EZ News 04/22/26

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 22-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 37,627 on turnover of 8.3-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another record high on Tuesday after tech stocks soared on the back of continuing investor optimism over the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure and applications. Lai says Taiwan's wishes to Eswatini's King 'unaffected' by trip cancellation President Lai Ching-te says "Taiwan's sincere wishes" to Eswatini's King Mswati III on his Ruby jubilee will not be affected, despite political interference by China forcing him to cancel his planned visit to the African diplomatic ally. Taking to social media, Lai said he "regretted" to inform the public that he had to suspend his trip on the advice of his national security team, but Taiwan continues to cherish its friendship with Eswatini … … and he will send special envoys to attend events marking the 40th anniversary of the monarch's accession (登基) to the throne and the king's 58th birthday." The Presidential Office is blaming "economic coercion" by China the cancellation after the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar rescinded (撤銷) overflight permission for Lai's chartered plane. General budget plan advances to committee review The Cabinet's 2026 general budget proposal has been sent to committee review after Premier Cho Jung-tai briefed lawmakers on its planning. The budget had been stalled in the Legislature for more than six months, prior to Cho briefing lawmakers on the compilation (編輯;編製) of the budget and answering questions during a legislative hearing on Tuesday. According to the premier, certain budget items have been deferred due to concerns over parity among public servants and constitutional issues. Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang presided over the hearing - after which he announced that the proposal would be sent to the Finance Committee and distributed to other committees in accordance with a set schedule. Teenager Charged After Synogogue Arson Attack A teenage boy has been charged following an alleged (據稱) arson attack on a synagogue in northwest London. Police say the incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Jewish sites across the capital. Mike Jagassar reports from London. Spain Approves Plan to Tackle Housing Crisis Spain's government has approved a major plan to tackle (處理) the country's housing crisis. Rising rental and housing costs have priced many Spaniards out of the market, despite a recent economic boom. The new plan, worth 7 billion euros, triples government investment in public housing over the next four years. It ensures subsidized housing cannot be reclassified after a few years. It also includes help for young renters and home buyers. About 40% of the money will grow the public housing supply, while 30% will go toward property renovations. The rest will focus on subsidies, especially for young people. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn