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  Texas Flooding Continues as Climate Change Intensifies Extreme Rainfall

  Flooding continues to affect the Texas Hill Country after several days of heavy rainfall, leaving some communities still underwater. Residents remain at risk as emergency response and recovery efforts continue across the affected areas.According to weather reports, the region has experienced three consecutive days of intense rainfall, causing road closures and widespread flooding in low-lying areas. Local authorities are closely monitoring water levels and advising residents to avoid flood-prone locations for their safety.Experts say the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events is closely linked to global warming. As temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture, allowing larger amounts of water to be released during storms. This leads to heavier downpours and a greater risk of flooding.Climate research also indicates that global warming is altering atmospheric circulation and jet stream patterns. When these weather systems remain stationary for extended periods, storms can linger over the same area, prolonging heavy rainfall and worsening flood conditions. Studies show that human-induced climate change has tripled the occurrence of such extreme weather events since the 1950s.Experts warn that climate change is increasing not only the likelihood of heat waves and droughts but also the intensity of extreme rainfall. As global temperatures continue to rise, severe flooding is expected to become more frequent, making disaster preparedness and climate resilience increasingly important.

  2026-07-21 09:00
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  • 菲律賓國旗

  US Consumer Sentiment Improves in July, but Middle East Tensions Cloud Outlook

  U.S. consumer sentiment improved in July, reaching its highest level since February, according to the University of Michigan's preliminary survey. The Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 54.4 from 49.5 in June, exceeding market expectations and indicating that Americans have become somewhat more optimistic about the economy.The improvement was seen across different age groups, income levels and political affiliations, reflecting easing inflation pressures and slower price increases. Consumers' one-year inflation expectations also fell from 4.6% in June to 4.2%, while five-year expectations remained unchanged at 3.3%, suggesting inflation expectations are gradually stabilizing.However, researchers cautioned that most survey responses were collected before renewed fighting erupted following the collapse of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Rising crude oil and gasoline prices could weaken household purchasing power and reverse recent gains in consumer confidence if energy costs continue climbing.Consumer spending accounts for roughly 70% of the U.S. economy, making sentiment an important indicator of future economic activity. Analysts said persistent increases in fuel prices could complicate the inflation outlook, influence Federal Reserve policy decisions, and weigh on economic growth in the second half of the year.

  2026-07-21 09:00
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  Bond of Hearts Across the Ocean: A Bridge of Relationships in Love -- Hearing Unseen Needs, Embracing Families Abroad

  Greetings to friends in Taiwan, Indonesia, and wherever you are. May peace always be with us! I am Timothy Fu. In the consultation room, I am a doctor in a white coat helping to alleviate patients' pain. However, in the eyes of my Indonesian brothers and sisters living in Taiwan, I might be more like a brother or an uncle—a place to share grievances and longing for family in their mother tongue.From an overseas student who came to Taiwan alone at 18 without knowing a word of Mandarin, to becoming a specialist and founding GICA, this journey is a tapestry of small but real life stories. This is a narrative about "Loving, Listening, and Accompanying," marking GICA's journey in building a bridge of hearts between Taiwan and Indonesia.Tears in a Foreign LandI remember coming to Taiwan as a teenager to "seek my fortune" amidst many challenges. "Language" was the first high wall to climb, causing daily difficulties in ordering food, reading street signs, or even simple communication. Economic hardship followed; I worked as a newspaper delivery boy, waiter, dishwasher, and even washed goat milk bottles to pay for school. The loneliness and helplessness from miscommunication were constant. Because of this, I deeply understand the pain of "having complaints but being unable to express them".Years later, I achieved my dream of becoming a specialist. In my clinic, Indonesian migrant workers and caregivers began to appear, often sitting silently with tired, anxious faces. I realized that physical pain often cannot be cured by medicine alone. It stems from extreme fatigue, longing for children back home, and the frustration of being misunderstood by employers due to language barriers.There are nearly 320,000 Indonesian friends in Taiwan. They are the unsung heroes supporting Taiwan's social stability, yet their spiritual needs are often "invisible". Their helplessness made me realize I must do more than just provide therapy; I must act for my fellow countrymen.The Birth of GICAChanging society requires collective action. Since 2015, I began sharing the dilemmas of migrant workers with church colleagues and concerned locals. Initially, we simply went to parks and hospitals to listen to their stories. We found most conflicts arose from "misunderstanding" rather than bad intentions. Employers might not understand a Muslim's need for prayer, while workers might not know how to ask for a ten-minute break in Mandarin.GICA was officially founded in 2016 to address these roots. In April 2026, we celebrated GICA's 10th anniversary. Seeing Taiwanese employers and Indonesian workers smiling and hugging regardless of nationality made me feel that GICA has truly become a "second home".Strategies: Accompanying, Empowering, and RelatingGICA's strategy centers on "Making Human Life Dignified and Hopeful":1.Translators and Faithful Listeners: We run 15 language and culture classes to break communication walls for both workers and employers. When language is no longer a barrier, "foreign workers" become "family who helps".2.A Supportive Family Network: We provide legal and psychological support. Our dedicated volunteers, like Yoyon and Esti, help with hospital visits and late-night emergencies.3.Creating Space for Relief: Humans are not made just to work. We organize activities like hiking and BBQs at Dakeng Trail to help them find joy and a sense of youth.GICA is like a warm big family where everyone can bloom with happiness in Taiwan.Boundless LoveGICA exists because of the solidarity of volunteers, teachers, and the Taichung City Government. This bridge of hearts has been built over ten years through sweat and tears. In the future, GICA will continue to ensure every Indonesian in Taiwan feels valued and loved. We hope for a society where there is no "us" and "them," but only one family. Thank you, Taiwan!

  2026-05-13 09:00