Reported about 1 year ago
On June 23, 2024, Taichung's East District experienced heavy rainfall leading to flooding and mudslides. Rainfall exceeded 70 millimeters between 3 to 4 pm, causing accumulation of water on Dongkeng Road. Slippery roads combined with driver inattention resulted in 2 accidents, with one involving a hit-and-run. The local residents faced challenges due to the flooding and mud, prompting concerns over drainage issues and safety precautions during unstable weather conditions.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The lithium industry is experiencing a continued slump as prices of lithium carbonate in China have dropped to their lowest levels since August 2021, and futures have declined by 12% this month. The oversupply and slow demand growth led to an 80% price plunge in 2023, and while prices stabilized briefly, the market is still working to clear inventories. Stock prices of lithium producers like Albemarle and Piedmont Lithium Inc. have also been impacted. Manufacturers are cutting orders for lithium products amid expectations of further price decreases, with some traders anticipating a bottoming out during summer. Despite concerns, some larger players in the industry are pursuing deals to develop lithium projects, suggesting a long-term view on the potential of the market.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
In Taiwan, a motorcyclist in Tainan was attacked by a pigeon that lodged itself on the bike's shell, and in another case in Taitung, a police officer was seriously injured after being hit by a reed partridge while riding on a street. These incidents highlight the occasional bird strike events happening in different parts of Taiwan, raising safety concerns for both riders and pedestrians.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
A table tennis coach surnamed Qiu in Taoyuan, Taiwan, was sentenced to 3 years and 2 months in prison for molesting a sixth-grade girl named Xiao Xuan during weight training sessions at school. Qiu hugged and touched Xiao Xuan's buttocks over 30 times in a span of 2 months until she reported it to her mother. The coach claimed it was to increase the bond between student and coach, but the court found him guilty of acts of indecency towards a minor under 14 years old. The case can still be appealed.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of respecting the constitution and not taking action prematurely before the grand justices make an interpretation of it. The Administrative Yuan had put forward reconsideration bills regarding the parliamentary powers reform, leading to a vote in the Legislative Yuan on two reconsideration bills, neither of which passed due to the advantage of the opposition parties. Lai Ching-te has formally applied for a constitutional interpretation and interim disposition on the parliamentary power expansion bill, urging the opposition parties to wait for the constitutional interpretation results before taking action.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
President Tsai Ing-wen responded for the first time to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) recent announcement on punishing advocates of Taiwan independence, including the possibility of the death penalty for severe cases. Tsai emphasized that democracy is not a crime but authoritarianism is, asserting that China has no right to impose sanctions on the Taiwanese people or pursue them across borders. Tsai called on China to acknowledge the existence of the Republic of China and engage in dialogue with Taiwan's legally elected government for the well-being of people on both sides. The CCP's actions have raised concerns internationally.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Banana Brother, a beloved children's show host, Lin Lun-yuan, at 50 years old, shared a comparison of himself 18 years apart on social media, revealing only one difference noticed by fans. Fans were amazed by his frozen-in-time appearance, with his trademark yellow headband intact and minimal changes shown over the years. His secret to staying youthful? 'Applying children's smiles.'
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
FTNN News Network, June 23, 2024, 10:50 PM: Due to the continuous depreciation of the Japanese Yen, the selling price of the yen at Taiwan Banks hit a record low of 0.2061 today, allowing 100,000 TWD to be exchanged for 482,201 yen, which is over 34,000 yen more compared to the beginning of the year. This rate change means one could enjoy 34 extra bowls of the 980 yen-priced Ichiran ramen. The decreased exchange rate has excited Japanese culture enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates on the yen exchange rate on FTNN News Network.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 23, 2024, in Sevastopol, Crimea, an attack occurred with Ukrainian military launching 5 ATACMS missiles towards Sevastopol, 4 of which were intercepted by Russian defense systems. One missile exploded in the air, hitting civilians on the beach, resulting in 4 deaths and 151 injuries. The incident sparked strong reactions in Russia, with the Russian Defense Ministry claiming that the US should bear responsibility for providing the weapons to Ukraine. The attack targeted civilian infrastructure in Sevastopol, a popular tourist spot, causing casualties including children and prompting Moscow to send medical aid to the injured.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
In response to China's new penalties against Taiwan independence, including the death penalty for 'splitting the country,' President Lai Ching-te emphasized that 'democracy is not a crime, authoritarianism is evil.' He urged China to acknowledge the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and engage in dialogue with Taiwan's legitimate government, warning that otherwise Taiwan-China relations will deteriorate. Lai Ching-te also addressed the need for Parliament reform, referencing concerns over China's ability to sanction Taiwanese citizens for their political views.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Jet Li, the 61-year-old kung fu star, has been focusing on practicing Buddhism in recent years. While visiting temples in Lhasa with his daughters, he was filmed being deliberately supported by an internet influencer as he descended stairs, but declined to engage in a tai chi performance with them, stating 'I don't mix with internet influencers.' Li's refusal comes from his dedication to his spiritual practices and avoiding involvement in publicity stunts, showcasing his commitment to maintaining a low profile.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The film 'The Teacher of the Sea's Promise' tells the story of a young teacher persecuted in the prelude to the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, solely because of his innovative teaching style that challenged conservative norms. The movie is based on true events and depicts how the teacher's enthusiasm won over initially skeptical parents but also brought him trouble. Through meticulous research, historical scenes like mass graves in northern Spain and the town's architecture in 1935 were recreated. The film portrays the impact of the teacher's unconventional teaching methods on the town and how his promises to take his students to see the sea were never fulfilled due to the political turmoil of the time.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Showtime Cinema, a well-known name among Taipei locals, is confirmed to be closing its location in West Ximending by the end of August after 18 years in operation. However, a new and more splendid venue is in preparation to welcome us as Showtime Cinema's next flagship cinema with the most comprehensive special theaters is set to launch in the Taipei Dome Area in the second quarter of 2025. Despite bidding farewell to Showtime Cinema, movie buffs can still choose from other cinemas in West Ximending such as Taipei In89 Deluxe Cinema, Lux Cinema LUX CINEMA, Taipei Lion Forest Shin Kong Cinema, and Ambassador Theaters to continue their moviegoing experiences.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Climate change and human destruction have put many animals in danger worldwide. In efforts to avoid being affected by warfare, experts from multiple countries collaborated to relocate a pair of beluga whales from a city in Ukraine to an aquarium in Spain. Recent success stories include the rehabilitation of endangered vaquita porpoises in Mexico and the rescue of Magellanic penguins in Argentina due to overfishing. Various initiatives and technological advancements are also being made to monitor and protect wildlife, such as using drones to safeguard deer during harvest season in Switzerland and developing an app in Japan that allows pet owners to monitor their cats' health through AI analysis of their facial expressions.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
YouTuber 'Ordinary Girl Granddaughter,' with the guidance of Changhua junior high school students, recently uncovered many lesser-known attractions, including a mural in the North Pole Palace public restroom in Chungchuan community featuring a busty girl, making this spot suddenly popular. The local village chief jokingly remarked, 'Restrooms should be cool.' Many are flocking to see the mural, snapping pictures with it. The mural was originally plain before residents found it inappropriate and decided to paint it, saying, 'Restrooms should be cool.'
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
China recently announced 22 new regulations, with the most severe punishment being the death penalty for the 'crime of splitting the country.' Former lawmaker Qiu Yi revealed four reactions from Taiwan people regarding this, stating that even though the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) talks tough, they are actually extremely fearful inwardly. Different responses were seen among supporters of unification, DPP members, some Kuomintang 'pro-Taiwan independence' individuals, and Taiwanese youth. Overall, reactions ranged from optimism for unification to worries about the new law's impact on individuals supporting Taiwan independence.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
According to SET News, a man surnamed Zheng in Taipei borrowed 100,000 yuan from his friend surnamed Zhou, but never repaid it and spread rumors about Zhou. In retaliation, Zhou ambushed Zheng and demanded repayment. When Zheng refused, Zhou threatened him with an iron bar, sprayed him with pepper spray, and physically assaulted him causing injuries. The Taipei court sentenced Zhou to 70 days in jail and a fine for charges of intimidation and assault. This incident serves as a cautionary tale of debt repayment gone wrong.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
A civic group in Keelung initiated a petition to recall Mayor Xie Guoliang, with 27,000 signatures collected as of Saturday night, needing approximately 4,000 more to meet the threshold for the recall to proceed. The group plans to conclude the petition on June 30 and submit it for review on July 5, aiming to exert significant pressure on Xie. Various activities are being organized to boost the number of signatures, with the deadline approaching in 8 days amid a fierce push from both sides.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
President Tsai Ing-wen announced that she will file for a constitutional interpretation due to the Legislative Yuan's rejection of the parliamentary reform review. Emphasizing the necessity of guarding constitutional order and protecting people's rights, Tsai stressed the opposition to granting more powers to the parliament, while supporting its legitimate and constitutional reform. The decision to seek a constitutional interpretation aims to confirm the constitutionality and legitimacy of the recent amendments through the Constitutional Court, ensuring accountability towards the nation, history, and all citizens.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
President Lai Ching-Te announced in a televised speech his intention to seek a constitutional interpretation regarding the Parliament Powers Amendment. The amendment has sparked controversy, with the opposition and many civil groups criticizing it as an empowerment law. Despite the Executive Yuan submitting a reconsideration request, the original version was upheld in the legislature vote on the 21st. President Lai emphasized his opposition to the parliament's empowerment, clarifying that his goal is not to hinder reform but to ensure the protection of democratic freedoms and people's rights. He stressed the importance of upholding the constitutional order and vowed to hold accountable to the nation and history.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
余天在開庭視訊中表達對女婿現況的難過之情，並爭取外孫的監護權。調解庭後表示女婿還在考慮中，可能需再次進行調解。雙方並未討論錢的問題，而余天希望外孫們能一起到他家照顧。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
President Lai Ching-te signed the Parliament Power Amendment Bill and held a press conference at the Presidential Office emphasizing the core spirit of 'defending constitutionalism and protecting the people.' He explained the necessity of petitioning for constitutional interpretation and supported lawful and constitutional parliamentary reform, while expressing concern over the Parliament's recent amendment process potentially harming the constitutional separation of powers and checks and balances. President Lai highlighted the importance of upholding the democratic constitutional system and protecting people's rights, underscoring that safeguarding these principles is his responsibility and mission as president.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Despite expectations that the Japanese Yen would not decrease further, it surprisingly performed remarkably on June 24th, with the exchange rate fluctuating around 159-160 against the US Dollar and 0.2068 against the New Taiwan Dollar. Travelers planning to visit Japan during the summer vacation should take advantage of the favorable exchange rate for the Japanese Yen. While there have been talks of the Yen rebounding after 2024, it has continuously depreciated, even hitting 'new lows' in recent years. The Japanese government is prepared to intervene in the currency market if necessary to stabilize the Yen's current rate, as it approaches the 160 mark against the US Dollar.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The National Development Council (NDC) announced on June 23, 2024, plans to promptly review the current mechanism of introducing private participation in public construction. The media reported on June 23 that insurance funds are ready for investment in public construction, with the only missing piece being NDC's approval. In response, NDC clarified misunderstandings about the public construction approval system and outlined plans to adjust mechanisms and regulations to encourage more private participation in public projects, aiming to increase domestic fund involvement and expedite construction projects.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The first debate of the 2024 US presidential election is set for June 27 in US Eastern Time, with former President Trump and current President Biden going head-to-head once again. The 90-minute debate will revolve around issues such as Biden's handling of wars in Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East, and Trump facing conviction and questions about his eligibility to run. Biden currently leads Trump by two percentage points in the latest polls but lags in fundraising, trailing by $81 million. The debate will also touch on the economy, immigration, and inflation, with Biden announcing new immigration policies allowing undocumented spouses and children under 21 to obtain legal status, which Trump harshly criticizes and pledges to revoke if elected.
Source: YAHOO