Today's (7/20) Top News! Double Ninth Elderly Allowance Disbursement Dates Revealed! / Tourism Bureau Launches 'NT$1,000 per County' Subsidy Today! / How Much Does the World Cup Champion Earn?

Storm Media's news focus brings you today's key highlights. The international sports world is buzzing as the 2026 FIFA World Cup prize pool surpasses $871 million, with the champion team set to receive $50 million. The runner-up will earn $33 million.

Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to face scorching temperatures, with a heatwave expected across the island for the next week. Northern regions could see highs of 36°C, possibly accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, while southern areas must remain alert for sudden heavy rains.

Politically, the DPP Central Committee election has sparked a new power struggle. Lai Qingde has secured seven seats, firmly overturning the humiliating defeat he suffered at the previous party congress.

On the domestic policy front, the new labor pension system will be implemented on August 1. Middle-aged and older workers will benefit from rare flexible protections, including a surprising 30-day cooling-off period. However, businesses will now face co-responsibility obligations, sparking widespread debate.

As the Double Ninth Festival approaches, cities and counties across Taiwan are beginning to distribute elderly allowances of up to NT$50,000. Kaohsiung City has drawn attention by adding 35 new financial institutions for direct transfers this year—an unprecedented move. Meanwhile, Huatan Township has started disbursing NT$6,000 to each resident, but the complex procedures and scheduling have drawn mixed reactions.

Elderly welfare is being upgraded nationwide, with monthly subsidies for senior citizen cards in the six major cities doubling. Taichung City stands out with a monthly subsidy of 1,000 points. However, the hidden costs behind these policies are prompting serious discussions about their long-term effectiveness.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup prize pool has reached a record $871 million—1.5 times higher than previous editions—sparking global discussion. The champion team will receive $50 million, while the runner-up earns $33 million, a significant gap that has fueled debate over the value of winning. Even teams reaching the knockout stage will receive substantial funding, raising questions about financial operations and future impacts.

The DPP Central Committee election results are in: Lai Qingde now firmly controls 70% of the seats, a stark contrast to his humiliating defeat two years ago. Behind this political battle lies meticulous factional maneuvering and intense vote-counting. The 'Yongyan Association,' which once opposed Lai, has now become his solid supporter. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai's plan was derailed by just one vote, and his dream of cooperation with the 'Ying faction' collapsed amid the harsh reality of election results—ironically helping Lai's faction expand its influence.

Today's weather forecast warns not only New Taipei but the entire northern region of Taiwan could hit 36°C, with six consecutive days of extreme heat expected. The Central Weather Administration predicts a prolonged heatwave will blanket the island over the next week.

Attention, 60-year-olds and older! The Ministry of Labor's new pension system takes effect August 1, introducing a surprising 30-day 'cooling-off period' and allowing workers to voluntarily contribute to their retirement funds—unprecedented flexibility and protection for those nearing retirement. However, hidden details in the new system pose significant challenges for businesses, including unexpected 'co-responsibility' obligations.

The 2026 Double Ninth elderly allowance is here! Seniors who meet the criteria can receive up to NT$50,000. Disbursement amounts and schedules across counties and cities have been announced. Notably, Kaohsiung City has broken tradition this year by adding 35 new financial institutions for direct transfers.

The Tourism Bureau's travel subsidy launches July 20! 'NT$1,000 per county' red packets are available to all Taiwanese residents. Application methods and procedures are now available. The New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau has launched a new tourism revitalization program—press a few buttons and instantly receive a NT$1,000 accommodation voucher! However, applicants must first complete check-in challenges across 14 themed routes, and complex review processes plus limited quotas make it harder than it seems. Despite this, a NT$5 million lottery prize continues to attract massive participation.

Seniors, come collect your money! Elderly card benefits in the six major cities have been significantly upgraded, offering monthly subsidies of up to 1,000 points—automatically deposited until death. New Taipei City has sparked a trend, making electric-assist bicycles the top choice among seniors, with usage soaring 166%. Taichung City leads with a monthly subsidy of 1,000 points.