taiwan is using public-private cooperation to support
industrial development in Paraguay and help Taiwanese businesses expand
overseas.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:13

A temporary YouBike service in Hualien's Guangfu Township will end on June 30
after helping meet post-disaster transport needs.

The service was launched after the Matai'an Creek barrier lake disaster
following Typhoon Ragasa in September last year.

Hualien County and YouBike set up 10 stations and 150 public bicycles last
December.

YouBike says the project has completed its phased mission.

The county says a wider public bicycle system is now in the bidding process.

Tourism Department Director Yu Ming-hsun (余明勲) says the county plans 150
stations and about 1-thousand-500 bicycles.

The first phase will cover northern Hualien this year.

The county says Guangfu service could be restored first if local demand is
urgent.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:14

Now turning to international news...'

British prime minister Keir Starmer says, he'll step down as the leader of
the ruling Labor Party...

but will remain caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen.

Starmer made the remarks outside 10 Downing Street after facing weeks of
pressure from others within Labor following losses in a local election.

But the final nail in the coffin was intraparty rival Andy Burnham's special
election win...

with Burnham saying he would challenge starmer for leadership of the party-
and country.

Starmer's move paves the way for the UK to have its seventh prime minister in
just over 10 years.

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:14

Now turning to international news...

An ancient city on the coast of Lebanon is trying to recover following weeks
of Israeli airstrikes.

A new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is in effect, but past
ceasefires have failed.

Israel has killed over 4000 people in Lebanon since March...

while militant group Hezbollah has clashed with Israeli troops making their
deepest incursion into southern Lebanon in over 25 years.

Tyre, a city normally busy with tourists, is full of displaced people, many
of whom lost their homes and livelihoods due to Israeli attacks.

The city's heritage sites and environment have suffered significant damage.

Hospitals have been hit, leaving medical staff feeling unsafe.

Despite ongoing negotiations, long-term stability remains uncertain as
tensions persist in the region.

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:06:14

The war in Iran has helped reshape the global electric vehicle market, giving
Chinese automakers an opening across the developing world as fuel prices
surge.

However, it's not clear if those countries can build charging networks fast
enough to support a wave of EV imports.

Think tanks report that global exports of Chinese EVs have reached new
heights since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

As fuel prices have risen, the incentive to opt for EVs has risen.

While the US and some other wealthy countries are limiting imports of EVs
from China, drivers in Southeast Asia and East Africa have seen shipments
surge.

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:04:13

Taiwan's electrical machinery maker, TECO is expanding its green energy
business in Australia through new solar and energy storage projects.

The company says its Australian unit will work with Billion Watts and Tun
Green Power.

The partners will jointly develop the Seaspray solar and battery storage
project in Victoria.

They will also take part in a second distributed energy investment portfolio.

TECO says the Seaspray project will include solar capacity of 5-point-48
megawatt-peak and storage of 11 megawatt-hours.

The company holds a 45 percent stake in the Australian joint venture.

TECO says the projects show its shift from motors and power equipment into
renewable energy.

The company says it will keep expanding in Australia's renewable energy and
storage markets.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:04:15

Taiwan travelers heading to Japan can get more yen for their money, as the
Japanese currency keeps weakening.

Bank of Taiwan rates showed the yen's cash selling price at 0-point-1991 NT
this morning.

That is lower than the recent high of 0-point-2091 NT on February 12.

A 100-thousand NT travel budget could buy about 502-thousand Japanese yen
today.

That is about 24-thousand Japanese yen more than in February.

The difference is equal to about three adult tickets to Tokyo Disneyland.

Foreign exchange bankers say the yen has fallen more sharply than the New
Taiwan dollar.

They still suggest exchanging money in batches, instead of changing all
travel funds at once.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 17:04:15

"Toy Story 5" has topped 91-point-2-million NT in its opening weekend box
office in Taiwan.

The Disney film marks the franchise's 30th anniversary.

Its story pits digital devices against traditional toys.

The film also reflects family debates about screen time and digital
entertainment.

The distributor says the movie continues the series' humor, adventure and
emotional appeal.

It also highlights real interaction, imagination, companionship and play.

A Disney executive says the film set a new box office record in Taiwan.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:20:13

Taipei city's Senior Card program will be upgraded starting in July, with
monthly credits increasing from 480 points to 600 points.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said cardholders will be able to use their credits
to purchase daily necessities at supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies
and farmers' associations in the second half of next year.

Chiang said the city will speed up the rollout of the second-generation
cards, and the new cards will allow unused credits to roll over.

Beginning September 1st, the first round of Double Ninth Festival cash gifts
for seniors will be deposited directly into recipients' bank accounts.

Between September 7th and 18th, recipients can also load the money onto their
EasyCards by tapping them at Taipei Metro stations and major convenience
stores.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:19:13

Legislative Speaker Han Guo- yu has begun a visit to the United States by
leading a cross-party delegation of lawmakers.

Speaking at Taoyuan International Airport last night, Han said the trip is at
the invitation of the bipartisan Taiwan caucuses in both chambers of the U.S.
Congress.

He said the delegation's top priority is parliamentary diplomacy - exchanging
views with U.S. lawmakers on national security, constituency governance, and
ways to deepen cooperation between the two sides.

As this year marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S., Han also stressed that
the delegation will extend its warmest birthday congratulations to the U.S.
government and people.

Han's visit will also include a visit to the American state of Arizona where
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's factories are located.

Noting that T-S-M-C has been investing in the U.S. for nearly five years, the
Speaker said the delegation plans to tour the facilities and speak with its
employees.

Han also pointed out and that they'll return to Taiwan on the inaugural
direct flight between Taiwan and Washington D.C., operated by E-V-A Air.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:19:13

Taipei city's Senior Card program will be upgraded starting in July, with
monthly credits increasing from 480 points to 600 points.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said cardholders will be able to use their credits
to purchase daily necessities at supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies
and farmers' associations in the second half of next year.

Chiang said the city will speed up the rollout of the second-generation
cards, and the new cards will allow unused credits to roll over.

Beginning September 1st, the first round of Double Ninth Festival cash gifts
for seniors will be deposited directly into recipients' bank accounts.

Between September 7th and 18th, recipients can also load the money onto their
EasyCards by tapping them at Taipei Metro stations and major convenience
stores.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:19:13

Authorities say confirmed cases of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo have
reached 1,003, including 254 deaths.

Congo’s Ministry of Health said a total of 100 people have recovered in the
outbreak concentrated in the Ituri province since it was declared on May 15.

The Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no vaccines
or treatment, has been the worst ever after just a month.

Officials admit there could be far more cases they still don’t know about and
that the peak of the outbreak is still ahead.

Posted on 2026-06-22 16:19:13

Police say 3 tons of cocaine found on a property on Sydney’s outskirts is
Australia’s largest ever seizure of the drug.

A law enforcement statement said today that the drug was found June 19th in
plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers hidden beneath three shipping
containers on a semi-rural property.

Two Sydney men aged 21 and 25 were arrested at the property and charged with
possessing a commercial quantity of an illicit drug.

They face potential sentences of life in prison.

Police said the cocaine found in Sydney landed by boat at Midge Point in the
sparsely-populated Queensland tropics.

They allege that a Sydney organized crime group transported the drug by road
to the city, a distance of 1,800 kilometers.

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Taipei police say they cracked down hard on drugged driving over the Dragon
Boat Festival holiday, catching 56 cases in three days.

The Taipei City Police Department says officers ramped up checkpoints,
testing drivers who showed signs of impairment or whose cars smelled
suspicious.

Officials declared a "zero tolerance" policy on drugged driving, with Mayor
Chiang Wan-an echoing that sentiment at a meeting ahead of the holiday.

The push comes after a legal change in May allowed for preventive detention
in drugged driving cases.

Police say they're now working closely with prosecutors to trace drug sources
and crack down on the rising use of etomidate-laced "zombie vapes..."

while also equipping officers with more drug test kits.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Cancer remains Taiwan's leading cause of death for the 44th year in a row.

Behind cancer were heart disease and pneumonia.

That's according to new figures from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The data also shows that nearly 200,000 people died in Taiwan last year...

marking a slight decrease for the third consecutive year.

Suicide moved up to 10th place, while COVID-19 dropped significantly from
14th to 19th on the list.

Within cancer deaths specifically, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers have
stayed the top three killers for 22 straight years.

However, health officials flagged a new trend...

noting that death rates from lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian
cancer all rose compared to the previous year, even as the mean death toll
has declined overall.

(MW)

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Taiwan's game software industry saw revenue jump nearly 50 percent in five
years, as stay-at-home habits and digital leisure boosted demand.

The Ministry of Finance says revenue reached 71-billion NT in 2025, up 48.7
percent from 2020.

Game software publishing recorded the fastest growth, with revenue more than
doubling over the same period.

The ministry says game publishers saw the strongest growth...

...while programming and design firms faced higher costs and tougher
competition.

The industry remains concentrated in Taipei, New Taipei and Taichung, because
of talent, capital and business clusters.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Asian stocks are mixed today, with Japan and Korea trading higher, while Hong
Kong lost ground.

Taiwan shares were strongly up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 1276
points to close the session at 47741.

The turnover was 1.441 trillion NT.

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Now turning to international news...

police in the Philippines say that 2 people opened fire in a high school in
the central city of Tacloban.

They killed 3 and injured 5 more people.

Two suspects were taken into custody, one of whom is a student at the high
school.

Police investigators are looking into what sparked the shooting in the
government-run school, which has more than 1,500 students.

Police also deployed forces to beef up security.

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

Political outsider Abelardo de la Espriella has managed to secure a narrow
lead in Colombia's presidential runoff election.

With almost all votes counted, he has overtaken progressive lawmaker Iván
Cepeda by one percentage point, taking 49.7% of the vote to Cepeda's 48.7%.

However, election officials have not formally declared a winner, and Cepeda,
along with incumbent President Gustavo Petro have vowed to challenge the
results.

De la Espriella, nicknamed "The Tiger," is a lawyer and businessman who has
been endorsed by US Presdient Donald Trump.

He campaigned on a tough-on-crime approach, promising to build mega-prisons
and end Petro's peace negotiations with armed groups.

A victory for de la Espriella would effectively be an indictment of Petro and
Cepeda's more "pro-dialogue" stance.

Posted on 2026-06-22 14:25:13

An explosion in Qatar has injured at least 54 people.

Another 18 are currently missing following the blast at the Ras Laffan
Industrial Area.

Ras Laffan is a key natural gas export terminal that was targeted by Iranian
munitions strikes earlier this year, shutting the plant down for several
months.

As the war began to settle down, Qatar attempted to restart its natural gas
infrastructure.

However, the restart sparked an explosion and subsequent fire at the Barzan
facility

The plant in Barzan had a production capacity of nearly 1.4 billion cubic
feet of gas each day, which was used for powering desalination and generating
electricity.

The blast is likely to cause more chaos for global energy markets,
particularly as Qatar remains one of the world's top natural gas producers.

Posted on 2026-06-22 13:07:13

Taipei is planning to roll out self-driving buses in three phases, with the
first phase starting in the closed grounds of the Taipei Zoo.

It'll be followed by a trial period in the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, and
finally on 15 dedicated bus lanes in the second half of next year.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced today that the city will introduce the program
with the goal of making Taipei a major testbed for autonomous vehicles.

The Mayor said the first phase, to begin this year, will see driverless
shuttle buses tested in closed areas such as the zoo.

And then it'll advance to unmanned street-cleaning and water-spraying
vehicles before moving on to passenger shuttle services at the Beitou-Shilin
Technology Park.

The third phase will involve trial runs of autonomous buses on 15 dedicated
bus lanes across Taipei.

Chiang said the city will first upgrade road infrastructure, traffic signals,
and sensor systems.

(JL)

Posted on 2026-06-22 13:07:13

11 people have been injured in a bus accident in Taoyuan.

The tour bus and military minibus collided on a section of National Freeway 1
this morning.

The accident occureed on the southbound lanes of the Yangmei Elevated Section
of freeway in Guishan.

Firefighters say that first responders arrived to find the driver of the
military minibus trapped inside the vehicle.

They also determined that two people needed immediate medical attention,
while four others were moderately injured.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-06-22 13:07:13

In international news,

China has announced sanctions on 10 US defense companies.

The move is in response to a recent U.S. decision that bars some leading
Chinese tech companies from defense contracts.

China's Commerce Ministry said today that exporters will be blocked from
selling "dual-use" items to the sanctioned U.S. firms, which include military
drone makers and some involved in rare earth mining.

Such items have both military and non-military applications.

The ministry states this action is to safeguard national security and counter
the U.S. government's expansion of its list of Chinese military companies.

The U.S. Defense Department recently added several Chinese tech firms to its
list, preventing them from securing U.S. military contracts.

Separately, China's Finance Ministry said that government entities would be
prohibited from buying products from 46 US companies, including Lockheed
Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-22 13:07:13

In the U.K., expectations are growing that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will
announce his resignation soon, possibly today.

Pressure from his Labour Party has been mounting after intraparty rival Andy
Burnham's victory last week for a seat in Parliament.

Burnham aims to challenge Starmer for the leadership of the party and the
country.

Many Labour lawmakers are urging Starmer to announce a timetable for his
departure to avert a power struggle.

Discontent with Starmer within Labour's ranks has grown with a sluggish
economy and political missteps hammering the government's popularity.

In contrast to missteps on the domestic front, Starmer has won praise for his
international role, notably in rallying European support for Ukraine in its
fight against Russia's invasion, and working to mitigate the economic and
political turmoil unleashed by the US/Israeli war in Iran.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-22 13:07:13

In Australia, police say 2.7 metric tons of cocaine found on a property on
Sydney’s outskirts is Australia’s largest ever seizure of the drug.

A law enforcement statement issued today said the drug was found June 19 in
plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers hidden beneath three shipping
containers on a semirural property in a Sydney suburb.

The shipping containers had false floors that provided access to the cocaine,
which police estimate has a street value of 816 million Australian dollars,
or 18.1 billion NT.

Two Sydney men, aged 21 and 25, were arrested at the property and charged
with possessing a commercial quantity of an illicit drug.

They face potential sentences of life in prison.

Australians pay some of the world’s highest prices for cocaine, which makes
Australia a lucrative market for drug traffickers.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-06-22 08:17:13

C-P-C has cut gasoline and diesel prices ending an 11-week run of leaving its
retail fuel prices unchanged due military conflicts in the Middle East.

The price cuts see gasoline declining by 1 N-T per liter and diesel falling
by 0.7 N-T per liter - with C-P-C saying the move reflects reduced upward
pressure on international energy prices.

The move means that 92 octane unleaded costs 31.4 N-T per liter, while the
price of premium diesel has dropped to at 30.3 N-T a liter at the pump for
this week.

Posted on 2026-06-22 08:17:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration has issued heat warnings for much of
Taiwan today - as it's forecasting highs of up to 36-degrees ahead of Typhoon
Mekkhala's closest approach to the island on Thursday.

"Orange" heat alerts are in effect for New Taipei, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin,
Tainan, Pingtung and Hualien - where the mercury could reach 36-degrees for
three consecutive days.

While "yellow" heat alerts have been issued for Keelung, Taoyuan, Taichung,
Chiayi and Kaohsiung - where the daily maximum temperature could reach
36-degrees today.

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

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:13

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu is leading a cross-party delegation of
lawmakers to the U-S this week for a six-day trip.
Han said the trip was made possible through an invitation from a
Taiwan-friendly caucus in the U-S Congress.

Han says the main focus of the trip is to promote closer Taiwan-US exchanges
through "parliamentary diplomacy."

The delegation consists of Han and seven other lawmakers, including three
from the K-M-T, one from the Taiwan People's Party, and three from the D-P-P.

Reports say the group's itinerary will begin with a visit to TSMC's Arizona
and a banquet with overseas Taiwanese while in Phoenix.

The group will then head to Washington, D.C., to meet with U-S senators,
members of the House of Representatives and senior U-S government
officials...

They are also scheduled to attend a banquet hosted by Taiwan's representative
to the United States, Alexander Yui.

The delegation is scheduled to return to Taiwan on Friday aboard EVA Airways'
inaugural direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Taoyuan International
Airport - which Han said reflects deepening bilateral ties.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:14

The Ministry of National Defense is set to hold a five-day combat readiness
drill this week.

Defense officials say the drill are part of its modernization plans to shift
its training focus to more realistic exercises simulating war, away from
set-piece events.

The military has reportedly begun basing some of its drills on a scenario in
which China suddenly turns one of its regular exercises around the island
into an actual attack.

The "Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise" begins today and runs until Friday.

The defense ministry is describing the drill as part of annual training plans
as part of joint operations for the armed forces.

They say the main objective is to train units at all levels to become
familiar with combat practices and the battlefield environment during the
readiness deployment phase.

Defense officials have also said the exercise will also help to strengthen
rapid peacetime-to-wartime transitions and priority deployments... with
"actual troops, on actual terrain, in ‌real time, using actual equipment, and
through actual implementation".

This year's Han Kuang live first exercises are expected to take place in
August.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

The Ministry of National Defense is amending the law on mandatory military
service by calling for non-commutable prison sentences instead of fines for
convicted draft dodgers.

Proposed changes are part of the government's efforts to reduce the incidence
of draft evasion.

The act currently stipulates that citizens who evade military conscription
can get a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

But most draft dodgers receive court sentences of less than six months, which
can be commutable to a fine.

As a result, most draft dodgers actually pay a fine instead of serving time
any jail time.

Defense officials believe prison sentences would be a stronger deterrent ---
and they now want prison terms of between one and five years for citizens who
evade military conscription.

The proposed amendments also seeks to revise the penalties for those who
evade reservist training and wartime mobilization, by calling for prison
terms of between one to five years.

The proposal follows a crackdown by authorities last year on entertainers who
allegedly were evading mandatory military service by obtaining falsified
hypertension diagnoses.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

Researchers at National Cheng Kung University say although climate change
could reduce overall PM2.5 pollution here in Taiwan, the benefits are likely
to be unevenly distributed.

The research team analyzed more than two decades of weather, air-quality and
geographic data.

Researchers found that average PM2.5 levels are likely to decline by between
1.25 and 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter nationally in the coming decades.

The study found that warmer temperatures and increased rainfall generally
help reduce PM2.5 levels, contributing to an overall decline in pollution
nationwide.

But researchers also say climate change could also alter local weather
patterns by impacting how pollutants accumulate and disperse, leading to
growing regional differences in air quality.

In that scenario, areas in northeastern Taiwan, the Taichung-Changhua border
region and parts of Kaohsiung and Pingtung could emerge as pollution
"hotspots" between 2081 and 2100.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

And,

The Central Weather Administration has upgraded Mekkhala to a typhoon and
says it could come close enough to Taiwan later in the week to prompt a sea
warning.

The storm is currently located some 1,000-kilometers southeast of Eluanbi at
Taiwan's southern tip and is moving in a west-northwesterly direction at
26-kilometers-an-hour.

Typhoon Mekkhala has a radius of 150-kilometers and is packing sustained wind
speed of 118-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 154-kilometers-an-hour.

Mekkhala is currently expected to continue moving in a west-northwesterly
direction, before gradually turning north toward waters east of Taiwan proper
or south of the Ryukyu Islands.

The center says timing and angle of the turn remain uncertain, but current
forecasts show the storm will be closest to Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem says that Israel will not stay in Lebanon,
adding that the group would respond to any violation from the Israeli side.

His statements came as Israeli officials say that ‌troops are free to act
without restriction to eliminate threats in Lebanon despite an agreed
ceasefire that took effect on Friday.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed dozens of people despite a ceasefire
being in place...

Tehran says the fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah
must end before any broader agreement can be reached.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry sait at the weekend that Israeli attacks since
March 2 have killed at least 4 thousand people and wounded more than 12
thousand.

At the same time, Palestinian health officials say Israeli strikes in Gaza
have killed at least six people, including two children and an Al Jazeera
cameraman.

Despite an October ceasefire with Hamas, Gaza officials say it has faced
near-daily Israeli attacks that have killed over 1,000 Palestinians,

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

A Spanish investigative judge has ruled that the wife of Spanish Prime
Minister Pedro Sánchez will face trial on charges of influence peddling and
corruption.

The judge also ordered Begoña Gómez to surrender her passport in his ruling
at the weekend.

The judge argued that Gómez represents a flight risk.

The case has intensified scrutiny of Sánchez’s Socialist-led minority
government before an election due by next year.

Government officials and the Socialist Party condemned the ruling as
politically motivated. Gómez denies any wrongdoing.

Posted on 2026-06-22 06:52:15

24 Filipinos who were detained without charges in Siberia have returned to
their country.

They arrived in Manila in two batches over the weekend after they were
released in eastern Siberia, where they had been detained for more than nine
months.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised concerns for them during a
meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro, who accompanied Marcos in talks
with Putin, was set to welcome the first batch.

The release followed a bilateral meeting between Marcos and Putin on
Wednesday.

Most members of the group had worked as cleaners and some came from other
countries before ending up in Russia.

Reports suggest the Filipinos may have been victims of illegal job
recruitment.

Posted on 2026-06-20 15:07:14

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression near Guam
in the western Pacific strengthened into a tropical storm early today.

The CWA said that as of 8 am, Tropical Storm Mekkhala was located just under
2,000 kilometers east-southeast of Taiwan, moving at 27 kilometers per hour
toward Okinawa.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 90 kph near its
center, with gusts of 119 kph.

The CWA is advising fishing vessels in the area to stay alert.

It also issued heat alerts for parts of Taiwan today, warning of maximum
temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or higher.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 14:07:13

A large fire has almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican
Republic, forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists.

Local media reported an Italian tourist died in the fire ... and several
other tourists required medical assistance.

The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort is located in Bayahibe, a popular
destination for US and international tourists on the southeastern coast of
the Dominican Republic.

The cause of the blaze was under investigation ... and the country's
Emergency Operations Center said it appeared it had spread rapidly due to
wind and because part of the resort's roof was made of thatch.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 14:07:14

In World Cup action,

Matias Galarza scored 65 seconds into the game and Paraguay held on for a 1-0
win over Turkey after playing a man down for more than half the match.

That was the fastest goal at this year's World Cup, eclipsing Morocco's goal
after just 72 seconds earlier in the day. That was enough to beat Scotland.

Paraguay was short-handed after Miguel Almiron was issued a red card late in
the first half for violating a new rule that allows referees to ban players
from covering their mouths during a confrontation.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several key saves to preserve the lead.

The win assured the United States would win Group D and eliminated Turkey
from any chance of advancing to the knockout round ... with its second
straight loss.

Meanwhile, Brazil dispatched Haiti 3-0, with the Haitians becoming the
*first* team to be mathematically ineligible for advancement.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 14:07:14

James Burrows, the director behind iconic TV comedies like "Cheers," "Taxi,"
"Friends" and "Will and Grace," has died.

His family confirmed his death in a statement to People magazine, saying he
passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Burrows directed over a thousand TV episodes.

He started his TV career at 35, working on shows that included "The Mary
Tyler Moore Show" and "Laverne & Shirley."

His father was writer, director and producer Abe Burrows, whose Broadway hits
included "Guys and Dolls" and "Can-Can."

The elder Burrows also mentored Larry Gelbart, future creator and producer of
the TV show "MASH."

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 13:10:13

As people gathered to celebrate Juneteenth at events across the US, former
President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed the
first visitors to his presidential center.

In a surprise move, the Obamas personally greeted the first 100 people to
walk through the doors of the new presidential center

A million visitors a year are expected to come together at the sprawling
campus honoring the nation's first Black president.

The center's grand opening arrives as a symbolic convergence of legacy and
liberation in this fifth year since June 19 became a federal holiday in the
United States.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 13:10:13

Five-time champion Brazil has eliminated Haiti from the World Cup with a 3-0
victory.

Haiti had qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 ... only
to become the first team guaranteed NOT to reach the knockout round.

In other World Cup action, the US beat Australia 2-0 to unlock a berth in the
knockout round, while Morocco shut out Scotland and scored the only goal of
the match after just 72 seconds of play.

Paraguay is leading Turkey 1-0 in the second half. Paraguay midfielder Miguel
Almiron became the first player issued a red card at the World Cup ... for
covering his mouth.

The new rule is intended to stop players from concealing verbal insults.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-20 11:08:13

Ismael Saibari scored only 72 seconds into the game, and Morocco beat
Scotland 1-0 at the World Cup to keep alive its chances of advancing to its
second straight knockout round.

Morocco, which reached the semifinals at the last World Cup, drew 1-1 with
Brazil in its Group C opener.

Scotland, which hasn't gotten out of the group stage in its eight previous
World Cup appearances, beat Haiti 1-0 in its first match.

Earlier, the US team beat Australia 2-nil to secure a spot in the round of 32
knockout round, despite the absence of injured star forward Christian
Pulisic. 21-year-old Alex Freeman scored the second goal for the Americans in
the 43rd minute.

Brazil won its match against Haiti 3-nil. Haiti becomes the first team to be
eliminated in this year's World Cup.

AP_JvW

Posted on 2026-06-19 18:07:13

The Coast Guard has warned off a Chinese research vessel from restricted
waters after initially warning it in its exclusive economic zone.

The boat entered Taiwan's restricted waters off the coast of Su'Ao in Yilan.

Restricted waters extend 12 to 24 nautical miles off Taiwan's coast.

The Coast Guard dispatched the Lanyu patrol vessel along with a patrol boat
to shadow the Chinese ship and issue radio warnings.

Video footage shows the crew of the Lanyu telling the Chinese ship that China
has no sovereignty over waters off Taiwan's east coast, demanding the vessel
leave immediately.

The two Taiwanese vessels then flanked the Chinese research ship and carried
out maneuvers designed to generate waves and disrupt its operations.

The ship then left Taiwan's restricted waters and continued north to near
Pengjia islet.

The Lanyu had previously spotted the boat near Hualien and issued similar
warnings to leave the exclusive eeconomic zone.

Posted on 2026-06-19 17:06:14

Next month… four Taiwanese performing arts groups will be heading to France
to join the 2026 Festival Off Avignon.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, the delegation includes various dance
troupes, focusing on Taiwan’s Hakka and indigenous traditions, as well as
reflections on technology and modern society.

Head of the Academic Cooperation and Culture Department of the French Office
in Taipei… Josue (Joshua) Serres says the Taiwanese artists will be
performing at Festival Off Avignon… one of world’s most important
contemporary performing arts events…

He adds that Avignon will be a offer the Taiwanese artists a global stage
like no other.

That was Josue (Joshua) Serres… of the French Office in Taipei.

Festival Off Avignon runs July 4th through the 25th.

Posted on 2026-06-19 16:13:14

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is calling on opposition lawmakers to support
the Executive Yuan's special budget proposal for drone production.

Hsiao says today that national security is not a political problem...

adding that the proposal would not only increase the miltiary's combat
capacity, but would also strengthen the "non-red supply chain."

According to the Executive Yuan, the special budget includes a budget ceiling
of 210 billion NT for spending through 2031...

with the funds for both surveillance & reconnaisance drones, as well as for
attack drones.

The proposal followed an earlier special defense proposal by the Cabinet,
from which lawmakers cut out funding for the domestic drone industry.

Meanwhile, Taichung Mayor Lu Xiu Yan says, she would be in favor of the KMT
putting forward its own version of a bill for drone spending.

Posted on 2026-06-19 16:13:14

Taiwan and the US are considering expanding cooperations between the two
countries in Paraguay.

That's as Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming Chi met with US officials in the
South American country earlier this week.

They reportedly discussed views on several issues, like ongoing
Taiwan/Paraguay cooperation on an AI computing center.

They also discussed higher education talent cultivation, Mandarin language
education, and efforts to encourage Taiwanese tech firms to invest in
Paraguay.

Chen says, Taiwan the US both hope to support Paraguay's long-term
development and can achieve greater results through joint cooperation.

US officials said that they will continue to help Paraguay enhance its
cybersecurity capabilities, but that Taiwan and the U.S. should also work
together to facilitate cooperation between Paraguay and trusted partners to
address increasingly serious cyber threats.

Posted on 2026-06-19 16:13:14

Now turning to international news in the UK,

Andy Burnham of the ruling Labor Party has won a special election for a seat
in Parliament...

setting him up to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for control over the
party and country.

The mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham defeated opposition Reform UK's
candidate to strengthen his status as a leading contender to replace Starmer.

Burnham took almost 55% of the vote.

The PM's popularity has declined since a landslide victory in 2024, with the
UK still struggle with economic growth and public services.

Burnham's win increases pressure on Starmer to resign.

Burnham plans to head to London to be sworn in, and may seek a meeting with
Starmer to discuss leadeship.

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

The military will soon deploy a drone battalion in Penghu to bolster early
warning capabilities.

That's according to a military source, who added that the move will expand
the area covered by Taiwan's early warning mechanisms and enable the military
to conduct anti-blockade operations closer to the enemy...

as well as to swiftly deploy kill chains using drone and anti-ship missiles.

The Liberty Times reported that the drone battalion will be an upgrade from
an existing squadron there.

It'll likely be launched in July.

Army Chief of Staff Chen Chun-yi (陳俊義) previously told lawmakers that the
Army will establish a drone battalion in each of Taiwan's five theaters of
operations to defend northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan, as well
as offshore Penghu County.

Meanwhile research fellow Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲) described the deployment of drones
on the country's offshore islands as strategically significant...

emphasizing drone strengths, like long-range reconnaissance.

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

her own fame"

Taitung farmers say, it doesn't matter whether or not magistrate Rao Qing
Ling's video appearance at China's Straits Forum was legal...

as all the debate does is serve to elevate Rao's personal profile and has no
impact on the sugar apple market.

That's after Rao's video appearance promoting Taitung's sugar apples in the
Strait Forum incited controversy, prompting the Mainland Affairs Council to
turn the case over to the Ministry of the Interior for investigation.

But farmers say, Rao's appearance and any of the surrounding controversy hold
little significance when China continues to levy 29% tariffs on Taiwanese
agricultural products.

They add that the "noise" generated by Rao's participation has no effect on
the Taiwanese sugar apple market.

Meanwhile DPP candidate to succeed Rao, Chen Ying stated that she believed
farmers "should not be the victims of political maneuvering."

(AH)

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

Traffic is looking mostly clear across the south and center at the moment...

but a few parts of the north appear to be a little backed up.

Traffic on National Freeways 1 and 3 southbound near Hsinchu's Zhubei and
Xiangshan is quite heavy,

while drivers on National Freeway 5 southbound from Nangang to Toucheng can
also expect some backups.

Officials advise those planning to be heading south on National Freeway 5 to
depart after 5pm.

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

Now turning to international news...

Israel has killed 16 more people in Lebanon as Israel struck targets
throughout southern Lebanon overnight.

This comes as planned talks in Switzerland between Iran and the US over a
permanent end to the US/Israeli war on Iran were delayed.

Iran's occupation of southern Lebanon and its continued attacks on the
Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group have been a key sticking point in the
talks.

Israel claims it needs to continue ocupying the territory and be free to
attack Hezbollah.

The postponement of the talks comes after a Hezbollah-aligned Arab satellite
channel reported that Iran was delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland
over Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.

Posted on 2026-06-19 15:13:14

Officials say, roughly 300 students and teachers were evacuated or rescued
from a fire at an elementary school in downtown Tokyo.

Officials say the fire broke out at the Takinogawa Number 3 Elementary School
near a music room on the top floor.

One teacher and several kids were rescued by firefighters with
non-life-threatening injuries.

TV footage showed black smoke billowing out of windows on the fourth floor as
firefighters combat the fire.

All others inside the bulding at the time of the fire were evacuated to a
nearby park.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

KMT Chair Zheng Li Wen says, she would be in favor of retaliating against a
Chinese invasion...

so long as Taiwan does not declare independence.

Zheng emphasizes that the KMT supports pursuing peace, but would not give up
on self defense.

She added, the KMT opposes Taiwan declaring independence, but if Taiwan did
not declare independence, and China still invaded Taiwan, Zheng said "we
would certainly retaliate."

The comments come after an interview Zheng gave with the Economist, in which
she said that Taiwan should not become a pawn, adding that she hopes to
undertake more exchange with the US and other international partners.

She added that she considered her recent US trip to be a success, saying that
she hopes to convince leaders in Washington DC that peace is pursued through
dialogue.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

The Ministry of Culture says the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe is getting a
taste of Taiwan again this summer.

Now in its twelfth year, the Taiwan Season will bring four Taiwanese troupes
to Scotland, including dance and magicians.

One of the performers… Lin Lu-jie… says this is his second time at the
Edinburgh Fringe… and he is surprised and proud, that his magic show… and
Taiwan culture… resonate with audiences around the world.

The Edinburgh Fringe runs August 7th - 31st, and is the world’s largest
performing arts show, attracting an audience of over 2.6 million people last
year.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

South Korea is extending a 5% preferential tariff rate on imported fruits
such as Taiwanese bananas, pineapples, and mangoes.

This was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture which said the measure will
reduce the cost of exporting Taiwanese fruit to South Korea and provide a
significant boost to Taiwanese farmers and exporters seeking to expand into
high-end overseas markets.

South Korea has been facing rising consumer prices and a weak currency,
which have significantly increased the cost of imported fruit.

To help stabilize domestic prices, South Korea introduced a tariff-rate quota
program in February, reducing import duties on fruits such as mangoes from
the original 30% tariff to 5%.

The preferential tariff program had originally been scheduled to expire on
June 30.

But the South Korean government announced yesterday that it would extend the
5% tariff rate on fruits including bananas, pineapples, and mangoes until
August 15.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

Now turning to international news...

The Cambodia Supreme Court has upheld the incitement conviction of prominent
opposition politician Rong Chhun...

but suspended the remainder of his prison sentence.

That allows him to remain free, but he is barred from politics for five
years.

The ruling sparked anger amongst supporters gathered outside the court in the
Cambodian capital.

Rong Chhun is a senior advisor to the Nation Power Party.

He was convicted last year of inciting social unrest after meeting villagers
displaced by government construction projects.

Critics view the case as part of broader efforts by Prime Minister Hun
Manet's govenrment to silence dissent.

The verdict also restricts Rong Chhun's travel, though he is considering the
possibility of seeking a royal pardon.

Posted on 2026-06-19 14:07:14

The U.S. military says it killed three men when it struck a vessel in the
eastern pacific.

The Southern Command claimed the vessel targeted was operated by "Designated
Terrorist Organizations" and was "transiting along known narco-trafficking
routes."

It did not identify the organizations or the individuals and did not
provide details on its claims.

It's the latest such attack that human rights groups call extrajudicial
killings and Washington casts as targeting of "narco-terrorists."

The U.S. military's strikes on such vessels have killed more than ‌200
people since September.

Posted on 2026-06-19 13:06:14

The Cabinet has proposed a legal revision that would provide a legal basis
for administering saliva tests on certain individuals as a means to identify
users of the illicit narcotic etomidate.

The proposal is part of the government's ongoing drive to combat "zombie
vapes," electronic cigarettes containing etomidate, which has sparked
widespread public safety concerns.

Premier Zhu Rong Tai said he had approved a proposal to amend the Narcotics
Hazard Prevention Act which authorizes authorities to conduct saliva tests in
addition to urine tests to detect drug offenses in a more timely manner/

The move is meant to strengthen drug prevention efforts... and comes after
the Cabinet proposed a separate set of amendments aimed at increasing
penalties for drug-impaired driving.

Under the proposals, anyone caught driving a motor vehicle under the
influence of illegal narcotics would have their driver's license revoked, be
barred from retaking the driver's license test for three years and have their
vehicle confiscated.

Posted on 2026-06-19 13:06:14

The Central Weather Administration is issuing an extreme heat alert for
today..

as temperatures are expected to rise steadily during the Dragon Boat long
weekend under the influence of a strengthening Pacific high-pressure system.

The CWA warns that parts of Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin,
Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taitung, and Hualien can expect
temperatures as high as 36 degrees celsius today.

The rest of the country, meanwhile, can expect temperatures between 33 and 35
degrees celsius.

The CWA is also forecasting partly cloudy to sunny skies over the coming
days, with some afternoon thunderstorms expected in mountainous areas, as
well as in Greater Taipei and Yilan.

As of 10:30 this morning, the highest recorded temperature across Taiwan was
in Yunlin's Dounan, coming in at 35.8 degrees celsius.

Forecasters also warn of strong winds in parts of Green and Orchid Islands,
as well as in Mazu.

They're urging caution for those engaging in coastal and marine activities.

Forecasters say, we can expect temperatures to increase day by day through
Wednesday.

Posted on 2026-06-19 13:06:14

About 100 Colombian dissidents have surrendered their weapons as part of a
peace process with the government of President Gustavo Petro.

Members of the National Coordinating Committee of the Bolivarian Army placed
their weapons on a table during a ceremony in Putumayo.

They will now enter a temporary resettlement zone to begin reintegration into
civilian life, with the government explaining that they "will have their
freedom restricted and will be under the control and supervision of
authorities."

A dissident leader is emphasizing the power of dialogue over violence.

President Gustavo Petro's "total peace" policy aims to negotiate with
multiple armed groups, though it has largely failed.

Petro himself is a former rebel leader, and Colombia's first progressive
president.

The surrender comes ahead of a runoff presidential vote between IvAn Cepeda,
of Petro's "pro -dialogue" camp...

and Abelardo de la Espriella, who favors a more strongarm approach to dealing
with militant violence.

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