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New Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted five individuals in connection with illegal recordings at Aileili medical beauty chain. Investigation identified 99 victims, including four minors. Charges include unauthorized recording of intimate images, personal data protection violations, and child sexual exploitation prevention act violations, totaling 164 counts. Prosecutors seek 14-year sentence for group chairman Chang Ju-shan.
Venezuela's northern coastal region was struck by earthquakes on the 24th afternoon, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 occurring within 40 seconds, followed by approximately 20 aftershocks. Multiple buildings collapsed in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas, with people trapped in rubble. Interim President Rodríguez declared a national state of emergency. La Guaira state suffered the most severe damage.
Taiwan experienced heavy rainfall, with Pingtung County recording over 500mm of cumulative precipitation in 24 hours at 19 monitoring stations, peaking at 638mm in Zhutian Township. Multiple areas experienced flooding and road disruptions. Pingtung County and Kaohsiung City announced suspension of classes and work in 10 districts today for public safety.
U.S. officials told Reuters that Iran fired on a cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz today. The ship was attempting to transit through the strategic waterway when the incident occurred. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East region and has drawn international attention. U.S. authorities did not disclose specific damage details or Iran's stated reasons for the firing.
IBM announced on the 25th the successful development of the world's first technology capable of manufacturing chips smaller than 1 nanometer, with transistor architecture reaching 0.7 nanometer process. The technology aims to meet growing artificial intelligence computing demands. IBM estimates mass production could begin within five years, though manufacturing partners have not yet been disclosed.
🏛 Politics
New Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted five individuals in connection with illegal recordings at Aileili medical beauty chain. Investigation identified 99 victims, including four minors. Charges include unauthorized recording of intimate images, personal data protection violations, and child sexual exploitation prevention act violations, totaling 164 counts. Prosecutors seek 14-year sentence for group chairman Chang Ju-shan.
Venezuela's northern coastal region was struck by earthquakes on the 24th afternoon, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 occurring within 40 seconds, followed by approximately 20 aftershocks. Multiple buildings collapsed in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas, with people trapped in rubble. Interim President Rodríguez declared a national state of emergency. La Guaira state suffered the most severe damage.
Taiwan experienced heavy rainfall, with Pingtung County recording over 500mm of cumulative precipitation in 24 hours at 19 monitoring stations, peaking at 638mm in Zhutian Township. Multiple areas experienced flooding and road disruptions. Pingtung County and Kaohsiung City announced suspension of classes and work in 10 districts today for public safety.
Taiwan's Executive Yuan approved amendments to the Criminal Code and Criminal Code Implementation Act, prohibiting repeat offenders of drug-driving and drunk-driving from receiving parole. Additionally, individuals convicted of intentional homicide, attempted homicide, or child abuse resulting in death or serious injury, sentenced to life imprisonment or over ten years imprisonment, are also ineligible for parole. The measures aim to prevent recurrence of drug-driving, drunk-driving, and serious violent crimes.
Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu led a cross-party delegation of Taiwan legislators on a visit to Washington, meeting with 40 U.S. federal lawmakers in a single day, including 7 senators and 33 representatives. The U.S. State Department hosted a welcome reception at the Taiwan Representative Office, demonstrating American support for the bipartisan delegation. Han highlighted Taiwan's challenging international position and expressed hopes for strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations.
Former DPP party worker Huang Qu-rong was recruited by Chinese intelligence and recruited others including Qiu Shi-yuan, He Ren-jie, and Wu Shang-yu, allegedly leaking information about vice presidential visits and diplomatic matters. The high court reduced sentences to six years for Huang, five years for Qiu, and three years for Wu, while acquitting He on appeal. The first trial had sentenced Huang to ten years and others to longer terms.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards attacked the cargo vessel Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, damaging the bridge but causing no casualties. The incident occurred hours after Iran warned commercial ships against using unapproved shipping lanes. The attack prompted the UN's International Maritime Organization to suspend planned vessel evacuations and poses a significant test to the 60-day ceasefire agreement reached between the Trump administration and Iran last week.
A cargo vessel was struck by unidentified projectiles near Oman today, raising concerns about Middle Eastern crude oil supply stability. Market participants worry about the timeline for supply recovery to pre-Israel-Iran conflict levels. The incident triggered a market response, with international oil prices climbing over 2%, reflecting investor anxiety over potential energy supply disruptions.
U.S. officials told Reuters that Iran fired on a cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz today. The ship was attempting to transit through the strategic waterway when the incident occurred. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East region and has drawn international attention. U.S. authorities did not disclose specific damage details or Iran's stated reasons for the firing.
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on the 25th, allowing the Trump administration to terminate temporary protected status (TPS) for over one million foreign nationals. Led by conservative justices, this decision removes legal barriers to canceling lawful residence and work rights for migrants from Haiti, Syria, and 11 other countries, with significant implications for US immigration policy and labor markets.
💰 Finance
International crude oil prices rebounded on the 25th following an attack on a tanker off Oman by an unidentified flying object. U.S. officials accused Iran of firing at commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, raising market concerns about shipping safety and Middle East oil supply recovery. Geopolitical risks drove prices up over 2%. WTI August futures rose 2.3% to $71.92 per barrel, while Brent crude futures gained 2.1% to $75.26 per barrel.
U.S. stock markets showed mixed performance today. Despite Micron Technology reporting strong earnings, investors sold major technology stocks. The Dow Jones performed relatively steadily, but concerns over Apple's product price increases and their impact on consumer demand weighed on the broader technology sector.
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, PCE, reached a 3-year high in May with a year-over-year increase of 4.1%, driven by surging gasoline prices. As midterm elections approach, rising living costs may impact the president's political prospects.
Prime Minister Takayaki Koichi will announce a new multi-year fiscal framework aimed at reforming budget procedures and enhancing Japan's economic growth potential. Government expert panels have revealed this major fiscal reform initiative, which seeks to optimize budgeting systems to strengthen national economic momentum.
A severe shortage of plastic used in food packaging, triggered by the Iran situation, has driven up packaging costs significantly. Industry analysts predict that Asian consumers will face increased food expenses in the coming months as these higher packaging costs are passed along the supply chain.
Japanese memory chipmaker Kioxia announced plans to issue American Depositary Receipts (ADR) in the United States in spring 2027 and conduct a stock split domestically. The move aims to capitalize on strong market demand for AI-related semiconductor stocks, following South Korean competitor SK Hynix's international expansion strategy.
Officials reported that vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly increased but remains at approximately half of pre-conflict levels. The strait is a critical global oil transportation route, and traffic changes reflect the impact of Middle East regional tensions on international energy markets.
Memory chipmaker Micron announced quarterly results and guidance that exceeded Wall Street expectations, with gross margin reaching a record 84.9%. The company indicated supply constraints will persist as demand outpaces availability, signaling continued memory chip shortage conditions and supporting technology sector momentum.
Taiwan and South Korea benefit from global AI chip demand through their dominant semiconductor companies, yet economic challenges persist beneath the surface. Despite government currency interventions, both nations face weakening currencies. Non-semiconductor industries struggle with energy price and tariff pressures, while household debt and housing prices continue rising, widening wealth inequality.
Micron Technology's solid financial results eased investor concerns about returns from artificial intelligence investments. The chipmaker's strong performance reignited market optimism regarding AI industry prospects, driving European stock markets higher and reflecting renewed investor confidence in technology sector profitability.
💻 Technology
SpaceX plans to construct an approximately 12.9-kilometer natural gas pipeline called "Starpipe" starting next month in Texas, delivering natural gas directly to the Starbase launch facility to supply methane fuel for Starship rockets. The pipeline is expected to become operational on January 26, 2027, representing a key step in SpaceX's effort to build its own fuel supply system, helping reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency.
TSMC held a closed-door technology forum in Shanghai on Thursday, revealing its latest process development progress and capacity expansion plans to customers and partners. The company projects the global semiconductor market will exceed 1 trillion dollars this year and reach 1.5 trillion dollars by 2030, with AI and high-performance computing contributing 55%, smartphones 20%, and automotive and IoT each accounting for 10%.
Microsoft announced price increases for Xbox gaming consoles effective August 1st, driven by surging memory costs linked to AI infrastructure expansion. Xbox Series S 512GB model rises 100 dollars to approximately 500 dollars, while the 1TB version increases 150 dollars. Microsoft stated that memory and storage component prices have increased over 2.5 times compared to previous levels, with projections for further doubling by autumn 2027. This follows Apple's recent price hikes on MacBook and iPad products, reflecting mounting cost pressures on consumer electronics.
IBM announced on the 25th the successful development of the world's first technology capable of manufacturing chips smaller than 1 nanometer, with transistor architecture reaching 0.7 nanometer process. The technology aims to meet growing artificial intelligence computing demands. IBM estimates mass production could begin within five years, though manufacturing partners have not yet been disclosed.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to revise federal motor vehicle safety standards to exempt fully autonomous vehicles from mandatory brake pedal installation. The regulatory change aims to reduce barriers for deploying Tesla Cybercab and Waymo robotaxis at scale. Current regulations require vehicles to retain traditional manual controls, making steering wheel and pedal-free autonomous vehicles difficult to approve. General Motors' Cruise division terminated its brake-free Origin project in 2024 partly due to regulatory uncertainty.
According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to skip the M6 Pro and M6 Max versions after releasing the base M6 chip, moving directly to the new AI-oriented M7 series. Currently in the M5 generation, Apple expects to launch M6-equipped entry-level Mac products this year. This marks a rare departure from the traditional approach of releasing Pro, Max, and Ultra variants each generation, as Apple consolidates previously planned technologies into the M7 platform to accelerate AI capabilities and high-performance computing development.
As Taiwan's semiconductor industry rapidly expands, rice paddies in Hsinchu are being replaced by factories, office buildings, and residential developments, establishing the region as a crucial global economic hub. However, this industrial transformation has displaced local farmers, resulting in significant agricultural land loss in the area.
Apple announced on the 25th a price increase for Mac laptops, iPad tablets, and other product lines worldwide, with increases ranging from 100 to 300 USD and maximum hikes exceeding 25%. In Taiwan, the high-end MacBook Pro 1TB model increased by 10,000 TWD, while other products rose by at least 3,000 TWD. iPhone prices remain unchanged.
🌏 International
New Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted five individuals in connection with illegal recordings at Aileili medical beauty chain. Investigation identified 99 victims, including four minors. Charges include unauthorized recording of intimate images, personal data protection violations, and child sexual exploitation prevention act violations, totaling 164 counts. Prosecutors seek 14-year sentence for group chairman Chang Ju-shan.
Venezuela's northern coastal region was struck by earthquakes on the 24th afternoon, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 occurring within 40 seconds, followed by approximately 20 aftershocks. Multiple buildings collapsed in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas, with people trapped in rubble. Interim President Rodríguez declared a national state of emergency. La Guaira state suffered the most severe damage.
Two major earthquakes with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck northwestern Venezuela on the evening of the 24th, occurring less than 40 seconds apart. Numerous buildings collapsed, trapping residents under rubble. Official reports confirm at least 164 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries, with casualty figures expected to rise. Acting President Rodríguez declared a national emergency, and the United States and most Latin American countries expressed concern.
Taiwan experienced heavy rainfall, with Pingtung County recording over 500mm of cumulative precipitation in 24 hours at 19 monitoring stations, peaking at 638mm in Zhutian Township. Multiple areas experienced flooding and road disruptions. Pingtung County and Kaohsiung City announced suspension of classes and work in 10 districts today for public safety.
U.S. officials told Reuters that Iran fired on a cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz today. The ship was attempting to transit through the strategic waterway when the incident occurred. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East region and has drawn international attention. U.S. authorities did not disclose specific damage details or Iran's stated reasons for the firing.
IBM announced on the 25th the successful development of the world's first technology capable of manufacturing chips smaller than 1 nanometer, with transistor architecture reaching 0.7 nanometer process. The technology aims to meet growing artificial intelligence computing demands. IBM estimates mass production could begin within five years, though manufacturing partners have not yet been disclosed.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards attacked the cargo vessel Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, damaging the bridge but causing no casualties. The incident occurred hours after Iran warned commercial ships against using unapproved shipping lanes. The attack prompted the UN's International Maritime Organization to suspend planned vessel evacuations and poses a significant test to the 60-day ceasefire agreement reached between the Trump administration and Iran last week.
Two consecutive earthquakes hit Venezuela, resulting in at least 188 deaths. Rescue teams are searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. Authorities are conducting ongoing rescue operations while assessing the full extent of the disaster and casualty figures.
Two earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have resulted in at least 188 deaths and nearly 1,500 injuries. Authorities fear more people remain trapped under collapsed buildings, with rescue operations ongoing.
Venezuela experienced two earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7 on the 24th, resulting in 188 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. The capital Caracas and adjacent states suffered severe damage with multiple building collapses. The full extent of the disaster remains unclear due to communication disruptions and ongoing assessment efforts.
Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday evening, among the strongest in over a century. Officials report at least 188 deaths, over 200 trapped, approximately 1,500 injured, and thousands missing. Rescue teams are conducting search and rescue operations in northern areas, with fears of additional casualties.
Taiwan's Executive Yuan approved amendments to the Criminal Code and Criminal Code Implementation Act, prohibiting repeat offenders of drug-driving and drunk-driving from receiving parole. Additionally, individuals convicted of intentional homicide, attempted homicide, or child abuse resulting in death or serious injury, sentenced to life imprisonment or over ten years imprisonment, are also ineligible for parole. The measures aim to prevent recurrence of drug-driving, drunk-driving, and serious violent crimes.
Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu led a cross-party delegation of Taiwan legislators on a visit to Washington, meeting with 40 U.S. federal lawmakers in a single day, including 7 senators and 33 representatives. The U.S. State Department hosted a welcome reception at the Taiwan Representative Office, demonstrating American support for the bipartisan delegation. Han highlighted Taiwan's challenging international position and expressed hopes for strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations.
Former DPP party worker Huang Qu-rong was recruited by Chinese intelligence and recruited others including Qiu Shi-yuan, He Ren-jie, and Wu Shang-yu, allegedly leaking information about vice presidential visits and diplomatic matters. The high court reduced sentences to six years for Huang, five years for Qiu, and three years for Wu, while acquitting He on appeal. The first trial had sentenced Huang to ten years and others to longer terms.
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, PCE, reached a 3-year high in May with a year-over-year increase of 4.1%, driven by surging gasoline prices. As midterm elections approach, rising living costs may impact the president's political prospects.
📰 Other
Typhoon Micola approaches Taiwan as a cold front and southwest winds intensify rainfall across the island. The Central Weather Administration has activated enhanced operations for severe rain events, warning of unstable weather today with localized heavy rainfall expected in southern Taiwan and heavy showers with short-duration intense precipitation in central and northern regions. Rain is expected to ease by the day after tomorrow, with weather gradually stabilizing by next Tuesday.
Three significant earthquakes occurred globally within a 24-hour period. Venezuela's central-northern region experienced a rare double earthquake sequence on the 24th, the strongest in over a century. California recorded a magnitude 5.6 earthquake the same day. Japan's northeastern offshore area experienced a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the 25th at 7:30 AM. Seismologists confirm these earthquakes are unrelated, occurring in different tectonic regions.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration issued a heavy rain alert for 18 counties and cities on the 26th. Influenced by Typhoon Micra moving northward, an approaching cold front, and southwestern winds, short-duration intense rainfall is expected. Pingtung County and Kaohsiung City face localized heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, while Tainan City and the Hengchun Peninsula may experience localized heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Recent hidden camera incidents at chain medical beauty clinics have raised consumer concerns about privacy and safety. As demand for personal data protection increases, "safe medical beauty" has become an important factor in clinic selection. Professional security consultants have inspected clinic environments and revealed common hiding spots for surveillance devices and prevention methods, urging both businesses and consumers to remain vigilant.