Today's (08/24) Top News! 3 Counties Reach Work/School Suspension Threshold Tomorrow / Nationwide Senior Respect Red Envelopes Up to NT$50,000 / Cash Disbursement Schedule Revealed

Storm Media brings you today’s key news highlights. Southern Taiwan has experienced continuous heavy rainfall, resembling the 2018 '823 Flood' event. Total rainfall in lowland areas is forecasted to exceed 700 millimeters. Three counties—Chiayi, Kaohsiung, and Taitung—have already reached the threshold for work and class suspension, with multiple municipalities announcing closures today. Typhoon No. 18, Soudelor, continues to adjust its path, with its typhoon circle expected to approach northern Taiwan late Thursday. It will graze northern waters on Friday before entering the Taiwan Strait. Whether additional counties suspend operations tomorrow (25th) will be determined by local governments.

The 2026 Double Ninth Festival senior gift programs across all 22 counties and cities have been released. Disbursements could begin as early as September 1. Age requirements, residency duration, and asset exclusions vary significantly. Some townships offer additional bonuses, allowing recipients to collect up to NT$50,000. A few counties will distribute local specialty gifts instead of cash. Elderly individuals aged 65, 80, or over 100 should verify their eligibility and application deadlines to avoid missing payments.

While the central government’s universal NT$10,000 cash disbursement is not expected until 2027, several townships have launched early local stimulus payments. Ruixui Township in Hualien is offering NT$3,000, with the final collection window closing on August 25—no extensions. Other areas, including Changhua’s Huatan, Yunlin’s Linnei, Miaoli’s Sanwan, Hualien’s Fenglin and Xiulin, and Chiayi’s Xikou, have varying amounts and schedules. Residents should confirm local eligibility and deadlines.

Investors holding CTCB (5371) stock should take note: The Financial Supervisory Commission has approved its delisting on September 3, ceasing public issuance. The restructuring involves a 1:1 share swap, converting CTCB into a wholly-owned subsidiary of a new holding company. Shareholders must act before key dates, including the last trading day and share transfer freeze.

Typhoon Soudelor is expected to sweep across Taiwan broadly on the 27th and 28th. Although landfall probability has decreased, it hasn't been ruled out. Tropical depressions continue developing east of the Philippines and in the Taiwan Strait, maintaining high weather uncertainty.

A ranking of the top 9 'high-ponytail' male actors in Chinese historical dramas has sparked discussion. The top spot went to an actor praised as the 'most handsome in ancient costume,' noted for combining youthful charm with authoritative presence.

Mainland China will implement new entry-exit regulations on September 15. The Mainland Affairs Council warns that Taiwanese with Taiwan Compatriot Permits may be treated as Chinese citizens, especially targeting semiconductor professionals and businesspeople under new export control clauses. The Taiwan Affairs Office dismisses these concerns as 'alarmist.'

Kuomintang legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng’s legislative office was raided this morning by Taipei prosecutors under anti-corruption laws, linked to a 2019 contract dispute involving Jin Hsin Marine and CPC Corporation. The Legislative Yuan confirmed the search was conducted legally, though details remain undisclosed.

The Taiwan stock market plunged nearly 300 points today, breaking below the 45,000-point mark. Amid volatility, analysts highlight the complementary industrial structures of Taiwan and Japanese stocks, along with bond allocations, as key to balanced investment strategies.