ICRT

Posted on 2026-10-31 16:07:13

DPP candidate Puma Shen quoted entertainer Tsai Kang-yong (蔡康永) in his
conclusion during the televised Taipei mayoral debate today, saying, "When
you vote for the lifestyle you want, you win."

Shen said Taipei denizens are losing hope, and he believes that if they elect
him, he'll give them reason to hope again.

He said that though Taiwan's international standing has improved in recent
years, Taipei has failed to really stand out compared with cities like Tokyo,
Seoul or New York that are leaders in technology, popular culture and
finance, respectively.

He said Mayor Chiang Wan-an spent much of the debate focused on cold numbers
rather than engendering warm feelings in the populace.

In *his* concluding remarks, Chiang said Shen was inconsistent and
hypocritical.

He said that as Taipei mayor in his first term he was purposeful, decisive
and action-oriented.

Chiang noted that Shen had criticized the removal of cypress trees in the
Dongmen area ... but it was a contractor, not his government, that removed
the trees... and his government immediately and severely punished those
involved.

Chiang criticized Shen's proposals as being inscrutable, filled with flowery
language. As an example, he said even former mayor Ke Wen-zhe didn't know
what Shen meant by "stitching together Civic Boulevard."

He contrasted his substance with what he called Shen's "packaging." Shen has
been packaged by the party ... but he doesn't have the resources or ability
necessary to bridge appearance and reality.

Posted on 2026-10-31 16:07:13

The Tainan railway station has announced new rules relating to a donated
public piano that has become a popular attraction since the new station
opened in mid-October.

The station management initially cordoned off the piano, located in the new
station's B1 concourse. On Thursday, it posted a sign prohibiting visitors
from playing it without first submitting an application.

The move was seen as overly restrictive.

A day later, the station revised its decision, clarifying that the piano
could be used only for noncommercial activities. That includes a ban on
busking, fundraising, and self-promotion.

The station also asked performers not to use microphones, amplifiers or
speakers.

Station management said the restrictions were prompted by a pianist who had
used the piano to recruit prospective students ... The same person also used
an amplifier, competing with the station's public-address system.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 16:07:13

The Taipei International Blues Bash returns to Maji Square in Taipei next
Saturday.

The free concert runs from noon to 10pm.

It features and array of musicians from Europe, the Americas and Asia ...
coming together to celebrate the blues.

The headliner this year is Japanese guitarist Shun Kikuta, whose background
is in Chicago blues ... and who has played with legends like BB King and Koko
Taylor.

Japanese solo performer Yoshinobu Ozaki kicks off the proceedings ... other
acts include the pioneering blues band BoPoMoFo as well as David Chen and The
Seventh sons.

Posted on 2026-10-31 15:07:14

A transport ministry survey shows an increase in the overall number of taxis
in Taiwan ... as well as an increase in the take-home pay of drivers.

According to the biannual survey, there were nearly 93,000 taxis nationwide
last year, up 1.2 percent compared with 2023.

Among them, so called multi-class taxis increased to around 36,000 or 40
percent of all taxis. That's a 34 percent increase since 2023.

Multi-class taxis include Ubers. They're only allowed to respond to app
requests and aren't allowed to pick up streetside hailers. They also aren't
allowed to be yellow.

According to the ministry, nearly 80 percent of passengers book taxi trips
via apps, highlighting the digital transformation of the sector.

The average net income of full-time taxi drivers was around 32,500 NT in
2025, up 20 percent compared with 2023.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 15:07:14

A nearly complete fossil of a prehistoric whale discovered on the Hengchun
Peninsula will go on public display tomorrow.

The fossil, discovered last July, is at the National Museum of Marine Biology
and Aquarium in Pingtung County.

The museum said it took four months of careful excavation and collection to
recover the remains.

The whale was about 6 meters long, with more than 80 percent of its skeleton
preserved. It's estimated to have lived about 100,000 years ago.

Researchers believe the whale may have belonged to the right whale family ...
and vertebral growth plates suggest the sea mammal was likely a juvenile when
it died.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 14:07:13

The Taipei mayoral debate has just ended.

In opening remarks, challenger Puma Shen said his priorities in the first 100
days of his term ... if elected ... are replanting trees, resolving issues
around child abuse and improving school lunches.

Shen had eight minutes at the start of the debate to make the case for his
candidacy. He said the focus of the debate shouldn't be on who wins or who
loses ... but on exchanging views and presenting positions and values.

Shen differentiated his approach with Mayor Chiang Wan-an's campaign theme of
"creating the future." Instead, Shen says his approach is "you say, I do." He
says he'll fix municipal problems by tapping collective wisdom.

The incumbent spoke next, listing his first-term achievements, including
completing the Taipei Dome, bringing an Nvidia headquarters to the city and
instituting a free-milk campaign in schools.

He countered critics' charge that he talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk
by saying "Chiang Wan-an keeps his word." He said he not only fulfilled his
campaign promises from four years ago but went further ... citing as an
example the free-milk program, which he said was something that had stymied
the central government.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 14:07:13

Three Taiwanese medical associations have issued a joint statement opposing
the use of the anesthetic propofol to treat insomnia.

This follows reports of its misuse by clinics in Taiwan.

The Taiwan Society of Anesthesiologists, the Taiwanese Society of Psychiatry
and the Taiwanese Society of Addiction Science say the intravenous anesthetic
and sedative isn't indicated for treating insomnia or depression.

The groups stress that the loss of consciousness induced by the drug is NOT
normal sleep.

They point to the demise of international pop star Michael Jackson, who died
from acute propofol intoxication after receiving the drug from his personal
physician.

They urged people experiencing psychological distress to seek evaluation and
treatment from a psychiatrist.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) made the same points on Thursday,
noting the ministry hasn't ruled out the likelihood of investigating the
improper use of propofol as a treatment for insomnia.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 14:07:13

Kaohsiung is kicking off "Harbour Beats 2026," celebrating sister port ties
with Hamburg, Germany.

The free weekend event hosted by the Kaohsiung Music Center and the German
Trade Office Taipei features performances by German and Taiwanese artists,
including Sophia Kennedy, BOVIY, and The Chairs.

In addition, Hamburg film collective "A Wall is a Screen" makes its Taiwan
debut, projecting short films onto local waterfront architecture.

Peckish visitors can explore nearly 50 market stalls offering traditional
German sausages, pork knuckles, Bavarian beer and more.

The event starts at 3:00pm today and tomorrow at the Coral Zone, Kaohsiung
Music Center,

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-31 13:06:13

President Lai Ching-teh is speaking out in support of rights gained to date
by the LGBTQ community.

He said to mark Pride Day, which is celebrated today in Taipei, that equality
can't be reversed ... and respect must carry through to all parts of society,
from the exercise of power to respecting people's privacy beyond the public
sphere.

In a post on Facebook, the president noted his concerns about some recent
law-enforcement controversies potentially signaling a regression of hard-won
gains made by the LGBTQ community.

It appears to be a bipartisan issue.

KMT Chair Zheng Li-wen noted the coincidence of Pride Day with Halloween this
year.

She posted a video on Facebook of herself being transformed into the Disney
witch Maleficent.

She took the opportunity to encourage participants in the Pride Day march to
have courage to be themselves and freely love whomever they want ... as they
break boundaries and walk together fearlessly.

She says in her post that although Maleficent is seen as evil, the message of
the modern Disney movie is that anyone can redeem themselves if they let go
of prejudices.

The Pride Day march kicks off at 2pm today at Taipei City Hall Square.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 12:07:13

An estimated 3,800 people took to the streets of Taipei last night to show
their support for the transgender community.

The event was organized by the Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ ) Hotline Association.

The march began at 228 Peace Park, proceeded west through part of the
Ximending shopping district and then returned to the park.

The association says it aims to break down society's binary expectations
around gender and to bridge the gap between transgender people and the wider
community.

Among the marcher's demands was a request to the Taiwanese government to
abolish the requirement for mandatory surgery to change gender markers on
identification documents.

The Hotline says the Taiwan Trans March is one of the few marches in Asia
dedicated to transgender issues.

Allies of the LGBTQ community have another opportunity to show their support
at the annual Pride Parade, which starts at Taipei City Hall Square at 2pm
today.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 12:07:13

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office said this morning that it is
releasing a man on 100,000 NT bail after he admitted to fabricating a video
of Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen.

In the video, a deepfake Shen admitted to receiving kickbacks in a US arms
deal. The video was posted to the Threads social media platform.

Prosecutors said they arrested the man, surnamed Zheng, on Thursday, and that
he confessed to the crime late last night.

As part of the bail arrangement, Zheng is banned from leaving the country for
eight months.

He'll face a prison sentence of up to seven years, if convicted.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 11:07:14

Taiwan shares plunged by just under 2.5 percent yesterday, led by major
AI-related stocks, taking a cue from tech stocks on American markets.

The Taiex fell 2.5 percent to 45,212. The electronics index dropped by 2.9
percent. That's deeper than the Nasdaq's decline of 1.4 percent on Thursday
... and it matches Nasdaq's subsequent decline overnight.

TSMC, which accounts for more than 40 percent of total market value, lost 1.9
percent to close at NT$2,370.

Among other semiconductor stocks, smartphone IC designer MediaTek Inc. shed
3.21 percent and IC packaging and testing firm ASE slipped 2.20 percent.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 11:07:14

Taipei Mayor Jiang Wan-an is set to square off against his election
challenger, Puma Shen ... at noon.

TVBS and SET TV will jointly host the debate.

The organizers say the program will have four segments, starting with policy
statements, then cross-examination, media questions ... and ending with
concluding remarks.

In the first segment, each candidate will have eight uninterrupted minutes to
explain their policies and philosophies.

Shen has said he's looking forward to the debate. Chiang has noted that Shen
is an eloquent speaker and said he was a bit nervous about how well he would
fare in the contest.

The debate will end at 2pm. You can watch it on channels 54,55 and 56 as well
as on online platforms run by SET and TVBS, starting at noon.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 11:07:14

The Central Weather Administration says three surges of seasonal winds are
expected to affect Taiwan over the coming days, bringing cooler weather and
occasional rain to windward areas

The first surge will end today, bringing brief showers to the north coast,
Greater Taipei, eastern Taiwan and the Hengchun Peninsula.

A second wave is expected around Monday, bringing more rain to areas north of
Taoyuan and eastern Taiwan.

The winds will weaken on Wednesday and then strengthen again on Thursday and
Friday, when localized showers are expected in areas north of Taoyuan and in
eastern Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the CWA says Typhoon In-fa is forecast to turn north in waters
south of Japan, 2,000 kilometers from Taiwan at its closest point.

Although the typhoon isn't expected to directly affect Taiwan, large swells
could affect northern and eastern coastal areas and the Hengchun Peninsula
starting tomorrow.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-31 11:07:14

Taiwan shares plunged by just under 2.5 percent yesterday, led by major
AI-related stocks, taking a cue from tech stocks on American markets.

The Taiex fell 2.5 percent to 45,212. The electronics index dropped by 2.9
percent. That's deeper than the Nasdaq's decline of 1.4 percent on Thursday
... and it matches Nasdaq's subsequent decline overnight.

TSMC, which accounts for more than 40 percent of total market value, lost 1.9
percent to close at NT$2,370.

Among other semiconductor stocks, smartphone IC designer MediaTek shed 3.2
percent and IC packaging and testing firm ASE slipped 2.2 percent.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-10-30 20:00:13

The Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Criminal Code on Friday to
increase penalties for drug-impaired driving ...

... including the possibility of the death penalty for repeat offenders who
cause fatal accidents.

The amendments raise the maximum prison term for drug-impaired driving from
three to five years and increase the maximum fine to 500-thousand NT.

Repeat offenders who cause another fatal accident within 10 years of a
previous drug-driving conviction could face life imprisonment or the death
penalty.

The changes come as the family of a man killed in a drug-driving crash in
Keelung says it plans to appeal the driver's seven-year-and-eight-month
prison sentence.

The victim's daughter says the punishment is too lenient, as the driver could
be released early on parole.

The amendments will take effect once promulgated by the president.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

The daughter of a man killed by a drug-impaired driver in Keelung says she
plans to challenge the driver's seven-year, eight-month prison sentence,
arguing it's far too lenient.

She broke down in tears after the verdict was announced today, saying she
fears the defendant could be released after serving only half his sentence.

The man was convicted of causing her father's death after driving under the
influence of drugs and hitting several vehicles in Keelung last December.

The victim's daughter had hoped for a sentence of up to nine-and-a-half
years, while prosecutors had sought eight-and-a-half years.

Another motorcyclist injured in the crash also says he plans to challenge the
verdict.

He suffered two fractured vertebrae in his neck and permanent nerve damage,
and says he continues to experience pain and weakness.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium will open a special
exhibition featuring a prehistoric whale fossil dating back roughly 100,000
years.

Museum officials say that the 6-meter specimen unearthed on the Hengchun
Peninsula features more than 130 bone fragments, and that roughly 80 per cent
of the entire skeleton is intact.

Experts noted that open growth plates on the vertebrae suggest the whale died
before reaching full adulthood.

The special exhibition also features decades of local fossil discoveries,
tracing the geological transition of the peninsula.

The fossil will go on public display starting this Sunday.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

The Chinese Communist Party has purged a record 33 members.

This is according to a communique they published yesterday at the end of its
annual four-day closed-door plenum in Beijing.

Some sixteen of those purged were members of the military.

They were purged for "serious disciplinary and legal violations", although
the specific details are unavailable.

China's leader, Xi Jinping, has actively tried to combat corruption, calling
it the Communist Party's "greatest threat".

But some analysts say that these words are also a pretext used to remove
those who are disloyal or "ideologically impure".

China's anti-corruption agency also said that almost 700 000 people across
the party had already been disciplined this year.

The Chinese Communist Party will vote for its next leader next year, with
most analysts expecting Xi to serve a fourth term and cement his grip on
power.

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

supremacy"

North Korea said today that it had tested attack drones, missiles, and
multiple-rocket launchers.

North Korea's official news agency said that the country's leader, Kim
Jong-il, called for speeding up the development of drones and artificial
intelligence in order to acquire "absolute superiority" in modern warfare.

The agency said that their drones and cruise missiles had hit a target on an
island with "complete precision".

This comes after earlier tests this month, that the news agency said it had
developed a new type of precision torpedo that uses AI to guide the torpedo
and detect targets, and a medium-range hypersonic missile that also uses AI
to change its trajectory in real time.

Yesterday, Seoul said that it had detected the launch of roughly ten
short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean
Peninsula.

But no link has been established between Seoul's announcement yesterday and
Pyongyang's today.

Posted on 2026-10-30 19:01:13

winter

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees launched an appeal today for more
donations this winter.

They hope to raise at least 50 million USD (1.6 trillion NTD), which will be
primarily directed to Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan.

A spokesman said that costs go up when winter arrives in the northern
hemisphere.

He added that millions in fragile, wartorn countries could be exposed to bad
weather if not adequately sheltered.

The agency says that Ukraine is entering its fifth winter of war, with an
increasing number of both power cuts and Russian attacks on civilians.

Millions of Afghans have been forced to return to their country after finding
temporary refuge in Pakistan and Iran, and millions of Syrians have likewise
returned after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Around 120 million people worldwide were considered to be "displaced" at the
end of last year, according to the UN office.

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:38:13

Taiwan's service sector generated 15.6-trillion NT in economic output last
year, accounting for more than 55 percent of GDP and employing more than six
out of every 10 workers.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the sector remains a major driver of
economic growth and employment, with output rising 3.57 percent from the
previous year.

According to an AI adoption survey released alongside the M-O-E-A's
Commercial Services Yearbook 2026 ...

... almost 36 percent of businesses in the sector are now using AI, up neary
4 percentage points from last year.

Of all businesses surveyed, around 13 percent have adopted AI on a larger
scale, while another 23 percent are still in the early stages.

The ministry says it aims to raise AI adoption across the sector to 40
percent by 2028.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:38:13

Taiwan's manufacturing sector continued to grow strongly in September,
supported by global demand for AI-related products.

But the pace of expansion slowed slightly.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says its manufacturing index edged
down 0.26 points from a month earlier to 16.22, remaining in the institute's
fast-growth category.

According to TIER, the slowdown was mainly due to slower growth in factory
production and export orders.

The electronics, computer and optoelectronics industries continued to benefit
from strong demand for advanced chips, AI servers and other technology
products.

The machinery industry also returned to the fast-growth category, supported
by orders from semiconductor manufacturers expanding their production
capacity.

However, the plastics and rubber industry lost momentum, while the auto parts
industry remained sluggish.

Looking ahead, the institute says AI investment should continue supporting
manufacturers, although rising energy prices, borrowing costs and tensions in
the Middle East could weigh on business activity.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Taiwanese scholars say the latest meeting of China's ruling Communist Party
could further tighten President Xi Jinping's grip on power and reinforce his
control over the party.

The four-day meeting ended yesterday ... with the C-C-P confirming the
expulsion of 33 officials, including two senior military leaders.

A researcher from National Chengchi University describes the process as
"succession without a successor", saying Xi is cultivating a generation of
younger officials who share his views ...

... without preparing to hand over power.

Other scholars say anti-corruption purges and strict political discipline are
becoming permanent features of party rule.

However, they warn that tighter controls could make officials afraid to take
risks or make decisions, potentially hindering efforts to tackle China's
economic problems.

The party's next national congress is scheduled for the second half of 2027.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Precautions

Taiwan's flu epidemic may be nearing its end ...

... with hospital and clinic visits for flu-like symptoms dropping 17 percent
in the first three days of this week compared with last week.

The Centers for Disease Control says it could declare the epidemic over in
two weeks if the downward trend continues.

However, C-D-C Director-General Lo Yi-chun warns that flu still account for
nearly half of respiratory viruses detected across Taiwan.

He's urging people attending crowded events, especially older adults and
those with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated, wash their hands frequently
and wear masks.

Meanwhile, free government-funded flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be
expanded to adults aged 50 to 64 starting this coming Monday.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Taiwan's economy marked its fourth straight quarter of double-digit growth
... expanding by an estimated 14.36 percent in the third quarter compared
with a year earlier.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says growth was
nearly three percentage points higher than previously expected.

Strong global demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other
advanced technologies helped drive the increase.

Growing orders for electronic components used in new consumer products also
boosted the economy.

Exports of goods and services jumped more than 21 percent from a year
earlier, while consumer spending and business investment also performed
better than expected.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

Hon Hai has unveiled three new electric vehicle models as it looks to expand
its presence in the global EV market.

The Taiwanese electronics giant introduced two new S-U-Vs, Model A Plus and
Model K Plus, along with a small delivery truck called Model K at its annual
technology event Friday.

The company says the vehicles are designed to appeal to different customers,
ranging from buyers seeking a more luxurious S-U-V to younger consumers
looking for a more affordable option.

Hon Hai also showcased a right-hand-drive version of its Model B urban car.

Meanwhile, Chairman Young Liu says the company's AI business is also growing
rapidly, with production of AI server racks doubling over the past year as
demand for computing equipment continues to surge.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 18:13:13

The Fair Trade Commission says Apple will cut its standard App Store
commission rate in Taiwan to 26 percent starting October 31st.

The move follows an investigation into whether Apple's restrictions on app
developers and its commission fees violated fair trade regulations.

The commission says it has agreed to suspend the investigation after
accepting Apple's commitment to lower its fees.

The reduced rate will apply to both the iOS and iPadOS App Stores, with
Taiwanese developers automatically receiving the lower rate without having to
apply.

The commission says the new rate matches those in markets including Japan and
Brazil.

It will monitor Apple's compliance and may re-open the investigation if the
company fails to honor its commitments or circumstances change significantly.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

ASE Technology has raised its investment budget and sales forecast for
advanced chip packaging and testing, as demand for AI chips continues to
grow.

The world's largest chip packaging and testing company now expects revenue
from its advanced operations to reach four-billion U-S dollars this year, up
from its previous forecast of 3.7 billion.

The company's chief financial officer says revenue from the business is
expected to double again in 2027.

A-S-E has also increased its capital spending budget by one-billion U-S
dollars to 11.5 billion, with half of the additional funding going toward new
factories and the rest toward equipment.

The company also reported record third-quarter net profit of nearly
27-billion NT, up 148 percent from a year earlier.

ASE expects sales to grow another six to eight percent in the fourth quarter,
with profit margins also set to improve.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

The Ministry of Environment has approved Taiwan's first geological
exploration plan for carbon capture and storage in Yunlin County.

Formosa Petrochemical will evaluate underground storage reservoirs and clay
caps across land and sea zones in the county through 2031.

The ministry emphasized that the exploration permit forbids carbon injection
testing and grants no exclusive rights for future storage operations.

And Formosa Petrochemical must complete a comprehensive Environmental Impact
Assessment before applying for final storage authorization.

Ministry officials say the decision marks the next phase in Taiwan's carbon
capture strategy, as part of efforts to support net-zero goals.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

Taoyuan Metro Corporation says its Airport MRT trains are cleaned and
disinfected daily, following recent complaints on social media about
unpleasant smells inside carriages.

The company says cleaning is carried out at terminal stations during
operating hours and after service ends each day.

It has also taken steps to address the problem, including replacing seat
cushions and covers, deodorizing carriages, and cleaning air-conditioning
systems.

The company added that nearby farms and livestock facilities around A10
Shanbi Station might also contribute to smells.

It says it has worked with the Taoyuan City Government to improve wastewater
treatment at nearby facilities.

The metro operator reminds passengers that they can report cleanliness
problems through QR codes inside trains or contact station staff and customer
service.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

More than 43 million Americans have already voted in early voting before the
US midterm elections.

This is much higher than in previous elections, with roughly 4 or 5 million
early votes each day that polls have been open.

Early voting has been particularly popular in Texas -- especially in
Latino-majority communities near the Mexican border.

The data also suggest that Hispanics and blacks are voting early more than
they have in previous years, and that the early votes seem to be going more
to Democrats than to Republicans.

These elections will decide which party will control the US Congress for the
next two years.

The election officially takes place next Tuesday, November 3rd.

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

The airplane on which the losing candidate in last weekend's Brazilian
presidential election, Flavio Bolsonaro, fled to the United States was paid
for by a broker through a US bank account.

That's according to Luis Grande, the director of the Argentinian airline
company that carried Bolsonaro away.

Grande also revealed that the broker was an Argentinian-American dual
national who paid $150 000 (4.9 million NT) from his company's bank account.

Grande refused to reveal the broker's identity but the Wall Street Journal
and the New York Times have said that the plane was chartered by Jason
Miller, an advisor to Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro has still not conceded defeat to his left-wing incumbent Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva, and has called himself the "leader of Brazil" and the
"victim of electoral fraud" on social media.

He refused to obey a Supreme Court order mandating that he surrender his
passport and stay in Brazil, as he is involved in a money laundering
investigation there.

Posted on 2026-10-30 16:44:13

Maria Corina Machado, the once-exiled leader of Venezuela's opposition, has
called for elections to be held next year.

Machado, last year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, said that Venezuela's move
towards democracy was "irreversible".

Delcy Rodriguez, the country's interim president, also said that elections
would be held but did not set a timeline.

Rodriguez said that her government should oversee a "transition of this
magnitude", but Machado called this idea non-sensical.

Machado announced earlier this week that she had returned to Venezuela after
10 months in exile.

During those ten months, the US apprehended Venezuela's then-president,
Nicolas Maduro, and brought him to the United States, installing his deputy,
Rodriguez, as interim president.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

The Legislative Yuan has decided to suspend plenary and committee meetings
from November 23rd to 27th ...

... to allow lawmakers to campaign ahead of the nine-in-one local elections.

Today's decision was reached during cross-party negotiations, in line with
the legislature's usual practice ahead of local elections.

Lawmakers also agreed to extend the current legislative session until January
31st next year, to allow more time to complete the review of the central
government's 2027 budget.

Meanwhile, lawmakers have agreed to complete the third reading of the 2026
supplementary budget by November 20th.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

Tainan Train Station has updated rules for its popular public piano after an
initial ban sparked public debate.

Station management originally posted notices barring unapproved performances
after reports of commercial promotions, banners, and loudspeakers clogging
the concourse

Authorities later clarified that casual piano playing remains open without
advance applications, and the new rules prohibit commercial recruitment,
loudspeakers, and blocking passenger walkways during piano performances.

Station officials confirm that the piano, donated by the family of the late
Tainan Police Chief Wang Wen-chung, will remain in the main hall for three
years to serve travelers and music enthusiasts.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

Some 37 athletes from Taiwan will participate in the 2026 Summer Youth
Olympics, which officially start tomorrow in the capital of the West African
nation of Senegal, Dakar.

Some events already start today -- such as the game between Taiwan's baseball
team against the host nation.

Lin Chin-ting and Chen Min-hsin will play in the boys' and girls' table
tennis competitions.

And they will also join forces in the mixed doubles tournament, which starts
tomorrow.

Lin Yung-yueh, also known as B-Boy Saturn, will represent Taiwan in
breakdancing.

And Chu Yu-en will take part in taichi, which is contested at the Youth
Olympics but not at the Olympic Games.

This is the first International Olympic Committee (or IOC) event ever to be
held in Africa.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

The cryptocurrency firm Binance has said that 6.3 billion USD (205 billion
NT) have been affected by what might be the largest hack in history.

Binance said that roughly half of those assets have already been frozen, and
that it would "cover all losses".

Two analytics firms say that this hack resembles previous hacks conducted by
North Korean networks, including what was -- until now -- the largest hack in
history.

That took place last year, with 1.5 billion USD (50 billion NT) on the Bybit
exchange being affected.

Binance has not confirmed a connection to North Korea.

Its co-CEO said that withdrawals are currently frozen on its platform.

Two other platforms, Circle and Tether, have also frozen assets that they
issue in response to the Binance hack.

Binance said in 2024 that it manages more than $160 billion USD (5.2 trillion
NTD), and they are believed to have more than 300 million users.

Its share price fell by 4 per cent after the announcement of the hacks.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

Two helicopters crashed midair near a small airport in northwest Oregon,
leading to the deaths of all three on board.

The crash took place yesterday afternoon, Oregon time, over a field next to a
highway near the McMinnville Municipal Airport.

On one helicopter were a 22-year-old flight instructor from Texas and a
student pilot from the United Kingdom.

The pilot of the other helicopter was from a neighbouring community.

The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the crash, but
no reason has yet been identified.

McMinnville is home to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, which houses
the Spruce Goose, a flying boat designed by famed aviator Howard Hughes that
was ultimately unsuccessful.

Posted on 2026-10-30 15:41:13

devices

Police in the Philippines can finally examine material that was removed from
the old home of Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan's half-brother handed four boxes of material to police last week after
clearing their father's house.

These include computers, phones, hard drives, and old videotapes reported to
have hundreds of images of child sexual abuse.

But the police in Cebu, described by some as a hotspot for child
prostitution, needed a warrant before being able to examine them.

And they say they have to establish how the material was obtained before
deciding whether they can file charges against Markle.

Markle denied the allegations, calling them "sick lies".

He moved to the Philippines last year after a series of strokes, but left
this past May.

It is believed Markle is now in a rehabilitation centre in Florida, learning
to walk again after his leg was amputated.

Reports say that Meghan broke off contact with her father last year, after
telling him that she knew he abused young girls.

Posted on 2026-10-30 14:12:13

Transport authorities is fining Kuo-Kuang Motor Transport over unauthorized
intercity bus trip cancellations.

The $90-thousand NT fines comes after four unapproved schedule reductions on
a route connecting Zhudong and Taipei, due to driver shortages.

The Highway Bureau officials previously fined the company NT$360,000 for
abruptly canceling over 65 trips in mid-October.

The bureau says the carrier should rent tour buses or mobilize reserve
coaches to maintain approved schedule frequencies.

Officials say they will continue monitoring Kuo-Kuang's operational capacity
to prevent service gaps across national highway routes.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 14:12:13

Taiwan's stock market suffered a sharp sell-off today, as concerns over the
profitability of artificial intelligence investments rattled global
technology stocks.

The benchmark TAIEX plunged 1-thousand-156 points to close at
45-thousand-211, falling below the six-month moving average.

AI-related stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with Delta Electronics
hitting its daily trading limit, while other major technology stocks also
posted heavy losses.

Turnover for the session topped 877 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-10-30 14:12:13

A renowned oceanographer is urging an end to krill fishing near Antarctica.

Officials from the U.S., China, Russia, and others are negotiating a deal to
expand krill fishing.

Sylvia Earle argues there's no sustainable way to extract krill without
harming whales and other marine mammals that feed on the tiny crustaceans.

Her comments come as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine
Living Resources meets in Australia.

The group has been deadlocked over a plan to expand krill fishing.

Krill are harvested for fish feed and omega-3 supplements, but other sources
exist.

Posted on 2026-10-30 13:21:14

Keelung prosecutors launched a vote-buying investigation involving a
non-partisan city council candidate and her family.

Candidate Lee Yun-jing was released on $200-thousand bail following overnight
questioning by prosecutors.

But the prosecutors petitioned to detain Lee's husband and father-in-law,
both former city councilors, citing risk of evidence destruction and
collusion.

Investigators allege the family provided banquets and distributed campaign
gift packages worth $400 NT to influence voters.

Lee entered the council race after her husband was stripped of office over an
assistant fee fraud conviction.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 13:21:14

Physical Standards Take Affect

Youth groups are urging the government to honor promised welfare reforms as
Taiwan's new military physical standards take effect.

Revised medical criteria are expected to reduce Taiwan's military draft
exemption rate from 16 percent down to 8 percent.

For "Grade B alternative service" recruits, who would have been exempt from
service under previous regulations, advocates are calling for improved living
conditions, health tracking armbands, and lighter physical duties.

The youth leaders pledged to collaborate with lawmakers to monitor training
safety, service conditions, and civil defense curriculum reforms.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-30 13:21:14

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will resign nine months
before her term ends.

The ECB announced Thursday that Lagarde will leave on February 7-th.

Her departure opens the way for European leaders to choose a successor ahead
of France's presidential election next year.

Lagarde's resignation is expected to lead to complex political negotiations
over her successor and replacements for two other top officials leaving next
year.

The ECB president leads the bank's governing council, which sets interest
rates for the 21 countries using the euro.

European Council President Antonio Costa said the selection process will
proceed without delay.EU

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

In international news,

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party are stepping
up claims that this week's election was "stolen" by Arab-led parties.

Results show that Netanyahu's bloc has lost its majority in parliament.

The opposition accuses Netanyahu of demonizing the Arab population after a
strong showing by Arab-led parties.

The head of Israel's election committee says there is "serious suspicions' of
foreign interference and the Shin Bet intelligence service has been asked to
investigate.

However, no evidence of such claims has been released.

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

French prosecutors say a man suspected of a deadly shooting near Paris last
week has admitted targeting people of "Muslim, African or North African"
appearance.

One person was killed and seven others, including a child were injured last
Friday when the man opened fire as he drove through two western suburbs.

According to the the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office, the suspect
has been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with a
terrorist enterprise.

President Emmanuel Macron has called it a "racist terrorist attack" and
anti-racism demonstrations have been held around France.

Three of those wounded are still in hospital with one in critical condition.

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

Haiti's government has announced new election dates.

According to the provisional Electoral Council the first round of general
elections will be held on July 18, with a second round on October 4.

Haiti has not held elections in over a decade and is run by an unelected
prime minister.

The presidency has been vacant since President Jovenel Moïse was killed in
2021.

The upcoming ballots comes as police and soldiers, backed by over 2,000
troops from El Salvador, are fighting gangs.

Experts have questioned the role of Salvadoran troops in Haiti, and Doctors
Without Borders has called for the protection of civilians amid ongoing
violence.

Posted on 2026-10-30 09:04:14

And finally,

British actor Patrick Stewart - who was best known for the "Star Trek"
franchise and the "X-Men" films - has died.

He was 86.

The A-P's Ed Donahue has more.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

National Security Council secretary-general Joseph Wu say China has more than
50 navy and other official vessels operating in a wide area of seas from
‌southern Japan down to Taiwan and off the Philippines.

Wu is describing that as evidence the threat level to Taiwan is obvious and
says simultaneous threats to Japan and the Philippines are also obvious.

According toi Wu, the Lai administration remains vigilant about such
activities.

The statements by the head of the National Security Council were made on
social media post on X and includes a map showing the locations of 53 China
ships, including 34 navy warships and the "Liaoning" aircraft carrier.

The map Wu posted on social medis shows the "Liaoning" and its accompanying
battle group located to the east of the Philippines, with other formations
off Taiwan's east and southeast, along with three off the southern coast of
Japan.

China's defense ministry has said the "Liaoning" is carrying out annual
drills to test long-range, open-ocean combat capabilities in the western
Pacific and the drills are not directed at any particular country.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation and the Taiwan Railway Corporation are
stressing that they both have safety systems in place designed to prevent
collisions.

The statement comes amid public concerns following a deadly train crash in
Spain this week that left at least 69 people dead and scores more injured
when a high-speed train struck another stationary train.

According to the High Speed Rail Corporation, its system follows the same
fail-safe principles as Japan's Shinkansen and its automatic control system
monitors speeds and conditions ahead, and can automatically apply emergency
brakes if signals are lost or a system fault occurs.

The Taiwan Railway Corporation says it uses warning signals and an automatic
train protection system which can slow or stop approaching trains if another
train is stopped ahead.

And corporation president Feng Hui-sheng also says his office has obtained
information about the accident in Spain and is reviewing its own safety
protection mechanisms.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

The Ministry of Agriculture says farming loses and damage to private
facilities due to Typhoon Champi currently stand at an estimated 489-million
N-T.

According to the ministry, the highest losses were reported in Yunlin at
147-million N-T.

That was followed by Taitung with loses of 88-million N-T and Taichung, where
farming loses and damage to private facilities totals 66-million N-T.

Storm related loses going into the millions of N-T have also been reported in
Miaoli and Pingtung.

Garlic crops suffered the heaviest damage - with the agriculture ministry
saying that nearly 470 hectares were affected and losses are estimated
65-million N-T.

Sugar apples were the second-hardest-hit crop, followed by tangerines,
bananas and peanuts.

Livestock losses are currently estimated at 341,000 N-T.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

The Ministry of Finance says the proportion of tax dependents over age 70
has risen by 8.2-percentage points over the past 10 years in a sign of
Taiwan's aging population.

The statement comes after the ministry released its latest report on trends
in consolidated income tax revenues.

According to the ministry's Department of Statistics, income tax revenues
reached record highs each year since 2021, rising to 873.7-billion N-T in
2025 - and that rise can be attributed to the steady increase to higher
salaries, stock market gains and rising interest rates.

Overall, consolidated income tax revenue accounted for 23.1-per cent of
Taiwan's total tax revenue last year, compared with 30.1-per cent in Japan,
28.8-per cent in South Korea and 18.3-per cent in Singapore.

Meanwhile, the top 20-per cent of earners accounted for 60-per cent of all
income earned in 2024, but 97-per cent of the total income tax burden.

The report also highlights increases in both the proportion of single tax
filers and filers with elderly dependents - with the finance ministry saying
those trends reflect a growing proportion of people remaining unmarried,
smaller household sizes and an aging population.

Posted on 2026-10-30 08:14:13

And finally,

A survey by the Fair Trade Commission shows that just over half of Taiwan's
adult population have used generative artificial intelligence tools in the
past six months.

The commission says the survey also found that OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's
Gemini account for more than 90-per cent of primary use and that nearly
40-per cent of users have paid for A-I services.

According to the F-T-C, it identified three key trends in the survey.

Those being widespread use of multiple A-I platforms, growing adoption of
paid subscriptions, and a tendency among users of free services to switch to
competing tools when quality declines.

ChatGPT was the most widely used tool, at 87.9-per cent of respondents,
followed by Gemini at 67.8-per cent and Anthropic's Claude at 8.9-per cent.

The survey found the most common reasons for using generative A-I were
learning and work-related tasks.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

The Cabinet is considering legislation to penalize individuals who engage in
"transnational repression" here in Taiwan.

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says amendments to the Anti-Infiltration Act
under consideration establishs penalties for individuals who engage in
transnational repression on behalf of an "external hostile force."

The amendments would make surveillance, harassment and intimidation offenses

Lee says draft amendments will be submited to the Legislative Yuan for review
after required legal procedures are completed... and says the cabinet hopes
lawmakers will review them "promptly."

The move comes amid questions concerning how the Lai administration could
respond to attempts backed by the Chinese government to pressure people in
Taiwan into making political statements.

Those questions were sparked after entertainer Kevin Tsai recently posted an
apology on social media platforms Weibo and RedNote for attending an event
marking the opening of Puma Shen's Taipei mayoral election campaign
headquarters.

Tsai has not commented on whether he made the posts due to pressure from
China.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

In another development,

Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the government deeply regrets
Pakistan's brief closure of its airspace to Taiwan airlines.

This comes after Bloomberg quoted Pakistan's defense minister as saying the
country had closed its airspace to EVA Airway and China Airlines in support
of Beijing’s "one China" policy.

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority reversed that decision hours later -
giving both carriers permission to use the country’s airspace from October 28
through March 27 next year.

Lee also expressed the government's "regret" at Pakistan's pandering to China
by compromising flight safety, disregarding international rules and reality,
undermining our national sovereignty, and politicizing and weaponizing
airspace.

A Ministry of Transport official has said the access period coincided with
the International Air Transport Association's winter schedule, and that an
application for continued access would be filed for the summer schedule that
follows.

That official also says the transport ministry will remain in close contact
with the airlines about any changes in airspace access.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

Saint Lucia's visiting Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says he hopes to
deepen cooperation with Taiwan, including by expanding scholarships for
students from his country.

Pierre arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday for a five-day state visit and made the
remarks during a meeting with President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential
Office in Taipei.

The visiting dignitary said education is highly valued in both Taiwan and
Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucian people are grateful for Taiwan's continued
scholarship support.

Pierre said more than 400 young people from Saint Lucia have so far received
scholarships from Taiwan to pursue higher education.

He expressed his gratitutde to Taiwan for its assistance with training,
scholarships and infrastructure. He also expressed hope that more Saint
Lucian doctors, young scholars, students and professionals will come to
Taiwan to study.

Lai also thanked Pierre for his continued support for Taiwan and also thanked
him for publicly supporting Taiwan's bid for full membership of the United
Nations at the recent General Assembly session.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

Central Election Commission Chairman Michael You has apologized after the
national I-D numbers of over 1,500 candidates running for office in the
upcoming local elections were reportedly exposed on its website for 11 days.

You says such an incident should have have happened.

He's blaming it negligent handling by a third-party contractor.

The personal data exposure came to light earlier this week, when an alliance
of smaller political parties revealed that the personal I-D numbers of
candidates running for mayor, magistrate or councilor had been publicly
accessible on a financial disclosures database.

New Power Party Chairwoman Claire Wang says her team accessed the candidate
asset declaration and discovered the data on October 16.

The Central Election Commission initially said although an external
contractor had inadvertently exposed the national I-D numbers,the text in the
files was "scrambled" and "indecipherable" to the general public.

However, the commission head later admitted that "character encoding"
settings could be rendered into Chinese characters using the browser's
developer tools, while national ID numbers are composed of English letters
and numbers were not scrambled at all.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

The Army has grounded its fleet of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for
inspections following a U-S technical notification about gearbox risks.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the Army will deploy AH-1W SuperCobra
attack helicopters and OH-58D reconnaissance helicopters to carry out
readiness missions during the inspection period.

However, he didn't elaborate on the inspection requirements or how long the
Apaches would remain grounded.

The U-S Army is said to have ordered an immediate, temporary pause in flight
operations for Apache helicopters equipped with Improved Drive System
transmissions.

The pause will remain in place while required inspections and corrective
actions are completed.

An internal U-S armed forces safety document as says an investigation had
indicated that the I-D-S transmission could experience an internal failure
that could lead to loss of tail rotor thrust, electrical power and
hydraulics.

The report said the cause was still under investigation.

Taiwan took delivery of 30 Apache attack helicopters from the U-S in five
batches, with the final six arriving in 2014.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

And,

Professor Wang Chin-tsan of the National Yilan University has received a top
prize at the 2026 Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence ceremony in Paris.

Wang was honored in the Green and Clean Technology category for Excellence in
Sustainable and Energy - Efficient Computing due to his research on using
artificial intelligence to turn wastewater into energy.

The technology centers on microbial fuel cells and combines A-I forecasting,
real-time sensing, digital twins, and thermal-fluid analysis.

It can treat wastewater and remove pollutants while recovering electricity
generated by microorganisms as they decompose organic matter.

Wang says the award recognized his work integrating technologies across
disciplines - as his laboratory brings together researchers specializing in
biology, environmental engineering, materials science, chemistry, and
electrical engineering.

The Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence were established in 2002 and
recognize innovation across multiple categories, including artificial
intelligence, information technology, green technology, and biotechnology.

Posted on 2026-10-30 07:01:13

A localized ceasefire in Oleshky, Ukraine, held for a third day and
humanitarian aid is expected to arrive soon.

The truce between Russia and Ukraine, which began Tuesday, is allowing
military units to clear some landmines, and aid deliveries are expected to
begin Friday.

The ceasefire in the Russian-held southern Ukraine city has also brought calm
to nearby Kherson city, and both sides thanked U.S. first lady Melania Trump
for helping broker it.

No ceasefire violations have been reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meanwhile condemned a Russian drone
attack that hit two passenger trains in central Ukraine Thursday, killing at
least 14 people.

Russia says it downed 1,214 Ukrainian drones.

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:13

The Ministry of Finance says Taiwan's aging population is reflected in income
tax returns ...

... with the share of dependents -- those whom a taxpayer financially
supports -- aged 70 and over rising by 8.2 percentage points over the past
decade.

In 2024, people aged 70 and above made up 27 percent of all claimed
dependents ... while those under 18 accounted for 37 percent.

The ministry says claims for the special tax deduction for long-term care
also hit a record high that year ... with 400-thousand households claiming a
total of nearly 52-billion NT.

The ministry says future tax policy will need to do more to support families
caring for children and older relatives ...

... as Taiwan faces low birth rates, an aging population and a growing number
of single-person households.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

DPP Penghu magistrate hopeful Wu Shu-chin (吳淑瑾) is reaffirming her opposition
to Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's proposal to relocate Songshan Airport.

Wu says the airport is a vital transportation link for residents of Taiwan's
outlying islands, particularly those needing urgent medical treatment on the
main island.

She notes that her KMT opponent, Chen Chen-chung (陳振中), has also publicly
opposed the plan.

However, Chiang has said he discussed the proposal with KMT magistrate
candidates from the outlying islands and reached a consensus.

Wu is questioning the apparent contradiction and says she will firmly oppose
any relocation that threatens the rights and interests of island residents.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

A new Fair Trade Commission survey puts Taiwan's generative AI usage rate at
just over 50 percent.

Generative AI refers to tools that can create new content, such as text,
images and answers to questions, based on user prompts.

ChatGPT was the most commonly used tool at almost 88 percent ... followed by
Gemini then Claude .... while nearly 40 percent of respondents had tried paid
versions.

The main reasons for using AI were learning and work-related tasks.

The survey also found that more than three-quarters of paid-service users
would stick with their current provider even if prices rose by 10 percent.

However, when asked what they would do if free AI services became less
useful, a similar proportion said they would switch to another free platform,
rather than pay for an upgrade.

The commission says it will continue monitoring developments in the
generative AI market.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

A Russian jet-powered drone has struck two passenger trains at a railway
station in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, killing at least 13 people
and injuring 10 others.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the attack as
“horrific” in a post on X.

The strike hit a platform where a commuter train and a scheduled passenger
train were stopped.

Emergency crews are responding at the scene.

Posted on 2026-10-29 19:12:14

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has announced she will
resign on February 7th, nearly nine months before her term was due to end in
October 2027.

The decision will allow European Union leaders to choose her successor while
French President Emmanuel Macron is still in office.

There had been speculation for months that Lagarde would leave early, with
reports suggesting she could take up a new role at the World Economic Forum.

Lagarde took over as head of the E-C-B in 2019, after previously serving as
managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

The E-C-B president serves an eight-year, non-renewable term. The bank's
leadership plays a central role in setting interest rates and managing
monetary policy across the eurozone.

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

Taipei prosecutors are questioning Taipei City Councilor Lin Shi Zong林世宗 in
an investigation into violations of the Public Officials Election and Recall
Act.

Prosecutors believe Lin to be involved in another investigation into a local
borough chief candidate surnamed Su, who allegedly held banquets for voters.

Lin, of the DPP, has represented Taipei City's first district since 2010.

He is running for reelection in Shilin and Beitou.

The investigation is ongoing.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An has canceled his schedule for the day due to
illness, with his wife, Shi Fang Gen 石舫亘 helping out with campaigning today.

Chiang's campaign office says, they made the decision to cancel the mayor's
schedule over considerations for his health and preparation for Saturday's
debate.

So, Shi headed to a local market this morning to campaign in his stead,
accompanied by KMT lawmakers and city councilors.

Meanwhile, Chiang's campaign manager, Lu Xiu Yan defended the mayor, saying
that Chiang had felt unwell since before Typhoon Champi rolled through...

and that his condition worsened in recent days.

Lu advised Taichung mayoral candidate Jiang Qi Chen to wear a jacket to avoid
befalling a similar fate.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

Now turning to international news...

The housing secretary of Hong Kong has resigned following an investigation
into a deadly fire that revealed inadequate oversight.

The fire broke out nearly a year ago, engulfing 7 buildings in an apartment
complex.

The fires killed 168 people and displaced thousands more.

Former residents have spent months waiting to see how the government would
address accountability for the disaster.

The leader of the city government today apologized after his housing
secretary announced their resignation.

An independent committee found that the Housing Bureau’s independent checking
unit failed in its duties supervising the maintenance work.

Posted on 2026-10-29 17:14:13

A container ship in the Black Sea has been struck by three drones.

The attack on the Liberian-flagged ship took place off the coast of Bulgaria.

The vessel was evacuated and all sailors were rescued by the Bulgarian Navy
and police ships.

The incident took place as defense ministers fromo Bulgaria, Romania, and
Turkiye were meeting for talks on secuity in the Black Sea.

Recent drone attacks in the rregion have raised concerns among NATO members
about potential threats to global shipping routes and the risk of escalating
Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

Pakistan has approved China Airlines and EVA Air to use its airspace after
reports it had barred Taiwanese carriers.

The permissions run from October 28 through March 27 next year.

Bloomberg had quoted Pakistan's defense minister as saying Taiwanese airlines
were excluded under its "one China" policy.

Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee today expressed deep regret, accusing
Pakistan of politicizing airspace and undermining Taiwan's sovereignty and
flight safety.

However, the approval documents do not mention an earlier ban or explain
whether Pakistan reversed its policy.

Taiwan's transportation ministry says the authorization covers the winter
flight schedule, with seasonal applications being standard practice.

It says officials will stay in close contact with airlines, which will choose
routes based on safety, weather, flight time and costs.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao (鄭英耀) has pledged to review school safety
procedures after a Taipei elementary teacher was charged with sexually
abusing 38 boys.

Prosecutors allege the abuse began in 2010 and included producing sexual
images of students.

They indicted the teacher yesterday and are seeking a 30-year prison sentence.

D-P-P lawmaker Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴) today questioned how the alleged abuse
could have gone undetected by education authorities for 16 years.

Cheng promised to clarify the case by the end of today and discuss safety
procedures with local governments.

Taipei's education department says the teacher has been dismissed and
permanently barred from teaching.

It also says it imposed administrative fines totaling 13-million-500-thousand
N.T.

The ministry has asked city officials to enter him into its database of
teachers deemed unfit to teach.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

Typhoon Champi has caused more than 446-million N.T. in agricultural damage
across Taiwan.

The Ministry of Agriculture's estimate covers agricultural products and
privately owned facilities as of yesterday afternoon.

Strong winds and flooding damaged crops, fishing equipment and livestock
buildings.

Premier Cho Jung-tai today called for stronger agricultural insurance
coverage and a review of disaster assistance.

Five weather-based insurance products have triggered estimated payouts
totaling 81-million N.T.

The government has also announced cash assistance and low-interest loans for
eligible farmers and fishing businesses.

Qualifying disaster loans will be interest-free through August 25 next year.

The ministry says insurance participation remains low for most crops, despite
much higher enrollment among rice farmers.

Cho also directed officials to maintain adequate food supplies and stable
prices.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

At least six people have died after Cyclone Arnab hit India's eastern coast,
with some areas still without power.

An Andhra Pradesh government official confirmed the toll, although local
media report higher figures.

The storm made landfall in the state early yesterday, bringing heavy rain and
strong winds.

State authorities say at least 15-thousand electricity poles were damaged.

Power has been restored in most districts, but disruptions continue in two
coastal areas.

Meanwhile, officials say a cargo ship carrying 20 crew members remains
grounded off Andhra Pradesh.

Rough seas have prevented the vessel from being moved.

The cyclone also damaged homes and crops as it swept through the region.

Posted on 2026-10-29 15:01:14

North Korea has fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea
off its east coast, according to South Korea's military.

It says the missiles were launched near the coastal city of Wonsan at about
12:30 p.m. local time.

South Korea has stepped up surveillance and is preparing for possible
additional launches.

It is also sharing information with the United States and Japan.

Japanese authorities say a suspected ballistic missile fell outside Japan's
exclusive economic zone.

The launches come amid heightened tensions following a border-area mine
explosion that wounded South Korean soldiers last month.

North Korea's previous reported ballistic missile launches were on October
12.a

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

22 websites have been temporarily taken offline as authorities address
serious security flaws in PHP, a programming language used to run websites.

The Administration for Cyber Security says nearly 800 websites and systems
across almost 300 government agencies were affected.

As of yesterday, 460 had been patched.

The flaws could let attackers run code remotely without logging in, putting
services and data at risk.

Officials say older systems have slowed repairs.

Most of the websites taken offline belong to local governments or academic
research institutions.

The Ministry of Digital Affairs says there is no single deadline for
completing the remaining work, because systems need testing after repairs.

Agencies must report their progress daily.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

Meanwhile,

Puma Shen says, his office is responding to attempted attacks on his website
from foreign IP addresses.

The Taipei mayoral hopeful says, his office will adhere to the highest data
protection standards.

Shen says, in the first attempt, hackers attempted to access the official
system but failed to do so...

adding that, in the second attempt, hackers attempted to interfere with the
ability to download certain materials.

Shen stressed that his team had upgraded verification mechanisms to improve
cybersecurity.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

The Consumers' Foundation released a report showing gaps in 5G network
coverage along Taiwan High Speed Rail.

On-train testing commisioned by the foundation finds that Chunghwa Telecom
leading in 5G availability at nearly 93 percent.

Taiwan Mobile reached just over 90 percent availability while Far EasTone
registered 85 percent along the high-speed rail corridor.

Test results highlighted call disruptions and forced downgrades to 4G in
tunnel sections including Miaoli, Changhua, and Tainan.

The foundation urged carriers to accelerate network optimization, while rail
officials confirmed that telecom infrastructure upgrades in underground
sections and tunnels are scheduled for completion by later this year.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro has declared himself Brazil's rightful
leader after arriving in Miami, despite losing Sunday's presidential
election.

He alleges President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the Supreme Court stole
the vote, but has provided no evidence.

Official results show Lula won by more than 4-million votes.

Bolsonaro left Brazil after defying a Supreme Court order to surrender his
passports. The order concerns a money-laundering investigation. He denies
wrongdoing.

Brazil's electoral chief says the election met all legal and constitutional
requirements.

Bolsonaro initially called himself the elected president in an online letter,
then replaced that wording with "leader."

He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei
for helping him reach the United States.

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

El Salvador says its military deployment to Haiti will involve more than
2-thousand soldiers to rescue missing personnel and support operations
against gangs.

Four Salvadoran aircraft technicians remain missing after their vehicle was
ambushed near the capital, Port-au-Prince.

President Nayib Bukele has already sent troops, but their command structure
and length of stay remain unclear.

Haiti's government says the two countries will strengthen security
cooperation.

It has not clarified whether the new troops will join the U.N.-backed
anti-gang force or operate separately.

Meanwhile, Haiti has postponed its presidential and legislative elections
from December to July 18 next year.

A second round and local elections are scheduled for October.

Haiti has not held elections since 2016.

Successive transitional governments have delayed voting as armed gangs expand
their control.

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:51:14

Hello Kitty maker Sanrio has cancelled a merchandise partnership with
Japanese spy drama VIVANT following a backlash in China.

The range included soft toys of Hello Kitty and other characters dressed as
spies from the show.

Its latest season depicts a fictional Chinese intelligence agency capturing
and torturing Japanese agents.

The scenes drew criticism on Chinese social media and condemnation from state
media.

Sanrio's Chinese subsidiary apologised, saying content associated with the
collaboration conflicted with the group's values.

It says all related future projects and promotional activities have also been
cancelled.

Broadcaster TBS says the drama is entirely fictional and is not intended to
insult any country.

The dispute comes amid strained relations between Japan and China, which
remains an important market for Sanrio.

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:13

The Administration for Cyber Security says, it has dispatched staff to
correct a weakness in the Central Election Commission's wesbite that made it
possible to see some candidates' ID numbers.

They said that the problem involves website program processing and data
transmission issues.

The ACS adds that they are taking steps to help the CEC improve their website
and patch up potential weaknesses that could be vulnerable to hackers.

This comes after a coalition of smaller pan-green parties pointed out that
anyone looking at the CEC website could see the ID numbers of over 1500
candidates for mayor, magistrate, city councilor, and other positions.

The CEC emphasizes that the numbers were only visible to people who had
enough technical knowledge to be able to open a web developer application and
sort through the numbers on the back end of the website...

and were not directly visible upon just opening the website.

The ACS says that the issue occured because a data transmission workflow
failed to properly filter data fields.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

investigation

Prosecutors are seeking to detain New Taipei City Councilor Liao Yi Kun in a
vote-buying investigation.

Liao, of the DPP, is suspected to have offered free knife-sharpening services
to voters, as well as hosting banquets.

Prosecutors believe Liao and a campaign officer, surnamed Hsu, to have
violated the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.

Liao and Hsu allegedly formed "knife-sharpening teams" and would go door to
door, offering the service to voters.

An investigation determined that the market price of such a service is 150 to
200 NT.

On top of this, prosecutors also believe that Liao hosted banquets for voters
for them to attend free of charge.

Proescutors believe Liao may abscond or collude with others, and they've
applied for his detention.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

Nearly 4.7 million heart failure tablets are being recalled after testing
found excessive impurities.

The Food and Drug Administration says the recall covers eight batches of
Cidincor (心肯膜衣錠), sold in 1.25-milligram and 2.5-milligram strengths.

The medicine is used to treat stable, moderate to severe chronic heart
failure.

Officials say the problem was detected during testing at the end of the
medicine's two-year shelf life.

They suspect the impurities formed as ingredients broke down, potentially
affecting the drug's quality and effectiveness.

The company reported the findings and is recalling related batches as a
precaution.

It must complete the recall by November 6 and submit an investigation report
and measures to prevent further problems.

The FDA says alternative medicines are available, so shortages are not
expected.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex losing 667 points to
close the session at 46368.

The turnover was 789.1 billion NT

Posted on 2026-10-29 14:15:14

Now turning to international news...

The US and Japan have agreed to establish a facility for producing
medium-range air-to-air missiles.

That's according to an announcement from the Japanese defense minister.

Minister Shinjiro Koizumi made the announcement after a meeting with his US
counterpart.

The missiles that will be produced at the Japanese facility are part of a
joint effort called "Operation Supercharge," and are apparently critical for
F-35 fighter jets.

That's as both Japan and the US continue to raise concerns over Chinese
military posturing in the Asia-Pacific.

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

The Army has grounded its Apache attack helicopters following a U.S. warning
about possible transmission problems.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed the suspension today, saying Taiwan
has received a technical notice from the United States.

He says Super Cobra attack helicopters and OH-58D reconnaissance helicopters
are taking over combat readiness duties.

Koo says officials hope to complete inspections quickly to confirm the
Apaches are safe to fly.

The U.S. Army ordered a temporary grounding earlier this month for AH-64E
Apaches fitted with a particular transmission system.

It says those aircraft require inspections and any necessary corrective work
following technical and flight safety assessments.

The U.S. announcement did not specify how many helicopters were affected.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

Taipei City Councilor Chen Chong-wen 陳重文 has posted bail in a vote buying
case.

Chen, of the KMT, is suspected of paying for voters' meals at a banquet in
Yangming Shan.

Investigators conducted searches last night and brought Chen and 20 others in
for questioning before releasing him on 800-thousand NT bail this morning.

Chen claims that he was only participating in the event and that someone
maliciously reported him for vote-buying.

He called the investigation "judicial interference."

Chen has already been sentenced to 9 years behind bars in a corruption case,
the appeal for which is being heard by the Taiwan High Court.

He's currently running for reelection as an independent in Taipei's first
district, representing Beitou and Shilin.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

The Railway Bureau announced a special walking tour to commemorate the
retirement of Tainan's century-old ground railway tracks.

The tours give 100 registered participants rare access to walk along
decommissioned ground-level rail lines.

Guided walks starting at historic Tainan Station will highlight century-old
railway infrastructure, turntable sites, and historical landmarks.

Online registration opened yesterday, and will remain open through Nov. 5-th,
or until all 100 participant slots are filled.

Following the completion of the Tainan Urban District Railway Underground
Project, surface rails will be dismantled for urban redevelopment.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

At least 68 people have died after a high-speed train hit another that had
stopped on the tracks in central Spain.

Regional authorities say 58 people were receiving hospital treatment after
Wednesday's crash near Urda, in Toledo province.

Both trains were traveling from Madrid to Seville.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente says a control center allowed the rear train
to resume its journey after a safety system failed.

He says it was given no speed restrictions, even though a stop signal
remained active.

The circumstances remain under investigation.

Spain has declared three days of national mourning, and high-speed services
between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended.

The crash comes nine months after another collision involving the same two
rail operators killed 46 people in southern Spain.

Posted on 2026-10-29 12:44:13

Benjamin Netanyahu is set to remain Israel's caretaker prime minister after
an election left neither major bloc with a parliamentary majority.

With nearly 90 percent of votes counted, his right-wing alliance is projected
to win 53 seats in the 120-seat parliament.

Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's bloc is projected to take 48.

Both fall short of the 61 seats needed for a majority.

Arab-led parties are projected to win the remaining 19 seats.

Their support could help the opposition form a government, but some of
Eisenkot's potential partners oppose such an alliance.

Netanyahu will remain in office while efforts to form a coalition continue.

Final results are still pending, and another election remains possible if no
government can be formed.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long says inflation remains under control,
but consumer prices could face renewed pressure if government subsidies for
Tai-Power and C-P-C are withdrawn while global oil prices continue to rise.

Speaking at a hearing of the Legislative Finance Committee, Yang told
lawmakers that although consumer price index growth remains above 2-per cent,
the central bank considers inflation manageable because forecasters expect
global energy prices to moderate.

Consumer price index growth has been above the government's 2-per cent
inflation warning threshold for five consecutive months through September.

According to Yang, inflation should remain manageable if the government
continues its energy price stabilization measures even without the budget
allocations.

However, he also warned that if both budget support and energy subsidies are
withdrawn while global oil prices continue to rise, inflation could increase
further.

The statements come as the government is seeking support for a supplementary
budget bill aimed at stabilizing energy prices under C-P-C and Tai-Power in
response to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority has given approval to China Airlines and
EVA Airways to use the country’s airspace.

The moves comes only hours after a report surfaced saying that Islamabad had
barred the two carriers from its airspace in support of Beijing’s "one China"
policy.

Two documents dated Wednesday approve passenger and cargo flights operated by
EVA Airway and China Airlines from October 28 through March 27 next year.

The approval documents do not mention an earlier restriction or explain
whether the authorizations represent a reversal.

An initial report by Bloomberg quoted Pakistan's defense minister as saying
the country had closed its airspace to Taiwan carriers.

The Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar all withdrew overflight permissions
in April of this year for President Lai Ching-te's planned flight to
Eswatini.

The Lai administration has blamed pressure from Beijing for that denial.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

China's Taiwan Affairs Office is denying involvement in a stage traffice
accident that targeted comedian, Huang Yi-hao in Taipei.

Five people were indicted in connection with the case last week.

Prosecutors have described it as an example of Chinese cross-border
repression intended to silence opposing political views, while the Lai
administration has accused Beijing of being behing the attack on the comedian
because he mocked Xi Jin-ping.

However, Beijing is acccusing the Lai administration of "provoking
confrontation" and stirring anti-China sentiment - saying the transnational
repression narrative promote Taiwan independence and arised every time there
is an election on the island.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen
Binhua said the D-P-P fabricates all kinds of pretext to stir up anti-China
sentiment, and provoke cross-strait confrontation, in an attempt to win
political power by misleading the Taiwanese public.

Chen went on say its "tired routine” repeated year after year."

The New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has said evidence shows that
those involved in the attack were paid by a Chinese national who was upset by
Huang's performances mocking China's leader.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Taiwan's ambassador to the Marshall Islands,
Herbert Hsu has returned home and will leave his post.

Hsu's being summond back to Taiwan comes amid controversy over a proposed
National Day drag show.

Reported earlier this month said the foreign ministry had rejected Hsu'
suggestion for the October 10 performance as "inappropriate."

Hsu was later criticized by lawmakers when video of a rehearsal for the event
emerged, showing him lying on a wooden bed that was being carried by eight
Marshallese men acting as litter bearers.

The head of the foreign ministry's Department of East Asian and Pacific
Affairs says Hsu was informed that an ambassador, he was expected to wear
formal attire and maintain a solemn demeanor when addressing attendees and
hosting the National Day celebrations.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says his office had managed to "avert a major
controversy before it happened."

According to the foreign minister, Hsu was recalled to clarify the incident
and conduct related reviews to ensure that a similar incident would not
happen again.

He also says that the Lai administration remains in close contact with the
Marshall Islands government over the incident.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

Pioneering children's book illustrator Cheng Ming-chin has died.

He was 95.

Cheng was born in Taipei and graduated from the art department of Taiwan
Provincial Normal School, before working as an elementary school art teacher
for 25 years.

He later took on various roles in children's publishing, including writing,
translating, editing and helping popularize picture books here in Taiwan.

Cheng helped lay the foundation for Taiwan's picture book industry by
introducing notable works from around the world and serving as a book
selector, translator and consultant.

He also wrote about prominent Taiwanese and international illustrators in
newspapers and magazines.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Cheng published nearly 50 illustrated
books, several of which have become classics of Taiwanese children's
literature.

Cheng was a recipient of a Golden Tripod Award for Outstanding Contributions
to Publishing.

Posted on 2026-10-29 08:16:13

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says temperatures in the north are
expected to rise slightly today, as seasonal northeasterly winds weaken.

Some areas will see daytime highs reaching around 30-degrees, but overnight
temperatures will still fall to around 20 degrees.

Rain is still expected along the north coast and area in the eastern today
and afternoon showers remain possible in mountainous areas of the center and
south.

The rest of the island will see mostly cloudy to sunny skies.

The seasonal northeasterly winds are expected to strengthen again tomorrow
and into early Saturday - bringing showers to areas north of Taoyuan and
eastern Taiwan.

The rest of the island will remain mostly cloudy to sunny.

The winds are expected to weaken during the day on Saturday and bring mostly
cloudy to sunny conditions across Taiwan through the weekend.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

President Lai Ching-te is warned against possible Chinese interference in the
upcoming local elections.

says Lai is said to have told the party's Central Standing Committee that
public should remain vigilant against China's cognitive warfare and attempts
to influence the vote through organized criminal groups or local
collaborators.

D-P-P spokesman Wu Chen quoted Lai as saying Beijing's election interference
has evolved beyond traditional propaganda ...

.. and it now includes artificial intelligence, cross-border repression and
coordinated online campaigns aimed at spreading disinformation, deepening
social divisions and eroding public trust in Taiwan's democratic
institutions.

The D-P-P spokesman also says Lai is urging party officials and candidates
not to be overly optimistic about their electoral prospects and to counter
false information through fact-checking and rational communication with
voters.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Meanwhile ,

K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun urged party supporters to turn out to vote in
the upcoming local elections as campaigning enters its final month.

While the opening of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's campaign headquarters may
have boosted party morale, Chent said K-M-T members should not get
complacent, as turnout will be critical to the election outcome.

She added the Taipei mayoral race has entered a "close combat" stage, with
different opinion polls showing the K-M-T and D-P-P candidates alternating in
the lead.

Cheng asked supporters to go back to their registered residences to vote on
November 28, as D-P-P supporters have traditionally had stronger voting
habits, while K-M-T supporters are less consistent, making mobilization
especially important.

She revealed plans for the K-M-T establish an islandwide election monitoring
system to observe polling and vote counting and is describing the election as
an "asymmetric war" and an "unfair" contest, arguing the D-PP has mobilized
the "machinery of the state."

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

European Parliament member Rihards Kols has presented President Lai Ching-te
with a joint statement signed by more than 30 lawmakers from across Europe.

The statement was issued at the October 24 annual meeting of the Formosa
Club, a group of European and Canadian lawmakers that works to strengthen
relations with Taiwan.

Kols, the statement addresses the pressures faced by democratic societies,
including military intimidation, economic coercion, disinformation, and
attempts at cross-border repression.

Kol says the statement outlines areas in which the partnership between Taiwan
and Europe should deepen, including cooperation on trusted supply chains for
artificial intelligence, drones, advanced semiconductors and other critical
technologies.

Lai thanked Formosa Club members for taking concrete action in support of
Taiwan, including speaking up for Taiwan at international assemblies, passing
legislation in support of Taiwan and issuing joint statements.

Kols is from Latvia's National Alliance.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Greg Lee has been removed from his post
as head of Taiwan's representative office in Geneva after an investigative
team found he had engaged in workplace bullying.

The statement comes after reports said the Cabinet had approved the
ministry's recommendation to recall Lee to Taipei, and that he began working
at it Department of Treaty and Legal Affairs on Monday of this week.

Lee's removal from his post in Geneva followed a ruling by an ad hoc
investigative team that he had engaged in workplace bullying.

The team's findings were released on October 7 and found that Lee frequently
"shouted and yelled" during meetings and repeatedly criticized or obstructed
some of his subordinates in the office.

The team concluded that Lee had abused his position of power, exceeded the
necessary and reasonable scope of his duties, and continuously created a
hostile work environment through threats, offenses, insults or other means.

Lee was also accused of misusing public resources for personal purposes in
late July.

The foreign ministry has not said if the allegations are being investigated.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted an elementary school
teacher for allegedly sexually assaulting 38 students.

The male teacher was employed at the school from 2010 until earlier this year.

Prosecutors say the teacher exploited his position at an after-school Lego
club and other activities to sexually assault and molest male students.

The incidents reportedly took place across several locations including his
home and at school.

The teachers also made video recordings of the victims' private parts or
sexual acts, which he then saved to his computer and portable hard drives in
files labeled with each child's name and a description of the contents.

The man has been charged with multiple violations of the Child and Youth
Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act and Criminal Code.

Prosecutors are seeking a 30 year prison sentence - citing the severity of
his crimes, the impact on the victims and their families, and the legislative
intent to increase penalties for child abuse.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Uber has launched an hourly vehicle charter service in Taipei, New Taipei,
Keelung, Taoyuan and Hsinchu.

The service allows users to book a driver and vehicle for a set period rather
than a single point-to-point trip.

Uber says the service operates in partnership with local transport companies
and means users can book vehicles for periods ranging from two to 10
hours.... and is suited to sightseeing tours, outings with family or friends
and travel between cities.

Users can customize their itineraries and book trips between 48 hours and 90
days before departure.

Uber says it plans to expand the service to other cities and counties.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

And,

The Taipei Metro will extend operating hours at three stations and run
additional trains for this year's Nuit Blanche arts festival this Saturday at
Taipei Expo Park.

Yuanshan, Minquan West Road and Zhongshan Elementary School stations will
remain open for entry and exit until 2AM on Sunday.

While nearby Shuanglian, Zhongshan and Taipei Main stations will allow
passengers to exit only, but will not permit entry or transfers during the
extended service period.

After regular services end on Saturday night, additional trains will run
approximately every 20-minutes, operating one-way from Yuanshan to Taipei
Main Station and from Zhongshan Elementary School to Minquan West Road.

The Taipei Metro will also be reducing train intervals on the Bannan Line to
approximately 2.5 to 3-minutes on Saturday to accommodate several events,
including concerts at Taipei Dome and the annual Taiwan L-G-B-T Pride parade.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Two Conservative activists have been charged with unlawful voting and
identity theft in Minnesota.

A prosecutor says James O'Keefe and Cam Higby allegedly gave false names to
poll workers during the state's primary election.

The men wore costumes similar to attire worn by some Muslims and used fake
accents during the incident, which they recorded for a YouTube video.

Poll workers noticed their behavior and alerted election officials, who
contacted police.

Prosecutors say the system worked well to identify and respond to misconduct.

Posted on 2026-10-29 06:59:13

Legendary labor organizer Dolores Huerta has died at the age of 96.

She co-founded what would become the United Farm Workers union with Cesar
Chavez...

Huerta made headlines this year... and she shocked the Latino community and
activist circles by revealing that Chavez had sexually abused her in the
1960s, leading to the birth of two children.

Huerta said she'd kept it secret because she feared coming forward would
compromise her life’s work and unravel the progress made.

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham
Clinton called Huerta a champion of working Americans.

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

Prosecutors have brought Taipei City Councilor Chen Chong Wen (陳重文) in for
questioning over potential violations of the Public Officials Election and
Recall Act.

Chen, of the opposition KMT, was already sentenced to 9 years behind bars on
corruption charges, and his appeal is currently being heard by the Taiwan
High Court.

Having failed to secure the KMT's nomination in this year's elections, Chen
is running as an independent for reelection in Taipei's first district,
representing Shilin and Beitou.

Following searches, prosecutors brought Chen and others back for questioning.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang is calling on authorities to
identify those responsible for a series of cyberattacks on the party's
website and internal systems.

Huang made the remarks as he visited the Criminal Investigation Bureau to
file a criminal complaint.

He described the attacks as targeted and systematic, saying hackers had
attempted to seize control of the party's website and lock out its
administrators.

Huang says the attacks also targeted a policy database containing sensitive
information, including meeting records and party policy documents.

He says the latest attack forced the party to temporarily shut down its
official website.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

Uber has launched an hourly car-hire service in five cities in northern
Taiwan, allowing customers to book a driver for up to 10 hours.

The ride-hailing platform says the service is available in Taipei, New
Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan and Hsinchu, through partnerships with local
transport companies.

Customers can book a vehicle for between two and 10 hours, customize their
itineraries and arrange trips from 48 hours to 90 days in advance.

Uber says the service is designed for sightseeing, family outings and travel
between cities, and it plans to expand to other parts of Taiwan.

The company says independent travelers account for more than 90 percent of
domestic tourism in Taiwan, while nearly 80 percent of trips are day trips.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

At least 10 people have been killed after a high-speed train crashed into the
back of another train in central Spain ... with authorities warning the death
toll could rise.

The collision happened in Toledo province, on a route connecting Madrid with
the southern city of Seville.

Both trains were traveling in the same direction when one struck the other,
which had stopped.

The crash derailed two carriages and is disrupting train services between
Madrid and southern Spain.

Emergency crews are working to rescue survivors and recover bodies.

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

The trains were operated by state-owned Renfe and private company Iryo ....
which were involved in a separate deadly collision in southern Spain in
January, which killed 46 people.

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

China says it has taken note of an apology from French soccer star Kylian
Mbappé {em-BAH-pay} over comments about Mao Zedong, the founding leader of
Communist China.

China's Foreign Ministry said today that it takes the apology seriously,
while state media warned that celebrities risk losing business if they cross
political red lines.

Mbappé apologized yesterday after an online interview in which he appeared to
refer to Mao as a dictator - which sparked a backlash in China.

Three Chinese companies have ended commercial partnerships with the Real
Madrid forward, while state television has suspended broadcasts of Spanish
league matches.

The incident was the latest in which China has used its market to compel
foreign brands and individuals to apologize for perceived slights.

Posted on 2026-10-28 19:43:13

South Korea has fined Google and Apple a combined 47.6 million U-S dollars
for abusing their dominance in app stores by restricting developers' payment
options and unfairly delaying app reviews.

The country's media and telecommunications regulator fined Google 32 million
U-S dollars and Apple 15.5 million dollars after an investigation into
possible violations of a 2021 law designed to prevent app stores from forcing
developers to use their own payment systems.

The regulator says both companies imposed fees and restrictions that made
alternative payment methods less attractive, while also delaying app reviews
without clearly explaining the reasons.

It has ordered Google and Apple to allow South Korean developers to link to
external payment options within their apps and improve their review
procedures.

South Korea was the first country to introduce a law prohibiting app store
operators from requiring developers to use their own in-app payment systems.

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

The Taiwan Alzheimer Disease Association is urging candidates in the upcoming
local elections to address regional gaps in dementia diagnosis and care.

The association cited the latest data from the National Health Research
Institutes ...

.... which show that ten counties and cities fall below the national average
of 67.6 percent in estimated dementia diagnosis and care coverage.

Those include Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan and Taichung.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare estimates that nearly 400-thousand people
in Taiwan will be living with dementia this year ... with that number
expected to approach 600-thousand by 2036.

The association has put forward six policy demands, including earlier
detection, better access to diagnosis and care, stronger support for family
caregivers and more dementia-friendly communities.

It is also calling for greater protection of patients' rights and better
coordination between government departments.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政) says a feasibility study for the Taoyuan
Metro Orange Line will be submitted to transport authorities this month.

The proposed 34.5-kilometer transit network includes 36 stations and a
dedicated line serving the Longtan Science Park.

Chang confirmed that construction will prioritize the Pingzhen and Longtan
segment to meet industrial and transit demands.

The system is expected to serve over 80 percent of Taoyuan's population while
cutting commute times by one-third.

The mayor says city officials will work closely with the central government
through the review processes, in order to secure Executive Yuan approval and
expedite construction schedules.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

In other transport news,

Taipei Metro will extend operating hours at three stations this Saturday to
accommodate visitors attending the Nuit Blanche arts festival at Taipei Expo
Park.

Taipei Metro says Yuanshan, Minquan West Road and Zhongshan Elementary School
stations will remain open for entry and exit until 2 AM Sunday.

Additional trains will run about every 20 minutes after regular service ends,
connecting Yuanshan with Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Elementary School
with Minquan West Road.

Nearby Shuanglian, Zhongshan and Taipei Main stations will allow passengers
to exit, but not enter or transfer between lines, during the extended hours.

The metro operator will also run trains more frequently on the Bannan Line to
handle crowds attending concerts at Taipei Dome and the annual Taiwan LGBT
Pride parade.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 18:58:13

Registration is now open for the Ministry of Education's Taiwanese-language
proficiency test next March ... with applications accepted until November
23rd.

The exams will take place on March 6th and 7th next year, and are open to
people of all nationalities and ages.

The registration fee is 250 NT, but applicants aged 19 and under can take the
test for free.

The exam has three levels, with Level A scheduled for March 6th and Levels B
and C taking place the following day.

The ministry says the test is now fully computer-based, except for the
writing section, which remains paper-based.

Children aged six and under, along with seniors aged 65 and over, can apply
for special assistance if they have difficulty using a computer.

An online practice platform is also available to help candidates prepare.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 17:09:13

Prosecutors have brought in New Taipei City Councilor Liao Yi Kun for
questioning in a vote buying investigation.

Liao, of the DPP, is suspected of offering free knife sharpening services to
residents and paying for their meals.

The case is being investigated under the Public Officials Election and Recall
Act.

Liao has served as a city councilor for New Taipei's 8th electoral district
since 2018...

representing Tucheng, Shulin, Sanxia, and Yingge.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 17:09:13

The Directorate General of Personnal Administration says, it will raies
salaries of civil servants both this and next year in order to stem
resignations.

That's as DPP Lawmaker Zhang Ya Lin has raised concerns over a lack of civil
servants.

She noted that, between 2022 and last year, over 10,000 civil servants across
the country handed in their resignations, with over half not having been in
the job for 5 years.

Meanwhile over 40% of those resignations were due to having found another job
or opportunity.

The Executive Yuan says, the shortage can be chalked up to two main reasons,
the first being low birth rates...

and the second being that they say the hiring environment has been too
competitive in recent years.

So, the DGPA says, it will make the salaries more attractive to improve
retention rates.

They say, next year, civil servants can expect their salaries to increase by
4% to bring them more into the range of private sector jobs.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 17:09:13

The Taiwan High Speed Rail says, it's adding 40 more trains for election
day...

as voters head home to cast their ballots.

Those added trains will be from Friday, November 27th to Monday the 30th...

with the election taking place on the 28th.

THSR says, the tickets will go on sale tomorrow evening.

Of the 40 added trains, just over half will be northbound trains, while the
rest will be southbound ones.

Passengers can get the tickets starting at midnight on the 30th on the T-EX
app or on THSR's website.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

The Taiwanese representative to Switzerland, Greg Lee, has been removed from
his post following an investigation that concluded he had engaged in
workplace bullying.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that Lee has returned to Taiwan and is
now working at MOFA's Taipei offices.

The statement comes after reports said that the Cabinet had approved the
ministry's recommendation to recall Lee to Taipei.

An investigation determined that Lee frequently "shouted and yelled" during
meetings and repeatedly criticized some subordinates.

The team concluded that Lee had indeed abused his position of power and
created a hostile work environment.

As to accusations that Lee had misused public resources, MOFA did not say if
those allegations were being investigated or not.

(AH-CNA)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

Researchers in Taiwan are warning of a nearly untreatable "superbug" with
global public health implications.

Researchers at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao
Tung University have identified a new mutation in a drug-resistant strain of
"Klebsiella pneumoniae" ...

... a common cause of infections in hospitals ... that can cause pneumonia
and urinary tract infections.

The mutation changes the structure of a protein targeted by antibiotics,
making several classes of drugs less effective.

The strain was found in samples from two hospitalized COVID-19 patients in
2021.

Both patients recovered.

However, the researchers warned that the bacteria could become even harder to
treat if they develop further mutations .... or gain the ability to break
down antibiotics that work against a wide range of bacteria.

(CNA_IG)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

Haze

Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to work together more closely to tackle
illegal land burning, which has blanketed Southeast Asia with a toxic haze in
recent weeks.

On Tuesday, the foreign ministers of the two countries agreed to form a task
force to enhance enforcement of regulations and explore new regulations.

The haze mainly comes from fires started to clear land for farming in western
Indonesia.

This year’s fires are the worst on record, partly because of hotter and drier
weather attributed to the El Niño weather pattern.

The situation has raised health concerns and public backlash in the region.

Singapore has sent warning letters to Indonesian companies that may be linked
to the fires, while Indonesia has taken legal action against individuals and
companies.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:50:13

A U.S. cruise ship on a residential world voyage has suspended its operations
in Cambodia due to fuel costs, forcing hundreds of passengers to abandon
their floating homes.

The Odyssey set sail two years ago on a 3 and a half-year voyage marketed as
combining long-term living at sea with global travel.

Florida-based Villa Vie Residences said monthly fuel expenses per cabin that
once averaged $1-thousand-800 US dollars, or 58-thousand N-T, have reached an
estimated $6,000 to $8,000 dollars, or $194-thousand N-T to $260-thousand
N-T, in parts of Asia during the war in Iran.

The ship carried 203 passengers with 15 nationalities, mostly Americans, and
156 crew members.

Passengers have been told to leave the ship, but the crew’s status was
unclear.

(KK)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

bikes

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications says, it will propose
amendments to the law that will aim to strengthen penalties for driving
electric mini scooters while under the influence.

The ministry says, it will pass the proposal over to the Executive Yuan next
month.

The MOTC adds that the amendments will aim to equalize penalties for driving
the e scooters while impaired to those for driving a car or motorbike.

This comes as statistics from the Ministry of the Interior show a 717%
increase in the first 9 months of the year for drugged driving on the e
scooters...

as compared to the same time last year.

The MOTC notes that availability of rapid saliva testing for drugs has
contributed to the ability to confirm drug-impaired driving.

According to the ministry, proposed penalties will be the same as those for
driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol...

with vehicles confiscated and license plates impounded.

The ministry says it will submit the proposals to the Cabinet by the end of
next month.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

Taipei prosecutors are seeking 30 years behind bars for a Taipei teacher
accused of molesting nearly 40 students.

The elementary school teacher, surnamed Zhou, is accused of assaulting and
taking inappropriate videos of male students as far back as 2010.

He allegedly used opportunities to get close to students, like playing video
games or basketball with them, in order to take advantage of them.

Zhou is believed to have taken the kids to several sites around Taipei and
New Taipei to carry out the assaults and take explicit videos.

He allegedly organized the video files by the child's name and the time it
was taken and stored them all on a computer and hard drive.

The case came to light when victims grew up and recognized the incidents as
assault and reported it to police.

Authorities in July and August carried out searches of Zhou's home and
workplace and ultimately received permission to detain him incommunicado.

Zhou is believed to have assaulted 38 children, and prosecutors are
requesting that he receive the maximum sentence permissible under the law.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

Taiwan shares shot up today, with the benchmark tai ex gaining 939 points to
close the session at 47035.

The turnover was 722.1 billion NT.

Posted on 2026-10-28 14:19:13

The United Nations is set to vote on a resolution condemning the decades-long
US economic embargo on Cuba.

That's as the Trump administration intensifies its campaign to undermine the
Cuban government.

The vote is aimed at calling out the US' so-called "maximum pressure policy"
and the resolution has been put before the UN General Assembly for the past
34 years.

All of those 34 times, the measure has received overwhelming support from UN
member states.

The condemnation is expected to again pass by a large margin this year, but
it's not clear if the Trump administration's overt campaign to influence the
vote will result in more oppositions than before.

Such resolutions are not legally binding, but do reflect public opinion.

The vote comes as Cuba is weathering deepening financial crises while the
U.S. increases its already punishing economic campaign.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

In news from and about Taiwan this morning,

The central government's proposed 2027 general budget has now been referred
to committee review in the Legislative Yuan.

The bill advanced after Premier Cho Jung-tai answered lawmakers' questions
about the government's spending plan.

The 3.92-trillion N-T general budget proposal includes 235.7-billion N-T for
the cash handouts of 10,000 N-T each.

The government says those cash handouts will be funded entirely by higher tax
revenue from growth in technology-related industries amid forecast economic
growth of 11.05-per cent this year.

The government is stressing that the handouts are intended to let the public
share in the benefits of economic growth driven by Taiwan's booming high-tech
sector.

Under the Cabinet's proposal, eligible recipients of the 10,000 N-T one-time
cash handout include citizens with household registration and nationals
without household registration who have obtained residence permits.

Foreign nationals with permanent residence permits will also be eligible, as
will spouses of Taiwanese nationals from China, Hong Kong, Macau or other
countries who hold residence permits.

The K-M-T has submitted a competing bill, which would require the government
to issue 20,000 N-T cash handouts.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

The Nuclear Safety Commission says the latest discharge of treated wastewater
containing tritium from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is not
expected to affect waters around Taiwan.

According to the commission the 25th round of discharges began Monday and is
expected to continue for 19 days, with about 7,800 metric tons of wastewater
to be released.

The commission says the wastewater is expected to mainly affect waters off
eastern Japan, while tritium concentrations in waters around Taiwan are
forecast to remain below the minimum detectable level of monitoring
instruments.

That forecast is based on date provided be the Central Weather Administration
here in Taiwan and information from Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company.

Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the disabled plant in August
2023.

It has since completed 24 rounds of discharges, releasing a total of about
188,000 cubic meters of wastewater.

The Nuclear Safety Commission says is has been monitoring radiation levels
in surrounding waters.

Authorities have analyzed more than 20,000 samples since 2017 and no abnormal
radiation detected.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

Defense Minister Wellington Koo is accusing Beijing of waging "cognitive
warfare" over its coverage of this past weekend's Retrocession Day holiday.

It commemorates the end of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule and the
transfer of Taiwan to the Republic of China in 1945.

However, China marked the anniversary by releasing high-resolution satellite
pictures of Taipei, including the city's main train station and the National
Palace Museum.

China's Eastern Theatre Command also published a poster with a map of Taiwan
superimposed on images of fighter jets and warships, with the title
"Remember the history of the restoration."

Speaking to reporters prior to a legislative hearing, Koo said China is using
the anniversary to carry out "cognitive warfare" against the island and the
Republic of China's status in 1945 had nothing to do with the People's
Republic of China - as it wasn't established until 1949.

According to Koo, the release of pro-unification imagery by China is further
evidence that Beijing's determination to annex Taiwan by force has never
changed ... and people should be even more vigilant.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

The Tainan District Court has ordered a Taiwanese man suspected of
involvement in his wife's death in Japan last week to be detained.

The order was issue following a request by Tainan District Prosecutors'
Office, who sought his detention citing concerns that he posed a flight risk
and could destroy evidence.

According to the prosecutors' office, the man is suspected of being involved
in the apparent murder of his wife and attempted fraud.

The man's Taiwanese wife was found stabbed to death at a hotel in a resort
town in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji on October 19.

Japanese police later arrested a Taiwanese woman for her alleged involvement
in the case.

Prosecutors in Tainan opened it own investigation into the case at the
request of the Criminal Investigation Bureau's International Affairs Division
on October 22.

The investigation found that the man traveled to Japan after his wife's death
to handle the funeral arrangements, and was found to have taken out two
travel insurance policies before her death, worth 10-million and 20-million
N-T.

He was arrested on his return to Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

The Financial Supervisory Commission says number of clients of Taiwan-owned
banks with assets of more than 100-million N-T surpassed 32,000 at the end of
September.

According to the F-S-C, data shows the local banking sector had 32,326
high-asset clients at the end of September and that's up 1,730 from a month
earlier.

Although the high-asset clients have assets of over 100-million N-T, not all
of their assets are entrusted to banks because their wealth portfolio
includes real estate or other property holdings.

However, the actual assets of these wealthy clients under management by
Taiwan-owned banks still averaged just over 100-million N-T to total
3.24-trillion N-T at the end of September.

That was up from 129.4-billion N-T from a month earlier.

The Financial Supervisory Commission says the growth in financial asset
holdings and high-wealth clients reflects a sustained increase in the values
of stocks and other financial assets, with the Tai-Ex's benchmark index up 4
percent in September alone.

Posted on 2026-10-28 08:15:14

And finally,

The Central Weather Administration says residents of northern and eastern
Taiwan will see rain today, as northeasterly winds continue to strengthen,
bringing cooler weather to the island.

The seasonal winds are expected to bring localized showers to areas north of
Taoyuan, the east and the Hengchun Peninsula in the south.

Partly cloudy to sunny skies are forecast for elsewhere across the island.

Areas north of Taoyuan will also see a drop temperature today - with highs
reaching reaching only 23 degrees.

The northeasterly winds are expected to weaken tomorrow and Friday, but brief
scattered showers could still occur along the coast of Keelung and in eastern
Taiwan.

The northeasterly winds are forecast to pick up again on Saturday, once again
bringing brief scattered showers to areas north of Taoyuan and the Yilan
areas, with isolated showers possible in the east.

Those brief showers could persist in parts of northern and eastern Taiwan on
Sunday and into Monday, while other areas could see partly cloudy to sunny
skies.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

European experts are urging closer cooperation on artificial intelligence and
drones between Europe and Taiwan in order to avoid overdependence on China.

The call was made during the "Trusted Technology Forum for Democracies"
forum, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Formosa Club,
a network connecting pro-Taiwan parliamentarians across Europe.

John Hemmings, of the UK-based Henry Jackson Society, said the Russians and
the Chinese are already cooperating on their technology.

Hemmings stressed the need for Taiwan and Europe to agree on what constitutes
a "red-free supply chain model," develop a list of certified suppliers and
then establish a policy-oriented drone supply chain office to draft
reciprocal testing and evaluation protocols.

Meanwhile, Antonio Calcara, of the V-U-B research university in Brussels,
called on both sides to combine their respective strengths to boost
cooperation on A-I.

Calcara said Europe is known for its industrial engineering and research and
development capabilities, as well as its potentially huge A-I market, while
Taiwan produces some of the world's most advanced semiconductors and the
servers needed to power advanced AI models.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has arrived in Taiwan for a
five-day state visit.

He's leading a delegation that includes are Saint Lucia's Attorney General
Leslie Mondesir, Senator Allison A. Jean, and chairman of the Saint Lucia
Development Bank, Daryl Raymond.

It is the Saint Lucian leader's fourth visit to Taiwan since taking office in
the summer of 2021.

President Lai Ching-te will host a military honors ceremony to welcome
Pierre, and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will host a banquet for him.

Both sides are also hold talks on issues of mutual interest and prospects for
future cooperation.

The Saint Lucian delegation will also visit Cathay General Hospital, the
Taipei 101 skyscraper and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Museum of
Innovation in Hsinchu.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

The Taiwan Equality Campaign says 191 candidates running for local government
posts have expressed support for gender equality by signing up for its "Pride
Watch" website.

The group said after registering on the "Pride Watch" website, candidates
need to complete a "Friendly Candidate Questionnaire" to indicate their
positions on gender equality issues

Candidates can also use the website to list their relevant policy pledges and
past proposals or inter-pellations raised during council sessions.

The Taiwan Equality Campaign, says "Pride Watch" has attracted over 100,000
views each election cycle since the website was first launched in 2018.

A total of 245 candidates registered on the website in the 2022 local
elections and of that number 87 were ultimately elected as local councilors.

Those elected councilors put forward at least 233 gender-related proposals
and 104 inter-pellations in local councils over the following four years.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

The Centers for Disease Control says vaccination rates for flu, COVID-19 and
pneumococcal disease have risen this year for both publicly funded and
self-paid vaccines.

Data shows about 2.725-million adults aged 18 and older received publicly
funded flu vaccinations between October 1 and 26, while 288,000 other adults
paid out of pocket for the shots.

More than 1.17-million people received publicly funded COVID-19 vaccinations
and 188 had paid out of pocket, while 104,000 people had received publicly
funded vaccinations and 3,000 had paid out of pocket for pneumococcal disease
vaccinations.

The C-D-C says the rise in people choosing to get vaccinated is partly due to
a health token initiative.

That initiative was launched on October 1 and means that people receive 450
tokens for getting a flu shot, 900 for a COVID-19 vaccination and 600 for a
pneumococcal vaccination.

The second phase of the government's publicly funded flu and COVID-19
vaccination programs begins on November 2 - expanding eligibility to people
aged 50 to 64 without chronic illnesses.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

An elementary school resource teacher in Pingtung is under investigation amid
allegations they repeatedly brought a fruit knife onto campus, climbed
through classroom windows and took special education students out of class
without permission.

The school reported the teacher's actions through the campus safety system
and convened a meeting to determine whether the teacher is fit to continue
teaching.

The National Federation of Education Unions says accounts from classroom
teachers and parents show the teacher at the school in Changzhi Township had
been behaving erratically since the start of the school year.

The teacher allegedly refused to teach classes that provide extra help to
students with special needs and failed to draw up legally required
individualized education programs.

The National Federation of Education Unions says those actions severely
impacted students' education and it's criticizing the school's handling of
the case - saying the principal failed to keep the teacher away from
students.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

The Civil Aviation Administration has fined Tigerair Taiwan 200,000 N-T after
it failed to repair an Airbus A320neo within a designated timeframe.

Regulatory records show the airline exceeded the required maintenance
timeline for the combustion chamber on one of the aircraft's engines.

The aircraft was allowed to fly in September of 2025, that's despite problems
with its No. 2 engine.

The C-A-A it mandated immediate corrective actions following the violation.

Tigerair Taiwan says an error during flight rescheduling meant the aircraft
wasn't repaired by the deadline, but after it's internal safety system
identified the issue, the Airbus A320neo was inspected and repaired
immediately.

The carrier says it informed the Civil Aviation Administration the same day
the repairs were carried out.

However, Tigerair Taiwan also says it will step-up its verification and
repair check controls.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

And,

Vehicle owners will soon have a chance to bid for lucky license plate numbers.

The license plate numbers up for auction include combinations of repeating
digits.

The Hsinchu City Motor Vehicles Office is running an online auction from
November 3 though 5.

The auction includes 820 license plates for commercial passenger vehicles and
more than 6,500 for motorcycles.

Starting bids for the most sought-after combinations will be 6,000 NT for
commercial vehicles and 3,000 for motorcycles.

The office says repeating numbers such as "1-1-1-1," "7-7-7-7," "8-8-8-8" and
"9-9-9-9" are especially sought after combinations because of their
auspicious meanings in Chinese.

"1-1-1-1" symbolizes having a successful career, "7-7-7-7" is meant to bring
good fortune, "8-8-8-8" also symbolizes great wealth, while "9-9-9-9"
signifies peace and longevity.

Bidders must register on the Hsinchu Motor Vehicles Office website and the
winning bidders must pay for the license plates within 24-hours of the
auction's conclusion.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

In Europe...

Thousands of people are protesting against Portugal's deepening housing
crisis, gathering outside Parliament in Lisbon.

Recent demonstrations have been inspired by similar protests in Spain over
unaffordable housing.

Police have used batons and dogs to break up protests in the capital's main
squares.

Housing costs in Portugal have surged, with one-bedroom apartments in Lisbon
costing around 1,500 euros monthly.

The government has introduced measures like lowering taxes on new
construction and restricting short-term rentals, but the effects won't be
immediate.

Posted on 2026-10-28 06:53:13

Indian authorities have evacuated tens of thousands of people from vulnerable
coastal areas in the eastern state of Andhra Pradesh... as a severe cyclone
over the Bay of Bengal is expected to make landfall along the country’s east
coast.

The India Meteorological Department says Cyclone Arnab strengthened into a
“very severe” cyclonic storm and was expected to make landfall along the
Andhra Pradesh coast in the coming hours with gusting winds and heavy rain.

At least 89,000 people have so far been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh.

The state’s disaster management authority said more than 12 million people
live along the cyclone’s expected path.

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