Premier slams KMT’s decision for NT$10,000 handout

Premier slams KMT’s decision for NT$10,000 handout

2025-07-15

Premier Cho Jung-tai had scathing criticism of the opposition’s version of a recently passed special bill funded with tax surplus while visiting typhoon-struck areas of Tainan on Tuesday. Cho strongly objected to a KMT and TPP clause in the bill, to give a universal cash handout of NT$10,000, which wasn’t included in the original special budget proposal the Executive Yuan drafted earlier this year. The version passed by the opposition raised the total amount, and Cho said that money would be better spent on disaster relief. Let’s hear more.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
Increasing government expenditure is something that has to be done with consent from the Executive Yuan. The Legislative Yuan has never done anything like that before. It’s unconstitutional and illegal. If the government does have to take on any debt, I would rather it be used to repair homes and to fund disaster relief. Not to give to lawmakers. Lawmakers who can’t draft or review budgets shouldn’t ask others to do it for them.

Eric Chu
KMT chair
If the mass recalls pass, everything will be turned on its head, nothing will be left upright. There won’t be any extra holidays, and don’t even think about getting a NT$10,000 cash handout.

Cho says that back in the 1990s, the Legislative Yuan passed a bill to issue a bonus worth half a month’s salary for civil servants. The premier then, Lee Huan, argued it was unconstitutional, and requested an interpretation. The bill was ruled unconstitutional. Thirty years on, the KMT seems to want to give cash handouts another try, which the DPP strongly condemns.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#massrecall #大罷免 #朱立倫 #kmt #dpp #politics

怒批在野黨"普發1萬"違法違憲! 卓揆:不會審預算就叫別人來審

2025-07-15

行政院長卓榮泰今天前往台南勘災，災區里長談起災情肆虐，忍不住難過落淚，對於藍白普發現金說重話，認為即便要舉債，也是先拿來救災。

[[行政院長卓榮泰]]
“來增加行政院任何歲出的時候，那必須來徵詢行政院的意見，立法院從來沒有做過這件事情，這是違憲違法。如果說政府現在要舉債，我也寧願舉債來修復民房，來救災，而不是舉債來發給委員。不會算預算的委員，不會審預算，我們就叫別人來審”

[[國民黨主席朱立倫]]
“只要大惡罷過關，全部都翻桌、全部都改，什麼放假沒這件事，分一萬塊也不用想”

卓榮泰批違憲，調出1990年代的剪報，當時立法院決定加發公教人員半個月薪水，時任行政院長李煥認為涉及違憲，聲請大法官會議解釋，最後，大法官宣告違憲。30多年後，國民黨怎麼還是犯同樣的錯？

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Kaohsiung lithium battery plant fire reignites, company makes public apology

Monday’s lithium battery fire at Molie Quantum Technology Corporation’s warehouse in Kaohsiung was put out for a while, only to reignite hours later. Now, almost 27 hours since the incident, the fire was finally extinguished. Amid public outrage, the company made a formal apology in person, but local borough chiefs and the district legislator were not having it.

The fire that broke out in the early hours of Monday was put out, only to reignite in the evening. Meanwhile, fire trucks continue to spray water for cooling.

Lin Yi-chieh
Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau
The fire has been put out. There’s still some heat at the scene. We’re continuing with watering to cool down the temperature.

Some 27 hours after the original fire, it’s finally put out again. But the damage was already done. Local residents are reluctant to take off their masks, which they wore to protect themselves against toxins in the smog.

Local resident
There was also the smell in the evening, just not as strong. It’s so toxic, I don’t even know whether wearing a face mask actually works.

A sample collected at the scene shows that the fire came from these Molicel 21700 lithium-ion batteries. A 21700 battery measures 21mm in diameter and 70mm in length, and is used to power high-performance devices and applications in electric aircrafts, space technology and AI. A total of 2 million of these Molicels were lost in the fire.

The day after the fire started, the general manager of Molie Quantum Technology Corporation and high-level managers of its parent company, Taiwan Cement Corporation made a public apology. However, they could not say what exactly caused the fire in the first place.

Yeh Yu-chun
Taiwan Cement group deputy GM
Because all of our processes are designed to be fully automated, when it’s in operation, it’s likely that there were faults in operations this time, which led to the fire. We cannot say for sure what caused the fire for now.

Molie Quantum Technology says the fire started at a warehouse for semi-finished lithium-ion batteries. Prior to the incident, the batteries were undergoing a last-stage performance evaluation, during which the automated sensors identified overheating. However, the fire extinguishing equipment on site could not bring down the fire. In the end, there were even explosions from the sparks, which caused injuries to 12 staff members and three firefighters.

The fire severely compromised the air quality nearby. However, Molie Quantum Energy’s general manager insists that there’s no leakage of the highly corrosive and toxic hydrogen fluoride. Local borough chiefs are not having it.

Lai Jui-lung
Local district legislator
The people’s safety is the utmost priority, preventing air pollution is also a priority. If Molie Quantum Energy cannot ensure these things, then we also reject the company’s presence here.

Meanwhile, netizens are posting online, claiming they were notified by the Pingtung County Government, that the toxic gases have already traveled south, to townships such as Chaozhou and Wanluan, and that people are advised to shower after being out in the rain. The Pingtung County Government clarified that the message is fabricated, and cited air quality figures as proof. The county government also reported disseminators of the fake message to the police.

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 #fire #breaking #breakingnews #batterysafety #safety #firehazard

2025-07-15

Video game encourages support for recall elections

The countdown is on until the recall elections, and campaign supporting recalls are doing their best to think of creative ways to drum up support. One group in New Taipei City created the online video game “Congress Party: Survival Chaos,” newly adding 14 lawmakers facing recalls as characters, including Fu Kun-chi, Lin Pei-hsiang, and Niu Hsu-ting. Another campaign created a role-playing game for volunteers that bestows titles after completing tasks to encourage participation.

When starting this video game, you first choose your character out of these KMT lawmakers. Then you enter the legislature, and are asked to make a series of decisions on important issues. But you have to consider each one carefully if you want to survive in the legislature.

It’s often a choice between toeing the party line or conforming to public opinion. It’s not easy.

Even if you manage to not be booted out, it means you’ve conformed to the party and created chaos in the legislature, inciting the people’s anger and receiving recall petition signatures.

Kate
Campaign volunteer and game designer
By playing a casual game like this, you can learn about all the ridiculous things the KMT lawmakers have been doing in the legislature. We added items to each lawmaker’s office, like bread for Lu Yu-ling or Lo Chih-chiang’s new book. For Yeh Yuan-chih, we put a phone, because he might start livestreaming at any time.

As the recall campaigns enter the final stretch, one group in New Taipei City designed this online video game to show voters the absurd things they believe are happening in the legislature. Version 1.0 started with just the 11 KMT lawmakers in Taipei and New Taipei City. Version 2.0 was updated with another 14, including Fu Kun-chi, Lin Pei-hsiang, Niu Hsu-ting, and Tu Chuan-chi. Now all 25 legislators facing recalls are included in the game to show people why campaigners believe they’re unfit for office.

Kate
Campaign volunteer and game designer
There are some volunteers’ friends who just joined that are TPP supporters. After playing, they said they think they’ll go vote yes on the recalls.

The groups are working on campaigning while also boosting morale internally. The group seeking to recall Yeh Yuan-chih in New Taipei’s Banqiao District created another role-playing game for volunteers. As they participate in more activities, they can earn titles. For example, “warriors” are focused on the “land battle” of street canvassing, while “sorcerers” specialize in the “air battle” on social media, “alchemists” create props, and “monks” provide support for the team.

Pao Lo
Banqiao campaign volunteer
I sign up every day, whenever there are slots open, and got this title. This is our daily MVP award. One time when I went out, some people came over to provoke us. So to protect the volunteers, I put myself out in front and earned this title.

With only days to go before the July 26 recalls, the campaigns are hoping to tap into gamers’ enthusiasm to drum up excitement.

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

#recalls #KMT #LegislativeYuan #politics #videogame #RPG #recallcampaign

2025-07-15

Coach that threatened players into doing 3 daily blood tests suspended

A football coach that harassed players into providing blood samples for research has been suspended from her duties for one year. The perpetrator, surnamed Chou, was the coach of the women’s football team at National Taiwan Normal University. She had coerced team members to get blood drawn three times a day, 14 days in a row over several years and threatened to withhold academic credits for those who refused to cooperate. The victims say the one year suspension is not enough. Let’s hear more.

Ms. Chien
Victim
Nobody came to apologize to us. You only deigned to respond on Sunday, after people found out and public pressure mounted.

Sean Huang
NTNU Students’ Union
The bullying prevention committee concluded that the coach should be dismissed and suspended as an educator for two years. But the faculty evaluation committee didn’t go with that punishment. She got a slap on the wrist as a warning, plus six hours of theoretical courses about academic research. Who’d be OK with just that?

Wang Ho-seng
NTNU College of Sports and Recreation
The committee made the decision considering the unique circumstances of sporting teams and the fact that Coach Chou showed regret about her actions.

Wu Pei-yi
Lawmaker (DPP)
She didn’t just violate academic ethics and administrative regulations. She used her authority as a coach to threaten students, saying she’d withhold credits required for graduation. She could be accused of coercion under criminal law.

Chi Ying-ju
Ministry of Education
As for a criminal prosecution, that would involve the relevant provisions in the Criminal Code. We may need to consult our legal department to review and confirm the relevant legal procedures.

Lawmaker Wu Pei-yi wants investigations to be carried out on three issues. The first is Ms. Chou’s potential criminal coercion. The second is potential embezzlement, as Ms. Chou had transferred the participation fees for the research project to a common fund for the team. The third is the potential criminal liability, as the subjects had their blood drawn by non-medical personnel.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#scandal #bloodtest #medicalresearch #sports #sportscience #footbal #soccer #ntnu #師大

2025-07-15

‘Devil Fire Cloud’ billiards player dies from heart attack aged 40

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HSR controller training ensures fast, measured response in emergencies

When Typhoon Danas brushed past southern Taiwan, even the high-speed rail was impacted as large amounts of debris blown onto the tracks stopped service between Yunlin and Tainan. Afterward, the HSR invited media to see for themselves how the Control Center responds to emergencies. Before joining the team, controllers have to pass a devilishly difficult test as well as stringent training.

When the alarm sounds, everyone in the Control Center springs into action.

The high-speed rail control center has nine desks that are monitored around the clock by rotating staff. For the first time, the HSR offered a glimpse into its test for controllers in training.

Every qualified controller must undergo at least 600 hours of practical training, as well as specialized theoretical courses.

Lin Li
FTV reporter
These 600 hours really are necessary. Before officially becoming a controller, trainees have to complete this Vienna Test System that tests your ability to use your hands and feet at the same time. You also have to listen carefully.

The Vienna Test System measures a controller’s stress resilience, attention, and concentration, as well as recognition and coordination.

Chang Yu-jung
HSR controller
The test requires long periods of concentration and shows the subject’s resilience under stress.

After going through these tests, controllers are able to operate the system independently and respond to crises, like when the trains stopped running after large amounts of debris blew onto the tracks in southern Taiwan during Typhoon Danas.

Tai Yen-yu
HSR controller
The rain was heavy then. I was in charge of the southern section. The rainfall actually activated Level 3. We reduced speeds and conducted train inspections.

Wind gusts during Typhoon Danas reached level 16 and 17 in southern Taiwan. According to the HSR’s alert level system and train wind restrictions, the south fluctuated between warning levels 2 and 3. Passengers would have noticed a reduction in speed.

It’s the same for rainfall. During heavy rains, speed restrictions are imposed on sections with embankments or cuts, and even flyovers. At 11:48pm on July 6, an electric line tripped and the system was left without power.

Chou Yu-min
HSR Control Center deputy manager
We observed a lot of signal anomalies from our system. Finally at 12:48 a.m. we saw that power had been restored and we delivered passengers to the station. It was the latest arrival in the history of the HSR.

When handling today’s extreme weather events, aspiring railway controllers need to undergo even more stringent training to ensure that when disaster strikes, those on the front lines can keep a cool head to accurately judge the situation.

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

#highspeedrail #trains #HSR #TyphoonDanas #extremeweather #rainfall #traincontroller #controlcenter

2025-07-15

Commercial printing workshop for people with disabilities

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Woman uses ChatGPT diet advice to shave off 2kg in one month

Nutrition tracking with ChatGPT is one of the latest weight loss hack trending on social media trend. A content creator based in Switzerland shared that she’s lost 7kg in one month just by telling ChatGPT her weight loss goal and tracking her meals. A Taiwanese woman recently tried this method too and managed to lose 2kg in a month. However, a licensed nutritionist says AI can only give broad suggestions and fall short of individual considerations. She said for a tailored plan that actually works, it’s still advised to seek help from a professional.

She tells ChatGPT the ingredients she has on hand. In mere seconds, ChatGPT gives her a nutrition breakdown and suggestions on how she can make the meal more balanced.

The ingredients are boiled then quickly stir-fried and seasoned minimally with a touch of salt and soy sauce, which allows the taste to stay true to the original form. In the past month, Stella has prepared all her meals this way.

Stella
Tried ChatGPT to lose weight
My health check results from last month weren’t great, so I thought I’d lower some of the figures. My body fat percentage was pretty high, so I wanted to lower that and my weight and become healthier. I kept track for a little over a month and lost around 2kg. My body fat percentage also came down by one percentage point.

The numbers show her how she can improve. With the help of AI, Stella managed to eat healthier and successfully brought down her weight and body fat percentage.

Stella
Tried ChatGPT to lose weight
I think what’s most impressive is that it can address any problem you might have. For example, I was quite busy a while ago and had a cold sore breakout. It gave me advice on what not to drink or eat. It’s like having a private doctor and nutritionist in one.

ChatGPT gave Stella advice every step of the way in her weight loss journey, and motivated her to reach her goal. Meanwhile, a content creator also managed to lose 7kg in one month with ChatGPT.

Cristina Gheiceanu
Content creator
This is me now, and that was me five months ago. And I know that’s a big difference. But I’m gonna tell you what helped me, and it was calorie deficit.

Winny Chang
Nutritionist
The advantage of ChatGPT is that it can give you inspiration, for example, recipe ideas, or demonstrate how you can balance out your plate. But do keep in mind that there are limitations. For example, it’s less individualized, so for instance, it may not know that you may have a high cholesterol level, an unstable blood sugar level, or have problems with kidney function. If you rely on AI long-term for weight loss without changing your eating and behavioral patterns or build new habits, you could easily regain weight.

Using AI for diet advice could be helpful in one’s weight loss journey. But a nutritionist also reminds users that ChatGPT’s advice may not be applicable for everyone. To stay healthy, it’s important to stay consistent with healthy meal plans.

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

#fitness #weightloss #nutrition #diet #AI #chatgpthacks

2025-07-15

Harbor in New Taipei celebrates tasty squid with 3-week festival

If you like squid, the coast of New Taipei has the perfect event for you. Shen’ao Fishing harbor is holding a three-week squid festival, with delicious bites, scenic views and aquatic entertainment. For three weekends starting July 19, you can head over to the area for a taste of the freshest local neritic squid.

Into a pot of boiling water they go. Then they’re covered in slurry and fried till nice and crispy.

In no time, they golden and delicious, ready to be tossed with aromatics for a mouthwatering dish.

Yu Shih-chieh
Restaurateur
If you want a fresher taste, you can eat them plain. Blanching them guarantees a fresh flavor. If you want something more flavorful, you can get “golden sand” style.

Shen’ao Fishing Harbor in New Taipei is an important unloading base for neritic squid in north Taiwan, as it is near the fishing grounds in the northeast of the island. With an annual output of 3,347 tons worth NT$650 million, it makes up for 47% of the national total. To promote the local delicacy, the port will hold a festival from this Saturday to Aug. 3, with delicious food and views to enjoy.

From 6:30 to 9 at night, a water show inspired by squid will fill the horizon, turning the harbor into a stunning nightscape.

Huang Chih-ming
Ruifang fishing association
We have water shows, which we hadn’t put on for five years, since the pandemic. The squid festival alongside the water shows is a great way to attract tourists.

Chien Ming-hsiung
New Taipei official
The neritic squid season lasts from June to September. This year, we’re holding a squid festival on three consecutive weekends, from July 19 to Aug. 3. We’re doing lucky bags with prizes including two boxes of squid for just NT$100.

Delicious food, beautiful shows and scenic views await visitors to Shen’ao Fishing Harbor this summer.

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

#squid #yummy #seafood #festival #events #newtaipei #shenao #新北美食 #深澳美食

2025-07-15