EZ News 04/30/26

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 267-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 39,571 on turnover of 16.8-billion N-T. The market bucked rises registered in other neighboring markets and lost ground on Wednesday, as investors reacted to a slump in A-I related stocks on Wall Street. Premier guarantees minimum wage to exceed NT$30,000 next year Premier Cho Jung-tai is guaranteeing that the monthly minimum wage will exceed 30,000 N-T next year. Cho made the pledge (保證) during an award ceremony honoring model workers. According to Cho, he's guaranteeing the monthly minimum wage will exceed 30,000 N-T in 2027 based on the rapid development of the island's economy and markets across the country showing strong momentum. The current monthly minimum wage is 29,500 N-T, while the current hourly minimum wage to 196 N-T. Baristas to compete as 'Chinese Taipei' The Taiwan Coffee Association says competitors will be competing under the name "Chinese Taipei" in events organized by the World Coffee Championships. Competitors in the event have participated under the name "Taiwan" since 2007. According to the association, the change is an unavoidable (不可避免的) condition to safeguard participation rights and the new rules must be followed to ensure continuing participation in international events. Baristas from Taiwan regularly takes part in six major World Coffee Championship events. Two Jewish men stabbed in London Two Jewish men have been stabbed in North London in what police are describing as a terrorist incident. Counterterrorism police are investigating possible links to recent arson attacks on synagogues (猶太教堂). Lara Bentley reports from London SAfrica Protests Against Illegal Immigration Hundreds of South Africans have protested in Johannesburg against illegal migration. Demonstrations have been held across the country, including Pretoria, with anti-migration groups demanding stricter immigration enforcement (執行，執法). South Africa is a major economic hub that attracts many migrants seeking opportunities. Estimates of undocumented immigrants range from 3 to 5 million. Protesters claim illegal immigration causes urban overcrowding, labor tensions, and security threats. The protests led to shop closures amid fears of looting. The U.N. secretary-general has expressed concern over xenophobic (仇外的) attacks. South Africa plans to rebuild its busiest land ports to enhance security and reduce illegal migration. Thailand Thaksin to be Released Next Month Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be released from a Bangkok prison next month after a Justice Ministry panel decision to grant him parole (假釋). The Corrections Department announced on Wednesday that the 76-year-old Thaksin will be released from Klong Prem Central Prison on May 11. He has completed two-thirds of his one-year sentence, the minimum required by law. Thaksin was sentenced in 2023 for abuse of power. His release marks the end of a legal saga that began when he returned to Thailand after more than a decade of self-imposed exile. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn