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Typhoon Bavi expected to make landfall in early hours of Saturday

Typhoon Bavi is approaching Taiwan. The storm circle is expected to hit Taiwan in the early hours of Saturday, on the coast of New Taipei or Yilan. The Central Weather Bureau has issued land and sea warnings, and expects the heaviest rainfall in Central and Northern and Eastern Taiwan. Wind speeds could surpass 117km/h. Authorities urge the public to be prepared for the storm.

The Danjiang Bridge connecting Tamsui and Bali in New Taipei, which only opened last May is closing to traffic in two stages. At 8 p.m., authorities closed the scooter, bicycle and pedestrian lanes, and limited traffic to a maximum speed of 30km/h, down from 80. The bridge will close completely at 11 p.m. After the typhoon passes, officials will carry out safety inspections before making a decision on reopening.

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

#typhoon #traffic #storm #naturaldisaster

Time：2026-07-10

最新消息 Latest News

Lai oversees typhoon preparations as almost 30,000 soldiers on standby

With the approach of Typhoon Bavi, which is the strongest typhoon for Taiwan in 25 years, the central and local governments are taking no chances. President Lai Ching-te, Premier Cho Jung-tai, and heads of various ministries were at the Central Emergency Operations Center early this morning, where they held video conferences with four counties and cities. Almost 30,000 troops will be standing by on alert, reading to help out.

President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai sit in the Central Emergency Operations Center early in the morning, where they receive briefings from various agencies and issue directives.

Lai Ching-te
President
Given the ferocity of this typhoon, the Executive Yuan as early as it was possible implemented disaster prevention and relief measures. We hope that local governments will notify the central government if they have any further needs. I will also ask all central government agencies to do their utmost to assist local governments, especially in the northern region, where daily rainfall levels could reach 600 to 900mm, particularly in mountainous areas. This is an area that requires special attention.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
The president instructed on Monday that 28,922 troops from the nation’s armed forces would be standing by on alert. Final preparations and a final round of inspections are underway to ensure that local governments maintain their capacity for various mobile support operations.

The leaders also held video conferences on the spot with 4 counties and cities to better understand the state of their disaster preparations

Lai Ching-te
President
Under Mayor Hou’s leadership, New Taipei has mobilized all resources. Is there any area where you need assistance from the central government?

Liu Ho-jan
New Taipei Deputy Mayor
Places like Wulai, which can be easily isolated, have already seen our national armed forces and equipment deployed in advance. We are very grateful for the cooperation from the Central Government.

Liu Shyh-fang
Minister of the Interior
Excuse me, Deputy Hsinchu County Commissioner, you just mentioned that there might be some preventative evacuations in the mountains, including places like Jianshi or Wufeng. Rainfall and wind conditions can change greatly in the mountains, so we hope to complete the preventative evacuations as much as possible during daytime.

Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang, who was in charge, kept a close eye on the entire process, interrupting the report several times to ask questions. However, the public was curious as to why Taipei City, which had been the first to announce a holiday, wasn’t included in the video conferencing.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
It was because we had already scheduled a 9 a.m. meeting at the EOC office.

With the strongest typhoon in 25 years approaching, the central and local governments are on high alert.

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

#TyphoonBavi #Taiwantyphoons #emergencyresponses #Laichingte

2026-07-10

Prosecutors raid companies involved in carcinogenic oil crisis

Prosecutors from the Taichung District Prosecutors Office on Thursday searched four companies involved in selling carcinogenic cooking oil, taking 13 people into custody and questioning them overnight. On Friday, the office determined that Yu Ling-chung, the general manager of Central Union Oil, which was the source of the contaminated soya bean oil with carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene at over four times the legal level, was heavily implicated. It has formally requested a court to detain him without bail, incommunicado.

Lee Yu-pei
Taichung District Prosecutors’ Office
After a comprehensive analysis of the seized evidence, prosecutors determined that all 11 defendants are suspected of serious offenses, including violations of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. Among them, the defendant surnamed Yu, general manager of Central Union Oil poses a risk of destroying or fabricating evidence, or colluding with accomplices and witnesses. Following interrogation, prosecutors applied to the court for his detention incommunicado.

Prosecutors stated that yesterday they conducted raids at six locations, searching four companies: Central Union Oil, Fopco, Fwusou and Taisun, seizing equipment, inspection reports, shipping documents and other evidence. Eleven individuals were named as defendants. Aside from Yu, the remaining 10 defendants, including the chairs of the four companies, were released on bail ranging from NT$500,000 to NT$20 million, depending on the severity of their involvement in the case.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#foodsafety #Taiwanfood #carcinogens #contaminatedfood #benzo(a)pyrene

2026-07-10

Tamarind fruit is being secretly stolen from a Kaohsiung park

Tamarind fruit, originally native to tropical Africa, has a uniquely bold sweet and sour flavor. It was introduced to Taiwan in the Japanese colonial era and is a key ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine; essential for popular dishes such as Thai green papaya salad. But appreciating this exotic fruit does not mean you should steal them from the Weiwuying Metropolitan Park. Let’s find more about these shady tamarind thieves.

Add fresh dried shrimp, peanuts, tomatoes and other ingredients and stir. Then add a spoonful of special-blend tamarind sauce and top with plump shrimp. Serve with refreshing and delicious green papaya shreds.

There’s also this specialty drink, made with tamarind and a touch of lemon, which is refreshing, helping to cut through greasiness, and cools you down in the summer.

Wang Ken-li
Thai restaurant owner
It’s mostly used in shredded green papaya dishes, as well as in drinks and some dipping sauces; it has a sweet and sour taste.

Tamarind fruit has a wide range of uses. It was introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial era as an experimental tree species for street trees and economic crops. However, recently it was found that tamarind trees in Kaohsiung have taken a beating

The tamarind trees in Weiwuying Metropolitan Park in Kaohsiung have branches that are bent and look like they are about to break. Some people have seen people shaking the trees at night so that they can pick up tamarind fruits from the ground.

Member of the public
Doesn’t approve of theft
Shaking the trees is just wrong—they’re public property. Plus, it’s not like you’re even getting much out of it.

Member of the public
Doesn’t approve of theft
It’s quite unsettling, because there are a lot of children here.

Chen Pei-hsin
FTV reporter
Its fruit is said to be used to make tea, or even for resale, so it’s possible that this is why people are destroying the trees.

Such behavior not only damages trees but also violates regulations.

Chen Chin-hung
Kaohsiung Public Works Bureau
Those who refuse to comply after being stopped will be fined between NT$1,000 and NT$6,000, and in addition they will be required to compensate the value of the trees.

Tamarind fruit is popular and actually not expensive, but it is not only inappropriate to shake the trees in the park and pick up the fruit without permission – it’s also illegal.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Thaicuisine #Taiwanparks #pettytheft #tamarind #Kaohsiungparks

2026-07-10

Animals sheltering in car engine compartments are a traffic hazard

A driver in Taichung was startled by two small animals dropping out of the car in front of him in succession. On closer inspection, he realized they were kittens, and they were on a busy road. Car repair experts say that it’s not uncommon for cats to hide in car engine compartments, especially in winter, where it’s warm and there’s shelter from the rain. They suggest tapping on the hood a few times before driving to check for any small animals. Failing to do so risks injuring the animal or causing a rear-end collision if they dart into traffic later. Let’s find out more.

A driver screams because a kitten darted out onto the road and he nearly ran over it.

How did a kitten suddenly appear on the road? It seemed to have fallen out of the sedan in front of it, and just as the driver was wondering what was going on, another thing happened.

Another kitten fell out of the sedan and rolled to the ground, seemingly injured and panicked, and then fleeing in terror. Within a mere 300m, two kittens dropped out of the car in succession. The driver of the following car believed that the kittens might have been hiding in the engine compartment, and the vibrations caused by starting the vehicle led to their fall.

Member of the public
Reacting to incident
If a creature suddenly dropped out, I would probably slam on the brakes immediately; anyone would be terrified.

Member of the public
Reacting to incident
If you have time, you’ll check your rearview mirror. But it’s actually quite difficult if you’re driving fast.

If the car brakes too late, it could run over the cat; sudden braking could also result in a rear-end collision. An auto repair specialist says it’s not uncommon for cats to hide in engine compartments.

Lin I-hsun
Repair shop operator
The openings are all quite large, making it easy to crawl through from underneath. They’re warm in winter, and if it rains, they provide shelter from the wind and rain. Before starting the engine, I’d suggest honking the horn slightly or tapping the hood to scare them away.

Police officers often help cats that have been hiding in the engine compartments escape when they are on duty. Before driving next time, drivers can tap the hood to startle any small animals that may be there and ensure safety.

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

#roadsafety #petmanagement #Taichung #cutecats #kitties

2026-07-10

Shoppers flock to markets and supermarkets ahead of typhoon

Shoppers flocked to markets and supermarkets to stock up on fresh produce and other necessities ahead of Typhoon Bavi’s arrival. Vegetables, meat, eggs and instant noodles flew off the shelves as soon as they were restocked, even despite efforts from retailers to double their inventory. At traditional markets, vegetable prices were surprisingly lower than in previous days, as farmers harvested their crops early to take them to market fast.

- People are buying a little more today. Some of it is cheaper than yesterday. We might not have anything on Sunday.

Veggies flew off the shelves, making this greengrocer sell out before noon. Some customers came to stock up for their businesses.

- I spent over NT$900 for my business. They’ll be more expensive these next few days.
- Did you buy a little extra?
- Exactly.

Shopper
Stocking up on veg
Since we got the day off due to the typhoon, I came shopping. Leafy greens are already expensive, so they’ll probably get even pricier after the typhoon, I think. I only bought some king oyster mushrooms. Maybe veggies will be cheaper next week.

Many made the best of their day off work and class to buy groceries. Taipei’s Binjiang Market was even busier than before the Lunar New Year. Early harvesting has boosted supplies, and even lowered prices.

Greengrocer
Binjiang Market
We received about one-third more than the previous trading day. Prices are noticeably lower. Leafy greens averaged NT$75 to NT$80 per 600g, but now they’re around NT$50. There’s also more shoppers, about a third more. They’re buying veggies that can be stored for several days.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets were packed. Shelves were emptied fast as shoppers swept away vegetables and meat. Checkout lines stretched across the store, as staff worked frenetically to restock.

Shopper
Preparing for typhoon
Cabbage keeps well. Mushrooms too. I bought three days’ worth of food, since the typhoon will be at its worst today and tomorrow. Veggies with a lot of moisture go limp fast.

Voice of Chang Chun-hung
Supermarket PR
We’ve increased our inventory of instant noodles, frozen dumplings and canned food. It’s as if we were preparing for the Ghost Festival shopping season. There were a lot of shoppers yesterday and the day before. We’ll get more deliveries today so we can keep restocking.

As Typhoon Bavi is set to bring strong winds and heavy downpours, people are getting ready to stay safe indoors.

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

#bavi #typhoon #shopping #veggies

2026-07-10

Driver in minor scrape caught with dead daughter passenger

A woman was caught driving with a dead passenger riding shotgun in her car thanks to a minor scrape with a parked scooter. At first, it all seemed like a minor traffic accident, but it all took a dark turn when witnesses smelled a foul odor emanating from the car, and noticed that the passenger was swollen and completely still. Emergency responders arrived and confirmed everyone’s suspicions: the passenger had died long before the collision. Let’s hear more.

Witness
Saw the dead person
Her mouth has hanging open, and her face was swollen. You could tell right away. It smelled like a decomposing body.

Witness
Saw the dead person
I didn’t dare get too close. I just took a peek. She was… lying there. The seat was reclined.

Tung Sheng-che
Police officer
The passenger, Ms. Chi, was clearly dead. Paramedics determined there was no need to take her to the hospital. The cause of death is under investigation.

Kao Ta-cheng
Forensic pathologist
She must have been dead for at least 30 minutes. She presented livor mortis, so it must have been more than 30 minutes, maybe even an hour, before she was loaded on the car.

The morbid scene took place on Zhonghe Road in Pingtung’s Xinyuan Township. The car driver was a 62-year-old woman, and the deceased passenger was her disabled daughter, aged 37. The two had set off on a trip from Taoyuan on July 1, joined by the driver’s elder sister. They stopped in Tainan, before heading to Kaohsiung on July 2 and finally making their way to Pingtung on July 9. They were allegedly heading to an outing at Donglong Temple when the disturbing situation was discovered.

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

#morbid #traffic #car #taitung #gothictaiwan

2026-07-10

Car wash uses plate recognition to tip off police about stolen, unregistered cars

Drivers usually take their car to an automatic car wash when it gets dirty, although it might be a hassle if you need to go late after work. Enter this 24-hour hybrid car wash in Taichung, which has both coin-operated and auto modes. It also features a rare license plate recognition system that not only enables easy payment, but is also linked to the police database to report stolen cars and fake plates.

Say you want to give your car a wash, but after a long day at work, cleaning it yourself is the last thing you want to do. Many gas stations have automatic car washes, but they don’t stay open overnight. What is there to do?

Chang Chiao-yi
FTV reporter
There are self-service car washes everywhere, but it’s rare to find an automatic one open 24 hours a day.

Our reporter went to try it herself. The water pressure was strong and it cleaned the car well. If you prefer to do it yourself, that’s no problem, either. But the payment method is a little different here.

Mr. Fu
Car wash owner
When you drive in, you don’t have to put in money. It works like a parking lot. When you’re done, just enter your license plate into the kiosk and it will display the charge. After you pay, you can leave. It’s fully automatic and also takes electronic payments.

Customer
Likes the update
It’s super convenient. Once you’re in, everything is easy to use. It’s not like the old days when you had to keep feeding it NT$10 coins.

The most unique part is that this car wash uses a license plate recognition system for entry. Like a parking lot, you pay for however long it takes. But it isn’t just your average setup, either. It also has another special function.

Mr. Fu
Car wash owner
Our license plate reader is linked to the police database. If it detects a plate that matches one provided, it’ll notify the police.

By connecting with the police database, cars with fake plates or canceled registration have nowhere to hide. As soon as they pull in, the scanner will reveal their secret.

Customer
Likes the car wash
Washing my car here feels safe. I think it’s great. It’ll be a big boost to public safety.

By merging convenience with technology, this 24-hour wash will leave your car sparkling while getting dirty vehicles off the road. Criminals beware—but as long as you’re clean, you can come and go with peace of mind.

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

#carwash #fakelicenseplate #criminal #driving #convenience #24hour #licenseplaterecognition #Taichung #crimefighting

2026-07-10

Rakuten cheerleaders record catchy new handwashing song

Yeom Se-been, Ha Ji-won, and Woo Su-han—three members of the Rakuten Monkeys cheerleading squad—were invited to film a music video for a new song meant to encourage good handwashing habits. The Korean stars sang entirely in Chinese for the first time, promoting good hygiene with their characteristically enthusiastic choreography. The song will even make its way into KTVs nationwide. The trio gave a sneak peek into their recording session, where they shared their struggles practicing their Chinese pronunciation and singing.

Scrubbing the left, scrubbing the right—this catchy dance hopes to catch on as the next national health anthem. The three Rakuten Monkeys cheerleaders Yeom Se-been, Ha Ji-won, and Woo Su-han are here to teach everyone the right way to wash your hands.

The trio gave a sneak peak into their recording session. You can tell it’s really them singing these Chinese lyrics! But it was a challenge getting it down.

Ha Ji-won
Rakuten Monkeys cheerleader
There are lots of sounds that fall between “wu” and “o,” so I still haven’t quite found the one that sits between the two. I think I still need more practice. For Koreans, blending the “wu” and “o” sounds together for words like shou and dou seems to require some practice.

Woo Su-han
Rakuten Monkeys cheerleader
My pronunciation of tuichang kept slipping, so it was all a mess. I honestly never figured out which was correct. I had to rerecord it.

The three cheerleaders were invited to record a music video to promote handwashing. It was the first time they sang a song entirely in Chinese, which will eventually be available on KTV systems. The trio are excited for their fans to be able to dance along with them.

Ha Ji-won
Rakuten Monkeys cheerleader
The moves are very simple and repeat a lot. Plus, these are the movements we always do when we wash our hands, so everyone can easily follow along. The song is also really catchy. I think it would be great if everyone can make their own videos as well.

Woo Su-han
Rakuten Monkeys cheerleader
Please sing along with us at karaoke! After learning it, we hope every time you wash your hands, you’ll think of us.

Through this simple and upbeat song, anyone can master good handwashing habits while also enjoying the irresistible charm of these beloved cheerleaders.

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

#RakutenMonkeys #cheerleaders #handwashing #goodhygiene #WooSuhan #HaJiwon #YeomSebeen #earworm #publichealth

2026-07-10

Mailiao education park honored with Italy photography award

The Mailiao Township Office in Yunlin organized an architecture photo competition, drawing over 200 entrants from nine organizations across central Taiwan. From the more than 1,200 submissions, 50 photos won awards. Apart from the contest, the Mailiao Community Education Park has also brought home exciting news: Its Life Aesthetics Hall and Smart Library won the Bronze Award at Italy’s A’ Design Award, showcasing the area’s architectural and cultural beauty on the global stage.

Dressed in magnificent pink and flashing a bright smile, this work is one of the gold medal winners at the Mailiao Township Office photography exhibition.

The office hosted the exhibition to promote the art of photography, inviting over 200 photographers from nine groups across central Taiwan to join in the event.

Hsu Chung-fu
Mailiao Township chief
Through the lenses of these photographers, people can discover the architectural beauty of Mailiao. It’s precisely because of this beauty that everyone can discover Mailiao’s incredible buildings and our exceptional library.

Photographers traveled all over the township, using their unique perspectives to capture the changing look of its structures and local features. More than 1,200 entries were received, out of which 50 pieces stood out to showcase Mailiao’s unique charm.

Hsu Chung-fu
Mailiao Township chief
This month, our team from Mailiao is also traveling to Italy to bring a world design award back home. It makes us feel that the world is once again seeing the architectural beauty of Mailiao and recognizing our transformation.

In recent years, Mailiao has sought to promote the arts and culture. Not only has the local photography exhibition shone brightly, but its Social Education Park’s Life Aesthetics Hall and Smart Library have also won the bronze prize at Italy’s A’ Design Award, allowing Mailiao’s public architecture to shine on the international 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

#Mailiao #Yunlin #architecture #photoexhibition #architecture #photography #smartlibrary #internationalaward

2026-07-10

CWA issues sea warning for biggest typhoon in 25 years

The biggest typhoon in 25 years is approaching Taiwan. The Central Weather Administration issued a sea warning for Typhoon Bavi at 2:30 in the afternoon. The area includes waters off the northeast and southeast coast of Taiwan and the Bashi Channel. The storm circle is gradually approaching Taiwan and is expected to have the biggest impact on Friday evening and Saturday, battering Northern Taiwan, Central Taiwan and Yilan with heavy downpours and strong winds.

Already, more than 300 people across 155 households have been evacuated in Hualien, to prevent a tragedy like last year’s Guangfu disaster. They include residents of Fenglin Township, which sits downstream of the Matai’an and Wanli barrier lakes. A yellow alert has been issued for both waterways. Residents in areas prone to landslides have also been evacuated.

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

#bavi #typhoon #naturaldisaster #storm #巴威颱風

2026-07-09

Construction workers catch windfall removing banners before typhoon hits

Typhoon Bavi is coming, and preparation is key. For businesses, it means that it’s time to remove added-on structures that could be hazardous, such as ad banners and signboards. In the past few days, construction workers in Hualien and Yilan have been very busy with removal assignments. Some teams say they can expect to get around ten assignments a day. With payment reaching up to NT$7,000 each, these days have sure been lucrative.

Standing in a crane-lifted work box, construction workers are sparing no time to remove canvas banners on the façade.

Typhoon Bavi will soon reach Taiwan, and the northeastern Yilan is expected to be the first area impacted. Locals are worried of the hazards of these large added-on objects.

- How many assignments do you have?
- Around a dozen.
- How much does it cost?
- There’s a charge for the crane and wages. The crane operator gets a little over $2,000. Workers removing the structures are paid separately.
- Will it cost at least NT$5,000?
- Yes, at least.

To remove an ad banner, clients can expect to shell out between NT$5,000 to NT$7,000. There’s a removal fee, personnel fee and crane usage fee, all calculated separately. The final cost also depends on the size of the banner. Should the client wish to put the banner back after the typhoon, they’ll have to pay again. Meanwhile, it’s also busy in downtown Hualien.

Workers are taking advantage of the clear weather to temporarily remove the large signboard.

In another direction, a group of workers are also rushing to remove an ad banner.

Mr. Wu
Construction worker
I have to work on seven, eight assignments, each taking a little more than an hour. Particularly with signboards that are especially high above ground or protruding more prominently, we would suggest that the client have it removed.

Construction worker can catch a windfall before a typhoon, usually with around ten removal assignments a day. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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

#typhoon #weather #typhoonbavi #stormalert #巴威颱風

2026-07-09

Clear skies before typhoon let people see the Philippines

And although a typhoon is on the way, the sky was clearer than ever in many parts of Taiwan, especially on the east coast. Visibility was so good that you could spot Green Island and Orchid Island from the coast of Taitung with the naked eye. That’s nothing surprising for older Taitung residents, who know how to read the sky to predict the weather. Local lore say clear skies mean a typhoon is on the way, and the clearer they are, the bigger the storm. Let’s hear more.

Local
Taitung
Elders say that if you can see Orchid Island during the day, it means a storm is coming.

Local
Taitung
People say that. I was in the mountains in Kasavakan the past two days. It’s rare to see the islands so clearly.

Chen Pai-yu
Meteorologist
The North Pacific High creates descending air currents that contain less moisture, and since there is a typhoon approaching its own outer bands also create descending air currents that further reduce the moisture in the air, improving visibility.

And the spectacle isn’t just limited to the coast of Taitung. People in Lanyu could see into a different country, with the northernmost islands of the Philippines peeking over the horizon. Y’Ami Island was visible despite being 114km away, and so was North Island, at 110km away. It turns out that the traditional lore in Taitung actually has basis in science. So you know now that if the marine landscape looks especially pristine, that might just be the calm before the storm.

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

#typhoon #taiwan #taitung #visibility #amazing

2026-07-09

Professional smellers test odors to hold businesses accountable

Residents frequently complain about the stench of a famous stinky tofu restaurant from Hualien. This is not the only strong odor in the area that people have reported, with other restaurants, manufacturing facilities, and farms also drawing complaints. Taipei’s Department of Environmental Protection has hired professional smell testers to determine whether odor levels exceed standards.

Professionals set up devices to test wind speed and identify odor sources, then use a special vacuum box to extract samples.

These specially made sampling bags cost over NT$1,000 each. After samples are collected, filtered air is injected into them to create control samples before they are analyzed. To address complaints over strong smells including those from a stinky tofu restaurant, the Taipei Department of Environmental Protection brought in six odor evaluators to conduct blind tests.

Odor evaluator
Smells well
It’s very pungent, really very pungent. It doesn’t scare me, but when you squeeze the sample, the smell is truly overwhelming.

Odor evaluator
Smells well
I don’t care for my nose in any special way. As long as I don’t have a cold and haven’t eaten spicy food before the test, it should be fine.

Before starting work, odor evaluators first test their smell sensitivity by identifying the solutions in five test tubes. After passing the test, they need to rest for 30 minutes before they can start working.

The evaluators test the samples through funnels, with the result determined by the average reading from six people. The entire process can take up to three hours.

Wui Hui-chen
Inspector
If the odor levels exceed the standards, we follow the prescribed procedures and issue data showing the odor levels. After we submit the results to the Department of Environmental Protection, it decides whether to impose penalties.

Fearing penalties, many restaurants have installed electric odor removal and carbon filtration systems to eliminate smells. If the odor evaluators determine that odor levels exceed standards, restaurants could be fined up to NT$20 million.

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

#stinkytofu #stinky #smell #odor #odorcomplaint #fine #odorpolice #Hualien #Taipei

2026-07-09

Hualien Bus Station adopts cat that stole its snacks

Last June, an orange tabby stole four bags of dried fish strips from Hualien Bus Station. Rather than having the cat taken away, the station adopted him, naming him Egg Tart. Egg Tart now calls the station his home and often appears “on duty” at the service counter, garnering smiles from fawning travelers.

An employee at Hualien Bus Station holds a bright-eyed orange tabby, looking dapper in his plaid scarf and blue bandana. It’s time for this cat to start his shift.

Ms. Lin
Traveler
I think he’s so cute. He’s very friendly and not shy at all.

Mr. Chiu
Traveler
I noticed the cat about a month or two ago. The staff is always holding him. It makes the station feel more welcoming.

The station’s resident cat is named Egg Tart. He got his position not due to his resume, but by stealing.

Chen An-te
Station tourist information director
One morning we found that someone had eaten some of the dried fish strips we were selling. When we caught Egg Tart, we realized that he had been the one eating the fish strips.

Last June, Hualien Bus Station discovered that four bags of fish strips had been nibbled on. After tracking down the culprit, staff found a tiny one-and-a-half-month-old kitten hiding behind a storage locker. Rather than call the police, the station decided to adopt the little thief as its resident cat.

Chen An-te
Station tourist information director
After all the employees agreed, we named him Egg Tart and incorporated him into the team.

Egg Tart regularly patrols the station, bringing joy to travelers. After a video of the cat went viral last month, many people came especially to see him. This little thief has spent a year charming people with his cuteness, bringing new life to the station.

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

#Hualien #station #cat #EggTart #thief #fishstrips #pet #tabbycat #orangecat

2026-07-09

Diving captain saves two sea turtles entangled in fishing net

Touching sea turtles while snorkeling or diving is subject to a NT$300,000 fine, but this doesn’t apply when saving them. A snorkeling guide in Penghu recently encountered two sea turtles trapped in fishing nets while leading a tourist group. The divers used scissors to carefully cut the net off the turtles and untangled them, rescuing the two baby animals.

Divers haul up a clump of tangled fishing net with two small sea turtles squirming inside. One takes a pair of scissors and starts to cut them free.

They carefully cut the baby turtles free, untangling them one string at a time to make sure not to harm them. One had part of the net wrapped around its neck and was struggling to breathe, but thankfully they got it free in time.

The captain notified authorities at the closest port in Qimei and turned the ship around to get them treatment as soon as possible.

Voice of Yeh Sheng-hung
Captain
I saw what looked like sea turtles out of the corner of my eye. I told the divers to hold on a second and went back to check, and it turned out there were two sea turtles tangled up in a net.

The captain was taking tourists snorkeling in the waters around Qimei, south of Penghu, when he noticed a fishing net on the water’s surface with something moving inside. He turned around and managed to rescue two baby sea turtles.

Hsueh Chieh-yin
Penghu Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau secretary
After the coast guard and county personnel were notified that two sea turtles had been found entangled in a fishing net, the turtles were sent to a sea turtle research center for observation and treatment.

A similar incident occurred on Xiaoliuqiu recently. Divers said a sea turtle was swimming toward them when they realized it was completely entangled in a fishing line.

The divers used a small knife to carefully cut the tangled line, allowing the turtle to swim freely once again. Thanks to helpful divers around Taiwan, these turtles were able to escape danger.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#seaturtle #Penghu #Qimei #Xiaoliuqiu #fishingnet #fishingline #trash #endangered #tangled #conservation

2026-07-09

June inflation hits 17-month high as CPI rises 2.6% from 2026

June’s inflation has hit a 17-month high. Prices rose 2.6% from a year ago, staying above the government’s warning threshold for a second straight month. At the same time, the New Taiwan dollar has weakened past 32 against the US dollar, while Taiwan’s AI-fueled stock rally is raising concerns of a market bubble. But Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long says inflation expectations remain stable, that Taiwan’s economy is strong, and the AI boom has not yet reached bubble territory.

June’s CPI saw an increase of 2.6% from the year before, marking the second month in a row above the government’s warning threshold of 2%, and a 17-month high.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
As of June this year, nearly 20 major institutions forecast an average inflation rate of 1.9% for the year, with the figure expected to drop to 1.7% next year. Overall, inflation is expected to remain stable.

A stronger US dollar, and net selling by foreign investors in the Taiwan stock market has depreciated the New Taiwan dollar, which dropped past NT$32 to the greenback. The Central Bank says it will continue with its “willow theory” approach, and allow the currency to sway.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
Though the US dollar is indeed strong, and interest rates are on the higher end, Taiwan’s economy is performing well. Exports are strong, growth is robust and inflation is under control. So these solid fundamentals are helping offset the impact of a strong US dollar.

The stock market has been bustling with activity, and investors have been taking out loans to cash in on the AI surge. But concerns are rising about a bubble.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
The government’s tax revenue is strong, and the stock market has been very active. Though we are keeping an eye on the issue, I think the AI wave is fueled by genuine momentum. We need to watch closely whether excessive leverage is building up through credit expansion. That’s what we should be concerned about.

While acknowledging concerns over an overheated stock market and increasing investment leverage, Yang cautioned investors about potential risks. However, he said he does not believe the AI boom has entered bubble territory.

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#ai #aibubble #stockmarket #shares #taiwanshares #taiex

2026-07-09

President invites DPP mayoral candidates to hospital groundbreaking ceremony

President Lai Ching-te on Thursday attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building at National Taiwan University Hospital’s Jinshan Branch in New Taipei’s north coast. Once completed, the new building will also house a long-term care center. To drum up support for the year-end local elections, the president invited the DPP’s mayoral candidates for New Taipei and neighboring Keelung to the ceremony. He also credited the hospital’s origin to ex-Premier Su Tseng-chang, who was then-Taipei County Commissioner.

President Lai Ching-te attends the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building at National Taiwan University Hospital’s Jinshan Branch in the north coast. Lai announces that the central government will conditionally provide supplementary funding for the project.

Lai Ching-te
President
Here’s the deal. This is our plan: if construction is completed on schedule, before Lunar New Year in 2029, which should normally be in February, we’ll subsidize NT$100 million.

The president invited DPP New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui to the event, while also recognizing the hospital’s origin, which traces back to her father Su Tseng-chang’s term as commissioner for then-Taipei County.

Lai Ching-te
President
It used to be the North Coast Jin-Shan Hospital Foundation. It wasn’t easy to recruit doctors back then, not to mention retain them. When former Premier Su Tseng-chang took office as Taipei County Commissioner at the time, he supported administrative and construction works. Later, as Premier under President Chen Shui-bian, he coordinated with National Taiwan University and NTU Hospital to incorporate this hospital into their system.

Su Chiao-hui
New Taipei mayoral candidate (DPP)
In the future, I hope to attract and retain local talents with subsidies and bonuses for local medical practitioners, so that we can boost the north coast’s healthcare capacity and allow local residents healthy and decent lives.

Lai also invited Keelung mayoral candidate Tung Tzu-wei, for a rare public appearance between the distant relatives.

Tung Tzu-wei
Keelung mayoral candidate (DPP)
We’re in Jinshan, which is right next to the president’s hometown and Keelung. The three places form a neighborhood. I’m very grateful that the president is so dedicated to advancing the development of Northern Taiwan.

The DPP hopes to join forces in healthcare at the grassroots and bring neighboring communities in the north coast together.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#healthcare #newtaipei #NTUHospital #賴清德 #侯友宜

2026-07-09

Kinmen to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kinmen Marathon

The Kinmen Marathon will hold its 20th anniversary on January 16 next year. The Kinmen county government has announced various activities, including a nostalgia exhibition area and upgraded Kaoliang liquor and other special gifts for contestants. Let’s find out more.

Bang! The starting guns fire simultaneously as a massive pack of runners surges forward like wild horses, filling the air with excitement. The annual Kinmen Marathon is a major event in the sporting world; to welcome next year’s milestone 20th anniversary, the county government has specially produced a promotional video.

Chen Hsiang-lin
Deputy Kinmen County Commissioner
The 2027 Kinmen Marathon marks its 20th edition. For any brand, reaching a 20-year milestone is quite an achievement. We hope the Kinmen Marathon will continue to thrive and establish itself as a premier brand on the international marathon circuit.

Ou-yang I-hsiung
Kinmen County councilor
It began when I was a student at National Quemoy University. Seeing all this along the way until today makes me very moved.

The Kinmen County Government held a press conference to officially announce that the 20th Kinmen Marathon will be held on January 16th next year. This 20th-anniversary limited edition not only features a "nostalgia exhibition" at the event but also offers a rich variety of commemorative gifts for finishers. Additionally, to encourage former participants to return, a secret “homecoming gift" will be provided.

Chen Hsiang-lin
Deputy Kinmen County Commissioner
For the gift for completing the race, we have made a special upgrade to the Kaoliang liquor. We also encourage all the runners who have participated in the Kinmen Marathon to keep coming back to Kinmen to relive their past memories here. That is why we are offering a special “homecoming gift.”

The Kinmen County Government invites runners from all over the world to embark on this internationally certified course, experience the charm of battlefield culture and the warmth of Kinmen residents, and together, write the most exciting chapter of the Kinmen Marathon.

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#Kinmenmarathon #Kinmen #Kinmenactivities #marathons

2026-07-09

Londoner becomes traditional Chinese medicine practitioner

Sean Dyer from London has become something of a local celebrity in Kaohsiung, for working at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. He initially moved to Taiwan after falling in love and getting married to his Taiwanese wife. He liked it here so much that he even gave up his British nationality to become a Taiwanese citizen, even though that forced him to do military service in Taiwan. Now, he treats patients in fluent Mandarin, which is shocking for many.

With his fair hair and deep-set features, Sean Dyer speaks flawless, accent-free Mandarin during consultations. He’s a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who works at a Chinese medicine clinic in Nanzih District in Kaohsiung -- but he’s originally from the UK.

Patient
At first I thought there might be a language barrier, but once you enter the consultation room, you feel completely at ease. Dyer has not only mastered Mandarin, but also speaks great Taiwanese.

Most people associate traditional Chinese medicine practitioners with ethnically Chinese people, so Dyer’s appearance often sparks discussion among patients. Coming from a family of medical professionals, Dyer originally worked as a martial arts and boxing coach. With his family’s support, he later decided to pursue his strong interest in traditional Chinese medicine.

Sean Dyer
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner
After I started studying traditional Chinese medicine, I just read books, and the more I read, the more I loved it. After all, both my parents are doctors: my mother is an anesthesiologist, and my father is a nephrologist.

Dyer met his future wife when visiting friends in Kaohsiung. After they got married, they decided to stay in Kaohsiung. For the sake of his family, Dyer not only became a Taiwanese citizen, but also served in Taiwan’s military.

Sean Dyer
Chinese medicine practitioner
I gave up my nationality for my family and became Taiwanese. But at the time, they said: You’re not even 36 yet! You still have to serve! So I joined the military and served as an artillery soldier in Chiayi. Most patients are pleasantly surprised but sometimes I’ll run into people asking if I’m really capable. Actually, no matter what the illness is, I feel quite interested in anything that’s challenging.

Dyer says with a smile that although some patients were initially skeptic due to his looks, they all find the right treatment after a consultation in fluent Mandarin, making for a unique visit to the clinic.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#foreignersintaiwan #Chinesemedicine #Kaohsiung #TCM #immigration

2026-07-09