Brazil’s Liberal Party accepts presidential runoff result, diverges from Bolsonaro son
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Brazil’s Liberal Party accepted the presidential runoff result, diverging from its member Flávio Bolsonaro, who questioned the election’s fairness and threatened to overturn the result. Incumbent President Lula won a 4th term.
116 university Stars Program and application admissions: Most programs require scores in 3 subjects
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
For the 116 academic year, the largest number of programs in the university Stars Program and application admissions require scores in 3 GSAT subjects. The selection committee released information on the required subjects early to help students prepare for the GSAT.
Facts
795 programs in total
48%
777 programs in total
Account for 35%
1,660 programs in total
2,240 programs are participating in admissions
Expected to be announced on November 3
Expected to go on sale to the public on December 1
CNBC: 日銀 expected to hold rates, but hike likely in the future
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
CNBC reported that experts expect 日本銀行（日銀）to leave its policy rate unchanged at 1.25% at its October 29-30 policy meeting, while laying the groundwork for a hike in December or January next year. Japan’s core CPI rose 2.1% year over year in September, while real wages grew for the 8th consecutive month in August. Rising inflation and wages support the case for further monetary tightening, although some experts say there is not yet enough consensus to support consecutive rate hikes.
Facts
Policy rate of 1.25%
Interviewed 16 economists and analysts
Japan’s core consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.1% year over year in September
Higher than August’s 1.7%
Japan’s real wages grew for the 8th consecutive month in August
Up 1.5% year on year
The 2% “underlying inflation rate” target has been achieved
Companies mentioned：中央社、CNBC、日本銀行、日銀、BoJ、瑞士隆巴歐蒂、Lombard Odier、花旗研究、Citi Research、路透社、日本時報、The Japan Times
Israeli election: Netanyahu and rival hold nearly identical hard-line foreign policy positions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Israel is holding an election. Although incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leading opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot hold sharply different positions on domestic issues, their hard-line stances on foreign security policy concerning Gaza, Iran and the Palestinians are virtually identical.
Facts
Israel holds election on the 27th
Both aim to end Hamas rule in Gaza within 18 months
60% of Israeli Jews surveyed want a new prime minister
China's CCTV releases satellite footage of Taiwan; Wellington Koo calls it cognitive warfare
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China's CCTV released clear satellite images of Taiwan on Retrocession Day. Defense Minister Wellington Koo called it cognitive warfare, saying the Ministry of National Defense would strengthen early warning, concealment and mobile dispersal to ensure security. He also explained the current status of military allowances.
Facts
About 87% of combat units receive related allowances
About 13% of military personnel in senior command units receive no allowances
Candidates draw numbers for Taichung mayoral election; Ho Hsin-chun gets 1, Chiang Chi-chen gets 3
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taichung City Election Commission held a drawing for mayoral candidates' ballot numbers. Ho Hsin-chun of the 民主進步黨 drew 1, Hung Li-hua of the 司法正義黨 drew 2, and Chiang Chi-chen of the 中國國民黨 drew 3.
Candidates for island county chiefs draw numbers; Kinmen completed its draw on the 23rd
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The ballot-number draws for county chief elections in the three outlying counties (Kinmen, Penghu and Lienchiang) in the nine-in-one elections have concluded. Kinmen held its draw on the 23rd, while Penghu and Lienchiang held theirs on the morning of the 27th.
2026 Kaohsiung Halloween: Chen Chi-mai says giant pumpkin will graduate with him
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 2026 Kaohsiung Halloween event will take place from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at 衛武營國家藝術文化中心. Mayor Chen Chi-mai said the giant inflatable pumpkin installation would “graduate” alongside him. The event includes 250 booths, performances by YOYO and others, and a 360-degree light show.
Changhua and Nantou county chief candidates draw ballot numbers, rally voters with slogans
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The ballot-number draws for the Changhua and Nantou county chief elections have concluded. Chen Su-yue of the Democratic Progressive Party and Wei Ping-cheng of the Kuomintang drew 1 and 2, respectively. Hsu Shu-hua of the Kuomintang drew 1, and Wen Shih-cheng of the Democratic Progressive Party drew 2. The candidates each shouted slogans to win voter support.
Tsai Kang-yung posts on 微博; Chiu Chui-cheng says people's free choices should not be threatened by the CCP
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tsai Kang-yung sparked controversy after attending the launch of Shen Po-yang's campaign headquarters. His 微博 account was wiped, and companies distanced themselves from their partnerships with him. Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said the free choices of Taiwan's people should not be threatened or interfered with by the CCP. He also noted that Chinese actor Zhang Linghe's application to visit Taiwan was denied because his posts had political overtones.
Candidates draw numbers for Kaohsiung mayoral election; Lai Jui-lung gets 5, Ko Chih-en gets 3
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Candidates for Kaohsiung mayor in the 2026 nine-in-one elections drew their ballot numbers. Lai Jui-lung of the Democratic Progressive Party drew 5, and Ko Chih-en of the Kuomintang drew 3. Chang Ching, Wang Chao-min and Hung Fang-lung drew 1, 2 and 4, respectively.
Another NT$179 billion budgeted for debt repayment
Original預估116年底累計債務未償餘額6兆7579億元
About 23% of the average nominal gross domestic product of the previous 3 years
Down 2.9 percentage points from the end of 115
Within the Public Debt Act limit of 40.6%
NT$237.5 billion budgeted for universal cash payments
Cash payment of NT$10,000 per person
The government has invested a cumulative NT$99.5 billion in improving overall compensation and benefits for military personnel, civil servants, teachers, police and firefighters
Candidates draw numbers for Yunlin and Chiayi county and city chief elections; spirits run high
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Candidates for county and city chief in the nine-in-one elections in Yunlin County, Chiayi County and Chiayi City successfully drew their ballot numbers. Candidates were in high spirits and delivered campaign slogans.
Facts
Independent candidate Wang Yi-cheng drew 1
Independent candidate Chen Kai-huang drew 2
Taiwan People's Party candidate Chang Chi-kai drew 3
Democratic Progressive Party candidate Wang Mei-hui drew 4
Independent candidate Huang Hung-cheng drew 5
Independent candidate Wu Pin-jui drew 1
Democratic Progressive Party candidate Tsai Yi-yu drew 2
Independent candidate Wu Ping-hui... drew 1
Kuomintang candidate Chang Chia-chun drew 2
Democratic Progressive Party candidate Liu Chien-kuo drew 3
A Chinese aircraft carrier group led by the Liaoning passed through waters south of the Philippines on the 22nd. The Philippine military mobilized its navy, air force and coast guard to monitor it jointly. The Salanggani, converted from the retired Taiwan patrol and rescue vessel 金門艦 donated by Taiwan, also took part in the operation.
EU to impose parcel handling fee from November, affecting platforms such as Shein and Temu
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The EU announced that from Nov. 1 it will charge a handling fee of 2 euros per item category on parcels from outside the bloc, to ease pressure on customs processing and offset operating costs. The move will affect e-commerce platforms and sellers such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress and Amazon. Nearly 6 billion small parcels entered the EU last year, about 93% of them from China.
City representatives to draw ballot numbers for mayoral election; Shen Po-yang says Taipei has a strong backer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang drew No. 3 in a public lottery for the 2026 nine-in-one elections, unveiling the slogan “Taipei’s backing is Shen Po-yang”; he also responded to issues involving Chiang Wan-an’s campaign team and Tsai Kang-yung’s appearance.
雲云科技 head sentenced to life in prison again in second appeal of case involving killing of chief technology officer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
曾志新, head of 雲云科技, fatally stabbed the chief technology officer over differences in work philosophy. The Taiwan High Court rejected his appeal in the second trial, upholding the first-trial sentence of life in prison and permanent deprivation of civil rights.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for parts of Shanjiao and Jiushe villages in Yuanli Township, Miaoli County. The affected area includes No. 70 near 6 lin in Jiushe Village. Water service is expected to be restored at 17:00 on October 27, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Rende District, Tainan City, as crews repair a burst 80mm pipe. The affected area is Renyi Village. The outage is effective from 2026-10-27T11:45:30 until 2026-10-27T14:30:00.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Chiayi City as crews repair a pipeline damaged during 台電 construction work. Parts of the West and East districts are affected, with water service expected to be restored before 17:30 on October 27, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Jiafang Village in Xinying District, Tainan City, as crews carry out emergency repairs to a broken pipeline at the entrance to Lane 971, Fuxing Road.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs that require a water outage in several villages in Zhongpu Township, Chiayi County, on October 27, 2026, due to a mechanical and electrical equipment failure.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Zhongzhou Village in Rende District and Datan and Wudong villages in Guiren District, Tainan City, as crews repair a burst pipe on Section 1, Changrong Road. The outage is scheduled from 11:18 to 15:00 on October 27, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Zhongzhou and Bao'an villages in Rende District, Tainan City, as crews repair a burst 150mm pipe on Section 1, Changrong Road, in Guiren District. The outage is scheduled from 11:19 to 15:00 on October 27, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in Zhongyuan Village, Caotun Township, Nantou County, on October 27, 2026, while connecting old and new pipes for a new customer installation.
台灣自來水公司's 西螺服務所 is carrying out a water outage and pipeline connection work to install fire hydrants and improve water quality and fire safety in the Citong area.
A leak repair on a water control valve at No. 171, Tianwei Street, Shulin District, by 台灣自來水公司 has caused water outages in Xibei Village, Sanxia District, and Dongyuan Village, Shulin District, New Taipei City.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs to a pipeline in front of No. 139, Chima Village, Xiyu Township, Penghu County. The water outage is scheduled from 10:43 to 17:00 on October 27, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 will carry out the 115 Xinying Service Office district metering network construction and leak detection work in several villages in Liuying District, Tainan City. The work is expected to cause a brief, localized water outage of about 10 to 30 minutes.
台灣自來水公司 will conduct work in some villages in Liuying District, Tainan City, to build a district-metered network for the 115 Xinying Office project and investigate leaks through network isolation. The work is expected to cause a brief regional water outage; water service will be restored about 10 to 30 minutes after the shutoff test.
台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in Beigang and Nangang villages in Dayuan District and Baozhang Village in Guanyin District, Taoyuan City, from October 27 to 29, 2026, for pipeline replacement work on Huaxing Road and other roads in Dayuan District, and installation of a pressure-reducing valve at the intersection of Xucuo Port Road and Gongsi Road.
To improve the stability of water supply and reduce the risk of pipeline leaks, 台灣自來水公司 will carry out pipeline replacement work on Xian'an Street and other locations in Fengyuan District, Taichung City. Water service is expected to be suspended from 10:34 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on October 27, 2026, affecting Xian'an and Xishi villages in Fengyuan District.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Gaolin and Hebao villages in Gukeng Township, Yunlin County, as crews repair a pipeline damaged during excavation in Hebao. The outage is scheduled from 10:36 to 17:00 on October 27, 2026.
Strong Wind Advisory for Land Areas (Yellow Alert) (Pingtung County, Miaoli County, Taoyuan City, Lienchiang County, Yunlin County, New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Chiayi County, Changhua County, Taichung City, Taitung County, Tainan City, Penghu County)
A power outage caused by 台電 construction work has left the Neixin booster station unable to supply water, prompting 台灣自來水公司 to issue a water outage alert for parts of Luzhu District, Taoyuan City.
A power outage caused by 台電 construction work has left the Chenggong booster station unable to supply water, prompting 台灣自來水公司 to issue a water outage notice for several villages in Taoyuan City.
To improve the stability of water supply and reduce the risk of pipeline leaks, 台灣自來水公司 is replacing pipelines along sections of a network improvement project for the 115 service area. Water service will be suspended in Xingfu Village, Dajia District, Taichung City, on October 27, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs to a pipeline in front of No. 139, Chima, Xiyu Township, causing a water outage in Chima Village, Xiyu Township, Penghu County.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Yangmei District, Taoyuan City, as a severed pipeline connection affects Zhongshan and Yangming villages. The outage is effective from 10:25 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on October 27, 2026.
Huoshan Reservoir (discharge to Beigang River): Free Overflow (Yunlin County, Chiayi County)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
水利署 issued an updated notice on free overflow from Hushan Reservoir into Beigang River, affecting multiple towns and cities in Yunlin County and Chiayi County. Residents along the river are urged to be careful and stay away from the riverbed.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs to a pipeline in front of No. 139, Chima, Xiyu Township, causing a water outage in Chima Village, Xiyu Township, Penghu County.
An emergency repair of a road leak on Renhe Road, East District, Tainan City, has caused a water outage and reduced water pressure in parts of the area.
An emergency repair of a road leak at the entrance to an alley beside No. 988, Section 3, Haian Road, North District, Tainan City, has caused a water outage and reduced water pressure in parts of the area.
An emergency repair is underway for a leak in a 100mm PVC pipe at No. 45, Xingbang Road, Guishan District, resulting in water outages in parts of Taoyuan City and New Taipei City.
台灣自來水公司 will carry out maintenance on the Beidou 115-116 fiscal-year district metering network, suspending water service overnight for 6 hours in parts of Changhua County starting in the early hours of Oct. 28, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 will replace pipeline equipment as part of district metering network construction in Changhua, Hemei and other areas to improve water quality and strengthen regional supply stability, resulting in localized water outages.
After issuing a statement saying he “does not support Taiwan independence,” Tsai Kang-yung faces an unreceptive response across the strait... Taiwanese online influencers also criticize him for failing to please any side
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwanese host Tsai Kang-yung was cut off by mainland authorities after appearing at a campaign event for Shen Boyang. He issued a statement clarifying that he had not supported Taiwan independence, but received no sympathetic response from mainland authorities. Chiang Wan-an and Shen Boyang respectively said they respected and criticized the interference, while Taiwanese online influencers called Tsai’s position awkward, reflecting the difficult position entertainers face as cross-strait politics become increasingly sensitive.
Facts
Late on Oct. 25, Tsai Kang-yung posted a statement on Weibo and Xiaohongshu, stressing that he had always hoped for friendly exchanges across the strait and had never supported Taiwan independence.
Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of the Global Times, criticized Tsai Kang-yung, saying his stance was not soft but his posture was, and that the statement seemed to signal a farewell to his fans.
In an interview at an event launching the campaign headquarters that Tsai Kang-yung attended, Chiang Wan-an said he respected Tsai’s remarks and political stance and opposed boycotting people over differences in their views.
Taiwanese online influencer Cheap criticized Tsai Kang-yung for “failing to please any side” this time, saying he had offended the Little Pinks, green supporters and blue supporters all at once.
Finance buzz》Has China’s idle capacity saved the world? Aluminum exports surge 16%, prices fall again! Has the Middle East conflict’s supply gap been eased?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The U.S.-Iran war halted aluminum production in the Middle East and sharply reduced exports, but China filled the global supply gap by increasing aluminum exports by 16%, sending prices down from their highs.
Facts
The conflict in the Middle East reduced aluminum exports from the United Arab Emirates by about 970,000 tons.
China’s aluminum exports rose 16% year over year in the first 8 months of 2026, an increase of about 670,000 tons.
Spot aluminum prices surged to about $3,780 per ton in June 2026 before retreating.
Aluminum prices were about $3,055 per ton in late October 2026.
China filled the aluminum supply gap caused by the conflict in the Middle East, pushing prices down.
Global buzz》Top genes, frozen cells and precision armor: U.S. develops cloned “super military dogs” for future battlefields!
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Texas-based U.S. company Warhound plans to use gene editing and cloning to develop super military dogs free of genetic diseases and with keen senses of smell, and equip them with protective gear for future battlefields.
Facts
Texas-based U.S. company Warhound plans to develop super military dogs.
Warhound will collect and freeze cells from outstanding military and police working dogs.
The plan aims to eliminate genes associated with hip dysplasia and other genetic diseases.
Warhound will provide military dogs with eye and hearing protection.
The ultimate goal is to breed dogs with a keener sense of smell and deploy them on the battlefield through cloning.
Controversy over regulation of ride-hailing platforms: How will one vehicle joining multiple fleets and service-fee controls be enforced? Huang Shicong fears rules could become “neither fish nor fowl”
The amendments would also allow “one vehicle to join multiple fleets” and stipulate that service fees charged by fleets to drivers must be approved by the competent authority before they can be implemented.
Financial expert Huang Shicong said the proposed amendments stemmed from the Bolt incident earlier this year and were intended to close a liability loophole.
Original草案預告期只有14天，交通部規劃最快11月底或12月初上路。
At least 4 companies are competing in the ride-hailing market, and Bolt’s entry into Taiwan also shows that the market still has potential.
Li Hui-xuan, endorsed by the Taiwan Obasan Alliance, is entering an election for the first time after practicing law for 17 years. Her current support in the poll is 4.01%, placing her 9th.
The poll shows that the top 6 candidates are all incumbent councilors seeking reelection, with Democratic Progressive Party councilor Lin Liang-chun leading at 14.48% support.
The public issues most frequently raised by residents were “urban renewal and housing,” with 118 mentions, followed by “transportation and pedestrians,” with 98.
Li Hui-xuan proposes expanding subsidies for establishing management committees to buildings with four floors, to help communities assess construction projects and coordinate residents.
Exclusive》Futures broker hit by major system failure ahead of holiday! Investors get “automatic orders” as risk controls fail?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A system malfunction at 國票期貨 during the night session on Oct. 22 caused new positions to be automatically added to investors’ accounts even after they had closed out their positions, indicating a failure of risk controls. The company pledged to absorb the resulting gains and losses, but the incident exposed system and risk-control vulnerabilities and drew regulatory attention.
Facts
國票期貨 reportedly suffered a major system malfunction at around 11 p.m. on Oct. 22.
Many investors found positions appearing in their accounts out of nowhere after they had closed them out.
Investors could not stop the system from placing abnormal orders, even by using order settings to limit margin usage or changing their account passwords.
國票期貨 issued an announcement about a trading system malfunction late that night, but the trading room’s phone could still not be reached at 3 a.m.
國票期貨 later pledged to absorb the gains and losses resulting from trades affected by the malfunction.
Taiwan stock index futures are products exempt from forced liquidation during the night session, so they are not forcibly closed out or subject to margin calls under the usual procedures.
How should leftover sushi be stored? Nutritionist shares “2 storage tips” to keep it as springy as when freshly bought
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A nutritionist says sushi can become hard if refrigerated directly and recommends 2 storage steps: wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with an outer layer of paper to preserve its texture and keep it safe to eat. Sushi should be eaten the same day.
Facts
If sushi is put directly in the refrigerator, the rice can become hard and lose its springy texture because of the cold and dry conditions.
The first step in storing sushi is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap together with its container.
Plastic wrap helps reduce moisture loss from the sushi rice and preserve its original moisture.
The second step is to wrap the sushi in newspaper or kitchen paper after covering it with plastic wrap, then put it in the refrigerator.
The paper layer can reduce direct contact between the sushi and cold air, limiting drastic temperature changes.
Sushi is a fresh food, and it is recommended that it be eaten on the day of purchase to avoid food safety risks.
Chiang Wan-an takes a jab at a “change in persona”? Shen Boyang says voters can decide for themselves: Chiang’s speaking skills are no problem when he gets serious
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei mayoral candidates Chiang Wan-an and Shen Boyang drew their ballot numbers on the 27th, receiving 5 and 3, respectively. Responding to criticism from supporters of Chiang’s camp, Shen cited a classic response and urged a return to policy discussions. He also praised Chiang’s speaking skills and said he would be fully prepared for the debate.
Facts
Taipei mayoral candidates drew their ballot numbers today (27). DPP candidate Shen Po-yang drew No. 3, while KMT Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an drew No. 5.
In an interview, Shen Po-yang invoked the passage “A great state is like the lower reaches” from the Tao Te Ching, explaining that “the lower reaches” means the places that truly listen to grassroots public opinion are often downstream.
Shen Po-yang acknowledged that Chiang Wan-an is actually an excellent speaker and that showing his speaking skills in earnest would not be a problem at all. But he said a public image is an objective assessment made by others, and voters will reach their own verdict.
A “Typhoon Battle” web game launched recently by Chiang Wan-an’s campaign office sparked controversy and was quickly taken offline. The office subsequently distanced itself from the game, saying it had been made by a supporter.
Shen Po-yang said it was logically strange for Chiang’s campaign office to release the game through its official channels and then question who made it. He stressed that the key issue was not who created it, but who released it to the public.
Mbappé says his favorite is the “Mao Zedong meme,” angering China! 東鵬飲料 and 蒙牛 swiftly terminate contracts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
French soccer star Mbappé sparked controversy over alleged insults to China after discussing a “Mao Zedong meme.” 蒙牛 and 東鵬飲料 swiftly terminated their contracts with him, while 懂球帝 also refused to translate his remarks. The incident highlights strict scrutiny of politically sensitive topics in the Chinese market.
Facts
蒙牛 and 東鵬飲料 announced on the 27th that they were ending all cooperation with Mbappé.
On a show, Mbappé said his favorite meme was one that photoshopped his face onto “a certain Chinese dictator.”
Mbappé earns a total of millions of dollars a year from endorsements in China.
懂球帝 said in a statement that Mbappé’s remarks involved harm to China and the Chinese people, and therefore could not be translated.
補水啦, an electrolyte drink brand under 東鵬飲料, announced Mbappé as its endorser in April this year.
Can you receive benefits if you have unpaid National Pension premiums? A way to ease the burden of monthly payments of 1329 yuan; installments available for National Pension arrears of 3000 yuan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Bureau of Labor Insurance under the Ministry of Labor released information on the National Pension, noting that from 2026, the monthly premium paid by members of the general public will be 1329 yuan. Those with unpaid premiums of 3000 yuan or more who meet the income requirements may apply to pay in installments to maintain their benefit eligibility, but premiums more than 10 years overdue cannot be paid retroactively.
Facts
In 2026, the total monthly National Pension premium will be 2216 yuan, of which members of the general public pay 1329 yuan.
Those with National Pension arrears totaling 3000 yuan or more and income of 500,000 yuan or less may apply to pay in installments.
National Pension arrears may be paid in up to 40 installments, each of at least 1000 yuan.
National Pension arrears more than 10 years overdue cannot be paid retroactively and will not count toward the contribution period.
Those who meet the requirements can compare Formula A and Formula B and receive the more favorable old-age pension.
Explainer》Taipei’s Civic Boulevard was once a railway! Why build an elevated road after moving the trains underground? The reasons behind it are little known
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article explores the history and background of the construction of Taipei’s Civic Boulevard elevated roadway. The road was built along the former Taiwan Railways Western Trunk Line corridor to ease an east-west traffic bottleneck, and opened to traffic along its full length in 1997.
Facts
Most of the corridor used by Taipei’s Civic Boulevard elevated roadway was once part of the Taiwan Railways Western Trunk Line.
The Taipei Railway Station undergrounding project was approved in 1979, and related work began in 1983.
The first phase of the railway undergrounding project moved the roughly 4.42-kilometer stretch of railway between Huashan and Wanhua underground.
Civic Boulevard elevated roadway was originally called the “Taipei East-West Expressway.” It runs from near the intersection of Huanhe North Road and Zhengzhou Road in the west to the intersection of Keelung Road and Yongji Road in the east.
Construction of the Civic Boulevard elevated roadway began in 1991, and the full route officially opened to traffic on September 7, 1997.
Never blow out a wish candle with your mouth! A look at 3 major taboos and a guide to using them correctly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The article details techniques and taboos for using wish candles, covering when to light them, ritual steps, and burning guidelines, and guides readers on how to make wishes come true through proper use.
Facts
Wish candles are best lit during the new moon each month, symbolizing a fresh start and unlimited possibilities.
Never blow out a wish candle directly with your mouth, or you will blow away the gathered spiritual energy and good luck.
When writing a wish, avoid negative phrasing. For example, change “I hope I don’t get fat” to “I have a healthy and attractive figure.”
When a wish candle is burned for the first time, let the surface melt evenly into a flat pool of wax to extend the candle’s life.
If you scroll on your phone while lighting a wish candle and do it halfheartedly, it will greatly reduce the universe’s chances of granting your wish.
AI bubble? 美光 and 輝達 lead a surge in U.S. stock profits; analysts declare the “market is unusually rational” based on this point
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The top 10 companies, including 輝達 and 美光, are driving a sharp increase in S&P 500 profits. Optimism is based on AI demand and data center investment, but analysts warn that profit growth will slow, while the market is behaving unusually rationally.
Facts
輝達 and 美光 together account for 34% of the expected third-quarter earnings growth of the S&P 500.
The top 10 companies contributed about two-thirds of overall S&P 500 earnings growth.
Analysts expect overall S&P 500 corporate earnings to grow 30% from the same period last year.
美光’s quarterly profits surged 1078% year over year, while 輝達’s profit growth is forecast to reach 90%.
Investors are increasing their allocations to power suppliers and reducing their exposure to chip suppliers in response to slowing profit growth.
Do seniors aged 65 get half-price Taiwan Railways tickets? 4 major train-ticket benefits most people don’t know about! A look at the best ways to save
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In 2026, Taiwan Railways is offering several discounts, including TPASS monthly passes, electronic commuter passes, frequent-rider rewards, a 5折 discount for university students, and 95折 unreserved seats on EMU3000 trains. The Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has also launched a limited-time half-price offer for the Taiwan PASS Taiwan Railways edition.
Facts
In 2026, Taiwan Railways offers plans including the Executive Yuan TPASS commuter pass, electronic commuter passes, frequent-rider rewards, discounts of as much as 5折 for university students, and 95折 unreserved seats on EMU3000 trains.
The Taiwan PASS Taiwan Railways edition launched by the Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications normally costs 2,500 yuan. A limited-time half-price offer will begin on September 1, 2026, bringing the price to 1,250 yuan.
Taiwan Railways electronic commuter passes are available for 30 days or 60 days and apply to designated routes with a one-way distance of no more than 150 kilometers.
Eligible students enrolled at colleges and universities can get fares at 5折, 7折, or 8折 on designated reserved-seat trains for trips of 50 kilometers or more.
Seniors aged 65 or older who meet the requirements and present valid identification can buy half-price senior tickets.
The Executive Yuan has approved a feasibility study for the southern extension of Provincial Highway 61 to Kaohsiung. The 48-kilometer project could begin construction as early as 2031 and aims to connect coastal areas of Tainan and Kaohsiung.
Facts
The Executive Yuan has approved the “Feasibility Study for the Southern Extension of Provincial Highway 61 to the Kaohsiung Area.” Comprehensive planning and an environmental impact assessment will follow.
The southern extension of Provincial Highway 61 is planned to run about 48 kilometers from Qigu in Tainan to Nanzi in Kaohsiung, with 4 lanes in each direction.
If procedures proceed smoothly, construction on the southern extension of Provincial Highway 61 could begin as early as 2031, with completion possible after 2036.
The Zengwen River Scenic Bridge is about 3.38 kilometers long and is expected to be completed in 2029.
Mid-session top performers》 Taiwan stocks turn lower and test 45798! 台積電 steadies the market as this type of stock hits limit-up
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan stocks turned lower after opening strongly on the 27th, fluctuating between 45798 and 46585 before edging down ahead of noon. 台積電 supported the market, while stocks such as 東台 hit limit-up and green energy stocks such as 映興 plunged.
Facts
Taiwan stocks reached a high of 46585.45 after opening on the 27th, then turned lower and fell to a low of 45798.23.
Who is saving a big move for the Taipei mayoral debate? Media personality reveals Chiang Wan-an had “secret coaching with a mystery person”: Shen Po-yang doesn’t need to prepare notes anymore
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
With the 2026 county and city mayoral elections just 1 month away，Chiang Wan-an held a campaign headquarters inauguration rally at Dunhua Junior High School on the 26th，drawing a huge crowd. Media commentator Hsieh Han-ping said Chiang already had a heavyweight media figure coaching him and would prepare fully for the Oct. 31 debate，while criticizing his opponent Shen Po-yang for talking in circles.
Facts
Chiang Wan-an held a campaign headquarters inauguration rally at Dunhua Junior High School on the 26th，with organizers claiming the crowd exceeded 5萬人.
Media commentator Hsieh Han-ping said a heavyweight media figure was giving Chiang Wan-an intensive coaching ahead of the Oct. 31 debate.
Tsai Kang-yung attended the inauguration rally for Chiang Wan-an’s campaign headquarters，saying the event was very successful and that Chiang spoke with great feeling.
In his speech，Chiang Wan-an said he could sometimes be too honest and too boring，but insisted he would not change his public persona for the election.
Hsieh Han-ping criticized his opponent Shen Po-yang for always talking in circles，saying there was no need to prepare a script.
The Mainland Affairs Council admits：「Taiwan has never had an independence option」！After Tsai Kang-yung told mainland fans he had「never supported Taiwan independence」，Shen You-chung made a major statement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Entertainer Tsai Kang-yung faced a boycott from mainland Chinese authorities after attending a campaign event for Shen Po-yang，then posted a clarification saying he had never supported Taiwan independence. Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen You-chung used the opportunity to reiterate that Taiwan has no option of independence，stressing the sovereign status of the Republic of China as a fact.
Facts
After Tsai Kang-yung attended the inauguration of Shen Po-yang’s campaign headquarters，major mainland Chinese brands he endorsed cut ties with him and online users called for a boycott.
Tsai Kang-yung posted on Weibo on the 25th，saying he had never supported Taiwan independence and hoped for friendly relations across the Taiwan Strait.
On Oct. 14，China’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticized anyone who tries to reap the benefits of mainland China’s development while maintaining ties with Taiwan independence separatist forces.
Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen You-chung stressed on Oct. 27 that Taiwan has never had independence as an option.
Shen You-chung said the existence of the Republic of China is an objective fact and that it is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China.
Tsai Kang-yung attended the inauguration of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s campaign headquarters on Oct. 26.