EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 82 points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,104 on turnover of 10.5-billion N-T. MOFA warns on Uganda travel The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Ugandan immigration officers have withheld the passports of three Taiwan travelers and demanded that they produce Chinese passports, citing the country's "One China principle." According to the minister, three encountered the officers on arriving at Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday. They were eventually allowed to enter Uganda. However, the foreign ministry says immigration officers refused to return their Taiwan passports unless they produced passports issued by China in which entry stamps could be placed. Taiwan's representative office in Somaliland, which is responsible for affairs involving Uganda, and the Taiwanese business association in the country immediately provided assistance to the travelers. The foreign ministry is advising Taiwan nationals to carefully assess (評估) the necessity and potential risks of traveling to Uganda and to postpone planned visits for the time being. NKorea Threatens SelfDefense Amid US SKorean Drills North Korea has threatened to exercise its right to self-defense in a statement that slammed the upcoming U.S.-South Korean military drills as a war rehearsal. In a statement carried by state media Friday, North Korea's Foreign Ministry called the U.S.-South Korean training “a rehearsal for an aggressive war” that is triggering a different level of instability in the region. North Korea also said the drills would be of a “more serious provocative (挑釁的) nature and dangerousness than last year" and involve all the military assets and war-fighting modes of the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have described the training's scope this year as similar to past years. They say the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are meant to strengthen their alliance's capability and reiterate that the drills are defensive in nature. US CARRIER ROTATION AIMS TO SUSTAIN IRAN BLOCKADE 'INDEFINITELY' AS NAVY READINESS STRETCHED THIN US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims the American military can maintain its naval blockade on Iran indefinitely by rotating aircraft carriers in and out of the Strait of Hormuz. The carrier currently enforcing the blockade has been at sea for a record two hundred consecutive days, prompting growing concern among lawmakers in Washington about crew welfare. A replacement vessel is now on its way from the Pacific to relieve it — a move Washington hopes will undermine (破壞) any Iranian assumption that the deployment is unsustainable. James Gooderson, our reporter in Washington, says the carrier rotation is exposing the strain the war in Iran is placing on the US Navy's global posture, with the departure of a vessel from the Pacific leaving China with greater freedom to project power in the region. Vietnam Seizes Ivory Illegally Shipped from Africa Vietnamese authorities have seized a large shipment of ivory illegally shipped from Africa. The haul includes 221 pieces of elephant ivory weighing over 1,193 kilograms. It was displayed to the media on Wednesday in Gia Lai province. Vietnam is a major hub for the illicit wildlife trade, with much of the contraband transshipped (轉船 / 換船) to China. Inspections last week found the ivory hidden in sawn timber in a shipment from the Republic of the Congo. The illegal cargo also contained animal bones often used in traditional medicine. A criminal investigation has been launched. 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 158-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,676 on turnover of 15.4-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Wednesday led by AI-related stocks, but turnover was limited as investors awaited the release of the latest U-S consumer price index data. Market watchers say the Tai-Ex managed to gain ground despite Wall Street declining overnight, as AI-related stocks listed on U-S indexes still moved higher, which sparked buying in their counterparts here in Taiwan. MOFA** seeks Indonesia clarification over China-announced joint naval exercise** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has asked Indonesia to clarify a joint naval exercise east of Taiwan announced by China. The statement comes after China's defense ministry announced that joint Chinese-Indonesian Naval navigation exercises would be taking place. According to the foreign ministry, it "immediately contacted relevant parties" to learn more about the situation and asked the Indonesian side for clarification (說明) after China "unilaterally claimed" Indonesia would participate in the drill. Jakarta has described its planned naval activities as "Passing Exercises" that are "not war-fighting in nature." Taoyuan to expand free milk program to junior high school students The Taoyuan City Government has announced plans to expand its free milk program. The move will include junior high school students beginning with the 2026 school year that commences on August 31. According to Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang, the expansion of the program will benefit some 280,000 students aged between 2 and 15, from preschool through junior high school. The program was launched in February and provides one free milk or soy milk product per week to every preschool and elementary school student in Taoyuan. The city government has said the take-up rate (參與率) had reached about 70-per cent. UN: Taliban Detained Two Afghan Members of UN Political Mission The United Nations says Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have detained two Afghan members of the U.N. political mission in the country. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told U.N. reporters on Wednesday that the Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence detained the two staffers in the western city of Herat on Sunday. He said the U.N. mission has not been informed of the charges against the two men or been able to visit them. The Taliban seized power in 2021, as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew (轍) from the country after two decades of war. MEDIA GROUPS SUE TRUMP OVER TRUTH SOCIAL'S PAID API SERVICE, CALLING IT UNCONSTITUTIONAL Two media organisations have filed a federal lawsuit against US President Donald Trump and senior White House officials, challenging Truth Social's paid subscription service as unconstitutional. The service charges up to a hundred thousand dollars a month for early access to the president's posts — many of which serve as the sole channel for official government announcements. Nick Harper in Washington says the lawsuit could prompt the White House to further restrict (限制) press access. Ecuador Cocaine Shipment Seized Police in Ecuador have seized a cocaine shipment featuring soccer star Erling Haaland's face on the packaging. The bust occurred near the Colombian border, with 469 kilograms of cocaine found in a truck. The driver was arrested, but police didn't explain why Haaland's image was used. It's common for traffickers to label shipments with celebrity images to identify networks and clients. The operation followed an anonymous tip (匿名線索) on Tuesday. The shipment's value is estimated at over $11 million in the U.S. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【補體素鉻100】鉻一擺 人生尚精彩 ✅糖尿病適用營養品 ✅專利菸鹼酸鉻：6倍利用率、12小時持續利用 官網首購現折100

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opens higher The Tai-Ex opened up 54 points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,175, on turnover of 10.3-billion N.T. The market closed slightly higher on Tuesday after recovering from early losses, as investors bought selected electronic component stocks (電子零組件股) at lower prices. Market watchers say the early decline followed losses on Wall Street after crude oil prices (原油價格) rose sharply. However, investors soon began buying AI-related stocks. Strong demand for AI devices also helped the Tai-Ex move back into positive territory (上漲區間) by the end of trading. Coast Guard apologizes over illegal entry case Coast Guard Administration Director-General Chang Chung-lung (張忠龍) has apologized for failures in the handling of two Chinese nationals who illegally entered Taiwan by rubber boat (橡皮艇). A member of the public found the boat near Taipei Port. Chang says a radar operator failed to follow standard procedures (標準作業程序), while patrol officers did not fully search the coastline. He says the agency will not protect those responsible and will hold them accountable. The boat was found near Taipei Port's northern breakwater in New Taipei's Bali District on July 24. Coast Guard officers later identified the two suspects using footage from coastal monitoring systems (海岸監控系統). They were arrested in Taoyuan on July 30. Metro Sanying Line to extend operating hours The MRT Sanying Line will begin operating from 6 a.m. to midnight this Sunday. The newly opened line connects Dingpu Station on the Bannan Line with Yingge District. Passengers will continue to travel for free during the trial period (試營運期間). The metro operator (捷運營運單位) says the longer hours will give more people a chance to use the line. They will also allow staff to test its performance under normal operating conditions. The Sanying Line began trial operations on June 30. Since August 1, it has operated from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with trains running every six to eight minutes. South Korea says North Korea launches ballistic missile South Korea says North Korea has launched a ballistic missile (彈道飛彈) toward the sea. It was North Korea's second missile test in less than a week. South Korea's military says it detected the launch from North Korea's east coast at around 6 a.m. The test may be a protest against upcoming South Korea-U.S. military exercises (軍事演習). North Korea considers the drills preparation for an invasion (入侵). The launch came two days after South Korea and the United States announced that their annual exercises would begin next week. The two countries say the drills are aimed at improving their ability to respond to threats from North Korea. Former US Marine released from Russian detention Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman is returning to the United States after Russia released him from detention (拘留、羈押). U.S. President Donald Trump says he spoke with Gilman on Tuesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a pardon (特赦) on what officials called humanitarian grounds (人道考量). The decision followed negotiations over the weekend. U.S. officials say Washington did not agree to a prisoner exchange (換囚、交換囚犯) or make any concessions. Gilman had been held for more than four years following an incident on a train to Moscow. He is expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday evening. Nick Harper reports from Washington. 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. The Tai-Ex opened down 44-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 44,883 on turnover of 11.7-billion N-T. The market gained solid ground on Monday as buying was sparked by a rally on Wall Street last Friday after weaker-than-expected job data and eased concerns about a rate hike by the U-S Federal Reserve. MOFA** probes workplace bullying accusations against Geneva envoy** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has opened an investigation into allegations that President Lai Ching-te's top envoy in Geneva was involved in workplace bullying and other misconduct. According to the ministry, it formed a special task force, composed mainly of personnel from outside the ministry to conduct (執行) the investigation, after receiving a complaint against Greg Lee. The petition was from some of his subordinates (下屬) at the Taiwan representative office in Switzerland. The foreign ministry says the investigation is focusing on accusations of workplace bullying, while other complaints of misbehavior will be handled by the appropriate government agencies. Taiwan sees** population decline for 31st consecutive month** And, The Ministry of the Interior says data shows that Taiwan's population declined for a 31st consecutive month in July. According to the ministry, Taiwan's population stood at 23,235,002 at the end of last month - which was a decline of 102,934 from the same period of last year. The number of newborns (新生兒) last month rose to 7,906, which was up by 582 from June. However, the total number of births during the first seven months of this year stood at 54,250 and that's a decline of15.7-per cent from the same period of last year. WHO Warning on Ebola Outbreak in Congo The World Health Organization says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak started in February, months before it was officially declared in May. The WHO regional director says early cases were wrongly attributed to malaria and typhoid. Confirmed cases have reached 4,200, with over 1,900 deaths. The Bundibugyo virus responsible for this outbreak has no approved vaccines or treatments. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that Ebola is spreading faster than efforts to fight it. Access to healthcare is challenged by years of conflict (衝突) in one of Congo's most remote areas. US Trump Signs Order Spacing** Out Childhood Vaccines** US President Donald Trump wants changes in the way childhood vaccines are delivered. The AP's Jennifer King reports. UK France Brace for 5th Heatwave The U.K. and France are bracing for the fifth heat wave of the season, adding to an intense stretch of hot weather that has repeatedly sent temperatures soaring across Europe since May. France's national weather agency is warning about temperatures approaching 40 C from today onward in southeastern France. Across Europe, the extreme heat began in May and has contributed to (導致) major wildfires, prolonged (延長) drought and new national temperature records, as well as thousands of projected heat-related deaths. According to climate statistics, globally so fa, this is the third-hottest year, behind 2024 and 2025. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【台中求職防騙｜找工作要小心，別讓騙局有機可乘】 最近正值求職、轉職旺季，提醒大家找工作時一定要提高警覺！ 若遇到「先繳費」、「押證件」、「簽空白文件」、「工作內容不清楚」、「薪資含糊不明」等情況，都要多查證、多確認，不要急著答應。 https://sofm.pse.is/9fzhpw -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 清爽鹹香鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/9getxb -- 【台中求職防騙｜找工作要小心，別讓騙局有機可乘】 最近正值求職、轉職旺季，提醒大家找工作時一定要提高警覺！ 若遇到「先繳費」、「押證件」、「簽空白文件」、「工作內容不清楚」、「薪資含糊不明」等情況，都要多查證、多確認，不要急著答應。 https://sofm.pse.is/9fwtpt －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Tai-Ex opening upward Taiwan envoy to Japan protests Nagasaki memorial designation, skips event Lai inspects Taoyuan Avenger Air Defense System Netanyahu rejects Trump's Gaza peace roadmap Ancient Rome shipwreck found -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Lai boards coast guard vessel to observe coastal defense President Lai Ching-te boarded a Coast Guard Administration vessel in New Taipei's Bali District to observe coastal defense (海岸防禦) operations during the Han Kuang military exercise. According to the Presidential Office, Lai received briefings (簡報) on the patrol vessel's equipment and coastal strike operations. He also inspected its missile launcher system and learned about its configuration and operational readiness (作戰準備狀態). Thursday marked the second day of the Han Kuang exercise, with drills in the north focusing on coastal defense and other defensive operations. Typhoon Dolphin moves west Meteorologist Wu De Rong says Typhoon Dolphin appears to be moving further west even as it continues to weaken. The Central News Agency cites Wu as saying that while the system is expected to pass near the Ryukyu Islands today, uncertainty in its projected track (預測路徑) is increasing, making it less likely that the storm might miss Taiwan completely. Because of this, Wu is warning of intense rainfall in northern Taiwan and later in central and southern Taiwan tomorrow through the early morning of the 10th. While temperatures are expected to drop in parts of Taiwan, eastern Taiwan may experience extreme heat due to downslope warming (下坡增溫) caused by air descending over the mountains. Strong wind gusts are also expected across Taiwan, and residents are advised to take precautions. National Central University planning Arctic expedition Members of the National Central University's Polar Institute are taking part in what is Taiwan's first ever independently planned expedition (考察／探險) to the Arctic. According to the university, a 30-member team will be spending 12 days near Norway's Svalbard archipelago (群島), which is located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The team includes scientists from Academia Sinica, the National Taiwan University and the National Academy of Marine Research. The university says although Taiwan is not an Arctic nation, changes in the Arctic could have long-term consequences for Taiwan. UKRAINE WARNS ALLIED AIR DEFENCE MISSILE SUPPLIES DOWN BY A THIRD AS ZELENSKY URGES URGENT ACTION AHEAD OF WINTER Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine has hit more oil facilities deep inside Russia. The attacks are part of Kyiv's effort to undermine (削弱) Moscow's wartime economy. Meanwhile, Russian drone and glide bomb attacks across Ukraine killed at least three civilians and wounded 22 others. Zelenskyy is urging his allies to supply interceptor missiles to bolster (加強／強化) Ukraine's air defenses. William Denselow reports from Brussels. That was William Denselow reporting. Iran reviews ban on US ships An Iranian parliamentary committee is ​reviewing a preliminary bill ‌that would bar (禁止) U.S., Israeli and ​other "hostile" vessels from ​transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The ban was reported by Iran's semi-official ​Fars news agency… and its citing a lawmaker. The draft bill would impose ​fines (處以罰款) of up ​to 20% of a ship's ‌cargo value for violations of the proposed restrictions. The lawmaker said ​the ​legislation was still under expert review ​and that ​parliament had invited specialists to submit recommendations before the ​draft is ​finalised. Canada climate change wildfires In North America, a new analysis (分析) found that climate change created conditions that led to Canada's Wildfires… even though the Trump administration thinks otherwise. Ed Donahue explains. 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 123-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 44,487 on turnover of 14.2-billion N-T. The market returned to the 44,000-point level on Wednesday.  Strong gains in technology shares helped the index move back above its monthly and quarterly averages (季度平均線). MAC warns on China's new entry-exit rules  The Mainland Affairs Council says China's new entry-exit rules (出入境規定) could increase the risks for Taiwanese travelers visiting the country. The council says the rules include unclear national security measures and give authorities broad power to limit people's movement (限制人員行動). Speaking at a legislative hearing, council minister Chiu Chui-cheng said the rules put many of China's existing controls into law. He said these controls are already very strict for both Chinese citizens and foreigners. Chiu told lawmakers that the conditions for limiting people's movement remain unclear and too broad. He said this lack of clear legal standards (法律標準) is the main reason for concern. The new rules will take effect on September 15. EVA to launch Taipei-Delhi flights in December EVA Airways will launch nonstop flights (直飛航班) between Taipei and Delhi on December 1. Tickets are now available through the airline's website and travel agencies. EVA will operate five round trips (來回航班) a week using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. It will become the only Taiwan-based airline offering nonstop passenger flights to India. EVA Air President Clay Sun says the new route comes as Taiwan and India strengthen ties in manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and other technology industries. These growing ties have increased demand for faster travel between the two countries. The airline says the service will also give Indian business travelers, students and researchers easier connections (轉機航班) through Taipei to North America. Myanmar leader visits Thailand in push for regional engagement Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, is visiting Thailand as Bangkok seeks to restart talks between Myanmar and ASEAN. Min Aung Hlaing is expected to meet Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul before attending a business forum (商業論壇) between the two countries. Thailand says its careful approach aims to keep communication open and encourage Myanmar to follow ASEAN's peace plan (和平計畫), which has made little progress (進展甚微). Myanmar's leaders have been banned from ASEAN summits since the military took power in 2021, leading to a civil war. Min Aung Hlaing became president in April after an army-backed (由軍方支持的) party won an election without any strong opposition. Flavio Bolsonaro names Alfredo Gaspar as running mate Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro has chosen conservative lawmaker Alfredo Gaspar as his running mate (競選搭檔) in October's election. The decision surprised observers because Bolsonaro had considered choosing a woman to attract more voters. Gaspar represents the northeastern state of Alagoas and previously served as the state's public security secretary. He also led a congressional investigation into Brazil's social security agency. The investigation has raised questions involving one of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's sons. Lula's son denies any wrongdoing (不當行為). Indonesia drought boosts salt harvest but threatens crops A drought (乾旱) caused by El Niño is sharply increasing salt production in Indonesia. However, farmers are also preparing for stronger heat and crop losses. In West Java, salt production reached nearly 600 metric tons in July. That is much higher than the 25 to 30 tons produced during the same month last year. Most salt in Indonesia is made by allowing seawater to dry in shallow ponds (淺水池) near the coast. Long periods of sunshine help speed up this process. The national weather agency says the dry season is expected to reach its strongest point this month and could continue into early 2027. More than 5-thousand possible fire areas were found across Indonesia last month, raising concerns about wildfires. Salt producers expect a very large harvest.  Meanwhile, crop farmers are being advised to change their planting schedules and prepare for a long dry period. 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 449 points higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 43-thousand-809, on turnover of 25.5-billion N-T. The market closed almost unchanged (幾乎沒有變化) on Tuesday after moving by more than 1,000 points during the session. Early gains (早盤漲幅) were reduced by selling, as investors largely ignored an overnight rally (上漲行情) on Wall Street. Lai meets with Eswatini's visiting PM President Lai Ching-te has held talks with visiting Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini. During the meeting, Lai said the two countries are working together in industry, public health and digital development. He said his administration will continue to strengthen exchanges (加強交流) with Eswatini and help the country meet its development goals (發展目標). The cooperation includes energy projects, such as facilities for storing emergency oil supplies (緊急石油儲備). Lai also thanked Dlamini for Eswatini's support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations (國際組織) during the United Nations General Assembly. MOTC eyeing future of Taoyuan International Airport's Terminal 1  The Ministry of Transport is reportedly considering several options for the future of Terminal 1 at Taoyuan International Airport. The terminal has been in service for nearly 50 years. The ministry says an evaluation (評估) is now underway, but detailed plans will not be released until construction of Terminal 3 is completed at the end of next year. Possible options include demolishing (拆除) and rebuilding Terminal 1 or carrying out another major upgrade (進行升級改建). The Taoyuan International Airport Corporation is expected to submit its own proposal by the end of this year. The terminal was upgraded between 2010 and 2013, raising its annual passenger capacity (旅客運量) from 12 million to 15 million. Qatar reports progress in U.S.-Iran mediation Qatar says mediators (調停者) are making progress toward ending the U.S.-Iran war, although conflicting statements have raised doubts about a quick agreement. Qatar says it is working with Pakistan and Oman to exchange draft proposals (提案草案) between Washington and Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump says direct talks have begun, but Iranian officials deny that negotiations with the United States are taking place. Iran says separate talks with Oman about safe shipping routes (航運路線) through the Strait of Hormuz are going well. Brent crude oil prices fell more than 5 percent on hopes that ships may soon be able to use the strait again. However, the important shipping route remains almost completely closed. Another cargo ship was hit near the strait, forcing the crew to leave the vessel. One crew member (船員) remains missing. North Korea warns of new military measures against Japan North Korea says it may take additional military action (額外軍事行動) in response to Japan's recent test launch (試射) of a Tomahawk cruise missile. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticized the launch in a statement published by state media. Japan fired the long-range missile from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean. Kim also mentioned Japan's tests of other missiles and its participation in a U.S.-led military exercise in the Philippines in May. She accused Japan of trying to become a major military power and said the United States was supporting those efforts. Kim said North Korea would prepare additional military options to respond to what it sees as a potential threat (潛在威脅), but she gave no details. SpaceX rocket debris set to strike moon A discarded (被丟棄的／廢棄的) piece of a SpaceX rocket is expected to crash into the moon at around 2:35 this afternoon Taiwan time. The four-metric-ton object is the second stage (火箭級段) of a Falcon 9 rocket launched in January 2025. It is expected to hit Einstein Crater at a speed of about 8-thousand-690 kilometers per hour. SpaceX says the crash was not planned. The rocket stage ran out of fuel and could no longer be controlled after completing its mission. The impact is expected to send lunar dust into the air, although it will be difficult to see from Earth without special equipment. Experts say the crash poses no danger, but it raises concerns about how space debris (太空垃圾) will be managed as more missions travel to the moon. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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【可樂旅遊17瘋搶日】 每月限定3天搶限量優惠！ 1號訂房，享9折優惠，最高折千元 7號票券，享7%優惠，最高折300元 17號機票，享1.7%折扣，最高折千元 https://sofm.pse.is/9exueg -- 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 清爽鹹香鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/9exuet －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Typhoon Dolphin's current situation Han Kuang highlights: US-type methods, new tanks, more reserves Chou Ling-wen elected as first female CTBA president Japan's Economy Minister pledges greater market transparency Brazil President Lula's bid for reelection -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 1,677-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,610 on turnover of $33.5-billion N-T. Taiwan shares closed below the 40,000-point threshold on Thursday after a volatile session that saw the benchmark index swing more than 1,700 points, erasing an intraday surge of over 1,100 points as late selling dragged the market lower. Analysts say the correction has been unusually steep, with the Taiex down more than 6,192 points so far this month and on track for its biggest monthly point decline on record. MOFA opens Kumamoto earthquake donation account The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened a dedicated bank account for cash donations as it works to establish a relief fund for people in Japan affected by Tuesday's magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture. The Mega Bank account will accept donations from the public from tomorrow through August 31. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo says President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Premier Cho Jung-tai will each donate 200,000 N-T to the account. Kuo said Taiwan and Japan have supported each other during difficult times over the years and she's calling on the public to extend (給予，提供) their goodwill to earthquake-hit areas and help residents return to normal life as soon as possible. COSTA RICA'S GRYNSPAN LEADS FIRST UN SECURITY COUNCIL STRAW POLL IN RACE TO SUCCEED GUTERRES Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the frontrunner in the first informal straw poll (非正式投票) to choose the next United Nations Secretary-General, winning ten votes of encouragement from the fifteen members of the Security Council. Seven candidates — four women and three men — are vying to succeed António Guterres, whose second five-year term ends at the end of December. The Security Council did not officially release the results, and paper ballots were destroyed after counting. Mitch Mccann reports from New York. Liberia Burns Confiscated Concaine Liberian law enforcement agents have burned some 4.2 metric tons of cocaine worth about $336 million. The action comes after the country's largest-ever drug seizure, which implicated senior police officials. Authorities say investigators identified officers who allegedly helped escort the cocaine. The police chief of highway patrol and the head of major crimes have been charged, while a deputy police commander is also a suspect. The Justice Ministry says the cocaine was recovered during a raid near the capital, Monrovia. Liberia's police and drug enforcement agency also burned cocaine seized in June. West Africa has become a key transit route (轉運路線) for cocaine trafficked from South America to Europe. Argentina Emergency Decree to Deny Entry or Expel Foreigners who Incite Violence Argentine President Javier Milei has signed an emergency decree allowing the government to deny entry to or expel foreigners who incite discrimination or violence against Argentines. This measure adds new grounds to Argentina's immigration law, allowing authorities to revoke visas and deport those promoting hatred against Argentines. The move follows weeks of international backlash during and after the World Cup, when controversy over refereeing decisions, Argentina's aggressive style of play and a post-match brawl broadened into criticism of the country itself. The decree does not apply to protected speech but leaves unclear how officials will distinguish prohibited hate speech. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 出國前最怕匯率一直漲?中國信託銀行挺你聰明換匯 設定匯率到價智慧通知，匯率相對低點不錯過 再領優惠券享美金最高減3分等優惠 立即設定：https://sofm.pse.is/9eqdge 投資外幣如幣別轉換可能產生匯兌損失，應評估涉及自身情況審慎投資。 完整注意事項詳見網站資訊。 -- 中秋送禮就選皇樓！ 超過30款中西式精緻禮盒，榮獲iTQi最高三星與台灣百大糕點金質獎肯定，深受百大企業指定。 無論送客戶或親友，用尚好的心意，為你送上極致禮遇，立即點選以下連結 https://sofm.pse.is/9erj55 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened slightly higher this morning at 40,048 points, with turnover of 15.7-billion N.T. dollars. The market fell sharply (大幅下跌) again on Wednesday, losing more than 1,500 points. Investors remain worried about the large amount of money companies are spending on artificial intelligence (人工智慧). MOFA to protest 'Taiwan, China' name in South Africa's ETA system The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will protest (抗議) South Africa's use of the name "Taiwan, China" in its Electronic Travel Authorization (旅行授權) system. Taiwanese travelers are not yet able to use the system. But reports say Taiwan appears in the website's passport menu under the incorrect (不正確的) name "Taiwan, China." The foreign ministry says Taiwan's representative office in Pretoria has been told to file a formal protest and ask South Africa to correct the name. Control Yuan refers former top trade negotiator, Yang Jen-ni to disciplinary court The Control Yuan has impeached (彈劾) former top trade negotiator Yang Jen-ni and sent her case to the Disciplinary Court. Yang was removed from her position last month after an investigation found that she repeatedly (一再地；反覆地) bullied her former deputy, Yen Huai-hsing. Yen resigned in February and died on March 12 at the age of 53. The Control Yuan says Yang seriously violated (違反) rules for public officials and should face a disciplinary review (懲戒審查). Yang denies any wrongdoing. TRUMP VOWS HEAVY STRIKES ON IRAN AFTER US INTERCEPTS BALLISTIC MISSILE ATTACK ON FORCES IN JORDAN U.S. President Donald Trump has promised heavy strikes on Iran after Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired several ballistic missiles (彈道飛彈) at U.S. military sites in Jordan on Tuesday. All of the missiles were intercepted (攔截). The attack ended a pause in the fighting. It came as U.S. and Saudi fighter jets carried out joint strikes on Iran-linked militia targets in Iraq. Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces says at least 20 people were killed. Iran says it does not want the conflict (衝突) to grow, but more countries are now becoming involved. Kate Fisher reports from Washington. Kenya elephants suspected to have been poisoned Wildlife officials in Kenya say 15 elephants may have been poisoned (中毒；被下毒) after eating tomatoes contaminated with cyanide (氰化物). The elephants died over the past month near Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya. Authorities have not said who may be responsible. In the past, some farmers have been suspected of poisoning elephants to protect their crops. The Kenya Wildlife Service says the contamination could also affect livestock (牲畜) in the area. Officials say the toxic substances (有毒物質) found in the elephants do not pose an immediate risk to people. 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 112-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 41,491 on turnover of 13.6-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan posted the third largest single-session point decline Tuesday as tech stocks took a beating amid lingering concerns over massive spending on AI development that may not deliver comparable returns. Analysts say the index faced pressure soon after the market opened as investors witnessed losses posted by tech stocks in the United States overnight. And memory chip suppliers in South Korea also tumbled, triggering more of a sell-off among local semiconductor stocks. (CNA - NS) Taiwan Search and Rescue on Standby After Kumamoto Quake Taiwan's elite search and rescue teams are on standby to deploy to Japan following a powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai has instructed emergency agencies to prepare for deployment (部署). The National Fire Agency says it has contacted the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency to express sympathy and offer support. And officials say Taiwan's international humanitarian aid mechanism will officially activate as soon as Japan's government formally requests emergency assistance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (NS) Japan 13 Dead** After Kumamoto Quake** Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said 13 people have been found dead after a powerful quake shook part of southwestern Japan. The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto area on the southern main island of Kyushu late Tuesday afternoon. Takaichi says this morning that many other people were injured or still missing as rescue work continued overnight. Part of a shopping center collapsed, apparently due to a gas leak, and a huge chimney at a paper factory collapsed (倒塌). The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said more than 260,000 people were advised to evacuate, most of them in Kumamoto prefecture, but also in the neighboring Nagasaki prefecture. IRAN VOWS 'ANY ACTION' TO KEEP CONTROL OF STRAIT OF HORMUZ AS TRUMP AND NETANYAHU DISCUSS TEHRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has said on Tuesday that Tehran will take any action to keep control of the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting an Omani proposal to divide shipping routes and refusing to negotiate (談判) with Washington. The declaration came as US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded White House talks the two described as excellent — with both leaders reaffirming what the White House called an ironclad commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Attention has now turned to whether Washington has given Israel permission to strike Iranian energy infrastructure — something Israel's defence minister says the United States has so far blocked. Mitch Mccann has more from New York. Kashmir Pakistani Officials Accuse Outlawed Political Group of Sabotage Officials in Pakistan administered Kashmir are accusing an outlawed political group of trying to sabotage elections for the region's constitutional assembly. They also allege that Pakistani Taliban militants have infiltrated ongoing protests. The accusations follow clashes on Monday that left one paramilitary officer dead and several others wounded. Armed protesters reportedly opened fire on police and security personnel during a sit-in. The protests have overshadowed (給……蒙上陰影) the election, which began Monday and runs through Aug. 10-th. Authorities claim the Joint Awami Action Committee is behind the unrest and warn that armed militants pose a threat to public order. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 清爽鹹香鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/9erfrd -- 旅遊優惠別錯過！ 可樂旅遊17瘋搶日，每月限定3天搶限量優惠！ 1號訂房折10% 7號票券折7% 17號機票折1.7% 熱愛自由行的你，肯定要每個月鎖定！ https://sofm.pse.is/9erg2k -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 412-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 43,221 on turnover of 13.4-billion N-T. The market ended marginally lower on Monday, as large-cap tech stocks rebounded from early losses, while rotational buying in the financial sector helped limit the downturn. FDA** releases findings on Central Union cooking oil contamination** The Food and Drug Administration has released the findings of an independent investigation into the cause of carcinogen contamination in seven batches of cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil Corporation. Minister Without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung says the contamination began with a shipment of Brazilian soybeans. The investigation was conducted by an expert panel convened by the Food Industry Research and Development Institute. According to Chen, it identified three main problems - those being that high-risk raw materials were not properly managed, production irregularities were not adequately addressed and the company's food safety risk management was insufficient (不足的). The Cabinet last week approved draft amendments to the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation and sent them to the Legislature for review. MODA warns of increasing number of ransomware threats The Ministry of Digital Affairs is warned the number of ransomware attacks targeting local businesses is increasing, as hackers are turning to generative A-I. According to the ministry's Administration for Cyber Security, ransomware is one of the biggest cybersecurity risks facing companies and businesses need to take steps to strengthen protection. Administration director-general Tsai Fu-lung says businesses need to take four steps to ensure their data is secure - those being making regular backups and software updates, ensuring the use of strong passwords, and issuing warnings to employees about suspicious (可疑的) links. Tsai says ransomware attacks this year have targeted local companies in the paper manufacturing, biotech, and semiconductor sectors. MACRON VISITS GIRONDE AS FRENCH WILDFIRE AUTHORITIES WARN BLAZE COULD BURN FOR MONTHS French President Emmanuel Macron is travelling to the Gironde region of southwestern France, to meet emergency workers battling wildfires. The fires have burned more than 42-thousand hectares and forced some 220-thousand people from their homes. The Gironde prefecture said the situation (情況) overnight was "globally stable" — a change from previous days — but fire authorities have warned the blaze could take months to fully extinguish. Will Denselow reports from Mios, one of several towns near Bordeaux, where evacuation orders were issued on Sunday. Canada US Consulate Shooting A shooter fired at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto early Monday morning, marking the second such incident this year. Police reported no injuries but found a single shell casing and damage to the building's facade. A high-speed chase followed, but no arrests were made. The U.S. Consulate was also targeted March 10, when two suspects allegedly fired multiple shots at the building before driving away in a stolen vehicle. Two were arrested and charged wtih multiple offences. Authorities are investigating possible links to gun-for-hire networks, which have also targeted (有針對性的) synagogues and Jewish-owned bakeries in the city. Subject: C*OUTRO Return to Table of contents That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 旅遊優惠別錯過！ 可樂旅遊17瘋搶日，每月限定3天搶限量優惠！ 1號訂房折10% 7號票券折7% 17號機票折1.7% 熱愛自由行的你，肯定要每個月鎖定！ https://sofm.pse.is/9erfwt -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 68-points this morning from Friday's close, at 43,585 on turnover of 8.6-billion N-T. The market took a beating on Friday, plunging over 1,000 points as a spike in crude oil prices due to escalating military conflicts in the Middle East and lingering concerns over a possible AI bubble spooked investor sentiment. 6,000 more doses of COVID-19 vaccine now available in Taipei The Centers for Disease Control says 6,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be delivered to the Taipei City Department of Health this week and will be distributed to contracted (承包的) medical institutions and outpatient hospital clinics. The statement comes amid claims that clinics in Taipei were reportedly out of COVID-19 vaccine doses. Concern over a lack of vaccine doses comes after the C-D-C last week announced the extension of its publicly funded COVID-19 vaccination program through September 28 due to a rise in the number of cases. According to the C-D-C, Taiwan entered a new COVID-19 epidemic phase two weeks ago, as outpatient and emergency room visits rose by 66.5-per cent in the week of July 12 to 18 from the previous week. The publicly funded vaccination had been scheduled to end July 31. Miaoli Mazu** temple becomes Taiwan's 1st to retire carbon credits** The Baishatun Gongtian Temple in Miaoli County has become the first in Taiwan to offer visitors the option of offsetting their carbon emissions through the retirement of Gold Standard carbon credits. According to the Tourism Innovation Association of Taiwan, data shows the average visitor to the temple generated about 0.04 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Under the new scheme, government agencies, businesses, schools, organizations and religious groups visiting the temple for worship, company outings, or cultural tours can apply to retire carbon credits based on the number of participants. The association is also partnering with the Miaoli County government's Culture and Tourism Bureau to develop travel itineraries centered on Gongtian Temple that have also obtained carbon credit retirement certification. US Seattle Shooting Multiple Dead In the US… Multiple people were injured in a shooting Sunday night at an events complex (大型展演場館) close to the Space Needle in Seattle, police said in a statement. Authorities did not immediately release more information. US AND IRAN HOLD FIRE FOR SECOND DAY AS OMAN BROKERS TALKS ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ SHIPPING ROUTES The United States and Iran have held their fire for a second consecutive day, as negotiators work to revive an interim (暫時的) ceasefire deal to end the war. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has said US President Donald Trump is giving the talks room, while a senior Iranian source has told Reuters that Tehran will maintain the pause as long as Washington does. An Omani delegation is now in Tehran to discuss the management of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — the issue at the heart of the conflict. Jagruti Dave reports from Washington. Brazil Recalls Ambassador to Argentina After Milei Insult Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has recalled its ambassador to Argentina after President Javier Milei insulted Brazilian officials while in their country. The decision comes a day after Milei was in Sao Paulo participating in an event where Brazilian Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, a son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, was confirmed as the presidential candidate of his father's party. During his speech at Saturday's event, Milei accused Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of being a “thief” and a “delinquent” (違法者) among other things. Lula is seeking reelection and will run against Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, whose family has many ties with the Trump administration. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 出國前最怕匯率一直漲?中國信託銀行挺你聰明換匯 設定匯率到價智慧通知，匯率相對低點不錯過 再領優惠券享美金最高減3分等優惠 立即設定：https://sofm.pse.is/9epgd4 投資外幣如幣別轉換可能產生匯兌損失，應評估涉及自身情況審慎投資。 完整注意事項詳見網站資訊。 -- 【可樂旅遊17瘋搶日】 每月限定3天搶限量優惠！ 1號訂房，享9折優惠，最高折千元 7號票券，享7%優惠，最高折300元 17號機票，享1.7%折扣，最高折千元 https://sofm.pse.is/9erlcw -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opens lower The Taiwan Stock Exchange opened 81 points lower this morning. Opening turnover reached 6.77 billion N-T dollars. Taiwan shares followed other Asian markets lower as oil prices rose above 100 U-S dollars a barrel amid growing conflict (衝突) in the Gulf. U-S stocks also fell overnight as higher oil prices worried investors. The S&P 500 lost 1.2 percent, the Dow fell 1 percent, and the Nasdaq dropped 2.2 percent. Traffic controls possible as Noul approaches The Directorate General of Highways says traffic controls (交通管制) may be introduced on five highway sections. These include the Southern Cross-Island Highway and the East Coast Highway. The announcement comes after the Central Weather Administration issued a sea warning for Tropical Storm Noul. Noul is the 12th tropical storm of this year's season. The highways agency also activated its emergency response team (緊急應變小組) at 7 this morning. Officials said mountain roads could become blocked (受阻的、無法通行的) or damaged during the storm. Traffic controls will be changed based on the latest weather reports and road conditions. MAC to cancel citizenship of China-born organizer The Mainland Affairs Council says it will cancel the Taiwan citizenship (公民身分、國籍) of a China-born woman convicted (被判有罪的) of working for Beijing in Taiwan. Zhou Man-zhi became a Taiwan citizen through marriage in 2004. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court confirmed her eight-year prison sentence (監禁刑期) for breaking the National Security Act. The court found that Zhou tried to develop two groups for marriage immigrants in Taiwan. It said she acted for China-based organizations controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Trump links Saudi nuclear deal to Israel ties U-S President Donald Trump says a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement (合作協議) with Saudi Arabia can only move forward if the kingdom establishes relations (建立關係) with Israel. Saudi Arabia has long refused to join the agreements without a clear path toward an independent (獨立) Palestinian state. Sagher Meghani reports. Human Rights Watch criticizes Indian police Human Rights Watch is calling on India's government to investigate police actions against student protesters in New Delhi. The group says security forces used unnecessary and excessive force (過度武力), including tear gas (催淚瓦斯) and batons, against mostly peaceful protesters. The criticism comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has offered to hold talks with protest leaders. The protesters are demanding that the country's education minister resign (辭職). India is now ranked as the country with the highest risk of civil unrest (社會動盪) on a major international index. The number of people joining protests has more than doubled over the past year. Neha Poonia reports from New Delhi. Diplomats consider removing ICC prosecutor Diplomats are preparing to vote on whether to remove the chief prosecutor (首席檢察官) of the International Criminal Court. The vote follows findings of sexual misconduct (性行為不當). The prosecutor is also banned from entering the U-S and is under U-S sanctions. The sanctions (制裁) are linked to the court's investigation of Israeli officials over the conflict in Gaza. Molly Quell has the latest. 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 73 points higher this morning at 44,899. Turnover reached 7.3 billion N-T dollars. The market bounced back on Wednesday, led by chip and technology shares. The gains came after the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 5.21 percent overnight, as major chipmakers (晶片製造商) and other A-I-related companies gained in the U-S. Foreign minister repeats South China Sea position Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has repeated Taiwan's claims in the South China Sea. However, he said the Lai administration is not actively pushing those claims. His comments come as tensions continue between China and the Philippines in the disputed waters (爭議海域). Speaking at a legislative hearing on the government's South China Sea policy, Lin said Taiwan's claims over islands in the area have not changed. He said Taiwan's position is based on four principles (原則). These include solving disputes peacefully under international law, including Taiwan in international talks, protecting freedom of navigation (航行自由) and air travel, and sharing regional resources. Possible tropical storm could affect Taiwan this weekend The Central Weather Administration says a tropical depression (熱帶性低氣壓) east of the Philippines could become a tropical storm as early as today. The weather system could reach waters near Taiwan this weekend. A sea warning (海上警報) may be issued as it moves through the Bashi Channel and into the South China Sea. The tropical depression is about 1,400 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi, Taiwan's southernmost point. It is moving northwest at 27 kilometers per hour. If it becomes a tropical storm, it will be named Noul. It would be the 12th named storm of this year's Pacific typhoon season. US signs agreement with Saudi Arabia on uranium enrichment  The U-S has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia on the kingdom's civilian (民用的) nuclear energy program. The deal could allow Saudi Arabia to develop the ability to enrich uranium (濃縮鈾). The Trump administration has released few details about the agreement. However, it could lead to the construction of a uranium enrichment center after a joint U-S-Saudi study. The U-S Department of Energy says the peaceful nuclear agreement will also give American companies greater access to Saudi Arabia's nuclear energy program. Major wildfire burns in central Spain Firefighters in central Spain are battling a major wildfire (野火、森林大火) in Guadalajara. The fire has burned more than 32,000 hectares (公頃) of land. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area on Wednesday and called for political parties to work together against climate change. He said climate change is a scientific issue, not a political one. The Guadalajara fire is one of the largest in Spain's history. It comes less than two weeks after another fire in southern Spain killed 13 people. A heat wave is making firefighting more difficult, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees. Other European countries are also facing extreme heat and wildfires. Police station opens at Hitler's birthplace in Austria Austria has opened a police station in the house where Adolf Hitler was born. The Nazi leader was born in the former inn (以前的旅館) in April 1889. For years, Austrian officials debated what to do with the 17th-century building. They wanted to stop it from becoming a place where neo-Nazis would gather. The building has now been refurbished (翻修), and its outside appearance has been changed. The government first announced plans to turn it into a police station in 2019. Police musicians performed at the opening ceremony. Louvre reopens Apollo Gallery after jewel theft The Louvre Museum in Paris has reopened its Apollo Gallery. The gallery (展廳、畫廊) had been closed after crown jewels (王室珠寶) worth more than 100 million U-S dollars were stolen during a daytime robbery last October. The AP's Alex Turnbull reports. 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. PLA helicopter crosses Taiwan Strait median line The Ministry of National Defense says a Chinese military helicopter was detected crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait median line on Monday. Officials say the helicopter and a drone were detected between 10:20AM and 7:40PM on Monday. Chieh Chung, a researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, says he believes it is the first time a Chinese military helicopter has been detected crossing the median line. Chieh says that represents a new form of "gray-zone" operation. Defense officials have not said whether the detected helicopter was a shipborne aircraft (艦載機) or had been dispatched from a nearby Army aviation base along China's coast. Taiwan enters new COVID-19 epidemic phase: CDC Taiwan has officially entered a new COVID-19 epidemic phase after more than 47 hundred people sought treatment for the disease during July 12-18. The Centers for Disease Control says that figure marks a 66.5 percent increase from the previous week. Officials say Taiwan has sufficient supplies of antiviral medications and vaccines to respond to the outbreak. She said the NB.1.8.1 variant has remained the dominant strain in Taiwan for the past four weeks. The most common symptoms include sore throat, cough, nasal congestion (鼻塞) or a runny nose, fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. COVID-19 activity is also increasing in China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, Tseng said. Taipei retains** 14th place in global student city rankings** Taipei ranked 14th in the U.K.-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities 2027 rankings. The rankings were based on indicators including university rankings, desirability, affordability, student mix and employer activity. QS noted that Taiwan's ranked cities performed particularly well for affordability (可負擔性), with all placing among the world's top 30. But Taiwan's cities lagged in employer activity, which measures how strongly employers associate a city with producing high-quality graduates. Globally, Seoul topped the 2027 rankings, followed by Tokyo, London and Melbourne. Munich and Sydney tied for fifth, ahead of Paris, Berlin, Vienna and Zurich. US STRIKES IRAN FOR TENTH CONSECUTIVE DAY A 10th straight day of attacks between the United States and Iran across the Middle East has overshadowed (使蒙上陰影) diplomatic efforts in Pakistan to salvage an interim ceasefire deal that collapsed earlier this month. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion, so far. It is now unclear what new arrangement might be reached to end the war… which has turned into a battle for control over the Strait of Hormuz… Ed Donahue reports on the mood from the White House. France social media ban French lawmakers have approved a bill banning children under 15 from using social media. The move makes France the first country in the European Union to pass a blanket ban (全面禁令) on platforms as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids. Both chambers of the Parliament voted Tuesday in favor of the measure, a flagship initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron's second term. The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 旅遊優惠別錯過！ 可樂旅遊17瘋搶日，每月限定3天搶限量優惠！ 1號訂房折10% 7號票券折7% 17號機票折1.7% 熱愛自由行的你，肯定要每個月鎖定！ https://sofm.pse.is/9erfwm -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 117-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 42,566 on turnover of 3.9-billion N-T. The market extended is losses on Monday from a session earlier amid fears over further volatility after a recent strong showing. Analysts say investors continued to cut their holdings in semiconductor stocks, reversing an initial upturn after the tech-heavy Seoul market continued to move lower … …. but Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing appeared resilient on bargain hunting to lend some support to the broader market. Former-TSMC manager indicted over alleged bid to leak secrets to China The Intellectual Property Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing executive for allegedly attempting to leak the chipmaker's core technologies to China. According to prosecutors, the former deputy manager has been charged with violating (違反) the National Security Act and the Trade Secrets Act. Prosecutors have requested a seven-year prison sentence - arguing that the former T-S-M-C employees actions threatened Taiwan's technological advantage. The executive made unauthorized copies of classified and general trade-secret documents belonging to T-S-M-C and took them home with the intention of using them in China. Prosecutors say T-S-M-C detected the irregularities through an internal investigation and recovered all of the copied documents before any technology was transferred. New elevated walkway opens at Minquan Bridge in Taipei An elevated pedestrian walkway connected to (連接到) the Minquan Bridge in Taipei has opened. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said it's part of a broader renovation project designed to bolster the bridge's resistance to earthquakes and floods while also improving the area's recreational facilities and pedestrian-friendly urban environment. Construction of the walkway began in August of last year and was completed on May 28. The walkway features a lightweight steel structure and circular viewing platforms overlooking the Keelung River. Houthis Announce Maritime Embargo Against Saudi Arabia Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have announced a maritime embargo (禁運) against Saudi Arabia. Monday's decision comes in retaliation for a blockade on Yemen and a recent attack on Sanaa International Airport. The embargo affects the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a crucial waterway for global trade and gateway to the Red Sea as Saudi Arabia seeks an alternative to the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz. The blockade raises fears of renewed conflict in the region. Saudi Arabia has not responded. This comes as the British military said a tanker came under attack early Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz off Oman, the latest assault to target shipping in the strategic waterway. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the ship reported over the radio it had been hit by an unknown projectile. Two other ships were attacked in the strait over the last day, with Iran' paramilitary Revolutionary Guard claiming those assaults. Ex-Mexican drug lord Ismael ‘El** Mayo' Zambada denounces violence as he's **sentenced to life in prison A former drug kingpin is sentenced to life in prison. AP correspondent Jennifer King reports. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【可樂旅遊17瘋搶日】 每月限定3天搶限量優惠！ 1號訂房，享9折優惠，最高折千元 7號票券，享7%優惠，最高折300元 17號機票，享1.7%折扣，最高折千元 https://sofm.pse.is/9erfvs -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 121-points this morning from Friday's close, at 42,793 on turnover of 15.5-billion N-T. The market saw its biggest single-day drop on record last Friday -- tumbling just over 2,950-points -- as a sell-off in artificial intelligence-related shares dragged Wall Street lower and weighed on global equities. President Lai honors F-16V pilot who died in January training accident President Lai Ching-te has presented a posthumous presidential citation (追授獎項) honoring Air Force pilot Hsin Po-yi. Hsin died after his F-16V fighter jet crashed during a nighttime training mission off of Hualien in January. Hsin's father, Hsin Chin-yu, accepted the citation from Lai at a ceremony. Hsin served with the Air Force's Hualien-based 5th Tactical Composite Wing and was posthumously promoted from captain to major and awarded the Order of Loyalty and Valor. Hsin's F-16V fighter jet disappeared from radar on the evening of January 6 on a routine raining mission shortly after he reported becoming separated from the lead aircraft while flying through clouds. The aircraft's flight data recorder was recovered in March. Taiwan's students shine at international Biology, Chemistry Olympiads Taiwan students have ranked first and third, respectively, in gold medal tallies, at the International Biology Olympiad and the International Chemistry Olympiad. The students won four gold medals at the Biology Olympiad and three golds and one silver at the Chemistry Olympiad. Both events took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, According to the Ministry of Education, Taiwan sent students from the Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School, the Taipei First Girls High School the Taichung Municipal Taichung First Senior High School to the event. Taiwan's four-gold haul topped the medal table among 78 participating countries and 302 contestants. US STRIKES ABADAN AS WASHINGTON FACES QUESTIONS OVER MILITARY READINESS FOR WIDER IRAN CONFLICT The United States struck targets on the outskirts of the Iranian city of Abadan on Sunday evening, extending what has now been more than a week of consecutive American strikes against Iran. The latest attack came as the White House faces accusations (指控) of sending mixed signals on its strategy — having reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports after initially lifting them under a memorandum of understanding that now appears to have collapsed. Kate Fisher reports from Washington. Nigeria UNICEF Warns of Child Malnutrition Health workers in northern Nigeria say more children are relapsing into malnutrition and cite knock-on effects from the war in the Middle East. The region is already under pressure from an insurgency crisis. The conflict in the Middle East has worsened food security for millions, especially children. UNICEF warns that if the war continues, millions more children could fall into poverty. The war has also affected fertilizer supplies and prices, threatening the planting season and worsening the fate (命運) of mostly farming communities in northern Nigeria. Hungary President Signs to End his Term Hungary's president has signed a constitutional amendment ending his term, resolving a dispute with the new government. Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who defeated Viktor Orbán in April, had urged Tamás Sulyok to resign, accusing him of failing to oppose Orbán's antidemocratic actions. When Sulyok refused, Magyar's party passed an amendment for his immediate removal. Sulyok signed it on the final day before the deadline. His term officially ends today. Magyar's government has been dismantling (拆解) Orbán's influence by removing appointees and making judicial reforms. It also plans to nominate a new president soon. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【暑假首選】雄獅文具想像力製造所天天不休息！白色牆面隨你畫、泡泡雨空中飄，巨型 60 色色彩牆隨手拍都是網美大片！ 八月更有全新「彩耀日」戶外顏料射擊，暑假就是要玩好玩滿。 快來發揮想像力打包快樂！

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 391-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,234 on turnover of $17.4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed little changed Thursday after contract chipmaker TSMC rebounded from the day's low amid continued enthusiasm (熱情) over artificial intelligence (AI), helping the broader market recover most of its earlier losses, dealers said. Taiwan's freedom, prosperity indicies rise in annual report Taiwan's freedom and prosperity (繁榮) indicies have risen in an annual international report. Taiwan ranked 21st in the freedom index and 19th in the prosperity index out of 171 countries surveyed. Both those indices mark improvements from last year. But around the world, political freedom and the rule of the law declined overall, while prosperity growth slowed. The only country to beat out Taiwan for freedom was Japan at number 14… but Singapore was the only one to beat Taiwan for prosperity. The indices from the Atlantic Council were established in 2022 and have been published annually since. (AH-CNA) Qatar Warns Public amid Iranian Missiles Qatar is warning the public to take shelter as a barrage of Iranian missiles targets the nation. People heard explosions overhead early today as air defenses fired to intercept the missiles. Iran earlier targeted Bahrain and Kuwait over U.S. airstrikes hitting bridges in the Islamic Republic overnight. Qatar is a key mediator with Pakistan in trying to reach an end to the Iran war. This comes as the United States intensified its strikes on Iran, hitting targets farther north. American forces also fired into a ship they accused of trying to break a U.S. naval blockade (封鎖) on the Islamic Republic. Iran retaliated Thursday with missile and drone fire targeting U.S. allies Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. The interim ceasefire agreed to last month has collapsed and the region has endured days of back-and-forth attacks by the U.S. and Iran as they battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz. CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE** CHOKES 17 US STATES AS DETROIT'S AIR QUALITY INDEX** HITS DOUBLE THE HAZARDOUS THRESHOLD Canadian wildfire smoke has worsened sharply across the United States on Thursday Air quality alerts now covering at least 17 states and some 115 million people. The densest plumes are pushing south from the Midwest toward Washington and New York, with forecasters warning conditions in the capital could deteriorate (惡化) by Friday. Jagruti Dave reports from Washington. Japan to Pass Law Insisting on MaleOnly Imperial Heir A law set to pass Friday by Japan's parliament could doom its 1,500-year-old hereditary institution by insisting that only men can be emperor, sparking worry about the shrinking, fast-aging imperial family. The revisions include adoption of distant male relatives to father future heirs and allowing princesses to keep their royal status after marrying commoners. Emperor Naruhito's 24-year-old daughter is hugely popular, and many Japanese want her to be his successor. Princess Aiko is ineligible because she is a woman. Japan's male-only succession rule means the emperor's teenage nephew and second in line, Prince Hisahito, will probably be the heir. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 今秋跟著楓紅展開最動人的旅程~ 日本紅葉祭限定！漫遊河口湖紅葉迴廊，或登上東北藏王紅葉纜車飽覽山林秋色 韓國賞紅葉x銀杏，韓服漫遊景福宮感受秋日浪漫 美加東必追楓葉大道，走訪尼加拉瀑布沉醉最美楓景 限量團位，快搜尋「可樂旅遊」與你分享世界的美好~ https://sofm.pse.is/9cb6b6 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 120-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,512 on turnover of $9.1 billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan bounced back Wednesday from a slump a session earlier, with buying sparked by a rally in the United States overnight after slower-than-expected June inflation. Contract chipmaker TSMC gained only 0.83 percent. Its consolidation capped the Taiex's upturn and limited turnover. Nontech stocks also attracted buying in line with the broader market. Petrochemical stocks continued to move higher, led by the four major entities of the conglomerate Formosa Plastics Corp. National Forest pet bans extended to 2028' The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has announced that it will continue prohibiting visitors from bringing cats, dogs, and other mammals into 19 forest recreation areas. That's in an effort to prevent the spread of rabies. The government says that it's extending (延長) the ban beyond its original expiration date at the end of the month, citing a lack of reduction in the geographic range where rabies has been detected in wildlife. The restriction covering 19 national forest areas will be extended for 2 years, through July 2028. The agency first imposed the ban in August 2013 after several ferret-badgers tested positive for rabies and has extended the measure several times since then.' But some pets will be allowed under certain conditions at Neidong, Chihnan, and Jhihben, as well as three plains-level forest parks. US Ends Overnight Iran Strikes The US military says it has ended a wave of overnight airstrikes that rattled (使慌亂、使緊張) parts of northern Iran for the first time. Iranian state media reported explosions around Iran's capital, Tehran, for the first time of the latest attacks over control of the Strait of Hormuz. It also reported American attacks targeted Iran's Semnan province, home to ballistic missile production and its space program. There was no immediate word on casualties or damage from the attacks. US FACES STATUTORY DE**ADLINE TO IMPOSE 25 PERCENT TARIFF ON THOUSANDS OF **BRAZILIAN GOODS The United States Trade Representative faces a statutory deadline on Wednesday to finalise, modify or abandon a proposed twenty-five per cent tariff on thousands of Brazilian goods, after months of negotiations that officials in Brasília have described as largely unproductive (沒有成效的). The tariff, imposed under Section 301 of US trade law, would target more than four thousand products worth some fifteen billion dollars a year, though key Brazilian exports including beef, coffee and aircraft parts are expected to be exempt. Brazil's government says it is bracing for the tariff to land, but has not ruled out a last-minute diplomatic push. Nick Harper reports from Washington. UK Gov Announces Social Media** Curfew Plans** The British government has announced plans for a six-hour social media curfew from midnight for 16- and 17-year-olds. They can override this default setting. On Wednesday, the Labour government also said features like autoplay videos will be switched off by default (預設) for older teenagers. This follows a recent social media ban for under-16s. The UK's online safety minister says a pilot program showed reduced social media usage and improved sleep. Critics argue the curfew may not be effective, and a leading children's charity has called for stronger measures to address addictive design features. The measures, which are one of the final acts of the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will have to be legislated upon. It is widely believed that his expected successor Andy Burnham will follow through with the plans. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 今秋跟著楓紅展開最動人的旅程~ 日本紅葉祭限定！漫遊河口湖紅葉迴廊，或登上東北藏王紅葉纜車飽覽山林秋色 韓國賞紅葉x銀杏，韓服漫遊景福宮感受秋日浪漫 美加東必追楓葉大道，走訪尼加拉瀑布沉醉最美楓景 限量團位，快搜尋「可樂旅遊」與你分享世界的美好~ https://sofm.pse.is/9c5cyu -- 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 44,851 on turnover of $9.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan came under pressure Tuesday, falling below 44,000 points at one point, before rebounding in the last 90 minutes of the session to cap the losses. But while most non-tech stocks were also in the doldrums, the petrochemical sector outperformed the market on a spike in international crude oil prices amid renewed unease in the Middle East, which could boost product prices. Heat and Afternoon Thunderstorms Over Next Few Days Forecasters are warning of intense heat and severe afternoon thunderstorms across Taiwan over the next several days. The Central Weather Administration today issued high-temperature alerts for eight counties and cities. Officials say Changhua, Yunlin, Tainan, and Hualien are under an orange alert… meaning temperatures could repeatedly exceed (超過) 36 degrees Celsius. Taipei, New Taipei, Chiayi, and Taitung are under a yellow alert. Taitung also faces a high risk of hot, dry foehn winds. Meteorologist Wu Der-rong says tropical disturbances in the South China Sea and near the Philippines are bringing large amounts of moisture toward Taiwan, creating highly unstable conditions. Wu warns that severe convective thunderstorms will develop in mountainous areas every afternoon through July 21st, and te storms will likely trigger lightning, strong winds, and flash flooding in low-lying areas. (NS) China Senior CCP Member Expelled Chinese state media says a senior official has been expelled from the ruling Communist Party. Ma Xingrui is one of three members of the current Politburo purged in leader Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, alongside two military generals. Analysts see the campaign as a tool to enforce loyalty to Xi and root out (根除) corruption. Party authorities concluded that Ma committed violations including accepting gifts and using his position to help others. The 66-year-old Ma was previously the Communist Party chief of Xinjiang and governor of Guangdong province. Gold trader gets time served in Iran sanctions case that strained US-Turkey relations A Turkish businessman charged in a conspiracy to help Iran evade (逃避) sanctions gets no additional prison time after helping U.S. investigators. The AP's Jennifer King reports. Spain Gibraltar Border Fence** Dismantled** The fence separating Gibraltar from Spain has been dismantled, easing travel for thousands who cross daily. This change, which goes into effect today, follows years of post-Brexit negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom over Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory that is also claimed by Spain. On Tuesday, the U.K. and the E.U. signed an agreement securing Gibraltar's economic future. The deal de facto brings Gibraltar into the EU's Schengen free travel area. Gibraltar officials say live facial recognition (臉部辨識) cameras are now set up at entry points. When Britain left the EU in 2020, the relationship between Gibraltar and the bloc had been left unresolved. In 2025, the EU and U.K. announced an agreement on those issues, with the two sides and Gibraltar's government signing a treaty Tuesday that eases border crossings. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 今秋跟著楓紅展開最動人的旅程~ 日本紅葉祭限定！漫遊河口湖紅葉迴廊，或登上東北藏王紅葉纜車飽覽山林秋色 韓國賞紅葉x銀杏，韓服漫遊景福宮感受秋日浪漫 美加東必追楓葉大道，走訪尼加拉瀑布沉醉最美楓景 限量團位，快搜尋「可樂旅遊」與你分享世界的美好~ https://sofm.pse.is/9bu2gx -- 【暑假首選】雄獅文具想像力製造所天天不休息！白色牆面隨你畫、泡泡雨空中飄，巨型 60 色色彩牆隨手拍都是網美大片！ 八月更有全新「彩耀日」戶外顏料射擊，暑假就是要玩好玩滿。 快來發揮想像力打包快樂！

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 16-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,364 on turnover of $8.7-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed little changed Monday with an initial significant upturn eroded as investors rushed to lock in earlier gains in the wake of losses on other regional markets. But analysts say TSMC appeared resilient and posted gains to lend support to the broader market, with investors also expecting the company to deliver positive leads from its Thursday investor conference. New partnership to boost protection of Penghu marine park The Marine National Park Headquarters has signed a cooperation agreement with TIPC Marine Corporation to strengthen maritime patrols in the waters of South Penghu Marine National Park. Returning port service vessels will carry park personnel (人員) on patrol missions during their return voyages, increasing surveillance of protected waters. The partnership will also establish a system for sharing vessel tracking data, images and patrol records to help detect suspected illegal fishing, coral reef damage and other violations. Officials say the partnership will expand patrol coverage and create a stronger marine patrol network, helping better protect the national park's marine ecosystem. The two sides also plan to work together on marine conservation education and public awareness programs. (IG) UAE: Iran Attacks Tankers Leaving One Dead The United Arab Emirates says Iran attacked two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one mariner and wounding eight others. The Emirati Defense Ministry said Iran launched two cruise missiles at the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah. The attacks set both tankers ablaze, though the fires were extinguished (撲滅). Bahrain also came under renewed attack early Tuesday morning as Iran retaliated over the latest round of U.S. airstrikes. Bahrain sounded its missile alert siren, urging the public to seek shelter. There was no word on any damage or casualties from the attack. US Minnesota prosecutors obtain long withheld evidence in investigation into protest shooting deaths From the US… Minnesota prosecutors have obtain (獲得) long withheld evidence in the state investigation of ICE related shootings in Minnesota. AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports Spain PM Faces Backlash for** France World Cup Team Comments** Former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is facing backlash for comments about France's World Cup team ahead of their semifinal match. He claimed the team "does not have any French players," which leaders in France and Spain have called racist. Rajoy made the remarks in a column for a Spanish outlet. France's foreign minister and the president of the French soccer federation condemned (譴責) the comments, calling them racist. Spain's ruling Socialist government and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez swiftly condemned the comments. It's not the first time France's team has faced racism during this year's World Cup. Earlier this month, France captain and star player Kylian Mbappé condemned a Paraguayan senator over remarks she made following Paraguay's loss to France in the round of 16. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【暑假首選】雄獅文具想像力製造所天天不休息！白色牆面隨你畫、泡泡雨空中飄，巨型 60 色色彩牆隨手拍都是網美大片！ 八月更有全新「彩耀日」戶外顏料射擊，暑假就是要玩好玩滿。 快來發揮想像力打包快樂！

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 146-points this morning from Thursday's close, at 45,500 on turnover of $14.8-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed lower Thursday after an earlier upturn was reversed when market sentiment became spooked by renewed geopolitical concerns as the United States and Iran launched fresh attacks. Selling focused on select large-cap liquid tech stocks as contract chipmaker TSMC faced heavier pressure, pushing down the Taiex. 86 Indonesian students awarded Taiwan scholarships Eighty-six Indonesian students have been awarded Taiwanese government scholarships to study in Taiwan this year. Before leaving, they attended a pre-departure orientation in Jakarta held by Taiwan's representative office there, covering student visas, residency procedures and campus life. Taiwan's representative to Indonesia, Bruce Hung, said more than 19 thousand Indonesian students are currently studying in Taiwan, making Indonesia the second-largest source of international students after Vietnam. Hung said Taiwan offers a strong Mandarin-learning environment and diverse (多種多樣的) higher education opportunities, and encouraged the students to learn more about the island's AI and semiconductor industries during their studies. Thailand Pub Fire Leaves Dozens Dead and Injured A huge fire that engulfed a pub in Bangkok overnight has killed at least 27 people and injured dozens more. Rescuers said the fire was reported around midnight Sunday, and firefighters brought the blaze under control early Monday. Footage shared online by first responders shows a huge blaze raging and plumes coming out of the front door of the pub in the northern part of the Thai capital. Thailand's prime minister told reporters at the scene that several people have been taken to the hospital. He says a musician who was performing at the pub told him that he saw smoke coming out of a circuit breaker (斷路器) near the stage before the power went out, then an explosion was heard and thick smoke quickly filled the venue Many of victims were found at the restrooms at the back of the pub. US Launches Strikes on Iranian Military Sites The United States Central Command has launched fresh strikes on Iranian military sites near the Strait of Hormuz, as Washington presses Tehran to guarantee safe passage for commercial shipping through the waterway. The escalation comes as the US political landscape shifts following the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent (著名的) foreign policy hawk who advocated for military action against Iran and strong ties with European allies. Jagruti Dave has the story from Washington. Syria NewlyElected Parliament Holds First Session Syria's newly elected parliament has held its first session since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad. The reconvening of parliament aims to restart the legislative process after years of conflict and autocratic rule. Two-thirds of the 210-member People's Assembly were elected while one-third were appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The new parliament will serve a 30-month term. The launch indicates progress in drafting new laws as Syria recovers from decades of Assad's rule and a deadly war. Legislators elected Abdul Hamid al-Awak as speaker. Al-Awak, a former judge, defected from the Assad government early in the uprising (起義、叛亂). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 今秋跟著楓紅展開最動人的旅程~ 日本紅葉祭限定！漫遊河口湖紅葉迴廊，或登上東北藏王紅葉纜車飽覽山林秋色 韓國賞紅葉x銀杏，韓服漫遊景福宮感受秋日浪漫 美加東必追楓葉大道，走訪尼加拉瀑布沉醉最美楓景 限量團位，快搜尋「可樂旅遊」與你分享世界的美好~ https://sofm.pse.is/9bdbbx -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened 71-points higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,805, on turnover of 9.8 billion N-T. The market rose again on Wednesday after falling a day earlier.  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing got support from last-minute buying near the end of trading. Lawmakers call for officials to resign over contaminated cooking oil case A Legislative committee has passed a motion (動議) calling for (要求) Premier Cho Jung-tai, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang and Food and Drug Administration head Chiang Chih-kang to step down (辭職) and take responsibility for the latest cooking oil contamination case. The motion was passed during a meeting of the legislative Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee. The committee asked health, education and economics officials to report on food safety measures following the discovery of excessive levels (含量過高) of a carcinogen (致癌物) in soybean oil produced by Central Union Oil Corp. Opposition lawmakers criticized the Lai administration for changing its policy on the issue several times. The motion also asks all three officials to apologize (道歉) to the public. Lai touts ties with Guatemala  President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan will build stronger ties with Guatemala. He says his administration will encourage (鼓勵) more Taiwanese companies to use Guatemala as a base (以…為基地) for entering Latin American markets. The statement came as Lai held talks with the visiting president of Guatemala's Congress, Luis Alberto Contreras Colindres. According to Lai, closer ties between Taiwan and Guatemala will bring more business opportunities for both sides. Lai also said Guatemalan exports to Taiwan have reached 130 million US dollars for two years in a row. He said Guatemala is quickly becoming Taiwan's largest supplier of sugar and fourth-largest supplier of coffee. US launches second, larger wave of strikes on Iran as Trump says ceasefire is over The United States has launched a second, larger wave of airstrikes (空襲) against Iran. The strikes targeted (以…為目標) coastal radar installations and anti-ship missile sites along the country's southeastern coast. US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Tehran "over" while attending the NATO summit in Ankara. He warned of further escalation if Iran continued to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard responded by launching missiles and drones at dozens of American military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. But reporter Kate Fisher in Washington says Trump later seemed to leave a small chance for talks to restart (重新開始). China allocates funds for disaster relief China has allocated (撥款) millions in relief (救助) funding for disaster-hit areas after severe storms and a deadly landslide. The central government has provided 7.4 million US dollars to repair infrastructure (修復基礎設施) in Hubei province. It has also provided other funds to rebuild homes and move residents to safer places. Eleven people died in thunderstorms and tornadoes on Monday. Gansu province will receive 4.4 million US dollars after a landslide killed 21 forestry workers. Earlier funding was given to Guangxi, where flooding from Tropical Storm Maysak has caused six deaths and forced 130,000 people to leave their homes. Heavy rain is still hitting parts of China, and more rain from a typhoon is expected over the weekend. Canada PM Visiting Saudi Arabia Canada's prime minister is visiting Saudi Arabia. It is the first trip by a Canadian leader to the kingdom in 26 years. The visit is aimed at expanding (擴大) Canada's economic ties beyond the United States. Today, Mark Carney will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler. He will also speak at the Saudi Arabia-Canada Investment Forum. The trip shows Canada's effort to diversify (多元化) trade as it faces US tariff threats. Saudi Arabia is also looking for foreign investment as it tries to move its economy beyond oil. Canada and Saudi Arabia restored full diplomatic ties in 2023, ending a dispute over human rights criticism. 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 45-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,524 on turnover of 8.7-billion N-T. The market tumbled on Tuesday as investors continued to rotate funds out of the electronics sector amid worries over valuations (估價). MOHW expands contaminated cooking oil recall Health Minister Shih Chung-liang has announced the widening of a recall order for products linked to contaminated cooking oil produced by Central Union Oil. The latest move means that all processed foods made using the affected oil should have been removed from store shelves by midnight. It overrides a previous order that only products containing more than 20-per cent of the affected oil needed to be recalled (撤回) and removed from stores. According to the health ministry, all affected secondary products must now be removed from the market as a precaution and can only return to store shelves after manufacturers provide test results confirming they are safe for human consumption. Taoyuan Airport sees record number of passengers in first half of year The Taoyuan International Airport reportedly handled some 25.78-million passengers in the first half of this year. That figure is a new record for the period. Reports says the airport saw passenger volume rise by 9-per cent from the same period of last year. According to the airport operator, it firmly (牢牢) believes that passenger volume for the whole of this year could reach 50-million. Summer travel demand is expected to peak this month and next month, when total takeoffs and landings are forecast to reach 46,000. US RETALIATORY STR**IKES HIT IRANIAN PORTS AND MILITARY SITES AFTER IRAN **ATTACKS THREE COMMERCIAL VESSELS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ The United States has launched retaliatory (報復性) strikes against Iran, hitting port facilities, missile and drone sites, and air defence installations on Tuesday evening — in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The website Axios reports the American military response far exceeded previous exchanges between the two sides, while Iran's deputy foreign minister has warned Tehran will take decisive measures. Jagruti Dave in Washington says the conflict's impact on oil prices is a growing concern in the United States, particularly with midterm elections on the horizon. Pakistan Cargo Plane Search Continues A Pakistani cargo plane with five crew members is missing after rapidly descending (下降) and losing contact with air traffic controllers. Pakistan's airport authority reported the incident late Tuesday off the coast of Karachi. The Boeing 737 reported a navigation system problem at 9:18 p.m. local time. Radar data showed it rapidly descending and changing course at about 9:21 p.m. before losing contact about 287 kilometers west of Karachi. Search-and-rescue operations are underway in the Arabian Sea. France Le Pen to Run for Presidency Far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she'll run for the French presidency next year despite being sentenced to wear a court-ordered electronic monitor for embezzlement. The decision by the 57-year-old veteran of three presidential races sets up a fourth campaign like no other. She potentially could be seeking votes while subject to electronic monitoring and a judge's determination (判定) of how, and for how long, the punishment is applied. Le Pen said she will appeal Tuesday's ruling to France's highest court. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【暑假首選】雄獅文具想像力製造所天天不休息！白色牆面隨你畫、泡泡雨空中飄，巨型 60 色色彩牆隨手拍都是網美大片！ 八月更有全新「彩耀日」戶外顏料射擊，暑假就是要玩好玩滿。 快來發揮想像力打包快樂！

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened slightly (稍微) lower this morning at 46,537. Turnover stood at 11-billion N.T. dollars. The market closed lower Monday after an early rise. Investors were worried that tech stocks had become too expensive. That led to a large selloff (拋售) in the tech sector. MAC claims China may be involved in attack on Japanese commentator The Mainland Affairs Council says China may have been involved in an attack on Japanese commentator (評論員) Akio Yaita. A Hong Kong man was arrested on suspicion of punching Yaita after he gave a speech in Taichung. The attack led to claims on social media that China may have been involved. The council says it warned other agencies that the case "could involve transnational repression (跨國鎮壓)." Yaita is the CEO of the Indo-Pacific Strategic Thinktank. He had just finished giving a speech at an an event organized by the Spring Rain Foundation at a hotel in Taichung when he was punched in the face as he was making a phone call Keelung to revoke preschool's license over child abuse case The Keelung City Government says a preschool may lose its license (執照) as early as tomorrow over a child abuse (虐待) case. Officials will review the second stage of the investigation later today. The city has released the names of two teachers found responsible for abuse. The city also filed a criminal complaint last week. Several children at the preschool in Qidu District were found with bruises (瘀青) allegedly caused by abuse. French President visits Syria after Assad's ouster French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Syria, becoming the first major Western leader to visit since Bashar al-Assad's ouster (驅逐) in 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited in April, but Macron is the first from western Europe or North America. His visit comes during a period of relative calm (相對平靜) in the Middle East after the monthlong war in Iran and Lebanon. Macron is also set to attend a NATO summit (高峰會) in Ankara, Turkey. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is also expected to attend the summit and hold a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump's pardons for Jan. 6 rioters don't apply to DC pipe bomb suspect, judge rules A judge says US President Donald Trump's pardons (赦免) for January 6th rioters do not apply to a suspect in the D.C. pipe bomb case. The case may now move toward trial. Prosecutors say the suspect may have a link to the Capitol riot. But that claim has not yet been tested in court. AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports  Cuba hit by islandwide blackout Cuba has been hit by an islandwide blackout (停電) as fuel supplies (燃料供應) run low. The country's Electric Union reported the blackout Monday. It says the cause is still under investigation. Fuel has been running out since January, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. Public transportation has largely stopped, and officials have canceled tens of thousands of surgeries. 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 116-points this morning from Friday's close, at 46,897 on turnover of 10.8-billion N-T. The market ended marginally higher last Friday, after key AI related stocks ended mixed on Wall Street overnight. Tainted oil recall's 20% threshold based on 2017 guidelines Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the decision to order a precautionary (預防性的) recall of processed foods containing at least 20-per cent carcinogen-tainted cooking oil is based on food safety guidelines established in 2017. The statement comes after the Food and Drug Administration expanded its recall order over soybean salad oil produced by Taichung-based Central Union Oil. The oil was found to contain excessive levels of a carcinogen late last week. The expanded recall covers unprocessed oil sold in its original form, such as soybean salad oil and blended oils; and processed foods containing 20-per cent or more of the affected oil. The contaminated batch totals about 1,300 metric tons and was supplied to three companies before entering the downstream food supply chain. CWA warns of extended heat in 2027 as Taiwan develops tiered response plan The Central Weather Administration says Taiwan is likely to experience a warmer-than-normal winter this year due to strong El Nino effects. According to the administration, the extreme heat likely to extend into the spring and summer of next year. Data shows Taiwan experienced its most severe (劇烈) heat between 2020 and 2021, driven by the combination of an unusually strong subtropical high-pressure system, La Nina conditions and regional sea surface temperature changes. Taipei recorded 100 days with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius in 2020, the highest annual total since records began. EU Wildfires Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal, Spain and Greece. Spain and Italy have sent reinforcements to Portugal, where a massive blaze has been burning for more than three days. In central Portugal, over 1,200 firefighters are fighting a fire that has burned 12-thousand hectares since Thursday. Meanwhile, in Greece, authorities have warned residents in parts of the country's second largest city of Thessaloniki about toxic smoke from a wildfire that engulfed a recycling plant. A 76-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of starting the blaze. Greece frequently (頻繁地) suffers devastating wildfires during its hot, dry summers. Trump's administration won'**t seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial **Reflecting Pool The Trump administration says it will not seek new bids (投標) to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports. Canada to Choose Sub Contractor Canada is expected today to choose between German and South Korean bids to build a multibillion-dollar fleet (艦隊) of 12 submarines. Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean are competing for the contract to build 12 conventionally (傳統地) powered submarines worth tens of billions of dollars. The widely expected announcement will come just before Carney heads to the NATO summit in Turkey as NATO allies boost defense spending. Carney's government has pledged to meet NATO's higher defense spending targets, committing to spend 5% of Canada's gross domestic product on defense by 2035 after reaching the alliance's previous 2% benchmark this year. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 今年秋季帶你走進世界最美「楓」景~ 美加東五大賞楓勝地，遊船穿梭尼加拉瀑布。 可樂旅遊 台中出發星宇直飛， 日本關西、四國，紅葉秘境x溫泉饗； 韓國釜山，紅葉銀杏x國際煙火節。 今秋你想感受哪一種「楓」情？ 限量團位，快搜尋「可樂旅遊」與你分享世界的美好~ https://sofm.pse.is/9avgzy -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-ex Opening Financial markets opened with the New Taiwan dollar at 31.92 against the U.S. dollar in the foreign exchange market today.  The NT was down 0.01 from the previous close. The currency traded in a range of NT$31.92 to NT$31.93 per U.S. dollar in early trading. Taipei shares also opened lower… The Taiex was down 199.02 points, and the index started the day at 46,545.14 points.  Turnover at the opening totaled NT$10.134 billion. 1,300 tonnes of tainted cooking oil products recalled The Food and Drug Administration has recalled around 1,300 tonnes of cooking oil products (大豆沙拉油) after they were found to contain excessive levels of a carcinogenic compound. The F-D-A says the affected soy-based cooking oil was produced by Taichung-based Central Union Oil and supplied to three major local food oil companies. The affected oil was sold to the three companies between April 8 and April 10. The F-D-A says the three companies immediately recalled the products after being notified by Central Union of the anomaly. Central Union has been ordered to suspend (停產) production while authorities review its manufacturing processes (生產流程) to determine the cause of the problem. CWA monitoring Typhoon Bavi Typhoon Bavi is now a moderate typhoon (輕度颱風). It is expected to continue intensifying into a strong typhoon by tonight.. and its likely to impact Taiwan later next week. Independent meterologist Wu De Rong describes Bavi as a large and powerful typhoon typical of an El Niño (聖嬰年) year. Wu said Bavi is expected to move west-northwestward reaching waters southeast of Japan's Ryukyu Islands (琉球群島) by the middle of next week. Iran imposes new tanker routes In interntaional news,   Iran's joint military command is warning that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a “forceful response.”  Ship passage through the vital waterway is continuing to rebound (持續回升), even after Iran attacked two commercial vessels last week. Karen Chammas reports. Vatican excommunicates traditionalists The Vatican has responded aggressively to a traditionalist society that consecrated bishops without the pope's consent (同意). The Vatican declared that the Society of St. Pius X had formally broken with the Catholic Church and it excommunicated (絕罰) its bishops.  It also warning its faithful they also could face the harsh sanctions.  The Vatican went above and beyond the minimal sanctions foreseen by the church's canon law to respond to the consecrations Wednesday of four new bishops at the society's seminary in Switzerland. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened down 185 points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,833, on turnover of 11.8 billion NT. The market closed sharply (大幅地) higher on Wednesday. The main board rose for a second day. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ended at the day's highest price, after its American depositary receipts made strong gains in overnight (一夜之間的 / 隔夜的) trading. Presidential Order removes top trade representative from office  The Office of the President has issued a Presidential Order formally remove the government's top trade negotiator from office. The move comes after Premier Cho Jung-tai suspended (停職) Yang Jen-ni on Monday. An investigation (調查) found Yang had bullied her late deputy, Yen Huai-shing, at work. Yen died in March at the age of 53, shortly after resigning from her job as the deputy chief of the Office of Trade Negotiations. A Cabinet report said Yang created a difficult workplace for Yen. Yang has repeatedly denied doing anything wrong. She is threatening to take legal action, saying the case has hurt her reputation (名譽). Philippines extends 14-day visa-free entry for Taiwanese travelers The Philippines has extended (延長) its 14-day visa-free entry program for Taiwan passport holders (護照持有人) until June 30, 2027. The Manila Economic and Cultural Office says the move gives Taiwan passport holders the same special treatment (待遇) they received last year. The office says the extension follows the Philippine government's order to give equal visa-free benefits (好處 / 優惠) to Taiwan. That is because Philippine passport holders can also travel to Taiwan without a visa. The Philippines first allowed Taiwan travelers to enter visa-free for up to 14 days on July 1, 2025. The program was originally set to end on June 30 of this year. Qatar declares 'positive progress' in indirect US-Iran talks Qatar's Foreign Ministry says there has been "positive progress" in indirect (間接的) talks between the United States and Iran in Doha. Mediators (調停人 / 調解人) have been moving between the two sides to discuss issues linked to a memorandum of understanding. US President Donald Trump says denuclearisation is "moving along well." But Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says official talks have not started yet, and working groups are still being formed. The two sides seem to disagree on more than the main issues. They also disagree on whether important topics have even been discussed. Mitch Mccann reports from New York. Ivory Coast floods kill 59 Floods in Ivory Coast have killed at least 59 people this year, according to a government spokesperson. The announcement came after a Cabinet meeting, where officials discussed the high number of deaths. On Monday, heavy rain caused floods and landslides (土石流 / 山崩) in the capitals of Ghana and Ivory Coast. At least 24 people died. The government urged people to follow safety rules and evacuate (疏散 / 撤離) high-risk areas. The World Meteorological Organization says Africa is one of the parts of the world most at risk from extreme weather. But Africa produces only a small share of the world's greenhouse gas emissions (排放). Rising number of whales spotted off Brazil A conservation (保育) group says humpback whales are now seen more often off Rio de Janeiro. It says their numbers are recovering after years of commercial whaling in the past. The Humpback Whale Project says the population (族群數量) has grown from about 2,000 to 35,000 in 40 years. In 1982, the International Whaling Commission ordered a pause in commercial whaling. That pause began three years later. Between June and November, humpback whales move through Brazilian waters. Their return is helping tourism. Some companies now offer whale-watching trips. 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 108 points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,234 on turnover of 19.1 billion N-T. The market went solidly higher on Tuesday. It also saw its third-biggest point rise during a trading day. Investors were again interested in big electronics and semiconductor shares. That helped push the main board higher. MOFA stepping up official document security amid negligence accusation The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is taking steps to make its official (官方的) document system safer. The statement comes after a Control Yuan report accused the ministry of poor handling of several possible document leaks (洩漏) in 2024 and 2025. Foreign ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei says the ministry has been checking its electronic document rules. He says it is also working to make the system safer after finding possible leaks of official papers. The Control Yuan report questioned some of the ministry's earlier responses to the leaked documents. Taipei Metro to accept credit cards and mobile pay starting today And, Passengers (乘客) on the Taipei Metro can use credit cards or digital wallets linked to those cards starting today. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced the new payment (付款) service. He said the move is meant to help Taipei follow international trends. The metro operator says it will accept major international and Taiwan credit cards. It will also accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. The change follows the launch (推出) of Q-R code payments in January. That system lets passengers use major electronic payment services to take buses and M-R-T trains in Taipei and New Taipei. Iran refuses direct talks with US in Doha Iran says it will not hold direct talks (直接談判) with the United States in Doha yet. Iran says the current ceasefire agreement must first be fully carried out. Qatar's Foreign Ministry also says Iranian officials and U-S envoy Steve Witkoff will not meet face-to-face on Tuesday. Washington had hoped to use the 60-day talks to pressure Tehran on its nuclear program (核子計畫). But Iran says the main goal is to make sure the U-S-Iran ceasefire continues. Tehran is also calling for a three-country committee to help protect Lebanon's sovereignty as part of the wider peace deal. Nick Harper in Washington says Iran's refusal to talk directly with the American team is making it harder for Washington to deal with the nuclear issue during the 60-day period. Thousands protest immigration in South Africa Thousands of protesters (抗議者) have gathered in South Africa to protest illegal immigration. It is the country's largest protest about migration since 2008. Activists blame migrants (移民) for joblessness and crime. They gave the government until June 30 to remove all migrants staying in the country illegally. But the government rejected the deadline. It says only officials can carry out immigration laws. President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for peaceful protests. Police have sent hundreds of officers to cities such as Johannesburg and Durban to stop violence. Past protests have led to attacks on migrants and damage to property. Thousands of migrants are now leaving South Africa because they fear for their safety (安全). 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 165-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,165 on turnover of 12.7-billion N-T. The main board rebounded on Monday from Friday's slump on a mild technical rebound, but turnover still shrank as many investors remain concerned about possible volatility in the local market. Premier suspends his top trade negotiator after bullying probe Premier Cho Jung-tai has suspended the government's top trade negotiator after an investigation found she had engaged in workplace bullying of her late deputy. The move comes after an an investigative committee found that Minister Without Portfolio Jenni Yang bullied Yen Huai-shing. Yen died in March at the age of 53, shortly after resigning (辭職) from her job as the deputy chief of the Office of Trade Negotiations. The investigation found that Yang dismissed Yen's opinions, creating an "offensive and unfriendly" work environment that placed her under mental pressure. Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the premier met with Yang before suspending her from her duties. Su Li-yang wins men's singles championship at the Yonex U-S Badminton Openin California And, Taiwan's Su Li-yang has won the men's singles championship at the Yonex U-S Badminton Open in California. Su is currently ranked No. 46 in the men's singles and he beat No. 38 Sri-kanth Kidambi of India 21-15, 16-21, 21-9 at the 17th Badminton World Federation World Tour stop. It was Su's first professional title, following two gold medal wins in B-W-F junior competitions in 2018 and 2019. Su took silver at the Taipei Open in 2023, as well as four runner-up titles at lower-level B-W-F international challenges and series events. Monaco Explosion Injures Three A blast from an explosive device has seriously injured three people at a residential building in Monaco. Authorities said the attacker fled to neighboring France. Monaco officials say the explosion occurred around 9 p.m. at the entryway (入口通道) of a residence near the French border, injuring two adults and a child who were taken to hospitals in France. French and Ukrainian media reported that a Ukrainian construction tycoon and his family were those injured. One of the reports says he was targeted by Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 for ties to Russia. French and Monaco authorities are searching for the attacker, whose motive is under investigation. SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO HEAR** TRUMP'S APPEAL AGAINST E. JEAN CARROLL SEXUAL** ABUSE VERDICT The United States Supreme Court has refused to hear US President Donald Trump's appeal against a jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed (誹謗) the writer E. Jean Carroll, leaving a five-million-dollar civil judgment intact. None of the nine justices — including three appointed by President Trump himself — issued a written dissent, and Carroll's lawyer said the ruling ends the president's effort to avoid accountability. President Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, calling the case fake and vowing to continue fighting what he described as lawfare. David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief for The Guardian, says the ruling will shape how history regards the president. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 今秋跟著楓紅展開最動人的旅程~ 日本紅葉祭限定！漫遊河口湖紅葉迴廊，或登上東北藏王紅葉纜車飽覽山林秋色 韓國賞紅葉x銀杏，韓服漫遊景福宮感受秋日浪漫 美加東必追楓葉大道，走訪尼加拉瀑布沉醉最美楓景 限量團位，快搜尋「可樂旅遊」與你分享世界的美好~ https://sofm.pse.is/9bbgh3 -- 【暑假首選】雄獅文具想像力製造所天天不休息！白色牆面隨你畫、泡泡雨空中飄，巨型 60 色色彩牆隨手拍都是網美大片！ 八月更有全新「彩耀日」戶外顏料射擊，暑假就是要玩好玩滿。 快來發揮想像力打包快樂！

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 23-points this morning from Friday's close, at 44,594 on turnover of 10.5-billion N-T. The market suffered its third steepest point fall in history on Friday, as it was dragged down by the bellwether electronics sector after heavy losses among tech stocks on Wall Street overnight. Water level meter installed at Hualien barrier lake to improve monitoring The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has installed a water level meter at the barrier lake on the Wanli River in Hualien. The agency says it will allow authorities to receive water-level data every 10 minutes to improve monitoring (監控) and emergency response times. According to the agency, data is now being transmitted to the Ministry of Agriculture's Forest Disaster Prevention Response and Barrier Lake Monitoring System. Installation of the water level meter comes amid concerns of the barrier lake overflowing. The Hualien County government has urged the public to stay away from the Wanli River, Matai'an Creek and surrounding hazardous areas. Nearly 200 residents of Wanrong and Fenglin townships have been evacuated as a precaution. First batch** of Taiwan mangoes shipped to UK** A total of 500-kilograms of Taiwan Irwin mangoes has been air-shipped to the U-K. According to the Tainan City government, it is the first such shipment of the popular (受歡迎的) fruit to the U-K. The shipment of mangoes headed for the U-K is being transported using cold packaging, which means they will be refrigerated in low temperatures during the entire trip. The mangoes have been transported to be Frankfurt Airport in Germany and been transferred to Manchester Airport in northern England. The total production of Taiwan mangoes in 2025 was 102,578 tons, of which, 836 tons were exported to different markets. Along with the U-K, Taiwan's Irwin mangoes have been exported to France this year. Ukraine Intensifies Drone Attacks on Russia Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks on Russia, setting fire to a major oil refinery in the south and killing at least two people, according to Russian authorities. Kyiv's long-range strikes aim to disrupt Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries, pressuring the Kremlin to negotiate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the strike on the Slavyansk refinery and claimed another hit in the Yaroslavl region. Ukraine's campaign targets Russian military industries and energy facilities to cut Moscow's revenue and apply pressure. The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies, causing widespread shortages and long lines at gas stations across the country and prompting (敦促，推動) authorities in many regions to introduce fuel rationing. According to Western analysts, it has also slowed Moscow's efforts on the battlefield, adding pressure on the Kremlin to come to the negotiating table. France records around 1,000 ad**ditional deaths as extreme heat sets European **records France records around 1,000 additional deaths as extreme heat sets European records (記錄). AP correspondent Julie Walker reports 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 67-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,189 on turnover of $10.9-billion N-T. Downpours Cause Flooding in Tainan (10AM) Authorities are warning residents to prepare for severe rainfall today and Saturday, as strong winds and moisture from tropical storm Mekkhala trigger torrential downpours across Taiwan. From midnight to 8:00 a.m. today, Pingtung's Wandan Township recorded a maximum rainfall of 332 millimeters, while Tainan's Guiren District logged 270 millimeters and Kaohsiung's Xiaogang District saw 257 millimeters. Flooding has been reported in several parts of Tainan, including the East, Ren-de, and Yong-kang Districts, with water reaching up to waist-deep levels in some areas. Firefighters in the city are deploying inflatable boats to rescue trapped residents and traffic is gridlocked (交通嚴重堵塞) around a major national highway interchange. The Taiwan Railway Corporation is also suspending services between Tainan's Yongkang and Kaohsiung's Gangshan stations, after flooding along railway tracks in southern Taiwan. Independent meteorologist Wu Der-rong warns that the combination of an approaching weather front and tropical moisture will bring severe weather, including lightning strikes, strong wind gusts, and sudden downpours, across the entire island through Saturday. (NS) More School and Work Closures Amid Downpours (10AM) Meanwhile… The persistent heavy rains have triggered localized flooding across Hsinchu County, prompting two local schools to call off classes today. The Hsinchu County Government announced this morning that Xinpu Junior High School in Xinpu Township will suspend classes for the entire day and Taoshan Elementary School in mountainous Wufeng Township has canceled classes as well. Overall rainfall levels across Hsinchu have not yet reached the official thresholds for a county-wide closure, but officials note that under government regulations, individual agency heads and school principals are fully authorized to cancel work and classes independently based on immediate, localized (本地化的) safety conditions. Schools and offices are already closed today in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung due to the rain. (NS) SCOTUS Allows End to Legal Protections for Fleeing Migrants from Haiti Syria From the US….. The Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria. The decision Thursday blocks lower court orders and allows the Department of Homeland Security to swiftly end temporary protected status. That program protects a total of 1.3 million people from 17 countries, and the move exposes hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation. The administration had argued that Homeland Security can revoke protections without court interference. Immigration lawyers say the decision to end the program ignored the law and was tainted by racial animus (種族仇恨、種族敵意). US Senator Warning on Planned Deportation of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Meanwhile… A US Senator is warning of a potential plan to deport unaccompanied (無人陪伴) migrant children AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 今年秋季帶你走進世界最美「楓」景~ 美加東五大賞楓勝地，遊船穿梭尼加拉瀑布。 可樂旅遊 台中出發星宇直飛， 日本關西、四國，紅葉秘境x溫泉饗； 韓國釜山，紅葉銀杏x國際煙火節。 今秋你想感受哪一種「楓」情？ 限量團位，快搜尋「可樂旅遊」與你分享世界的美好~ https://sofm.pse.is/9ae4bb -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened up 296-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,339 on turnover of 23.8-billion N-T. The market plunged (暴跌) over 1,000 points on Wednesday after tech stocks suffered heavy losses on Wall Street overnight. FSC closely monitoring growing personal loans amid equity boom The Financial Supervisory Commission says it's closely monitoring expanding personal credit (個人信用貸款) as more and more retail investors (散戶投資人) are opting to borrow money to invest in the local stock market amid the current equity boom. According to the commission's Financial Examination Bureau, it's now conducting regular reviews of the local banking sector and will continue monitoring lending activity. The statements come amid concerns over possible risks caused by retail investors using personal loans to buy stocks, and that once the stock market faces volatility (波動), borrowers could fail to repay their loans, pushing up the number of non-performing loans shouldered by banks. CWA issues heavy rain warnings  The Central Weather Administration has issued rain warnings today. Extremely heavy rain or torrential rain (豪雨；暴雨) advisories (警示) are in effect for Kaohsiung, Pingtung and the Hengchun Peninsula. Heavy rain or extremely heavy rain advisories have been issued for the North Coast area, Taipei, New Taipei and Tainan. While a heavy rain advisory is in effect for Keelung, Yunlin both Chiayi city and county, mountainous area of Taitung, Penghu and Matsu. All of the rain warnings are currently in effect through early tomorrow morning. White House asks Congress for USD$87.6B in supplemental spending for Iran War, farm aid, and ebola response The White House has asked Congress for 87.6 billion US dollars in emergency spending, with the bulk of the money earmarked (指定用途) for the war in Iran. Democrats have dismissed (駁回；不予理會) the request, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it an attempt to paper over the damage of what he called a reckless war. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy said the package appeared designed not to pass. The request comes a day after both chambers of Congress voted to rebuke (譴責) US President Donald Trump over the conflict. Mitch Mccann reports from New York. Powerful earthquake rattles Japan A powerful earthquake has struck off Japan's northern coast but there was no danger of a tsunami, the country's meteorological agency said. The Japan Meteorological Agency says the quake had a preliminary magnitude (初步規模) of 6.9 and occurred off the eastern coast of Iwate at a depth of about 50 kilometers. The U.S. Geological Survey also reported a magnitude of 6.9. The rattling (搖晃；震動) occurred in the area where strong earthquakes have repeatedly been reported in recent months. The quake struck Japan's northeastern region during rush hour this morning, and also mildly shook Tokyo. Some bullet trains and other local lines have been suspended for safety checks. Officials say nuclear power plants and facilities and a spent fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, have not reported any abnormalities (異常) from Thursday's earthquake. 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 190-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,909 on turnover of 17.6-billion N-T. The market lost ground (下跌；走低) on Tuesday as semiconductor stocks, especially memory chip suppliers came under heavy pressure as investors rushed to pocket gains (獲利了結；把收益落袋) built in recent sessions. Lai urges democracies to unite against transnational repression President Lai Ching-te is once again calling for closer international cooperation to counter (對抗；反制) transnational repression (跨國鎮壓) and describing it as a growing challenge facing democracies around the world. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a Global Cooperation and Training Framework workshop in Taipei, Lai told attendees that threats facing democratic countries today have gone beyond traditional military domains and geographic boundaries (地理界線). The workshop was titled "Building Resilient Democracies: Responding to Transnational Repression." Organizers say it brought together experts and scholars from 29 countries to exchange views on safeguarding democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law. Oil tanker chartered by CPC expected to arrive in Taiwan in July C-P-C has confirmed that a an oil tanker (油輪) it chartered (包租；租用) is expected to arrive in Taiwan in mid-July after exiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the state-refiner, the "Dubai Energy" is carrying 2-million barrels of crude oil. The statements come after Reuters reported that the Dubai Energy left the Strait of Hormuz and is bound for Kaohsiung. The vessel had been stranded in the Strait for over three months due to the Iran war. C-P-C says the crude oil being shipped to Taiwan will be assigned to C-P-C's refinery plants (煉油廠) in Kaohsiung and Taoyuan based on market demand. NKorea Commissions New Destroyer North Korea has commissioned (正式服役) a 5,000-ton destroyer that leader Kim Jong Un touts as a symbol of the country's growing naval and nuclear capabilities. North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency says Kim made the comments Tuesday at a commissioning ceremony at the western port of Nampo. Kim says that warships such as the Choe Hyon show that the nuclear armament (核武裝) of his navy is progressing as planned. State media says Kim during Tuesday's speech said Kang Kon, a second destroyer in the same class as the Choe Hyon, will also be entering service soon. North Korea also has separate plans to build a larger, 10,000-ton destroyer. US Senate passes war powers resolution on Iran for first time The United States Senate has voted to approve a war powers resolution (戰爭權力決議) directing US President Donald Trump to withdraw American forces (撤軍) from the conflict with Iran — the first time such a measure has passed both chambers of Congress. The White House has dismissed the vote as having no legal significance (法律效力；法律意義), but four Republican senators broke ranks (倒戈；不跟隨所屬陣營立場) to support the resolution alongside Democrats. Mitch Mccann reports from New York. That was Mitch Mccann reporting from New York. Germany Trains Halted Amid System Malfunction A problem with a communications system forced Germany's railway system to halt all trains, leaving passengers stranded (受困；滯留) across the country. Trains were held at stations late Tuesday evening and would-be travelers stood in long lines at information desks as they tried to figure out how to get to their destinations. The main national railway operator said shortly before 1 a.m., nearly two-and-a-half hours after it first reported the outage (系統中斷；故障), that the problem had been resolved and service was resuming “step by step.” (逐步恢復) The company said there was a nationwide problem with a system which is used for internal communication on the railway network. 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 53 -points this morning from yesterday's close, at 47,795 on turnover of 21.5-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another record high on Monday after surging more than 1,200 points, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing smashed previous closing levels amid ongoing optimism over global AI development. Cancer remains No. 1 cause of death in Taiwan for 44th straight year The Ministry of Health and Welfare says cancer remained the leading cause of death here in Taiwan in 2025 - maintaining that trend for the 44th consecutive (連續的) year. According to the ministry, data shows cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia remained the top three causes of death last year. That was followed by cerebrovascular disease and diabetes. Cancer claimed 54,838 lives in 2025 accounting for 27.5-per cent of all deaths and the cancer mortality rate was 234.9 deaths per 100,000 people. The average annual increase of cancer deaths over the past decade has been 1.5-per cent. Lung, liver and colorectal malignancies remained the main causes of cancer deaths in 2025 for the 22nd consecutive year. Suspect in Taipei knife attack on cheerleader detained A man suspected of carrying out a knife attack on C-T-B-C Brothers' Passion Sisters cheerleading team member, Wang Ching-wen has been ordered detained. The 52 year old man was detained after the Shilin District Court approved a request for a detention order submitted by the Shihlin District Prosecutors' Office. The court says it accepted the request based on strong evidence of attempted murder and assault (突擊), as well as the risk that he could reoffend. Wang, who is known by her stage name Wen Wen, was taking part in a private photo shoot at a photo studio in Taipei on Saturday when she was attacked by a man with a knife. The motive for the attack remains under investigation. Iran Pushes Back on US Claims for Agreement on Nuclear Inspectors Iran has pushed back against claims by US Vice President JD Vance that Tehran agreed during talks in Switzerland to readmit international nuclear inspectors — with Iran's foreign ministry saying cooperation with the UN's atomic watchdog would continue under existing procedures. Vance had described the opening round of negotiations at Bürgenstock as "very, very good," but Tehran says substantive (實質Shízhì) discussions on the nuclear issue have not yet begun. The two sides have agreed a road map to reach a final deal within sixty days, with Qatar and Pakistan acting as mediators. Washington correspondent Kate Fisher says the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil presents a challenge for the US — because Washington will have far less control over how Tehran spends the revenue it earns on the open market. Egypt Detains Hundreds for Illegal Goldmining and Smuggling Egyptian security forces have detained hundreds of people, including foreigners, near the Sudan border. They are accused of illegal gold mining and smuggling, according to the Egyptian military. The military said the detainees included 87 Egyptians and 136 foreigners. Egypt's military said some surrendered (投降) and were sent home. The operation seized large amounts of mining equipment. The southern region of Egypt is rich in gold mines, including the Sukari mine. Sudan, also rich in gold, has seen much of its gold smuggled due to the war there. 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 214-points this morning from Thursday's close, at 4,6679 on turnover of 25.1-billion N-T. The market smashed record closing levels once again last Thursday - the final trading day of the national holiday shortened week - with large cap tech stocks in focus as investors continued to focus on strong AI development. Testing of MQ-9B 'SkyGuardian' drone underway in Taiwan Reports says testing of MQ-9B "SkyGuardian" drones is already underway here in Taiwan. Four of the drones were ordered from the United States in 2020. The U-S agreed to deliver the four MQ-9Bs to Taiwan in two batches in 2026 and 2027 and defense officials have not said how many of the drones were included in the first shipment, which was recently delivered. According to an anonymous source,the military and the drone manufacturer are working together on assembly and will next proceed to ( 進行，繼續進行) flight testing. MQ-9Bs are capable of long-term, long-range surveillance. Lin Yu-ting wins silver at World Boxing Cup in China Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-ting has won silver at the 2026 World Boxing Cup stop in Guiyang, China, after losing to Kazakhstan's Viktoriya Grafeyeva in the women's 60-kilogram final. Lin's coach Tseng Tzu-chiang says the heavier weight class tested Lin's stamina (耐力) and she appeared not to have fully recovered from her semifinal against Chinese former world champion Yang Cheng-yu on Saturday. Lin returned to the ring earlier this year after taking a 19-month break from international competition amid uncertainty surrounding World Boxing's new sex-testing regulations. IRAN-US TALKS IN CRISIS AS TEHRAN DELEGATION REFUSES TO RETURN AFTER A senior U.S. diplomat says negotiators anticipate working through the night after U.S.-Iran talks on their interim deal to end the war had a tense start in Switzerland. Nuclear talks between the two sides were thrown into turmoil at the Bürgenstock resort, with Iran's delegation refusing to return to the negotiating table after a break, citing what Tehran called threatening and insulting remarks by US President Donald Trump. Trump said on Sunday the US might take over the Strait of Hormuz if no deal is reached, and warned Iranian officials they would not have a country if they closed the waterway. The two sides have given sharply different accounts of events at the summit, with deep mistrust evident (明顯) even before formal sessions began. Allister Dsouza reports from Washington. Bolivia Roadblocks Continue Amid Protests Bolivia continues to clear roadblocks isolating its capital, La Paz, and other cities. This follows President Rodrigo Paz's state of emergency declaration, ratified by parliament. On Sunday, a tragic plane crash killed six people, including Bolivian Air Force officers. The aircraft was monitoring a blocked highway between La Paz and Cochabamba. Although many blockades have been lifted, some persist in Cochabamba, led by coca growers' unions allied with former President Evo Morales. The government accuses Morales of instigating (煽動) protests to avoid legal issues. The state of emergency will last 90 days but could end sooner if violence subsides. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 暑假不想待在家？ 喜鴻假期跟妳一起『FUN暑假玩世界』！ ．清艙晚鳥旅遊最便宜！ ．跟團最低$14,900元起！ ．兒童最高省10000！ 馬上搜尋 #喜鴻假期， 從快熱暑人變成快樂旅人！ →【https://sofm.pse.is/98kaly】 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. ---- Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened up (上漲開盤) 95-points this morning from yesterday's close (收盤), at 45,972 on turnover (成交金額) of $15-billion N-T. ---- 90 percent of suspended social media accounts restored: MODA The Ministry of Digital Affairs says Meta has promised to restore (恢復) thousands of social media accounts wrongly suspended (被停用 / 被停權) over the weekend, with nearly 90 percent recovered as of Wednesday afternoon. Between 3,000 and 4,000 accounts were suspended late Sunday after a technical issue caused Meta's system to mistakenly flag users as being under 13 years old, part of a new age-verification mechanism (年齡驗證機制) the company rolled out in May. About 200 accounts belonged to media organizations and public figures, with thousands more belonging to individual users. The ministry instructed Meta to restore a list of nearly 100 accounts, including those of major broadcasters and prominent political figures, by 6 p.m. Wednesday. Meta also said its existing appeal mechanisms remain available for users whose accounts are still suspended. ---- Banqiao man arrested after robbing bank with scissors A 50-year-old man was arrested (被逮捕) Wednesday morning after robbing a bank in New Taipei's Banqiao District with a pair of scissors. Police said the robbery at the Taishin International Bank branch was reported at around 10:15 a.m. Officers arrived four minutes later to find the suspect (嫌犯), surnamed Wang, seated in the customer area counting cash. He was arrested on the spot. Wang is being questioned on suspicion of robbery. Investigators are working to determine whether any accomplices (共犯) were involved and whether the crime was premeditated. ---- US and Iran digitally sign MOU to end war as Trump warns he'll resume bombing if talks fail US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have digitally signed a fourteen-point memorandum of understanding (諒解備忘錄) to end the war between the United States, Israel and Iran. The deal calls for an immediate ceasefire (停火), the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of sanctions (制裁) on Iranian oil exports, but President Trump has warned the agreement is not final and the US would resume military action if further talks fail. A further round of negotiations is due to begin in Switzerland on Friday, with those talks expected to conclude within sixty days. Kate Fisher has more from Washington. That was Kate Fisher in Washington. ---- UN Warns of Acute Hunger Across Global Hotspots The United Nations' food agencies warn that acute hunger (嚴重飢餓) is set to worsen across 13 global hot spots in the coming months, calling for urgent action. Conflict, funding shortages, and climate shocks are pushing millions closer to famine (飢荒). A new joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program highlights that conditions are expected to deteriorate between June and November 2026. Around 266 million people already face high levels of acute food insecurity (糧食不安全). The report says "Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine" remain the countries of greatest concern. Nigeria and Somalia have been newly added to that category as conditions worsen and famine risks rise. ---- UK Stonehenge "Prototype" Discovered Archaeologists (考古學家) say they have discovered a structure near Stonehenge that may have served as a “prototype” (原型) for the monument. A team from Wessex Archaeology says the structure, found near Bulford, predates Stonehenge by around 500 years. It consisted of two wooden poles aligned with the sun during solstices (至日). The site also revealed pottery, animal bones, and a rare knife, suggesting it was a focus for religious gatherings. The discovery was made as part of work for the British defense ministry. Stonehenge remains a symbol of British culture and a major tourist attraction. ---- 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 124-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,685 on turnover of $8-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan extended momentum (延續動能) from a session earlier and closed at the day's high Tuesday, led by the electronics and financial sectors amid improved sentiment (市場信心改善) with the United States and Iran scheduled to sign a peace agreement Friday. Optimism toward geopolitics continued to drive the local main board higher, but analysts say the gains lagged behind a strong rally in the United States as some investors appeared reluctant to chase prices amid fears of possible volatility (波動性) today, the settlement day of the June futures. Kaohsiung hospital dengue cluster linked to imported case: CDC The Centers for Disease Control says a dengue fever cluster (群聚感染) at Kaohsiung Municipal Min-Sheng Hospital has been confirmed as linked to an imported case from Vietnam. A localized dengue cluster emerged at Min-Sheng Hospital after five inpatients tested positive for dengue fever on June 12-th. At a weekly briefing, the CDC said genetic sequencing (基因定序) showed all infections in the cluster matched an imported case reported earlier this month. As of Monday, the cluster totaled six cases, with no new infections reported. The CDC has since expanded testing to more than 1,400 people at the hospital, but there is currently no evidence of broader community transmission (社區傳播). The center is stressing that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease and is not transmitted from person to person, thus mosquito prevention remains the most important measure. FBI foil terror plot against White House UFC event The FBI has arrested multiple people in connection with (與…有關) an alleged (涉嫌的) terrorist plot to attack Sunday's Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House. It was designed to coincide with (與…同時發生) Donald Trump's 80th birthday celebrations. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Toronto Links Multiple Shootings to GunforHire Networks Toronto police have linked multiple shootings, including one at the U.S. Consulate in March, to complex gun-for-hire networks (受僱開槍犯罪網絡). The Canadian city's police chief says young adults are being recruited through encrypted messaging apps (加密通訊軟體) to carry out attacks. Some firearms used in these shootings have been seized. A veteran officer was killed last week during a related raid (突襲行動). Toronto police, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and FBI, are investigating who is funding these attacks. Two firearms involved in over 25 shootings originated in the U.S. A suspect remains hospitalized, and another is wanted in connection with the consulate shooting. Uffizi Repositions Botticelli Masterpieces The Uffizi Gallery has repositioned (重新調整位置) Sandro Botticelli's masterpieces “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera.” Starting Tuesday, visitors can view “The Birth of Venus” in one room and then turn to see “Primavera” in an adjoining space (相鄰空間). The director of the famed musuem in Italy, says this update marks a new phase in the ongoing renovation (持續進行的整修) of the Uffizi. Previously, the paintings were displayed on adjacent walls, allowing both to be viewed at once. In earlier decades, they hung on opposite walls in the same room, leading to crowding. 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 103-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,500 on turnover of $14-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan surged more than 1,200 points and closed above the 45,000-point mark Monday on an announcement by the United States and Iran that they have reached a peace deal slated to be signed Friday. Contract chipmaker TSMC rose 2.81 percent, contributing about 520 points to the Taiex's rise and sending the electronics index up 2.97 percent. Analysts say buying also rotated to passive electronics component makers, adding momentum to the tech sector. TFDA confirms no contaminated forumla imported The Food and Drug Administration is confirming that a contaminated (受污染的) infant formula in the US was not imported into Taiwan. The product came under scrutiny after three cases of infant botulism (肉毒桿菌中毒) were reported in the US. The US CDC found that all three affected infants had consumed the formula. Taiwanese officials say that there are no import records for the product over the past three years. According to the U.S. FDA, the three illnesses began between April and May 2026. Testing of the infant formula in question and related investigations remain ongoing. US & Iran sign peace deal, starting more negotiations US President Donald Trump says Washington and Tehran have signed a deal to end the conflict (衝突) and start further negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. The two sides are scheduled to take part in a signing ceremony on Friday in Geneva. Nick Harper reports from Washington. UN Resolution Calls on Taliban to Reverse Crackdown on Women The U.N. Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan's Taliban rulers to swiftly reverse their crackdown on women. China's U.N. Ambassador, whose country sponsored the resolution, said the hope is that the Afghan government will “take more proactive measures to protect human rights, especially the rights of women, and project an image of openness, inclusivity (包容性) and responsibility.” The resolution adopted on Monday extends the U.N. political mission in Afghanistan until June 17, 2027. It authorizes the mission to support humanitarian aid deliveries and promote national and local governance “without any discrimination based on sex, religion or ethnicity, with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women." 1st Edition Wuthering Heights Up for Auction A rare first-edition copy of Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights" is up for auction for the first time in over a century. Christie's auction house announced Monday that this is the first copy in the publisher's original cloth binding to be auctioned since 1908. Only about 250 copies of the first edition were printed, and this one has been in a private library since shortly after (不久之後) its publication in 1847. The book, along with a copy of Anne Brontë's "Agnes Grey," is expected to sell for up to $800-thousand US dollars at a June 30th sale in London. 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 279-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 44,448 on turnover of $18.6-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed more than 1,000 points higher Friday with AI-related stocks in focus amid improved sentiment after U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled planned strikes against Iran. Analysts say electronics heavyweights, notably in the semiconductor industry simply followed suit and the momentum largely reflected optimism toward AI development. And select raw material stocks also moved higher in line with the Taiex. Civil groups urge protections for migrant caregivers through agency hiring Civil groups are urging the government to allow household migrant caregivers to be hired and managed by long-term care agencies. They say, the move would prevent overwork and better protect the interests of both those providing and receiving care. Protesters demonstrated at a rally outside the Ministry of Health and Welfare, saying "exploitation (利用，剝削) is not a choice." Advocates described facing long working hours, limited opportunities for rest or leave, and increasing care responsibilities that often go beyond what one person can do. They noted that the rights to rest and take leave are "fundamental labor and human rights," and emphasized that caregivers being overworked affected the quality of care received by older adults. MOHW officials say that the proposed change would require significant regulatory changes and careful assessment. 2 Mercury viewing events coming up The Taipei Astronomical Museum says, stargazers may be able to view Mercury with the naked eye twice this week… This month Mercury is visible low in the western sky after sunset and can be seen more easily with binoculars. The first event will occur tomorrow, with one of the best chances all year to observe the planet. Then on Wednesday, Mercury will join Venus, Jupiter, and a crescent moon in the western sky,with all four objects forming a vertical arrangement. The museum recommended viewing the events between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. from a location with an unobstructed (無障礙的) view of the western horizon… but they do warn of unstable weather affecting visibility. Gaza latest Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war has surpassed 73,000. The updated toll came as Israel has continued to strike what it says are militant targets, often killing civilians, despite a fragile (脆弱的) ceasefire deal reached in October. Donna Warder again. G7 Summit Protests Thousands of demonstrators are converging in Geneva to show their discontent with the G7 group of rich countries. U.S. President Donald Trump and counterparts are set to hold a summit starting today across Lake Geneva in France. Environmentalists and feminists on Sunday joined protesters against imperialism (帝國主義), defenders of independent media and supporters of Palestinian rights and others in a lakeside park for a march across town. The summit from Monday to Wednesday in Evian-les-Bains, France, will discuss the Middle East, Ukraine and global economic issues. Demonstrators have been gathering for days. Switzerland Rejects Proposal to Cap Population Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million. The initiative, led by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, was seen as a move against migration. Preliminary results showed nearly 55% opposed the measure, with a turnout of almost 59%. Critics warned it could harm Switzerland's ties with the European Union. Switzerland isn't an EU member but is surrounded by EU countries. The proposal's defeat reflects ongoing debates about immigration in Europe. Swiss democracy allows voters to directly influence policy through referendums, highlighting the country's unique approach to governance (治理). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 暑假不想待在家？ 喜鴻假期跟妳一起『FUN暑假玩世界』！ ．清艙晚鳥旅遊最便宜！ ．跟團最低$14,900元起！ ．兒童最高省10000！ 馬上搜尋 #喜鴻假期， 從快熱暑人變成快樂旅人！ →【https://sofm.pse.is/97cxmx】 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 438-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 43,588 on turnover of $22.6-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday, as investors reacted to another sell-off of artificial-intelligence stocks that dragged Wall Street down overnight. The loses were far less than Thursday's sharp decline, but the main board still closed lower. Taiwan slips to 42nd in Global Peace Index Taiwan ranks 42nd in terms of peacefulness in the 2026 Global Peace Index. Taiwan has an overall score of 1.751 this year and fell from 37th place in last year's report. The report is published by the global Institute for Economics and Peace and covers 163 countries. The overall score measures a country's level of peacefulness, using 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators across three domains - those being ongoing domestic and international conflict, societal safety and security, and militarization. Each indicator is weighted on a scale of 1 to 5, with lower scores indicating greater peacefulness. Although Taiwan ranks 42nd worldwide, it's listed in 9th place among the 19 Asian-Pacific countries in the report. Iceland remained the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th consecutive (連續的) year, with an overall score of 1.161, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia and Ireland. New Taipei launches new commuter bus routes over Danjiang Bridge The New Taipei Transportation Department has launched (啓動，開始) four new bus routes that cross that Danjiang Bridge. The new routes provide 80 daily services between Banqiao and Tamsui, Tamsui and Taoyuan International Airport, and Tamsui and Bali. Route 988 connects Banqiao Bus Station and Danhai New Town with 20 services each way on weekdays and 18 each way on weekends. Airport routes 989 and 990, provide 10 services each way between Taoyuan Airport and Danhai New Town, and Tamsui Metro Station. The 115 route will operate as a commuter service between Tamsui and Bali on weekdays and as a tourism-focused route on weekends and public holidays. Philippine QuakeHit Town Pleads for Food Supplies The mayor of a quake-hit southern Philippine town is pleading for air force helicopters to transport food to stave off hunger in places isolated by landslides. The earthquake Monday off southern Sarangani province has left 47 people dead with 31 others still missing and 45,000 displaced. The mayor of the town of Glan says 10 villages remained isolated (被孤立) mostly due to landslides. He pleaded for the immediate deployment of air force helicopters to deliver food to the stricken areas. The town doesn't have power and phone service is unreliable. UK Defence Secretary Resigns The UK defence secretary has resigned. John Healey says the government's plans for spending on defence 'falls well short of what's required.' John Bevir reports. Thailand Princess Dies Age 47 Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha "Pacha-raki-ti-ya-Pa" Mahidol, a lawyer and the eldest of King Maha Vajiralongkorn's children, has died at age 47. The palace said she died Thursday. She had been on life support after falling unconscious in 2022. The princess was active in justice reform and known for her “Inspire” project to rehabilitate (恢復正常生活，獲得改造) incarcerated women. She had a doctoral degree from Cornell University, where scholarships to the law school were established in her name. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【曼谷旅遊首選：喬瑞旅行社】 帶長輩小孩出國不再心累！ 喬瑞提供專屬包車、客製化行程與小團服務，免去交通奔波，讓全家輕鬆享受泰國假期。 點擊連結，讓喬瑞為您規畫完美旅程：https://sofm.pse.is/97a74d -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened down 53-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 43,172 on turnover of 11.9-billion N-T. The market tumbled (大跌、暴跌) on Wednesday after heavy selling in major tech stocks triggered a decline that sent the benchmark index back to below its monthly moving average and erased all of the previous session's gains. Two leading House Republicans to meet with KMT chair Two leading U-S House Republicans are meeting with K-M-T Chair Cheng Li-wun in Washington, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Young Kim, who leads a subcommittee (小組委員會) overseeing East Asia policy have both said they will sit down with Cheng. Mast has admitted he doesn't have specific expectations for the meeting. While a spokesperson for Kim, says the lawmaker plans to encourage Cheng and the K-M-T to support more defense spending to show Taiwan's commitment to self-defense and deterrence (嚇阻、威懾). NGO warns large fish disappearing from Taiwan's coasts due to overfishing Greenpeace Taiwan says research shows that smaller fish are making up an increasing share of Taiwan's inshore and offshore catches (近海與離岸漁獲), a trend the group says indicates larger fish are becoming rarer due to overfishing. According to the study, the proportion of fish caught before reaching "Lm50" — or the length at which 50 percent of a species reaches sexual maturity (性成熟) — rose from 77.7-percent in 2022 to 93.3-percent in 2025. Researchers say the survey points to severe overfishing and shows that without effective management measures, fish populations could face bottleneck effects (瓶頸效應) that result in progressively smaller fish. Iran latest Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens (飛彈警報器) early Thursday morning after Iran threatened to retaliate (報復、反擊) over a new round of U.S. airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic. Bahrain's urged the public to seek shelter. Iran's paramilitary (準軍事的) Revolutionary Guard had threatened to strike Bahrain over the attacks. The second day of American strikes comes hours after Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan — all of which host U.S. troops — came under Iranian fire. Iran has said it will close the Strait of Hormuz in response. Congo Ebola outbreak spreads in the east Congo's Ebola outbreak (疫情、爆發) has spread to another health zone in the country's northeastern province of Ituri. Health officials say the outbreak has now affected 26 health zones nationwide. That includes 18 in Ituri where most of the confirmed cases (確診病例) have been reported. Officials reported 37 new confirmed cases and 12 deaths in the past 24 hours. The outbreak has now recorded 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths across three eastern provinces. It is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain (病毒株) of Ebola. Officials say there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for that strain. Treatment activities are now underway at Ebola centers in two affected areas. Pope Leo blesses Sagrada Familia's tallest tower Pope Leo has blessed the newest tower of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, making it the tallest church in the world. The 172-meter Tower of Jesus Christ is topped with a large ceramic cross visible across the city. Leo called the basilica an "architectural masterpiece" (建築傑作) during a Mass attended by Spain's king, queen and prime minister. The ceremony came 100 years after the death of architect Antoni Gaudi. The pope also used his sermon (講道、布道) to say Christians "cannot believe in Jesus and promote war." Earlier in the day, Leo became the first pope to visit a Spanish prison. He urged inmates at Brians 1 prison to make amends (彌補過錯、改過) and choose better lives. The Sagrada Familia was meant to be completed this year, but construction is now expected to continue until 2035. 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 122-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 44,581 on turnover of 8.6-billion N-T. The market staged a technical rebound (技術性反彈) on Tuesday led by the electronics sector, after tech stocks rallied on Wall Street overnight, while buying also rotated to (輪動至) the financial sector, to give an additional boost to the broader market. Lai touts Shinzo Abe's legacy at Tokyo forum  President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan and Japan face identical security challenges along the First Island Chain. In a pre-recorded address at the inaugural (首屆的) Shinzo Abe and Modern Japan International Research Forum in Tokyo, Lai said the late Prime Minister's declaration that "a Taiwan contingency (緊急事態) is a Japanese contingency" highlights the importance of continued peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president also used the opportunity to thank Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for continuing Abe's legacy. The forum was cohosted by the National Chengchi University's Shinzo Abe Research Center and the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals think tank… it brought together experts from Taiwan, Japan and the U-S to discuss Abe's legacy and strategy. Hsinchu gas explosion cause under investigation  Fire investigators (調查人員) and police are looking into the cause of an explosion that left two people dead and two others injured in Hsinchu City on Tuesday. The explosion ripped through (炸穿 / 猛烈摧毀) a lunchbox store on Gaocui Road in the city's East District. The blast collapsed a wall onto a neighboring bakery - where the two elderly victims were sleeping. Both were later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Firefighters believe the blast was due gas accumulating (累積 / 聚積) overnight inside the lunchbox store after it closed. US Launches New Attacks on Iran Following Helicopter Incident Bahrain has sounded its missile alert sirens as Iran said it targeted the island nation to retaliate (報復) for US strikes. Iran said it had targeted the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, the island nation in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged (呼籲) the public to seek shelter. The US launched fresh strikes on Iran following the downing of an Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, putting any new peace agreement in jeopardy (陷入危險). Mitch McCann reports. … That was correspondent Mitch McCann. Brazil Crackdown on Smugglers of Cuban Migrants Brazilian police have rescued more than 100 Cuban migrants from human smugglers (走私者 / 偷渡集團) at the northern border with Guyana. Officials say the 108 migrants are in custody while authorities work to regularize (使合法化) their immigration status. Five people have been arrested on smuggling charges. The smugglers, known as "coyotes," charged high fees and provided unsafe travel conditions. The operation, conducted Monday, marks the largest humanitarian rescue in the state. Cuban migration to Brazil has surged since 2022 due to Cuba's economic crisis and U.S. sanctions. More affluent migrants often fly to Sao Paulo, while others travel overland through northern Amazon states. 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 184-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 43,687 on turnover of 22.7-billion N-T. The market recorded its third largest ever point decline on Monday as investors reacted to plunge on Wall Street last Friday as big artificial intelligence-related stocks fell. MND calls China Coast Guard patrols 'provocative' Defense Minister Wellington Koo is describing Chinese Coast Guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan as being a "provocative act." The statement comes after four Chinese ships, including three coast guard vessels, sailed into Taiwan's restricted waters 30-nautical miles southwest of the island's southern most tip on Sunday. The Coast Guard Administration dispatched seven if its vessels the area to warn away ​the Chinese ships. According to the defense minister, China's actions were a form of cognitive warfare, that was aimed at claiming Taiwan's eastern waters as belonging to Beijing - which shows serious disrespect for Taiwan's national sovereignty. MOJ seeking death for etomidate trafficking Justice Minister Cheng Ming-chien says his office is taking steps to reclassify etomidate, which is also known as "zombie vape." According to Cheng, the Narcotics Review Committee will hold talks next week, at which the drug could be upgraded from a Category 2 narcotic to Category 1 due to its potential for abuse. Cheng says if the committee agrees to reclassify the drug, those convicted of manufacturing, transporting or selling etomidate could face life in prison or the death penalty. The statements come after the National Police Agency recently reported that large numbers of people have been arrested for driving under the influence of etomidate in recent years. Premier Cho Jung-tai last week told reporters that authorities will be stepping up border inspections targeting the so called "zombie vapes." Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Facilities Ukrainian forces have struck oil facilities in Russia and occupied Ukraine as part of their campaign to impose economic costs on Moscow. Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed the attacks on Monday. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has confirmed that Roman Abramovich acted as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow, delivering messages from Russian President Putin. Russia's Defense Ministry reported shooting down 310 Ukrainian drones overnight. Meanwhile, Ukraine's General Staff said Ukrainian forces targeted Russia's Krasnodar Krai region and Crimea, sparking fires at oil facilities. Russian drone strikes injured civilians in several Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv and Odesa. US Federal judge blocks Trump's $100,000 visas for high skilled workers A federal judge has blocked President Trump's policy of imposing (推行，強制實行) a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas - which are used to bring highly skilled workers to the United States. Toni Waterman has the details. Germany Presidential Office Popup Art Show A pop-up art show featuring contemporary works is set to open at the German president's official residency this week before renovations (整修，裝潢) begin. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his support for the show on Monday, emphasizing (強調) the importance of free art in democracy. The exhibition will run for two weeks starting Friday and is organized by Berlin's Academy of Arts. Interest has been high, with the ticket website crashing last month. The show includes works by artists like Katharina Grosse and Wolfgang Tillmans. Visitors can also interact with artists through performances and discussions. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 即日起至6月底， 透過台南住商不動產買房， 就有機會參加【買屋抽黃金】活動， 幸運得主將於7月公開抽出✨ 把成家的重要時刻， 變成雙倍黃金祝福。 台南住商不動產， 不只陪你安心成家， 還讓黃金一起到家！ 馬上預約看房 https://sofm.pse.is/974guv -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 563-points this morning from Friday's close, at 44,507 on turnover of 31--billion N-T. The market lost ground on Friday after big artificial intelligence-related stocks saw sharp declines on Wall Street overnight, but financial stocks helped stabilize (穩定) the main board. Analysts says that decline came as many investors rushed to (趕往、衝向) pocket recent gains built in the electronics sector in the wake of the U-S losses. VP encourages tourists to visit Palau during 1st ally trip Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is urging more Taiwan tourists to visit Palau. She made the call after snorkeling with Palau's President Surangel Whipps during her first visit to the diplomatic ally as vice president. Hsiao arrived in Palau on Saturday on a direct flight from Taiwan. She joined Whipps on a boat trip Sunday morning to Big Drop Off, a renowned snorkeling and diving site in the southern part of Palau's Rock Islands. According to Hsiao, after working hard in their daily lives, people in Taiwan deserve to arrange an island getaway to relax and recharge, and Palau is a convenient (方便的) choice because it is close to Taiwan and served by direct flights. Taiwan's Japan rep. attends Tokyo Pride and highlights equality Taiwan's representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang has attended the Tokyo Pride Parade. Lee was invited to speak on the event's main stage by Britain's ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom. He was only official representative from an Asian country to do so. Lee used his speech to tout Taiwan becaming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019, describing the move as not only a legal milestone but also a reflection of broader (更廣泛的) social progress. Members of Team Taiwan, a group formed by the Taipei Representative Office in Japan, the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights and the Taiwan AIDS Foundation attended the event. Ebola latest Officials of the Democratic ​Republic of ‌Congo said that ​the number of confirmed ​Ebola cases ​had increased to 515 ​after ​27 new samples ‌tested positive in the previous 24 ​hours. Government data showing the ​confirmed cases include ​91 ​deaths. Donna Warder has more on efforts to bring the epidemic to a head (達到緊要關頭). Philippines 7.8Earthquake and Tsunami Warning A magnitude 7.8 earthquake has shaken part of the southern Philippines, and a tsunami was possible on some regional coasts. Power outages were reported and people were urged to (力勸，強烈要求) go to higher ground. No further information on damage or casualties was immediately available. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the epicenter was 13 kilometers from General Santos city on the island of Mindanao. It was just 10 kilometers deep and struck at 7:37 this morning. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves up to 3 meters were possible on some coasts of the Philippines. Waves up to 1 meter were possible in parts of Indonesia. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 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 忙碌也能輕鬆補給，趁少年要保養

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 58-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,620 on turnover of $18-billion N-T. Premier talks lifetime license ban for fatal drug-impaired driving Premier Cho Jung-tai says motorists who cause death or serious injury while driving under the influence of drugs will face a lifetime license ban under planned amendments to the law. According to the Cabinet, the Ministry of Justice has been instructed to draft amendments imposing harsher (更嚴厲的) criminal penalties for drug-impaired driving as soon as possible. The premier says Cabinet would discuss establishing a legal basis for rapid saliva testing of suspected drug-impaired drivers and those tests could also be used alongside existing urine tests in schools to strengthen anti-drug efforts. The premier also says authorities will step up border inspections targeting vapes and that he's instructed the justice ministry to convene a narcotics review committee to consider reclassifying etomidate from a Category 2 to a Category 1 narcotic. The proposed changes come after the Ministry of Transport earlier this week unveiled a package of stricter administrative penalties that also covered passengers riding with drug-impaired drivers and expanded license revocations. Taipei Zoo to receive two red pandas on Saturday: Officials Taipei Zoo is scheduled to receive two red pandas from Shanghai Zoo tomorrow. The red pandas are coming to Taiwan under an agreement signed at the 2024 Shanghai-Taipei Twin City Forum. Taipei Zoo will be sending white‑handed gibbons to Shanghai Zoo instead of African penguins as originally (起初) stated in the agreement. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan‑an says the red pandas are expected to make their public debut after completing a one-month quarantine period following their arrival. Former Trump advisor John Bolton reportedly reaches plea deal Donald Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to mishandling classified misinformation, stemming from a critical book he wrote about his time in the administration.. The case is part of the US President's campaign to aggressively (激烈地，竭力地) prosecute his perceived (認為) critics. Ira Spitzer has more. Somalia Opposition Clashes in Mogadishu Somalia's opposition supporters and security forces have clashed in Mogadishu for a second day ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration. The United Nations and the United States called for restraint (克制) as the government and opposition blame each other for the violence. Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions in several neighborhoods. The clashes highlight growing political tensions over elections and the constitution. Gunfire subsides Thursday afternoon after mediation efforts. Opposition figures say the rally protests constitutional violations and efforts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend his tenure. The government rejects those allegations. EU Expands Ocean Monitoring Network The European Union is expanding its ocean monitoring network with underwater drones and satellites as climate change intensifies heat waves and storms. EU Commision President Ursula von der Leyen $107-million US dollars will fund this effort. Oceans are vital ecosystems covering about 70% of planet Earth, hosting complex webs of life that generate oxygen and absorb (吸收) greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. The EU aims to lead global ocean research and protection. Funds will support oceanic technology incubators and the United Nations' Global Ocean Observing System. By 2035, the EU hopes to cover 35% of Earth's maritime monitoring network. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【曼谷旅遊首選：喬瑞旅行社】 帶長輩小孩出國不再心累！ 喬瑞提供專屬包車、客製化行程與小團服務，免去交通奔波，讓全家輕鬆享受泰國假期。 點擊連結，讓喬瑞為您規畫完美旅程：https://sofm.pse.is/96rbc3 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened down 95-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,364 on turnover of 13-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another record high on Wednesday, it surpassed the 46,000 mark following an overnight rally among tech stocks on Wall Street - which triggered buying, particularly in the bellwether electronics sector (指標電子類股). In news from and about Taiwan this morning, Research group to work with US defense firm on drone development The government-sponsored Metal Industries Research & Development Center has signed a memorandum of understanding (合作備忘錄) with US-based defense technology developer Anduril Industries for the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (無人機). The agreement was signed by Center Chairperson Liu Chia-ru and Anduril founder Palmer Luckey in Taipei. According to the center, cooperation will focus on the development of A-I autonomous systems and key drone components and the two parties will integrate the supply chains, promote localized production (在地化生產) and expand technology exchanges. 2025 carbon reduction estimated at 9%, below 10% goal Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming says Taiwan's greenhouse gas emissions (溫室氣體排放) in 2025 are estimated to have been about 9-per cent below 2005 levels, narrowly missing the government's 10-per cent reduction target (減量目標). According to Peng, the official goal remain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28-per cent, plus or minus 2 percentage points, by 2030 compared with 2005 levels. Peng says in order to meet the 2030 target, the government will need to reduce emissions by nearly 20-per cent over the next five years. Peng is describing that possibilty as being challenging, despite emissions here in Taiwan being on a steady downward trend (下降趨勢). House delivers bipartisan condemnation of Iran war House lawmakers have delivered a bipartisan condemnation (譴責) of the Iran war, passing a resolution to block U.S. President Donald Trump from ordering further strikes. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Indonesia Arrests Nutrition Agency Head Over Corruption Indonesia's former head of the National Nutrition Agency has been arrested on corruption charges (貪污指控) related to a multibillion-dollar free-meals program. The initiative aimed to fight malnutrition (營養不良) by feeding nearly 90 million children and pregnant women. President Prabowo Subianto fired Dadan Hindayana on Tuesday, replacing him with the agency's deputy chief. Investigators searched the agency's offices early Wednesday. Prosecutors also arrested two other officials. The program, expected to cost $28 billion through 2029, has faced criticism for high costs and food poisoning (食物中毒) cases. WHO says Congo's Ebola outbreak testing is improving The World Health Organization says Congo's Ebola outbreak (疫情爆發) had a head start, but testing is improving, even as violence plagues the region. Since mid-May, 344 cases and 60 deaths have been confirmed in three eastern provinces. The number of suspected cases (疑似病例) has dropped significantly. Uganda has 15 confirmed cases, including one death. The outbreak involves a rare Ebola type with no approved medicine or vaccine. Limited testing and access issues make assessing the outbreak's extent difficult. The W-H-O says only 45-per cent of contacts have been traced, with insecurity and displacement complicating efforts. 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 103-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,660. However, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its share prices (股價) soar to a record high (歷史新高) of 2,440 N-T with the opening minutes - and that resulted in the main board making a significant gain of 841 points … .. which pushed the market above the 46,000 point mark, as it reached 46,398. Market watchers say the rises are due to investor optimism (投資人樂觀情緒) toward A-I, as keynote speeches at Computex Taipei has boosted tech stocks values both here in Taiwan and on Wall Street overnight. Air Force grounds T-34C trainers follow crash  The Air Force has grounded (停飛) all of its T-34C trainers pending safety checks (安全檢查) following a crash at the Gangshan Air Base in Kaohsiung that left two pilots dead. The two-seater aircraft crashed while conducting a routine simulated engine-failure training exercise. Both Lt. Col. Lu Chi-yu and Lt. Col. Kuo Chun-nan were pronounced dead at the scene. According to Air Force Chief Inspector Major General Chiang Yi-cheng, the pilots reported no anomalies or malfunctions (故障) during the flight test and weather conditions, including visibility, were suitable for flying. The Air Force has formed a special task force to investigate the cause of the crash. Taiwan makes 1st large-scale shipment of summer fruits to Europe Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih has overseen a send-off ceremony for the first large-scale export (大規模出口) of Taiwan-grown summer fruits to Europe. The 6 metric tons of mangoes, lychees and dragon fruit left Pingtung County after meeting European Union import and quarantine requirements (檢疫規定). Speaking at the ceremony Chen said Taiwan's fresh fruit exports to Europe had previously been limited, but this latest shipment mark the start of a more systematic push into the European market. According to the exporter, the shipment is destined for Rungis, France's largest wholesale fresh produce market (生鮮批發市場), which serves as a key sourcing hub for Michelin-starred restaurants, hotels and major retailers. Starmer's WhatApp messages set to disappear as Mandelson files deepen leadership crisis British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesperson (官方發言人) has confirmed the prime minister's WhatsApp messages are set to automatically disappear (自動消失)… A revelation that emerged after a cabinet meeting on the same day as the release of around a thousand pages of documents related to the appointment and dismissal of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington. The opposition Conservatives say they are surprised by how little of the prime minister's own communications feature in the release, and have accused the government of a cover-up (掩蓋真相). Olly Barratt reports from London. Canada Calls on US Mexico to Renew FTA Canada is calling on the United States and Mexico to renew (延長 / 續約) the free trade agreement (自由貿易協定) between the countries for another 16 years just as U.S. President Donald Trump revives talk of making Canada the 51st state. Canada's minister for U.S. trade sent a letter to United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexico's Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard on Tuesday that conveys Canada's recommendation. The letter comes ahead of the scheduled July review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Its the latest version of free trade agreements among the U.S., Mexico and Canada dating back to the early 1990s that have intertwined (緊密相連 / 交織在一起) the economies of the three North American countries. Trump posted “51st State!” on social media late Monday. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn