EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 121-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,496 on turnover of 18.4-billion N-T. The market moved sharply lower on Wednesday, as the bellwether electronics sector was dragged down following losses by U-S tech companies on Wall Street overnight amid a surge in inflation in America. Gov't touts Taiwan as a full APEC member The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is insisting that Taiwan remains a full APEC member. It comes after China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan's participation in the forum is conducted under the "one-China principle." China is hosting this year's APEC events. The foreign ministry here in Taipei says Taiwan formally became a full APEC member economy in 1991 under the name "Chinese Taipei" through the signing of an accession (正式加入) MOU. The ministry is also calling on Beijing to "fulfill its duties and commitments as APEC host in accordance with APEC guidelines, standards, and practices." Taipei expands rat control measures, seeks national monitoring model And, The Taipei City Government's Department of Environmental Protection says its stepping up efforts against rodent infestations by expanding tracking methods … .. while also call central government to establish a unified national monitoring system to better assess (評估) pest control effectiveness. According to the department, until such a system is established, the city will expand its use of the "trap-night" method, while also tracking active rat burrows and public reports as indicators of infestation trends. The department also says it currently has more than 80 disinfection specialists, each assisted by one or two cleaning workers, which should be sufficient to meet current demand. Russia Launches Massive Drone Attack on Ukraine Russia has launched a massive daytime drone attack on Ukraine, firing at least 800 drones across 20 regions of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says at least six people were killed and dozens wounded, including children. Wednesday’s targets included the cities of Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa. Zelenskyy is warning of possible cruise and ballistic missile attacks by Moscow following the drone barrage (猛烈的攻擊). U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have suggested the war could be nearing an end. However, they provided no evidence or details to support those statements. BRICS Foreign Ministers meet in New Delhi amid internal rift BRICS foreign ministers are arriving in India today ahead of a key meeting later this week - with the grouping facing fresh internal strain. The Iran conflict is casting a shadow over the bloc - even as New Delhi looks to keep the focus on economic cooperation and Global South priorities. Ishan Garg reports from New Delhi. UK King Outlines Gov Plans King Charles III has outlined the British government's legislative plans as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to stay in power. In a ceremonial speech to Parliament, the king emphasized the U.K.'s focus on energy policy, defense, and national security amid the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. He also pledged action against antisemitism, highlighting British values of decency (正直) and tolerance. Starmer's leadership is under scrutiny (密切觀察，詳細檢查) after significant losses in local elections. Some Labour Party members have urged him to set a departure timetable, and Health Secretary Wes Streeting might challenge him. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93j92z -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened down 102 points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,795. Turnover (成交金額) stood at 12.8 billion NT. The market rose again on Tuesday after briefly reaching the 42,000-point mark. The rise was led by major electronics stocks (電子類股), after U.S. tech shares gained on Wall Street overnight. ---- Lai says obstruction of Eswatini visit proof of consolidating authoritarianism President Lai Ching-te says China’s alleged obstruction (阻撓) of his state visit to Eswatini shows that authoritarian governments are becoming more united. Lai made the comments in a pre-recorded speech for the Copenhagen Democracy Summit. He said the world is now at an important turning point in the competition between democracy and authoritarianism (威權主義). Lai said authoritarian governments are using military threats, economic pressure, cyberattacks, and grey zone tactics. He said these actions are creating serious challenges for peace, stability, and democracy. Lai also said China is willing to damage aviation safety and order for political reasons. ---- CDC to purchase over 7-million trivalent flu vaccines  The Centers for Disease Control says it plans to buy more than 7 million trivalent (三價的) flu vaccine doses (疫苗劑量) this year. That is 35,000 more doses than last year. The CDC says the vaccines will include about 6.85 million standard flu vaccine doses and about 200,000 enhanced immune-response vaccine doses. This is the first time the CDC has bought enhanced immune-response flu vaccines for the government-funded immunization program (免疫接種計畫). The vaccines are being bought from GSK, Sanofi, Adimmune, and TTY Biopharm. The first phase of the free government flu vaccine program will begin as usual on October 1. ---- Lebanon Militant Group Calls for Withdrawal from Israel Talks The leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is calling on Lebanon to withdraw (退出) from direct talks with Israel. Naim Kassem said the talks are a concession (讓步). He said Lebanon should hold indirect talks instead, through a third party. Lebanon and Israel are set to hold another round of talks in Washington starting Thursday. The talks will focus on how to end the war and discuss future relations. Although the U.S. helped arrange a ceasefire (停火) on April 17, Hezbollah and Israel have continued to attack each other every day. Hezbollah confirmed that one of its commanders was killed in an airstrike near Beirut last week. Lebanon’s health minister says 380 people have been killed since the ceasefire. That brings the total death toll to more than 2,800 since the war began in March. ---- Modi heads to UAE and Europe with energy and trade on agenda Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Middle East and Europe this week. The trip is being seen as one of his most important diplomatic visits (外交行程) of the year. Energy and trade (貿易) are expected to be major topics during the trip. Ishan Garg has more from New Delhi. ---- Eurovision Down to Final 10 Ten countries have moved on to the Eurovision Song Contest final after the first semifinal (準決賽). They include Finland, one of the favorites, and Israel. Israel’s participation has led five countries to boycott (抵制) the contest. Israeli singer Noam Bettan heard both cheers and protest shouts when he performed the rock ballad "Michelle." Moldova, Croatia, and Sweden also made it to the final. Estonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Portugal, and San Marino were eliminated. The second semifinal will be held Thursday. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators (示威者) are planning to protest Israel’s participation before Saturday’s final. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 90-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,880 on turnover of 18.5-billion N-T. The market closed higher once again on Monday, but the gains were muted after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw losses following a the Wall Street Journal report that Apple could shift its orders to Intel. Statute of limitations for child sex crimes to be extended The Ministry of Health has announced draft amendments to Sexual Assault Crime Prevention Act and the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act. According to the ministry, the planned revisions seek to change the starting point for the statute of limitations in sexual assault cases involving minors to when a victim turns 20. The head of the ministry's Department of Protective Services says the proposed amendments are aimed at ensuring victims can seek justice after gaining a better understanding of their victimization (受害) and having greater resources to speak out. Under current regulations, the statute of limitations begins from the date the offense was committed, making it difficult for victims abused as minors to pursue legal action after reaching adulthood. Taipei conducting 5-day cleaning drive to counter 'rat problem' The Taipei City government is continuing a cleaning and sanitation (衛生) drive across all 12 administrative districts this week, as it seeks to combat concerns about recent increases in rat sightings. According to the city government, the cleaning drive that began last Friday in Zhongshan District is is now being expanded to other city districts through Thursday. City officials say sanitation work will focus on Nangang, Wenshan and Neihu districts today. It will continue tomorrow in Songshan, Daan and Xinyi districts, before concluding on Thursday in Shilin and Beitou districts. US Passengers exposed to Hantavirus arrive back in US US health officials say eighteen passengers from a cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak have now been flown back to the US and placed under monitoring. One passenger who tested positive for the rare virus strain is being treated in a biocontainment (生物隔離) unit. Ira Spitzer has more. Indigenous Orgs Urg UN Protections Against Organized Crime Indigenous organizations from across the Amazon and Latin America have sent a letter to the United Nations warning that organized crime — including illegal mining, drug trafficking and logging — is driving violence and environmental destruction in Indigenous territories. The groups urged governments to avoid heavily militarized responses and instead strengthen Indigenous-led protections. Leaders from Peru’s Amazon warned criminal networks are increasingly recruiting Indigenous youth, exploiting girls and expanding influence in remote communities where state presence is weak. Signatories say the expansion of organized crime is undermining Indigenous governance systems and threatening communities that have long acted as stewards (管理員) of some of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. The letter calls on the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to conduct a dedicated study on organized crime and illicit economies in Indigenous territories and urged U.N. agencies to include Indigenous perspectives in anti-crime and anti-corruption policies. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 「挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行」 2026/5/31前至中國信託LINE官方帳號輸入「母親節拿優惠」玩互動遊戲，免費領勝博殿、雞湯大叔…等多家餐廳優惠券，現省超過300元！首次綁定LINE個人化服務再送10點OPENPOINT。 加入中國信託LINE官方帳號 https://sofm.pse.is/93ne6r -- 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93at46 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. ---- Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened up 110-points this morning from Friday's close, at 41,714 on turnover of 19.5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday amid re-emerging concerns over tensions in the Middle East after the U-S and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the main board still managed to close the day above the 41,000 point mark. ---- Taiwan's top envoy in US warn China against attacking Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi meeting Taiwan's top envoy (最高代表) to the U-S, Alexander Yui has told Fox News that any attempt by Beijing to take Taiwan by force would severely disrupt global trade (擾亂全球貿易). According to Yui, China needs to be aware that other countries with interests in the region could respond to such an attack. Yui said the Lai administration remains open to dialogue with China, but any cross-strait talks must be based on mutual respect (相互尊重) and the US position on Taiwan remains unchanged .. ….. as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are beneficial to all relevant parties, including the U-S, China, Taiwan, and Japan. The interview comes as U-S President Donald Trump is slated to travel to China Wednesday evening for talks with Xi Jinping in Beijing. ---- Tuvalu delegation visiting Taiwan for tech and energy talks A delegation (代表團) led by Tuvalu's transport, energy, communications, and innovation minister has arrived in Taiwan for a five-day visit. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Simon Kofe is leading a four-member delegation for talks on digital infrastructure (數位基礎建設), communications, and energy security (能源安全). The ministry says the delegation is slated to meet with several government agencies and private sector companies to discuss information and communications technology, digital governance, network resilience, and energy development. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung traveled to Tuvalu in March, where he held talks with Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo. Those talks included a submarine cable project, Taiwan-Tuvalu cooperation on digital resilience, and secure network infrastructure. ---- Remains of US soldier who went missing during military exercises in Morocco have been recovered The remains (遺骸) of one US soldier who went missing during military exercises in Morocco has been recovered (尋獲). AP's Lisa Dwyer reports. ---- Iran Nobel Laureate Transfered to Hospital Nobel Peace laureate (得主) Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to a Tehran hospital after collapsing (昏倒) in prison. Her foundation says this comes after days of pleading by her family and others. Mohammadi has been granted a prison sentence suspension on bail. She had been imprisoned since December. She lost consciousness twice and was transferred to a local hospital on May 1. Her foundation says the suspended sentence is not enough and that Mohammadi needs permanent, specialized care. The statement calls for her unconditional freedom (無條件釋放) and the dismissal of all charges. ---- French President Visting Kenya French President Emmanuel Macron has kicked off (展開) a visit to Kenya ahead of a two-day Africa Forward Summit. The gathering, which starts today, is meant to showcase France’s new policy for the continent, in what Paris describes as a partnership of equals (平等夥伴關係). The summit comes after French troops completed their withdrawal (撤軍) from West Africa last year. On Sunday, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements involving investments in various sectors, including an ambitious nuclear energy plant, modernized transport, and sustainable agriculture. ---- That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 48-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,886 on turnover of $11-billion N-T. The market continued to rally on Thursday - with the main board briefly surpassing the 42,000-point mark for the first time to hit yet another new intraday high, as investors were buoyed by hopes the Strait of Hormuz will soon reopen to shipping. Government seeking separate, tougher penalties for drug driving Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai says the government is considering treating drug-impaired driving as a distinct offense separate from drunk driving - potentially leading to harsher penalties. According to Chen, officials from the transport and interior ministries are scheduled to meet next Monday to discuss possible amendments to current laws, including tougher penalties and joint liability provisions for drug-impaired driving. Chen says while drug use itself is already a criminal offense, driving a vehicle under the influence of narcotics - especially when it results in injury or death - should carry tougher penalties than drunk driving. The statements come amid growing concern over a recent spate of (一連串) serious traffic accidents involving drivers under the influence of narcotics. Those incidents include a drug-driving crash on May 4 that resulted in the deaths two people. Several lawmakers have voiced their support for criminal liability for drug driving to be made different from that for drunk driving. Iran Creates Gov Agency to Control Tax Vessels in Strait Iran has created a government agency to control and tax vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. That's according to the shipping data company Lloyd's List Intelligence, which reported the move Thursday. The Iranian effort to formalize control over the channel raised new concerns about international shipping as hundreds of commercial ships remained bottled up (圍困，困住) in the Persian Gulf, unable to reach the open sea. A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said officials in Tehran are still reviewing messages from Pakistan, which is mediating peace proposals between the Islamic Republic with the U.S. Court strikes down Trump 10% global tariffs A US federal trade court has struck down President Donald Trump's global 10% tariff, declaring it illegal. The White House imposed (強制實行,) the rate in February after the Supreme Court ruled against the administration's Liberation Day tariffs. Nick Harper reports from Washington. El Salvador News Outlet Assets Froze Salvadoran investigative news outlet El Faro has announced that its members’ assets have been frozen. The outlet on Thursday accused the government of President Nayib Bukele of escalating political persecution. El Faro has clashed (不相容，相牴觸) with Bukele over its investigations into corruption, including alleged negotiations with gangs. Bukele, who came to power in 2019 on an anti-corruption platform, has faced criticism for cracking down on dissent. The outlet learned of the asset freeze through a bank and property registry. El Faro has been audited (查賬目) since 2020 over alleged tax evasion, which it denies. Many of its members now live in exile. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93at63 -- 美鳳姐天天喝的【補體素優蛋白EX】 ✅222增肌關鍵：20g蛋白質、2倍*BCAA及維生素D ✅義大利摩洛血橙：促進新陳代謝 慶祝母親節，給爸媽正港ㄟ好體力👉 https://sofm.pse.is/93n6ua *蛋白質可用於肌肉生長 **與補體素優蛋白(原味)即飲配方營養素相比 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened 121 points higher this morning at 41,259. Turnover reached $20.3 billion NT. On Wednesday, the market set more closing records. Tech stocks helped support the market after a rally (上漲) on Wall Street overnight. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing closed unchanged (持平). But investors bought other chip stocks (晶片股), which gave the market strong support. ---- MOFA says Taiwan is working with allies to build drone supply chain center The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Taiwan is working to become the Asia-Pacific center for the democratic drone (無人機) supply chain (供應鏈). The head of MOFA's Drone Diplomacy Task Force, Chiang Zhen-wei, made the statement at the Taiwanese-German Aerospace Conference in Taipei. Chiang said Taiwan plays an important role in the global "non-red" drone supply chain because of its strong manufacturing abilities. He said the task force is using Taiwan's experience in "chip diplomacy" to help develop the drone industry. He added that drones could become an important part of Taiwan's national defense (國防). At the same time, Taiwan is working with allies and like-minded countries to promote drone-related projects. ---- Lai gives top honor to Michael Fonte for supporting Taiwan-U.S. ties President Lai Ching-te has given one of Taiwan's highest honors (榮譽) for foreign nationals (外國人士) to Michael J. Fonte. Fonte is a former head of the DPP's mission in the United States. He received the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon at a ceremony at the Presidential Office. Officials said Fonte was honored for his important work in promoting Taiwan-U.S. relations. Fonte first came to Taiwan in 1967 as a missionary (傳教士). He worked with farmers in Taichung, Changhua, and Miaoli. ---- White House says deal may be coming to end Iran conflict (衝突) U.S. President Donald Trump says talks with Iran are making progress. Reports say a one-page memo (備忘錄) is being prepared. It could help end the war in the Middle East. But Trump is also warning that he could resume (恢復) attacks on Iran. His comments came 24 hours after his Secretary of State said Operation Epic Fury had ended. Simon Marks reports from Washington. ----- Search continues for missing U.S. soldiers in Morocco More than 600 military personnel (軍事人員) from several countries are searching for two U.S. soldiers missing in Morocco. They disappeared during U.S.-African military exercises. The search is now in its fifth day. Teams are looking in underwater caves and along the Atlantic coast near the training area. Officials believe the soldiers may have been on a recreational hike (休閒健行) and may have fallen into the ocean. The African Lion military drills include more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 countries. The drills are set to end Friday. Moroccan and U.S. forces are taking part in the search, along with aircraft and vessels (船隻). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. ---- Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened 213 points higher this morning at 40-983. Turnover reached $21.3 billion NT On Tuesday, the market continued to set new closing records. Investors bought shares across different sectors. But gains were limited because Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing entered a period of consolidation. ---- MOFA says Paraguay president's visit shows strong ties The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Paraguay President Santiago Pena will visit Taiwan later this week. The ministry says the visit shows that ties (關係) between Taiwan and Paraguay remain strong, despite pressure from China. Pena will lead a group of business representatives to Taiwan for a four-day visit. He will meet with President Lai Ching-te and other senior officials. Officials say the talks will focus on investment, international cooperation (合作), and ways to strengthen relations between the two sides. The visit comes after reports that Beijing has been pressuring Paraguay to cut ties with Taiwan and recognize China instead. ---- Taipei to launch new anti-rat campaign Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the city will launch a new round of sanitation (環境衛生) measures to deal with rat problems. The city will also introduce "rodent control specialists" to help residents. The move comes after many people posted online about seeing more rats in parts of Taipei. Chiang says households will be able to apply for a specialist to visit their home. The specialist will check for signs of rats and give advice on prevention (預防) and control. Officials say the specialists will help find where the rats are coming from, improve home environments, and support better pest control. ---- Trump pauses Project Freedom, citing progress on Iran deal U.S. President Donald Trump says the U.S. is pausing (暫停) Project Freedom. The project has involved the U.S. Navy escorting (護送) ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump wrote on social media that the pause is because of "great progress" on a possible deal with Iran. Nick Harper reports from Washington. ---- Princess of Wales to make first overseas trip since cancer treatment Britain's Princess of Wales will travel to Italy next week. It will be her first official overseas visit since her cancer diagnosis (診斷) and treatment. Kensington Palace says Kate will spend two days in Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. The visit will focus on her work in early childhood development. The trip will highlight the "Reggio Emilia approach." This is an educational idea that focuses on relationships, the learning environment, and the community in a child's development. Kate said in 2024 that she was receiving chemotherapy (化療) for cancer. Last year, she said she was in remission (病情緩解). She has slowly made more public appearances since then. But this will be her first overseas trip without Prince William. Early childhood development is one of Kate's main areas of work. She launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021. ---- That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 40,708 on turnover of 8-billion N-T. The market posted a record daily gain of more than 1,700 points on Monday to close above the 40,000-point mark for the first time. Analysts says buying in the semiconductor industry was sparked by massive spending proposed by major U-S cloud service providers last week and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing was the largest beneficiary of that on Monday .. … and saw its share price rose 6.56-per cent to close at a high of 2,275 N-T. Premier directs ministries to assist shipping companies Premier Cho Jung-tai has instructed government agencies to coordinate assistance for Taiwan shipping company whose vessels are stranded due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Cabinet, the directive was issues after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released data showing of the about 1,600 vessels from various countries currently stranded (受困), eight are operated by Taiwan firms. The Cabinet says Cho has asked the Ministry of Transport to coordinate with the foreign ministry in contacting foreign governments and Taiwan shipping firms, to offer assistance measures to enable the vessels to resume normal operations as soon as possible. However, the Cabinet has not released any details concerning how such measures could be adopted. Hon Hai's 2nd generation satellites launched successfully Two second-generation satellites developed by Hon Hai has been launched successfully into orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. According to Hon Hai, the low-Earth orbit satellites PEARL-1A and PEARL-2B have entered their intended orbits for expected on-orbit mission durations of between one to three years. The satellites have been primarily designed for payload technology verification (驗証，確認) in communication and space science. Hon Hai co-developed the satellites with the National Central University. China Fireworks Explosion State media in China says an explosion at a fireworks plant in a central Chinese province has killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others. China’s official news agency Xinhua says the blast occurred at a fireworks plant in Changsha city of Hunan province on Monday afternoon. Nearly 500 rescuers were deployed to the scene and evacuations were conducted in danger zones. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast. 19 people jailed in France for facilitating a network of migrant smugglers 19 people in France received jail terms for facilitating (促進) a network of migrant smugglers operating along the northern French coasts. Prosecutors at the trial in the northern city of Lille (LEEL) said those convicted worked as lookouts, masterminds, and drivers for smuggling gangs. Ross Cullen reports. Mauritania Lawmakers Sentenced for Insulting President Two female opposition lawmakers in Mauritania have been sentenced to four years in prison for insulting the president and inciting (煽動) violence. Their lawyers say Monday that the charges stem from social media posts accusing the president of discrimination against Black people and descendants (後人) of slaves. Last month, Marieme Cheikh Dieng and Ghamou Achour were charged with “attacking the symbols of the state.” Mauritania outlawed slavery in 1981 but human rights groups report around 149-thousand people remain in modern slavery in the country. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 「挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行」 2026/5/31前至中國信託LINE官方帳號輸入「母親節拿優惠」玩互動遊戲，免費領勝博殿、雞湯大叔…等多家餐廳優惠券，現省超過300元！首次綁定LINE個人化服務再送10點OPENPOINT。 加入中國信託LINE官方帳號 https://sofm.pse.is/93hm9y -- 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93hxjh -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 301-points this morning from last Thursday's close, at 39,228 on turnover of 15.3-billion N-T. The market fell on Thursday with a dramatic 922-point intraday swing amid analyst warnings about overheating in the market, which surpassed the historic 40,000 threshold just three prior to that. Taiwan deepens medical cooperation with Eswatini, eyes AI integration Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says Taiwan is expanding its long-standing medical cooperation with Eswatini, with future efforts to focus on digital health and artificial intelligence applications. Shih made the remarks on the sidelines of a health forum in Taipei as President Lai Ching-te is continuing a state visit to Southern Afican kingdom. According to Shih, Taiwan's medical mission in Eswatini has operated for years, initially focusing on clinical services (臨床服務 ) and personnel training with support from Taipei Medical University. The health minister says the next phase will center on adopting Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, an international standard for medical records that could help Eswatini develop AI-assisted healthcare systems. 83-year-old arrested after Tainan arson and axe attack Police in Tainan have arrested an 83-year-old man after he set fire to a relative's home, attacked three people with an axe and stole an ambulance. The city's Fire Bureau says firefighters were attacked by the man when the entered the townhouse on Xinle Road in the city's South District after arriving at the scene and finding smoke pouring out of the building. Two emergency service personnel and one female resident of the building were injured in the attack and taken to the National Cheng Kung University Hospital for treatment (治療). The man ran out of the building and jumped into an empty ambulance before fleeing the scene. Police followed the stolen ambulance to the Yongkang District before arresting the suspect. Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Kills 3 The World Health Organization says that a suspected hantavirus (漢他病毒) outbreak on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean has killed three people and sickened at least three others. In a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday, the WHO said an investigation was ongoing but that at least one case of hantavirus had been confirmed. One of the patients was in intensive care in a South African hospital, the U.N.’s health agency said. The company that runs the cruise said it was trying to evacuate two crew members who were sick and still onboard. The outbreak happened on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondius cruise ship. US on WH Correspondents Dinner Attack Authorities have more details about last weekend's White House Correspondents' dinner attack. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports on what Shakira Free Concert in Rio Shakira has performed a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian city's mayor said 2 million people attended the event on Saturday night. It was part of her “Women No Longer Cry” world tour. The performance is part of Rio’s effort to boost the economy after major festivities such as the famous Carnival and New Year’s Eve festivities and before the monthlong Saint John’s Day celebrations in June. The mayor said the show could generate (產生) significant financial returns. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新加坡，開啟最過癮的海陸雙享假期！ 蘋果旅遊 推出新加坡與郵輪專案，結合新加坡城市魅力與豪華郵輪體驗，迪士尼探險號或雲頂夢號任你選，一次滿足海陸度假享受，詳情請洽蘋果旅遊！ 👉https://sofm.pse.is/93hmfw -- 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93h9nl -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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 _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93atav -- 新加坡，開啟最過癮的海陸雙享假期！ 蘋果旅遊 推出新加坡與郵輪專案，結合新加坡城市魅力與豪華郵輪體驗，迪士尼探險號或雲頂夢號任你選，一次滿足海陸度假享受，詳情請洽蘋果旅遊！ 👉https://sofm.pse.is/92uh2w -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 345-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 39,176 on turnover of 19.3-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Tuesday after selling set in just off the 40,000-point mark as investors remained cautious ahead of key U-S tech earnings this week. KMT-TPP alliance backs Lee Shu-chuan for New Taipei mayoral race Former Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan of the K-M-T has been selected as the joint nominee for New Taipei mayor after beating Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang in a poll conducted by the two parties. The results found Lee leading D-P-P candidate Su Chiao-hui in both surveys Lee says the results marked "the beginning of responsibility" and he's pledging (保證) to honor agreements between the K-M-T and the T-P-P - including incorporating policy proposals put forward by Huang. While Huang is pledging his full support for Lee's campaign, saying the process reflected democratic values through dialogue and fair competition. High speed rail to install platform doors at all stations The High Speed Rail Corporation has announced plans to install platform screen doors at all of its stations. According to the company, construction is underway at its Hsinchu and Banqiao stations - where the new screen doors are expected to be operational (運作中的) in the fourth quarter of this year. Screen doors will be next installed at Taichung, Taoyuan, Miaoli, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan stations. Full installation of platform screen doors across the network is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2028 The project is costing the corporation about 2-billion N-T. Ukraine Accuses Israel of Allowing Russia Imports of Stolen Grain Ukraine is accusing Israel of allowing the import of grain it claims Russia stole from occupied areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says a vessel carrying grain arrived at an Israeli port, calling the trade illegal and warning of sanctions. Israel denies the vessel entered the port, although tracking shows it in Haifa for days. Israel's foreign minister dismissed (不理會，不考慮) the comments as "Twitter diplomacy” and says Ukraine hasn't provided enough information. kraine's Foreign Ministry says more vessels have arrived with grain it describes as stolen. Kyiv urges Israel to stop these imports, warning it could harm relations between both countries. Taylor Swift concert terror plotter stands trial A man accused of plotting a terror attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Austria is set to stand trial from today. The 21-year-old is alleged to have planned to target a venue in Vienna in August 2024. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted (被定罪的). Europe correspondent William Denselow reports Australia Proposes News Tax on Digital Giants Australia is proposing to tax digital giants Meta, Google and TikTok a proportion of their revenue (收入) to pay for news reporters. The government released draft legislation Tuesday that it intends to introduce to Parliament by July. It would create a financial incentive (財務誘因) for the social media companies to strike deals with news organizations to pay for journalism. The platforms’ have said the proposal was a “digital services tax” that misunderstood the evolving advertising industry and would fail to deliver a sustainable news sector. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says a monetary value needs to be attached to journalists’ work. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93k6fa -- 美鳳姐天天喝的【補體素優蛋白EX】 ✅222增肌關鍵：20g蛋白質、2倍*BCAA及維生素D ✅義大利摩洛血橙：促進新陳代謝 慶祝母親節，給爸媽正港ㄟ好體力👉 https://sofm.pse.is/93hmc6 *蛋白質可用於肌肉生長 **與補體素優蛋白(原味)即飲配方營養素相比 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 84-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 39,531 on turnover of 24-billion N-T. The market closed nearly 2-per cent higher on Monday, despite pulling back after topping the 40,000-point mark for the first time in history. New CEC chair outlines agency's key priorities The newly appointed chair of the Central Election Commission has been sworn-in. Speaking at a handover ceremony, Michael You thanked President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai for their support and he pledged to lead the commission as a neutral, fair, objective (客觀的) and professional body. You also outlined the agency's key priorities - those being upcoming elections, referendum procedures, absentee voting (缺席投票) and the political rights of naturalized Chinese spouses. You was a member of the D-P-P before leaving the party in 2019 and previously served as the chairman of the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation. Man filmed holding sea turtle on Taiwan island may face fine The Pingtung District Prosecutors' Office says a man filmed holding a sea turtle while visiting Xiaoliuqiu is facing a fine of up to 300,000 N-T. The statement comes after the man was reported by a member of the public on Sunday afternoon after he was seen touching a sea turtle near Vase Rock. According to the Coast Guard Administration, the person who reported the incident also provided video footage of the encounter and officers later identified the man based on his clothing in the video. He was found by Coast Guard personnel near the shoreline (海岸線) and taken in for questioning. Coast Guard officials say the man, in his 50s, is a Chinese national who is visiting relatives in Taiwan. British King & Queen arrive in DC Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilia have arrived in the US for a 4-day visit, which will include a state dinner at the White House and an address to Congress. The royal visit is seen as an opportunity to smooth over (緩和) tense relations and bolster ties between the UK and US. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Canada PM Announces Gov Investment Fund Canada's prime minister says the country is developing a government-owned investment fund. The fund will invest in major Canadian industrial projects in areas like energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture and technology. It will start at $18 billion. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that the federal government will provide funds alongside private investors. The money will help fund projects that Carney's government is focused on building as Canada seeks to diversify away from the United States. Sovereign wealth funds invest in assets such as stocks, bonds and real estate. They are typically funded by a country’s budgetary surplus (預算盈餘), which Canada currently doesn't have. The announcement came a day before Carney's government is due to announce its spring economic update. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93atan -- 美鳳姐天天喝的【補體素優蛋白EX】 ✅222增肌關鍵：20g蛋白質、2倍*BCAA及維生素D ✅義大利摩洛血橙：促進新陳代謝 慶祝母親節，給爸媽正港ㄟ好體力👉 https://sofm.pse.is/93h9pk *蛋白質可用於肌肉生長 **與補體素優蛋白(原味)即飲配方營養素相比 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 926-points this morning from Friday's close, at 39,858 on turnover of 26.4-billion N-T. The market surged more than 3-per cent Friday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing closed at a new high after the Financial Supervisory Commission raised the investment ceiling for the stock by active exchange-traded funds. Yilan village chief recalled over mining project in Indigenous territory A village chief in Yilan has been recalled following controversy over his handling of a mining project in an Indigenous traditional territory. The recall vote against Lunpi Village chief Wu Ping-tsung in Datong Township passed with 214 in favor of the recall, 120 against, and four invalid ballots. Accordibg to the Yilan County Election Commission, votes in favor accounted for 35.31-per cent of the village's 606 eligible voters, exceeding both the legal threshold and the number of opposing votes. Initiators of the recall argued that Wu ignored local opposition to the mining project and instead supported the developer under the guise of (假借…的名義，以…為藉口) administrative neutrality. They also says the recall was aimed at protecting future generations from potential environmental harm. Wu said in a Facebook post in March that the project proceeded in accordance with the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law and he denied claims he supported the company that won the bid. Rain expected later next week The Central Weather Administration says temperatures will rise further today, with clear skies are forecast a across much of the island both today and tomorrow. However, new frontal system combined with a cloud system moving eastward from southern China, is expected to pass Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday. That front is expected to bring cloudy skies and brief showers or thunderstorms to the west on Wednesday, while eastern parts of the island will scattered showers. Showers are likely to continue across much of the island on Thursday. The rain is forecast to ease off on Friday as northeasterly winds weaken and we'll see mostly cloudy to sunny skies islandwide. Russia Ukraine Strikes Leave Over Dozen Dead Strikes across Ukraine, Russian-occupied territory and Russia have killed at least 16 people. The attacks on Sunday coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, prompting warnings about risks near the plant. Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Russia, sparking fires. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian attacks risk repeating history. Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency stresses the need for immediate (即時) repairs to Chernobyl's protective shell. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development estimates (估計) that the repairs will require at least $586 million US dollars. Death toll from bus bombing in southwest Colombia rises to 20 during a waveof violence The death toll has risen in the weekend bombing attack on a bus in Colombia. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports. Japan Earthquake Hits but No Damage Reported A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook part of northern Japan early today, but no damage or casualties have been reported. No tsunami advisory was issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter was west of the small town of Sarabetsu on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido. The USGS said the magnitude was 6.1 and the quake was about 81 kilometers . A week ago, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake prompted Japan to issue an advisory (公告，警告) of a slightly higher risk of a possible megaquake for the nation’s northeastern coastal areas. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 93-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 37,971 on turnover of 12.9-billion N-T. The market closed at another new high on Wednesday as buying in the electronics sector continued amid strong global demand. Analysts say the local main board kept moving higher, led by tech stocks on the back of continuing strong global demand for A-I applications resilient to geopolitical unease. LY committee slams China after Lai forced to cancel Eswatini visit The Legislative Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee has passed a resolution condemning Beijing for allegedly coercing three African countries into revoking overflight permits for President Lai Ching-te's planned trip to Eswatini, forcing the trips cancellation. The motion denouncing Beijing's "coercion" of third countries to revoke (撤銷) overflight permits for Taiwan's head of state was introduced to the committee by D-P-P lawmakers The proposal received cross-party backing and passed without objection. According to D-P-P lawmaker Puma Shen, China used economic leverage to force other countries to revoke flight permits in direct interference in matters of national sovereignty. Economics minister touts Taiwan now sourcing 60% of crude oil from US Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says the government has significantly increased its reliance on the U-S for crude oil imports -- which now account for about 60-per cent of total supply. The move marks a sharp rise from previous levels. According 2024 data, about 30-per cent of Taiwan's crude oil imports previously came from the U-S, with most of the remainder sourced from the Middle East. Speaking at a legislative committee heairng, Kung said C-P-C and Formosa Petrochemical have both adjusted shipping routes, with most cargoes now avoiding the Persian Gulf and instead transiting through the Red Sea and other export channels. The economics minister went on to stress that Taiwan currently maintains (維持) crude oil reserves equivalent to about 140 days of consumption. EU envoys agree on Ukraine loan European Union ambassadors have agreed on a loan (借款) for Ukraine worth more than 100 billion dollars. The announcement came after Kyiv said that Russian oil is once again flowing through a pipeline connecting Hungary and Slovakia. William Denselow reports from Brussels. Canada PM Defends Policy on US Trade Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says that Washington cannot dictate (決定，規定) the terms of the continental trade deal known as USMCA. He spoke to reporters on Wednesday in Ottawa and acknowledged (承認) the challenges ahead of the agreement's review in July. The deal has linked the North American economies since the 1990s but faces issues due to the Trump administration's tariff policies. Carney stresses the need for negotiations to address trade irritants (刺激物). He responded to reports of U.S. demands for concessions, highlighting Canada's strengths and diversification efforts. Carney also defended Canada's trade policies, including protecting dairy and opposing the "Buy Canadian" policy criticism. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93jkwp -- 美鳳姐天天喝的【補體素優蛋白EX】 ✅222增肌關鍵：20g蛋白質、2倍*BCAA及維生素D ✅義大利摩洛血橙：促進新陳代謝 慶祝母親節，給爸媽正港ㄟ好體力👉 https://sofm.pse.is/9336qk *蛋白質可用於肌肉生長 **與補體素優蛋白(原味)即飲配方營養素相比 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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 _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93hxka -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex jumped 700-points in early trading this morning after opening up 92-points from yesterday's close, at 37,051 on turnover of 11.2-billion N-T. The main board added 739-points by 9:05 to reach to a high of 37,730 before falling back to 37,689-points. The rise came after market heavyweights Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Hon Hai and Delta Electronics all made solid gains, as investors are eyeing pending earnings reports from Intel, Microsoft, and Apple. China's Liaoning aircraft carrier passes through Taiwan Strait The Ministry of National Defense says it closely monitored the movements of China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning as it passed through the Taiwan Strait yesterday. The ministry has released a black-and-white surveillance photograph showing an aerial (空中的,) view of the vessel - which shows several fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters on the carrier's flight deck. Defense officials have not specified where or when the photo was taken .. and have also not disclose whether it was taken by a drone, an aircraft, or radar system. The last time the defense ministry reported a Chinese aircraft carrier in the Taiwan Strait was mid-December of last year - when China's newest and most advanced carrier, the Fujian, passed through the waterway. Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage ends after eight-day procession And, The palanquin carrying two statues of sea goddess Mazu from Bai-sha-tun Gongtian Temple in Miaoli County returned home on Monday. It concluding an eight-day pilgrimage to Chiaotian Temple, also a Mazu temple, in Yunlin County and back again. The statues were escorted into the main hall and formally seated in the Gongtian Temple on their return by tens of thousands of devotees (虔誠信徒). The Bai-sha-tun Mazu pilgrimage set off on April 13 from Tongxiao Township, led by a palanquin carrying three Mazu statues, one of which was from neighboring Shan-bian Mazu Temple. Organizers say this year's procession was joined by a record 460,000-plus devotees. UK PM: Officials deliberately withheld Mandelson security failure British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he takes "responsibility" for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, but insists he only became aware that Mandelson had failed security checks last Tuesday. Starmer faced calls to resign after it became public that UK Security Vetting had advised denying clearance to the associate (朋友, 夥伴) of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's associate in January 2025. Lara Bentley reports from London. Japan Approves Scrapping Ban on Lethal Weapons Exports Japan has endorsed (合法化) scrapping a ban on lethal weapons exports. The approval Tuesday by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet of the new guideline clears a final set of hurdles for Japan’s postwar arms sales. The move comes as the country accelerates its military buildup in the face of growing security challenges in the region. It's a major change of its postwar pacifist policy as the country seeks to build up its arms industry and deepen cooperation with defense partners. While the change of policy met with China’s criticism, it has been largely welcomed by Japan’s defense partners like Australia and attracted interests from Southeast Asia and Europe. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

新加坡，開啟最過癮的海陸雙享假期！ 蘋果旅遊 推出新加坡與郵輪專案，結合新加坡城市魅力與豪華郵輪體驗，迪士尼探險號或雲頂夢號任你選，一次滿足海陸度假享受，詳情請洽蘋果旅遊！ 👉https://sofm.pse.is/93larm －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Environment minister eyes 'urban forest' plan to expand city shade Veteran cinematographer Lai Cheng-ying dies at 95 US backs a South Africa project to extract rare earths despite a diplomatic clash Canada PM on Economy Hong-Kong Fire Aftermath with Residents Returning -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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 _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93h9nm -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 37-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 36,759 on turnover of 8.4-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another record high on Wednesday- led once again by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing amid optimism over a new round of US-Iran peace negotiations. T-S-M-C, which accounts for over 40 percent of total market value, closed up 1.22-per cent at 2,080 N-T and its gains contributed about 200 points to the Tai-Ex's overall rise. TPP's Hsu Chung-hsin to replace Li Chen-hsiu in Legislature: CEC The Central Election Commission has announced that Hsu Chung-hsin of the Taiwan People's Party will replace the vacant at-large legislative seat following the removal of Li Zhen-hsiu. Li was expelled from the T-P-P earlier this week and subsequently lost her legislative seat. Hsu will serve for the remainder of the current term of the 11th Legislative Yuan. Li took office in February but faced controversy due to questions over whether she had completed the legal process of renouncing (放棄) her China nationality. The T-P-P later expelled Li after she made comments the party said harmed the party's reputation and unity. Frontal system to bring wet weather in coming days The Central Weather Administration says a weather front that began to affect the island yesterday will have a bigger impact today and as the system strengthens, rainfall will become more noticeable and extend southward to Chiayi County. However, the administration's forecast center says the front will be relatively weak and will only lower temperatures slightly in north. Another weather front is expected to approach Taiwan tomorrow - but the forecast center says it is not likely to bring much rain or a significant drop in temperatures. However, seasonal wind system forecast to arrive over the weekend is expected to bring a noticeable (顯而易見的) fall in the mercury in the north - but that weather pattern is not expected to have much of an effect in the center and south. Nigeria Intelligence on Planned Attacks in Abuja Niger An internal memo obtained by the Associated Press shows that Nigeria's security forces have received intelligence on planned attacks on the capital city, Abuja, and neighboring Niger state by terrorist groups. According to the memo, the planned targets are the international airport, a prison and a military detention center. And the attacks would be carried out by Boko Haram and and sleeper cells of its breakaway faction, known as ISWAP. Nigeria is battling a complex security crisis, especially in the north, where there is a decade-long insurgency (叛亂，造反) and several armed groups that kidnap for ransom. Last week, the U.S. authorized its non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the Abuja embassy owing to a spike in terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and violent crimes in the country, especially in the north. The embassy has been shut. British lawmakers are in a jam over changes to the definition of marmalade And finally… British lawmakers are in a jam (陷入困境) over changes to the definition of marmalade AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93atjb -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93atar －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Lawmakers to negotiate the general budget and special defense bill Termites blamed for exploding pavement in Banqiao Lebanon and Israel hold first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington Ukraine to produce drones in Norway 250 missing after Rohingya boat capsizes in Andaman Sea Britain's King Charles to head to US -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 127-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 35,584 on turnover of $12.3-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed slightly up at a new closing high Monday after recouping earlier losses, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz after failing to reach an agreement with Iran. The market moved underwater during most of Monday's session in the wake of Trump's threats, but bargain hunters turned active in the late session, helping the Taiex recover its earlier downturn, with contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in focus. Analysts say investors also have high hopes that TSMC will provide positive leads at its investor conference slated for Thursday, after it reported a new high in sales for the first quarter. Tony Leung in Xinyi for Masterclass Hong Kong actor Tony Leung drew a crowd of fans and industry insiders to Taipei's Xinyi district last night for a masterclass at the Golden Horse Fantasy Film Festival. The multiple Golden Horse best actor winner was accompanied by his wife actress Carina Lau, as fans gathered outside the venue carrying movie posters and merchandise hoping for autographs. The masterclass was open only to film and television industry professionals and students in related fields. Of the one thousand people who applied, just 300 were selected to attend. Following the masterclass, Leung took part in a post-screening discussion alongside Hungarian director Ildiko Enyedi, whose new film "Stille Freundin" features (由…主演) Leung in a lead role. The two shareed their experiences preparing for the film with the audience. (NS) French cement giant Lafarge found guilty of financing terrorism A court in Paris has found the cement giant Lafarge guilty of financing terrorism. The company was ruled to have paid armed groups protection money to maintain its business in Syria after the outbreak of civil war. Ross Cullen reports. Haiti Arrests Suspects in Fatal Stampede Authorities in Haiti have arrested seven suspects, including five police officers, after a fatal stampede (獸群或人群因恐懼引發的奔逃) killed at least 25 people at a historic mountaintop fortress over the weekend. A police statement issued on Monday says that among the arrested are two employees of Haiti’s Institute for the Preservation of National Heritage. The institute oversees La Citadelle, a fortress in the northern town of Milot built in the early 1800s where Saturday’s stampede occurred. Dozens of people were injured, with 30 reported to still be in hospital on Sunday. It's not clear what caused the stampede. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Colombia to Cull Wild Hippos Colombian officials have authorized a controversial plan to cull (限量捕殺) dozens of wild hippos that are descendants of animals brought to the country in the 1980s by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. They have been roaming freely around one of the country’s most fertile areas, threatening villagers and displacing local species. The animals are not native to South America. Escobar brought in hippos as he built a private zoo at a gigantic ranch that served as his rural abode. Colombia's authorities say previous attempts to control the hippos' population have been expensive and unsuccessful. Because Colombia’s hippos come from a limited gene pool and could carry diseases, taking them back to their natural habitat in Africa has been considered unfeasible (不可行的). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93atj8 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 5-points this morning from last week's close, at 35,422 on turnover of $5.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed at a historical high Friday with large-cap tech stocks in focus after Israel said it was seeking direct talks with Lebanon. Analysts say market sentiment improved around the region and in Taiwan, investors rushed to buy into tech stocks. Southern Taiwan Sees High Temps Southern Taiwan is seeing summer-like heat today, ahead of a series of weather fronts moving in later this week. The Central Weather Administration has issued heat advisories for Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung, warning of temperatures at or above 36 degrees around midday. Taitung County is also on alert for foehn wind conditions. Independent meteorologist Wu De-rong says today and tomorrow will be sunny and stable (穩定) across the island, with morning fog possible in some areas and afternoon heat comparable to midsummer. Wu says a weak front is forecast to drift near northern Taiwan on the 15th and 16th, bringing occasional brief showers to the north while the rest of the island stays mostly sunny. And another weak front is expected to brush through on the 17th and 18th, bringing intermittent showers to the north and east, with the central and southern regions staying partly cloudy and hot. (NS) Easter truce that wasn't Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating (違反) a Kremlin-declared Easter ceasefire as Orthodox Christians gathered to celebrate the holiday. The armed forces on both sides said they had recorded thousands of ceasefire violations… Donna Warder again. Cuba President: US No Valid Reasons to Attack Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the U.S. has no valid reason to attack the island or to try to depose him. In an interview aired Sunday, he warned that an invasion would be costly and affect regional security. He said Cubans would defend themselves if necessary. The interview comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. Diaz-Canel has accused the U.S. of a hostile (敵對的) policy and expresses willingness for dialogue without conditions. Cuba blames a U.S. energy blockade for its deepening woes, with a lack of petroleum affecting the island's health system, public transportation and the production of goods and services. The arrival of a Russian tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil in Cuba in March marked the island's first oil shipment in three months. Russia has promised to send a second tanker. UK Olivier Awards The Olivier Awards have recognized top achievements in London theater, opera, and dance for 2026. "Paddington The Musical" wins big, taking home awards for New Musical, Actor-Musical, Supporting Actress-Musical, Supporting Actor-Musical, Director, Set Design, and Costume Design. "Punch" is named Best New Play, while "Oh, Mary!" wins for New Entertainment or Comedy. Rosamund Pike and Jack Holden are honored as Best Actress and Actor in a Play. The Special Award goes to Elaine Paige. The awards were handed out on Sunday, celebrating excellence across various (各種各樣的) categories in the performing arts. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 找工作不再焦慮！ 參加YS鋼鐵人職場體驗計畫，讓你在職場脫穎而出！ 專為18-29歲青年打造的免費職涯資源： 1.職涯導師陪伴精準求職 2.60小時實戰工作坊 3.知名企業3-5天職場體驗 6/14前報名迎戰三大職場試煉，煉就鋼鐵通才：https://sofm.pse.is/93atjf -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up nearly 90-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,951 on turnover of $10-billion NT. Market optimism over prospects for a Middle East ceasefire lifted U.S. stocks, carrying the momentum into Taiwan's market today. Electronics and semiconductor indices both rose over 1-percent%, while financial stocks bucked the trend, slipping around 0.4-percent. Among heavyweight stocks, TSMC opened with a gain of 1.28-percent. And memory chip duo Winbond Electronics and Nanya Technology both climbed more than 3-percent. (NS) Potential typhoon will not affect Taiwan: CWA A tropical storm southeast of Guam is expected to strengthen into a typhoon — but the Central Weather Administration says it poses (構成) no threat to the island. The CWA says "Sinlaku" is the fourth tropical storm of the season, and is projected to continue heading north before becoming a typhoon. Forecasters say it will remain far from Taiwan and have no direct impact. Closer to home, temperatures are forecast to hit 30 degrees Celsius across Taiwan today, and foehn winds in Taitung could push temperatures above 36 degrees. The hot weather continues through Tuesday, when an arriving weather front will cool northern and central Taiwan. Conditions will otherwise remain mostly sunny and stable through Monday, with afternoon showers possible in mountainous areas. Kuwait Accuses Iran and Proxies of Drone Attacks Kuwait has accused Iran and its proxies of launching drone attacks targeting it on Thursday despite the two-week ceasefire in the Iran war. Saudi Arabia also says recent attacks damaged a key pipeline in the kingdom. The statement from Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry about attacks on "vital Kuwaiti facilities" put new pressure on the ceasefire ahead of planned talks Saturday between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s state-run Saudi Press Agency, quoting an anonymous official, acknowledged a recent attack in the war that damaged its crucial (至關重要的) East-West pipeline. That pipeline carries oil out to the Red Sea and avoids the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran maintains a chokehold (實體控制) on despite the pause in the fighting. Artemis II astronauts describe their lunar voyage as surreal and profound ahead of Earth return The crew of Artemis II is speeding towards home after their historic (歷史性) trip around the moon. AP correspondent Jennifer King reports. UK Sea Creature Fossil Not Oldest Octopus Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus (鸚鵡螺) relative. University of Reading zoology lecturer Thomas Clements led the research, which found that the fossil, originally identified in 2000, had too many teeth to be an octopus. The creature, about the size of a human hand, was found in Illinois and had puzzled scientists for years, because it is much older than the next-earliest known octopus. The findings, published this week, mean Guinness World Records will no longer list the specimen (樣本) it as the earliest known octopus. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

New Taipei to help victims seek compensation in food poisoning case THSR to add trains for Mother's Day weekend Sunny and stable weather over next five days US-Iran ceasefire in jeopardy over Strait Venezuela to increase wages -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Vietnamese man identified as victim of fatal New Taipei semi-truck crash Mercury to hit 33°C starting tomorrow Taiwan Lottery introduces four new scratch cards Oil slides after US-Iran ceasefire deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz China and Russia veto UN resolution on Hormuz -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 99-points this morning from last week's close, at 32,671 on turnover of 5.9-billion N-T. The market slumped 600 points last Thursday before the long-weekend holiday - despite Wall Street moving higher overnight. Republican congressional delegation visits Taiwan The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a U-S Republican congressional delegation led by Zach Nunn is visiting Taiwan this week for a seven trip and will meet with President Lai Ching-te. Nunn is the chairman of the Republican Study Committee's National Security Task Force. Along with meeting Lai, the delegation will also be holding talks with other senior officials to discuss Taiwan-US relations, regional security, economic and trade cooperation, and developments in the Taiwan Strait. Plastic supplies to remain sufficient amid oil concerns The Ministry of Economic Affairs says supplies of plastic products remain stable despite rising oil prices. The statement comes amid concerns over potential shortages (短缺) of plastic items and higher prices caused by the war against Iran and subsequent closing of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the economics ministry, inventory checks across 350 shopping districts around Taiwan had found plastic bag shortages in 42 districts and in 284 of 1,033 markets. The ministry is urgung consumers and businesses not to panic-buy plastic products and is insisting that C-P-C- will boost production to ease (緩解) fears of shortages. Moscow says "no comments" on Trump's threats to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz The Kremlin says it would to comment on the US President Donald Trump's statements on the Strait of Hormuz. Trump earlier warned Iran it will see major US attacks if no deal is reached with Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday. Our correspondent Daria Bondarchuk reports from the Russian capital. Afghanistan Flooding Afghanistan's disaster management authority says extreme weather has caused widespread flooding and landslides, killing at least 110 people. Another seven are missing. Storms began about 12 days ago, affecting most of the country’s provinces. Over the past 24 hours, 11 people have died, and six have been injured. T he Defense Ministry used a helicopter to rescue two people stranded (被困住) by floodwater in Herat. Authorities issued weather warnings for Tuesday, urging people to avoid rivers and flood-prone areas. Two major highways remain closed due to landslides. Canada BC VW Prank Authorities in British Columbia have urged people to stay away from a rock face above a highway in the Canadian province where a Volkswagen Beetle shell was suspended (暫停) in an apparent prank (惡作劇) by engineering students. Officials say the area around the Stawamus Chief rock formation is a “sacred place” with deep cultural meaning to the Squamish Nation. They say the Beetle was expected to be removed within the week. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and park rangers have been asked to investigate. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 169-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,892 on turnover of 7.8-billion N-T. The market tumbled nearly 800 points on Tuesday, led by the electronics sector, amid weakening market sentiment as Donald Trump's war with Iran continues. Report say South Korea set to revise Taiwan e-arrival card designation South Korea's Yonhap News Agency is reporting the Seoul is taking steps to revise its electronic arrival card following call from Taiwan to change the island's designation. The system has listed Taiwan as "China (Taiwan)" in dropdown menus in its new online entry system. Reports say South Korea's foreign ministry now plans to remove the "previous departure place" and "next destination" fields from the system. The move comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in Taiwan said it would temporarily hold off on taking retaliatory (報復性的. ) adjustments - citing South Korea's ongoing review and its expectation of a positive response to its concerns. The foreign ministry had said it would consider retaliatory adjustments to how South Korea is labeled in Taiwan's electronic arrival system if no response from Seoul was received by March 31. CDC to buy record 7.05 million flu vaccines for free annual program The Centers for Disease Control plans to purchase over 7-million flu jabs for its annual publicly-funded vaccination campaign. According to C-D-C Director-General Philip Luo, the government will purchase a record 7.05-million doses of flu vaccine for this year's free flu vaccination program in order to provide coverage (覆蓋範圍) for around 30-per cent of the population. The purchase has an estimated budget of 1.78-billion N-T and is expected to be finalized later this month. The C-D-C director-general says the government will once again be purchasing trivalent vaccines for the fall flu season - meaning vaccines that protect against two A and one B flu strains. UAE Bars Iranians from Entering or Transiting The United Arab Emirates has barred Iranians from entering or transiting (過境) the country as the war rages. That's according to three major airlines. The long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, as well as the lower-cost airline FlyDubai, made the announcements today on their websites. Authorities offered no official comment. But the change comes as Dubai already has shut down the Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club in the city, two institutions in the city-state dating back to the time of the shah. US journalist kidnapped in Iraq An American female journalist has been kidnapped (被綁架) in Iraq. The Iraqi interior ministry says one suspect had been arrested. Nick Harper reports from Washington. King Charles April State Visit to US King Charles III is going ahead with a state visit to the United States in April, despite calls for the ceremonial (儀式的) event to be called off due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated criticism (批評) of the British government for failing to support the war in Iran. Buckingham Palace said Tuesday that the king would travel to the U.S. in late April to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Trump put the dates as April 27-30. The king also will travel to Bermuda in conjunction with the U.S. trip, his first visit to the overseas territory as monarch. The visit follows Trump’s state visit to the U.K. in September, seen as part of Britain’s effort to shore up the relationship between the two countries. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 99-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,419 on turnover of 9.3-billion N-T. The market moved sharply lower on Monday as yet another a spike in crude oil prices led investors to trim their holdings of large-cap stocks, particularly those in the electronics sector. KMT chair 'gladly accepts' Xi's invitation to visit China next week K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun has announced that she's "gladly accepted" an invitation from Xi Jinping to visit China next week. Speaking at a press conference after news of the invitation was released, Cheng said she believe the two sides of the Taiwan Strait must firmly pursue a path of peace to ensure regional stability, and the well-being of future generations. Cheng told reporters that the trip will "show the people of Taiwan and the world that the two sides of the Strait are not destined for war, nor do they need to remain on the brink of (處於邊緣) military conflict. The six-day trip includes stops in Jiangsu, Shanghai and Beijing. CPI will rise 1.9% in 2026 if oil prices average US$100 Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long is warning that the consumer price index is likely to jump 1.9-per cent this year, if international crude oil prices increase to an average of 100 U-S dollars per barrel. Speaking at a meeting of the Legislative Financial Committee, Yang said although the projected 1.9-per cent growth in the consumer price index is higher than the central bank's recent estimate of 1.8-per cent, it is still below a 2-per cent alert level. Yang also told lawmakers that the central bank will raise interest rates to deal with inflationary pressure - and if inflationary concerns take hold, the bank will also take steps to tighten its monetary (金融的) policy. White House says it's not changing Cuba policy after allowing Russian oil delivery The Trump Administration says its fuel sanctions on Cuba have not been lifted, despite allowing a Russian oil tanker to make a delivery to the island. The US cut off shipments from Venezuela after deposing (罷免) the country's president and threatened steep tariffs on countries that sent fuel to Cuba -in a bid to pressure the government to collapse. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Spain Catholic Church Takes Steps Towards Compensation for Sexual Abuse Victims Spain’s Catholic bishops and the government have taken another step toward compensating victims of sexual abuse by clergy members who have died or whose possible crimes are too old to be prosecuted. Spain's Catholic bishops agreed in January to let the Spanish government’s ombudsman have the final say in the church’s compensation of such victims. The government and Spain’s bishops signed paperwork on Monday detailing how the new church-state reparation system would work. The president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference Archbishop said that the system would take effect April 15-th. The text won't include amounts or scales for the compensation (賠償) that sexual abuse victims would be entitled to (有權獲得/享有). Compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 102-points this morning from Friday's close, at 33,009 on turnover of 8.4-billion N-T. The market slumped on Friday, closing down 225-points, or 0.68-per cent, after Wall Street had its worst day since the start of Donald Trump's Iran war over growing doubts about a de-escalation and oil prices have gained more than 1-per cent Cancer treatment cost NHI record NT$156 billion in 2025 The National Health Insurance Administration says National Health Insurance spending on cancer treatment rose to a record 156.7-billion N-T last year. That was an increase of 26.5-billion N-T from 2020. According to the administration, the number of patients seeking cancer treatment increased to 970,104 in 2025, reflecting an average annual increase of 5-per cent over the past five years. Data shows breast cancer accounted for the largest number of cases. The administration says the rising costs are mainly driven by Taiwan's aging population and expanded cancer screening programs, reflecting increased health investment and improved access (通路) to care. CWA warns of aftershocks from Pingtung earthquake The Central Weather Administration's Seismological Center is warning of possible aftershocks over the coming week following Sunday's magnitude 4.7 earthquake the rattled (使慌亂，使緊張) the south Sunday morning. That quake was centered some 29-kilometers south-southeast of Pingtung County Hall at a depth of 23-kilometers and was felt across parts of Pingtung, Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan and Chiayi. According to the Seismological Center, the quake could result in aftershocks of between magnitudes 4 and 5 on the weather administration's intensity scale. The center says the quake was caused by the Eurasian Plate subducting beneath the Philippine Sea Plate along Taiwan's Chaozhou Fault zone. Trump Fine with Russia Delivering Oil to Cuba US President Donald Trump says he has “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island, which has been brought to its knees (使陷入困境，打敗) by a U.S. oil blockade. Trump told reporters as he flew back to Washington, that "they have to survive". Tracking data shows the oil tanker carrying approximately 730-thousand barrels of oil, was just off the eastern tip of the island on Sunday night and slated to land in the city of Matanzas by Tuesday. Trump has effectively cut Cuba off from key oil shipments in an effort to force regime change. Island-wide blackouts have roiled Cubans already grappling with years of crisis, and lack of gasoline and basic resources has crippled hospital and slashed public transport. Iran warns the US against a ground invasion as regional powers meet in Pakistan Iran threatens the US as Pakistan says it will host talks between the countries in a bid to broker an end to the war. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports Egypt Imposes Early Closing to Cut Energy Costs Egypt is imposing early closing times for shops, cafes and restaurants to cut oil use as energy prices surge (猛漲的) during the war. The rules were enacted nationwide Saturday and are forcing most businesses to shut by 9 p.m. for a month. The government is also dimming (使變暗) streetlights and advertising. Offices in the capital close by 6 p.m. Some civil servants work from home one day a week. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly says Egypt faces soaring import costs for fuel. Tourist areas are exempt. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 70-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,267 on turnover of $5.6-billion N-T. The market closed lower Thursday after giving up earlier gains amid lingering concerns over the situation in the Middle East. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, which accounts for over 40-per cent of total market value, lost 0.27-per cent and its decline cost the Tai-Ex about 200 points. According to market watchers, foreign institutional investors have stood on the sell side for most of the recent sessions and if such selling continues, large-cap stocks could suffer further. 2,642 flu vaccine doses recalled over discoloration The Centers for Disease Control has ordered the recall of over 2-thousand doses of a government-funded flu vaccine following the discovery of a discolored vial at a clinic in New Taipei. The dose was manufactured by G-S-K and was found to be cloudy and white during a routine pre-vaccination inspection. The vial was reported and later classified as a defective product by the Food and Drug Administration. It was not administered. The C-D-C says it traced the batch and found that 2,642 doses remained unused across 14 jurisdictions (管轄權), including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan and Taichung. However, about 545,280 doses from the same batch have already been administered. According to the F-D-A, the cause of the discoloration is under investigation and the manufacturer has been asked to conduct a prompt probe under defective product reporting mechanisms. Maduro Back in Court Amid Dispute Over Legal Fees Venezuela's former President Nicolas Maduro returns to a New York court on Thursday, almost three months after US forces captured him in a dramatic nighttime raid in Caracas. Maduro's trial could be years away, but the court has to deal with a number of issues first including whether the Venezuelan government should be allowed to fund (提供資金) his legal defense. Mitch McCann reports: EU Investigating Snapchat EU regulators are investigating Snapchat over fears it's not doing enough to protect children from online harm. The European Commission opened a formal case on Thursday under the Digital Services Act. Regulators say Snapchat’s age checks may not stop users under 13, or spot users under 17. Officials also worry that adults can pose as minors. The commission says Snapchat may not stop grooming or criminal recruitment. Snapchat said it has been fully cooperating with the Commission's investigation. Also Thursday, the commission accused four major porn sites of failing to protect children from accessing (進入，使用) adult content. Olympic IOC Excludes Transgender Women Athletes Transgender women athletes are now excluded from the Olympics after the IOC agreed to a new eligibility policy. It aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order on women's sports ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The International Olympic Committee says “eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological (生物學上的) females. The committee says this will be determined by a mandatory gene test once in an athlete's career. It is unclear how many, if any, transgender women are competing at an Olympic level. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 136-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,575 on turnover of 10.6-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher by 826 points on Wednesday after U-S President Donald Trump claimed peace talks with Iran were underway. The rally was the seventh largest point gain in the Tai-Ex's history and helped it overcome (克服) technical resistance ahead of the five-day moving average of 33,201. Taipei District Court to hand down Ko Wen-je verdict this afternoon The Taipei District Court is slated to hand down its verdict (判決) in former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's corruption case. The court session has been scheduled for 2:30PM. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of 28 years. The case centered on allegations Ko accepted 17.1-million N-T in bribes from Core Pacific Group Chairman Shen Ching-jing to approve the expansion of the floor area ratio at his Core Pacific City project. Ko has faces charges of embezzling political donations and of campaign finance irregularities. He has persistently denied any wrongdoing is all of the cases brought against him. $39 NT FamilyMart receipt wins invoice lottery's $10 million prize And, The Ministry of Finance says a 39 N-T receipt for two bottles of tea at a FamilyMart was among the 10-million N-T special prize winners in the January-February uniform invoice lottery. The winning lottery numbers were released yesterday. FamilyMart says two of the 10 million N-T winning receipts, two 2-million grand prize winning receipts and three 200,000 N-T first-prize winning receipts were issued (發出) at its stores. While 7-Eleven is reporting that three 10-million N-T winning receipts and three 2-million N-T grand prize winning receipts were issued at its stores. TSA acting administrator: US airports have highest wait times in history Airports in the United States are experiencing "the highest wait times in history" according to the acting head of the Transportation Security Administration. During congressional testimony, Ha Nguyen McNeill said more than 480 agents have quit after more than a month without pay under the partial (部分的) government shutdown. To try to address the airport lines President Trump has reassigned Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to support the TSA. Kate Fisher reports Mexico to Continue Cuban Doctor Program Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country would continue to have Cuban doctors work in Mexico. It comes a time when other nations across the Americas have ditched their agreements with Cuba’s government in the face of mounting U.S. pressure. The leader’s support of the Cuban medical program comes as President Donald Trump has sought to isolate the Caribbean nation in an effort to push for regime change. The U.S. wants to end such missions, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it “forced labor” and a “form of human trafficking.” Sheinbaum on Wednesday defended the program, pointing to all the help Cuban doctors have offered during the COVID-19 pandemic and in rural (鄉下的) areas across the country. It's unclear exactly how many Cuban doctors currently work in Mexico. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 113-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,725 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market bucked a regional upturn on Tuesday - after giving up initial gains as investors rushed to take profits and opted to ignore comments by U-S President Donald Trump that talks with Iran are underway. MOFA thanks US senators for marking Taiwan election anniversary The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been thanking a bipartisan group of U-S senators for introducing a resolution commending (讚揚) Taiwan on the 30th anniversary of its first direct presidential election. The resolution was proposed by senators Tammy Duckworth, Tim Kaine and John Curtis. The resolution commemorated Taiwan's first direct presidential election on March 23, 1996, and praised Taiwan for setting an example of self-governance for the Pacific region and beyond. The foreign ministry says it welcomes the international community to continue supporting democratic Taiwan with concrete actions, and that it will continue working with the U-S and democracies worldwide to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity. Asustek warning that PC prices are expected to rise by 25-30% in Q2 And, Asustek Computer is warning that P-C prices here in Taiwan are expected to rise by between 25 and 30-per cent in the second quarter of the year. The technology company is attributing (歸因) the price hikes to a sharp rise in the cost of components, especially memory chips. According to Asus Technology, P-C brands faced higher costs in the first quarter, and prices will continue to rise in the second quarter due to a global supply shortage of dynamic random access memory chips and solid state drive hard disks. Reports says that retail prices for P-Cs sold by leading brands rose by between 10 and 15-per cent in the first quarter. NTSB: Air Traffic controls doing the job of multiple people on night of deadly LaGuardia crash A preliminary investigation into the deadly Air Canada crash at New York City's LaGuardia Airport has found that the air traffic controllers on duty were doing the job of multiple people. But the head of the National Transportation Safety Board cautioned against "pointing fingers" (指責，互相怪罪) saying many things must have gone wrong. Toni Waterman has the details Brazil Bolsonar to Serve Sentence at Home for Health Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro will continue to serve his 27-year sentence for a coup attempt at home instead of in prison due to failing health. A Supreme Court Justice says he will review the case within 90 days, but allowed the 71-year-old to return to his residence in capital Brasilia after he is discharged (出院) from hospital. The judge also ruled that Bolsonaro will wear an ankle monitor and is not allowed to use cellphones. Local police will surveil his house in a gated community, where protesters are not allowed to gather. The embattled leader has been hospitalized since March 13-th for pneumonia, one of several health problems he has faced since he was stabbed by a man in 2018 before he was elected president. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 340-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,062 on turnover of 9.5-billion N-T. The market tumbled over 800 points on Monday as investors reacted to claims by U-S President Donald Trump's that he plans to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by Monday evening. Control Yuan calls for tougher sentences for China spying cases The Control Yuan is calling on courts to hand down tougher sentences for military personnel convicted of spying for China and violating national security laws. It comes after the government watchdog investigated two cases involving military personnel. The investigations were carried out by the Control Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee and Judiciary and Prison Administration Committee. According to the committees, such sentences handed down by district courts averaged 12.8 months, those handed down by the High Court averaged 18.1 month, while the average sentence handed down by the Supreme Court stood at 27.8 months. And the government watchdog says the light sentences for violating national security laws do not act as deterrent (威懾力、阻嚇物). FM confirms Eswatini has invited Lai to visit Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says President Lai Ching-te has been invited to make a state visit to Eswatini. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Eswatini Cultural Fair in New Taipei, Lin said the Kingdom has invited Lai to attend events marking the 58th anniversary of Eswatini's independence and King Mswati III's 58th birthday. Lin also said this year marks 58th anniversary of Eswatini's establishing ties with Taiwan. According to the foreign minister, he was hugley impressed when he visited the Southern African country in April of last year - and that trip took place as the two sides are expanding trade and investment and Taiwan establishes an industrial innovation park there. The Presidential Office has not released any information concerning (有關) Lai's possible trip to Eswatini. Flights slowly resume at LaGuardia after deadly plane crash Flights are slowly resuming at New York City's LaGuardia airport after an Air Canada jet struck a fire truck on the runway late Sunday night, killing the plane's pilot and co-pilot. During a press briefing, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reiterated (重申) that he's been asking Congress for more money for air traffic control. Mitch McCann has more from LaGuardia. Australia EU Sign FTA The European Union and Australia have agreed on the final text of a free trade agreement. This comes two years after negotiations broke down over Australian demands for more red meat market access and complaints about Australian products labeled with traditionally European names. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the agreement today at the Australian Parliament House after protracted (延長的) negotiations that began in 2018. The breakthrough comes as both the EU and Australia seek to diversify (多樣化) their trading networks and reduce their economic reliance on China and exposure to uncertain U.S. tariffs. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 209 -points this morning from Friday's close, at 33,334 on turnover of 10.2-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Friday due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, but losses were capped as bargain hunters turned active to pick up large-cap tech stocks towards the end of the trading day. FM warns designation on arrival cards will be changed from "Republic of Korea" to "South Korea" Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is reiterating (重申) that if Seoul continues to ignore a request to alter its e-arrival card system by March 31, his office will change South Korea's designation on Taiwan's arrival cards from "Republic of Korea" to "South Korea." It comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week changed the designation of South Korean nationals in government-issued A-R-Cs in response to Seoul's mislabeling (把…錯誤地列為) of Taiwan in its e-arrival card system. Taiwan is listed as "China (Taiwan)" in dropdown menus for both "place of departure" and "next destination." The foreign ministry has said Seoul has ignored repeated requests from to change the designation. CPC hikes gasoline and diesel prices C-P-C has opted to raise gasoline and diesel prices at the pump amid continuing surges (急劇上升) in international crude oil prices. Gasoline prices have risen by 1.8 N-T per liter. While diesel prices are up by 1.4 N-T per liter. C-P-C says it's adhering to government policy to keep prices at the pump lower than in neighboring countries, and will absorb the increase as part of the government's efforts to stabilize consumer prices. The state refiner says it has absorbed an estimated 3.43-billion N-T in fuel costs under its price stabilization mechanism since February 28, in a bid to cushion the impact on consumers and industry while maintaining stable domestic prices. Cuba Restoring Power After Third Collapse Cuba begins to restore (恢復) power after third nationwide collapse in a month AP correspondent Donna Warder reports Syria Protests Alcohol Restrictions Crowds of Syrians have rallied to protest authorities’ efforts to limit the sale and consumption of alcohol in Damascus. Hundreds of protesters entered a grassy square in a Christian neighborhood of Damascus to urge the government to safeguard personal liberties and religious minorities (宗教少數群體). The decision on alcohol limits comes as the interim government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces growing pressure from hard-liners to impose more conservative religious values. Chile Protests on World Water Day Thousands of people march across Chile to mark World Water Day and protest President Jose Antonio Kast’s rollback of environmental rules On Sunday, crowds fill a long stretch of Santiago’s main avenue, and organizers say 15 other cities also join in. Activists say 1.4 million people still lack drinking water. They accuse Kast of putting big business first and treating nature like a commodity. Kast has halted 43 protections signed by ex-president Gabriel Boric. The rules cover wildlife, parks, pollution plans, and plant emissions (排放物). The government says it is a routine technical review. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 30-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,720 on turnover of $8-billion N-T. The market fell by over 650 points on Thursday on the back of a sell-off sparked by a spike in international crude oil prices duen to Donald Trump's Middle East war and the U-S Federal Reserve's alert over rising inflation. Taiwan rated second freest country in Asia by Freedom House Taiwan maintained its status as a "free" country and the second freest in Asia in the latest annual report released by the US-based democracy watchdog (監督組織), Freedom House. Taiwan has an overall score of 93 out of 100. That was down one point from last year. Taiwan also ranked second in Asia behind Japan, which scored 96. The "Freedom in the World 2026: The Growing Shadow of Autocracy" report assessed access to political rights and civil liberties in 195 countries and 13 territories from January 1 to December 31 last year. Taiwan scored 38 out of 40 in political rights and 55 out of 60 in civil liberties. Freedom House says Taiwan's vibrant (活躍的) and competitive democratic system has enabled regular, peaceful transfers of power since 2000, while protections for civil liberties remain generally strong. However, it also flagged concerns, including insufficient protections for migrant workers and efforts by the China to influence policymaking, media, and democratic institutions. Kremlin:US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks are on Pause The Kremlin says US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks have been put on pause, but bilateral talks between Moscow and Washington continue. As the focus of the White House appears to have shifted to the Middle East in recent weeks, fears are rising the situation around Iran may distract (使分心) it from Kiev's urgent needs for Western arms supplies. Daria Bondarchuk reports from Moscow. NKorea Kim and Daughter Ride Tank North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter have ridden a tank together, days after they watched rocket launches and fired pistols. The official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that Kim oversaw (監督) training involving tank units and infantry troops on Thursday. KCNA images showed Kim and his daughter, both wearing black leather jackets, riding in an olive-green tank. The images show the girl sticking her head out of the tank'ss hatch, while Kim sitting on its top. The girl has accompanied her father to many high-profile events since 2022, sparking outside speculation that she is her father's likely heir. Brazil Enforcing Internet Laws Brazil now enforces a sweeping new law that aims to make the internet safer for children and teens. On Tuesday, the digital statute takes effect after Congress backs it and President Lula signs it in September. The law requires accounts for minors under 16 to link to a legal guardian. It also bans addictive design tricks like endless scrolling and autoplay. Platforms must use real age checks, not just a box that says “over 18.” Lula says online abuse and exploitation (剝削) can no longer hide behind “freedom.” WhatsApp and Google already roll out (推出) parent tools. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 69-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,279 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market rose by more than 500 points on Wednesday, as buying was triggered by lingering enthusiasm toward global A-I development, which pushed up tech stocks higher. KMT and TPP approve cooperation pact for local elections The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have approved a cooperation agreement for November's local elections. The agreement was separately passed by the K-M-T Central Standing Committee and the T-P-P's Central Committee and means that two party's will jointly field (選派…上場) candidates. Under the pact's "nominate first, coordinate later" model, the two parties will prioritize incumbent mayors or county magistrates seeking re-election. A joint KMT-TPP campaign group will also be established to support candidates nationwide. CPC absorbs NT$3.3 billion in fuel costs amid Middle East tensions The Ministry of Economic Affairs says C-P-C has absorbed about 3.3-billion N-T in fuel costs over the past two weeks to help stabilize domestic prices due to the US-Isreal war with Iran. According to Vice Economics Minister, Lai Jien-hsin, the government has been prioritizing price stability as global energy supplies face disruptions (破壞) from the conflict. Under a price-stabilization mechanism, C-P-C absorbs at least 60-per cent of cost increases while keeping domestic fuel prices among the lowest in neighboring markets. Saudi Arabia Criticizes Iran After Overnight Attacks Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister offered harsh criticism Thursday of Iran following overnight attacks on his country, saying: “What little trust there was before has completely been shattered.” Prince Faisal bin Farhan offered the comments after a meeting between foreign ministers of the Gulf Arab states and others over the Iranian attacks targeting the wider Middle East. He criticized Iran’s attacks on Riyadh, the capital hosting the meeting. Iran also attacked Saudi Arabia's vast Eastern Province, home to many of its oil fields, as well as Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The minister says Saudi Arabia will use "every lever (手段，把柄)", "political, economic, diplomatic and otherwise, to get these attacks to stop”. US Lawmakers Demand Answers from Attorney General Over Epstein Files A US congressional committee is demanding that the US Attorney General face questions over her handling of the Epstein files, a move the Justice Department is pushing back (反對) on. Mitch McCann reports: World Happiness Report: Decline in Happiness Due to Social Media The latest World Happiness Report 2026 says that heavy social media use has contributed to a stark (嚴重的 ) decline in well-being among young people, with the effects particularly worrying in teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe. The annual report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, also found that Finland is the happiest land in the world for the ninth year in a row. Other Nordic countries such as Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway ranked among the top 10 countries. But it highlighted how life evaluations among under 25-year-olds in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have dropped over the past decade. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 92-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,929 on turnover of 12.4-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Tuesday led by the electronics sector, after Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang's gave an upbeat keynote address G-T-C global artificial intelligence conference in San Jose. Black box of missing F-16 retrieved after long search The Air Force Command Headquarters says it has found and retrieved the flight data recorder of the F-16V fighter jet that disappeared off the east coast in January. According to defense officials, the flight data recorder will now be sent it to its manufacturer in the U-S to decode the data to determine the cause of the plane's disappearance. The single-seat F-16V went missing on January 6 after taking off from Hualien Air Base on a routine nighttime training mission. The pilot reported that the aircraft was losing altitude shortly before (快要…之前) he was about to eject from the aircraft. The fighter jet's signal disappeared from radar eight seconds later off the coast of Fengbin in Hualien. MOL rolls out free video legal consultation service for workplace gender bias The Ministry of Labor has launched a free video legal consultation service for workers facing suspected pregnancy or gender-based workplace discrimination. According to the ministry, it hopes to provide a consultation channel that is professional, private and convenient and believes it will make workers less likely to feel intimidated (受到恐嚇) about seeking help than other channels. The free video legal consultation service has been established partnership with the Legal Aid Foundation. Migrant workers and foreign nationals who do not speak Mandarin are also eligible for the service - with the Legal Aid Foundation saying interpretation assistance provided if needed. Iran pushing up oil and traveler costs Oil prices remain volatile (不穩定的) amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, forcing up travel costs. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Ecuador Rejects Colombia Bombing Accusations Ecuador’s president rejected allegations that his country is bombing targets in neighboring Colombia. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said Tuesday that his government “is fighting narco terrorism in all its forms” and “bombing places that serve as hideouts (藏身處) for those groups, of which many are Colombian," but only within Ecuadorian territory. On Monday night, Colombian president Gustavo Petro accused Ecuador of bombing targets on Colombia’s side of the border, saying a bomb was found by Colombian officials, but provided no evidence to back up his claim. The dispute comes as Colombia prepares for presidential elections in May, and relations deteriorate between Colombia and Ecuador, two neighboring nations that were once close commercial and security partners. Colosseum Restoration Recreates Marble Columns The Colosseum has a bright new look following a restoration using the same travertine marble (洞石，石灰華) of ancient Rome to recreate parts of columns from 2,000 years ago. The project focused on a semicircular piazza outside the arena, where Roman spectators crowded under two arcades comprised of marble columns stretching up to 50 meters high. The columns collapsed a long time ago, but but now, tourists will be able to sit on large travertine marble slabs where the columns once stood and read reproductions (複製品) of the Roman numerals that indicated seat sections. The Colosseum is Italy’s most popular tourist destination, with 9 million visitors in 2025 alone. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 38-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,380 on turnover of 7.6-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Monday as investor sentiment remained muted due the impact of the US-Israel war against Iran, which has resulted in rises in international crude oil prices. Lai urges supply chain cooperation among democracies President Lai Ching-te is calling for closer cooperation among democratic partners to strengthen supply chain and economic resilience. Speaking at the opening of the Yushan Forum in Taipei, Lai said his administration wants to work with like-minded countries to form "international teams" with them … .. and intends to leverage (善用) the many advantages of these partners to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. According to Lai, his government will form national teams in specific fields to keep making Taiwan stronger, while also go beyond that, by building international teams to keep leveraging the power of solidarity with other nations. The two-day Yushan Forum runs through today. Over 400 households and business affect by power outage in Taichung's Beitun District Tai-Power says electricity has been restored to over 400 households and business affected by a power outage last night in Taichung's Beitun District. The affected business included the Costco north Taichung Warehouse. According to Tai-Power, electricity was restored to all households and businesses by 10PM after emergency repairs were carried out and cause of the outage is under investigation. Tai-Power says an initial investigation has found that a fuse box (保險絲盒) failure in the underground substation of a residential building was likely the cause of the power outage. The faulty equipment is being disassembled for inspection. UAE Lifts Brief Airspace Closure The United Arab Emirates lifted a brief airspace closure this morning after the country faced incoming Iranian attacks. The state-run news agency quoted the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority as saying the closure had ended. The authorities said “the situation stabilized,” allowing flights to resume. The earlier closure announcement showed the balancing act Emirati authorities face in trying to keep their long-haul carriers, Emirates and Etihad, flying as Iranian attacks continue to target the country. On Monday, an Iranian drone attack set a fuel tank ablaze (燃燒) at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel. UK WORKING WITH ALLIES TO RE-OPEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ The UK is working with all of its allies to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference this morning. He also announced a government contribution of over $70million to support British households (家庭) with rising oil costs. Lara Bentley reports from London Spain King on Conquest of Americas Spain’s King Felipe says Spain’s conquest of the Americas involved abuse and ethical controversy, as Spain and Mexico remain at odds over calls for an apology. On Monday, Felipe made the remarks during a visit to a museum exhibition in Madrid. He told Mexico’s ambassador to Spain that parts of the conquest do not make Spain proud by today’s values. Mexico has demanded a formal apology for years, which Spain has refused to do. Mexico’s president said she needed to review Felipe's comments but acknowledged similar conciliatory (願意和解的，安撫的) remarks made last year by Spain's foreign minister. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 140-points this morning from Friday's close, at 33,541 on turnover of 13.5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, but losses were capped as bargain hunters turned active to pick up large-cap tech stocks. Taichung mayor says US trip aims to build goodwill for Taiwan Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has visited New York City as she continues her 11-day trip to the U-S. Speaking in the city this past weekend, Lu said her trip has three main goals - deepening city-to-city exchanges, engaging with overseas Taiwanese communities, and reinforcing (強化) Taiwan-US relations. Lu arrived in New York following a stop in Boston. She visited the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Manhattan's Chinatown and later traveled to Columbus Park to lay flowers at a statue of Sun Yat-sen. Lu is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. this week. Taiwan twins win badminton doubles title at BWF Swiss Open And, Twin brothers Lee Fang-ren and Lee Fang-zhi beat their Danish opponents 21-18, 21-13 to win the men's badminton doubles title at the BWF Super 300 Swiss Open in Basel. The Taiwan pair started the first set trailing 4-7 but quickly stabilized and took the lead. After a brief break, the twins maintained at least a two-point advantage and closed out the set 21-18. In the second set, they quickly pulled ahead 5-1 and despite some errors, the brothers responded with six consecutive (連續的) points, shutting down the Danish pair's comeback and clinching their first title of the year. The twin brothers won their first BWF Super 300 men's doubles title at last year's Canada Open. Tehran denies seeking U.S. ceasefire after Trump says Iran was Decimate Iran's Foreign Minister is rebuffing any suggestion his government has asked the United States for a ceasefire, as the conflict in the Middle East enters its third week. It follows President Trump posting on social media at the weekend that Iran was beaten and completely decimated (毀滅) militarily, economically, and in every other way. Mitch McCann reports: Mexico City Sets Record for Soccer Class Mexico City set a world record on Sunday with the largest soccer class ever, with 9,500 participants in the capital’s Zocalo square as the country prepares to host the opening match of the World Cup in June. The city’s main square became a massive open-air training ground with crowds practicing soccer drills under the guidance of instructors. Participants kicked balls and followed coordinated exercises to promote (推動) sport and community engagement. A Guinness World Records official confirmed the new historic mark during the event. Organizers said the turnout surpassed (超越) the previous Guinness record set in Seattle in June 2025, when a soccer class brought together 1,038 participants. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 366-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,216 on turnover of $16-billion N-T. Pedestrian lights to cancel fast-walking signal The Ministry of Transport says it plans to phase out faster-paced walking animation on some pedestrian signals islandwide by the end of this year. According to the ministry, the move is aimed at discouraging pedestrians to run across intersections. The ministry's Department of Railways, Highways and Road Safety says the decision was made during a road safety briefing at the Cabinet earlier this week. Department head Wu Dong-ling says while the flashing green signal that appears in the final seconds of a pedestrian light will remain, the faster-paced walking animation used in some areas will be removed. Wu also says the Cabinet has asked the transport ministry to coordinate with local governments on the adjustments and ensure that signal designs are standardized nationwide by the end of the year. Only Chiayi County, Kinmen and Matsu don't use the fast-walking signal. Iraq plan to get oil flowing As the War in Iran continues to disrupt global oil flows, Iraq is trying to strike a deal that would allow its oil to flow through the autonomous Kurdistan Region. But Iraqi Kurds want something in return. Olly Barratt explains from the region's capital - Canada to Spend Billions on Northern Military Operating Locations Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is putting an additional $32 billion into military forward operating locations in the North to assert sovereignty over the increasingly contested region. The prime minister made the announcement in Yellowknife, the capital city of Canada’s Northwest Territories, before he takes off for his planned visit to Norway where he will observe a NATO exercise. The additional funds comes as U.S. President Donald Trump called earlier this year for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, the Inuit self-governing territory of the kingdom of Denmark. Trump has also talked about making Canada the 51st state. Cuba Announces Prisoner Release Cuba’s government says it will release 51 people from the island’s jails in an unexpected move. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the release in the upcoming days stems from a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican. The government did not identify who it would release (釋放), except to say that “all have served a significant (相當長的時間) part of their sentence and have maintained good conduct in prison.” The government said it has granted pardons to 9-thousand-905 inmates since 2010. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 298-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,816 on turnover of 16.3-billion N-T. The market posted its second-largest daily point gains on Wednesday, as a decline in investor concerns over the Middle East saw the bellwether electronics sector attract strong buying. Analysts say the combined gains from Tuesday and Wednesday helped the main board completely recover losses seen on Monday, when investors were spooked (受到驚嚇) by reports the US-Israel war against Iran could drag on for weeks. Economics minister says No. 3 nuclear plant could be restarted in 2028 Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says Tai-Power will submit a plan later month to re-start the decommissioned Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung. According to Kung, that means the plant could begin generating electricity as early as 2028. The statement came after as the economics minister was being questioned during a Legislative hearing as to whether the government is considering (考慮) using nuclear energy as a stable energy source in the event of a wartime blockade. The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned on May 17 of last year. Taichung mayor leaves for 11-day US visit And, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen left for an 11-day visit to the United States late yesterday evening. She was seen off at Taoyuan International Airport by several K-M-T lawmakers. Prior to boarding her flight, Lu told reporters that trip to the was primarily (主要地，首先) focused on city-level diplomacy, but given Taiwan's current situation, her delegation will take the opportunity to advocate for the island's rights and interests. Lu's March 11 to 21 has planned stops in Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The Taichung mayor has said the issues to be discussed with U-S officials include energy stability, regional security and global trade. IEA greenlights record release of 400m barrels from emergency reserves The International Energy Agency has greenlit the release of a record 400m barrels of oil from emergency reserves in a bid to curb (抑制) rising prices sparked by the war in Iran. Instability around the Strait of Hormuz - a key oil shipping route off Iran's coast- has brought tanker traffic to halt. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Czech Republic Keeps Defense Spending Below NATO Target Czech lawmakers have approved a 2026 budget that keeps defense spending below NATO’s 2% target, despite pressure from the United States. They voted Wednesday to fund the Defense Ministry at just over 1.7% of GDP. The new government of populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis says the state budget is strained (勉強的) and it has other priorities, including health care. Czech spending rises above 2% only if other ministries’ projects count too. President Petr Pavel urges a bigger budget and cites Russia’s war in Ukraine. The U.S. ambassador warns that the Czech decision hurts the whole alliance. Ecuador Preps for Crackdown on Criminal Groups Ecuador's interior minister says the country is preparing a major crackdown on criminal groups set to begin this weekend with logistical support from the United States. Ecuador's interior minister told local media that the government wants to avoid civilian casualties. He is also urging people to follow a nightly curfew from March 15th to March 30th. It covers three of the country's most violent provinces. The minister says roads need to stay clear for troop movements and equipment. Ecuador has faced rising organized crime since 2021 that officials link to (與…有關聯) drug cartels. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 356-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,128 on turnover of 10.8-billion N-T. The market rebounded on Tuesday and added 661-points on Tuesday, but investors remained wary of the continuing tensions in the Middle East, despite international crude oil prices finally falling. Taichung to head to US for 11-day US visit tomorrow Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is heading to the U-S today for an 11-day visit. Lu has said the trip is aimed at strengthening city-to-city exchanges and engaging with (與…互動) Taiwan expats. According to Lu, her March 11 to 21 trip will cover five states, primarily on the U-S East Coast, with planned stops including Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. Lu is slated to meet members of the U-S House of Representatives and sign a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America. Lu also says the issues to be discussed with U-S officials include energy stability, regional security and global trade. Brief snow on Jade Mountain as mercury hit -8.9 The Central Weather Administration says there was brief snowfall on Jade Mountain earlier this morning -- as the mercury at its weather stations there dropped to minus 8.9-degrees. The weather administration says accumulated snow was only minimal (極少的) and quickly turned to ice or frost. However, the administration has issued cold surge advisories today. Very cold or cold advisories are in effect for areas of New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, and Kinmen - where there's the chance of temperature remaining, or dropping below 10-degrees. The advisories are in effect through late this morning. US Claims Irainian Vessels Taken Out The U.S. says it has taken out multiple Iranian vessels as the Islamic Republic vows to block the region’s oil exports. The U.S. destroyed 16 mine-laying Iranian vessels, though President Donald Trump said in social media posts that there were no reports of Iran planting explosives in the Strait of Hormuz. The American military released the figure, along with unclassified (非機密的) footage of some of the vessels, after Trump earlier warned Iran against laying mines in the strait. The escalation came Tuesday as concerns grew about Iran's threats to stop tankers from using a waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil is shipped. DRC Landslide at Mine Leaves Dead and Missing A landslide at a mining site in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has forced hundreds of people to flee the area. Locals say nine people have died and several houses have been destroyed. The landslide was triggered by (觸發於) heavy rainfall at the Rubaya coltan mines. Chris Ocamringa has more from Kinshasa… Americas Press Freedom Drops in 2025 A monitoring watchdog says press freedom across the Americas dropped sharply in 2025, with more killings, arrests and intimidation (恐嚇) of media workers. The Inter American Press Association on Tuesday released its annual Chapul-tepec Index of Freedom of Expression and the Press covering 23 countries. It ranked Venezuela and Nicaragua as countries without freedom of speech. The group links rising attacks to more authoritarian leaders. It says Venezuela sees widespread self-censorship, and Nicaragua locks censorship into law. It says El Salvador uses lawsuits and probes to pressure reporters. It describes worsening violence in Ecuador and Haiti. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 581-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,692 on turnover of 12.7-billion N-T. The market posted heavy declines on Monday, as the main board plunged nearly 1,500 points on the back of investor concerns over major spikes in international crude oil prices amid the US-Israel war with Iran. FM meets Australian lawmaker during stopover Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has met with an Australian lawmaker during a stopover in Australia on his way home from Tuvalu. Taking to Facebook, Lin said he met with Hugh McDermott of the Australian Labor Party. McDermott also took social media to say he was pleased to meet with the foreign minister alongside (與…一起) parliamentary colleagues and representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia … … and he also posted a photo of himself shaking hands with Lin in Australia last Friday. However, neither McDermott or Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have specified where the meeting took place in Australia during Lin's transit stop. Lin Chun-yi wins Taiwan's 1st men's singles title at All England Open Lin Chun-yi has won the men's singles competition at the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships. The 26-year old, who is currently ranked world No. 11, beat his Indian opponent 21-15, 22-20 in a 57-minute final at the Utilita Arena in the city of Birmingham. The result means Lin has become the first Taiwanese male shuttler to top the podium (領獎台，前三名) in the men's singles event at the annual tournament. Lin's world ranking is expected to break into the top 10 for the first time, when the Badminton World Federation updates its standings later this week. He is ranked as Taiwan's No. 2 male badminton player. Anthropic sues Trump administration Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic has sued the Trump administration after it placed the artificial intelligence company on a national security blacklist (黑名單). The Pentagon has designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk, after it refused to remove guardrails against using its AI for autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Australia Grants Asylum to Iraninan Soccer Team Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says that Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who were visiting the country for a tournament. The women were transported from their hotel in Gold Coast, Australia “to a safe location” by Australian federal police officers in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time. There, they met with Burke and the processing of their humanitarian visas finalized (完成), the minister told reporters in Brisbane hours later. An official team list numbered 26 players, plus coaching and other staff. Burke didn’t detail what threats the players faced in Iran. The Iranian team arrived in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup last month, before the Iran war began. The team was knocked out of the tournament over the weekend and faced the prospect (可能) of returning to a country under bombardment. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex tumbled 1,244-points this morning from Friday's close, at 32,354 on turnover of 27.6-billion N-T. The market fell just over 70-points on Friday, as investors remained worried about geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have sent the price of oil on an upward climb, to hit its highest level in nearly two years. Lai says supporting women makes Taiwan 'more powerful' President Lai Ching-te says he believes Taiwan will become "more powerful" if women have more support and choices from society. Taking to Facebook to mark International Women's Day, Lai said when a society is willing to give women more support and room for choice, Taiwan will not only become kinder, but also more powerful. Noting that the theme of this year's International Women's Day is "Give To Gain," Lai said he hopes every Taiwanese woman, whether striving (努力) in the workplace or cultivating family life, can "freely become her ideal self." Lai's Facebook post went on to say his government has promulgated Taiwan's first national action plan on gender-based violence prevention … .. and that plan aims to integrate violence-prevention resources to "build a more comprehensive and complete gender equality protection network." Japanese-style Mazu float headlines parade at Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi A Japanese-style lantern float featuring Mazu headlined the national baseball team parade at the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County this past weekend. The large art piece was a Japanese Nebuta, a traditional lantern float handmade from wood, metal wire, and paper. The float was crafted domestically (國內的) in Taiwan by Nebuta artists Makoto Suwa and Hiromi Hayashi, from Japan's Aomori City. They were invited by the General Association of Chinese Culture to serve as resident artists for this year's Lantern Festival. The float headlined the parade to celebrate Taiwan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Iranian foreign minister says no plans to increase range of its ballistic missiles Iran's foreign minister says the country currently has no plans to increase (增加) the range of its ballistic missiles. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports US SKorea Begin Drills The United States has begun a large military exercise with South Korea involving thousands of troops while also waging an escalating war in the Middle East. The Freedom Shield exercise that began Monday runs through March 19. South Korea has said about 18,000 Korean troops will take part, while the U.S. hasn’t confirmed the number of American troops participating in the training in South Korea. The allies’ combined exercise comes amid South Korean media speculation (猜測) that Washington is relocating some assets from South Korea to support fighting against Iran. Canada PM Calls for Special District Elections Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called special elections for three districts that, if his party wins, would give the Liberals a majority government (多數政府). The prime minister announced votes will be cast on April 13-thth The Liberals currently have 169 Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, but they need 172 to secure a majority government which would allow them to pass any bill without the support of an opposition party. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 189-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,484 on turnover of $9.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan rebounded sharply Thursday, posting the fifth-largest single-day gain on record, as bargain hunters returned after reports the United States and Iran could enter negotiations eased geopolitical concerns. Among major technology stocks, chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rose 1.88 percent to close at $1,900 NT, and other large-cap tech firms also advanced. Memory-related stocks staged a strong rebound as well, while shipping stocks moved in the opposite direction. Analysts say investors will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, while the long-term growth outlook for Taiwan's artificial intelligence supply chain remains intact (完好) despite potential technical corrections. Taiwan signs double taxation pact with Tuvalu Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and donate funds to cover the maintenance costs of Tuvalu's first undersea cable. Lin is currently visiting Tuvalu as a special envoy of President Lai Ching-te. According to the foreign minister, the agreement was signed during a banquet hosted by Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo, and is expected to boost trade and encourage Taiwanese investment in Tuvalu. Lin also donated funds to cover the maintenance costs for Tuvalu's first undersea cable, to help ensure (確保) the country's communications resilience during the banquet. Lin and his delegation arrived in Tuvalu on Wednesday on what is his third trip to the Pacific ally. Ukraine Sharing Expertise on Shahed Drones Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the United States and its allies in the Middle East are seeking Ukraine’s expertise in countering (對抗) Iran’s Shahed drones. Zelenskyy says various countries, including the United States, have approached Ukraine for help in defending against the Iranian drones. He said he has spoken in recent days with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait about possible cooperation. Russia has fired tens of thousands of Shaheds at Ukraine since it invaded its neighbor just over four years ago. Iran has responded with the same type of drones to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Pentagon officially labels Anthropic a supply chain risk The US Defense Department has formally labelled (標記為) the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk, following a dispute over its efforts to limit how the government could use its products. Anthropic has said it intends to challenge the label in court. Ira Spitzer reports from San Francisco. Cuba Power Outage Continues Swaths of Cuba remain without power nearly a day after a massive blackout hit the western part of the island in the latest outage blamed on a fragile (脆弱的) electric grid and a lack of fuel. Crews worked overnight to repair a broken boiler at one of Cuba’s largest thermoelectric plants. Officials have warned that it could take three to four days for power to be fully restored. State media reported on Thursday that 52% of customers in Havana have power, as well as 30 hospitals and 10 water supply stations. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 791-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,620 on turnover of 19.1-billion N-T. The market plunged over 1,400 points on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East spooked investors and triggered heavy selling across the board. Large-cap tech stocks bore the brunt of (首當其衝) the decline. However, all eight major industrial sectors finished lower, with plastics, electric machinery, cables and glass stocks posting steep losses. Prosecutors indict 62 individuals and 13 companies in Prince Holding Group Case The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted 62 individuals and 13 companies in connection with its money laundering investigation into the Cambodia-based Prince Holding Group. Prosecutors says the network laundered more than 10.7-billion N-T in Taiwan. The individual and companies have been charged with violating the Organized Crime Prevention Act, the Money Laundering Prevention Act, and the Criminal Code with intent to profit from gambling. Prosecutors are also seeking court approval to confiscate (沒收) the full 10.7-billion N-T in alleged criminal proceeds held in Taiwan. Authorities have so far seized more than 5.5-billion N-T in Prince Group assets (資產) during raids last year and they include 24 luxury properties, 35 high-end vehicles, 337 financial accounts, cash and designer goods. Dozens injured in raucous Lantern Festival events in Tainan and Taitung At least 47 people have been injured while attending Lantern Festival-related folk events in Tainan and Taitung. Both of the event saw participants forming processions and braving (勇敢面對（困難/危險）) barrages of bottle rockets or firecrackers. Officials in Tainan says 30 people suffered burns after being hit by dense barrages of bottle rockets, while six were injured stemming from falls at the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival on Monday and Tuesday. While officials in Taitung say 11 people were taken to the city's MacKay Memorial Hospital on Tuesday after suffering injuries on the first day of the Bombing of Master Han Dan Festival. US submarine sinks Iranian warship At least 80 bodies have been recovered by Sri Lankan authorities after a torpedo fired by a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it was the Islamic Republic's prize ship. And the first such strike since World War 2. Kate Fisher has more from Washington Africa Clean Energy Fund to Double Financing Africa’s flagship clean energy fund says it plans to more than double its financing to $2.5 billion over the next two years, as momentum builds behind the continent’s energy transition. The African Development Bank bank approved slightly fewer renewable energy projects last year but succeeded in increasing its funding. The lender's Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa has mobilized about $1 billion in commercial capital alongside its own commitments. Based on projects in the pipeline, that figure is expected to reach $2.5 billion within the next two years. The public-private finance facility supports utility-scale and decentralized projects, facilitating deals and supporting pan-African renewable energy investment platforms. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 94-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,228 on turnover of 11.1-billion N-T. The market plunged more than 700-points on Tuesday following a sell-off sparked by sky-rocketing international crude oil prices due to the U-S and Israel's war with Iran. Economics minister dismisses power rationing concerns Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says the government has secured sufficient natural gas supplies for this month and there will "absolutely be no power rationing." The statement comes amid concerns that escalating hostilities in the Middle East could trigger rationing. According to Kung, gas shipments for early March have already passed through the Strait of Hormuz, while supplies for the second half of the month have been secured from "alternative (可供替代的) markets." Speaking at a legislative hearing, Kung told lawmakers that he hopes the conflict will be short-lived and the government use of coal-fired power generation will be "a last resort." CDC warning Japan-bound WBC fans of infectious disease risks And, The Centers for Disease Control is advising people heading to Tokyo to attend World Baseball Classic games to take precautions against measles, flu and infectious gastroenteritis. The C-D-C is citing elevated disease activities in Japan for the warning. According to C-D-C spokesman Lin Ming-cheng, travelers should be aware of a rise in measles cases in Japan, which have reached their highest cumulative (累計) total for the same period since 2020, while flu activity in Japan also remains at a high level. Lin is also warned travelers about infectious gastroenteritis in Japan, saying the country recorded an average of 8.02 cases per clinic in the eighth week of the year, the highest for the same period in five years. US to offer insurance, escort to tankers traveling through Strait of Hormuz President Donald Trump says the US will start offering insurance and navy escorts to tankers travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, as oil and gas prices spike due to the war in Iran. About 20% of the world's oil and roughly (大概) a third of its Liquefied Natural Gas passes through the narrow waterway off of Iran's coast. Toni Waterman has more Argentina Navy Trial for Sinking of Sub Four former Argentine navy officers are on trial for the 2017 sinking of the ARA San Juan, which killed 44 crew members. Prosecutors say the officers neglected duties and ignored serious maintenance problems. The submarine vanished (消失了) on Nov. 15, 2017, during a trip after a training exercise. The crew reported water entering batteries, then lost contact. Investigators say water reached a battery tank and triggered a short circuit and fire. The submarine then plunged and imploded (內爆) at extreme depth. Relatives of the deceased crew members argue that the current trial falls short of achieving true justice. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 35,106 on turnover of 8.9-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Monday, as investor sentiment took a dive on the back of concerns about global oil prices after the U-S and Israel attacked Iran over the weekend. MOEA talks boosting energy imports due to Middle East tensions The Ministry of Economic Affairs says it plans to increase energy imports in response to the current situation in the Middle East. According to the ministry, it will diversify import sources and strengthen energy supply security. The ministry says although the conflict is effecting some shipments oil and gas import coming through the Strait of Hormuz, short-term energy shipment arrivals remain unaffected and long-term contingency plans are in place to maintain a stable power supplies. The economic ministry's statements come as Premier Cho Jung-tai has been meeting with senior government officials for talks on the impact of higher international oil prices. Cho says C-P-C has been asked to ensure uninterrupted supplies, and Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun will convene a series of price stabilization meetings. Man detained over Taipei Main Station bomb and death threats A man has been ordered detained following his arrest for allegedly sending threats in late February to set fires, plant bombs and kill people at Taipei Main Railway Station. Prosecutors say they secured court approval to detain the Changhua County resident - who police say admitted making the threats due to stress and being in a bad mood. The Taiwan Railway Corporation and the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation received separate threats on February 25 and 26, respectively. Police heightened security measures as the threats were made just ahead of the 228 Memorial Day long weekend holiday. The suspect was arrested following a raided (襲擊) his residence on the night of February 27 and taken into custody. He is facing charges of public intimidation. Trump: Iran operations to last 4 to 5 weeks or "far longer" US president Donald Trump says American operations against Iran could last four to five weeks, but warned the US had the capability to go "far longer than that". He promised Washington would "prevail" (戰勝) after news that a fourth US service member has died. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Cuba Detains Panama Citizens for Propaganda Cuba’s government says it has detained 10 Panamanian citizens it accused of creating subversive propaganda in the latest international incident involving the Caribbean island. Monday's announcement comes just days after a fatal shooting involving a U.S. boat in Cuban waters. The government said that according to initial statements from those detained, the Panamanians were ordered to leave Cuba “once the objective was achieved,” and that they would receive between $1,000 and $1,500 each upon their return. Officials did not provide further details, including the nature of the alleged (被指控的，據稱) propaganda. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

All 3,000 Taiwanese in the Middle East safe following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran Natural gas prices to rise by 3% on average in March Iran says its open to negotiations Middle East stuck travelers Milan fashion week Armani -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 44-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 35,457 on turnover of 10.4-billion N-T. The market closed at year another record high on Wednesday, as the main board jumped more than 700 points after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing breached the 2,000 N-T mark for the first time. T-S-M-C gained 2.54-per cent to close at 2,015 N-T after its American depositary receipts rose 4.25-per cent overnight. The stock contributed about 400-points to the Tai-Ex's overall rise and sent the electronics index up 2.45-per cent. Civic groups to mark 228 Memorial Day with march tomorrow More than 60 civic groups have announced plans to hold a joint 228 Memorial Day commemorative event in Taipei tomorrow. The annual action was launched in 2017 by the Nylon Cheng Liberty Foundation and the Tsai Rui-yue Dance Foundation. However, it has expanded this year to include dozens of participating organizations. Organizers say the event will begin with a march at 1:30PM at the Taipei Municipal Rixin Elementary School, pass several sites linked to the 228 Incident, and conclude in front of the Cabinet Building. Lai awards top honor to SVG ambassador Bowman And,President Lai Ching-te has bestowed one of Taiwan's highest honors on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Bowman in recognition of her contributions (貢獻) to bilateral ties. Lai has confered the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Bowman. Speaking at a ceremony at the Presidential Office, Lai thank Bowman for her outstanding contribution to deepening diplomatic ties between the two sides. Lai also noted that Bowman became the Caribbean island nation's first ambassador to Taiwan in 2019 and established the country's first permanent embassy in Asia, "marking a milestone in bilateral relations." Cuban troops kill 4 in US speedboat Cuban border troops have killed four people in a US speedboat which entered the island's territorial waters. The Cuban government says the people in US boat fired first. Nick Harper reports from New York. Peru Declares State of Emergency Over Rains Peru has declared a state of emergency across more than 700 districts after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides linked to El Nino Costero. On Wednesday, a decree signed by interim President Jose Maria Balcazar speeds up funding for local governments. Officials are focusing on protecting residents and securing (固定) bridges, roads, water and electricity. Although rains have intensified (加劇) in the past days, the new government was unable to implement the decrees until now. President Balcazar only swore in his Cabinet on Tuesday, ending a period without ministers that began on Feb. 17 following the removal of his predecessor, Jose Jeri, who faces an investigation into corruption and influence peddling. Mexico Approves Initiative to Reduce Work Week Mexican lawmakers have approved President Claudia Sheinbaum’s initiative to gradually reduce the work week from 48 hours to 40 hours. The constitutional reform now goes to state legislatures for approval, where Sheinbaum’s governing party controls the majority. It passed the lower chamber of the Congress early Wednesday with 411 votes in favor and 58 against. The Senate had already approved it earlier this month. The change will be implemented (實施的) gradually, trimming (減少) two hours per year beginning in 2027 and reaching a 40-hour work week in 2030. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn