Yunlin forest fire under control, but blazes continue
Yunlin forest fire under control, but blazes continueStaff writer, with CNAA forest fire that broke out in Yunlin County's Gukeng Township (古坑) early on Monday has been brought under control, but continued to burn sporadically today as firefighting teams struggled with the area's harsh terrain and lack of water. The Yunlin County Fire Department said the burned area had not expanded beyond an estimated 8 hectares of woodland as of yesterday afternoon, after putting the damage at 5 hectares earlier yesterday morning. A helicopter works to put out a forest fire in Yunlin County yesterday. Photo courtesy of the Yunlin County Fire DepartmentHowever, small blazes were still detected today below a high-altitude wooden skywalk within a restricted area, and open flames were also reported in bamboo groves above the mountainous area's Shoutian Temple. Yesterday, firefighters, volunteer fire brigades and Caoling residents joined forces at the scene, helicopters carried out a total of 13 water drops, helping to eventually bring the fire under control, the department said today.
Source:Taipei Times
January 14, 2026 05:50 UTC
Day-night temperature gap to continue
Day-night temperature gap to continueStaff writer, with CNATaiwan continues to be affected by a cold air mass and radiative cooling effects that would lead to low temperatures after dark and sizable day-night temperature gaps. Temperatures remained chilly early this morning in low-lying areas of northern Taiwan, plunging as low as 4.9°C in Guansi Township (關西) in Hsinchu County and 5.5°C in Zaociao Township (造橋) in Miaoli County. Photo: Taipei TimesThe Central Weather Administration (CWA) later issued a cold weather advisory for tonight and early tomorrow morning, warning that temperatures could fall below 10°C in parts of Taoyuan and Hsinchu and Miaoli counties. "Under daytime sunshine, it will feel 'as warm as spring,'" he wrote in his column for the Weather Application Promotion Foundation. However, due to strong radiative cooling effects, temperatures would remain low after dark and early in the morning, resulting in large day-night temperature differences, he said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 14, 2026 04:02 UTC
Ministry defends Yilan HSR extension plan
Ministry defends Yilan HSR extension planStaff writer, with CNAThe Ministry of Transportation and Communications yesterday defended its plan to extend the high-speed rail (HSR) network to Yilan County, issuing a statement that said the project has clear benefits and would continue to be advanced in line with legal procedures. Chang criticized the plan on Sunday, saying that Yilan is only 40km to 50km from Taipei by conventional rail and questioning the need to spend about NT$400 billion (US$12.63 billion) on an HSR extension. Hochen has advocated a Taiwan Railway (TR) "direct rail" project to Yilan since the HSR project was first proposed, citing concerns over cost effectiveness and potential negative impacts on existing rail services. The bureau yesterday said both the HSR and TR direct rail options were thoroughly evaluated before the HSR plan was selected and submitted for Cabinet review. A TR direct rail alternative, calculated using the same assumptions, would cost about NT$220 billion, the bureau said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 14, 2026 01:55 UTC
Lin Yun-ju snaps title drought with Doha WTT Champions win
Taiwan's Lin Yun-ju captured the men's singles crown at WTT Champions Doha, defeating South Korea's Jang Woojin in straight games 11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 13-11 in a 41-minute final on January 12. The victory ends a more-than-two-year singles title drought for the 24-year-old and returns him to the top of big-event podiums. The fourth game stretched into extra points before Lin closed it out 13-11, showing composure in a tense finish that decided the match without a fifth game. The win carries clear tangible rewards: Lin takes home US$40,000 in prize money and 1,000 WTT ranking points. The title is his first men’s singles trophy at a WTT event since November 2023, when he last won at WTT Champions Frankfurt, making this a notable career rebound.
Source:Taipei Times
January 14, 2026 01:38 UTC
Rodgers misery as Texans spank Steelers to advance
Rodgers misery as Texans spank Steelers to advanceAFP, LOS ANGELESThe Houston Texans on Monday produced a suffocating defensive display to muscle their way past the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 30-6 wild-card victory in the NFL playoffs. A rampant Texans defense sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers four times and scored two touchdowns from turnovers in the fourth quarter to set up a divisional-round tie with the New England Patriots on Sunday. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, right, loses possession of the ball while being tackled by Danielle Hunter of the Houston Texans in their NFL wild-card playoff game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Monday. Rodgers, who is out of contract, refused to be drawn on whether he had played his final game. It doesn’t happen much, so I’m proud of our guys.”The Steelers took an early lead with a 32-yard Chris Boswell field goal, the only score of an attritional first quarter, but Houston quarterback C.J.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 21:47 UTC
Legislature passes bill aiming to boost the beer industry
Legislature passes bill aiming to boost the beer industryStaff writer, with CNAThe Legislative Yuan yesterday passed draft amendments to the customs import tariff that would make malt and hops duty-free to lower costs and boost the competitiveness of the domestic beer industry. A person points at cans of beer imported from China at a news conference in Taipei on June 27 last year. Domestic beer brands have long faced pressure from foreign competitors benefiting from lower prices and tariff advantages, they said. The amendments were designed to provide tariff relief on malt and hops to help brewers survive and develop over the long term, they added. However, the measures could enhance the competitiveness of domestically produced beer and boost demand, generating an estimated NT$169.74 million in additional tax revenue, the ministry said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 21:47 UTC
French museums hike prices for non-European tourists
French museums hike prices for non-European touristsAFP, PARISShould foreign tourists pay more for state-funded galleries than locals, or should art be accessible to all, without discrimination? Photo: AFPAmericans, UK citizens and Chinese nationals, who are some of the museum’s most numerous foreign visitors, will be among those affected, as will tourists from developing countries. The French policy was “symptomatic of the return, as elsewhere in the world, of unabashed nationalism,” Poncet wrote in Le Monde newspaper last month. Some of the funds would go toward a colossal plan to renovate the Louvre, which French President Emmanuel Macron announced last year. Britain has long had a policy of offering universal free access to permanent collections at its national galleries and museums.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 18:19 UTC
Taiwan’s Cheng Tsung-che waived by the Rays
Taiwan’s Cheng Tsung-che waived by the RaysStaff writer, with CNACheng Tsung-che, the only Taiwanese position player to appear in a MLB game last year, has been designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays waived Cheng and left-handed pitcher Osvaldo Bido on Monday to make room on their 40-man roster for left-hander Ken Waldichuk and utility infielder Brett Wisely, whom they acquired from the Braves in a trade. Cheng Tsung-che of the Pittsburgh Pirates attempts to throw out T.J. Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds at first base in their MLB game in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 11 last year. If no other team claims him, Cheng could remain in the Rays’ organization or find a spot in the minor leagues with another organization. In 107 Triple-A games last year, Cheng batted .207 with a .307 on-base percentage, recording one home run and 36 RBIs.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:14 UTC
Arbeloa replaces Alonso as Real Madrid head coach
Arbeloa replaces Alonso as Real Madrid head coachAFP, MADRIDReal Madrid on Monday said that coach Xabi Alonso has left the Spanish giants by mutual consent, to be replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa. “Real Madrid announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his tenure as first-team coach to an end,” Los Blancos said in a statement. Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso, right, gestures during their La Liga match against Real Betis Balompie at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Jan. 4. Photo: AFPIn a separate statement Real Madrid then announced Arbeloa would take Alonso’s place, without specifying the length of the 42-year-old’s contract. The Spaniard played 238 times for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2016, winning two UEFA Champions League titles and La Liga once, among other silverware.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:14 UTC
Lakers humbled by lowly Kings
Lakers humbled by lowly KingsWINNING STREAK: Pascal Siakam led the scoring as the Indiana Pacers bagged their third straight victory with an upset 98-96 win over the Boston CelticsAFP, LOS ANGELESLuka Doncic on Monday scored 42 points, but could not prevent the Los Angeles Lakers stumbling to a third straight defeat with a 124-112 loss against the lowly Sacramento Kings. Doncic and James were among only four Lakers players to make double figures, with Deandre Ayton finishing with 13 points and Jaxson Hayes adding 12 off the bench. Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, top, goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings in their NBA game in Sacramento, California, on Monday. “We literally couldn’t make a shot,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick said. In other games, the Indiana Pacers bagged their third straight victory with an upset 98-96 win over the Boston Celtics in Indianapolis.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:14 UTC
Slot angered by Szoboszlai error in Liverpool victory
Slot angered by Szoboszlai error in Liverpool victoryAFP, LIVERPOOL, EnglandDominik Szoboszlai on Monday produced a sublime goal and a ridiculous error as Liverpool eased to a 4-1 win over third-tier Barnsley to reach the FA Cup fourth round. Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane claimed that Szoboszlai’s lax move was disrespectful and not one he would have tried in an English Premier League game. Barnsley’s Adam Phillips, right, celebrates scoring as Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai looks dejected in their FA Cup match at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Monday. “I don’t think you should do that in a FA Cup game, or a League Cup game or in a friendly game, or in a training session. Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike, left, scores past Barnsley goalkeeper Murphy Cooper in their FA Cup match at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Monday.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:14 UTC
Military dependents’ village deliberations unfruitful
Military dependents’ village deliberations unfruitfulBy Jake Chung / Staff writer, with CNALawmakers yesterday failed to reach a consensus on expanding redevelopment of military dependents’ villages, with opponents saying the plan would use taxpayer money to enrich certain people. Photo: Lee Hui-chou, Taipei TimesThe act defines “military dependents’ villages” as buildings built before 1980. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus criticized Ma’s version as writing a blank check for state funding for dependents’ village reconstruction. The verdict of an administrative lawsuit involving Tsu Ren Eighth Village (慈仁八村) in Taipei’s Daan District (大安) said that the village was not considered a dependents’ village and should not be eligible for a rebuilding project, he said. Current regulations should be observed for the sake of legal stability, as well as the fairness and equality of dependents’ village reconstruction projects, Shih added.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:13 UTC
Kids’ seaweed products recalled
Kids’ seaweed products recalledHEAVY METALS ISSUE: Six seaweed products had lead levels up to 4 times the maximum allowable and cadmium levels up to 50 times the limit, the FDA saidBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterTests of six seaweed products marketed toward young children and infants showed that they contained lead and cadmium in excess of legal limits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said yesterday, advising parents to not give them to their children. Photo courtesy of the Food and Drug AdministrationThe products had lead levels 1.4 to 4.4 times the limit and cadmium levels 22 to 53 times the limit, the magazine reported. The companies supplying the six products — BEBE Kids’ Crispy Seaweed (BEBE 貝兒純淨海苔), LUSOL Unsalted and Unflavored Baked Seaweed (LUSOL 無鹽無調味烘烤海苔), YummyBaby 100% Pure Olive Oil Seaweed (芽米寶貝100%純橄欖油海苔), MB BABY Seaweed (MB BABY 萌寶寶海苔), HanAbbaDiary Kids’ Seaweed (韓爸田園日記嚴選初收孩苔) and Ibobomi Unflavored Kids’ Crispy Seaweed (Ibobomi 無調味海苔片) — have been ordered to recall them and remove them from the shelves, with 25,047 items removed as of Monday, the FDA said. Testing showed that the six products had lead levels ranging from 0.14mg/kg to 0.206mg/kg and cadmium levels from 0.912mg/kg to 2.013mg/kg, said Liu Fang-ming (劉芳銘), director of the FDA’s Northern Taiwan Management Center. MB BABY Seaweed had lead levels of 0.206mg/kg, about four times the allowable limit, while HanAbbaDiary Kids’ Seaweed had chromium levels of 2.013mg/kg, or about 50 times the allowable limit, Liu said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:13 UTC
Taiwan issues wanted notice for Chinese CEO
Liu allegedly traveled to Taiwan at the end of 2014 and met with a Taiwanese man surnamed Lin (林) to discuss establishing a mobile software research and development (R&D) team in Taiwan, prosecutors said. Photo: Chen Tsai-ling, Taipei TimesLiu, Lin and a woman surnamed Cheng (鄭) in March 2014 established Hong Kong OnePlus Co (香港一加公司) in Hong Kong, prosecutors said. They set up Hong Kong OnePlus’ Taiwan branch the following year, with Cheng in charge, they said. In May 2019, the company was renamed Hong Kong Soundna Consulting Co (聲赫公司), they said. She said the Taiwan branch was in charge of R&D for OnePlus, they added.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:13 UTC
Arizona fabs could meet US’ chip demand: economist
Arizona fabs could meet US’ chip demand: economistStaff writer, with CNAIf Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) increases its investment in Arizona, it would likely operate dual production hubs in Taiwan and the US, with US capacity nearly sufficient to meet that country’s local demand, an economist said yesterday. Photo: BloombergThe chipmaker could build new advanced wafer fabs as well as IC packaging and testing facilities as part of the arrangement, Liu said. “If TSMC builds new wafer fabs in Arizona, a dual-hub production model will take shape, gradually moving away from the current model of a single hub in Taiwan,” Liu said. TSMC is investing US$65 billion to build three advanced wafer fabs in Arizona. In March last year, TSMC pledged to invest an additional US$100 billion to build three more fabs, two IC assembly plants and a research-and-development center.
Source:Taipei Times
January 13, 2026 17:13 UTC