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Worshippers flock to Chiayi as Baishatun Mazu attends anniversary

Thousands of worshippers flocked to Chiayi as the famous pink supercar of the goddess Mazu rolled into town! The iconic Baishatun Mazu turned the streets into a sea of devotees to celebrate the Dafuxing Temple’s 260th anniversary. Some worshippers knelt on the ground to receive the goddess’s blessings as her sedan passed over them. And the crowds aren’t just coming out of faith; they’re also here for the festivities. Locals are pulling out all the stops, handing out free food to welcome the masses.

The Baishatun Mazu arrives in her famous pink supercar, trailed by thousands of worshippers. The streets of Chiayi City were packed to the brim.

People took advantage of the opportunity to get blessings from the goddess, crouching on the ground while her palanquin passed over them.

- I’ve been following her for 10 years now. I was so excited I cried.

Worshipper
Visiting Chiayi for Mazu
I came with a group of friends. We did the Baishatun pilgrimage together. We’re from all over, Changhua, the North, Caotun in Nantou…

Believers from all over Taiwan flocked to Chiayi. Locals set up stands to hand out freebies for the worshippers, turning the city into a bustling festival ground.

- We ran out of vermicelli and cold noodles.
- They’re all gone?
- Yes, we only have fried noodles now.

- I’ve been queuing since before daybreak.
- We came at around 2. We’ve got corn and taiyaki.

The occasion for Mazu’s visit is the 360th anniversary of Chiayi’s Dafuxing Temple. She arrived on Friday to bless the city with her presence for two days.

Huang Min-hui
Chiayi Mayor
It’s a huge religious event. Everyone is here. Chiayi is really packed with people.

Tseng Tung-ben
Dafuxing Temple
We’re thrilled to be celebrating 360 years since our temple’s foundation. We invited the Baishatun Mazu to visit us and offer us her blessings in this special occasion.

Hung Wen-hua
Baishatun Mazu Temple
Wealth and riches for everyone, and of course, peace and protection for everyone.

The Baishatun Mazu will stay at Dafuxing Temple on Oct. 9 and 10, with song and dance performances to be held in the temple square in the evenings. The temple encourages everyone to join the festivities during this long weekend.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#temple #mazu #blessed #supercar #pink

Time：2026-10-09

最新消息 Latest News

Falangaw Tribe blesses site of National Day fireworks show

Taitung is hosting the National Day fireworks display for the first time in nine years. The pyrotechnic extravaganza will take place on Saturday night, along the Taitung International Landmark on the Seashore park and along the Beinan River.

The launch sites lie within the traditional territory of the Amis Falangaw Tribe, and include an important location where the annual ocean worship ceremony is held. Ahead of the fireworks show, tribal elders gathered at the site on Friday for a blessing ritual. They set out offerings and sang traditional songs to pay tribute to their ancestors. As part of the ceremony, they also pounded millet grains to create a representation of the sun and the moon, to ensure the display goes ahead without a hitch. Taitung Commissioner Yao Ching-ling joined the ceremony to pray for success, and extended an invitation for everyone in Taiwan to visit Taitung and celebrate National Day together.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taitung #fireworks #display #nationalday #pyrotechnics

2026-10-09

Military police share secret behind perfect Presidential Office flag

Have you ever noticed that the national flag on top of the Presidential Office’s 11-story tower always seems to be flying perfectly, no matter how harsh the wind or rain? The Military Police’s 211th Battalion is responsible for this invisible task. They swap the battered flag out every month, threading wires through the fabric by hand to secure it. It seems easy, but it requires a team of four or five people working together to pull it off.

The Presidential Office Building stands proud along Chongqing South Road, the national flag fluttering elegantly under blue skies.

Lin Yen-chun
FTV reporter
Looking up behind me, you can see the national flag flying 11 stories high on top of the Presidential Office tower. It looks to be fluttering easily in the breeze. But what’s the secret to keeping it that way?

Inside the tower—an area off-limits to the public—officers with the Military Police’s 211th Battalion assemble once a month to change the flag. To keep it from ripping or tangling in high winds, they forego the standard ropes in favor of more sturdy wires along the edges.

Wang Kun-huang
Battalion sergeant
After some testing, we found that if the wire is too thick, the holes it leaves in the fabric are too large. When the winds are strong, it actually wears out the flag faster. If they’re too light, they rust easily in the wind and rain, causing them to break.

To seamlessly fuse together the flag and wire, they must use pliers to twist them tightly. They must also be flush with the fabric so that when a flag bearer runs a gloved hand over the joint, it won’t catch on the fabric. It may seem simple, but it takes four to five officers all working in tandem.

Huang Wei-ting
Battalion flag bearer
The hardest part is threading the wire through the halyard, because the rope is incredibly stiff. There’s no need for us to rush. Our only priority is making sure that every wire is affixed well.

It’s not just the officers’ skill that ensures the flag flies perfectly. The four corners are also extra thick and reinforced with double stitching to prevent tearing. For this elite group of officers, even a single tear is unacceptable. They take pride in ensuring that the nation’s greatest symbol of honor flies high and proud.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#nationalflag #PresidentialOffice #militarypolice #flagbearer #honor

2026-10-09

Local in shock after local chief’s husband eats moldy cake in one bite

A moldy cake gave way to a bizarre shouting match at a borough warden’s office in Hsinchu. It all started after the local borough warden handed out Double Ninth cash gifts for elders, alongside campaign materials for a KMT candidate and a delectable slice of traditional sponge cake. The sweet gesture seemed nice, but it turns out that the cake had black dots of what appeared to be mold all over the surface. A concerned local took the cake back to the warden’s office, only for her husband to swallow it up in one go and insisting it was safe to eat. But locals wonder whether he was actually just trying to destroy the evidence. Let’s watch how it went down.

- It’s moldy.
- They were baked last night.
- Regardless, it’s moldy.
It doesn’t matter when it was made.
- Why did you eat it?
What was that for!
Why would you eat it!
What’s the goal here?

Niece
Saw moldy cake
I took it out, and saw it was moldy. I told my aunt, “You can’t eat this.” Then, everyone told me to fetch the borough warden, since she gave it out. When I did, her husband straight-up took a bite of the cake claiming it wasn’t moldy, and that it was fine to eat. He ate it up in one go! I was flabbergasted! He gulped it down, and then told me to go get the cake tested. So you’re telling me you gave out 10 or 20 cake pieces and only mine was moldy? What about food safety and hygiene? The cake didn’t bear a manufacturing date or an expiry date. It wasn’t vacuum packed. Did they expect us to just eat food waste?

The incident happened in Xinpu in Hsinchu County. Xinpu’s mayor distributed the Double Ninth Festival cash gifts through local borough wardens, one of which decided to sweeten the deal with traditional sponge cake she’d received from a friend. Unfortunately, the treat came with a side of mold. The warden, Wu Kuei-hsiang, has kept quiet, reportedly insisting in private that the suspicious spots were just ink stains. Her husband’s one-bite showdown ultimately stole the show, leaving residents scratching their heads over what exactly they just witnessed.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cake #moldy #gift #taiwan #bizarre

2026-10-09

Doctors urge immediate medical care for ruptured cerebral aneurysms

A Hong Kong tourist who visited Taiwan two years ago suddenly experienced severe headaches and neck pain, almost fainting. After being rushed to the hospital, it was found she had suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm combined with a stroke. Doctors are highlighting this condition. Although only 3 out of 100 people may experience this, there is a relatively high mortality rate and only one third who survive are able to live independently afterwards. They are urging people with these symptoms to get medical attention as soon as possible. Let’s find out more:

Ms. Sze, from Hong Kong, was visiting Jiufen two years ago when she suddenly experienced severe headaches and neck pain, almost fainting. She initially thought it was heatstroke, but after being taken to the hospital, it was discovered that she had suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurysm combined with a stroke.

Ms. Sze’s family member
Describing the incident
She suddenly said she had severe neck pain, then she couldn’t move her lower body, and she felt very cold and kept vomiting. She said she needed to call an ambulance. We waited for about 30 minutes before the ambulance finally arrived. At that time, every minute felt like an eternity, and we were very scared.

Fortunately, through a minimally invasive clipping procedure, the doctor avoided having to remove a large area of the skull. With just a 2 to 3-centimeter incision, a metal clip was used to secure the cerebral aneurysm and prevent further bleeding.

Yan Jiun-lin
Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Out of 100 people, only about 3 have aneurysms. Most people don’t have aneurysms and they typically give us no trouble. But if they rupture accidentally, it can cause serious brain hemorrhage. That’s why we have to pay so much attention to this disease. It’s because once it ruptures, there is an extremely high mortality rate of 15% to 20%. Only a small percentage of those who survive are able to live independently.

After a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, only one-third of patients are able to live independently. Doctors urge that if a family member has a cerebral aneurysm, it is best to quit smoking and drinking, maintain a regular lifestyle, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cerebralaneurysims #strokes #neckpain #headaches #Taiwanhealth

2026-10-09

37 athletes to represent Taiwan at Dakar Youth Olympic Games

The 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics kick off on Oct. 31 in Senegal, marking the first time the Games will be held in Africa. Taiwan is sending 37 athletes to compete in 17 sports, with Sports Minister Lee Yang urging the young competitors to use sports to connect with the world. At Thursday’s flag presentation ceremony, he also reminded the team to put their health and safety first.

Lee Yang
Sports Minister
Something that makes this trip special is that they’re going to Africa! Though everyone got a lot of vaccines, we hope everyone will take care of their health, and that the delegation and all the staff will be safe and healthy. This trip to Africa is a great opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures, to meet athletes from other countries and learn from each other.

Chen Mei-yen
Dakar Youth Olympics Delegation Head
The Youth Olympics are all about exchanges: cultural exchanges, educational exchanges, and making friends. I’m looking forward to bringing our young athletes and coaches together for this opportunity to use sports as a form of diplomacy and as a way to foster international exchange.

The Youth Olympics are open to athletes under the age of 17. Taiwan is sending 37 competitors to battle it out across 17 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, breaking and 3x3 basketball. At Thursday’s flag presentation ceremony, baseball standout Chang Wen-ting and rising track star Wang Cheng-yu accepted the team flag and NT$200,000 in bonuses for the delegation, symbolizing the athletes’ unity, determination and readiness to represent Taiwan on the world stage.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#dakar #youtholympics #senegal #taiwan #sports

2026-10-09

Tzuyu surprises Singapore F1 fans at Williams Racing with new music

Tzuyu, Taiwanese member of K-pop girl group TWICE, continues to expand her global presence. Yesterday, she was pictured at the Williams Paddock ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Thousands of fans flocked to support her as she was invited to sing the theme song for the team’s collaboration with popular anime, DanDaDan, which she revealed would be released next year.

Tzuyu
Member of TWICE
Hello to all my dear fans, to everyone. This is Tzuyu, I am so excited and so happy to be here with you.

TWICE’s Taiwanese member, Tzuyu addressed her fans in English at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix Williams fanzone. Thousands of fans packed the venue to catch a glimpse of their idol.

Tzuyu
Member of TWICE
This place is so cool and so amazing. And I am so happy to see my fans, and yes, for my fans you have a special place in my heart.

Tzuyu maintained a calm stage presence and revealed that she will release an official theme song for the “Speed Meets Supernatural,” collaboration between Williams Racing and the popular anime “DanDaDan.”

Tzuyu
Member of TWICE
The song is coming out early next year and it will premiere soon, but we really want to surprise you so I can’t say too much. But, I believe you will love this song. So please stay tuned.

Williams F1 official account released behind-the-scenes footage of the event showing Tzuyu, dressed in all black, collaborating with drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. Together they sculpted a character from DanDaDan, Turbo Granny, out of clay. Tzuyu’s surprising collaborations from K-pop to F1 racing and anime, demonstrate her popularity and continuously expand her global reach!

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#williamsracing #tzuyu #twice #kpop #dandadan #sainz #albon #atlassian

2026-10-09

Retired cop grows durian from family’s betel nut plantation

Durian, known for its pungent aroma, has typically been imported into Taiwan from Southeast Asia. But one retired police officer decided to take a crack at growing the King of the Fruits after returning to his hometown. He chopped down the betel nut trees on his family’s Pingtung farm and planted durian instead. Over the first three years he overcame many technical challenges and natural disasters to welcome his first harvest. Now, his farm boasts a stable output.

The food that has these tasters unable to contain themselves is durian, the famously aromatic King of the Fruits.

At this orchard tucked away in Pingtung’s Linluo Township, fruit hangs from row after row of durian trees. Each one is tied to the branch to keep it from falling and smashing on the ground once it ripens. The owner is Hsu Chun-ming, a retired police officer.

Hsu Chun-ming
Durian farmer
From when I was a child to when I returned home, we’ve always grown betel nut here. After retiring I wanted to make a change, so I thought about it for a while. I wanted to find something more challenging that also has high economic value.

Hsu saw that betel nut prices were steadily declining and was no longer viable as a cash crop, but struggled for a long time over what to grow instead. It was a casual suggestion from his durian-loving wife that eventually led him to try out growing this notoriously challenging fruit.

Hsu’s wife
Durian farmer
He could only figure it out through trial and error, since he couldn’t find a set method. The failure rate for the first batch was about 90% in terms of survival. But the second round grew very well.

Hsu Chun-ming
Durian farmer
It’s been just over five years since I started growing durian. Each tree yields about 10 fruits. Based on average market prices currently, the return is about 10 times that of betel nut.

Overcoming climate and technical challenges, Hsu’s orchard now boasts 88 trees with premium varieties including Musang King, black thorn, and wild durian. With their excellent quality and rich flavor, Hsu’s durian has become the pride of Linluo.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Pingtung #durian #farming #fruit #betelnut #familyfarm #agriculture #kingoffruits

2026-10-09

Outrage after Shoushan Zoo visitor hits macaque with umbrella

A group visiting Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung recently got into trouble for provoking macaques resting by the side of the path. One man swung his bag toward an animal, as another used his umbrella to whack it in the head. Footage of the incident generated heated condemnation online, slamming the visitors as setting a terrible example for the children with them. The Kaohsiung Animal Protection Office also mentioned that such behavior is against the law.

A group approaches some macaques ambling down the same path. A man chases after one, pretending he’s about to kick so that it runs away. But that wasn’t the worst of it.

One man swings his bag in the direction of a macaque to provoke it, while another strikes it hard on the head with his umbrella, causing it to leap aside in fear.

Member of public
Other zoo patron
You shouldn’t hit them. If you hit them, they might get angrier and more likely to attack people.

This incident happened at Shoushan Zoo in Kaohsiung. The animals clearly weren’t showing aggression toward the group, but they harassed them anyway. Footage of the encounter drew backlash online.

Member of public
Animal lover
It sets a terrible example. Their kids were right there. We should be kind to animals.

Member of public
Zoo patron
You should keep your distance and avoid interacting with them, because they sometimes attack regular visitors.

Visiting a zoo to see animals while treating the wild animals there with such hostility is unacceptable. An expert also noted that hitting a macaque with an umbrella is likely against the law.

Lin Mei-yin
Taiwan Macaque Coexistence Promotion Association
The macaque in the video wasn’t trying to grab anything or attack, but the visitor used his umbrella to strike it. This potentially constitutes animal abuse, as regulated under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

Regardless of whether he was trying to protect the children near him or not, such misconduct sets the worst kind of example for the next generation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#animalabuse #ShoushanZoo #macaque #parenting #animalwelfare

2026-10-09

Daxien the Illusionist enthusiastically received at Hualien kindergarten

Riding on the high of his fame from the viral routine “3 Gods Assembly,” Tsou Ping-hsun, who goes by the stage name Daxien the Illusionist, visited a kindergarten in Hualien to give the students there a rare close-up look at his magic. During the show, his first public charity event in the county, laughter echoed across the venue as students and their parents sat transfixed. Afterward, they said it was well worth the trip.

A red bouquet of flowers turns yellow in the blink of an eye, drawing gasps from an audience transfixed by the masterful display of magic. The magician is Tsou Ping-hsun, or Daxien the Illusionist. It was his first time giving a public charity performance in Hualien.

- He did a trick with some flowers!

- What trick did you find most impressive?
- The beer one.
- Why?
- Because there were so many!

Tsou performed at this kindergarten in Hualien City at the invitation of his magician friend, Huang Hsin-kai. Apart from his signature “3 Gods Assembly” routine, which he’s performed abroad and has been viewed millions of times online, he specifically tailored his tricks and routine to suit the young audience.

Tsou Ping-hsun
Illusionist
There was an earthquake here last year. Many of the young people here likely still have some lingering trauma from it. So I wanted to see if magic could help relieve everyone’s stress.

Wei Chia-yen
Hualien Mayor (KMT)
I also hope a performance like this can ease the kids’ minds and plant seeds of joy so they can grow up happy and carefree.

Despite the chosen audience for his show, Tsou, who officially announced his marriage earlier this year, said he and his wife agreed not to have kids, so that he could focus on his magic career and charity work.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#magic #illusionist #DaxientheIllusionist #Hualien #charity #viral #Hualienearthquake #performance

2026-10-09

NT$10,000 cash handouts could be distributed before LNY 2027

The Executive has finalized its plans for a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 next year. The money could hit bank accounts as early as Jan. 26, so long as the Legislative Yuan passes the general budget on Jan. 5. That means the handouts could come just in time for the Lunar New Year, and some foreigners are included. Recently, some opposition lawmakers had suggested doubling the handouts to NT$20,000. Here’s the response from the Ministry of Finance.

Juan Ching-hwa
Deputy Finance Minister
If we double the handouts to NT$20,000, the budget would exceed NT$470 billion and require borrowing, which would impact financial stability.

Michelle Lee
Executive Yuan Spokesperson
We also adhere to three principles including not crowding out other policies and not accruing substantial debt. We hope that the government and the opposition can work together to improve the people’s well-being.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
The estimate from the Ministry of Finance is based on the general budget clearing its third reading by Jan. 5 next year, and be promulgated by the president before Jan. 20. Since this is everyone’s money, if there is a tax surplus, it’s best to distribute it back to everyone, especially ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Amid explosive growth in the AI industry, and strong exports, Taiwan’s GDP is expected to grow by 11% this year. Eligibility will be the same as previous handouts, and not just limited to Taiwan nationals with household registration in Taiwan. Foreign spouses with ARCs and foreign nationals with APRCs will also be able to get the cash. Whether the money will actually be handed out before the Lunar New Year now depends fully on how speedily the legislature approves the budget.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cash #handout #aprc #arc #taiwan

2026-10-08

Presidential Office light show tells Taiwan’s democracy story

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the National Day light shows at the Presidential Office. And it so happens to be the 30th year since Taiwan held its first democratic presidential election. That’s why this year’s light show is titled “Democratic Taiwan, the Heartbeat of the World.” The dazzling projection covers every aspect of life in Taiwan, from every day affairs, to the nation’s democratic development.

The sky is dark, and the Presidential office becomes a huge canvas of glimmering lights. There’s the iconic tri-color gaji bag pattern, the distinctive geometric window grates and even the red round tables from roadside banquets. The 100-year-old building can’t get more Taiwanese than this.

The scenes change rapidly to focus on the athletes of Team Taiwan, high-tech chips and even drag queen Nymphia Wind. The lights and music take everyone from the cozy alleys of Taiwan to the world stage.

But then the lively colors fade into black and white, to display historical footage of Taiwan’s democracy movement. Scenes from 11 films including A City of Sadness, Super Citizen Ko and A Foggy Tale traced Taiwan’s journey from authoritarian rule to democracy.

Lai Ching-te
President
Over the past 10 years, the light shows have covered everything from film, literature and photography to national defense and everyday life, turning our century-old Presidential Office Building into a glowing storybook. I would like to thank all the artists and creators for bringing the images, memories and creativity of different generations to the Presidential Office.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first democratic presidential election. To mark the occasion, this year’s light show, organized by the National Cultural Association of Taiwan, has been titled “Democratic Taiwan, the Heartbeat of the World.” The images illustrate decades of Taiwan’s memories, from everyday life and workers across different industries to the democratic movements that began in the 1980s. The opening show was kicked off with a performance by the Taipei Jazz Orchestra, followed by a ceremony with President Lai Ching-te and other important guests.

Lai Ching-te
President
One person’s power may seem small, 23 million people can come together to shape Taiwan’s future with their choices. Generation after generation, the mountain of democracy continues to grow. Tonight, we light up Taiwan together and let the world see the light of our democracy.

The projections will light up the Presidential Office Building every evening until Oct. 10. So, if you’re looking to whet your appetite with the true taste of Taiwan, head over to Ketagalan Boulevard and enjoy the show.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#projection #lightshow #doubletenth #nationalday #taiwan

2026-10-08

Chiang Wan-an suddenly proposes shutting down Songshan Airport

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an dropped an eyebrow-raising campaign proposal on Thursday, with just 51 days to go until Election Day. The mayor, who is seeking reelection, said he planned to shut down Taipei’s Songshan Airport to build a 300-hectare AI tech park. He says Taoyuan International Airport’s future Terminal 3 could take over Songshan’s duties. But officials from the central government say the process is not so straightforward. Let’s hear more.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei mayor
Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 will be completed in 2027, and opened in 2033. So there is still a long time to go, but we must start planning now. Of course, we will discuss the matter with the central government, and work together on the project.

Michelle Lee
Executive Yuan Spokesperson
As for Songshan Airport’s relocation, we just saw how it is. From what we know, when Mayor Chiang spoke on the matter four years ago, he mentioned that any proposals would have to be carefully reviewed within the framework of national land planning. He said it was not a matter that should be brought up willy-nilly for election season. The closure of Songshan Airport would have to be discussed with the central government.

Chen Yen-po
Transport ministry official
Over the past four years, Taipei didn’t once bring up any plans to shut down Songshan Airport. Our position, of course, is that we respect all the different opinions. But since this matter affects aviation, urban development and transport to outlying islands, it’s something that must be carefully considered.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayor Candidate (DPP)
His time as legislator and his four years as mayor add up to some 10 years. But yet I don’t know what kind of preparations Mayor Chiang has done regarding the relocation of Songshan Airport’s services.

Songshan Airport was built in 1935, as a military airbase. It later became the first airport with shared military and civilian use in Taiwan. The issue of its closure or relocation has been a perennial topic of debate when election season comes around. Back in 2014, when the DPP’s Pasuya Yao ran for Taipei mayor, he advocated for tearing the airport down and building a public park. The idea was refloated by the DPP’s Enoch Wu in 2022, when he was up against Chiang for the legislative seat. Back then, Chiang said that the matter would have to be evaluated from every angle, including the impact on civilian, military and commercial aviation, and on urban development. The issue, he said, was not something to be brought up in haste just for the elections.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#election #songshan #airport #aviation #urbanplanning

2026-10-08

Crocodile YouTuber holds event for children at Hualien mall

A crocodile was spotted in downtown Hualien?! Don’t worry, it was an official event organized by the city office and a local department store. YouTuber Sashimi brought a crocodile for the event to give local children a close-up look. Even many parents took advantage of this rare opportunity.

Keeping their voices down to avoid scaring the crocodile right in front of them, children in the audience duck down to see its teeth, full of curiosity and trepidation. You can usually only see crocodiles in a zoo, but this one is in a shopping mall!

- It’s smooth and bumpy.
- Are you scared of the big crocodile?
- A little bit.

Sashimi
YouTuber
Everyone was super passionate and extremely excited! At one point, the crowd seemed on the verge of getting out of hand, but I’m grateful everyone came out to join us.

YouTuber Sashimi, who specializes in crocodiles, was invited by the Hualien City Office and a department store to hold the special event educating the public about crocodile types, their diets, sayings associated with them, and how different species live. Attendees were even allowed to take photos with the reptile.

Wei Chia-yen
Hualien Mayor
We want children to understand that crocodiles aren’t really that terrifying. But we also hope that if you encounter one in the wild, you should stay cautious.

Even though its sharp white teeth were a bit scary, many of the attendees, even parents, took the chance to see the creature up close and learn about them. Sashimi also said she hopes close encounters like this will help reshape people’s perception of crocodiles as scary creatures.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#crocodile #Sashimi #YouTuber #animalencounter #Hualien #exoticpets

2026-10-08

Religious group stopped in time to avert ecological disaster

A group of religious practitioners nearly caused an ecological disaster in Yilan. Dozens of worshippers gathered on the banks of the Dongshan River to release captive animals to the wild to earn good luck and personal merit. The problem is they had gathered large amounts of animals from invasive species such as American bullfrogs, Chinese stripe-necked turtles, and goldfish. Fortunately, officers stepped in just in time to prevent the release of the bullfrogs, which do not have any predators in Taiwan. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Appalled by animal release
It would unbalance the ecosystem and ruin it. After all, there are already animals living in this ecosystem.

Member of public
Appalled by animal release
Those animals are not endemic to Taiwan, they are invasive species. You don’t have to release these animals specifically; there are other ways to do things.

Voice of Chiang Wei-ming
Environmental conservation organization
Frogs are generally carnivorous, so if you introduce them in a new environment they will prey on other animals and pose a danger to the ecosystem.

Liu Pi-yang
Yilan agriculture official
Under Article 18 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, there are species that require approval before they can be released into the wild. We will also investigate whether the animals were illegally obtained and how.

By the time officials had arrived at the scene, the group had already released pond loaches into the river. Fortunately, they arrived in time to prevent the release of invasive bullfrogs, which reproduce rapidly and could’ve quickly destroyed the ecosystem. The Yilan County government may issue a fine of NT$90,000 to NT$450,000, while authorities investigate where the animals were procured.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#release #fish #karma #loach #bullfrog

2026-10-08

Tsai Ing-wen shares on Taiwan at DEFCON address in Stanford

Former president, Tsai Ing-wen made her first trip to the US since her presidency. She delivered a keynote at Stanford University, sharing Taiwan’s strengths and challenges and underscored its importance in global security. She called on other democracies to strengthen their defense cooperation with Taiwan. For her half-hour full English address, she received a standing ovation. During the campus tour, she even signed autographs for Taiwanese students and wished them to graduate soon! Let’s hear more.

Former president, Tsai Ing-wen just got on stage and barely spoke a word before the entire audience erupted into cheers and applause.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Please be seated, don’t make me nervous.

Tsai attended Stanford University’s annual DEFCON Technology & National Security Conference and delivered a speech on Building Security Together: Taiwan’s Role in Global Stability, sharing how Taiwan, located at the center of the first island chain and facing frequent harassment from China, is building an asymmetric defense on its own.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Because of terrain interference, often times exploit the goodness of democratic societies. Even the most sophisticated military systems cannot compensate for weak institutions, disruptive critical services or a loss of public confidence. Deterrence, in other words, is a property of an entire nation not only of its military.

Tsai gave a detailed account of her tenure, where she focused on building cyber security and developing domestically produced warships. She also mentioned that the US makes up 75% of global AI computing power, but most of the manufacturing is done by Taiwanese firms. This demonstrates Taiwan’s manufacturing resilience and its importance in global supply chains.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Taiwan has the combination of advanced manufacturing, accumulated process knowledge, engineering talent, dense electronic supply chains, and the ability to take complex design and produce them reliably.

Many Taiwanese students attended the event, and during Tsai’s campus tour, she kindly signed autographs for them and encouraged them to “graduate soon.” Through her wit and warm demeanor, Tsai created frenzy at Stanford.

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#femalepresident #tsaiingwen #蔡英文 #stanforddefcon #taiwandemocracy

2026-10-08

High tide and monsoons cause seawater flooding in Pingtung

Imagine the road you take home suddenly flooded? This was the case for some locals in at the creek located at the border of Taitung and Pingtung. The water here is normally clear and calm, but on Wednesday due to northeast monsoons and high tides, the seawater rapidly rose and flowed into the creek. The two locals were nearly swept away with their scooters as the current grew stronger, but they managed to escape to the shore and wait it out.

An inspector from the Aljungic Historic Trail was heading home on his scooter when he suddenly heard someone shout that seawater was flooding the stream.

- Just got off work and there’s no way to cross, seawater flooding, what to do?

The stream levels suddenly started to rise and flow backwards, people and vehicles had to evacuate to the shore. This is the Makuljikulji, a river where Taitung’s Daren Township meets Pingtung County and also the north entrance to the Aljungic Historic Trail. Normally, the creek has calm and level waters, but with the northeast monsoon and high tide, the seawater has begun to flow upstream.

Chou Hung-wen
North Aljungic Historic Trail Inspector
During the northeast monsoon, there will be high tides and so all of this is seawater that’s flowed in.

Two inspectors were riding their scooters home after work when they saw a sudden high tide that left them stuck on the shore. They considered calling for help, but after assessing the water level and waiting for it to drop, they were able to safely cross the river, half-carrying and half-pushing their scooters.

Chen Yang Cheng-hua
Historic Trail Guide
When faced with such incidents, we can mostly just wait it out, otherwise walk upwards. We’ve encountered this before, we just walk upwards and eventually cross to the other side and walk slowly down.

Local guides who are familiar with the terrain remind visitors and residents to check tidal updates and the weather before making the trip to Makuljikulji and forbid people from recklessly crossing the creek as it could cost them more than any saved time.

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#alangyitrail #flooding #seawaterflood #monsoon #taitung #pingtung

2026-10-08

Cars wrapped in plastic to shield from construction

A row of cars parked in an outdoor lot in Kaohsiung were recently all wrapped up in plastic covers. A construction site next to the lot was pouring concrete, and to prevent any dust from being blown onto the cars and damaging the paint, the crew put protective covers over the vehicles.

The cars in this lot all have white plastic covers, like giant shower caps blowing in the wind. This is an outdoor lot by the intersection of Jiuru and Dacheng roads in Kaohsiung.

Tseng Hung-wen
FTV reporter
Why did they cover the cars like this? The neighboring construction site was pouring concrete. Concerned that cement slurry would splash onto the vehicles, they put protective coverings on them.

Voice of construction worker
Found new approach
If it splashes onto the cars, we have to cover the damage. In the past we’ve had to pay NT$20,000 to NT$30,000 for one car.

Construction workers spent the morning covering nearly 80 cars. If one wanted to leave, workers had to go back and take the cover off. Even though it’s annoying for drivers to wait for them to take the cover off, it’s better than their car being covered in spots from cement spray.

Car owner
Likes the idea
It’s better than the car getting sprayed. Once the cement dries, it hardens, and the cost of cleaning it can get into the thousands, even the tens of thousands.

Car owner
Likes the idea
Yeah, it’s not bad. It’s a great idea. This way nothing will damage the car.

It’s unusual to see cars wrapped up like this. While it causes an extra hassle for the construction workers and drivers, it prevents any cement from damaging the vehicles.

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#car #parking #Kaohsiung #cement #construction #cover #carcover #protection

2026-10-08

Police practice safely breaking car windows for DUI cases

When people driving under the influence refuse to get out of their car for an inspection, police officers may have to break the window to apprehend them. To help officers do this quickly and safely, police are training with a new window-breaking tool that can shatter glass with just light pressure.

Police officers pull over a car and demand the driver get out, but there’s no response. They approach the car and bang on the window, but still nothing, leaving them no choice but to break the glass.

- We should all stand here. It’s safer for us to stand in this position.

With this device, they can break the window with just one push.

Chen Chin-feng
Miaoli police head instructor
It’s automatic. You just grab it like this, put it right here, and push it in in one go.

Chang Yu-cheng
Police officer
We just need to push it down. If the first push isn’t enough, we can just use our palms to press down harder, and it shatters the window easily.

When police are pursuing people driving under the influence, the drivers often refuse to get out of the car. Breaking the window by force is hard, but this small device can do it quickly and safely.

- There’s a striker in the middle. You need to press it firmly against the surface, then push the whole thing down.

Chen Chin-feng
Miaoli police head instructor
We want our officers to be able to get drug-impaired drivers on the ground as quickly as possible, reducing the risk of them hitting something with the car.

Lin Ting-chun
Miaoli SWAT officer
It’s not only highly effective for SWAT officers during raids, but also makes it much easier for regular officers out on patrol to break windows efficiently.

Ye Yun-wei
Miaoli SWAT police officer
It’s much lighter and easier to carry, and it’s actually really strong. It’s a useful and convenient tool for ordinary people to use.

This tool makes breaking windows safer for police and the drivers they’re apprehending. Police are continuing to train using the device, but where do the extra windows come from?

There are piles and piles of old car windows at this glass recycling facility, which officers can use to practice breaking windows.

Voice of manager
Recycling facility
This piece is also from a driver’s side window. This one is higher grade. It’s made of two laminated panes of glass.

Most imported cars use laminated glass, which blocks light and noise. After learning that police officers need car windows for training, the facility donated 550 panes for them to use.

Chen Shao-wei
Recycling facility manager
I think it’s very meaningful. Especially considering they’re just trash, it’s a great idea to make the best use of resources.

Chen Chin-feng
Miaoli police head instructor
One piece can cost NT$500 to NT$1,000, because we need laminated glass rather than regular single-pane glass. We could have it cut at a glass shop, but the strength and resistance are completely different from the glass used in cars. We need the same kind of strength and resistance, so we need laminated glass.

Discarded glass has been repurposed to help police officers train. Laminated glass is especially strong, so officers need practice to master how to break it quickly and safely.

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#police #officer #Miaoli #DUI #drugdriving #drunkdriving #training #glass #window #technology

2026-10-08

Matai’an Bridge northbound lanes slated to reopen to traffic this year

Guangfu Township in Hualien was devastated last year by a deadly flood caused by the collapse of a barrier lake in the Matai’an River. One of the critical pieces of infrastructure destroyed was the Matai’an Bridge, which has been under reconstruction since then. The good news is progress is proceeding ahead of schedule, and the two sides of the bridge were connected on Wednesday. Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai headed to the east coast to witness the engineering feat, and said the northbound lanes could open to traffic before the end of the year. Let’s hear more.

- Thanks to the hard work from everyone of the team, who’ve been sweating it out on the front lines, we’ve reached this important milestone. Let’s give them all a big round of applause.

Chen Shih-kai
Transport Minister
It’s incredibly moving and exciting. Today, we’re celebrating the connection of the two ends of the bridge. We’ll work hard to wrap up construction on the northbound lanes by the end of this year. So, the people in Hualien and Taitung will have a permanent structure to cross the Matai’an River by year’s end.

Lin Ching-shui
Guangfu Township Head
We can really see how close Matai’an Bridge is to completion. Very soon, the bridge will be done, and we can all get some peace of mind.

The construction team has been hard at work day and night, to link up the connection of the two riverbanks by the end of the year. The connection of the northbound lanes marks an important milestone in the reconstruction of the bridge, with completion expected at the end of the year. The southbound lanes were initially slated for completion in late 2027, but considering how smoothly construction is going, they could be completed as early as June or July of next year.

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#guangfu #hualien #bridgebuilder #bridge #engineering


2026-10-07