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Taiwan kicked off 5-day military drills on Monday

Taiwan has kicked off combat readiness drills lasting five days and four nights on Monday, in case of a Chinese attack. On Tuesday morning, the Army’s 333rd Combined Arms Brigade was sighted passing through downtown Pingtung on Clouded Leopard armored vehicles and other combat vehicles, attracting many onlookers.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, this round of drills is a part of the Armed Forces’ regular annual joint exercises, and also the first of three rounds scheduled this year. Upon receiving orders, the 333rd Brigade must immediately complete vehicle preparation, personnel organization, and equipment checks before proceeding to their designated positions, to carry out combat readiness deployment and defense missions. Through live-fire exercises, the aim is to gradually increase the intensity of training, thereby strengthening the joint operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and their overall defense resilience.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Time：2026-06-23

最新消息 Latest News

Gov’t seeks to crack down on drugs, to make safer roads and safer schools

With the amount of drugs being seized increasing and the abuse of emerging “zombie vapes” becoming more rampant, the Executive Yuan has formed a task force to take on criminal organizations and crack down on drugs. Minister without portfolio Chi Lien-cheng is leading the charge in an effort to stop drug-impaired driving and prevent drugs from getting onto and spreading around school property.

In Taoyuan, this white car’s swerving is getting worse. It ends up scraping against an oncoming car and then smashing into the back of a different car.

But this white car didn’t stop until it had run right into a scooter helmet store.

The store’s glass windows are shattered, and there are car parts all over. The driver stumbles out, struggling to keep her balance. The police test her for drugs and the result is positive. Suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs, a look inside the vehicle reveals she’s in possession of etomidate-laced “zombie vapes.” But that’s not all there is in the vehicle: the driver’s 3-year-old daughter is sitting in the back seat.

Driver of a vehicle that got hit
Furious
I think that people really shouldn’t be driving under the influence of drugs. I had stopped at a traffic light, waiting for it to turn green, waiting for pedestrians to cross the road, and then some driver high on drugs comes up and hits me from behind.

Recently, etomidate-laced e-cigarette pods, known as “zombie vapes,” have been the cause of many deadly traffic tragedies, striking fear in the hearts of the public. Setting its sights on drug control, the Executive Yuan and Minister without portfolio Chi Lien-cheng have responded to the issue of drugged driving by forming a task force that will crack down on organized crime and illegal drugs.

Chi Lien-cheng
Minister without portfolio
Etomidate abuse is getting progressively worse. A lot of the drug-impaired driving we’ve been seeing all has to do with etomidate.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
We’ve recently been facing the challenge of emerging drugs like etomidate, a drug that has been causing a lot of accidents. The Executive Yuan had the Narcotics Review Committee evaluate the drug, which has now been elevated to a Schedule 1 narcotic.

The government has declared it’s cracking down on drugs, with all traffic checkpoints now having saliva rapid tests. If a driver is found to be operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, his or her license will be revoked for 3 years, the vehicle being driven will be seized, and even passengers in the vehicle will be fined. The Executive Yuan also has new measures that will take the anti-drug effort to school grounds.

Chi Lien-cheng
Minister without portfolio
In terms of law enforcement, they won’t be going onto school property. What I’ve suggested is having “fifth level” campus security, which are either trained military personnel or retired police officers. If a school needs this type of security personnel, then the school can make a request to their campus security company, which can recruit and select candidates that are able to satisfy the school’s needs; the school can then consider the qualified candidates. I must make it clear that the schools will be taking the initiative on this.

In order to crack down on drugs and make the public feel safer, Chi Lien-cheng is overseeing the combined effort of six entities nationwide: prosecutors, police, investigators, coast guard, military police, and customs.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#caraccident #zombievape #etomidate #traffic #publicsafety

2026-06-23

AI-generated Indonesian music video about migrant workers goes viral

An unlikely hit song went viral around the Dragon Boast Festival period: a pop-rock tune dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan. Even though it’s AI-generated, many netizens, local Taiwanese and Indonesian alike, are singing praises for the song’s inspiring message. Let’s hear the reactions of some Indonesians in Taiwan.

Tourist
From Indonesia
I really like visiting Taiwan. I used to work here. I miss Taiwan. Taiwan is great, really great. I want to come back. It’s like family to me.

Indonesian-born resident
Works in Taiwan
I’ve been in Taiwan for more than ten years now. For me, life is not bad in Taiwan. The salary’s quite high. The Taiwanese are friendly. They’re great. The food is good. I’m in Taiwan to make money for my family. My mother passed away last year, so I don’t get to see her even if I go back. My father’s also gone, so I hope I can continue to work in Taiwan. My employer also tells me that he sees me as part of the family.

The song was prompted by an Indonesian content creator, titled “Warm Greetings From Taiwan.” It conveys how Indonesian migrant workers, despite missing their family back home, are motivated to work, save, and return with a small fortune. Taiwan’s urban scenes are featured in the AI-prompted video. Many Taiwanese netizens have commented that the video makes them appreciate these migrant workers a lot more.

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#taiwan #indonesia #migration #migrantworkers #international

2026-06-23

Immersive exhibition ‘Hell Realm’ sees polarized response

“Hell Realm,” a new exhibition by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, has been met with mixed reviews, with some people saying it’s too scary, while others find it fun. Today, we’re going to lift the veil on this polarizing exhibition. Utilizing a U-shaped projection screen in combination with sound and lights, visitors are plunged into the underworld to witness the brutal punishments meted out there. One father even brought his five-year-old to see it, hoping it would teach him to behave or he’ll end up in hell.

A suspenseful soundtrack plays as images are projected onto a U-shaped screen and the floor. At the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts’ new exhibition “Hell Realm,” the tortures carried out in the 10 courts of hell are displayed in vivid detail. Some visitors were transfixed, while others left early because it was too scary.

- I told him if he’s bad he’ll go to hell, and he ran out.

- I don’t like it.
- Was it scary?
- It was scary.
- You couldn’t look?
- No.
- Are you worried you’ll go to hell if you’re bad?
- Yes.

Two parents even brought their five-year-old to see it, but in the end, only the mom was left, because their son thought it was too scary. Is it really that terrifying? Besides the traditional punishments like scaling a mountain of knives and being boiled in a cauldron of oil, the artists also incorporated some modern elements, like pool rings and smartphones. But they also left the audience wondering what’s so wrong about using their phones.

Visitor
I noticed it was a phone. I guess it’s not OK to use your phone too much.

Visitor
I guess it’s meant to show being held captive by your phone.

Visitor
In the freezing hell, it was snowing and they were lifting stones in the air. It actually looked pretty festive.

Beyond the immersive display, there are also cangues and shackles for people to take photos with. On the opening day, Taoist priests came to lead visitors through absolution rites. There are even a limited number of fortune sticks available every day. The combination of theatrical performance and religious ritual makes visitors feel like they’ve been transported straight to hell. Even the deputy director of the museum admitted that it triggered childhood memories of visiting Nantian Temple’s hell exhibit.

Wang Chia-cheng
Museum deputy director
An experience like this will have a greater impact on young, impressionable minds. After that, they’ll think twice about lying or being bad.

But the museum emphasized that the goal of the exhibition isn’t to scare people, but to encourage people to do good deeds. If you follow your conscience, you’ll stay out of hell!

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#HellRealm #10CourtsofHell #NTMoFA #exhibition #immersive #art #children #digitalart #folklore

2026-06-23

2 naughty dogs pull out statue of immortal boy deity

In Taichung, a mixed breed dog duo that go by the names of Egg White and Egg Yolk live in a factory where temple statues are made. Egg White suddenly realized that by yanking the rope, an 80-kilogram statue of the immortal boy on a white crane deity be pulled outside to take a stroll. The dogs’ naughty behavior was caught on camera, and viewers of the video commented that the statue looks like it was being taken on a pilgrimage procession.

Ms. Chuang
Owner of naughty dogs
These two are just so naughty, always having a blast like this. And now they’ve even pulled this temple deity outside. Egg White is the naughtier of the two, as it’s usually Egg White thinking up mischievous things to do and then dragging Egg Yolk along for the ride. Whenever Egg White does something wrong, the little bugger will immediately cower over like this.

These two mixed-breed dogs are brothers being raised in a statue factory in Taichung’s Wufeng District. They’re just a little over a year old, which is when dogs are at their naughtiest. The two little devils didn’t pull out their owner’s property, as the immortal boy statue is a client’s. Fortunately for all involved, the dog owner heard the noise and quickly put an end to the horseplay. Egg White is known for being a trouble-maker, yet when caught the dog goes into hiding. As for the more straight-laced Egg Yolk, this one is smart enough to know to not get into trouble.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#dogs #deity #statue #naughty #Taichung

2026-06-23

Taiwan Expo in Europe opens in Warsaw, Poland

The biannual Taiwan Expo in Europe is held in the Polish capital Warsaw for the first time ever. Co-organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and TAITRA, the 3-day event features 106 exhibitors, many in the drone industry. But Taiwanese businesses aren’t just showing their goods: the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association announced that a new technology park will be built in southwest Poland.

Against drum rolls, diabolo performers open the Taiwan Expo in Europe. Orchids dyed in the Ukrainian flag’s blue and yellow adorn the venue. There’s more than just AI-powered systems and drones on display, as guests are served freshly brewed baozhong tea for a taste of Taiwan. Held biannually, the Taiwan Expo in Europe is in Warsaw, Poland for the first time, with participation by 106 Taiwanese businesses.

Kung Ming-hsin
Minister of Economic Affairs
In 2025, which is last year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in support of a special economic zone and industrial park. On this basis, we’ve began talks on building an industrial park with Poland and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, or TEEMA.

The Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin gave remarks via a prerecorded video, while Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung attended in person, with a delegation of representatives in the drone industry. Loitering munition and counter-UAS are also exhibited. A big announcement was made at the main stage: TEEMA’s technology park will be built in southwestern Poland, connecting with the city of Jaworzno to form a major hub.

Cynthia Kiang
Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs
Three regions in Poland were considered: Katowice, Łódź and Wrocław. After careful consideration, they decided to build the technology park in Wrocław.

James Huang
TAITRA
Over the three-day event, we’ve scheduled a total of 950 matchmaking meetings for the 100+ businesses from home.

In 2025, bilateral trade volume between Taiwan and Poland exceeded US$2.54 billion, for an annual growth of over 20%. A golden age of industrial cooperation between the two countries is coming.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#taiwan #poland #trade #investment #EU

2026-06-23

Man illegally keeps a horde of rare and valuable animal species

The Seventh Special Police Corps were tipped off on a New Taipei man who was rearing a host of nationally protected wildlife species. The man showed off the poached creatures via social media posts, and when the authorities showed up they found everything from a collared scops owl locked up in a small cage to a Formosan rock macaque tied up in the bathroom. The animals were sent to be seen by veterinarians and the poacher will be tried in court.

The police are searching through this home, and what they find is heart-breaking: a variety of wild birds are locked up in a row of cages stacked waist-high.

And then there’s this collared scops owl; boasting big, bright eyes and a round face, this owl species is designated as one of Taiwan’s rare and valuable species. When it spots the police have arrived, its eyes look both hopeful and helpless. The owl has been kept in this small cage for a long time, causing it to be malnourished and so weak that it struggles to feed itself. When an officer tells the poacher this, the man responds by claiming that he is an animal lover.

-You can’t raise these animals.
-You have so many animals here.
-I love animals. There’s people who give them to me.

The list of suffering animals is not just limited to birds; the police open the bathroom to find a Formosan rock macaque tied up with a dog leash. The monkey looks petrified as it cowers in a corner.

The Seventh Special Police Corps were tipped off about a man in New Taipei who had posted videos of nationally protected species that he shared to social media platforms. In the posts, the animals looked to be mistreated. After gathering evidence, the police and animal protection officers went to the man’s residence, where they found the monkey, protected owl species, and other wild bird species, like a Formosan whistling thrush and Asian emerald dove.

Tsai Shang-tzu
Seventh Special Police Corps
After we completed our investigation, the suspect Mr. Chung was charged with violating the Act on Wildlife Conservation, and, therefore, the case will be sent to the district prosecutors office.

Yang Shu-fang
New Taipei animal protection office
The collared scops owl was sent to a vet and is currently receiving care. Once its health improves, it’ll be released into the wild. The emerald dove was quite healthy, and so it’s already been released into the wild. The Formosan rock macaque is currently being evaluated.

The police reminds the public that the Act on Wildlife Conservation prohibits the capturing and raising of wild animals, which is punishable up to a fine of NT$300,000. As for hunting and killing wild animals, violators face up to five years in prison in addition to a maximum fine of NT$1 million.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#protectedspecies #poacher #owl #rockmacaque #illegalpets

2026-06-23

Driver encourages gecko to hold on at 100kph speeds

We’ve found the strongest hitchhiker on Earth! While speeding down a highway, a driver discovered a gecko sticking to the outside of his window. He was driving over 100kph at the time, the wind blowing violently, but it still held fast to the window for dear life. The video went viral online, with commenters dubbing it the “gecko Tom Cruise.”

While cruising down the highway, this driver noticed an unexpected hitchhiker. But it wasn’t a person. It was this gecko clinging underneath the window rain deflector.

Don’t let go, little guy! You’ll blow away! Hang in there! Hold on tight!

It was a life-or-death situation. But even though the car was going over 100kph and it was facing gale force winds, the gecko managed to hold on.

So scary! I’m pulling over to get him to safety.

The driver was afraid it would blow away and either get crushed or run over. Although the gecko itself didn’t seem too concerned, the driver couldn’t take it anymore, and decided to stop by the side of the road. He thought it would leave by itself, but in the end it decided to stick around.

He’s back! I thought you’d jumped off. Hang on!

The driver kept giving the lizard words of encouragement as he zoomed down the road, his cinematic footage reminiscent of Tom Cruise scaling a skyscraper in “Mission Impossible.”

Don’t look at me like that! I tried to let you go. It was your decision to stay. Do you want to go to Chiayi with me, little guy?

The driver discovered the stowaway after leaving from Changhua. The entire recorded interaction, including his conversation with the creature, went viral online.

Member of public
The whole thing was really fun. But the catch is that he was driving. If something went wrong, it could quickly have turned dangerous instead of funny.

Member of public
It’s a little dangerous to be holding your phone to film while on the highway or driving.

The world’s strongest hitchhiker proved impossible to shake off. Although the footage was amusing, some commenters also raised safety concerns about the driver recording on his phone while driving.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#driving #trafficsafety #stowaway #hitchhiker #gecko #oddity #TomCruise #MissionImpossible #distracteddriving

2026-06-23

Judo king Yang Yung-wei sets sights on Asian Games, Olympics

Taiwan’s judo king Yang Yung-wei burst into the spotlight at the Tokyo Olympics, etching his name into history by winning Taiwan’s first medal in the sport. Shortly after securing that silver, he captured gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Although his campaign at the Paris Olympics was cut short in the quarterfinals, he’s taken the setback as motivation to work harder. Now he’s moving out of his rut and has high hopes for the Nagoya Asian Games in September.

At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 23-year-old judoka Yang Yung-wei represented Taiwan for the first time on the greatest sporting stage in the world. He clinched silver in the 60kg event, making history by winning Taiwan’s first Olympic medal in judo.

Discussing his favorite student, coach Liu Wen-teng said that Yang has extraordinarily high standards and self-discipline. But more importantly, he has the humility to listen to instruction.

Liu Wen-teng
Judo coach
He has high expectations for himself, and he has great discipline. Whenever he strives for something, he always seeks out advice.

In 2023, Yang won gold in the 60kg division at the Hangzhou Asian Games. But when he returned to the Olympics in 2024, despite entering as a top seed in Paris, he fell to an opponent from Kazakstan in the quarterfinals. He was then defeated again in the repechage round, missing the chance to stand on the podium in two consecutive Olympics.

Yang Yung-wei
Judoka
Especially right after you lose, it’s hard to adjust your mindset right away. You have to let yourself experience the weight of the loss, because at the end of the day, it’s you on the mat, not anyone else. Not your coach—you. So you have to be aware of what you need to change and what you need to do to get there.

Although it’s been an arduous journey, it’s because of his losses that Yang could learn a deeper truth: Only by enduring hardship can you change and improve. Having weathered setbacks, he’s ready to persevere and push himself toward greater heights.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#judo #YangYungwei #athlete #sports #Olympics #discipline #hardwork #AsianGames

2026-06-23

Mysterious lights moving across night sky perplex Changhua residents

Recently, residents in Changhua have spotted unidentified white lights in the night sky, moving and crossing through the clouds. Many have shared footage on social media, with some jokingly asking whether they’re UFOs. Let’s find out what these lights really are.

Filled with a chorus of insects and frogs, nighttime in Changhua is usually uneventful. But recently, people have spotted white lights moving across the clouds in the night sky.

Multiple people have posted images of these lights on social media, asking what they could possibly be. Could they be drones, or even UFOs?

Member of public
UFOs fly upward, but these lights move up from below and rotate around.

Member of public
Every event uses lights, we just don’t know where they are. It’s not unusual.

It turns out these lights came from a local art festival.

This is the Lu Kang Dragon Fest, which features light installations. For the main Kung Fu Panda display, beams of light are projected into the sky, lighting up the clouds.

Wang Ying-chi
Changhua County official
Some people said it looks like UFOs, but these beams of light are part of our 2026 light and shadow art festival. The main installation is part of our overall lighting design. Recently, these special lighting effects have attracted many people to come take photos and share them.

The festival runs until August 23, with the lights on every day from 6:30pm to 10pm. During this time, people will continue to see lights moving across the sky, projected from the festival’s main installation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Changhua #lights #UFO #lightfestival #LuKangDragonFest #art #lightinstallation

2026-06-23

Taiwanese stocks setting records and investors are betting big

Contrary to expectations, the Taiex has broken “the curse of Dragon Boat Festival.” Investors are reaping big gains this Monday as the Taiex closed up 1,276 for 47,741 points, making it the eighth largest rise in Taiex history. And TSMC also enjoyed record-setting numbers, as it reached a new high of NT$2,510 a share.

Chen Li-wei
President Capital Management Analyst
There’s a common belief that the winds of the stock market change during Dragon Boat Festival, and to us it looks like the market is doing even better than before. It’s possible that this week another new high of 48,000 will be reached, perhaps even 49,000. This year the Taiex may, sooner or later, surpass 50,000. As for this week, the two most important things to consider are Micron’s financial report and Nvidia’s shareholder meeting, especially since Jensen Huang has continued to be optimistic about AI. So, we also can continue paying attention to these trending topics.

Mr. Chiang
Long-term shareholder
17 years ago my wife bought 32,000 shares of TSMC at NT$66.6 a share. She put her entire retirement pension into TSMC, and she’s ended up earning over NT$60 million as a result.

Member of public
Stock market enthusiast
Everybody’s saying “go all in” with TSMC. Everyone’s goal is to not need to go to work anymore.

With dreams of an early retirement, all of Taiwan seems to be entranced by the local stock market, as people are checking the index on their phones in restaurants and even when they’re strolling down the street. In May of this year, 132,000 new Taiex accounts were opened, which makes up just a small chunk of Taiwan’s 14.33 million retail investors. With the AI industry forming a strong backbone for the market, capital is pouring in, meaning the Taiex climbing to 50,000 seems to be just a matter of time.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#TSMC #investing #DragonBoatFestival #allin #Taiex

2026-06-22

Barrier lake in Hualien just 7km from site of Matai’an flood

Ever since last year’s Matai’an Creek flood in Hualien, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has regularly monitored the surrounding area to prevent a similar disaster from happening again, and now the agency has discovered a new 3-hectare barrier lake located just 7km to the north of the site of last year’s disaster.

Deep in the mountains in Hualien, an aerial photograph reveals that a 3-hectare barrier lake has formed next to a large landslide. The barrier lake is only 7km to the north of where the Matai’an barrier lake breach disaster occurred last year.

Huang Chium-tse
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency
There’s an elevation difference between the riverbed and the settlement downstream, so currently there’s no need to be overly concerned. Our evaluation is that the barrier lake’s location is very deep in the mountains and it’s not accessible by road, which is why we haven’t recently had anybody get close to that body of water.

Ever since the Matai’an Creek disaster, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has routinely monitored the nearby area. The agency found a new barrier lake where the upper reaches of Wanli Creek passes through Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park. The body of water is deeper in the mountains than last year’s barrier lake at Matai’an Creek. The closest settlement is Wanrung Village at 22km away; and there’s also Xibao Bridge and Wanli Creek Bridge, which are 24km and 27km away, respectively. Many landslides have occurred near Wanrung Village, so the closest cars can get is 3.5km, and there’s no hiking path that leads to the body of water. As a result, a helicopter was sent to inspect the area on Monday morning.

Huang Chium-tse
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency
Based on preliminary data, we’ve already notified the Ninth River Management Branch, and they’ll help us monitor water levels. Hualien County Government, Fenglin Township Office, and Wanrung Township Office were also immediately notified about the situation.

Hsieh Yu-chen
Borough Warden in Fenglin Township
The words “barrier lake” strike fear in the hearts of everyone, so I personally went door-to-door, notifying every resident that a barrier lake has formed, and the riverbed isn’t all that far from us.

With Typhoon Mekkhala—the year’s seventh typhoon—looming, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency won’t be taking any chances, which is why an emergency response team has been formed in order to closely observe the barrier lake’s water levels as well as the possibility of a breach.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#hualien #barrierlake #typhoon #disastermitigaiton #flood

2026-06-22

Driver speeds off while 3-yo niece was still getting in car

A woman in Yilan put her 3-year-old niece in immense danger, driving off while the toddler was still getting in the car. She had gone into a convenience store with her daughter and the niece. The two kids were successively getting into the back seats. After her daughter got in the car, she drove off with the rear door still open. The little girl still tried to get in when her aunt went off without her, but it was not possible for her little legs to catch up with the car, so she soon rolled out onto the road. Fortunately, an eyewitness helped her up immediately after she fell, lifting her out of danger.

A sedan parked on the roadside had one rear door open. Two little kids were getting into the car, but only the first got in safely. The latter, a younger girl, hadn’t even put a foot in when the driver speeded off with the door still open.

The toddler tried to catch up, her legs frantically moving. Soon, she rolled off and fell onto the road. An eyewitness standing under the arcade helped her up immediately.

More shockingly, the driver didn’t even notice that the kid hadn’t gotten in yet.

Member of public
Shocked
It’s ridiculous. The parent didn’t do their job. It’s common sense that one should wait for kids to get in and close the door properly before driving off.

Member of public
Shocked
It’s so scary! The kid could’ve got run over.

The frightening scene was captured at Yilan’s Luodong Township. The driver had her daughter and 3-year-old niece with her, and was about to leave after picking up a package from a convenience store. She thought both kids were safely seated when only her daughter was, and drove off without the 3-year-old.

Chen Yu-chu
Women and Children Police
Causing injury to a child without intent is fineable between NT$60,000 to NT$600,000 according to law.

The police later found that the driver had violated several other traffic rules, including parking on a red line and making a U-turn around double yellow lines, and she could be fined up to NT$23,400 in total. Fortunately, the toddler wasn’t hurt. Otherwise, no amount of money could alleviate her of the guilt.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#traffic #neglect #dangerous #roadsafety #parenting

2026-06-22

Cancer once again tops the list of 10 most common causes of death

The most recent data on Taiwan’s top 10 causes of death have been released, and for the 44th year in a row cancer has come in at number 1, taking 54,838 lives in 2025. As for the deadliest forms of cancer, the top 10 has not changed, with lung, liver, and intestinal cancers coming in at first, second, and third for the 22nd year in a row.

Following malignant tumors at number one, heart disease came in at second place and pneumonia was third. The top ten causes of death are essentially the same as last year’s report, with the only change being kidney disease going from 9 in 2025 to 8 this year. Last year 5,980 people died from kidney disease, resulting in a 5.3% increase. No other cause of death had this large of an increase.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#causesofdeath #cancer #kidney #disease #tumor

2026-06-22

Changhua eco-park home to thousands of rhinoceros beetles

Thousands of rhinoceros beetles make their home in the trees of an ecological park in Changhua’s Dacun Township. This busy beetle community makes for quite the spectacle, open to visitors who want to learn more about these friendly insects.

Rhinoceros beetles may not look agile or walk very fast, but they can soar through the air.

This park in Changhua’s Dacun Township is home to thousands of rhinoceros beetles. Some are fighting for territory, while others are busy reproducing. The trees provide them with ample food, giving them lots of energy.

Kuo Chun-yin
Eco-park director
It’s biting the tree right now. It will slowly bite through the bark, and gradually work its way upward, scraping as it goes. Because of gravity, the tree sap then slowly flows down.

Trees are the secret to coinciding with the beetles. The director of this ecological park said he has spent more than a decade carefully maintaining the grounds with more than 400 trees on site. They attract the beetles, providing them with a safe habitat.

Kuo Chun-yin
Eco-park director
Nearly 200 ash trees were planted here from saplings. We haven’t used any pesticides for the past 17 years, and the fallen leaves make an excellent habitat for rhinoceros beetles.

Every year at the start of the summer, a massive colony of beetles gathers here, bringing their entire families for the annual rendezvous.

Kuo Chun-yin
Eco-park director
In previous years, there have been nearly 1,000 of them. This is their peak activity period, and we expect this year’s numbers will likely be even greater.

Mr. Kuo welcomes everyone to come and observe these friendly beetles up close. The park provides a guided tour to introduce them and advises people to wear long sleeves to prevent mosquito bites.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#rhinocerosbeetle #beetle #bug #insect #park #ecopark #Changhua #beetleseason

2026-06-22

Kaohsiung MRT’s famous cat now has his own comic series

Kaohsiung’s most famous cat now has his own comic series. It was launched last Wednesday, along with a new special livery offline. Over the years, Mikan has featured in several promotional campaigns. Last year, Mikan’s IP generated around NT$24 million in revenue, according to the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, making him the city’s very own lucky cat.

Mikan the Stationmaster has an exciting new collab. This time, he’s become the main character in an online comic series.

The story follows Mikan as he’s turned into a human boy and given assignments to complete—the sweet life of unlimited comfort and universal adoration as a cat is over. Offline, the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation is also celebrating the launch with a special livery.

Member of public
Fan of Mikan
I’m looking forward to it. Before I’d have to go to Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station to see Mikan the cat himself in person, or hunt down his merch.

Every year, Kaohsiung Metro celebrates Mikan’s birthday on April 4 with a series of events and special in-station features. This year, the fare gate even opens with his meow. Occasionally, Mikan will appear at the service desk at Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station to meet fans. Mikan and his cartoon likeness have also featured in a wide range of collabs and tie-ins. For example, in January he collaborated with Beigang Chaotian Temple, dressing up as the Tiger Deity and in the temple’s procession robe, to worshippers’ delight.

Caroline Chang
Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation
Last year, Mikan generated around NT$24 million in revenue. This year, we’ll have a series of collabs with internationally renowned IP characters.

Originally a stray cat, Mikan was adopted by the Ciaotou Sugar Refinery Station staff. He’s named after the satsuma mandarin for the way he curls up into a ball, resembling a citrus fruit. With more and more collabs and even his own comic series, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Mikan has become Kaohsiung Metro’s very own lucky cat.

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

#cats #animals #cute #publictransport #蜜柑站長

2026-06-22

German tourist praises Taipei Metro’s cleanliness and accessibility

People living in Taiwan may take its public transportation for granted, but international visitors often find it outstanding. One German tourist highlighted the punctuality and accessibility of Taiwan’s trains and subway, comparing it to Germany, where trains are often late and public toilets charge a fee. He said he was pleasantly surprised to see station staff in Taiwan personally escort visually impaired passengers.

Taiwan’s railway, high-speed rail, and subway connect at Taipei Main Station, the nation’s biggest public transit hub. A German tourist recently praised the punctuality and accessibility of Taiwan’s trains and subway.

Chris
German tourist
Some of our restrooms in public they are really, really disgusting. Even on the highway, you have to pay for them. Your public transportation, at almost every train or metro station, it’s very, very safe. The airport metro and high-speed railway are always punctual.

Chris said that while security and cleanliness in Germany’s railway stations need improvement, Taiwan’s stations are clean, with free restrooms and orderly waiting lines on the platforms. But what surprised him most was their accessibility.

Chris
German tourist
I can’t imagine! My grandfather in Germany is almost blind, and if I see this, a security guard is helping him walking up the stairs, putting his hands behind his back so he doesn’t fall, it’s absolutely mind-blowing.

Taipei Metro provides comprehensive accessibility services for visually impaired passengers, including staff escorts, tactile paving, accessible elevators, and audio guidance. FTV recently filmed Ingo Brandenburg, president of Taiwan operations for the German multinational company Bayer, riding the metro. He spoke highly of it, also citing its accessibility services.

Ingo Brandenburg
Bayer Taiwan president
Coming from Europe, we cannot believe it is clean, it is punctual, it is on time, and it gets you everywhere. You have elevators on every train station and metro station, high-speed rail station, so visually impaired or any other impaired, you have thought this really well through. The service is fantastic.

Taiwan passenger
Staff are notified if someone has mobility issues and will come help. In other countries like Korea, there are stairs almost everywhere. Not long ago I saw someone faint on the metro, and someone came to help right away.

Even taking the chance to try a Taiwan Railways bento box, Chris emphasized that Taiwanese people might appreciate their country even more after traveling abroad.

Chris
German tourist
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Taiwan’s accessible, reliable public transportation stands out internationally, leaving a strong impression on foreign tourists.

#publictransportation #metro #MRT #Taiwan #TaipeiMetro #accessible #tourist #station #Germany #TaipeiMainStation

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

2026-06-22

Late-night hair salon houses six friendly cats

Around the corner from Taichung’s Zhonghua Road Night Market is a hair salon that’s great for night owls and animal lovers alike. The salon is home to six cats, all adopted by its animal-loving owner. It’s also open until late at night, making it great for people who work late. It’s only been open for about half a year, but its friendly cats and late hours have made it very popular.

A pedestrian stops in front of a store, observing the cats inside. Some sit on a cat tree, others lay on the floor, and a curious gray cat comes to the window to say hello to the visitor.

Member of public
Surprised by hair salon
It took me a little while to realize that this is a hair salon. At first, I thought it was a pet café or something like that.

It may seem like a pet store, but this is actually a hair salon. It’s home to six friendly cats, some of whom even jump up on customers’ laps while they are getting their hair cut.

Customer
Loves hair salon
It’s very therapeutic. They’ll all jump up. The orange one even took a nap on my lap.

Customer
Loves hair salon
One jumped on my lap when I came last time. It’s very cute. I took a photo with it.

This salon, close to Taichung’s Zhonghua Road Night Market, is open from the afternoon until late night. The owner keeps her cats at the store so they aren’t home alone, but she didn’t expect they would help her business prosper.

Customer
Loves hair salon
They’re open until really late. One time I was still getting my hair done at three or four in the morning.

Customer
Loves hair salon
It’s a great place to come when I get off work late.

Women with long hair love coming here to get their hair washed and styled, all while enjoying some quality cat therapy.

Zoey
Hairdresser
We weren’t originally planning to open a pet hair salon, but I started adopting more cats, and my friend even gave me one when we opened the salon, so I suddenly had six cats to care for.

Chiang-chiang
Hairdresser
People can come here to pet cats and relax. People who don’t own any cats can come here to pet them. There’s no need to buy anything, it’s okay to just pet the cats. This is a great place to relax.

Many people enter the store to say hello to the cats and end up becoming customers. These cute cats have brought a lot of business to the hair salon, a perfect place for night owls and cat lovers alike.

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

#hairsalon #hairdresser #cats #cat #catsalon #catcafé #Taichung #therapy #cattherapy #relax #haircut

2026-06-22

Nostalgic, cheap popsicles fly off shelves as summer arrives

At the weather keeps getting hotter, there’s nothing better than enjoying an icy treat. If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the shop near Kuei-Shan Power Station in Xindian District. At only NT$8 for the cheapest popsicle, many people make special trips up the mountain just to get one. Supermarkets have also announced their best-selling iced treats, all of which come in at under NT$20. Let’s take a look at this summer’s most popular budget-friendly eats.

- With prices rising, what can you even get for NT$10 anymore? I came to Taipower’s Kuei-Shan Power Station, because the cheapest popsicle here is only NT$8!

It’s so satisfying to bite into an icy, flavorful popsicle. As the temperature continues to climb, the best summer companion is one of these classic treats.

- I got the peanut. It’s so sweet and tasty.
- It’s super hot and muggy! So I wanted to eat some ice cream to cool down.

Lines of people wait to place an order as the staff busily restock and pack boxes, unable to catch a moment of rest. Riding on its reputation as the cheapest place around, this stand offers a plain popsicle for only NT$8, and flavors such as pineapple and passion fruit for just NT$12. Many people make the trip up the mountain just to get one, some of them digging in right away, while others get a few boxes to take home.

Customer
Cones every summer
I come here every summer. It’s cheap for one, and also delicious and packed with real ingredients. Look at everything in here! I get five or six of every flavor to keep in my freezer. It lasts for about a month.

This shop by the power station isn’t the only one drawing in business. Supermarkets are also seeing a surge in popsicle shoppers.

- There are tons of frozen treats to choose from in this supermarket aisle, but which is the most popular? Let’s find out.

Number one are these ice bars many people remember eating as kids. With a wide array of flavors, supermarkets can easily move over 10,000 of them in a single month. Coming in second are these traditional popsicles, selling at only NT$12 each. Third are these classic red bean milk popsicles, followed by ice cream sundaes in fourth and fifth.

Member of public
Likes the ice lollies
I like the soda one. It’s cheap and tasty.

Member of public
Likes the ice lollies
I like the milk flavors. The kids like anything mango or red bean. We usually go for the family value packs since they’re much more economical than buying individual ones.

Liu Ju-hui
Supermarket PR assistant manager
Compared with the same period last year, we can already see that overall revenue for frozen desserts has grown by nearly 20%. In terms of leaders, sales are mostly dominated by classic popsicles and Taiwanese flavors. Their low price makes them an easy impulse purchase for shoppers.

Nostalgic flavors are the favorite for Taiwanese shoppers. With simple ingredients and friendly pricing, sales of these icy treats are sure to keep rising along with the heat.

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

#popsicle #icecream #frozentreat #cheap #affordable #KueiShanPowerStation #Xindian #summer #supermarket

2026-06-22

Typhoon Mekkhala heading north and passing parallel to east coast

Typhoon Mekkhala is set to turn northwards on Tuesday and then move parallel alongside Taiwan’s east coast. Typhoon Mekkhala, which could potentially turn into a severe typhoon, will be nearest to Taiwan on Thursday and will bring thunderstorms to both western Taiwan and Yilan.

Yeh Chih-chun
Weather forecaster
So we can see that on Thursday, overall, the weather will be rather unpredictable. In western Taiwan and Yilan there’ll likely be intermittent showers or thunderstorms. As for Hualien and Taitung, primarily there’ll be thunderstorms in the afternoon. Even though the typhoon will be heading farther away on Friday and Saturday, the weather front will still be hanging over the ocean to the north of Taiwan, so the weather will be all-over-the-place during this time.

Following in Typhoon Mekkhala’s wake is a tropical disturbance to the east; the Central Weather Administration will continue observing what could be this year’s eighth typhoon.

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

#weather #typhoon #rain #summer #Mekkhala #米克拉

2026-06-22