14 days ago
Zane Smith escaped with no serious injuries following a violent crash in Sunday's Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway. The driver of the No. 38 suffered a brake failure in the closing laps of Stage 2, causing him to spin out and slam driver's side first into the outside retaining wall in turn 1.
As Smith climbed from his car, it was evident he was in pain. The 27-year-old was slow to get out of his battered Front Row Motorsports Ford and was leaning on two NASCAR safety workers as they helped him into the ambulance to take him to the infield care center.
Thankfully, Smith took to social media on Monday with a positive update on his condition.
Immediately after Smith careened with the outside wall following the brake failure, his spotter, Ryan Blanchard, tried to summon his driver over the radio to check on his condition.
"We lost brakes here. Let me know if you're OK. Really big hit. Talk to me when you can, please. Let me know if you're OK," he said.
#brake #failure #wall
As Smith climbed from his car, it was evident he was in pain. The 27-year-old was slow to get out of his battered Front Row Motorsports Ford and was leaning on two NASCAR safety workers as they helped him into the ambulance to take him to the infield care center.
Thankfully, Smith took to social media on Monday with a positive update on his condition.
Immediately after Smith careened with the outside wall following the brake failure, his spotter, Ryan Blanchard, tried to summon his driver over the radio to check on his condition.
"We lost brakes here. Let me know if you're OK. Really big hit. Talk to me when you can, please. Let me know if you're OK," he said.
#brake #failure #wall
17 days ago
A leaked phone call that appears to feature Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her ex-husband, Ryan Anderson, has raised serious questions about a private conversation the former couple allegedly had while he was working at a school. The ****** ually suggestive audio appears to capture Blanchard and Anderson discussing whether he could participate in an intimate phone exchange from inside the building. Anderson has since pushed back against the speculation, insisting in a TikTok video that he "never" engaged in ****** ual activity at the school.
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA
The audio, which has circulated on social media, begins with Anderson asking Blanchard what she is wearing, but she seemingly brushes off the question. "Oh fine, tomorrow," Anderson responds.
The former couple can then be heard giggling before Anderson appears to express concern about getting caught. "I wish; I don't want to get in trouble," he says.
Blanchard responds by suggesting he would be able to remain quiet. "If you didn't make a sound at your mom's, you're not gonna make a sound at school," she is heard saying.
#heard
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA
The audio, which has circulated on social media, begins with Anderson asking Blanchard what she is wearing, but she seemingly brushes off the question. "Oh fine, tomorrow," Anderson responds.
The former couple can then be heard giggling before Anderson appears to express concern about getting caught. "I wish; I don't want to get in trouble," he says.
Blanchard responds by suggesting he would be able to remain quiet. "If you didn't make a sound at your mom's, you're not gonna make a sound at school," she is heard saying.
#heard
17 days ago
Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ken Urker are facing a new wave of speculation about their relationship and the future of their daughter, Aurora. A viral Instagram post, along with several YouTube videos, alleges that the couple has separated and that Urker may be preparing to pursue full custody of their child. The post also claims that Urker is refusing to communicate with Blanchard directly as tensions escalate behind the scenes. However, neither Blanchard nor Urker has confirmed a breakup or custody dispute. The social media account that circulated the claims also acknowledged that it had not found evidence of an actual custody filing.
The rumors were shared by the Instagram account audacious.audrey06, which posted a photograph of Ken Urker and Gypsy Rose Blanchard separated by a torn-paper effect and a broken heart emoji. "RUMORS ARE SWIRLING ABOUT GYPSY ROSE & KEN URKER," the caption began.
The social media account alleged that Blanchard and Urker had ended their relationship and claimed that Urker may be preparing to seek full custody of Aurora. According to the post, Urker is also allegedly refusing to communicate with Blanchard directly and will only speak to her through a third party.
The account did not identify the source behind the allegations or provide documentation supporting the custody claim, though several YouTube videos have also been posted, claiming the same information.
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA
#custody #aurora #Instagram
The rumors were shared by the Instagram account audacious.audrey06, which posted a photograph of Ken Urker and Gypsy Rose Blanchard separated by a torn-paper effect and a broken heart emoji. "RUMORS ARE SWIRLING ABOUT GYPSY ROSE & KEN URKER," the caption began.
The social media account alleged that Blanchard and Urker had ended their relationship and claimed that Urker may be preparing to seek full custody of Aurora. According to the post, Urker is also allegedly refusing to communicate with Blanchard directly and will only speak to her through a third party.
The account did not identify the source behind the allegations or provide documentation supporting the custody claim, though several YouTube videos have also been posted, claiming the same information.
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA
#custody #aurora #Instagram
21 days ago
By Ben Blanchard and Wen-Yee Lee
TAIPEI, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Taiwan flexed its chip diplomacy muscles at a major trade show last week, portraying itself as a democratic and reliable supplier for the AI revolution, while signalling a willingness to share the benefits of its semiconductor prowess with like-minded partners.
Home to companies like TSMC whose chips power AI applications, diplomatically isolated Taiwan has long sought to leverage its tech prowess to garner international support, something Beijing routinely seeks to block saying the island is merely one of its provinces.
But Taiwan also faces pressure from the United States, its most important international backer and arms supplier, to shift more chip manufacturing there. That comes as TSMC is investing $265 billion in factories in the state of Arizona.
President Lai Ching-te, who, unusually, spoke at two separate events on the same day at the SEMICON Taiwan trade show, said Taiwanese companies were expanding globally to "let resilience create shared prosperity", and that the island's chip strength was based on democracy and rule of law.
#chip #show #international
TAIPEI, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Taiwan flexed its chip diplomacy muscles at a major trade show last week, portraying itself as a democratic and reliable supplier for the AI revolution, while signalling a willingness to share the benefits of its semiconductor prowess with like-minded partners.
Home to companies like TSMC whose chips power AI applications, diplomatically isolated Taiwan has long sought to leverage its tech prowess to garner international support, something Beijing routinely seeks to block saying the island is merely one of its provinces.
But Taiwan also faces pressure from the United States, its most important international backer and arms supplier, to shift more chip manufacturing there. That comes as TSMC is investing $265 billion in factories in the state of Arizona.
President Lai Ching-te, who, unusually, spoke at two separate events on the same day at the SEMICON Taiwan trade show, said Taiwanese companies were expanding globally to "let resilience create shared prosperity", and that the island's chip strength was based on democracy and rule of law.
#chip #show #international
28 days ago
By Ben Blanchard
TAIPEI, Aug 31 (Reuters) - An increasingly unpredictable Beijing is tightening its grip on the air and sea around Taiwan, Taipei said in an annual review of the Chinese threat that also said China was learning lessons from issues faced by the United States in waging war on Iran.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control, and sends its military into the waters and airspace around Taiwan on an almost daily basis.
Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future. The United States supplies Taiwan with weapons while maintaining a policy of ambiguity about whether it would fight to defend it.
In its annual report on China's military threat, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, Taiwan's defence ministry said the regional security situation "continues to escalate", noting a "rising unpredictability" in China's decision-making due to an "unprecedented" purge of senior military officers.
#taiwan #China #around
TAIPEI, Aug 31 (Reuters) - An increasingly unpredictable Beijing is tightening its grip on the air and sea around Taiwan, Taipei said in an annual review of the Chinese threat that also said China was learning lessons from issues faced by the United States in waging war on Iran.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control, and sends its military into the waters and airspace around Taiwan on an almost daily basis.
Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future. The United States supplies Taiwan with weapons while maintaining a policy of ambiguity about whether it would fight to defend it.
In its annual report on China's military threat, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, Taiwan's defence ministry said the regional security situation "continues to escalate", noting a "rising unpredictability" in China's decision-making due to an "unprecedented" purge of senior military officers.
#taiwan #China #around
1 month ago
A mere 16 days are left until the New Orleans Saints take the field for their season opener. The Saints are on the road to start 2026 when they trek north to face the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 13. Bub Means, a third-year wideout, is wearing No. 16 in New Orleans.
After a promising rookie campaign, Means missed all of 2025 with injury. He's back to battle for a spot in the wideout rotation. Means is only the tenth player in New Orleans history to wear a 16 jersey. We look back at all of them now.
S Bo Burris (1967-69)
QB Steve Ramsey (1970)
P Tom Blanchard (1974-78)
#orleans #means #wideout
After a promising rookie campaign, Means missed all of 2025 with injury. He's back to battle for a spot in the wideout rotation. Means is only the tenth player in New Orleans history to wear a 16 jersey. We look back at all of them now.
S Bo Burris (1967-69)
QB Steve Ramsey (1970)
P Tom Blanchard (1974-78)
#orleans #means #wideout
1 month ago
By John Geddie, Yukiko Toyoda, Ben Blanchard and Aftab Ahmed
TOKYO/TAIPEI/NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Donald Trump's olive branch to North Korea's Kim Jong Un at the expense of a long-standing ally comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. security ties in Asia, as partners from ****** an to India reassess how much they can rely on Washington.
The U.S. president's abrupt decision to cut back military drills with South Korea last week, which he described as hostile to Pyongyang, has reinforced fears that Trump's unpredictability could strain alliances that have long maintained peace in the region, government officials and security experts said.
Japan worries it too could find itself in Trump's cross-hairs as it embarks on thorny security negotiations; Taiwan is warily watching an upcoming summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping; and India is growing less certain of its place in Washington's strategic calculus.
"The decision will certainly fuel growing doubts in the region about U.S. security commitments," said Jeremy Chan, a senior ****** yst with political risk consultancy Eurasia Group and former U.S. diplomat in ****** an and China.
#security #john
TOKYO/TAIPEI/NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Donald Trump's olive branch to North Korea's Kim Jong Un at the expense of a long-standing ally comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. security ties in Asia, as partners from ****** an to India reassess how much they can rely on Washington.
The U.S. president's abrupt decision to cut back military drills with South Korea last week, which he described as hostile to Pyongyang, has reinforced fears that Trump's unpredictability could strain alliances that have long maintained peace in the region, government officials and security experts said.
Japan worries it too could find itself in Trump's cross-hairs as it embarks on thorny security negotiations; Taiwan is warily watching an upcoming summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping; and India is growing less certain of its place in Washington's strategic calculus.
"The decision will certainly fuel growing doubts in the region about U.S. security commitments," said Jeremy Chan, a senior ****** yst with political risk consultancy Eurasia Group and former U.S. diplomat in ****** an and China.
#security #john
1 month ago
By Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin Lee
KINMEN, Taiwan, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Peace can only be secured through strength and not even an inch of territory can be sacrificed, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday, visiting a sensitive frontline island to mark a key battle with Chinese forces almost seven decades ago.
Taiwan has controlled the Kinmen and Matsu islands, which lie just off the Chinese coast, since the Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. No peace treaty or armistice has ever been signed.
In heavy rain, Lai laid a wreath and bowed at a memorial park for the 68th anniversary of the 1958 clash with Chinese forces, known as the start of the second Taiwan Strait crisis — the last time Taiwanese and Chinese forces battled on a large scale.
Addressing veterans later, Lai expressed gratitude to those who "stood united and fought a ******* battle to repel Communist totalitarian aggression".
#kinmen #blanchard
KINMEN, Taiwan, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Peace can only be secured through strength and not even an inch of territory can be sacrificed, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday, visiting a sensitive frontline island to mark a key battle with Chinese forces almost seven decades ago.
Taiwan has controlled the Kinmen and Matsu islands, which lie just off the Chinese coast, since the Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. No peace treaty or armistice has ever been signed.
In heavy rain, Lai laid a wreath and bowed at a memorial park for the 68th anniversary of the 1958 clash with Chinese forces, known as the start of the second Taiwan Strait crisis — the last time Taiwanese and Chinese forces battled on a large scale.
Addressing veterans later, Lai expressed gratitude to those who "stood united and fought a ******* battle to repel Communist totalitarian aggression".
#kinmen #blanchard
1 month ago
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard is opening up about the mixed emotions she feels as a new mother.
The Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up star — who gained national attention for conspiring with her then-boyfriend to kill her mother in 2015 — shared an Instagram Reel on Monday, August 17, in which her daughter Aurora can be seen finally saying "Mommy" at 19 months old.
"For so much of my life, the word 'Mommy' carried a meaning that was complicated and painful for me," Blanchard, 35, began in the caption. "I knew motherhood would give that word a new meaning, but I don't think I was prepared for what it would feel like to actually hear my daughter call me Mommy."
Blanchard, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder following Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard's death, shares Aurora with boyfriend Ken Urker. Their daughter will turn 2 in December.
"I carried her, brought her into this world, and have had the privilege of watching her grow into this beautiful little person," the social media personality continued. "At 19 months old, hearing that tiny voice finally say 'Mommy' hit a place in my heart I can't fully explain."
#mommy #daughter #gypsy #finally
The Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up star — who gained national attention for conspiring with her then-boyfriend to kill her mother in 2015 — shared an Instagram Reel on Monday, August 17, in which her daughter Aurora can be seen finally saying "Mommy" at 19 months old.
"For so much of my life, the word 'Mommy' carried a meaning that was complicated and painful for me," Blanchard, 35, began in the caption. "I knew motherhood would give that word a new meaning, but I don't think I was prepared for what it would feel like to actually hear my daughter call me Mommy."
Blanchard, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder following Clauddine "Dee Dee" Blanchard's death, shares Aurora with boyfriend Ken Urker. Their daughter will turn 2 in December.
"I carried her, brought her into this world, and have had the privilege of watching her grow into this beautiful little person," the social media personality continued. "At 19 months old, hearing that tiny voice finally say 'Mommy' hit a place in my heart I can't fully explain."
#mommy #daughter #gypsy #finally
1 month ago
The Texas Tech football team is in the middle of the preseason camp, but the roster may not necessarily be finalized.
Recent movement in the eligibility **** e, primarily focused on basketball right now, has opened the door for Class of 2022 recruits to have an additional year to play their respective sports. The Texas Tech men's basketball team has benefitted from this, adding Darrion Williams and Jamichael Stillwell recently, so there's an opportunity for Joey McGuire to add a piece or two to the football roster.
McGuire hasn't ruled out bringing in somebody else before the start of the season, though there are a number of factors to consider before doing so.
"I don't think there's necessarily a spot," McGuire said, "(James) Blanchard and I, not only just daily, we're talking throughout the day of what everybody's hearing. ..."
While there are several cases going on at the same time, the main one centers in Colorado, where a judge ruled the entire 2022 class can play this season if they want. However, that judge clarified that players who didn't enter the transfer portal during that sport's window (for football, it came in January) then their only option is to return to their previous school.
#mcguire #texas #Basketball
Recent movement in the eligibility **** e, primarily focused on basketball right now, has opened the door for Class of 2022 recruits to have an additional year to play their respective sports. The Texas Tech men's basketball team has benefitted from this, adding Darrion Williams and Jamichael Stillwell recently, so there's an opportunity for Joey McGuire to add a piece or two to the football roster.
McGuire hasn't ruled out bringing in somebody else before the start of the season, though there are a number of factors to consider before doing so.
"I don't think there's necessarily a spot," McGuire said, "(James) Blanchard and I, not only just daily, we're talking throughout the day of what everybody's hearing. ..."
While there are several cases going on at the same time, the main one centers in Colorado, where a judge ruled the entire 2022 class can play this season if they want. However, that judge clarified that players who didn't enter the transfer portal during that sport's window (for football, it came in January) then their only option is to return to their previous school.
#mcguire #texas #Basketball
2 months ago
By Wen-Yee Lee, Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung
TAIPEI, July 16 (Reuters) - TSMC, the world's main producer of advanced AI chips and a major Nvidia supplier, pledged on Thursday to invest a further $100 billion in the U.S. state of Arizona in a win for President Donald Trump, who has pushed for more chipmaking at home.
Reinforcing its bullish viewpoint on AI demand, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co raised its forecast for capital spending by up to 14% for this year.
"Our customers and customers', who are mainly the cloud service providers, continue to provide us with their very strong signal and positive outlook," company CEO C.C. Wei told an earnings conference.
"Thus, our conviction in the multi-year AI megatrend remains very high."
TAIPEI, July 16 (Reuters) - TSMC, the world's main producer of advanced AI chips and a major Nvidia supplier, pledged on Thursday to invest a further $100 billion in the U.S. state of Arizona in a win for President Donald Trump, who has pushed for more chipmaking at home.
Reinforcing its bullish viewpoint on AI demand, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co raised its forecast for capital spending by up to 14% for this year.
"Our customers and customers', who are mainly the cloud service providers, continue to provide us with their very strong signal and positive outlook," company CEO C.C. Wei told an earnings conference.
"Thus, our conviction in the multi-year AI megatrend remains very high."
3 months ago
Jul. 8—Great Lakes starting pitcher Zach Root struck out 11 and did not allow a runner past first base over six scoreless innings as the Loons defeated the Dayton Dragons 4-2 on Tuesday night.
Neither team could score over the first half of the game as Dragons starting pitcher Ovis Portes worked out of trouble in each of the first four innings. The game was scoreless going to the bottom of the fifth when Portes issued a lead-off walk followed by a run-scoring double by Logan Wagner to give Great Lakes a 1-0 lead.
Portes was replaced by Beau Blanchard, who surrendered an RBI double to Emil Morales, the first man he faced, as the Loons jumped ahead 2-0. After a pair of walks, the Loons added another run on a sacrifice fly to make it a three-run inning. In the sixth, Blanchard surrendered a lead-off home run to Chuck Davalan as Great Lakes increased their lead to 4-0.
Going to the eighth inning, the Dragons had only two hits and had not advanced a runner to second base. Alfredo Alcantara ripped a lead-off double to left-center field to start that inning and with one out, Victor Acosta worked a walk. Peyton Stovall then lined a triple down the right field line as the baseball lodged beneath the Loons bullpen bench, bringing in both Alcantara and Acosta to cut the Loons lead to 4-2. But the next two batters, Ryan McCrystal and Julio Carreras, both tapped out in front of the plate and Stovall was stranded at third.
The Dragons came to bat in the ninth inning still down by two runs and got the tying run to the plate with one out when John Michael Faile drew a walk. Tyson Lewis struck out for the second out. Alcantara then lined a single to center to move Faile to second, but Marcus Smith struck out swinging to end the game.
Neither team could score over the first half of the game as Dragons starting pitcher Ovis Portes worked out of trouble in each of the first four innings. The game was scoreless going to the bottom of the fifth when Portes issued a lead-off walk followed by a run-scoring double by Logan Wagner to give Great Lakes a 1-0 lead.
Portes was replaced by Beau Blanchard, who surrendered an RBI double to Emil Morales, the first man he faced, as the Loons jumped ahead 2-0. After a pair of walks, the Loons added another run on a sacrifice fly to make it a three-run inning. In the sixth, Blanchard surrendered a lead-off home run to Chuck Davalan as Great Lakes increased their lead to 4-0.
Going to the eighth inning, the Dragons had only two hits and had not advanced a runner to second base. Alfredo Alcantara ripped a lead-off double to left-center field to start that inning and with one out, Victor Acosta worked a walk. Peyton Stovall then lined a triple down the right field line as the baseball lodged beneath the Loons bullpen bench, bringing in both Alcantara and Acosta to cut the Loons lead to 4-2. But the next two batters, Ryan McCrystal and Julio Carreras, both tapped out in front of the plate and Stovall was stranded at third.
The Dragons came to bat in the ninth inning still down by two runs and got the tying run to the plate with one out when John Michael Faile drew a walk. Tyson Lewis struck out for the second out. Alcantara then lined a single to center to move Faile to second, but Marcus Smith struck out swinging to end the game.
3 months ago
By Lewis Jackson and Ben Blanchard
BEIJING/TAIPEI, July 4 (Reuters) - China said on Saturday it had launched a new coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, drawing a sharp response from Taipei after a task force last month off the island's coast caused alarm in some Western capitals.
China's military operates almost daily around Taiwan, which Beijing views as its own territory. But China has begun using its coast guard to enforce its territorial claims in what Taiwan calls "lawfare" to claim a legal basis for Chinese actions.
The fleet will conduct "law enforcement patrols" in the area, China's Coast Guard said in a statement, adding it would strengthen such patrols in what it called China's jurisdictional waters.
The coast guard will "firmly safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests", it added.
BEIJING/TAIPEI, July 4 (Reuters) - China said on Saturday it had launched a new coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, drawing a sharp response from Taipei after a task force last month off the island's coast caused alarm in some Western capitals.
China's military operates almost daily around Taiwan, which Beijing views as its own territory. But China has begun using its coast guard to enforce its territorial claims in what Taiwan calls "lawfare" to claim a legal basis for Chinese actions.
The fleet will conduct "law enforcement patrols" in the area, China's Coast Guard said in a statement, adding it would strengthen such patrols in what it called China's jurisdictional waters.
The coast guard will "firmly safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests", it added.
3 months ago
BYNG — Even though Jaylen Johnson grew up in another part of the state, he was no stranger to the rich tradition of Byng High School basketball.
The girls and boys programs have combined to win 17 state championships, and Johnson is thrilled to become part of that tradition as the new head coach of the Pirates.
“I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Byng basketball program,” Johnson told The Ada News. “I don’t think you can talk about Oklahoma basketball without talking about the history of Byng — the energy, the culture and that competitive spirit.”
Johnson takes over a Byng boys squad that advanced to the Class 4A Regional Tournament before suffering a pair of close losses to No. 7 Blanchard, 67-60 on its home court, and Tecumseh, 73-69.
The Pirates won the Konawa Tournament with back-to-back victories over ranked teams Wilson-Henryetta and Wewoka and finished as runners-up at the Latta Tournament.
The girls and boys programs have combined to win 17 state championships, and Johnson is thrilled to become part of that tradition as the new head coach of the Pirates.
“I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Byng basketball program,” Johnson told The Ada News. “I don’t think you can talk about Oklahoma basketball without talking about the history of Byng — the energy, the culture and that competitive spirit.”
Johnson takes over a Byng boys squad that advanced to the Class 4A Regional Tournament before suffering a pair of close losses to No. 7 Blanchard, 67-60 on its home court, and Tecumseh, 73-69.
The Pirates won the Konawa Tournament with back-to-back victories over ranked teams Wilson-Henryetta and Wewoka and finished as runners-up at the Latta Tournament.
3 months ago
By Ben Blanchard and Ann ****
TAIPEI, June 30 (Reuters) - Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te warned military cadets on Tuesday not to succumb to China's spying activities and to defend freedom and democracy, speaking at a Cold War-era college originally set up to teach against the perils of communism.
Taiwan and China, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory, have long spied on each other, and Taiwan in particular has reported an increased number of Chinese espionage cases, especially in the armed forces.
China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and its military operates daily around the island.
A soldier's honour stems from loyalty, Lai told a graduation ceremony at the Fu Hsing Kang College on the outskirts of Taipei.
TAIPEI, June 30 (Reuters) - Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te warned military cadets on Tuesday not to succumb to China's spying activities and to defend freedom and democracy, speaking at a Cold War-era college originally set up to teach against the perils of communism.
Taiwan and China, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory, have long spied on each other, and Taiwan in particular has reported an increased number of Chinese espionage cases, especially in the armed forces.
China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and its military operates daily around the island.
A soldier's honour stems from loyalty, Lai told a graduation ceremony at the Fu Hsing Kang College on the outskirts of Taipei.
3 months ago
By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard
TAIPEI, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain, France and Germany raised the alarm on Wednesday over recent Chinese activities off the east coast of Taiwan, where China has mounted coast guard patrols, saying they threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, earlier in June sent coast guard ships into the waters off the island's east coast for what it called a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation", angering Taipei.
China said the operation was in response to an announcement by ******* an and the Philippines that they would begin formal talks on their maritime boundaries, which Beijing viewed as involving Chinese waters off Taiwan.
China has also been sending maritime survey ships into the same waters.
TAIPEI, June 24 (Reuters) - Britain, France and Germany raised the alarm on Wednesday over recent Chinese activities off the east coast of Taiwan, where China has mounted coast guard patrols, saying they threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, earlier in June sent coast guard ships into the waters off the island's east coast for what it called a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation", angering Taipei.
China said the operation was in response to an announcement by ******* an and the Philippines that they would begin formal talks on their maritime boundaries, which Beijing viewed as involving Chinese waters off Taiwan.
China has also been sending maritime survey ships into the same waters.
4 months ago
By Ben Blanchard
TAIPEI, June 8 (Reuters) - Chinese Coast Guard patrols to the east of Taiwan are a "provocative act" and the military will closely coordinate with the island's Coast Guard in responding, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Monday.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, was angered after ****** an and the Philippines said last month they would begin formal talks on delimiting their maritime boundaries, viewing that as involving waters off Taiwan. Delimitation is the process of legally establishing the outer limits of a state.
Late on Saturday, Chinese state media said ships had been sent to carry out a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" in the waters east of Taiwan in response to the ****** anese and Philippine announcement.
Taiwan's Coast Guard sent its own ships to warn away the Chinese ones and said on Sunday they had been "expelled" from restricted waters.
TAIPEI, June 8 (Reuters) - Chinese Coast Guard patrols to the east of Taiwan are a "provocative act" and the military will closely coordinate with the island's Coast Guard in responding, Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Monday.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, was angered after ****** an and the Philippines said last month they would begin formal talks on delimiting their maritime boundaries, viewing that as involving waters off Taiwan. Delimitation is the process of legally establishing the outer limits of a state.
Late on Saturday, Chinese state media said ships had been sent to carry out a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" in the waters east of Taiwan in response to the ****** anese and Philippine announcement.
Taiwan's Coast Guard sent its own ships to warn away the Chinese ones and said on Sunday they had been "expelled" from restricted waters.
4 months ago
Gypsy Rose Blanchard is giving fans another sweet glimpse into motherhood, and her latest video of her daughter, Aurora, has social media melting down. The internet star recently shared a heartwarming clip on Instagram showing a playful moment with her little girl, who is now officially on the move.
In the adorable video, Blanchard could be seen kneeling on the floor while encouraging her daughter to walk toward her. Aurora, dressed in pink pajamas, toddled across the room before stopping to blow kisses toward her mom, prompting an emotional reaction from fans in the comments.
While Blanchard allowed followers a peek into the milestone moment, she continued to keep her daughter's face concealed from public view. Throughout the clip, Aurora's back remained turned toward the camera as she walked toward her mom and wrapped her in a hug.
Blanchard captioned the touching post simply, "My world [pink heart emoji]."
The wholesome moment quickly sparked a wave of emotional reactions from followers, many praising Blanchard's journey into motherhood. "Motherhood is the sweetest. You're healing your younger you and your current you too," one commenter wrote. Another added, "I'm glad you get to have this, Gypsy."
In the adorable video, Blanchard could be seen kneeling on the floor while encouraging her daughter to walk toward her. Aurora, dressed in pink pajamas, toddled across the room before stopping to blow kisses toward her mom, prompting an emotional reaction from fans in the comments.
While Blanchard allowed followers a peek into the milestone moment, she continued to keep her daughter's face concealed from public view. Throughout the clip, Aurora's back remained turned toward the camera as she walked toward her mom and wrapped her in a hug.
Blanchard captioned the touching post simply, "My world [pink heart emoji]."
The wholesome moment quickly sparked a wave of emotional reactions from followers, many praising Blanchard's journey into motherhood. "Motherhood is the sweetest. You're healing your younger you and your current you too," one commenter wrote. Another added, "I'm glad you get to have this, Gypsy."
4 months ago
Dave Campbell's Texas Football will showcase the rise of the Texas Tech football program, making the Red Raiders the cover subjects of the 2026 annual summer preview edition.
Shown on the cover unveiled Monday, June 1, are Tech head coach Joey McGuire, general manager James Blanchard, senior linebacker Ben Roberts, athletics director Kirby Hocutt and Board of Regents chairman Cody Campbell. They are set against the backdrop of a neon oilfield under the headline "Red Raider Inc.: Inside the Modern College Football Machine."
Lubbock-based photographer Gabby Hutter shot the image, and Lubbock-based agency Jackalope Design conceptualized and designed the cover.
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Shown on the cover unveiled Monday, June 1, are Tech head coach Joey McGuire, general manager James Blanchard, senior linebacker Ben Roberts, athletics director Kirby Hocutt and Board of Regents chairman Cody Campbell. They are set against the backdrop of a neon oilfield under the headline "Red Raider Inc.: Inside the Modern College Football Machine."
Lubbock-based photographer Gabby Hutter shot the image, and Lubbock-based agency Jackalope Design conceptualized and designed the cover.
More: NCAA calls Texas Tech football QB Brendan Sorsby a 'serial violator'
More: Texas Tech signs latest House settlement participant agreement
