EZ News 04/17/26

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 14-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 37,146 on turnover of $8.7-billion N-T. The market continued to make solid gains on Thursday - as it closed above the 37,000-point mark for the first time as investor sentiment improved amid hopes that the U-S and Iran will resume peace negotiations. Market watchers say the rise came as investors here seized on (抓住) the momentum of a rise on Wall Street overnight to raise their holdings, and buying continued to focus on the electronics sector. Social worker sentenced to 2 years in 'Kai Kai' infant abuse case The Taipei District Court has sentenced a social worker to two years in prison for negligent homicide over the failure to report suspicious behavior in the case of a 1-year-old boy who died after repeated abuse by his foster caregiver. The court's ruling against Chen Shang-chieh, a social worker for the Child Welfare League Foundation is the third conviction stemming from (源於，源自) the December 2023 death of an infant known as Kai Kai. The court faulted Chen in its verdict for what it called "passive inactivity" in her role overseeing the child's case, despite being the person best-positioned to "piece together the truth" that he was being abused. The ruling can be appealed. Agencies gear up for Dajia Mazu pilgrimage starting April 17 Local government agencies and the Taiwan Railway Corporation has been stepping preparations for the annual Dajia Mazu pilgrimage which begins this evening in Taichung. The Taiwan Railway Corporation has scheduled 38 additional train services on April 17 and 26 in order to better handle a huge increase in passenger volume. Meanwhile, police in Changhua have signed agreements with local temples and organizations to ensure orderly conduct (行為) during the pilgrimage and are pledging "high autonomous management, zero street brawls, low environmental hazards and smooth traffic." The theme of this year's Dajia Mazu pilgrimage is "kindness" - with organizers highlighting the collective spirit of participants, volunteers and support stations that provide food, messages and medical services along the route. Haiti Hunger Levels Drop but Remain Critical A new report states that the number of people facing high levels of hunger in Haiti is expected to drop slightly, although officials say the situation remains critical. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification said Thursday that more than 5.83 million Haitians are expected to face acute levels of hunger from March to June, representing more than half the country’s population. Meanwhile, nearly 1.9 million people are expected to face emergency levels of hunger, just down from the projected 2 million people. But the report said limited improvements are “insufficient" (不足的), and points out that any small gains might soon be erased because of soaring oil prices linked to the war in Iran. US Federal agency approves concept for Trump's plan for a Triumphal Arch in Washington And from the US…. A federal agency approves a concept (概念) for Donald Trump's Triumphal Arch. AP correspondent Mike Hempen has the latest. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn