Today's (7/9) Headlines! Will Typhoon Bavi Bring a Holiday on 7/10? / 2026 Cash Handout of NT$5,000 Confirmed / Who Supports Minister Shih Chong-liang?

Typhoon Bavi is approaching Taiwan, affecting decisions on work and class suspensions across many counties and cities. Northern and central regions must remain highly alert, with Keelung City facing a 100% typhoon impact probability. The four municipalities of Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan emphasize coordinated decision-making, adjusting measures based on real-time weather changes. Government and private sectors are mobilizing responses—will there be new policies regarding typhoon holidays?

On the economic front, Miaoli County has launched an economic revitalization program, directly depositing NT$5,000 into eligible seniors’ accounts. However, typhoon disruptions may affect disbursement, prompting safety alerts. Chiayi City has also introduced a policy to reduce health insurance premiums for seniors, automatically processed by the government without requiring individual applications. What details should residents pay attention to?

Within the Kuomintang (KMT), a proposal suggests aligning the party chairmanship term with presidential elections to eliminate fragmented leadership. This move could impact key party figures. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s stock market continues to rise. Financial commentator Hsieh Chin-ho rebutted legislator Cheng Li-chun’s warnings, emphasizing that Taiwan’s economic achievements deserve recognition. Amid this storm, how are political and economic winds shifting?

Typhoon Bavi is expected to bring severe winds and rain on Friday, July 10. Ten counties and cities already face over 95% typhoon impact probability, making the decision on work and school suspensions a major focus. No official announcement has been made yet, with local governments basing decisions on real-time weather data. Updates on Bavi’s path and its impact on Taiwan, along with the latest suspension notices, will continue to be released.

The 2026 NT$5,000 cash handout plan is moving forward. Sihu Township in Miaoli County has率先 launched an economic stimulus fund, disbursing NT$5,000 per person. The program targets seniors aged 65+ and indigenous people aged 55+, with funds directly deposited into existing elderly welfare accounts starting July 10, eliminating the need to queue. July 11 is designated for in-person collection, with residents urged to follow notification instructions and avoid inter-village transfers. Disbursement may be affected by the typhoon, but local offices are prepared. Full details on eligibility and collection procedures are available—don’t miss out.

Marine typhoon warnings for Bavi are expected this afternoon, with land warnings to follow tomorrow morning. The most severe impacts will occur Friday and Saturday. This year’s typhoon holiday policy includes new changes—Keelung City has revised rainfall thresholds and introduced a zoning mechanism for greater flexibility. The four municipalities of Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan emphasize synchronized decisions. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an revealed the announcement timing, maintaining an all-day suspension model, though adjustments remain weather-dependent.

Bavi’s latest path shows it slowing down but remaining large and powerful. Its trajectory has raised concerns, especially for northern Taiwan. Keelung’s impact probability has reached 100%, with Taipei, Taoyuan, and Yilan also at high risk. The strongest winds are expected Saturday morning, with ongoing monitoring required.

Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chong-liang remains politically stable despite controversies over carcinogenic oil scandals and policy disputes. His continued position has sparked curiosity about his political backing, believed to be tied to DPP internal dynamics and factional networks. Once seen as a reformer, Shih now faces dual challenges in policy execution and public trust.

A minor NT$75 embezzlement case involving a convenience store clerk over a single oat milk latte has sparked debate on Taiwan’s judicial system. After legal proceedings, the clerk was acquitted. The high court’s 10,000+ character ruling criticized the overuse of judicial resources for minor labor errors, highlighting systemic flaws in handling petty crimes versus major cases.

Approximately 180,000 retired civil servants received good news: new pension benefit determination letters have been issued. According to Lee Lai-hsi, the revised pension scheme will take effect August 1, with back interest payments included. However, as the case remains under constitutional review, some retirees remain skeptical about timely implementation.

A KMT party representative has proposed aligning the party chairmanship term with presidential elections, with an immediate chairperson election if the party loses the presidential race. This aims to unify command and accountability. Figures like Cheng Li-chun and Lu Hsiu-yen may be affected, drawing public attention.

As Taiwan’s stock market surges toward 50,000 points, Hsieh Chin-ho countered Cheng Li-chun’s claim that the market’s foundation is rotten. He pointed out that critics existed even when TSMC was at NT$200, arguing that Taiwan’s economic achievements should be celebrated.

Seniors in Chiayi City aged 80+ now enjoy waived health insurance premiums starting July 1. No application is required—payments are automatically handled by the city government. The city has also expanded subsidies for private elementary and middle school lunch programs. How did this policy gain council support, and what future measures will promote age-friendly urban development?