More than a thousand arrested in French protests, 150 police injured; Paris shops looted
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Nationwide protests in Paris, France, descended into violent clashes, with shops looted in several areas. Police arrested more than a thousand people, and 150 officers were injured. The prime minister and mayor separately condemned the violence.
麋先生 marks 14th anniversary with concert documentary and signing event
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Golden Melody-winning band 麋先生 is celebrating its 14th anniversary with a concert documentary and has announced an exclusive presale signing event at 台北流行音樂中心 on the 25th.
Facts
14th anniversary
Marks its 14th anniversary on the 17th
There were only 4 people in the audience
The 5 of them have never changed band members
A 20-minute behind-the-scenes feature
Written when 麋先生 was 5 years old
At the outdoor space of Taipei Music Center on the 25th
Chang Yi-an follows Chen Mu-heng to 歐力士猛牛隊, focuses on fielding first but open to two-way role
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan U18 Asian Baseball Championship captain Chang Yi-an followed senior player Chen Mu-heng in joining Japan's 歐力士猛牛隊. Chang said his strength is consistent hitting. He is focusing on playing as a position player for now but is open to developing as a two-way player in the future. Pitcher Hsu Chen-wei also joined the team.
Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-hui traveled to Keelung to campaign for Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang's reelection, praising his performance in office and wishing him a resounding victory. Former legislator Tsai Shih-ying campaigned with DPP Keelung mayoral candidate Tung Tzu-wei and backed his proposal to double senior benefits.
Facts
Keelung has more than 80,000 residents aged 65 and over
About 23% of the city's population
The Double Ninth Festival senior benefit increased from NT$1,000
To NT$2,000
The senior benefits for Lunar New Year, Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival rose from NT$3,000 per holiday
Penghu celebrates Double Ninth Festival with awards for exemplary older residents; seniors dance at event
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 澎湖縣政府 held an awards event for exemplary older residents on the Double Ninth Festival at 馬公喜來登酒店, honoring 22 seniors. Among them were Chen Chao-chin-ssu and Fang Yao-mei, who danced at the event. County Magistrate's Office Secretary-General Lin Wen-tsao said that older people's health and happiness bring joy to the next generation.
維也納愛樂 opens morning performance at Taipei National Concert Hall, recreating classic moments from the Golden Hall
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 維也納愛樂管弦樂團 performed a morning concert at Taipei National Concert Hall, conducted by Sotschev. The program featured symphonies by Mozart and Tchaikovsky, as well as works by Strauss, recreating classic moments from the Golden Hall.
Puma Shen: Chiang Wan-an making reelection a condition for attending principals' meeting is setting terms
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen criticized KMT's Chiang Wan-an for making reelection a condition for attending a principals' meeting. He also responded to questions about cognitive warfare and petitions concerning Shezidao.
Facts
About 16,000 people have registered so far
Shezidao has been under a 50-year construction ban
幸福人壽 asset-stripping case: High Court orders forfeitures in retrial; prosecutors appeal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In a retrial of the 幸福人壽 asset-stripping case, the High Court ordered the forfeiture of US$150 million from former chairman Teng Wen-tsung and assets belonging to several companies involved in the case. It declined to order forfeiture from Fu Kun-chi for lack of evidence. The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office appealed, saying the ruling failed to fully investigate the case.
Facts
Forfeiture of US$150 million
No forfeiture of NT$124 million
About NT$13 billion stripped from the company
A check for more than NT$124.08 million was issued payable to Fu Kun-chi
Forfeiture of more than US$156.64 million in criminal proceeds from Teng Wen-tsung
Forfeiture of more than NT$256.78 million
NT$175.24 million
Forfeiture of more than NT$921.57 million in criminal proceeds
China's PPI-CPI gap widens; analysts say conditions are tougher for small businesses
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China's PPI rose 5.0% year over year in September, a 4-year high, while the CPI increased just 0.9%, widening the gap. Experts say upstream resource producers are benefiting, while rising raw material costs are making it harder for small businesses downstream to operate.
Debate over older residents' health insurance premiums: 民進黨 says blue-and-white parties distorted president's remarks to mislead the public
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
民進黨 criticized 民眾黨 and 國民黨 for distorting President Lai Ching-te's remarks praising Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi for waiving health insurance premiums for residents aged 65 and over. It said they ignored fiscal discipline and budgetary responsibilities, conflated locally funded budgets with central-government legislation, and misled the public by distorting the issue.
As China's ban on Korean entertainment appears to ease and AI rises, Chinese entertainers may face even tougher times
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A collaboration between 麥當勞中國 and South Korean singer G-DRAGON is seen as a sign that China's restrictions on Korean entertainment may be easing. But the article says the impact of AI and the retreat of capital are squeezing Chinese entertainers' room to survive even more severely, leading to fewer productions going into filming, shrinking paychecks and sharply lower actor incomes.
Facts
More than 8,000 stores
More than 700 McDonald's restaurants
16 flagship stores
More than 900 days without joining a new production
The Legislative Yuan passed a bill at its third reading to make central government subsidies for seniors’ health insurance premiums conditional. Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for applying double standards and creating intergenerational divisions. DPP spokesperson Lee Kun-cheng stressed that welfare policies must take long-term fiscal pressures and funding sources into account.
Facts
Annual spending will increase by nearly NT$40 billion
Taohuayuan Township Radio wins Golden Bell Award, hopes to bring radio into more people's lives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
桃花源鄉廣播電台 won the Radio Business Innovation Award at the 61st Golden Bell Awards for its “Sound Boundaries Project,” earning the station its first Golden Bell Award. Through Vietnamese- and Hakka-language programs and local activities, the station has strengthened local services and connections with diverse communities despite limited resources.
Absent from principals’ meetings for 4 years, Chiang Wan-an says he will attend next time
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an clarified reports that he had not attended principals’ meetings for nearly 4 years, saying he did not only start attending after being reelected and that he was very willing to attend the next meeting. Asked whether Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen would serve as campaign headquarters director, Chiang said he would report back tomorrow.
Huang Wei-che praises farmers’ association for balancing supply and demand, pledges to keep promoting locally sourced school lunches
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che attended the centennial celebration of 永康區農會, praising its role in balancing agricultural supply and demand and pledging that the city government would continue promoting the use of locally grown produce in school lunches.
Chen Ping-hsuan and Lee Wei-ting win world junior badminton doubles gold; Datong coach says their mindset and skills outshine their peers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese rising stars Chen Ping-hsuan and Lee Wei-ting defeated a Japanese pair to win gold in men’s doubles at the World Junior Badminton Championships in Cairo, Egypt, giving Taiwan its first-ever world junior men’s doubles gold. Coach Lin Chun-yung said the two are mature in mindset and well-rounded in skill, and cited the support of 大同高中 and the Golden Plan in their development.
Facts
Won 6 straight matches
Men’s doubles had 128 places in the draw
Won 15-10, 15-9
Taiwan has now won 4 gold, 7 silver and 15 bronze medals
All 3 gold medals went to singles players
They were first paired with older teammates in their first year of high school
They were not paired together until their second year of high school
They have only been playing together for a little over a year
The world juniors used a 15-point format for the first time
The Changhua County Government held a disaster preparedness education day event at Hubei Elementary School in Xihu Township, where participants experienced spending the night as disaster victims. For the first time, it joined forces with the fire department’s disaster-preparedness outreach vehicle to set up a “Disaster Preparedness Education Mobile Station.” The event included an immersive disaster-preparedness theater and simulated earthquake alerts for evacuation drills, with County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei in attendance.
Facts
115 Changhua County Disaster Preparedness Education Day series of events
Indonesian wildfires blanket Southeast Asia in haze, driving surge in demand for oxygen cylinders and air purifiers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Toxic haze from wildfires in Indonesia has driven a surge in demand for oxygen cylinders and air purifiers across Southeast Asia. Manufacturer AA Alive said sales have risen sharply and it is operating at full capacity to meet market demand.
Facts
Sales increased by 35%
Oxygen cylinders can be used continuously for about 3 hours
Oxygen concentrators can be used for about 24 hours
After being hospitalized for more than 1 month
Filters usually need replacing only after 1,000 hours of use
President Lai thanks Palau for speaking up for Taiwan despite pressure from China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai thanked Palau for continuing to speak up for Taiwan despite pressure from China, and attended 新光醫院's 40th anniversary event. He noted that the national health insurance budget is projected to grow to 5.5% in 2027 and exceed NT$1 trillion.
央廣 German-language program marks 40th anniversary, bearing witness to Taiwan's transition to democracy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
央廣's German-language program marked its 40th anniversary, bearing witness to Taiwan's journey from martial law to democracy. 央廣 Chairwoman Lai Hsiu-ju stressed the importance of shortwave broadcasting amid geopolitical turmoil, and noted the interest in Taiwan among listeners in Ukraine, Germany and Austria since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung and representatives from Germany, Austria and other countries attended the celebration, expressing hope for deeper ties with German-speaking regions.
7 acts perform at Hsinchu City star-studded concert, drawing about 25,000 people
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Hsinchu City Government, 竹市政府, held the “Golden Hsinchu—2026 Hsinchu City Star Concert,” inviting 7 acts, including Crowd Lu, to perform at 大湳雅公園. The event drew about 25,000 people.
頂新 Foundation launches smart-living program in Yongjing Township, training instructors to care for older adults
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
頂新和德文教基金會 and National Chung Cheng University are partnering to run the “BMB Smart Living” program in Yongjing Township, Changhua County. Combining physical mobility and brain-training exercises, the program aims to help older adults slow aging. This year, it expanded to five communities and has benefited 1,600 people in total, while training local instructors to build a network supporting older adults' physical and mental health.
Facts
A total of 1,600 older-adult attendances benefiting from the program
Expanded to the Wubian, Nangang and Fuxing communities
Large Self-Defense Forces drone crashes into sea off Japan; some wreckage recovered
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force RQ-4 Global Hawk reconnaissance drone crashed off Tottori Prefecture last month. On the 17th, the Self-Defense Forces recovered some wreckage from the seabed and will continue searching and investigating the cause of the accident.
Major accident at Canadian military base sparks large fire; casualty toll unclear
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A major accident sparked a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. Prime Minister Carney and Defense Minister McGuinty confirmed that there were casualties, but the number of people killed and injured and the cause have not been announced.
[Fuji TV] '2026 Ji Chang-wook Japan Tour ~Just Come With~' to air in December on フジテレビTWO ドラマ・アニメ
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The final performance of actor and singer Ji Chang-wook's concert '2026 Ji Chang-wook Japan Tour ~Just Come With~' will be broadcast exclusively in December on フジテレビTWO ドラマ・アニメ.
株式会社UnReact officially launched its Shopify e-commerce app 'UR: Product Metafields CSV' on October 1, 2026. The app offers CSV bulk management, export and import features for product and variant metafields, with automatic validation to detect errors. Pricing is $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
'Cat and Dragon' x TV anime 'Ranma 1/2' collaboration campaign begins October 18 (Sun)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社スタジオレックス announced that its smartphone RPG 'Cat and Dragon' will hold a collaboration campaign with the TV anime 'Ranma 1/2' starting October 18, 2026.
Kazugo Maruoka solo exhibition 'HRTSTR' to be held October 23 (Fri)–November 8 (Sun) Kazumichi Maruoka Solo Exhibition “HRTSTR” KOMIYAMA TOKYO G
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KOMIYAMA TOKYO G will hold Kazugo Maruoka's solo exhibition 'HRTSTR' from October 23 to November 8. The exhibition will feature ceramic works themed around skulls and death, as well as drawings of the Heart Sutra scorched with cigarette embers.
Facts
October 23 (Fri)
Sunday, Nov. 8
2026
1978
2020
Companies mentioned：KOMIYAMA TOKYO G、BORIS、株式会社 小宮山書店
Today, we are providing the Real Estate Transaction Specialist exam [answer速報]! We have also decided to livestream a review and predictions for the passing line and score on YouTube LIVE!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アガルート will livestream the answer速報 and predictions for the passing line for the 2026 Real Estate Transaction Specialist exam, held on October 18, for free on YouTube LIVE.
'Fuji Autumn Foliage Garden AUTUMN LIGHT UP 2026' begins October 24 (Sat)! Special nighttime hours at 'Fujisan Deck' and 'Fuji Panorama Cafe' on weekends and holidays
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
'Fuji Autumn Foliage Garden AUTUMN LIGHT UP 2026' begins October 24, with special nighttime hours at 'Fujisan Deck' and 'Fuji Panorama Cafe' on weekends and holidays.
'The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You: Bibeen!! Puzzle' launches '[Pajama Party] Pickup Gacha'!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Poppin Games Japan launched the '[Pajama Party] Pickup Gacha' and the event 'Let's Pajama Party♪ Part 6' in its smartphone puzzle game '100Kano' starting October 18, 2026.
Facts
100 people
All 4 characters
★3
Up to 5 tickets
Up to 1
Companies mentioned：ポッピンゲームズジャパン株式会社、Google Inc.、Cisco、Apple Inc.
[にじさんじ] Sara Hoshikawa unveils preview video and track details for 2nd mini-album 'Stella Note'; advance release and music video for 'Overwhelming☆Star' also announced!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ANYCOLOR株式会社 announced a preview video, track details, the start of advance streaming, plans to release a music video, the release date, product details, participating store bonuses, and release event information for 'Stella Note,' the 2nd mini-album by Sara Hoshikawa of the VTuber group 'にじさんじ'.
Facts
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Price: ¥7,480 (tax included)
Price: 2,420 yen (tax included)
Price: ¥3,300 (tax included)
CD (6 tracks)
Music video to be released October 22, 2026 (Thu)
April 29, 2027 (Thu, holiday)
February 7, 2027 (Sun)
Companies mentioned：ANYCOLOR株式会社、にじさんじ、エムカード、アニメイト、ゲーマーズ、HMV、Amazon.co.jp、Sony Music Shop、セブンネットショッピング、タワーレコード、楽天ブックス、リミスタ、eplus
'Angie Radio!! ~Speak Your Dreams and Make Them Come True!~' Special Week on 10/25 (Sun): 'Absolutely Anonymous! The Things You Can't Say Out Loud Championship'!
筆文字デパート is offering 'Kaze no Mai,' a brush font by calligrapher Gessan Ito (Hakusui), for a limited time at 16,500 yen, 70% off the regular price of 55,000 yen.
みんなの家づくり surpasses 600 custom-home case studies; analysis of building costs and costs per tsubo across 9 regions of Japan based on 607 cases
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Following the milestone of 607 custom-home case studies, みんなの家づくり analyzed building costs and costs per tsubo across 9 regions of Japan and by contractor. The median total cost was 45 million yen, while the building cost per tsubo was 992,000 yen for homebuilders and 811,000 yen for local builders and others.
Facts
607 case studies
Median total cost: 45 million yen
Building cost: 29.7 million yen
Building cost per tsubo: 891,000 yen
Median building cost in Kansai: 31 million yen
Median building cost per tsubo for homebuilders: 992,000 yen
Local builders and regional homebuilders: 811,000 yen
はくいきしろい to hold solo exhibition “Northern Lights” at Meiji Park in Tokyo
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Artist はくいきしろい will hold the solo exhibition “Northern Lights” at Meiji Park in Tokyo from November 1 to 10, 2026, as part of “MEIJI PARK ART WEEK,” an event organized by Tokyo Legacy Parks株式会社. The exhibition will feature cut-to-order sales of works made with resin ink, as well as merchandise such as stickers and chairs.
【Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games】Opening soon! Introducing the merchandise lineup at the official licensed shop inside the competition venue!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
An introduction to the merchandise lineup available at the official licensed shop inside the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games venues, and payment methods, which are limited to cashless transactions.
Korean ceramic brand SOILBAKER to hold pop-up at Shibuya Scramble Square!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社MXN JAPAN announced that Korean ceramic brand SOILBAKER will hold a pop-up at Shibuya Scramble Square from October 15 to 21, 2026. The event is part of “DISTRICT SEOUL SHIBUYA EDITION,” hosted by 新世界百貨店.
Water station serving natural mineral water to be set up; Premium Water to open a special booth at “HEY-SMITH Presents OSAKA HAZIKETEMAZARE FESTIVAL 2026”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
プレミアムウォーター株式会社 will open a special booth featuring a water station serving natural mineral water at the venue for “HEY-SMITH Presents OSAKA HAZIKETEMAZARE FESTIVAL 2026,” taking place on October 24 and 25, 2026.
“Autumn Harvest Festival” featuring a vegetable-stuffing challenge and end-of-life planning seminar to be held at ベルコ Teine City Hall on October 22
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ベルコ will hold the “Autumn Harvest Festival” at ベルコ Teine City Hall in Teine Ward, Sapporo, on October 22, 2026. The free event will include a vegetable-stuffing challenge and an end-of-life planning seminar, with a capacity of 30 people and advance reservations required.
【Up to 11 hours! Drink as much as you like】Unlimited-time all-you-can-drink event featuring 30 varieties of sake, draft beer, sour cocktails and more for ¥1,380 (tax included), running throughout November at all 日本酒原価酒蔵 locations
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ビリオンフーズ will hold an unlimited-time all-you-can-drink promotion for up to 11 hours throughout November at all 日本酒原価酒蔵 and 個室居酒屋 天日 locations. The regular plan costs ¥1,380 (tax included), while the premium plan costs an additional ¥550 and offers additional brands.
Ticket sales begin October 19 (Mon.) for 7 games, including the Utsunomiya and Chiba J games from December to January and the Philippines game (EASL)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
沖縄バスケットボール株式会社 will begin ticket sales on October 19 for 7 games in the 2026-27 season, including games against 宇都宮ブレックス and 千葉ジェッツ, as well as the EASL game against アブラ・ウィーバーズ.
Chihiro Kondo surprised by Masato’s presence at the children’s extracurricular activities and shares an untold story; Shinji Takeda dries his wife’s hair!? Their story as a couple with a 22-year age gap also draws attention in the studio
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AbemaTV aired episode 8 of “Secret Mom Garden 3” on October 18, 2026. Kokoro Yazawa shared stories about her husband, Masato, while Shinji Takeda revealed how he contributes to housework; Tomomi Kasai and others discussed dieting and parenting.
Facts
Total views have surpassed 220 million
From 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026
married model Manami Shizu, who is 22 years younger,
Aerial photos of Han Kuo-yu joining Ko Chih-en's Kaohsiung rally are “stunning”; Ko says even he said the feeling from 8 years ago was back
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Ko Chih-en, the Kuomintang's candidate for Kaohsiung mayor, held a campaign rally at Fengyi Temple in Siaogang on the evening of the 17th, with Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu attending to show his support. Ko shared aerial photos showing a packed crowd and quoted Han as saying, “The feeling from 8 years ago is back,” underscoring the intensifying election campaign.
Facts
Ko Chih-en held a campaign event at Fengyi Temple in Siaogang on the evening of the 17th.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu attended Ko Chih-en's campaign event at Fengyi Temple in Siaogang.
Han Kuo-yu said the rally brought back the feeling he had 8 years ago.
Ko Chih-en served as a campaign supporter in 2018.
Ko Chih-en suffered a setback in the election 4 years ago.
Trump waives sanctions on Russia; tariffs of up to 100% on Russian oil buyers put on hold; Democrats say “it's entirely to appease Putin”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16, 2026, postponing sanctions and tariff measures against Russia approved by Congress. The move drew strong criticism from Democrats, who said it betrayed allies and appeased Putin, and came alongside a U.S.-Russia diesel trade deal.
Facts
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on October 16, 2026, postponing sanctions against Russia.
The waived Lindsey Graham Act authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian energy.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized Trump's decision as a concession to Putin.
Trump announced that the United States would buy more than 300,000 tons of diesel from Russia.
The waiver will remain in effect until Trump or a senior official determines that further action is necessary.
Typhoon latest: Severe Typhoon Champi changes course, heads west and may make landfall in Taiwan; these 2 days are most likely to see work and classes suspended, with rain reaching the highest alert level
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This year's 29th typhoon, Champi, has strengthened into a severe typhoon. AI and European model forecasts suggest it could head toward Taiwan or make landfall there. Experts say Oct. 23 to 24 will be the period of greatest impact, with heavier rain in the north and northeast. Whether a typhoon day will be called early during the Guangfu Day long weekend will depend on local wind and rain conditions and government announcements.
Under the influence of the typhoon or its outer circulation, rain may spread across the north and northeast on Oct. 23 to 24, with a chance of localized heavy rainfall.
Under the Regulations on Suspension of Work and Classes Due to Natural Disasters, rainfall reference thresholds include 200 millimeters in mountainous areas and 350 millimeters in plains.
[In pictures] Riots spread across multiple French cities: 100-year-old Limoges city hall torched, more than 1200 arrested
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Serious riots erupted in several parts of France. A 100-year-old city hall in Limoges was set on fire, and more than 1200 people were arrested nationwide.
Facts
Rioters set fire to Limoges city hall in France, a building with a 143-year history, causing its roof to collapse.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that police had arrested 1200 people nationwide.
The unrest stemmed from a nationwide school strike and protests launched by secondary school students in September.
Black-clad protesters entered Marseille City Hall and vandalized it, clashing with riot police.
A tourist office in central Lyon was set on fire by demonstrators.
President Emmanuel Macron called the rioters who attacked police stations, looted businesses and torched city halls “agents of chaos.”
An estimated more than 550,000 people took part in the protests spreading across France, including 110,000 in Paris.
White House press secretary leaves after just 5 days on the job: With midterms approaching, what is happening in Trump's team?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
White House press secretary Katie Zakaria left the job after just five days, amid criticism of her performance and questions about her qualifications, setting a record for the shortest tenure. The departure comes on the eve of the midterm elections, as the White House faces multiple political pressures and controversies.
Facts
White House press secretary Katie Zakaria left the job just five days after taking office.
Katie Zakaria set a record for the shortest tenure of a modern White House press secretary.
Katie Zakaria held a disastrous press conference that lasted just 14 minutes.
Questions have been raised about whether Katie Zakaria misrepresented her legal credentials over the years.
Former press secretary Karoline Leavitt resigned in August this year, months after giving birth to her second child.
After 28 years, Detective Conan's Heiji Hattori finally succeeds in confessing his love: Osaka pulls out all the stops to celebrate, delighting fans
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Episode 1216 of the Detective Conan anime aired, with Heiji Hattori successfully confessing his love to Kazuha Toyama, ending their 28-year will-they-won't-they relationship. Officials held a grand celebration in Osaka, including a promotional boat and a photo spot at an observatory, prompting lively discussion among fans.
Facts
Detective Conan anime episode 1216, “The Crimson School Festival Finale,” aired on Oct. 10 and features Heiji Hattori successfully confessing his love to Kazuha Toyama.
Fans waited 28 years from Kazuha Toyama's first appearance in the anime in 1998 until the couple's relationship was confirmed.
Osaka officials arranged for a promotional boat bearing congratulatory messages to sail along the Dotonbori River from Oct. 11 to 13 as part of the celebration.
HARUKAS 300 Observatory has opened a limited-time confession-themed photo spot through Nov. 29, and is offering exclusive audio written by original author Gosho Aoyama.
Shinichi Kudo and Ran Mouri officially became a couple in the anime back in 2019, about 7 years and 9 months before Heiji and Kazuha.
The “powerhouse siblings” join forces: Lu Shiow-yen to head Chiang Wan-an's campaign headquarters, he confirms
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed he plans to invite Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to serve as chair of his campaign headquarters in response to recent election setbacks. The campaign headquarters is scheduled to open on Oct. 26, with related personnel appointments to be announced at a news conference on the afternoon of the 19th.
Facts
Chiang Wan-an will establish his campaign headquarters on Oct. 26.
Chiang Wan-an confirmed he plans to invite Lu Shiow-yen to chair his campaign headquarters.
Chiang Wan-an's office will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. on the 19th to announce personnel appointments.
5 KMT lawmakers from Taipei will serve as deputy chairs of Chiang Wan-an's campaign headquarters.
Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin will also serve as executive campaign director.
Tan Songyun's The Orchid Returns loses out! The champion of the strongest mainland Chinese dramas of recent years' TOP10 is ...: More popular than Pursuit of Jade, a phenomenon-level historical costume drama
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chinese internet users compiled a TOP10 list of Tencent's most popular mainland Chinese dramas in recent years. The Orchid Returns ranked 3rd with a popularity score of 33491, surpassing Lost You Forever and trailing only A Dream of Splendor. The champion has surpassed 5 billion online views, showing the popularity of historical costume dramas and diverse genres.
Facts
The highest popularity score for The Oath of Love on Tencent was 31678.
Tencent considered Reset one of the hit dramas at the start of 2022, with a peak popularity score of 31734.
The Legend of Shen Li surpassed a popularity score of 30000 on Tencent just 25 hours after its premiere, reaching a peak of 31784.
The Glory premiered in 2025 and reached a peak popularity score of 32638 on Tencent.
風傳媒 rounds up today's top news, including an additional 500-yuan shopping voucher under the government's domestic travel subsidy, 新光三越's Tainan Zhongshan store closing on 10/31 with a clearance sale, Severe Typhoon Champi heading straight for Taiwan, and changes to labor insurance and pension systems.
Facts
Government boosts domestic travel subsidies; eligible travelers can receive a 500-yuan shopping voucher
新光三越's Tainan Zhongshan store will close on Oct. 31 and hold a clearance sale
The age for claiming labor insurance old-age pensions will rise to 65; under the new labor pension system, workers can claim benefits while employed from age 60
The Shiller price-to-earnings ratio for the S&P 500 has risen to about 41 times, nearing the dot-com bubble peak
Amendments to Article 22 of the Senior Citizens Welfare Act pass; central government to fully subsidize older adults' health insurance premiums after means testing
North Korea says AI torpedo “Zam-2.0” test was successful; experts warn US-South Korea decoy tactics may no longer work
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
North Korean state media announced on Saturday that it had successfully tested a new AI precision-guided torpedo, “Zam-2.0.” The system uses artificial intelligence to improve target detection. Experts say this could undermine the effectiveness of US-South Korean decoy tactics, reflecting an intensifying arms race between the two Koreas and Pyongyang's determination to strengthen its strategic assets.
Facts
North Korean state media announced on Saturday that it had tested a new AI precision-guided torpedo system for target detection and guidance.
The “ultra-high-speed” Zam-2.0 torpedo system underwent an underwater test launch on Thursday.
The project has completed more than 180 different types of tests over the past five years.
Lim Eul-chul, a North Korea expert at Kyungnam University in South Korea, said artificial intelligence could help torpedoes distinguish real targets from decoys.
Kim Jong Un stressed in September this year that it was necessary to raise the “level of artificial intelligence” in the country's weapons systems.
Could Taiwan stocks plunge 1000 points on Monday? Institutions name 15 stocks backed by both types of investors to weather volatility; expert reveals 3 key indicators to watch at the open
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Amid a sharp sell-off in US tech stocks and concerns over CoreWeave's debt, Taiwan stocks are expected to face selling pressure when trading opens on the 19th, with the 46000-point quarterly moving average under threat. Institutions recommend a “pick stocks, not the market” strategy, focusing on 15 stocks bought by both investment trusts and foreign investors, and urge investors to watch the quarterly moving average, fund rotation and external pressures to manage risk.
Institutions recommend watching 15 stocks bought by investment trusts and receiving renewed buying from foreign investors, including 富喬、凱基金、台泥、台玻 and 華新.
Investment trusts were net buyers of the most shares in 台塑化, at 56,379 lots, followed by 長榮 at 10,694 lots, 台泥 at 4,664 lots and 華新 at 4,650 lots.
Among foreign investors’ net purchases on the 16th, 富喬 led with 35,940 lots, followed by 凱基金 at 19,373 lots, 台玻 at 15,056 lots, 台泥 at 12,994 lots and 華新 at 12,133 lots.
Xu Zhihe urged investors to watch 3 things when the market opens next Monday: whether the quarterly moving average holds, whether funds are shifting to other sectors, and staying cautious with positions until selling pressure on technology stocks eases.
Brake pedals on all 3 Zunjie vehicles broke completely, and the video was taken down! Scholar: Companies can silence critics without an official order
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
懂車帝 released a video alleging that the brake pedal on the Zunjie V800, developed through a partnership between 華為 and 江淮, had broken; the video was taken down. Three government departments formed a joint investigation team, and 江淮’s share price plunged.
Facts
懂車帝 released a video claiming that the brake pedal brackets on all 3 Zunjie V800 vehicles broke during emergency braking tests
The Zunjie V800 starts at 766,000 yuan
江淮汽車 lost about 11 billion yuan in market value in 2 days
No cracks or damage appeared in third-party testing after the longitudinal force was increased to 3,000 newtons
工信部, 中央網信辦 and 市場監管總局 formed a joint investigation team
Ministry of Labor payouts are available—go claim yours! People aged 50 and older can still receive 1 payment of up to 100,000 yuan; eligibility and amounts explained
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Labor has introduced an employment incentive for care services to help unemployed workers enter the long-term care sector through referrals from public employment service agencies. Eligible applicants can receive a monthly allowance of 5,000 to 7,000 yuan after working continuously for 30 days, for up to 18 months and a maximum total of 108,000 yuan.
Facts
The Workforce Development Agency of the Ministry of Labor is offering an “Employment Incentive for Care Services,” with a maximum cumulative payment of 108,000 yuan.
The incentive allowance is available for up to 18 months, and the amount increases with the time worked.
Applicants must have a certificate of completion of care worker training, a technician certificate or a degree in a related field.
Applicants must find employment through a referral from a public employment service agency to qualify for the incentive; finding a job independently does not qualify.
Dilraba and Chen Duling lose out! TOP15 most popular supporting actresses in Chinese dramas: the winner is hailed for astonishing, unbeatable acting and a presence rivaling the leading actress
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chinese social media platform Weibo published a TOP15 ranking of supporting actresses in costume dramas from the past decade, with Li Qin’s Yuan Chun taking the top spot and Dilraba and Chen Duling placing second and third. Analysts say audiences increasingly favor supporting characters with independent growth arcs and complex personalities, reflecting a shift in trends in film and television production.
Facts
A “TOP15 supporting actresses in costume dramas of the past decade” list recently appeared on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with Li Qin’s Yuan Chun in 《楚喬傳》 taking first place.
Dilraba’s Bai Fengjiu in 《三生三世十里桃花》 followed closely, showcasing charm and personal growth.
Chen Duling’s Ye Bingshang in 《長月燼明》 was a highly discussed new character on the list, described as an ordinary person struggling to survive like anyone else.
Lu Yuxiao’s Shangguan Qian in 《雲之羽》, Guo Xiaoting’s Shunde Fairy in 《蒼蘭訣》, Wang Yifei’s Sui He in 《香蜜沉沉燼如霜》 and Mao Xiaotong’s Li Changru in 《錦繡未央》 all made the list.
The article notes that highly popular supporting actresses often have independent character arcs separate from the lead, a key reason they can outshine the main characters and become the focus of public discussion.
After-work World》Is Taiwan becoming a backyard for U.S. CSPs? Lisa Su spends US$8.2 billion to snap up Fei-Fei Li! Lin Hongwen says the third round of the AI battle is underway
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
AMD announced an US$8.2 billion acquisition of World Labs, signaling that the AI race has entered its third round, with attention shifting to physical AI and the battle for talent. Lin Hongwen says U.S. CSPs are investing in Taiwan’s supply chain, steering Taiwan toward becoming their backyard, while technology giants are working to extend AI applications into the physical world to realize commercial value.
Facts
AMD announced an acquisition of World Labs for about US$8.2 billion.
World Labs focuses on research into spatial intelligence and world models.
OriginalAmazon參與世芯-KY及金像電投資。
TIME magazine named Fei-Fei Li among the world’s leading AI pioneers.
Physical AI robots take a long time to perform simple actions, such as pouring cola.
Companies mentioned：超微（AMD）、World Labs、輝達（NVIDIA）、聯發科、Amazon、金像電、世芯-KY、Google、ZT Systems
4 Taiwanese financial companies set to merge! This 1 will be the surviving company, with funds totaling 390.4 billion; decision to be finalized on 10/22
Investment trust companies under 4 financial holding companies—第一金投信, 兆豐投信, 華南永昌投信 and 合作金庫投信—are expected to hold board meetings simultaneously on October 22 to approve the merger plan.
According to statistics from 投信投顧公會, as of August 2026, the 4 investment trusts had combined fund assets of about 390.366 billion yuan and 99 funds.
The financial holding companies involved will hold board meetings simultaneously on October 22 to review the merger proposals, with 第一金投信 as the surviving company.
Tan Songyun and Liu Xueyi’s 《蘭香如故》 loses out! TOP10 best Chinese costume dramas of 2026: the winner far surpasses 《家業》 in reviews and is hailed as the pinnacle of divine dramas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
《BEAUTY美人圈》 reported that the highest-rated costume drama on Douban in 2026 was 《太平年》 (8.7 points), with 《蘭香如故》 in second place (7.5 points). Its TOP10 roundup spans fantasy, suspense, wuxia and other genres, analyzing each drama’s highlights and audience reception.
Facts
The top-rated costume drama of 2026 was 《太平年》, with a score of 8.7.
《蘭香如故》, starring Tan Songyun and Liu Xueyi, ranked second in the ratings, with a score of 7.5.
《白日提燈》, starring Dilraba and Chen Feiyu, scored 6.7 on Douban and ranked 10th.
《家業》, starring Yang Zi, scored 7.3 on Douban and ranked third.
《雨霖鈴》, produced with the participation of 正午陽光 and starring Yang Yang and Zhang Ruonan, scored 7.0 on Douban.
《佳偶天成》, starring Ren Jialun and Wang Herun, scored 6.9 on Douban and centers on a fantastical fate-driven premise.
《雀骨》, starring Hou Minghao and Amy, scored 6.9 on Douban and features a marriage-before-love storyline.
《花開錦繡》, starring Ding Yuxi and Deng Enxi, scored 7.2 on Douban and combines household intrigue with escape and adventure.
How much should a 34-year-old have in savings? Engineer reveals asset breakdown; many praise it as realistic and highly useful for comparison
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A 34-year-old engineer shared a breakdown of assets and liabilities on Dcard, showing total assets of about 2 million, including a 900,000 personal loan, prompting many online users to say the figures were within the normal range.
Facts
The 34-year-old engineer’s holdings in Taiwan and U.S. stocks are worth 1.4 million.
The engineer currently has a bank balance of 600,000.
Zhuge Liang borrowed arrows with straw boats! Why didn’t Cao Cao “just shoot fire arrows”? History experts reveal the biggest mystery in 《Romance of the Three Kingdoms》
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The story of borrowing arrows with straw boats in Romance of the Three Kingdoms showcases Zhuge Liang’s strategic skill. Cao Cao did not use fire arrows because the enemy situation was unclear and the risks had to be assessed. The story is a work of fiction, while the Battle of Red Cliffs was a real historical event.
Facts
Using thick fog for cover, Zhuge Liang brought boats covered with straw figures close to Cao Cao’s naval camp, then used drums to create the illusion of an attack and prompt Cao Cao’s forces to shoot arrows, successfully obtaining a large number of them.
Unable to assess the enemy’s situation, Cao Cao would not lightly resort to an attack using fire arrows.
The Battle of Red Cliffs was a major turning point in the history of the Three Kingdoms. Cao Cao’s forces marched south but were defeated by the combined forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei, and failed to annex Jiangdong.
The story of borrowing arrows with straw boats is a literary episode in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, not a historical record.
Traveling with a tour group? Take note! A “well-known Taiwan travel agency” has had its license revoked and dissolved amid financial irregularities; see the latest list of 71 agencies that have suspended operations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has published a list of travel agencies subject to statutory disclosure in 2026, involving 71 operators in total over violations or business concerns. The list includes 12 agencies whose licenses were revoked, 3 whose security deposits were seized, 16 that were dissolved, and 40 that suspended operations. The move aims to remind travelers to avoid high-risk operators and protect their consumer rights when traveling abroad.
Facts
The Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has published a list of travel agencies subject to statutory disclosure in 2026, involving 71 operators in total.
The travel agency licenses of 12 agencies have been revoked or annulled.
The security deposits of 3 travel agencies have been seized by a court or subjected to compulsory execution due to financial problems.
A total of 16 travel agencies were either approved for dissolution or notified by the competent authority of their dissolution, or had their tax registrations canceled.
A total of 40 travel agencies have suspended operations.
The Tourism Administration reminds travelers to check in advance that an operator is legally registered and operating, and to carefully review the travel contract and payment and refund terms.
Who is the Central Committee member behind the proposal to expel Jaw Shaw-kong from the party? Lee Yung-ping reveals his background: he is known as the “luggage king”
What jobs can you do after retirement? A 65-year-old grandmother earns “NT$60,000 a month” from 1 side business, outdoing office workers; no experience is needed, and you can work from home
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A 65-year-old Japanese woman, Sayuri Mitani, addressed corporate copyright concerns by using Adobe Firefly and successfully reinvented herself as an AI expert earning 300,000 yen a month, demonstrating the potential of older adults to learn new technology.
Facts
Sayuri Mitani, who lives in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, and is now 65 years old, learned to use generative AI tools and earns 300,000 yen a month.
Sayuri Mitani raised her fee for image commissions from 50 yen per image to 3,000 yen, an increase of 60 times.
In 2024, Sayuri Mitani delivered 165 AI-generated images in just 5 days.
Shota Kiuchi, head of the well-known Japanese AI community SHIFT AI, said that members aged 60 and over now account for more than 11% of the community.
Sayuri Mitani provides consulting services to help companies adopt AI, charging as much as 10,000 yen per hour.
Sayuri Mitani chose Adobe Firefly as her primary tool because it emphasizes training AI only on licensed content.
Save your money here! Haven’t made your provisional corporate income tax payment yet? Pay by “this date” at the latest to save on interest
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The Taipei National Taxation Bureau of the Ministry of Finance urges businesses to meet the Oct. 31 deadline to file and pay their provisional 115年度 corporate income tax, avoiding an assessment made directly by the authorities and additional interest charges.
Facts
The filing period for provisional corporate income tax for 115年度 ended on Sept. 30, and the final deadline to file and pay is Oct. 31.
For payments made by Oct. 31, interest is calculated at the fixed 1-year postal savings deposit rate of 1.725% as of Jan. 1, 115年.
For those who fail to file by Oct. 31, the tax collection authorities will calculate the provisional tax due as half of the tax payable in the 114年度 final return.
Those who fail to pay on time must complete payment within 15 days after receiving a payment notice.
Post offices do not collect provisional corporate income tax payments; payment must be made at a regular financial institution.
〈Energy Taiwan〉Net-Zero and Smart Energy Week draws 18,000 professional buyers over 3 days, focusing on balancing energy and decarbonization needs in the AI era
The 2026 Taiwan International Net-Zero Sustainability Expo and Taiwan International Smart Energy Week attracted nearly 18,000 professional buyers over their 3-day run.
The exhibition brought together more than 430 exhibitors and nearly 1,400 booths.
The top five buyer countries and regions were Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Vietnam, in that order.
The exhibition held 79 procurement meetings and invited international buyers from 14 countries.
Original星展集團累計參與逾5GW再生能源專案融資。
The 2027 Net-Zero Sustainability Expo and Smart Energy Week will take place at Hall 1 of the Nangang Exhibition Center from Oct. 27 to 29.
Danish supermarket tests robots for overnight restocking, hopes to boost employee efficiency
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Danish supermarket Føtex is partnering with Hive Robots to train humanoid robots developed by 宇樹科技 for overnight restocking, aiming to use AI to improve employee efficiency and address recruitment challenges, with partial autonomous operations targeted for 2027.
Nagoya Asian Para Games open today; 6 team doctors accompany Taiwan delegation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
The 5th Nagoya Asian Para Games opened on the 18th, with 6 team doctors accompanying Taiwan's delegation to provide medical support. The team includes specialists in rehabilitation medicine and urology, as well as a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, to address health issues that athletes with disabilities may face.
Stampede at India's Durga Puja festival leaves 17 dead and 25 injured
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
A stampede during Durga Puja in India's West Bengal state, triggered by heavy rain and crowd surges, left 17 dead and 25 injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced that families of the deceased can receive compensation of 200,000 rupees.