Taiwan Tonight - Taiwan News | Sep. 4, 2026

Night running has become increasingly popular in Taiwan, but one running group may have taken things a little too far. A group of night joggers in Taipei's Nankang district was buzzed at scaling a fence to get into the extreme sports training center after hours. Once inside, they warmed up, ran around, and used the facilities without paying a course. The group eventually climbed back over the fence and left, but the sports center has posted footage of the incident and says it may take legal action. Let's hear more. A group of night joggers were caught entering the facility by jumping over the fence at the car park. Once inside, they turned the installations into their own private theme park. Even though the extreme sports training center is a public facility, if there is a fence and there is a sign listing out admission fees, jumping over the fence could be considered unlawful trespassing. That is punishable with up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 9,000 NT. The jogging group's organizer issued an apology saying that unclear markings led some runners to accidentally enter the facility. They say they have since contacted the center to apologize and will be more careful in the future. But lawyers say that climbing over a fence to enter a facility that clearly requires paid admission could constitute trespassing. The sports center could also seek compensation for the unpaid admission fees. An elderly man struggles as he pushes a cart down the middle of the road in the pouring rain every step is a huge effort as the cardboard boxes get heavier and heavier from soaking up the water. Seeing the sad scene, a group of kind-hearted teens from Wanhua Junior High School stepped in to lend a helping hand, melting the hearts of onlookers. He was pushing all the cardboard boxes by himself. There were so many that some were slipping off. It was really pouring down so we thought he might like some help. Like if we help him finish early, he could go home and rest. He said yes so we helped him push the cart all the way to Wanda Elementary School. Seemed like he was pushing the cart further and further into the road so we wanted to help more. Umbrellas would only get in the way so two of the students simply accepted the fact that they would get soaking wet. It wasn't a long stretch but it made a world of difference to the elderly man. My classmate had to go after a bit so it ended up just being me pushing the cart. The other two accompanied us the whole way but they were holding umbrellas so they couldn't really push that hard. I didn't mind because I live nearby anyway like I could just go home and take a shower after. Helping someone in need fills their heart with joy. In turn the person they helped might pass on the love creating a circle of kind. This student's kind actions have earned them praise from their school which rewarded them with merit points and awards for their good deed. A century-old home in Jiayi suddenly collapsed Friday morning trapping a 76-year-old man inside. His sister who lives with him happened to be outside getting some sunshine when she heard the building come crashing down. She immediately ran to a nearby fire station for help. Fortunately firefighters were able to reach the man and pull him from the rubble and remarkably he was not seriously injured. Let's hear more. The beam gave in and the whole thing collapsed. My brother was on the bed over there. Good thing he didn't come out or he would have hit his head. One-story brick house has a wooden roof but since it's so unstable we can't just tear it apart to get inside or the whole structure could come crashing down. To access the interior our firefighters climbed in from a ladder in the adjacent building then they brought out the victim on a spinal board. Moving forward they'll have to follow the relevant regulations and ask government for assistance to rebuild the house. The collapse comes after nearly two weeks of heavy rain in southern Taiwan with a prolonged downpour believed to have further weakened the 100-year-old structure. Because the building remains unstable authorities have cordoned off the surrounding area as a precaution. While the house has been destroyed fortunately none of the residents were crushed or seriously hurt. The 76-year-old man was still taken to hospital for a checkup just to be safe. Local officials say the family may need government assistance to rebuild their home. Former Hsinchu County Commissioner Fan Zhendong wasn't just being verbally abusive towards KMT A bit later Fan's behavior even turned violent. This open palm slap shocked spectators at the political rally. Standing behind Zheng, Fan pushed her from behind and when she turned to look back he unleashed what looked like a face smack. I think that was just a friendly gesture kind of like touching you lightly like this. It wasn't some type of slap nothing serious like that and he also even said the idiom Although KMT vice chair Lee said the incident was good natured at its core viewing it in slow motion tells a different tale. Okay his hand didn't actually hit her face but many believe it's a stretch to say that Fan's kung fu chop was all in good fun. Yesterday's incident looked like a slap that failed to connect. It doesn't matter how you spin it for Zheng Liwen and Fan Zhendong One left the Democratic Progressive Party after a sexual harassment accusation in 2002 and the other back in 2007 attended the KMT CCP forum which led to him leaving the DPP. The ruling party is watching a potential disaster unfold as Fan's problematic behavior at the KMT rally is likely connected to the KMT and TPP running separate mayoral candidates in Zhubei City. Anger amongst TPP supporters might even end up spreading to other cities and counties. Sometimes when it comes to the emotions of our supporters it's not something where our supporters will necessarily take what we say at face value. Right now the TPP's young support base is indeed coming together. It's uniting because honesty is the most important thing for a political party. So who's responsible for the KMT TPP relationship breaking down and will the KMT succeed at convincing the public that an open palm hand sweep towards the party's chair Controversy has erupted over the rescue operation for five rafters whose vessel overturned during an outing on the Zhoushui River in Nantou last Sunday. The four-day rescue operation involved a massive deployment of personnel, a Black Hawk helicopter and the tragic death of a firefighter. But an investigation into the incident has found that there are no legal grounds to issue a fine or seek compensation from the rafters. According to the water resources agency's fourth river management branch the group of five did not violate the water act as they had parked their vehicle away from the water and walked down to the river themselves. Meanwhile Nantou's fire department says that despite the high cost of the rescue operation it has no basis on which to seek reimbursement. Under current regulations fines can be imposed on people engaging in mountain climbing activities but since rafting is classified as a water-based recreational activity nothing can be done. Nantou commissioner Xu Shuhua says the existing regulations will be reviewed. As kids play happily on the swings you can see a drone in front of them hovering low in the air right next to the playground. Someone recorded this at a new park in Yunlin's Donan township. The playground is right below a highway which protects it from rain. As lots of families come here on the weekends people are worried the drone could be dangerous. I think it's inappropriate since there are lots of children here I worry there could be an accident. I'm worried that it might hit a child or crash into them. It's dangerous if it loses control it could hit a machine or a person hurting someone. Highway 78 is right above so it could even affect traffic. It's not only right by the playground but provincial highway 78 is right above the park so it could influence traffic safety. Drone operators must follow the civil aviation act and drone regulations including that the drone cannot be more than 120 meters above the ground and must stay at least 30 meters away from highways expressways and railways. Any activity that violates these regulations is prohibited with offenders facing fines of up to 300,000 NT. It was being flown above a children's playground even the slightest error or interference could cause it to fall or collide with something. People shouldn't do anything risky just for the sake of taking photos or having fun or they could end up facing heavy fines. Transportation minister Chen Shikai and other ministry officials ride scooters to a press conference to officially launch Taiwan's annual traffic safety month. The ministry is partnering with over 70,000 scooter shops to offer free safety inspections. We will provide everyone everywhere with free scooter safety inspections so the brakes, tires, oil and lights can all be completely checked for safety. Our slogan for this year's traffic safety month is scooters don't rush, stop and yield for safety. September is traffic safety month in Taiwan. This year the event is promoting scooter safety as well as yielding to others. Since scooters are the most common mode of transportation, scooter accidents account for 60 percent of traffic fatalities every year. About 60 percent of traffic fatalities every year are due to scooter accidents which was about 1,700 people last year. So of course we hope that by 2030 all traffic fatalities can be reduced by 50 percent. For the first time this year drivers with no violations can enter a lucky draw with prizes including a scooter worth 270,000 NT as well as smartphones, watches and more. Traffic safety month aims to encourage all drivers to be safe and follow the rules of the road. The sound of Beiguan music transports the listener to a Taiwan temple fair. Taipei's century-old Gong Le Xuan Ensemble along with the Mei Mage Dance Troupe and Leisheng Art Group are traveling to Poland this month to perform at Taiwan Day. Vice President Xiaobie Kim wished them all the best. It will plant a seed in their hearts giving them the desire to come and see Taiwan. They can experience the most honest and authentic Taiwan bit by bit up close. Dance, Beiguan music and traditional folk performances come together on the Polish stage showcasing Taiwanese culture to an international audience. What's most precious is culture that is able to move people. Taiwan is going out into the world now. This country that grew up amidst such hardship and became such a wonderful place. Taiwanese culture has grown from protecting its democracy and freedoms and this culture is the best language to connect with the world. In addition to performances the event includes a market with bubble tea, dumplings, dried mango and other Taiwanese products. Polish people will be able to experience Taiwanese culture through sight, sounds and taste.