EZ News 12/17/25

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 59-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 27,596 on turnover of 5.7-billion N-T. The market tumbled once again on Tuesday, ahead of the release of U-S employment and inflation reports that could drive the direction of interest rates. While mixed performances for artificial intelligence-related stocks on Wall Street overnight also did nothing to lift investor concerns about an A-I bubble. Lawmakers pass amendments strengthening undersea cable protections Lawmakers have passed amendments to four separate acts governing ships, ports, meteorological facilities and telecommunications (電信). Passage of the amendments is part of the Cabinet's moves to update Taiwan's so-called "seven undersea-cable laws." The changes to the Law of Ships, Meteorological Act, Telecommunications Management Act and Commercial Port Law are aimed at strengthening protections for submarine cables … …. which the government has said could pose a threat to national security if cut or otherwise damaged. MOTC's new vehicle window tinting rules to take effect next year The Ministry of Transport has announced that new regulations governing tinted vehicle windows will be taking effect in the first quarter of next year. According to the ministry, owners of new vehicles must ensure that the tint on the front windshield has visible light transmission (透射) of no less than 70-per cent, while front, side windows must allow at least 40-per cent light transmission. The new regulations are being introduced as part of proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Rules to address concerns over safety risks posed by tinted windows. The proposed amendments will apply to all newly registered and licensed vehicles. US military blows up 3 more alleged drug boats as Trump weaponizes fentanyl The US military says it has blown up three more alleged drug boats in the Eastern Pacific - killing eight people. The total death toll in the Trump Administration's revamped war on drugs is now closing in on 100. The latest strikes come as the Trump Administration ramps up its war on drugs, designating illicit (非法的) fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Toni Waterman Private Canada Delegation Barred from West Bank Israel has barred a private Canadian delegation that included six members of Parliament from entering the occupied West Bank. The Israeli Embassy in Canada said the group was denied entry on Tuesday because of its links to Islamic Relief Worldwide, a nongovernmental organization that Israel lists as a terror group. Ontario Member of Parliament, who was part of the delegation, said she was shoved several times by Israeli border officials at the Allenby crossing between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said in a post on social media that Canada has expressed its objections (反對) over the barring. Jane Austen 250th Bday Celebration Fans of Jane Austen are celebrating the author's 250th birthday with events in Britain and beyond. Austen enthusiasts gathered Tuesday for a church service in her home village and festive visits to her house. A virtual birthday party allowed fans worldwide to join in. Thousands have participated in a yearlong celebration of the author, known for "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility." Jane Austen’s House in the southern English village of Chawton hosted talks, tours, and performances. Fans have marked the occasion (慶祝/紀念這個時刻) with Regency balls and festivals in the U.K., U.S., and elsewhere around the world. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn