Palo Alto Networks released a security advisory on May 14 regarding a critical authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-0265) in its PAN-OS firewall operating system. When Cloud Authentication Service (CAS) is enabled, unauthenticated attackers can bypass the firewall's authentication controls through network access, posing significant security risks.
The Legislative Yuan held a recorded vote on the impeachment case against President Lai Ching-te on the 19th, marking the first such presidential impeachment vote in the Republic of China's constitutional history. Voting began at 10:07 AM and concluded at 11:05 AM, with all legislators able to cast their votes during this period. Early ballot counting would occur if voting finished ahead of schedule.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convened security cabinet meetings on two consecutive nights following a call with US President Trump, according to Israeli media reports. Officials stated the situation is highly tense with potential military operations possibly resuming this week. Israel and the US are preparing for various scenarios and maintaining close coordination, though they have not yet reached consensus on next steps.
U.S. President Trump announced he has ordered the military to postpone a planned attack on Iran originally scheduled for May 19, responding to requests from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Trump emphasized that if no acceptable agreement is reached, the U.S. military will proceed with the operation as instructed. The decision comes amid stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
NextEra Energy, the largest U.S. power utility by market value, announced an all-stock acquisition of Dominion Energy for approximately $66.8 billion, marking the largest merger in the power industry's history. NextEra will exchange 0.8138 shares of its stock for each Dominion common share, valuing Dominion at approximately $75.97 per share, representing a 23% premium to the previous Friday's closing price. The deal aims to create the world's largest regulated power utility by market value and capitalize on growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that starting at 8:36 AM, 11 sorties of Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, intruding into airspace in northern, central, southwestern and eastern Taiwan, coordinated with Chinese naval vessels conducting exercises. The ROC Air Force deployed F-16V fighters equipped with targeting pods to monitor the Chinese aircraft, while the Navy's Suao naval vessel monitored Chinese ships in the southwestern sea area.
Russia's military launched a three-day nuclear exercise on the 19th, mobilizing tens of thousands of troops nationwide. The drills occur amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks and during President Putin's visit to Beijing, drawing international attention.
Ukraine conducted its largest-scale unmanned drone attack on Moscow since the war began, penetrating 2,000 kilometers into Russian territory and severely damaging Russian oil and military-industrial infrastructure. With both sides suffering over one million casualties and Russian military advances stalled, the Kremlin has unusually signaled willingness for peace negotiations. However, territorial disputes remain a major obstacle to negotiations, leaving the peace outlook uncertain.
A shooting at the Islamic Center in San Diego, California on the 18th resulted in three men killed. Two teenage suspects died by apparent suicide after the shooting, bringing the total death toll to five. Police initially classified the incident as a hate crime. President Donald Trump called it a "terrible incident" and stated he would review the matter seriously.
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan held a historic vote on President Lai Ching-te's impeachment today, the first presidential impeachment case in the nation's constitutional history. The Constitution requires 76 legislative seats to pass an impeachment. The vote resulted in 56 in favor and 50 opposed, falling short of the required threshold. The impeachment motion did not pass. President Lai will mark his second anniversary in office tomorrow.
The Legislative Yuan held a recorded vote on the impeachment case against President Lai Ching-te on the 19th, marking the first such presidential impeachment vote in the Republic of China's constitutional history. Voting began at 10:07 AM and concluded at 11:05 AM, with all legislators able to cast their votes during this period. Early ballot counting would occur if voting finished ahead of schedule.
The United States has suspended its participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense with Canada, citing the country's failure to meet NATO defense spending targets. The move aims to pressure Ottawa to increase defense expenditures. This decision escalates tensions in trade and security relations between the two nations, adding uncertainty to bilateral cooperation.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convened security cabinet meetings on two consecutive nights following a call with US President Trump, according to Israeli media reports. Officials stated the situation is highly tense with potential military operations possibly resuming this week. Israel and the US are preparing for various scenarios and maintaining close coordination, though they have not yet reached consensus on next steps.
The Iran conflict has triggered an energy crisis that threatens to drive up international oil prices as summer demand peaks. Countries have implemented emergency measures while economists warn of increased global recession risks. Corporate economic losses have reached at least $25 billion as the situation intensifies.
U.S. President Trump announced he has ordered the military to postpone a planned attack on Iran originally scheduled for May 19, responding to requests from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Trump emphasized that if no acceptable agreement is reached, the U.S. military will proceed with the operation as instructed. The decision comes amid stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
US long-term Treasury yields have surged significantly, with 30-year yields near 5.13%, approaching 2007 highs. Investors face a dilemma: locking in rare multi-decade high yields versus fearing steeper market selloffs. Barclays warns yields could breach 5.5%, while BlackRock recommends reducing US Treasury exposure. Markets are repricing scenarios including economic resilience, persistent inflation, and energy price impacts on growth.
Japan's Cabinet Office reported first quarter GDP growth of 2.1% on an annualized basis, exceeding economists' forecast of 1.7% and surpassing the previous quarter's 0.8%. Strong private consumption and trade drove the acceleration. Despite Middle East uncertainties, robust economic growth provides support for the Bank of Japan's further rate hikes, with markets pricing in approximately 77% probability of a June rate increase.
The European Union seeks to finalize the text of a trade agreement reached with the United States nearly a year ago to enable formal implementation. US President Trump has warned of potential tariff increases, indicating his patience is wearing thin. Both sides are accelerating negotiations to reach consensus before Trump potentially takes trade action.
The European Union aims to finalize the text of a trade agreement reached with the United States nearly a year ago to enable formal implementation. US President Trump has warned that tariffs may be imposed if the EU fails to reach an agreement. Both sides are racing to complete negotiations within a set timeframe.
President Trump will hold a swearing-in ceremony Friday for Kevin Warsh, the new Federal Reserve chair. The 56-year-old finance professional will replace Jerome Powell, facing persistent inflation pressures and geopolitical risks. This situation may complicate Trump's anticipated interest rate reduction plans. Powell's eight-year term ended last Friday; he currently serves as interim chair and will step down once Warsh officially assumes the position.
Nvidia will release its highly anticipated earnings report after market close on May 20. While analysts are optimistic about the results, options market data indicates investors expect increased volatility, suggesting this earnings announcement could be a pivotal moment for the U.S. stock market. Market reaction to Nvidia's performance and guidance will significantly impact technology stocks and broader market trends.
The EU Commission warns that the Iran conflict and Hormuz Strait disruptions are causing stagflation pressures on Europe's economy due to limited energy supplies. The EU will release spring economic forecasts this week, expected to lower growth projections while raising inflation estimates. Commissioner Dombrovskis stated that Europe faces simultaneous economic slowdown and elevated inflation.
Nvidia will release its fiscal 2026 first quarter earnings after US market close. Beyond AI demand and guidance, investors are particularly focused on whether CEO Jensen Huang will discuss Trump, China market, and chip export issues during the earnings call. With Nvidia's market cap rising to number one globally, Huang's recent Beijing visit with Trump and participation in the Trump-Xi meeting have heightened market attention to Nvidia's China strategy. According to prediction market platform Kalshi, traders estimate a 50% probability the earnings call will mention Trump.
NextEra Energy, a major U.S. power company, has agreed to acquire Dominion Energy for approximately 67 billion dollars in an all-stock transaction. Upon completion, the merged entity will become the world's largest regulated utility company by market value. The acquisition reflects the broader trend of U.S. utilities seeking to expand their scale to capture growing electricity demand from data centers driven by AI adoption.
NextEra Energy, the largest U.S. power utility by market value, announced an all-stock acquisition of Dominion Energy for approximately $66.8 billion, marking the largest merger in the power industry's history. NextEra will exchange 0.8138 shares of its stock for each Dominion common share, valuing Dominion at approximately $75.97 per share, representing a 23% premium to the previous Friday's closing price. The deal aims to create the world's largest regulated power utility by market value and capitalize on growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers.
According to Bloomberg sources, Google and Blackstone Group are planning to establish an AI cloud business company to compete in the rapidly growing market. Blackstone will invest 5 billion dollars in equity capital as the controlling shareholder, with total investment reaching 25 billion dollars including leveraged financing. The project aims to build approximately 500 megawatts of computing capacity by 2027, competing with companies like CoreWeave. Both Google and Blackstone have not officially confirmed the reports.
Meta Platforms is reassigning 7,000 employees to artificial intelligence-related positions as part of a broader company restructuring, according to an internal memo from Chief People Officer Janelle Gale. The new organizational structure will be flatter with smaller team sizes to improve efficiency and work value. This move coincides with Meta's planned 10% workforce reduction, affecting approximately 8,000 employees, scheduled for Wednesday. The company has encouraged North American staff to work from home on that day.
The US Sandia National Laboratories has adopted chips from an Israeli startup for processing complex calculations, including hypersonic nuclear weapon simulations. This marks Israeli chip technology's entry into high-end US government applications, breaking Nvidia's long-standing monopoly in specialized computing markets and reflecting the US government's diversification strategy in chip supplier selection.
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, National Development Council, and National Science and Technology Council jointly established the Smart Robotics Innovation and Application Research Center at the Industrial Technology Research Institute's Liuchia campus today. The center focuses on integrating and validating key robotics technologies while developing applications in healthcare, logistics, food service, and inspection sectors to advance Taiwan's robotics industry.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic developed an artificial intelligence model that can identify subtle signs of pancreatic cancer an average of 475 days before abnormalities appear on CT scans. The findings, published in the journal Gut in April, offer new hope for early detection and successful treatment of this highly lethal malignancy.
A federal jury ruled that Elon Musk filed his lawsuit against OpenAI and its co-founders beyond the statute of limitations, resulting in a victory for the ChatGPT developer. The case involved allegations that OpenAI violated its non-profit mission by shifting toward a for-profit model. The jury determined Musk's claim was time-barred, dismissing one of Silicon Valley's most closely watched tech disputes.
As AI technology advances, semiconductor giants like Nvidia concentrate production on low-precision AI computing, creating a shortage of high-precision scientific computing chips. U.S. institutions including Sandia National Laboratories, unable to procure sufficient chips for their needs, are turning to Israeli startup NextSilicon for solutions to ensure critical national security operations continue uninterrupted.
A California federal jury has ruled that OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman are not responsible for Elon Musk's allegations, dismissing claims about abandoning non-profit mission and breaching charitable trust. The jury reached its verdict in less than two hours. Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers accepted the jury's recommendation, finding OpenAI, Altman, President Greg Brockman, and Microsoft did not violate any laws. The years-long AI power dispute has concluded.
Citrini Research projects that AI and server sectors' demand for low-power double data rate memory (LPDDR) will significantly exceed smartphone demand next year. New platforms like Nvidia's Rubin and AMD's MI400 require substantially more memory, creating supply constraints that could cause product shortages and price increases for smartphone manufacturers including Apple and Samsung.
Meta is launching a major workforce reduction this week, cutting approximately 10% of its workforce affecting 8,000 employees while canceling 6,000 planned job openings. The restructuring reflects tech giants' shift of resources from labor costs to computing infrastructure and AI model development amid intensifying AI competition. This represents one of Meta's largest workforce adjustments in recent years and continues CEO Mark Zuckerberg's efficiency-focused strategy.
Chunghwa Telecom disclosed enterprise network traffic statistics showing AI tool penetration rate of 66% across approximately 300,000 Taiwan business lines, affecting roughly 200,000 enterprises. However, over 60,000 companies face cybersecurity risks from Chinese AI models due to shadow AI phenomenon caused by employees' unauthorized AI tool usage, exposing enterprises to complex compound threats from geopolitical and supply chain factors.
Following the disclosure of multiple local privilege escalation vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel from late April through early May, a new vulnerability named DirtyDecrypt has been identified. Previous discoveries included Copy Fail (CVE-2026-31431) and its variants Dirty Frag (CVE-2026-43284 and CVE-2026-43500), drawing significant attention from the security community.
Security researchers at SentinelOne discovered the Reaper malware, which impersonates Apple, Microsoft, and Google to attack macOS device users. The malware steals browser data, extensions, digital wallets, and confidential documents from infected devices while establishing backdoor access. This poses significant risks to user data security and privacy.
Palo Alto Networks disclosed a PAN-OS authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-0265) last week, recommending users prioritize mitigation measures. The company noted that under specific configurations, the risk level could be reduced. However, researchers who discovered the flaw argue the official advisory may cause users to underestimate actual risks, raising industry concerns about proper vulnerability assessment.
Microsoft Edge has announced improvements to its password management system, discontinuing plaintext password storage in favor of encrypted protection. This update addresses longstanding security concerns about browser password safety, ensuring that user credentials stored in Edge receive stronger protection and reduced risk of unauthorized access.
The European Union's Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) will enter full implementation in September 2026, imposing new compliance obligations on companies selling software-enabled, firmware-enabled, or internet-connected products in the EU. Requirements include vulnerability investigation, timely security notification, and subsequent audits. Companies must reassess existing product security mechanisms to meet regulatory standards. Only one-quarter of enterprises have integrated Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) verification into automated processes.
Palo Alto Networks released a security advisory on May 14 regarding a critical authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-0265) in its PAN-OS firewall operating system. When Cloud Authentication Service (CAS) is enabled, unauthenticated attackers can bypass the firewall's authentication controls through network access, posing significant security risks.
Following claims by ransomware group ShinyHunters of stealing hundreds of thousands of records, convenience store giant 7-Eleven has confirmed a data breach. The leaked information reportedly involves franchise store details. The company is investigating the extent of the breach and the specific data compromised.
According to Financial Times reporting, AI startup Anthropic plans to brief the Financial Stability Board (FSB) on potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities that its security AI model Mythos could pose to global financial networks. The briefing reflects regulatory concerns about potential threats from AI systems in the financial sector.
Sotheby's discovered in 2019 that a Zhang Daqian masterpiece titled "Spring Mountains and Waterfall Clouds" was stolen property and withdrew it from auction. Collector Liu Chendan purchased the stolen artwork from thief Huang Zongkai for 1.5 million yuan, then resold it to Chinese collector Zhao Hainuo for 130 million yuan, resulting in a severe sentence. The victim has not yet recovered the painting, and lawyers indicate legal remedies are available for recovery.
An Italian-led research team of five, including a renowned marine biologist, died in a diving accident at a depth of 50 meters in the Maldives. One military personnel also perished during rescue operations. Preliminary investigation by Maldivian authorities suggests the team illegally entered a deep-sea cave, resulting in the country's most severe diving disaster on record.
Taiwanese author Yang Shuangzi's English-translated novel "A Record of Taiwan's Wanderings" has been shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, marking a historic first for Taiwanese literature. The award ceremony will be held in London on the evening of the 19th. Yang recently delivered a lecture at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, attracting significant audience interest.
Starbucks Korea launched a "Tank Day" promotional campaign on May 18, the memorial day of the Gwangju Uprising, triggering significant public backlash. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung criticized the campaign as "inhumane and shameless." The parent company apologized, dismissed the CEO, acknowledged harm to victims' families, and committed to investigations and enhanced employee training.
In Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Spurs player Victor Wembanyama delivered an impressive performance with 41 points and 24 rebounds. Thunder's leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a tying layup in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, forcing the game into overtime. The Spurs ultimately defeated the Thunder in double overtime to secure Game 1 victory.
Three endangered Oriental White Stork chicks successfully fledged from their nest on a high-voltage tower beside the Zhuoshui River in Yunlin yesterday. The birds were bred after their parents established a nest at the site last year. This milestone represents significant progress in Taiwan's ecological conservation efforts and drew attention from numerous birdwatchers.
Spanish police confirmed on the 19th that they have detained Jonathan Andic, son of Mango founder Isak Andic, for questioning. Andic died in a cliff fall in December 2024. The case, initially considered an accident, is now being investigated as a potential homicide. Jonathan's status has shifted from witness to suspect, drawing public attention to this high-profile case.
A congratulatory painting titled "Spring Mountain and Waterfall" by renowned Chinese painter Zhang Daqian, gifted to fellow artist Huang Junbi decades ago, was stolen in the 1990s. It resurfaced in Sotheby's Hong Kong autumn auction in 2019 with an estimated value exceeding NT$1.5 billion. The Huang family's legal action halted the sale. Investigation revealed Taiwanese man Liu Chendan engaged in trafficking stolen goods and money laundering. Taipei District Court sentenced Liu to four years imprisonment, NT$3 million fine, and confiscated approximately NT$130 million in criminal proceeds.
Celebrity Sun An-tso was detained by court order for involvement in a flamethrower video incident. Police investigation expanded to identify accomplices. A photographer surnamed Chiang and financier Chiu Hao-wei were summoned for questioning. Both were charged with violating Article 151 of the Criminal Code for intimidating the public, each released on NT$20,000 bail with residential restrictions.
U.S. President Trump announced he has ordered the military to postpone a planned attack on Iran originally scheduled for May 19, responding to requests from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Trump emphasized that if no acceptable agreement is reached, the U.S. military will proceed with the operation as instructed. The decision comes amid stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
NextEra Energy, the largest U.S. power utility by market value, announced an all-stock acquisition of Dominion Energy for approximately $66.8 billion, marking the largest merger in the power industry's history. NextEra will exchange 0.8138 shares of its stock for each Dominion common share, valuing Dominion at approximately $75.97 per share, representing a 23% premium to the previous Friday's closing price. The deal aims to create the world's largest regulated power utility by market value and capitalize on growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers.
The Legislative Yuan held a recorded vote on the impeachment case against President Lai Ching-te on the 19th, marking the first such presidential impeachment vote in the Republic of China's constitutional history. Voting began at 10:07 AM and concluded at 11:05 AM, with all legislators able to cast their votes during this period. Early ballot counting would occur if voting finished ahead of schedule.
Palo Alto Networks released a security advisory on May 14 regarding a critical authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-0265) in its PAN-OS firewall operating system. When Cloud Authentication Service (CAS) is enabled, unauthenticated attackers can bypass the firewall's authentication controls through network access, posing significant security risks.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convened security cabinet meetings on two consecutive nights following a call with US President Trump, according to Israeli media reports. Officials stated the situation is highly tense with potential military operations possibly resuming this week. Israel and the US are preparing for various scenarios and maintaining close coordination, though they have not yet reached consensus on next steps.
The United States has suspended its participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense with Canada, citing the country's failure to meet NATO defense spending targets. The move aims to pressure Ottawa to increase defense expenditures. This decision escalates tensions in trade and security relations between the two nations, adding uncertainty to bilateral cooperation.
The Iran conflict has triggered an energy crisis that threatens to drive up international oil prices as summer demand peaks. Countries have implemented emergency measures while economists warn of increased global recession risks. Corporate economic losses have reached at least $25 billion as the situation intensifies.
Russia's military launched a three-day nuclear exercise on the 19th, mobilizing tens of thousands of troops nationwide. The drills occur amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks and during President Putin's visit to Beijing, drawing international attention.
Palo Alto Networks disclosed a PAN-OS authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2026-0265) last week, recommending users prioritize mitigation measures. The company noted that under specific configurations, the risk level could be reduced. However, researchers who discovered the flaw argue the official advisory may cause users to underestimate actual risks, raising industry concerns about proper vulnerability assessment.
Ukraine conducted its largest-scale unmanned drone attack on Moscow since the war began, penetrating 2,000 kilometers into Russian territory and severely damaging Russian oil and military-industrial infrastructure. With both sides suffering over one million casualties and Russian military advances stalled, the Kremlin has unusually signaled willingness for peace negotiations. However, territorial disputes remain a major obstacle to negotiations, leaving the peace outlook uncertain.
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan held a historic vote on President Lai Ching-te's impeachment today, the first presidential impeachment case in the nation's constitutional history. The Constitution requires 76 legislative seats to pass an impeachment. The vote resulted in 56 in favor and 50 opposed, falling short of the required threshold. The impeachment motion did not pass. President Lai will mark his second anniversary in office tomorrow.
A shooting at the Islamic Center in San Diego, California on the 18th resulted in three men killed. Two teenage suspects died by apparent suicide after the shooting, bringing the total death toll to five. Police initially classified the incident as a hate crime. President Donald Trump called it a "terrible incident" and stated he would review the matter seriously.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that starting at 8:36 AM, 11 sorties of Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, intruding into airspace in northern, central, southwestern and eastern Taiwan, coordinated with Chinese naval vessels conducting exercises. The ROC Air Force deployed F-16V fighters equipped with targeting pods to monitor the Chinese aircraft, while the Navy's Suao naval vessel monitored Chinese ships in the southwestern sea area.
New York City's public healthcare system disclosed a significant data breach where hackers stole personal information, medical records, and biometric scans including fingerprints from over 1.8 million individuals. The incident ranks among the largest recorded breaches of 2026, raising serious concerns about patient privacy and data security across the healthcare system.
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo an international public health emergency. According to official reports, the outbreak has resulted in at least 118 deaths. The WHO's declaration indicates the severity of the situation and the need for coordinated global response efforts.
A woman in her 60s working as a cleaner at an ophthalmology clinic in Tainan died in a freight elevator accident at noon today while traveling from the first to second floor. Police surveillance review found no human intervention involved. The city's construction bureau discovered the elevator was unregistered and unlisted, imposing a 300,000 NT dollar fine and ordering its suspension.
A surveillance camera at the UNDER ARMOUR counter in Taichung LaLaport was discovered to be capturing images of the fitting room through reflection. After discovering this situation, a customer reported it to police and filed a complaint. The shopping mall and brand have ordered a comprehensive inspection of related equipment. The case has entered judicial investigation, with both parties committing full cooperation with the investigation.
A 57-year-old woman in Fujian province suffered from lower back and leg pain for two years, initially suspected of having a central nervous system tumor. Her condition rapidly deteriorated this year, approaching paralysis. After detailed medical history review, doctors suspected parasitic infection. A 10-hour surgery successfully removed thousands of parasites from her spinal cord, confirming rare Echinococcus infection. Doctors warn that consuming raw game, drinking untreated water, and folk remedies can cause parasitic infections.