Keelung council candidate running in place of father suspected of vote-buying with Mid-Autumn gifts; searched
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
A man surnamed Tseng, a candidate for a Ren'ai District council seat in Keelung City running in place of his father, was suspected of vote-buying by distributing Mid-Autumn Festival gifts. Investigators searched his premises and released him on bail. Candidates for village chief in Su'ao Township and township chief in Nan'ao Township, Yilan County, were also searched for allegedly falsifying household registrations to obtain voting rights.
Facts
Starting in November 2025
LED display lights worth more than NT$20,000
Article 99, Paragraph 1 of the Recall Act
Article 102, Paragraph 1
Released on NT$200,000 bail
Noon on the 30th
Released on bail of NT$100,000 and NT$40,000
Voters involved in the case were released on bail of NT$20,000 to NT$50,000
Lin Yu-ting dominates Uzbekistan's top fighter in the Asiad semifinal, advances to gold-medal bout with a 5-0 win
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Lin Yu-ting, competing in the women's 60-kilogram boxing event at the Asiad, defeated Uzbekistan's Turdibekova 5-0 in the semifinal to advance to the gold-medal bout.
South Korea accuses North Korea of laying land mines along border in violation of armistice, demands apology
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
South Korea's Defense Ministry confirmed that a blast in the Demilitarized Zone was caused by North Korean land mines, said this violated the armistice agreement and demanded an apology. North Korea's Kim Yo-jong accused South Korea of fabricating evidence, escalating tensions between the two sides.
Facts
Announced on the 29th
Investigation photos released on the 28th
The explosion on the 21st
The approximately 4-kilometer-wide Demilitarized Zone
Resident says pork products brought back from China went unchecked; 防檢署 launches investigation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
A Pingtung resident said a friend brought pork products back to Taiwan from China without being caught, raising biosecurity concerns. 防檢署 and the county government will investigate. Separately, 衛福部 inspected hotel restaurants and found violations including false labeling at 台南台糖長榮酒店, which was fined NT$220,000.
Facts
NT$200,000
Restaurants at a total of 48 international tourist and five-star hotels
Fire at Keelung waste temporary storage site; excavator operator briefly trapped
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
A major fire broke out at a waste temporary storage site in Keelung. The fire department deployed drones and robots to assist with inspections, while the environmental protection bureau activated emergency measures and monitored air quality.
Crowds spill out from non-reserved seating during Mid-Autumn Festival holiday; 高鐵: no plans to cap total ticket sales for now
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
高鐵 set a single-day passenger record of 348,000 during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, as crowds for non-reserved seating spilled out and drew public complaints. 交通部 called on 高鐵 to make remaining-seat information transparent and explore coordination between the two rail systems and differentiated fares. 高鐵 has no plans for now to cap total sales of non-reserved tickets, while scholars recommend improving service to spread out passengers.
Military service fitness standards revised; Ministry of National Defense: to take effect on October 31
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
The Ministry of National Defense announced revisions to the military service fitness standards, tightening exemption requirements, including requiring a BMI above 45 or a height of no more than 144 centimeters, and stepping up efforts to prevent draft evasion through forged medical records. The revised standards are expected to be formally announced and take effect on October 31.
Facts
180 items revised
BMI must be above 45
Height no more than 144 centimeters
last year (2025)
This year (2026)
Regulatory notice completed on September 21
Formal announcement at the end of October this year
Referendum on judicial corporal punishment rejected by 中選會; 國民黨團 plans bill to legalize caning
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
國民黨團 plans to push for legalizing caning for offenses including drug-impaired driving, serious sexual violence, child abuse and aggravated fraud, proposing that courts be able to impose 3 to 12 strokes. After 中選會 rejected a referendum on the issue, the proposal shifted to legislation. 民眾黨 and 民進黨團 called for careful discussion, while 法務部 said it could raise concerns about violations of the two covenants.
From support for disadvantaged families to free meals for all: After 75 years of school lunches, are children eating better? [News Lab]
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Taiwan's school lunch program has been in place for 75 years, and all 22 counties and cities will offer free lunches starting in 2026. The article examines challenges behind the free-meal policy, including competition for budget funds, rising food prices without a mechanism for adjusting meal rates, a shortage of nutritionists and serious food waste. Experts recommend enacting a dedicated school lunch law to establish a comprehensive system.
Facts
Donated 5,000 tons of milk powder to Taiwan
Original1951年聯合國兒童緊急救援基金會
168 remote mountain-area elementary schools across Taiwan
Each person had to pay about 1 dollar
276 elementary schools
200,000 elementary and middle school students
The government urgently raised NT$93 million to build kitchens
Paid about NT$15-30 out of pocket each month
Original2002年立法院三讀通過《學校衛生法》
More than 四十 classes
By 2025, all but Taoyuan, Hsinchu County and 十 island counties and cities
After Taipei City announced in 2026 that all lunches would be free
School lunches were free in all 22 counties and cities across Taiwan
Can save nearly NT$10,000 a year
As much as NT$92 in Taipei City
NT$75 in New Taipei City
Around NT$70 in Taoyuan, Taichung and Kaohsiung
Tainan provides a fixed subsidy of NT$56
Annual costs range from NT$1.6 billion to NT$4.84 billion
Based on the 115年 budget
About 4% to 6.3% of the education budget
There are 1.77 million elementary and middle school students across Taiwan
But only 681 nutritionists have been hired
One person has to serve nearly 2600 students
Each person’s meal weighs about 600-700 grams
But children throw away an average of 160-170 grams
Nearly one-quarter
School lunches nationwide generate about 500 tons of food waste every day
Children eat at school only 183 days a year
Food waste will be banned from pig feed starting in 2027
Each person must pay as much as 3-4 dollars per school lunch to dispose of food waste
Yang Yung-wei misses Asian Games judo podium after failed golden-score attack in bronze-medal bout
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Taiwanese judoka Yang Yung-wei lost to China’s Ma Yulin in the golden-score period of the men’s 60-kilogram bronze-medal bout at the Asian Games, finishing 5th. Lin Chen-hao also lost her bronze-medal bout in the women’s 48-kilogram category and finished 5th.
European Taiwan Culture Year opens in Poland; Qiye and Baye deity figures parade through a square in Lodz
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
European Taiwan Culture Year opened in Lodz, Poland. 雷昇傳藝劇團 brought Qiye and Baye deity figures to the streets and performed Nanguan and Beiguan music. Stalls offering bubble tea, calligraphy and other attractions also drew local residents, fostering cultural exchange between Taiwan and Poland.
U.S. war secretary: Military to cut number of general officers by 20% to ensure accountability
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced an overall 20% cut in the number of U.S. military general officers, saying the move is intended to ensure accountability.
Facts
Cut by 20%
Dismissed 10% of the military’s generals and top-ranking officers
U.S. military base in Britain suspected terror target; British PM Bo Nan says Iran likely involved
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
British Prime Minister Bo Nan said there were strong indications that Iran was involved in suspicious activity near RAF Fairford over the weekend. The Iranian Embassy denied the allegation. Police found gasoline in a suspicious vehicle but no explosive device.
U.S.-led coalition withdraws from Iraq; Trump declares victory
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S.-led coalition forces have withdrawn from Iraq. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that this was a victory for the United States, Iraq and the defeat of the Islamic State (伊斯蘭國, ISIS), adding that it was time for the United States to come home.
U.S. Republican lawmaker urges review of South Korea’s ties with China, worries Lee Jae-myung will not support Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. Representative Moolenaar wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging a review of South Korea’s increasingly close relationship with China and its stance on Taiwan. He warned that this posed a significant risk and could lead to a structural shift in the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Facts
中央社, Washington, 30th, compiled from wire reports
Since the Korean War of 1950-1953
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2025 visit to South Korea
It was Xi Jinping’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years
It was the first visit to China by a South Korean president since 2019
Lee Jae-myung’s remarks during his 2024 election campaign
When Lee Jae-myung was interviewed by 日本放送協會（NHK） in January this year
U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee chair: It is wise not to consult Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan representative to the United States Alexander Yui met with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Wicker. Wicker reaffirmed the Reagan administration’s commitment under the “Six Assurances” not to consult Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan, stressing that maintaining this precedent was wise and that U.S. arms sales should be guided by Taiwan’s defense needs.
安盛生 (6734) reports unaudited debt ratio of 86.82%, current ratio of 109.90% and quick ratio of 82.59% at the end of August in year 115 - Global Bio & Investment Monthly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊
安盛生 (6734) announced unaudited financial figures at the end of August in year 115, including a debt ratio of 86.82%, a current ratio of 109.90% and a quick ratio of 82.59%, and discussed cash receipts and payments and bank credit facilities for the next 3 months.
普生 (4117) approved for extension of deadline to refile Q2 year 115 financial report; supplemental filing to begin 30 days after notice - 環球生技月刊
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊
普生 (4117) received regulatory approval to extend the deadline for refiling its 2nd-quarter year 115 financial report, with supplemental filing to begin on September 30.
Regarding the holding of the 5th Joint Meeting on the Handling of Human Fertilized Embryos Using Genome Editing Technologies and Other Methods (13th Meeting of the Expert Committee on the Clinical Use of Human Fertilized Embryos Using Genome Editing Technologies and Other Methods; 26th Meeting of the Expert Committee on Research into Hereditary and Congenital Diseases Using Human Fertilized Embryos)
Published ・ Source Japan | 厚生労働省
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that a joint meeting on the handling of human fertilized embryos using genome editing technologies and other methods will be held on October 7, Reiwa 8. The meeting will bring together 3 ministries and agencies—the Children and Families Agency, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare—and will discuss draft regulatory guidelines and ministerial ordinances, among other topics.
Regarding the holding of the 5th Joint Meeting on the Handling of Human Fertilized Embryos Using Genome Editing Technologies and Other Methods (13th Meeting of the Expert Committee on the Clinical Use of Human Fertilized Embryos Using Genome Editing Technologies and Other Methods; 26th Meeting of the Expert Committee on Research into Hereditary and Congenital Diseases Using Human Fertilized Embryos)
Published ・ Source Japan | 厚生労働省
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that the 5th joint meeting on the handling of human fertilized embryos using genome editing technologies and other methods will be held on October 7, Reiwa 8. Agenda items include the regulatory framework and revisions to related guidelines.
Nationwide simultaneous patrols to address asbestos will be conducted
Published ・ Source Japan | 厚生労働省
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in coordination with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Ministry of the Environment, will conduct nationwide simultaneous patrols to address asbestos from around October through November of Reiwa 8.
Reiwa 7: Status of training programs and other initiatives to improve the skills of nursing staff
Published ・ Source Japan | 厚生労働省
This page provides information on the implementation of training programs and other initiatives to improve the skills of nursing staff in Reiwa 7. It includes links to training forms 1-1 through 1-4 for new nurses, specified medical procedures, home-visit nursing, and certified and specialist nurses.
Average age 70! “シニアブレイキン,” a breakdance team from Edogawa Ward, will compete in the nationwide dance show competition “FIDA GOLD CUP,” open only to people aged 65 and over! Bringing the spirit of lifelong youth to Japan and the world
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“シニアブレイキン,” a breakdance team with an average age of 70, will compete in “FIDA GOLD CUP 2026,” a nationwide dance show competition for people aged 65 and over, held at ニッショーホール in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on October 17, 2026, and aims to win. The team is also running a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE to continue its activities.
Misora Hibari’s return after illness—A letter to her fan club expressed an apology and determination to make a comeback. An 80th-anniversary special explores the real face of the “phoenix” through the words of the guitarist who shared the stage with her more than 4,000 times and her director.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
An introduction to the 80th-anniversary Misora Hibari special “Phoenix Story,” airing on BS12. Through a letter to her fan club and accounts from guitarist Haruo Yuto, former Columbia director Takuma, and producer Fukuko Ishii, it depicts how she overcame hardship and continued to sing.
[Yuzuru Hanyu and Winnie-the-Pooh] Samples arrive of 2 luxurious bonus items: the “Napping with My Personal Pooh” poster and a facsimile handwritten letter! ＼Full details revealed／
“買取ライオン”’s listed purchase rate for Apple Gift Cards reached a high of 92.0% in September (first-time users applying via LINE), recovering from a sharp drop to 65.0% at the end of August. The frequency of fluctuations from 1–9 has also been newly released.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社七福堂 released the results of its September 2026 survey and an analysis of the frequency of fluctuations from 1–9 for the listed purchase rate of Apple Gift Cards on its gift card purchasing service “買取ライオン.” The rate recovered in September from a low of 65.0% at the end of August, reaching a high of 92.0%.
“Food Harvest Giveaway Campaign” to run starting Thursday, October 1
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ＪＡ共済連 will run the “Food Harvest Giveaway Campaign” from October 1 through December 31, Reiwa 8, giving agricultural products to 300 applicants and making donations to support producer safety according to the number of entries.
Will Haruna Kawaguchi appear on banknotes and Yasuko become an astronaut!? New “LINEMO” commercial launches October 1
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ソフトバンク株式会社 announced that a new series of “LINEMO” commercials featuring actress Haruna Kawaguchi and Yasuko will launch on October 1, 2026. The commercials promote a new plan that adds “SoftBank Starlink Direct” and overseas data communications at no change to the monthly fee.
Facts
Starts Thursday, October 1, 2026
Basic fee: 990 yen/month
The “LINEMO Best Plan” at 2,090 yen/month and
The “LINEMO Best Plan V,” with a basic fee of 2,970 yen/month
Quarterly schedule for government bond purchases (yield- and price-based auction method), October–December 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | 日本銀行
日本銀行 announced its quarterly schedule for government bond purchases using the yield- and price-based auction method for October–December 2026. The total is 2.3 trillion yen, with offer amounts and dates set according to remaining maturity.
Government bond market liquidity indicators (August)
Published ・ Source Japan | 日本銀行
Materials on liquidity indicators for the government bond market in August, including the long-term government bond futures market, cash government bond market, and SC repo market, released by 日本銀行’s Financial Markets Department on September 30, 2026.
Financial measures for disasters and other effects of Typhoon No. 18, Reiwa 8 (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Published ・ Source Japan | 日本銀行
For people affected in Kagoshima Prefecture by Typhoon No. 18, Reiwa 8, 日本銀行鹿児島支店 and 九州財務局鹿児島財務事務所 asked financial institutions, securities firms, and insurance companies to take financial measures, including prompt processing of deposit withdrawals, loan consultations, and insurance payments.
Publication of “EMEAP Note on AI: Implications for the Economy, Financial Stability and Central Banking”
Published ・ Source Japan | 日本銀行
日本銀行 prepared and released an abridged translation of “EMEAP Note on AI: Implications for the Economy, Financial Stability and Central Banking,” published by EMEAP.
Facts
Sept. 30, 2026
11 countries and regions
Companies mentioned：日本銀行、EMEAP、Executives' Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks
日本銀行 plans to release payment statistics for August 2026, including key indicators such as settlements through current accounts at the Bank of Japan and the Zengin System.
[Small-scale regional power outage] [Power outage affected 6,343 households in parts of Xinyi and Da’an districts, Taipei, at 01:44 on the 30th; power was fully restored at 04:37. During the outage, the fire department received 1 fire report (a generator had started; classified as a false alarm). No injuries or fatalities] Initial/final report
【Produce Market Fire】【Fire at “Taipei First Fruits and Vegetables Wholesale Market” on Wanda Road, Wanhua District, Taipei, at 23:37 on the 29th; extinguished, no casualties】Initial (final) report
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 內政部消防署
A fire broke out at “Taipei First Fruits and Vegetables Wholesale Market” on Wanda Road, Wanhua District, Taipei, at 23:37 on the 29th. The fire department dispatched 14 vehicles and 43 personnel to put it out. There were no casualties.
【Road Traffic Accident】【A crash involving 3 passenger cars and 2 motorcycles at the 9K+800 mark of the riverside access road in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, at 18:48 on the 29th; 7 injured, including 4 taken to hospital】Initial (final) report
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 內政部消防署
A crash involving 3 passenger cars and 2 motorcycles occurred on the riverside access road in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, injuring 7 people, including 4 who were taken to hospital.
At 13:59 on the 29th, a mountain accident occurred on Nanhu Mountain in Heping District, Taichung, when 一 24-year-old man was struck by falling rocks and suffered a head injury. An UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from 空勤總隊 and rescue personnel from 消防署 conducted a joint operation and successfully airlifted him to safety at 15:33. He was subsequently taken to hospital by ambulance.
Not just answers—OpenAI says 月之暗面 sought to extract reasoning too
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
OpenAI publicly named Chinese AI company 月之暗面 (Moonshot AI) for the first time, accusing it of taking part in efforts to extract hidden reasoning information from GPT models. Requests peaked at 16,000 in July, escalating U.S.-China tensions over model distillation.
Facts
OpenAI publicly named 月之暗面 for the first time, accusing it of taking part in efforts to extract data from GPT models.
Coordinated activity by users linked to 月之暗面 began in early July, with requests peaking at 16,000 later that month.
OpenAI has recently been gradually hiding its models’ chains of reasoning, providing users only with answers.
People linked to 月之暗面 encrypted reasoning content across conversation transcripts in an attempt to bypass OpenAI's model safeguards.
A threat report published by Anthropic last month accused 月之暗面 of routing thousands of user requests to Claude models.
Original月之暗面與阿里巴巴簽有算力協議，可使用約2萬顆輝達晶片。
Republican Senator Jim Banks and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff have introduced a bill to establish an antitrust exemption for sharing information about unauthorized distillation.
The effort involving 16,000 requests disclosed by OpenAI was far smaller than the largest distillation incident reported by Anthropic, which involved millions of interactions.
BMW announced plans to use AI to cut 20% of senior management positions and consolidate departments as it faces a weak Chinese market and profit pressures, while setting a target to raise its profit margin by 2028.
Facts
BMW plans to cut 20% of senior management positions by the middle of next year.
BMW has about 65 senior vice presidents directly below its board, and about 400 senior executives at the next level.
BMW expects about 100 senior positions to be eliminated.
BMW has reached an agreement to cut about 8,000 white-collar jobs in Germany.
BMW has set a target of restoring its automotive business profit margin to 3% to 5% by 2028.
UPS previously cut 12,000 management jobs.
BMW plans to launch a vehicle positioned between BMW and 勞斯萊斯.
BMW will discontinue the 2-Series Active Tourer and 3 Series diesel sedans.
Trump keeps up pressure on Powell! $1 billion in cost overruns but no evidence of crime; Fed renovation probe exposes management failures
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
An investigation report by the inspector general of 美國聯準會(Fed) on the headquarters renovation found major management shortcomings, with the project's cost rising from $1.3 billion to $2.4 billion, but found no criminal violations. Current chair Warsh pledged that the General Services Administration (GSA) would take over subsequent management and conduct an independent audit to address cost overruns.
Facts
The Fed headquarters renovation currently costs about $2.4 billion, roughly $1 billion more than the initial budget.
The inspector general's report found no basis for referring federal criminal violations to the Justice Department and made no finding of administrative misconduct.
The Fed did not implement a “guaranteed maximum price” contract arrangement, leaving no cost ceiling to establish the contractor's responsibility for overruns.
The project's plumbing and air-conditioning costs ultimately reached $346 million, about 三 times the initial estimate.
Current chair Warsh said the Fed would have 美國總務署(GSA) lead management of the subsequent work.
Powell's term as a Fed governor runs through January 2028.
A federal judge quashed the grand jury subpoena against Powell, finding that its purpose was to pressure him to cut interest rates or resign.
Nationwide simultaneous patrols under the Construction Material Recycling Act — Ensuring proper on-site separation and dismantling, and recycling
Published ・ Source Japan | 環境省
The Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will coordinate to conduct nationwide simultaneous patrols under the Construction Material Recycling Act from October through November, Reiwa 8. The effort aims to ensure proper separation and dismantling at sites, promote thorough recycling, and strengthen monitoring of legal compliance.
Facts
This fiscal year marks 24 years since its launch
Will be conducted from October through November, Reiwa 8
Site inspections 1) 2)... 4,517 cases
Site inspections 1) 2)... 5,469 cases
Administrative guidance and other actions 1)... 1,917 cases
Site inspections 1) 2)... 3,811 cases
Administrative guidance and other actions 1)... 383 cases
Regarding the promulgation of a ministerial ordinance partially amending the Enforcement Regulations of the Offensive Odor Control Act
Published ・ Source Japan | 環境省
The Ministry of the Environment promulgated and brought into force a ministerial ordinance partially revising the Enforcement Regulations of the Offensive Odor Control Act, deleting the domicile field in line with amendments to the Family Register Act and updating provisions to reflect the shift to online applications for odor assessor examinations. A total of 11 comments were submitted during the public comment process.
星曜公司 fined NT$400,000 for operating a multilevel marketing business without filing and failing to process distributor withdrawal and returns as required by law!
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公平交易委員會
The Fair Trade Commission penalized 星曜生醫科技股份有限公司 a total of NT$400,000 for operating a multilevel marketing business without filing and failing to process distributor withdrawals and returns as required by law.
弘凱 (5244): Announces appointment of new chief technology officer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
弘凱 (5244) announced the appointment of Gao Zhiqiang as its new chief technology officer. He currently heads the company's research and development department, and the appointment will be submitted to the board for approval.
株式会社ナイルワークス filed for special liquidation with the Tokyo District Court on May 20 following insolvency and operating losses. Liabilities total approximately 2.5 billion yen.