Storm Media brings you today’s key news highlights. Typhoon Bavi is approaching Taiwan with the largest wind radius in 25 years, with a 90% probability of impacting northern counties including Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yilan. Taipei City faces a severe flood defense challenge. Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced that decisions on typhoon leave and flood response measures for Neihu District will be made by Friday. Four counties will finalize whether to suspend work and classes by 8 PM the night before. Due to this extreme weather, the university subject examination has been postponed to the 13th and 14th, though exam venues and candidate numbers remain unchanged.
On the social and economic front, a major scandal has erupted involving a prominent figure in the food and beverage industry attempting to interfere in a police investigation, triggering a crisis in police ethics. Director-General Chang Jung-hsing of the National Police Agency, deeply affected by the past Chow Jen-shen gambling scandal, has decided to personally lead a strict cleanup of the force. In the tech sector, an MIT professor has expressed optimism about the development of physical robots, highlighting Taiwan’s hardware manufacturing strengths. He suggests that with increased investment in software, Taiwan could potentially create the next 'national protective mountain' in high-tech. The global 2026 World Cup top-eight power rankings have also seen a major shake-up, with France overtaking Spain for first place. The identity of the underdog nation that eliminated Brazil is now redefining the tournament’s championship potential.
Typhoon Bavi’s path is drawing closer. Will Taipei declare a typhoon holiday on Friday? Mayor Chiang Wan-an responded: 'The decision will be made at this time.' The typhoon’s intensity is comparable to Typhoon Soudelor, and Chiang has personally visited the disaster prevention center, instructing all departments to prepare. However, the public’s biggest concern is whether Friday will be a typhoon holiday. Chiang revealed that the four counties will hold discussions by 8 PM the previous evening, with the final decision based on the typhoon’s trajectory and actual wind and rain intensity. Suspensions will follow the principle of 'full-day closure.' Neihu District’s history of flooding has also become a focal point, with central government guidance issued—how the city responds will be critical.
Will northern counties (Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan) suspend work and classes on Friday? Responses from Hou Yu-ih and Chiang Wan-an. Typhoon Bavi is intensifying, with Friday and Saturday expected to be the most severely affected days in Taiwan. The possibility of typhoon leave is now a major public concern. Regarding the northern counties, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an have given preliminary responses. However, the final decision will depend on meteorological standards and close coordination among the four counties. Chiang also indicated that Taipei may adopt a 'full-day closure' policy. Still, the final announcement will come around 8 PM the night before, meaning weekend plans remain uncertain.
(Storm Media Production) Latest Typhoon Update: Path, Rain and Wind Timeline, Impact Probability, and Work/Class Suspension Likelihood for Typhoon Bavi. Typhoon Bavi is approaching with the largest wind radius in nearly 25 years, threatening Taiwan between July 10 and 11. Counties with over 90% impact probability include Keelung, Yilan, and Taipei, where work and class suspensions are highly likely. Due to the typhoon’s vast wind field, all of Taiwan could be affected. The public is urged to closely monitor weather forecasts and official announcements. The university subject examination has been rescheduled to July 13 and 14, with exam locations and candidate numbers unchanged.
Behind the Scenes: Why Is the National Police Agency Director-General Personally Taking Action Against Police Misconduct? Chang Jung-hsing’s Unforgettable Shock. In 2026, a major police ethics scandal shook Taiwan, leading to investigations and interviews of multiple officers. At the heart of the issue was a food and beverage tycoon, Cheng Chun-chun, attempting to influence an ongoing investigation—echoing the past '88 Club Case.' Director-General Chang Jung-hsing is determined to clean house, driven not only by the current crisis but also by his personal experience with the Chow Jen-shen video gambling scandal. Why is Chang taking such a hardline stance? The backstory reveals deep-rooted motivations.
Attention Test-Takers: Typhoon Bavi Forces University Subject Exam to Be Postponed by Two Days. Students preparing for the university subject exam must take note: due to Typhoon Bavi, the exam originally scheduled for July 11 and 12 has been postponed to July 13 and 14. This decision was made after careful assessment by relevant authorities. Notably, only the dates have changed—candidate numbers and exam venues remain the same. However, due to the typhoon, the release of results and subsequent admissions schedules will also be delayed. Candidates must stay updated through official channels.
Exclusive Interview: Could Taiwan’s Next 'National Protective Mountain' Be Robotics? MIT Professor Endorses Ecosystem Development—Taiwanese Firms to Play Key Roles in Two Areas. In an era of rapid technological advancement, robotics could become the next 'national protective mountain,' and Taiwan’s supply chain appears poised for a breakthrough. MIT Professor Pulkit Agrawal notes that physical robotics require massive hardware manufacturing and computing power—areas where Taiwan’s manufacturing strengths and supply chain resources give it a strategic advantage. He also warns that to fully capitalize on this opportunity, Taiwan must significantly invest in software. As robots increasingly replace human labor, industry, government, and academia must collaborate to address the resulting societal impacts.
Lu Hsiu-yen and Hou Yu-ih Lose Ground! The Most Talked-About County Mayor Is 'Him': Flood Crisis Boosts Popularity, Positive Impact Secures Top Spot. Extreme weather and typhoons are testing county leaders across Taiwan, and the latest public discourse ranking reveals surprising trends. Taipei’s Chiang Wan-an surged to the top due to the Neihu flooding incident, with his response sparking intense online debate—highlighting public scrutiny of mayoral crisis management. Taitung County Magistrate Yau Ching-ling rose to second place by promoting local products at the Cross-Strait Forum, raising speculation about a potential shift in Blue Camp strategy. Even high-profile mayors like Lu Hsiu-yen and Hou Yu-ih are struggling to maintain visibility, a trend that could significantly impact future elections.
2026 World Cup Top 8 Power Rankings Revealed! Argentina and Spain Aren’t No. 1—The Biggest Underdog Is This Country. The 2026 World Cup top-eight power rankings have been unveiled, and to many’s surprise, the top spot is held not by Argentina or Spain, but by France, led by Mbappé. Additionally, the nation that eliminated Brazil has emerged as a major underdog, reshaping perceptions of championship potential. Rankings are based on team rosters and recent performances. Notably, Spain, despite setting consecutive defensive records, ranks second, while Argentina places third due to midfield control issues. What other highlights await in this globally watched tournament?
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- Source: PR Times
- Category: News