[Politics] 2026/06/15 RTI Selected News

Iran Confirms Immediate End to War, Trump: Congratulations to Everyone According to Reuters, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gholamreza Ghasemi confirmed to Iranian state television that military operations would end starting the evening of the 14th, on all fronts including Lebanon. U.S. President Trump posted congratulations on social media but provided no specific details. Zelensky and Putin Speak with Trump Separately to Discuss Ukraine War Ukrainian President Zelensky spoke with U.S. President Trump on the 14th, discussing war, peace, and diplomatic affairs, emphasizing a "substantive" dialogue. The Kremlin also stated that Russian President Putin called Trump on the 14th to discuss the Ukraine war, the situation in Iran, and the upcoming visit of a U.S. envoy to Russia. Min-Sheng Hospital Dengue Cluster Increases to 6 Cases, CDC: No Outbreak Spread Yet Regarding the dengue cluster at Kaohsiung Municipal Min-Sheng Hospital, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) established a mobile epidemic prevention team. As of the 14th, another dengue-positive case was detected in a ward adjacent to the index case during their hospitalization. The total number of cases is now 6. There is currently no indication of the outbreak spreading, and monitoring is expected to continue until July 12th. HIV School Bus Driver Suspected of Being Contact Traced but Not Tested, CDC: Emphasis on Encouragement to Prevent Chilling Effect Regarding a school bus driver in Central Taiwan infected with HIV and suspected of sexual assault, external parties questioned why the driver, who was contact traced years ago for another case, was not mandatorily tested. The CDC explained on the 14th that due to concerns about a chilling effect, where confirmed cases are unwilling to proactively provide contacts, testing is primarily based on encouragement. Domestic Care Workers March in the Rain, Urging Inclusion in Long-Term Care Employment and Improvement of Overwork Nearly a hundred domestic care workers, along with civil groups, braved the rain on the 14th to protest in front of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. They stated that due to the 24-hour care needs of the elderly and disabled, they have become scapegoats unable to take leave. They called for migrant workers to be included in long-term care staffing. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that the issue involves broad implications and requires careful evaluation. Chiang Wan-an to Receive World City Award in Singapore, Shen Po-yang: Issues like Rat Infestations Still Need Addressing Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an will travel to Singapore to receive the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang stated that Taipei's award is an honor for its citizens and the city, but issues such as traffic, food safety, and rat infestations still need to be addressed. Chiang Wan-an emphasized his commitment to continued governance and global city cooperation to make Taipei more resilient. Cheng Li-wen's U.S. Visit Analyzed by Singaporean Media: Charming but Didn't Sway the U.S. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen visited the U.S. A recent in-depth analysis by Singapore's "The Straits Times" suggested that while she is charming, her narrative as a "peace envoy" did not sway the U.S., drawing attention. The article mentioned that Washington harbors doubts about Cheng Li-wen's approach of strengthening engagement with Beijing. Singer Chao Wei Huang Passes Away at 61, Sister Confirms with Grief Veteran singer Chao Wei Huang has reportedly passed away! Huang, who sang hit Mandarin songs like "Let Everyone's Heart Be Broken" and "You Got Me Drunk," is reported to have died in Hawaii on June 3rd, Taiwan time, at the age of 61. Huang's elder sister confirmed the news through a statement from her law firm. Rain Finally Stopping, Frontal System Moving Away Tuesday, Hot Weather Expected During Dragon Boat Festival Holiday The Central Weather Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated that on the 15th, central and southern Taiwan should still be wary of localized heavy rain or torrential downpours. Over the next week, moisture will gradually decrease, and the weather will become more stable. Hot weather is predicted across the island during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Chushan, Nantou: Jiachao-liao Stream Bank Collapse Forms Lake, Estimated Water Storage of 100,000 Tons Due to recent rainfall, a landslide on the bank of the Jiachao-liao Stream in Zhushan Township, Nantou County, has blocked the river channel, forming a barrier lake. The Agriculture and Food Agency's Soil and Water Conservation Bureau surveyed the site and estimated the water storage capacity to be around 100,000 tons. If the dam breaks, downstream water levels are estimated to rise by 70 centimeters. Currently, there are no residents to be protected along the downstream river channel, and the overall direct impact is limited. 2026 World Cup / Germany Wins Big with 7-1 Victory, Curaçao Scores Historic First Goal Germany kicked off their World Cup campaign on the 14th with a resounding 7-1 victory over Curaçao, who were participating for the first time. However, the loudest cheers from nearly 70,000 spectators were for Curaçao's Komeinesia when he scored the equalizer in the 21st minute. Curaçao, participating for the first time, is the smallest nation in terms of land area and population in the history of the tournament. Swiss Voters Say No, Anti-Immigration Population Cap Referendum Rejected According to the Associated Press, a majority of Swiss voters on the 14th rejected a highly controversial anti-immigration proposal put forth by a right-wing party in a referendum. The proposal aimed to limit population growth and prevent the national population from exceeding 10 million. Two Helicopters Collide and Crash in Brazil, Police: American Singer Oliver Tree Among the Deceased Two helicopters collided and crashed in mid-air on the 14th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with no survivors. Police sources told AFP that American singer-songwriter Oliver Tree, who is currently on a world tour, was on board one of the helicopters. Apple Daily Ceases Publication 5th Anniversary Special Series: The Largest "Apple Daily" Exhibition in History Records 26 Years of Hong Kong and Taiwan Changes As Hong Kong's "Apple Daily" marks five years since its closure, the Hong Kong diaspora media "The Light Chasers" will hold the "Backup Apple, Record Hong Kong" special exhibition in Taipei from June 19th to July 15th. The exhibition is expected to feature approximately 300 treasured items and host four lectures, making it the largest exhibition to date focused on "Apple Daily." Find Disappearing Hong Kong Data Here: Academia Sinica Builds Database to "Remember Hong Kong" "Apple Daily," accused of "anti-China chaos in Hong Kong," once had moments of patriotic cheers for Beijing; the first Chief Executive election candidate forms required detailed background checks. This precious data is now rapidly disappearing. Fortunately, Taiwan's Academia Sinica established the Hong Kong Research Database last year, becoming a center for preserving data and research. Post-"Apple Daily" Era: Who Will "Support" Public Discussion Space in Hong Kong Society? The closure of "Apple Daily" symbolizes the end of an era of press freedom in Hong Kong. Although many exiled or overseas "Hong Kong diaspora media" continue to write diverse viewpoints, the interference of the National Security Law still extends overseas. This report will explore the value and challenges of public writing in Hong Kong in the "post-Apple Daily" era. (Editor: Wang Chih-hsin)