On June 12, a fire broke out at the Third Nuclear Power Plant (核三廠) in Hengchun (恆春), Pingtung County, triggering concern and criticism from both the public and environmental groups.

Although Taiwan Power Co (Taipower, 台灣電力公司) immediately announced the cause of the fire, its explanation kept changing and thus failed to calm concerns. This incident highlights loopholes in Taiwan's nuclear safety system. …

In the past, August the 8^th meant a day to celebrate Father's Day for every household; however, for the Taiwanese, from now on this day will mean more than that. From 2009, August the 8^th will be associated with the August the 8^th Flood.

On the evening of August 6^th, 2009, the typhoon alert over the sea of the No. 8^th Typhoon this year – Typhoon Morakot – was issued. …