Today's (7/22) Top News! Carcinogenic Oil Update: PX Mart & Great Daily Mart Announce Refunds! / Mainland Tourists Heading to Taiwan / Two Public Servant Groups Get Pay Raise on 7/1, Another 4% Increase Next Year

PX Mart and Great Daily Mart have urgently announced refund programs for 45 and 63 products respectively after benzopyrene levels in soybean salad oil were found to exceed safety standards. Affected items include dumplings, Aijio's bamboo shoots, and CP Group's fried rice series—common household staples now under scrutiny. Consumers are advised to verify product names, barcodes, and expiration dates, and bring transaction receipts to the original store for refunds. Comprehensive product lists and refund procedures have been published across platforms and are being updated in real time. The incident raises concerns about corporate reputation and food safety oversight.

The Ministry of the Interior has unveiled a subsidy adjustment plan for local council assistants and village chiefs. Starting January 1, 2025, assistants to municipal councilors will receive a total monthly subsidy of NT$350,000, an increase of over NT$30,000, while village chiefs' administrative subsidies will rise by nearly NT$20,000 per month. A further 4% increase is scheduled for early 2027. The detailed criteria and calculation methods have been disclosed, sparking discussions on public sector wage structures and long-term fiscal planning.

Taichung is expanding its air network with new direct flights to Qingdao and Chengdu, reducing travel time and costs for central Taiwan residents. The addition of a new route to Okinawa, Japan, further enhances regional connectivity. These developments not only improve travel convenience but are also expected to catalyze economic growth through increased tourism and business exchanges.

A Chinese film titled 'The Battle of Penghu,' based on the 1683 historical event, is reportedly being pulled from release due to political sensitivities. Analyst Liu Xingren points out that the film glorifies General Shi Lang, a controversial Qing dynasty figure, and risks linking historical narratives to current cross-strait tensions, potentially causing domestic division and international misunderstanding. The decision by Beijing will be closely watched.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen has been actively visiting European countries post-tenure, but notably avoids one key nation. Insiders suggest her itinerary is coordinated with Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reflects caution regarding the Lai Qing-te administration's U.S. policy, aiming not to disrupt current diplomatic arrangements.

New Taipei City's long-awaited 'New Taipei Dome' has been officially sited, with construction expected to begin in 2032. The chosen location offers excellent transportation access and ample land, outcompeting other sites. The project aims to boost economic development through sports, commerce, culture, and tourism.

Controversy arose during Han Kuang military exercises over the 'internet blackout' drill, which exempted southern counties due to stock market trading hours. Critics question whether national defense preparedness is being compromised for financial stability, suggesting political considerations may have influenced the exercise design.

In the U.S., Defense Secretary Hegseth faced intense questioning in a Senate appropriations hearing over a $1.2 trillion expenditure on operations against Iran. Lawmakers challenged the clarity of strategic objectives and budget oversight, raising doubts about the justification for continued funding. Republicans are pushing for budget reconciliation to pass the package, amid internal fiscal pressures and public opposition.