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President Lai announces nationwide cash handout of NT$10,000 in 2027

Another NT$10,000 cash handout from the government is coming in 2027. That will make it the second nationwide payout under the Lai presidency. The money giveaway comes amid a roaring economy, fueled in great part by the AI boom. The latest government forecast expects Taiwan’s economy to grow by 11.05% this year, the highest figure in 39 years.

One key aspect of the handout is that it will be included in the central government budget, with no new borrowing. Economist predict that Taiwan’s annual tax revenue could soar past the NT$4 trillion mark this year, marking a new record. According to the Ministry of Finance, in 2025, Taiwan collected NT$3.78 trillion in tax revenue. And already from January through July this year, net tax collection is NT$574.6 billion higher than the same period last year.

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 #cashhandout #governemtn #money #freemoney #budget #budgeting

Time：2026-08-17

最新消息 Latest News

Temple throws money from roof in copy of Vietnamese tradition

Everyone loves free money. A temple in Yunlin realized this nine years ago and started an annual event that draws crowds of worshippers looking for extra cash. Staff hop on the temple’s roof and throw money down at the crowd, who immediately scramble to stuff their pockets with bills. The tradition originated in Vietnam, but is proving popular in Taiwan too. Let’s hear more.

Worshipper
Grabbed money
They folded them and threw them from the roof so they floated down. I picked up NT$1,100.

Worshipper
Tried to grab money
- How much did you get?
- Nothing! I have a limp.

Ánh Linh
Temple head
We throw money to celebrate the seventh lunar month. Back in Vietnam, some people throw gold. But we don’t. We threw about NT$80,000 this time around. People in Vietnam have been venerating her for 300 years at least, but we don’t know how far back the tradition goes. The way we worship her is similar.

This year, staff cast NT$80,000 into the air. The temple is located in Gukeng Township, and its ancestral shrine is actually in Vietnam’s An Giang province. As more immigrants from Vietnam settled in Taiwan, this international connection prompted the temple to start holding this event in the seventh lunar month. The goal is for participants to return home with good luck and prosperity, and extra cash in their wallets.

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 #taiwan #vietnam #tradition #money #rain

2026-08-17

New York Mayor Mamdani stuns netizens speaking polished Mandarin

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is going viral online for a surprising new talent: speaking Mandarin like a pro! The 34-year-old mayor stunned viewers by rattling off 40 seconds of remarkably polished Mandarin to promote Broadway promo, nailing the tones and even those notoriously tricky retroflex sounds. The clip has racked up millions of views, leaving fluent Mandarin speakers impressed.

Zohran Mamdani
New York Mayor
Hello. I am Mayor Zohran Mamdani. I don’t know Mandarin, but I want to give it a go.

A+ for enunciation, and extra points for the retroflex consonants. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants everyone to experience the magic of Broadway.

Zohran Mamdani
New York Mayor
New York City is going to give out more than 2,000 free tickets to Broadway shows.

Mamdani speaks impeccable Mandarin for 40 seconds in a promotional short that has been viewed more than 1 million times already. The feat even impressed former White House Deputy National Security Advisor Benjamin Rhodes, who shared the video saying: “This is some next level outreach by a generational talent.” Reporter Bethany Allen, who is fluent in Mandarin herself also posted about Mamdami’s language prowess saying, “How are his tones so good? Is he really a beginner?” Some couldn’t believe it wasn’t AI.

Zohran Mamdani
New York Mayor
We are so excited to welcome the world here.

Mamdani is 34 years old. He was born in Uganda to parents of Indian descent. The family moved to New York when he has 7, where Mamdani was raised.

As a fan of hip-hop, Mamdani was a composer, performer and producer of rap music. He later turned to politics, getting elected as a member of the New York State Assembly and later as Mayor of New York City, a position he assumed on Jan. 1 this year. He is New York’s youngest mayor ever, and is often active on social media.

Mamdani also took part in the Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown earlier this year. Over the past decade, New York City has seen a significant increase in its foreign-born immigrant population, the most notable group being ethnic Chinese, now numbering more than 390,000. So it’s no wonder the mayor’s language abilities have created so much buzz.

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

#mamdani #newyork #broadway #chinese #mandarin #taiwanese #learning #languagelearning

2026-08-17

Big brawl breaks out after drunk KTV patrons say hello in car park

A simple hello turned into a full-blown brawl at a KTV in Changhua. A group of people were leaving after a night of singing in the early hours of Sunday when alcohol-fueled confusion apparently sparked a fight. One man mistakenly thought a group inside a car were his friends and went over to say hello, but when they ignored him, tempers flared. The argument quickly escalated, with the men even yanking on the car door and demanding they get out. Police were called to the scene and had to restrain one man who had completely lost control. Let’s see how it went down.

- Let’s sort you out.
- F*** you.
- What?
- F*** you.
- Are you sobered up?
- It hurts.
- Are you sobered up?

KTV Staff
Changhua
It’s the usual bravado. They drink and think they’re a big deal, and that everyone should listen to them.

Wang Yu-hung
Police officer
The incident stemmed from a verbal altercation between the two sides as they were leaving the car park, which escalated into a physical fight. Everyone involved has since been brought in for questioning.

The KTV bills itself as the cheapest in Changhua, making it a popular hangout for younger crowds. But what started as a friendly hello quickly turned into a full-blown fight after. By the time police arrived, some of the troublemakers had already fled the scene. Officers later summoned seven people involved for questioning, and the case has been referred for investigation on suspicion of assault and disturbing public order.

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

#brawl #ktv #nightlife #changhua #changhuanews #localnews #taiwan

2026-08-17

Traffic cam live-streams doves nesting on light pole

While checking a live-stream traffic camera, people in Kaohsiung noticed a nest perched up on a light pole. Inside were two eggs, their bird parents working hard to incubate them. Back in June, people noticed another egg in the exact same place. Now over a month later, the live “parenting broadcast” has returned for a sequel, and everyone is eager to see the baby birds hatch.

A mother bird sits peacefully, her eyes slowly blinking closed. After a moment, she shifts and opens her eyes. Occasionally she gets up to shift her position, hoping to give her precious eggs the best chance at hatching.

On this live traffic camera stream, residents of Kaohsiung’s Sinsing District noticed two bird parents tending to their nest perched on top of a light pole. They take turns leaving in order to keep the eggs inside warm and safe.

Member of public
Will check on chicks
You’d usually expect nests to be up in trees, but this one’s on a light pole. I’ll probably keep checking to see if they’ve hatched yet.

- It’s so hot. How can they possibly nest up there? It’s impressive.
- Are you looking forward to them hatching?
- Of course!

Lin Kun-hai
Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society director
A key characteristic of the pigeon family is that they’re not picky when choosing a nesting spot. As we saw here, this nest was built right on a joint of the light pole.

This nesting couple belong to the common species of urban bird called the red collared dove. Pigeons and doves are known for being bold and building nests wherever they please.

Lin Kun-hai
Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society director
Under these conditions, if the parents leave, the eggs would be exposed to direct sunlight. Sometimes if the temperature gets too high, it could compromise their viability.

Another egg was actually spotted on this same exact pole back in June. At the time, everyone wondered where the parents were. Now that there are these two eggs, people are curious what happened to the previous one. But for now, everyone just hopes these two baby birds will hatch smoothly so the little fledglings can spread their wings and fly away.

#urbanwildlife #dove #pigeon #nest #trafficcam #Kaohsiung #cuteanimals

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

2026-08-17

Business encourages rural school kids to read with donations, volunteers

With digital devices commanding our attention these days, how many of us still read books? The habit of reading starts young, and a financial holdings company has dedicated itself to the cause for 20 years. Employees volunteer to read with kids in new libraries built by the company’s charity foundation. Let’s take a look at some of the results in our special report.

At the presidential inauguration in 2016, the choir of Pingtung County Timur Elementary School stole the show by layering Traditional Paiwan tunes with the national anthem in counterpoint.

The home of these voices is Timur, also known as Sandimen Township, 360km from the capital. The local, 120-year-old Timur Elementary School is the first primary school bearing the Traditional Place name. The majority of students are Paiwan, followed by Rukai.

- What is your school called?
- Timur Elementary School
- What does “Timur” mean?
- Timur is a school.
- I don’t know.

Tjanubak, Kao Chih-cheng
Principal, Timur Elementary School
Timur Elementary School was formerly known as Sandi Elementary School. Timur is the name of this community. The name was changed because we Indigenous Peoples name our living spaces as a connection to collective memory and lifetime memory.

This is Djemuljat, a sacred ritual of Maljeveq, also known as the Five-Year Festival. Clan representatives gather around in a circle, each holding a 10m-long bamboo pole to try to stab vine balls tossed into the air by the priest. Every ball represents a different blessing. The ritual is used to introduce levers to kids in science class.

Where is the fulcrum in Djemuljat? The shoulders. He’s holding a bamboo pole at least 10m long. That makes the spirit ball the resistance.

Instead of conventional textbooks compiled by the Han people, Timur Elementary School uses the country’s first Paiwan-centric class materials. For example, the traditional slate house illustrates thermal conductivity of different materials, while ceramic beads and silver buttons on traditional clothing are featured in math.

Lai Wei-en
Timur Elementary School
Paiwan culture informs texts for various subjects, including Mandarin, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. This not only helps kids acquire knowledge in these subjects, but also makes them understand that there’s academic know-how in our elders’ wisdom and heritage.

Chen Hsin-yu
Timur Elementary School
We’re less than ten minutes away from the plains, so most of the kids’ parents are quite comfortable financially and have good jobs, compared with other more remote villages. Parents here are also quite supportive of getting their kids to read.

On this bookish campus, today, every member has come out to welcome guests from afar, to inaugurate a new library.

- Can you tell me what your favorite thing is here?
- This is my favorite.
- This thing on the ceiling is our glass beads.
- Is the new library very different from the old one?
- Very different.
In the old library, the whole space at the back is shelves. There are shelves here, and there at the back, and also there.

Even though many kids here love reading, the old library wasn’t particularly attractive to young kids with its basic interior.

Chen Hsin-yu
Timur Elementary School
Our former library had a more somber color scheme. It’s reflective of the colors of the Paiwan and Rukai peoples, mainly browns, blacks and other deeper shades. I find that the yellow goes really well with muted colors. It feels really bright and attractive to kids. The space is also well-designed, with various reading corners. There’s a seating area, reading steps and other different reading spaces.

The new library was funded by a domestic financial holdings company. A percentage of credit card payment goes to the company’s charity and volunteer foundation, which is then used for improving the infrastructure of underserved schools. From 2007 to April, 2026, as many as 200 public schools have benefitted from this initiative.

Joseph N. C. Huang
Company volunteer foundation CEO
We hope that the Gold Seed initiative will plant a seed for the love of reading in the hearts of every school kid, and that the seed will slowly grow into a tall tree. We hope that they’ll develop a conviction to become somebody that can contribute to our society. We hope that when these kids grow up, they’ll be inspired to contribute to the betterment of the next generation.

The company’s employees also volunteer to read with these kids at their schools.

Yeh Yung-shih
Volunteer
I’d thought that the kids would be pretty shy, but all of them are so enthusiastic and eager to share their thoughts.

Lai Chen-ting
Volunteer
I used to know nothing about their culture, but I began to learn through illustrated books, about how slate houses are built and the history behind them. It’s not just about keeping kids company. I’m also learning.

Turning to Zhongpu Township in Chiayi, an agricultural town. Chen Yen-min is an alumna of Shekou Elemetary School. She remembers that in 2009, when she was in the higher grades, the library suddenly became pretty upscale.

Chen Yen-min
Shekou Elemetary School
After all, this is a rural township. It’s rare to have a library that’s so beautiful and air-conditioned, with such a delightful and whimsical interior, and such lovely colors. At the time when we saw the library, our first impression was that it was really so bougie.

But it’s not enough to have a pretty space. Kids have to become interested in reading, so that the library can truly come alive. After getting her credentials, Chen returned to her alma mater to become a substitute teacher. She’s also now encouraging kids to fall in love with reading.

Chen Yen-min
Shekou Elemetary School
I’ve always felt that I am indebted to my home room teacher in the higher grades. She inspired me to build a reading habit. Because of her, I started reading for pleasure, books and newspaper. She made me feel that texts really aren’t so intimidating. When I became a teacher myself, every week I dedicate one period to bring students to the library to read. In this period, they’re allowed to read alone, with classmates, or even with me. Anything as long as we’re reading.

Over the past two decades, school kids are becoming inspired to love reading. However, it seems that the world is changing too quickly now. Whether in cities or the countryside, people’s attention is being hogged by digital devices and fragmented online information. How does that affect kids’ interest in physical books?

Timur Elementary School had the sponsor install an interactive whiteboard in the new library. The teachers believe that instead of resisting digital devices, students should instead be guided to learn effectively through both digital and analog means.

Lai Wei-en
Timur Elementary School
Before, we did not have a learning device like this. But the interactive whiteboard boosts the government’s “a tablet for every student” effort. We also hope that the kids can learn how to effectively use digital tools to improve their learning outcomes.

Chen Hsin-yu
Timur Elementary School
The issue with digital devices is really widespread among educators, parents, and even the society at large. We’re all dealing with the same issue. Even we ourselves use digital devices. How we teach students to discern real from false information in reading classes is more important. We’re not telling kids that digital devices are all bad.

Joseph Huang, who is usually busy as chairperson of his company, still makes time to attend the inauguration of every new library. For him, each new library is a new seed of hope.

Joseph N. C. Huang
Company volunteer foundation CEO
This is a thank-you card I got from a kid at Datong Elementary School in Puzi, Chiayi, at the inauguration of the library. When he handed me the card, he whispered to me, “Chairman Huang, I’m really so grateful that your company has given us such a beautiful library. We love it so much. We will definitely read lots and lots in the library. We also hope that when we grow up, we’ll become better and more valuable people.” It’s really, really touching when a kid says these things to you. You realize that even little kids feel grateful, and second, they’re really motivated. The kids hope that they will make good use of the library and learn many things.

Tjanubak, Kao Chih-cheng
Principal, Timur Elementary School
I think these experiences allow kids to understand that it’s not just holding out your hands for a present. More importantly, maybe one day, they’ll start to think about how they can serve others with their profession, education and life experiences, even if just a little. They’ll want to pay it forward by serving others in various ways. That’s what we want to instill in kids the most.

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

#charity #reading #education #library #booktok

2026-08-17

From above, Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao waves at parading deities below

The gates to the Underworld are open for the Ghost Month. In Hsinchu, one of the highlights is a street parade by local deities, which took place on Thursday. Hsinchu City Mayor Ann Kao watched the parade from the second floor balcony of City Hall, making sure to wave to the crowd below, which included revered temple deities. There was just one problem though: the city mayor, a mere mortal, committed a folk custom faux pas by looking down at the deities.

Ghost Month is here, and also underway is the annual Hsinchu Zhongyuan Festival. Taking place on Thurday afternoon was the removing of the cangue ceremony. The temple procession paraded around the city, but an unintentional blasphemous act took place when the participants and their deities passed by City Hall.

Standing on the 2nd floor balcony, waving to the crowd below, is Mayor Ann Kao, who has a bird’s eye view of the procession. And that’s the problem: Kao has likely committed a religious taboo.

Member of public
Feels Mayor Kao disrespected deities
I feel it’s incredibly inappropriate. If she wants to show respect to the City God, then she should be offering incense in the street below, which would be a more respectful way to treat the deities. Standing up there looking down like that, it’s basically like stepping on a deity’s palanquin; this is truly, incredibly impolite.

Voice of Lin Mao-hsien
Expert in folk customs
Normally, the way we do it is you’d come down, come down the stairs, and then you’d meet the deities with respect; at the very least you shouldn’t be standing higher than the deities, which is a basic form of respect.

Many went to Threads to criticize Kao, saying things like she was acting all high and mighty. Other comments said she was “super rude” and that everybody knows to not stand up on a pedestrian bridge when an important temple deity like Mazu passes by.

Yang Ling-yi
Hsinchu City councilor (DPP)
It’s clear as day, Mayor Kao sees herself as an emperor, like she came here to inspect the troops during a military parade. Doing what she did is rather inappropriate. Her aides, and she herself, should take some time to understand what praying during this ceremony means, and what’s the true message of this event.

Yang Chun-tzu
Hsinchu City Spokesperson
During a break between meetings, the city mayor just happened to hear the procession was passing by, so she went to the balcony to see how everything was going. Some everyday people saw the city mayor, so they waved towards her, and Mayor Kao responded in a friendly manner.

The Hsinchu City Government didn’t directly address whether Kao was actually standing at a higher vantage point than the deities and whether she had committed a taboo. Officials only expressed that Kao was just waving as a means of interacting with the general public.

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

#Hsinchu #CityGod #GhostMonth #ZhongyuanFestival #taboo #don’tlookdown

2026-08-14

Taiwan to host Premier12 and Olympic baseball qualifiers

Big news for baseball fans. Taiwan is set to host two major international tournaments over the next two years. Hot from winning it all in 2024, Taiwan will be hosting the opening round and the super round for the next edition of the Premier12 baseball championship, which will take place in 2027. In addition, the final qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles will also be held in Taiwan. Let’s hear what people think.

Member of public
Happy about news
I think it’s great. As the host country, people from all over the world will come to Taiwan for tourism. Our team will also have support right at home, so they’ll be more motivated.

Member of public
Happy about news
Of course it’s nice. It can increase our visibility worldwide.

Voice of Hsu Wei-chih
Baseball commentator
We have our own cheering style in Taiwan, and our cheerleading culture. People have said it’s worthy of the MLB. We should make sure Team Taiwan plays in the evening, not in the afternoon. Since the CTBA has earned hosting rights, they should give our national team a little advantage.

Tsai Chi-chang
CPBL Commissioner
It’s in great part thanks to Chairman Koo. He overcame every obstacle to secure hosting rights for Taiwan. This gives us home turf advantage, and lets baseball fans come to the games without having to fly overseas.

Hopes are high that Team Taiwan will rise up the ranks once again, to clinch another top class international championship. After all, back in 2024 the road to victory also started at the Taipei Dome. Taiwan won four out of five games in the preliminary round, thanks to the support from fans who came out in droves to cheer for the team. The upcoming baseball events are key for Taiwan, as they both act as qualifiers for the Olympic Games, which Taiwan does not want to miss out on.

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

#olympicgames #baseball #taipei #taipeidome #homerun #premier12

2026-08-14

Taiwan deepens ties with allies through delicious food imports

Due to its delicate diplomatic situation, Taiwan is striving to maintain strong relations with the tiny group of countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties. Now, Taiwan’s latest move to deepen trade cooperation involves delicious cuisine. The government is encouraging more Taiwanese businesses to purchase agricultural, fishery and livestock products from these nations. Let’s find out more.

Paraguayan beef is cut into seared cubes, served with garlic chips and chimichurri. Belizean lobster is drizzled with miso sauce and topped with caviar and shiso blossoms—a multi-layered, exquisite delight that dazzles the palate.

In order to deepen economic and trade cooperation with Taiwan’s formal diplomatic allies, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Taiwan’s trade council TAITRA have brought together Taiwanese importers, food and beverage brands and distributors to hold promotional events.

Cynthia Kiang
Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs
How can we strengthen government-to-government cooperation and drive further engagement for our related industries? For the first time, the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ International Trade Administration is cooperating with distributors.

Darío Filártiga Ruiz Díaz
Paraguay Ambassador
As we move toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, we have mutually strengthened our close ties in politics, economics, culture and cooperation.

Paraguay is Taiwan’s second-largest source of beef imports, with purchases reaching nearly NT$9.2 billion last year. Additionally, Taiwan imported NT$860 million worth of coffee from Guatemala. Belize is the only lobster-exporting country that enjoys zero tariffs with Taiwan, thus attracting the attention of seafood importers.

Yen Chih-ting
Taiwanese importer
They have a great advantage: they are duty-free. Imported white shrimp are subject to a 20% tariff. Therefore, under these premises, a long, long time ago we started developing white shrimp sourcing in our Central American allies, these duty-free nations.

H.E. Katherine Vanessa Meighan
Belize Ambassador
It not only builds an economic advantage or a trade benefit, but also speaks to a very healthy friendship. We love food. You love food. So what a great combination that is.

By creating connections through cuisine, Taiwan aims to strengthen bilateral trade with its formal allies in Central and South America, transforming trade into the most heartwarming form of support.

#Taiwandiplomacy #Taiwaneseallies #Taiwanimports #Taiwanesecuisine #Paraguayanbeef #Belizelobster

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

2026-08-14

Crumbling drain cover swallows front wheel of car without warning

A driver that had just pulled out of a parking spot was forced to park his car again just a few seconds later, after a drain cover collapsed under the weight of his car. One of the front wheels of the vehicle got stuck in a drainage hole. Fearing that the opening would crumble even more, he immediately called the police for help, and a towing service to get the car pulled out. It turns out the concrete and metal had deteriorated over the years, causing them to crumble. Let’s hear more.

Chuang Shu-ting
FTV reporter
The drain cover gave in without warning, swallowing up the car’s front wheel. Had it been a pedestrian, they would’ve fallen 1m down into waste water.

Voice of construction worker
Kaohsiung
The base had become brittle. It was the last straw. It must have been in disrepair for years.

Member of public
Kaohsiung
It’s so dangerous. The government should pay more attention to maintenance, especially regarding regular checks and repairs.

Wang Ta-wei
Kaohsiung Water Resources Bureau
The area that collapsed was the edge of the cast iron drain cover touching the cement for the ditch. The cover is subjected to pressure from passing vehicles, which weakens the materials and causes them to crack.

The incident happened in Kaohsiung’s Cianjin District. The driver got a big scare, after the ground swallowed up his wheel. The city’s water resources agency says repairs are underway, adding that compensation will be provided. Officials stressed that inspections are carried out routinely, and that the ditches will be reinforced to prevent similar incidents.

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

#Kaohsiung #driving #drain #ditch #thatwasclose #maintenance #help

2026-08-14

Drivers report nearly hitting rooster, deer, cow on roadways

When out on the roads, it’s important to pay attention! One driver in Kaohsiung found this out the hard way recently, when he almost ran into a chicken sunbathing in the middle of the road. It also gave the rooster quite a scare! Elsewhere in Changhua, another driver wasn’t so lucky. An entire herd of deer suddenly jumped into the street as he was driving, causing a crash.

A driver was riding along a street on Changhua’s Bagua Mountain when they saw … a deer? They stared blankly at each other, both surprised to see the other. The adult bounded away, but the fawns…

With a crash, they collided into a heap.

Liu Pao-tsun
Taifeng Borough warden
Someone was raising sambar deer down in the valley. They probably escaped and kept breeding. They mostly come out at night. About two or three months ago, someone else ran into a deer, too.

The local borough warden said deer are common around here, but it’s rare to see an entire family out together. They’re clearly afraid of people and panicked when they ran into the driver, causing a nasty spill.

It’s not just deer you have to look out for. In Kaohsiung’s Gushan鼓山 area, another driver had just taken a turn when he spotted a big white rooster sunbathing in the middle of the road. Turns out this particular bird is infamous in these parts.

Nearby resident
Knows about the rooster
It’s a consecrated temple rooster. It always wanders over to the auto repair shop next door. It loves human company. If we’re sitting here chatting, it’ll come and hang out nearby. Over there, there are mechanics, electricity, fans, and it’s much cooler, so of course it likes it over there.

Nearby resident
Knows about the rooster
Everyone around here knows about him and will swerve to avoid him. Some people are sweet enough to come by just to play with him.

This bird is a consecrated rooster belonging to the temple next door. For two years now, it often wanders over to the neighboring repair shop during the day to enjoy the AC and find company. He may love nuzzling up to people, but the street isn’t the best place to do it.

We’ve had a rooster, a deer … and now a cow? You’ve probably seen a cow ambling around before, but have you ever seen one sprint? A driver in Pingtung’s Yenpu was terrified that if this cow charged over, it wouldn’t end well. Suffice it to say, when taking to the roads, besides watching out for reckless drivers, you might also need to watch out for reckless animals!

#animals #driving #roadsafety #templerooster #deer #animalencounter #scooter

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

2026-08-14

Man returns breathalyzer to police who forgot it at accident site in rush

Leaving your house in a rush is never a good thing, as you can easily forget to take important items with you. Something similar happened to police officers in Taoyuan. The city’s officers were handling a traffic accident on Thursday, when they had to pack up and hurry off to help with the Wan An air raid drills. But in their haste, they left their breathalyzer behind. Luckily for them, it was later found by a passerby.

The man picked up the briefcase from the ground and filmed the unboxing inside his car. Everything inside is where it should be, except that the whole kit shouldn’t be there, but at the police station. The law-abiding citizen decided to take the kit back, and then handed it over to its rightful owner. The precinct says it will review the lapse as well as investigate and discipline those responsible for it.

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

#forgotten #lostandfound #taoyuan #goodsamaritan #funny #rush

2026-08-14

Mom tries taking young swimmer to class during resilience drill

On August 13, Northern Taiwan held an urban resilience drill, which only lasted from 2:30 to 3:00 in the afternoon. Yet a parent trying to get her young swimmer to a test insisted on arriving at their destination. Police stopped the child and mother, who directed her anger first towards the authorities, then law-abiding onlookers, and finally, her own daughter.

- We can’t do this right now.
She’s going to be late.
I’m begging you. Please,
let us go over there.
I’ve already pleaded with you.

This parent is underneath the covered walkway with her daughter; the mom is irate because her young swimmer is about to be late for her swim class.

- She needs to take the test.
Okay?
- The exercise only goes to 3:00.
- Her test will be finished by 3:00.
- No it won’t.
She can’t go to class now
everybody knows it’s the Wan An Exercise.

The officer tried to reason with her, yet nothing could calm the mother, who kept screaming at the police to let them go. Shocked by the scene, onlookers tried to help diffuse the situation.

- Missing one class is no big deal.
- She needs to take the test;
if she can’t, then will you pay for her?
- Pay for what?
- The money for her swimming class.
- It was you who didn’t head out earlier.
So whose fault is that?

A pedestrian may have struck a nerve, as the mother then turned to her daughter and yelled at the child, who, out of fear, ended up crying.

-Why didn’t you head out earlier?
You wanted to nap.
Who said it was OK to nap?

On Aug. 13, from 2:30 to 3:00 in the afternoon, Northern Taiwan held the 2026 Urban Resilience Exercise, which included control measures for both traffic and pedestrians. Yet this parent wanted to take her child with her from Yongchun Market to her swimming class. The pair never made it to the pool, with police stopping them. Yet the mother insisted on going to their destination.

Member of public
Fan of following the law
It doesn’t matter what test you need to take, or what you want to do today; you still need to follow the country’s law.

Member of public
Feels bad for uniformed services
It’s not just about you individually, how you act as an individual. Even if you don’t want to take part in this exercise, acting like that probably makes life difficult for the people participating in the exercise, like the military and police. There’s no reason to act like that.

The local police station said that, in the end, the mother and daughter complied with the orders by taking shelter under the covered walkway, meaning they didn’t violate the Civil Defense Act, so they won’t be fined. But many were upset at the parent for wanting to break the law as well as confronting the authorities while a minor was at her side.

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

#testy #authorities #urbanresilience #wananexercise #madmommy #rageagainstthemachine

2026-08-14

Scammers pose as Changhua sanitation workers to fleece residents

A new kind of scam has just been unearthed in Changhua. Fraudsters impersonating the Changhua City Office sanitation team have been phoning Changhua residents and offering help with the removal of large furniture and other items. They then request payment via bank transfer. The office’s sanitation team has come out to clarify that only cash payments are involved, with payments made directly to the office or to the workers on-site. The office will never give you a bank account number and ask for a money transfer. Let’s find out more.

Cleaning crews use recycling trucks or garbage trucks to collect trash or large recyclables. If you have large furniture that needs removing, you can hire a cleaning crew for a fee. But is the public clear about the payment methods involved?

- There’s a fee now, did you know?
- Oh, I know, I know.
- So how do they collect the payments?
- How do we pay?
- I’m not sure.

Taking advantage of the fact that some people are unaware of the payment systems, a fraud ring has been impersonating Changhua’s sanitation team. They call up residents and provide them with a bank account number, asking them to pay for cleaning services. Some residents nearly fell victim to this scam.

Member of the public
Commenting on the fraudsters
It’s quite terrifying, because even something like this can end up being a scam. It involves in-person payments or payment to the cleaning crew directly. You’d think bank transfers are out of the question.

Member of the public
Commenting on the fraudsters
Because I don’t know whether the charge is supposed to be via bank transfer or cash. These days, a lot of places don’t use bank transfers like that—otherwise, it’s a scam. Do you really want to get scammed?

The sanitation team says if residents need large furniture removed, they can fill out an application form online, specifying the items to be removed. At the same time, the prices for the disposal items will also be displayed. The team says only cash payments are accepted, and there are absolutely no bank transfers involved.

Chang Hsiao-wei
Changhua City Office
When they call us to verify, we tell them that we still maintain two payment methods: paying at the sanitation office or paying on-site when the waste is removed. We also remind the public that we do not provide bank accounts for money transfers.

Fraudsters are everywhere. This time, they allegedly impersonated the sanitation team and gave people a fake bank account to remit hauling fees in an attempt to defraud them. Residents need to be extra cautious, carefully verify information, and avoid becoming easy prey for scammers.

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

#Taiwanfraud #fraudrings #fraudsters #Changhua #Changhuafraud

2026-08-14

Firefighters compete in grueling challenges for spot at World Games

The National Fire Agency recently hosted the Taiwan Ultimate Firefighter International Invitational at its Nantou Training Center. The competition was divided into four stages, including tasks like ladder setup and transport, heavy object demolition to rescue victims, and stair climbing while carrying a heavy load. The dream of the more than 400 firefighters who competed was to represent Taiwan at next year’s World Police and Fire Games. This year’s invitational was also open to public participation, giving civilians a chance to experience firsthand the grueling work of firefighting.

While strapped into oxygen tanks, these competitors must quickly set up a ladder before sprinting to the top of a four-story stairway.

In this challenge, they must use a sledgehammer to break through heavy material before dragging a life-sized mannequin to simulate the race against time to rescue a victim from a burning building.

Competitor
Testing out skills
Explosive power is crucial, but as time goes on, if your cardio endurance isn’t up to the task, you’ll be gasping for air by the end and won’t be able to keep going.

The National Fire Agency recently held the Taiwan Ultimate Firefighter International Invitational at its Nantou Training Center. The results will help to determine who will represent Taiwan at the World Police and Fire Games in Australia next March.

Hsiao Huan-chang
National Fire Agency Director-General
The World Police and Fire Games are held every two years in different places around the world. I competed in the 2011 Games in New York. Afterward, I realized there’s something special about firefighting competitions. So ever since then, we’ve integrated this kind of challenge into the center as a part of training.

The general public was also invited to take part this year, letting people experience firsthand the harsh physical demands of firefighting.

Civilian competitor
Testing out skills
The hardest part was the four-story climb I just did, hauling that 20kg of fire hose up by myself.

Civilian competitor
Testing out skills
A friend of mine is a firefighter, so he convinced us to come out. We figured we’d challenge ourselves and sign up together.

The competition is divided into four parts: hose and ladder transport, heavy object demolition and victim rescue, and stair climbing. In the end, the event drew over 400 participants.

#firefighting #UltimateFirefighter #WorldPoliceandFireGames #Nantou #physicalchallenge #competition

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

2026-08-14

‘Headless’ temple-goer filmed on sly could have medical condition

A lady in a pink dress was filmed by a stranger at a temple during Ghost Month, with the person joking that they had spotted a “headless” temple-goer. While the woman’s posture may have caught people’s attention, doctors say it could be linked to an underlying health condition. And as the footage spreads online, it’s worth remembering that what may seem strange or amusing to one person could be a very personal matter for someone else.

A lady in a pink dress going about her daily life was captured on video by a stranger, who flippantly joked that he was seeing a headless temple-goer.

Lin Yi-yun
FTV reporter
Some edgy worshippers at Xingtian Temple poked fun at the lady, saying that they were seeing a paranormal apparition in broad daylight.

Member of public
Commenting on video
At first I would be left wondering what happened to her head. But then you’d realize she’s just lowered it. Nothing’s scary about that.

Member of public
Commenting on video
There’s lots of people like that. It’s just poor posture.

Some level-headed passersby reasoned that many people naturally hunch over. It’s not an uncommon sight, after all. Of course there was nothing unearthly about the woman, who’s likely dealing with health problems.

Lin Yu-lian
Taiwan Adventist Hospital
Usually there are two possible causes: neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions. In most cases of neuromuscular problems, the cause is myasthenia gravis, which weakens the muscles in the neck and back so much that you can’t extend them. That would make the head droop forward. It could also be ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory arthritis that causes bone deformities that make it difficult to lift the head.

A doctor says conditions such as spondylitis may require rehabilitation and medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. As for the temple-goer in pink, though she may look unusual, it’s certainly no excuse to secretly film a stranger.

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

#headless #temple #xingtiantemple #taipei #taipeinews #incense #nearlyheadlessnick #ghost #ghostmonth

2026-08-14

Taiwan puts wartime readiness to the test in urban resilience drill

Taiwan is putting its emergency preparedness to the test. The 2026 Urban Resilience Exercises got underway in Northern Taiwan Thursday, simulating everything from the distribution of essential supplies to wartime medical operations. President Lai Ching-te and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih inspected the drills, which also drew representatives from the US, Israel and Canada. The exercises are aimed at ensuring that even in a crisis, essential government and public services can keep running.

She scans the ID card and checks the list, before putting the supplies in a bag. It’s quick and easy. Northern Taiwan held its urban resilience drill on Thursday, which included an inspection of a supermarket distribution station by President Lai Ching-te and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih. This year’s exercises are being closely watched by the international community. At the scene was de facto US ambassador Raymond Greene, as well as diplomats from Israel and Canada.

Lai Ching-te
President
Virtue never stands alone. It is bound to have neighbors. We are not alone in facing regional geopolitical challenges. The international community is with us. But we cannot afford to be unprepared. We cannot afford to rely only on outsiders. Each exercise we hold is a boost to our resilience.

Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei Mayor
It’s best to be over-prepared for 100 years without calamity, than to be caught unprepared a single day. Being ready is extremely important.

Officials from the central and local governments learned about civilian supply distribution procedures and oversaw drills to scale back medical services and transfer medical operations underground.

The oncology department on the second basement of Shuang Ho Hospital was turned into a wartime command center, with dedicated areas for pharmacy, surgery and childbirth. Hospital beds were set up in the parking lot one floor below, in case the ground floor is unsafe or if curfew has been imposed.

A blood donation area and a hemodialysis area were set up near the drive aisle, to be used in emergencies. Staff played the role of patients to create a lifelike drill with real patients, objects, sites and scenarios.

Shih Chung-liang
Minister of Health and Welfare
Shuang Ho Hospital is the benchmark. We want to replicate the model here in every hospital in Taiwan.

Local preparedness drills help ensure essential government services can endure wartime and emergencies, making national defense more than just a slogan.

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

#military #drills #civilians #supermarket #groceries #taiwan #invasion

2026-08-13

MOFA minister Lin Chia-lung speaks to big group of youth ambassadors

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung carved time out of his schedule to speak to a special group of young people, who are either in this year’s class of International Youth Ambassadors or part of the TaiwanICDF’s first ever group of Campus Youth Ambassadors. These diplomats of tomorrow are about to head abroad to Taiwanese allies, where they’ll get first-hand experiences of diplomacy in action.

Through song and dance, this group of youth ambassadors are demonstrating the vitality of youth.

These musicians playing traditional instruments and singing Hakka hill songs will be going to visit diplomatic allies; also going abroad are TaiwanICDF campus youth ambassadors, who seem to be quite excited about the opportunity.

Yu Ting-hsuan
Campus Youth Ambassador
I started to understand that this opportunity is not only just about going abroad; it’s about meeting people, listening to their stories, understanding their cultures, and seeing how Taiwan and Saint Lucia can connect with one another.

Tsai Wan-yin
Campus Youth Ambassador
To be able to become a campus youth ambassador, representing the TaiwanICDF and going to a diplomatic ally, I feel that this is truly an incredible honor. For me right now, I’m really excited and looking forward to creating brilliant things with the locals there.

This year is a two-part mission, with Palau being the destination of the first batch, who are the first group of Taiwanese youth ambassadors to include experts in drone technology. The second group will be going to Caribbean countries, including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung waved the Taiwanese flag and presided over the ceremony in which the youth ambassadors were conferred their certificates.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign minister
First, be confident when you go abroad. You represent Taiwan: a free, democratic, innovative, and open society. Second, be humble: listen carefully, respect different cultures, and learn from the people you meet.

Lin Chia-lung called on the youth ambassadors to exude a spirit in which anyone can be a diplomat, and to showcase the democracy and resilience of Taiwan.

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

#allies #diplomacyinaction #MOFA #LinChia-lung #TaiwanICDF #youthambassadors

2026-08-13

Brother drills ceiling hole in bizarre escalation of 20-year feud

A 20-year family feud that started because of a leaky ceiling has literally broken through the floor and escalated into a bizarre war between neighbors. The principal factions are led by two brothers living on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the same apartment building in New Taipei. The older brother says a huge hole recently appeared on his ceiling, after his little brother living upstairs grabbed an electric drill and punched through his own floor. The upstairs brother now uses the hole to flush out water from his unit, sending a murky waterfall splashing down in the second floor every now and then. Let’s hear more.

Voice of relative
Lives on 2nd floor
He really grabbed a drill and bit by bit it came crumbling down. Now there really is a hole in my ceiling, and he’s started bucketing water down. It all started when I told them they should help us deal with a leak. But he did nothing! We even asked the local borough warden for help to no avail. A few years later, they got a leak in their ceiling, and they told us to do something about it.

Voice of younger brother
Lives on 3rd floor
I’m all down to help and to talk things out. If we have to fix it all, so be it. I said we can start from the very top, and then fix our way down to the 2nd floor. We could all do the repairs together and split the cost. But they don’t want to.

And the feud extends outside the home. The two brothers co-own a shop with another four siblings. The elder brother claims that his little brother refuses to pay rent whenever they have a falling-out. From drippy ceilings to rental debt, the older brother has ultimately decided to take the argument to court in hopes that a judge will put this drawn-out family drama to rest.

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

#familyfeud #feud #funny #neighbor #neighborsfromhell #aita

2026-08-13

Yilan youth band performs in US, charms expats with classic song

The M&Ocean Youth Band from Yilan’s Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School consists of 17 young musicians. After raising travel funds through their own performances to go perform in the US, they finally fulfilled their dream in late July by embarking on a 12-day exchange trip to California. When they performed the classic song Longing for the Spring Breeze, three to four hundred overseas Taiwanese came just to see them, and many were moved to tears.

Donning Taiwan baseball jerseys to showcase Taiwanese baseball culture, the M&Ocean Youth Band of 17 students from Yilan’s Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School traveled all the way to California to deliver brilliant performances.

By wearing school uniforms and caps while performing national health calisthenics, they awakened childhood memories for many. But the most touching moment was when they performed this song.

Tender voices singing Longing for the Spring Breeze brought three to four hundred attending expats to tears. Established in 2020, the M&Ocean Band saw students independently rehearse and design their own stage setups, starting from local markets in Yilan and eventually progressing to Taipei 101, government agencies, and major ticketed stages. Accumulating experience and travel funds along the way, they finally made their dream come true this summer by performing in the United States.

Pan Hou-sheng
M&Ocean member
Being on stage, I love performing so much! I hope I’ll have even more opportunities to perform in the future.

Lin Ko-ching
M&Ocean member
We served local Taiwanese snacks to the elderly folks over there. When performing on stage, seeing the smiles on the audience’s faces brings us joy.

The group also performed at senior centers and city councils in California, receiving official commendations. Across their 12-day journey, they delivered eight performances to overwhelming acclaim.

Huang Chien-jung
Yue-Ming principal
They worked hard toward their dream and also managed to bring joy to so many people.

Wang Ching-ju
Parent
Some people even drove two or three hours just to see these kids perform. They’ve actually seen quite a lot of performances over there, but the vast majority were groups from China. What these Taiwanese kids brought had a completely different character.

Emotional connections spanning across the Pacific deeply touched California’s overseas Taiwanese community. Some even expressed willingness to sponsor them in the future, hoping the kids will visit again and bring authentic Taiwanese performances back to the US.

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

#Wangchunfeng #choir #YueMingElementary #Yilan #California #MOceanBand #expats #exchange

2026-08-13