EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 340-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,062 on turnover of 9.5-billion N-T. The market tumbled over 800 points on Monday as investors reacted to claims by U-S President Donald Trump's that he plans to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by Monday evening. Control Yuan calls for tougher sentences for China spying cases The Control Yuan is calling on courts to hand down tougher sentences for military personnel convicted of spying for China and violating national security laws. It comes after the government watchdog investigated two cases involving military personnel. The investigations were carried out by the Control Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee and Judiciary and Prison Administration Committee. According to the committees, such sentences handed down by district courts averaged 12.8 months, those handed down by the High Court averaged 18.1 month, while the average sentence handed down by the Supreme Court stood at 27.8 months. And the government watchdog says the light sentences for violating national security laws do not act as deterrent (威懾力、阻嚇物). FM confirms Eswatini has invited Lai to visit Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says President Lai Ching-te has been invited to make a state visit to Eswatini. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Eswatini Cultural Fair in New Taipei, Lin said the Kingdom has invited Lai to attend events marking the 58th anniversary of Eswatini's independence and King Mswati III's 58th birthday. Lin also said this year marks 58th anniversary of Eswatini's establishing ties with Taiwan. According to the foreign minister, he was hugley impressed when he visited the Southern African country in April of last year - and that trip took place as the two sides are expanding trade and investment and Taiwan establishes an industrial innovation park there. The Presidential Office has not released any information concerning (有關) Lai's possible trip to Eswatini. Flights slowly resume at LaGuardia after deadly plane crash Flights are slowly resuming at New York City's LaGuardia airport after an Air Canada jet struck a fire truck on the runway late Sunday night, killing the plane's pilot and co-pilot. During a press briefing, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reiterated (重申) that he's been asking Congress for more money for air traffic control. Mitch McCann has more from LaGuardia. Australia EU Sign FTA The European Union and Australia have agreed on the final text of a free trade agreement. This comes two years after negotiations broke down over Australian demands for more red meat market access and complaints about Australian products labeled with traditionally European names. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the agreement today at the Australian Parliament House after protracted (延長的) negotiations that began in 2018. The breakthrough comes as both the EU and Australia seek to diversify (多樣化) their trading networks and reduce their economic reliance on China and exposure to uncertain U.S. tariffs. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Hola! 雄獅文具「作繪來野餐」4/18-19 熱情登場！✨ 走進墨西哥森林派對，享受美學創作、墨式美食與音樂演奏。 今年加開

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 209 -points this morning from Friday's close, at 33,334 on turnover of 10.2-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Friday due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, but losses were capped as bargain hunters turned active to pick up large-cap tech stocks towards the end of the trading day. FM warns designation on arrival cards will be changed from "Republic of Korea" to "South Korea" Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is reiterating (重申) that if Seoul continues to ignore a request to alter its e-arrival card system by March 31, his office will change South Korea's designation on Taiwan's arrival cards from "Republic of Korea" to "South Korea." It comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week changed the designation of South Korean nationals in government-issued A-R-Cs in response to Seoul's mislabeling (把…錯誤地列為) of Taiwan in its e-arrival card system. Taiwan is listed as "China (Taiwan)" in dropdown menus for both "place of departure" and "next destination." The foreign ministry has said Seoul has ignored repeated requests from to change the designation. CPC hikes gasoline and diesel prices C-P-C has opted to raise gasoline and diesel prices at the pump amid continuing surges (急劇上升) in international crude oil prices. Gasoline prices have risen by 1.8 N-T per liter. While diesel prices are up by 1.4 N-T per liter. C-P-C says it's adhering to government policy to keep prices at the pump lower than in neighboring countries, and will absorb the increase as part of the government's efforts to stabilize consumer prices. The state refiner says it has absorbed an estimated 3.43-billion N-T in fuel costs under its price stabilization mechanism since February 28, in a bid to cushion the impact on consumers and industry while maintaining stable domestic prices. Cuba Restoring Power After Third Collapse Cuba begins to restore (恢復) power after third nationwide collapse in a month AP correspondent Donna Warder reports Syria Protests Alcohol Restrictions Crowds of Syrians have rallied to protest authorities' efforts to limit the sale and consumption of alcohol in Damascus. Hundreds of protesters entered a grassy square in a Christian neighborhood of Damascus to urge the government to safeguard personal liberties and religious minorities (宗教少數群體). The decision on alcohol limits comes as the interim government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces growing pressure from hard-liners to impose more conservative religious values. Chile Protests on World Water Day Thousands of people march across Chile to mark World Water Day and protest President Jose Antonio Kast's rollback of environmental rules On Sunday, crowds fill a long stretch of Santiago's main avenue, and organizers say 15 other cities also join in. Activists say 1.4 million people still lack drinking water. They accuse Kast of putting big business first and treating nature like a commodity. Kast has halted 43 protections signed by ex-president Gabriel Boric. The rules cover wildlife, parks, pollution plans, and plant emissions (排放物). The government says it is a routine technical review. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Hola! 雄獅文具「作繪來野餐」4/18-19 熱情登場！✨ 走進墨西哥森林派對，享受美學創作、墨式美食與音樂演奏。 今年加開

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 30-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,720 on turnover of $8-billion N-T. The market fell by over 650 points on Thursday on the back of a sell-off sparked by a spike in international crude oil prices duen to Donald Trump's Middle East war and the U-S Federal Reserve's alert over rising inflation. Taiwan rated second freest country in Asia by Freedom House Taiwan maintained its status as a "free" country and the second freest in Asia in the latest annual report released by the US-based democracy watchdog (監督組織), Freedom House. Taiwan has an overall score of 93 out of 100. That was down one point from last year. Taiwan also ranked second in Asia behind Japan, which scored 96. The "Freedom in the World 2026: The Growing Shadow of Autocracy" report assessed access to political rights and civil liberties in 195 countries and 13 territories from January 1 to December 31 last year. Taiwan scored 38 out of 40 in political rights and 55 out of 60 in civil liberties. Freedom House says Taiwan's vibrant (活躍的) and competitive democratic system has enabled regular, peaceful transfers of power since 2000, while protections for civil liberties remain generally strong. However, it also flagged concerns, including insufficient protections for migrant workers and efforts by the China to influence policymaking, media, and democratic institutions. Kremlin:US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks are on Pause The Kremlin says US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks have been put on pause, but bilateral talks between Moscow and Washington continue. As the focus of the White House appears to have shifted to the Middle East in recent weeks, fears are rising the situation around Iran may distract (使分心) it from Kiev's urgent needs for Western arms supplies. Daria Bondarchuk reports from Moscow. NKorea Kim and Daughter Ride Tank North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter have ridden a tank together, days after they watched rocket launches and fired pistols. The official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that Kim oversaw (監督) training involving tank units and infantry troops on Thursday. KCNA images showed Kim and his daughter, both wearing black leather jackets, riding in an olive-green tank. The images show the girl sticking her head out of the tank'ss hatch, while Kim sitting on its top. The girl has accompanied her father to many high-profile events since 2022, sparking outside speculation that she is her father's likely heir. Brazil Enforcing Internet Laws Brazil now enforces a sweeping new law that aims to make the internet safer for children and teens. On Tuesday, the digital statute takes effect after Congress backs it and President Lula signs it in September. The law requires accounts for minors under 16 to link to a legal guardian. It also bans addictive design tricks like endless scrolling and autoplay. Platforms must use real age checks, not just a box that says “over 18.” Lula says online abuse and exploitation (剝削) can no longer hide behind “freedom.” WhatsApp and Google already roll out (推出) parent tools. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Hola! 雄獅文具「作繪來野餐」4/18-19 熱情登場！✨ 走進墨西哥森林派對，享受美學創作、墨式美食與音樂演奏。 今年加開

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 69-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,279 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market rose by more than 500 points on Wednesday, as buying was triggered by lingering enthusiasm toward global A-I development, which pushed up tech stocks higher. KMT and TPP approve cooperation pact for local elections The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have approved a cooperation agreement for November's local elections. The agreement was separately passed by the K-M-T Central Standing Committee and the T-P-P's Central Committee and means that two party's will jointly field (選派…上場) candidates. Under the pact's "nominate first, coordinate later" model, the two parties will prioritize incumbent mayors or county magistrates seeking re-election. A joint KMT-TPP campaign group will also be established to support candidates nationwide. CPC absorbs NT$3.3 billion in fuel costs amid Middle East tensions The Ministry of Economic Affairs says C-P-C has absorbed about 3.3-billion N-T in fuel costs over the past two weeks to help stabilize domestic prices due to the US-Isreal war with Iran. According to Vice Economics Minister, Lai Jien-hsin, the government has been prioritizing price stability as global energy supplies face disruptions (破壞) from the conflict. Under a price-stabilization mechanism, C-P-C absorbs at least 60-per cent of cost increases while keeping domestic fuel prices among the lowest in neighboring markets. Saudi Arabia Criticizes Iran After Overnight Attacks Saudi Arabia's foreign minister offered harsh criticism Thursday of Iran following overnight attacks on his country, saying: “What little trust there was before has completely been shattered.” Prince Faisal bin Farhan offered the comments after a meeting between foreign ministers of the Gulf Arab states and others over the Iranian attacks targeting the wider Middle East. He criticized Iran's attacks on Riyadh, the capital hosting the meeting. Iran also attacked Saudi Arabia's vast Eastern Province, home to many of its oil fields, as well as Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The minister says Saudi Arabia will use "every lever (手段，把柄)", "political, economic, diplomatic and otherwise, to get these attacks to stop”. US Lawmakers Demand Answers from Attorney General Over Epstein Files A US congressional committee is demanding that the US Attorney General face questions over her handling of the Epstein files, a move the Justice Department is pushing back (反對) on. Mitch McCann reports: World Happiness Report: Decline in Happiness Due to Social Media The latest World Happiness Report 2026 says that heavy social media use has contributed to a stark (嚴重的 ) decline in well-being among young people, with the effects particularly worrying in teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe. The annual report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, also found that Finland is the happiest land in the world for the ninth year in a row. Other Nordic countries such as Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway ranked among the top 10 countries. But it highlighted how life evaluations among under 25-year-olds in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have dropped over the past decade. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Hola! 雄獅文具「作繪來野餐」4/18-19 熱情登場！✨ 走進墨西哥森林派對，享受美學創作、墨式美食與音樂演奏。 今年加開

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 92-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,929 on turnover of 12.4-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Tuesday led by the electronics sector, after Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang's gave an upbeat keynote address G-T-C global artificial intelligence conference in San Jose. Black box of missing F-16 retrieved after long search The Air Force Command Headquarters says it has found and retrieved the flight data recorder of the F-16V fighter jet that disappeared off the east coast in January. According to defense officials, the flight data recorder will now be sent it to its manufacturer in the U-S to decode the data to determine the cause of the plane's disappearance. The single-seat F-16V went missing on January 6 after taking off from Hualien Air Base on a routine nighttime training mission. The pilot reported that the aircraft was losing altitude shortly before (快要…之前) he was about to eject from the aircraft. The fighter jet's signal disappeared from radar eight seconds later off the coast of Fengbin in Hualien. MOL rolls out free video legal consultation service for workplace gender bias The Ministry of Labor has launched a free video legal consultation service for workers facing suspected pregnancy or gender-based workplace discrimination. According to the ministry, it hopes to provide a consultation channel that is professional, private and convenient and believes it will make workers less likely to feel intimidated (受到恐嚇) about seeking help than other channels. The free video legal consultation service has been established partnership with the Legal Aid Foundation. Migrant workers and foreign nationals who do not speak Mandarin are also eligible for the service - with the Legal Aid Foundation saying interpretation assistance provided if needed. Iran pushing up oil and traveler costs Oil prices remain volatile (不穩定的) amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, forcing up travel costs. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Ecuador Rejects Colombia Bombing Accusations Ecuador's president rejected allegations that his country is bombing targets in neighboring Colombia. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said Tuesday that his government “is fighting narco terrorism in all its forms” and “bombing places that serve as hideouts (藏身處) for those groups, of which many are Colombian," but only within Ecuadorian territory. On Monday night, Colombian president Gustavo Petro accused Ecuador of bombing targets on Colombia's side of the border, saying a bomb was found by Colombian officials, but provided no evidence to back up his claim. The dispute comes as Colombia prepares for presidential elections in May, and relations deteriorate between Colombia and Ecuador, two neighboring nations that were once close commercial and security partners. Colosseum Restoration Recreates Marble Columns The Colosseum has a bright new look following a restoration using the same travertine marble (洞石，石灰華) of ancient Rome to recreate parts of columns from 2,000 years ago. The project focused on a semicircular piazza outside the arena, where Roman spectators crowded under two arcades comprised of marble columns stretching up to 50 meters high. The columns collapsed a long time ago, but but now, tourists will be able to sit on large travertine marble slabs where the columns once stood and read reproductions (複製品) of the Roman numerals that indicated seat sections. The Colosseum is Italy's most popular tourist destination, with 9 million visitors in 2025 alone. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 在臺北，有一種以城市命名的「臺北赤蛙」。 曾經遍布半個臺灣，現在卻成了瀕危動物…… 這集邀請人禾環境倫理發展基金會， 帶我們走進第一線的棲地保衛戰。 從友善農法到棲地修復，還有許多默默守護自然的人， 努力讓臺北赤蛙的叫聲不再消失

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 38-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,380 on turnover of 7.6-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Monday as investor sentiment remained muted due the impact of the US-Israel war against Iran, which has resulted in rises in international crude oil prices. Lai urges supply chain cooperation among democracies President Lai Ching-te is calling for closer cooperation among democratic partners to strengthen supply chain and economic resilience. Speaking at the opening of the Yushan Forum in Taipei, Lai said his administration wants to work with like-minded countries to form "international teams" with them … .. and intends to leverage (善用) the many advantages of these partners to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. According to Lai, his government will form national teams in specific fields to keep making Taiwan stronger, while also go beyond that, by building international teams to keep leveraging the power of solidarity with other nations. The two-day Yushan Forum runs through today. Over 400 households and business affect by power outage in Taichung's Beitun District Tai-Power says electricity has been restored to over 400 households and business affected by a power outage last night in Taichung's Beitun District. The affected business included the Costco north Taichung Warehouse. According to Tai-Power, electricity was restored to all households and businesses by 10PM after emergency repairs were carried out and cause of the outage is under investigation. Tai-Power says an initial investigation has found that a fuse box (保險絲盒) failure in the underground substation of a residential building was likely the cause of the power outage. The faulty equipment is being disassembled for inspection. UAE Lifts Brief Airspace Closure The United Arab Emirates lifted a brief airspace closure this morning after the country faced incoming Iranian attacks. The state-run news agency quoted the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority as saying the closure had ended. The authorities said “the situation stabilized,” allowing flights to resume. The earlier closure announcement showed the balancing act Emirati authorities face in trying to keep their long-haul carriers, Emirates and Etihad, flying as Iranian attacks continue to target the country. On Monday, an Iranian drone attack set a fuel tank ablaze (燃燒) at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel. UK WORKING WITH ALLIES TO RE-OPEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ The UK is working with all of its allies to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference this morning. He also announced a government contribution of over $70million to support British households (家庭) with rising oil costs. Lara Bentley reports from London Spain King on Conquest of Americas Spain's King Felipe says Spain's conquest of the Americas involved abuse and ethical controversy, as Spain and Mexico remain at odds over calls for an apology. On Monday, Felipe made the remarks during a visit to a museum exhibition in Madrid. He told Mexico's ambassador to Spain that parts of the conquest do not make Spain proud by today's values. Mexico has demanded a formal apology for years, which Spain has refused to do. Mexico's president said she needed to review Felipe's comments but acknowledged similar conciliatory (願意和解的，安撫的) remarks made last year by Spain's foreign minister. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【遠雄樂元】 台中北屯捷運X好市多 雙首排 ➤早鳥首付55萬起 旗艦級新地標21-39坪，台中北屯機捷總站20米，好市多60米，出站即到家。2147坪新世代遊園宅，全齡化公設✦ 早鳥輕入住 https://sofm.pse.is/8uqdtf -- Hola! 雄獅文具「作繪來野餐」4/18-19 熱情登場！✨ 走進墨西哥森林派對，享受美學創作、墨式美食與音樂演奏。 今年加開

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 140-points this morning from Friday's close, at 33,541 on turnover of 13.5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, but losses were capped as bargain hunters turned active to pick up large-cap tech stocks. Taichung mayor says US trip aims to build goodwill for Taiwan Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has visited New York City as she continues her 11-day trip to the U-S. Speaking in the city this past weekend, Lu said her trip has three main goals - deepening city-to-city exchanges, engaging with overseas Taiwanese communities, and reinforcing (強化) Taiwan-US relations. Lu arrived in New York following a stop in Boston. She visited the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Manhattan's Chinatown and later traveled to Columbus Park to lay flowers at a statue of Sun Yat-sen. Lu is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. this week. Taiwan twins win badminton doubles title at BWF Swiss Open And, Twin brothers Lee Fang-ren and Lee Fang-zhi beat their Danish opponents 21-18, 21-13 to win the men's badminton doubles title at the BWF Super 300 Swiss Open in Basel. The Taiwan pair started the first set trailing 4-7 but quickly stabilized and took the lead. After a brief break, the twins maintained at least a two-point advantage and closed out the set 21-18. In the second set, they quickly pulled ahead 5-1 and despite some errors, the brothers responded with six consecutive (連續的) points, shutting down the Danish pair's comeback and clinching their first title of the year. The twin brothers won their first BWF Super 300 men's doubles title at last year's Canada Open. Tehran denies seeking U.S. ceasefire after Trump says Iran was Decimate Iran's Foreign Minister is rebuffing any suggestion his government has asked the United States for a ceasefire, as the conflict in the Middle East enters its third week. It follows President Trump posting on social media at the weekend that Iran was beaten and completely decimated (毀滅) militarily, economically, and in every other way. Mitch McCann reports: Mexico City Sets Record for Soccer Class Mexico City set a world record on Sunday with the largest soccer class ever, with 9,500 participants in the capital's Zocalo square as the country prepares to host the opening match of the World Cup in June. The city's main square became a massive open-air training ground with crowds practicing soccer drills under the guidance of instructors. Participants kicked balls and followed coordinated exercises to promote (推動) sport and community engagement. A Guinness World Records official confirmed the new historic mark during the event. Organizers said the turnout surpassed (超越) the previous Guinness record set in Seattle in June 2025, when a soccer class brought together 1,038 participants. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 放慢了車速，心跳卻加速； 將你的手輕輕收進我外套的口袋， 隔絕涼意，卻藏不住滿溢的悸動。 紅燈停下的瞬間，影子重疊著曖昧； 永遠難忘的心動秘密， 都藏在……同一陣風裡。 盧可沛 首張個人專輯加速載入中 2026.03.13第二波心動單曲〈同一陣風裡〉 數位聆聽

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 366-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,216 on turnover of $16-billion N-T. Pedestrian lights to cancel fast-walking signal The Ministry of Transport says it plans to phase out faster-paced walking animation on some pedestrian signals islandwide by the end of this year. According to the ministry, the move is aimed at discouraging pedestrians to run across intersections. The ministry's Department of Railways, Highways and Road Safety says the decision was made during a road safety briefing at the Cabinet earlier this week. Department head Wu Dong-ling says while the flashing green signal that appears in the final seconds of a pedestrian light will remain, the faster-paced walking animation used in some areas will be removed. Wu also says the Cabinet has asked the transport ministry to coordinate with local governments on the adjustments and ensure that signal designs are standardized nationwide by the end of the year. Only Chiayi County, Kinmen and Matsu don't use the fast-walking signal. Iraq plan to get oil flowing As the War in Iran continues to disrupt global oil flows, Iraq is trying to strike a deal that would allow its oil to flow through the autonomous Kurdistan Region. But Iraqi Kurds want something in return. Olly Barratt explains from the region's capital - Canada to Spend Billions on Northern Military Operating Locations Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is putting an additional $32 billion into military forward operating locations in the North to assert sovereignty over the increasingly contested region. The prime minister made the announcement in Yellowknife, the capital city of Canada's Northwest Territories, before he takes off for his planned visit to Norway where he will observe a NATO exercise. The additional funds comes as U.S. President Donald Trump called earlier this year for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, the Inuit self-governing territory of the kingdom of Denmark. Trump has also talked about making Canada the 51st state. Cuba Announces Prisoner Release Cuba's government says it will release 51 people from the island's jails in an unexpected move. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the release in the upcoming days stems from a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican. The government did not identify who it would release (釋放), except to say that “all have served a significant (相當長的時間) part of their sentence and have maintained good conduct in prison.” The government said it has granted pardons to 9-thousand-905 inmates since 2010. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Hola! 雄獅文具「作繪來野餐」4/18-19 熱情登場！✨ 走進墨西哥森林派對，享受美學創作、墨式美食與音樂演奏。 今年加開

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 298-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,816 on turnover of 16.3-billion N-T. The market posted its second-largest daily point gains on Wednesday, as a decline in investor concerns over the Middle East saw the bellwether electronics sector attract strong buying. Analysts say the combined gains from Tuesday and Wednesday helped the main board completely recover losses seen on Monday, when investors were spooked (受到驚嚇) by reports the US-Israel war against Iran could drag on for weeks. Economics minister says No. 3 nuclear plant could be restarted in 2028 Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says Tai-Power will submit a plan later month to re-start the decommissioned Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung. According to Kung, that means the plant could begin generating electricity as early as 2028. The statement came after as the economics minister was being questioned during a Legislative hearing as to whether the government is considering (考慮) using nuclear energy as a stable energy source in the event of a wartime blockade. The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned on May 17 of last year. Taichung mayor leaves for 11-day US visit And, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen left for an 11-day visit to the United States late yesterday evening. She was seen off at Taoyuan International Airport by several K-M-T lawmakers. Prior to boarding her flight, Lu told reporters that trip to the was primarily (主要地，首先) focused on city-level diplomacy, but given Taiwan's current situation, her delegation will take the opportunity to advocate for the island's rights and interests. Lu's March 11 to 21 has planned stops in Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The Taichung mayor has said the issues to be discussed with U-S officials include energy stability, regional security and global trade. IEA greenlights record release of 400m barrels from emergency reserves The International Energy Agency has greenlit the release of a record 400m barrels of oil from emergency reserves in a bid to curb (抑制) rising prices sparked by the war in Iran. Instability around the Strait of Hormuz - a key oil shipping route off Iran's coast- has brought tanker traffic to halt. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Czech Republic Keeps Defense Spending Below NATO Target Czech lawmakers have approved a 2026 budget that keeps defense spending below NATO's 2% target, despite pressure from the United States. They voted Wednesday to fund the Defense Ministry at just over 1.7% of GDP. The new government of populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis says the state budget is strained (勉強的) and it has other priorities, including health care. Czech spending rises above 2% only if other ministries' projects count too. President Petr Pavel urges a bigger budget and cites Russia's war in Ukraine. The U.S. ambassador warns that the Czech decision hurts the whole alliance. Ecuador Preps for Crackdown on Criminal Groups Ecuador's interior minister says the country is preparing a major crackdown on criminal groups set to begin this weekend with logistical support from the United States. Ecuador's interior minister told local media that the government wants to avoid civilian casualties. He is also urging people to follow a nightly curfew from March 15th to March 30th. It covers three of the country's most violent provinces. The minister says roads need to stay clear for troop movements and equipment. Ecuador has faced rising organized crime since 2021 that officials link to (與…有關聯) drug cartels. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ ARTOGO帶你看展✨ 從3D建模、沉浸式體驗到元宇宙策展， 把「看展」這件事， 變成一扇隨時隨地都能打開的文化任意門。 透過科技不只讓人「線上看得到」， 更是讓文化被理解、被珍惜 一步步實踐文化平權的理想。 一起來收聽最新一集《一銀陪你聊“新”事》

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 581-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,692 on turnover of 12.7-billion N-T. The market posted heavy declines on Monday, as the main board plunged nearly 1,500 points on the back of investor concerns over major spikes in international crude oil prices amid the US-Israel war with Iran. FM meets Australian lawmaker during stopover Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has met with an Australian lawmaker during a stopover in Australia on his way home from Tuvalu. Taking to Facebook, Lin said he met with Hugh McDermott of the Australian Labor Party. McDermott also took social media to say he was pleased to meet with the foreign minister alongside (與…一起) parliamentary colleagues and representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia … … and he also posted a photo of himself shaking hands with Lin in Australia last Friday. However, neither McDermott or Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have specified where the meeting took place in Australia during Lin's transit stop. Lin Chun-yi wins Taiwan's 1st men's singles title at All England Open Lin Chun-yi has won the men's singles competition at the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships. The 26-year old, who is currently ranked world No. 11, beat his Indian opponent 21-15, 22-20 in a 57-minute final at the Utilita Arena in the city of Birmingham. The result means Lin has become the first Taiwanese male shuttler to top the podium (領獎台，前三名) in the men's singles event at the annual tournament. Lin's world ranking is expected to break into the top 10 for the first time, when the Badminton World Federation updates its standings later this week. He is ranked as Taiwan's No. 2 male badminton player. Anthropic sues Trump administration Artificial intelligence firm Anthropic has sued the Trump administration after it placed the artificial intelligence company on a national security blacklist (黑名單). The Pentagon has designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk, after it refused to remove guardrails against using its AI for autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Australia Grants Asylum to Iraninan Soccer Team Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says that Australia has granted asylum to five members of the Iranian women's soccer team who were visiting the country for a tournament. The women were transported from their hotel in Gold Coast, Australia “to a safe location” by Australian federal police officers in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time. There, they met with Burke and the processing of their humanitarian visas finalized (完成), the minister told reporters in Brisbane hours later. An official team list numbered 26 players, plus coaching and other staff. Burke didn't detail what threats the players faced in Iran. The Iranian team arrived in Australia for the Women's Asian Cup last month, before the Iran war began. The team was knocked out of the tournament over the weekend and faced the prospect (可能) of returning to a country under bombardment. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 台中烏日高鐵好宅招租囉！ 3月開放申請，社宅位於三榮路二段與三榮十路交叉口 歡迎年滿18歲，名下無自有住宅，符合財稅規定的民眾， 可點擊下方資訊欄連結了解詳情 台中社宅17租：https://sofm.pse.is/8t7m9l 3/28(六)開放現場看屋，也歡迎到社宅現場參觀！ 以上廣告由台中市政府住宅發展工程處提供 -- 【遠雄樂元】 台中北屯捷運X好市多 雙首排 ➤早鳥首付55萬起 旗艦級新地標21-39坪，台中北屯機捷總站20米，好市多60米，出站即到家。2147坪新世代遊園宅，全齡化公設✦ 早鳥輕入住 https://sofm.pse.is/8t7m9u -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex tumbled 1,244-points this morning from Friday's close, at 32,354 on turnover of 27.6-billion N-T. The market fell just over 70-points on Friday, as investors remained worried about geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have sent the price of oil on an upward climb, to hit its highest level in nearly two years. Lai says supporting women makes Taiwan 'more powerful' President Lai Ching-te says he believes Taiwan will become "more powerful" if women have more support and choices from society. Taking to Facebook to mark International Women's Day, Lai said when a society is willing to give women more support and room for choice, Taiwan will not only become kinder, but also more powerful. Noting that the theme of this year's International Women's Day is "Give To Gain," Lai said he hopes every Taiwanese woman, whether striving (努力) in the workplace or cultivating family life, can "freely become her ideal self." Lai's Facebook post went on to say his government has promulgated Taiwan's first national action plan on gender-based violence prevention … .. and that plan aims to integrate violence-prevention resources to "build a more comprehensive and complete gender equality protection network." Japanese-style Mazu float headlines parade at Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi A Japanese-style lantern float featuring Mazu headlined the national baseball team parade at the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County this past weekend. The large art piece was a Japanese Nebuta, a traditional lantern float handmade from wood, metal wire, and paper. The float was crafted domestically (國內的) in Taiwan by Nebuta artists Makoto Suwa and Hiromi Hayashi, from Japan's Aomori City. They were invited by the General Association of Chinese Culture to serve as resident artists for this year's Lantern Festival. The float headlined the parade to celebrate Taiwan at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Iranian foreign minister says no plans to increase range of its ballistic missiles Iran's foreign minister says the country currently has no plans to increase (增加) the range of its ballistic missiles. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports US SKorea Begin Drills The United States has begun a large military exercise with South Korea involving thousands of troops while also waging an escalating war in the Middle East. The Freedom Shield exercise that began Monday runs through March 19. South Korea has said about 18,000 Korean troops will take part, while the U.S. hasn't confirmed the number of American troops participating in the training in South Korea. The allies' combined exercise comes amid South Korean media speculation (猜測) that Washington is relocating some assets from South Korea to support fighting against Iran. Canada PM Calls for Special District Elections Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called special elections for three districts that, if his party wins, would give the Liberals a majority government (多數政府). The prime minister announced votes will be cast on April 13-thth The Liberals currently have 169 Members of Parliament in the House of Commons, but they need 172 to secure a majority government which would allow them to pass any bill without the support of an opposition party. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【遠雄樂元】 台中北屯捷運X好市多 雙首排 ➤早鳥首付55萬起 旗艦級新地標21-39坪，台中北屯機捷總站20米，好市多60米，出站即到家。2147坪新世代遊園宅，全齡化公設✦ 早鳥輕入住 https://sofm.pse.is/8sx7ws -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 189-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,484 on turnover of $9.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan rebounded sharply Thursday, posting the fifth-largest single-day gain on record, as bargain hunters returned after reports the United States and Iran could enter negotiations eased geopolitical concerns. Among major technology stocks, chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rose 1.88 percent to close at $1,900 NT, and other large-cap tech firms also advanced. Memory-related stocks staged a strong rebound as well, while shipping stocks moved in the opposite direction. Analysts say investors will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, while the long-term growth outlook for Taiwan's artificial intelligence supply chain remains intact (完好) despite potential technical corrections. Taiwan signs double taxation pact with Tuvalu Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and donate funds to cover the maintenance costs of Tuvalu's first undersea cable. Lin is currently visiting Tuvalu as a special envoy of President Lai Ching-te. According to the foreign minister, the agreement was signed during a banquet hosted by Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo, and is expected to boost trade and encourage Taiwanese investment in Tuvalu. Lin also donated funds to cover the maintenance costs for Tuvalu's first undersea cable, to help ensure (確保) the country's communications resilience during the banquet. Lin and his delegation arrived in Tuvalu on Wednesday on what is his third trip to the Pacific ally. Ukraine Sharing Expertise on Shahed Drones Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the United States and its allies in the Middle East are seeking Ukraine's expertise in countering (對抗) Iran's Shahed drones. Zelenskyy says various countries, including the United States, have approached Ukraine for help in defending against the Iranian drones. He said he has spoken in recent days with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait about possible cooperation. Russia has fired tens of thousands of Shaheds at Ukraine since it invaded its neighbor just over four years ago. Iran has responded with the same type of drones to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Pentagon officially labels Anthropic a supply chain risk The US Defense Department has formally labelled (標記為) the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk, following a dispute over its efforts to limit how the government could use its products. Anthropic has said it intends to challenge the label in court. Ira Spitzer reports from San Francisco. Cuba Power Outage Continues Swaths of Cuba remain without power nearly a day after a massive blackout hit the western part of the island in the latest outage blamed on a fragile (脆弱的) electric grid and a lack of fuel. Crews worked overnight to repair a broken boiler at one of Cuba's largest thermoelectric plants. Officials have warned that it could take three to four days for power to be fully restored. State media reported on Thursday that 52% of customers in Havana have power, as well as 30 hospitals and 10 water supply stations. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【遠雄樂元】 北屯捷運X好市多 雙首排 ➤早鳥首付55萬起 旗艦級新地標 21-39坪，北屯機捷總站20米，好市多60米，出站即到家。2147坪新世代遊園宅，全齡化公設✦ 早鳥輕入住 https://sofm.pse.is/8sxjul -- 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/8t4kfn -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 791-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,620 on turnover of 19.1-billion N-T. The market plunged over 1,400 points on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East spooked investors and triggered heavy selling across the board. Large-cap tech stocks bore the brunt of (首當其衝) the decline. However, all eight major industrial sectors finished lower, with plastics, electric machinery, cables and glass stocks posting steep losses. Prosecutors indict 62 individuals and 13 companies in Prince Holding Group Case The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted 62 individuals and 13 companies in connection with its money laundering investigation into the Cambodia-based Prince Holding Group. Prosecutors says the network laundered more than 10.7-billion N-T in Taiwan. The individual and companies have been charged with violating the Organized Crime Prevention Act, the Money Laundering Prevention Act, and the Criminal Code with intent to profit from gambling. Prosecutors are also seeking court approval to confiscate (沒收) the full 10.7-billion N-T in alleged criminal proceeds held in Taiwan. Authorities have so far seized more than 5.5-billion N-T in Prince Group assets (資產) during raids last year and they include 24 luxury properties, 35 high-end vehicles, 337 financial accounts, cash and designer goods. Dozens injured in raucous Lantern Festival events in Tainan and Taitung At least 47 people have been injured while attending Lantern Festival-related folk events in Tainan and Taitung. Both of the event saw participants forming processions and braving (勇敢面對（困難/危險）) barrages of bottle rockets or firecrackers. Officials in Tainan says 30 people suffered burns after being hit by dense barrages of bottle rockets, while six were injured stemming from falls at the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival on Monday and Tuesday. While officials in Taitung say 11 people were taken to the city's MacKay Memorial Hospital on Tuesday after suffering injuries on the first day of the Bombing of Master Han Dan Festival. US submarine sinks Iranian warship At least 80 bodies have been recovered by Sri Lankan authorities after a torpedo fired by a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it was the Islamic Republic's prize ship. And the first such strike since World War 2. Kate Fisher has more from Washington Africa Clean Energy Fund to Double Financing Africa's flagship clean energy fund says it plans to more than double its financing to $2.5 billion over the next two years, as momentum builds behind the continent's energy transition. The African Development Bank bank approved slightly fewer renewable energy projects last year but succeeded in increasing its funding. The lender's Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa has mobilized about $1 billion in commercial capital alongside its own commitments. Based on projects in the pipeline, that figure is expected to reach $2.5 billion within the next two years. The public-private finance facility supports utility-scale and decentralized projects, facilitating deals and supporting pan-African renewable energy investment platforms. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【遠雄樂元】 台中北屯捷運X好市多 雙首排 ➤早鳥首付55萬起 旗艦級新地標21-39坪，台中北屯機捷總站20米，好市多60米，出站即到家。2147坪新世代遊園宅，全齡化公設✦ 早鳥輕入住 https://sofm.pse.is/8t6vjk --

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

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

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

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 52-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,753 on turnover of 11.3-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Tuesday as investors shrugged off losses on Wall Street overnight and rushed to buy electronics stocks related to the A-I boom. Lai reiterates 'status quo' at China-based Taiwanese event President Lai Ching-te is reiterating his commitment to "maintaining the status quo" in cross-strait relations. Speaking at a Lunar New Year event in Taichung attended by China-based Taiwanese businesspeople, Lai described "maintaining the status quo" as "key" to safeguarding national security and preserving cross-strait stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific. The annual event is organized by Straits Exchange Foundation and saw around 300 attendees. Compared with his speech at the same event last year, Lai this year did not mention the term Republic of China during his speech. He used the term multiple times last year and reiterated the position that the R-O-C and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate (從屬的) to each other. MOL releases forced labor prevention guide for businesses The Ministry of Labor has released a reference guide to help local businesses prevent forced labor and "reduce operational (工作的) risks" According to the ministry's Workforce Development Agency, the guide is intended to help businesses build "effective mechanisms" to prevent forced labor and embed (把…嵌入) "respect for human rights" in supply chain management. Agency head Lydia Huang, says there have been multiple cases showing that once forced labor conditions arise in a company or its supply chain, it can face consequences such as product detention, import bans or even the return of shipments. Huang also says the guide introduces the International Labour Organization's 11 forced labor indicators, including signs of forced labor such as debt bondage, restriction of movement, excessive overtime and retention of identity documents. Guthrie family offers $1m reward for missing mother The family of Nancy Guthrie is offering a reward of up to $1million US dollars for any tips (秘密消息) that lead to her recovery. The mother of TV news anchor Savannah Guthrie was taken from her home in Arizona more than three weeks ago. Nick Harper has been following the latest developments from Washington. Norway King Admitted to Hospital Norway's royal palace says King Harald has been admitted to a hospital in Spain's Canary Islands during a winter vacation there. It said that Harald, who turned 89 on Saturday, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday evening and was being treated for an unspecified (未說明的) infection and dehydration. It added that he was reported to be in good condition. The palace said the king's personal physician will travel to the Canary Islands and an update on Harald's health will be issued today after he has assessed the situation. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 247-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,020 on turnover of 14-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Monday, as the market reopened following its 11-day Lunar New Year holiday, but the gains were capped amid concerns over U-S tariff policies. Opposition calls for talks on format of Lai's legislative report Opposition parties are calling for cross-party negotiations over how President Lai Ching-te should deliver a national affairs report at the Legislative Yuan. The statement comes after Lai announced that he's willing to deliver (發表) a national affairs report at the Legislative Yuan "in accordance with constitutional procedures" following a meeting with the heads of the five branches of government at the Presidential Building. K-M-T and Taiwan People's Party lawmakers are seeking a question-and-answer format. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu proposed a questions-first-answers-second format after Lai hosted the meeting - saying he invited the president to personally explain issues of concern to lawmakers. According to Han, Lai "gladly accepted" the invitation. Lunar New Year ER visits down as more clinics stay open, UCCs expand The Ministry of Health says visits to emergency rooms over the Lunar New Year period were down from last year as more clinics stayed open and urgent care centers expanded capacity. According to the ministry, data shows there were 232,397 visits to hospital ERs from February 14 to 21 - and that total was down by 22.5-per cent from the number of visits reported during the same holiday period of last year. Visits to the hospital ERs over the holiday period this year were closely watched after what happened last year - when ERs across Taiwan became so overcrowded that the Taiwan Society of Emergency Medicine called the situation "unprecedented (史無前例的)". The government spent 1.6-billion N-T in funding to encourage medical providers to stay open during this year's holiday. Trump threatens higher tariffs for countries who "play games" after Supreme Court ruled tariffs illegal US president Donald Trump has threatened (威逼) to put higher tariffs on countries that want to "play games" after a key U.S. Supreme Court tariff ruling. Kate Fisher report from Washington Canada Calls OpenAI Reps to Ottawa The Canadian government has called representatives of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to Ottawa. The company says it considered but did not alert Canadian police about the activities of a person who months later committed one of the worst school shootings in the country's history. Canada's artificial intelligence minister says he expects the company's top safety representatives to explain its protocols and how it decides to forward cases to law enforcement when he meets with them today. OpenAI said last June that the company identified the account of Jesse Van Rootselaar via abuse detection efforts. The 18-year-old killed eight people in a remote (偏僻的) part of British Columbia this month and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8rcv29 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 57-points this morning following an 11-day Lunar New Year holiday, at 33,663 on turnover of 37.9-billion N-T. Australian warship transits Taiwan Strait, tracked by China's navy The Ministry of National Defense says it closely monitors the skies and waters around Taiwan and that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway for which all countries enjoy the right of freedom of navigation. The statement comes after an Australian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Reports are citing sources as saying that the Royal Australian Navy Anzac-class frigate, Toowoomba conducted a routine (常規) transit through the Taiwan Strait" on Friday and Saturday as part of a "Regional Presence Deployment in the Indo-Pacific region." The defense ministry says it will not proactively disclose the movements of aircraft and ships of friendly allied countries. Taipei's Grand Hotel warns of possible data breach after cyberattack The Grand Hotel in Taipei is warning customers a possible data breach. The statement comes after the hotel discovered unauthorized access to its information systems last week. According to the hotel, it has issued the notice as a precaution (範圍), as the scope and targets of the attack have yet to be fully assessed. The hotel has also issued apology to the members of the public for any concern caused by the situation. The hotel says it activated its highest-level cybersecurity response measures after discovering the attack. Customers are being urged to remain on the alert against suspicious emails and to verify any messages requesting payment or personal financial information. Secret Service shoots, kills armed man at Mar-a-Lago Secret service agents and other law enforcement officials shot and killed an armed man who entered the perimeter (防衛線 / 外圍) of US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in the early hours of Sunday morning. Ira Spitzer has more. Mexico El Mencho Killed in Military Operation The Mexican army says it has killed the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in a military operation. On Sunday, troops targeted Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in the western state of Jalisco. The operation set off hours of roadblocks (路障) and burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Officials say cartels often use these tactics to slow down or block military moves. The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to $15 million dollars for information leading to El Mencho's arrest. Milan Olympics Officially Closed The twin Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have been extinguished, signaling the end of the Winter Games. International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry declared the 2026 Games over in remarks to the closing ceremony in Verona. A total of 116 medal events have been held in eight Olympic sports across 16 disciplines, including the debut of ski mountaineering this year, over the course of 17 days of competition. The next Winter Games will be held in neighboring (鄰接) France, which received the Olympic flag in the official handover earlier in the ceremony. 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/8rf6jr -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Shield AI and Taiwan's NCSIST team up on AI drones Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology and American defense company Shield A-I have signed a contract to advance the development of AI-piloted unmanned systems. The systems are reportedly capable of continuing operations in compromised communications environments. According to Shield AI President Brandon Tseng, the partnership will enable (使…能夠) drone forces being produced in Taiwan to include cutting-edge AI pilots that will allow the U-A-V's to operate while G-P-S and communications are jammed. Shield AI last year announced a teaming agreement with Taiwan's state-backed Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and opened a new office at the Taipei 101. CDC reporting first measles case this year after Vietnam trip The Centers for Disease Control is reporting Taiwan's first measles case of this year. According to the C-D-C, the case involves an eight-month-old baby boy who lives in northern Taiwan, who traveled with his family to Vietnam and returned in late January. The boy developed a fever, a persistent (持續的) cough and other symptoms in early February and was hospitalized last Friday after developing a rash. The C-D-C says the infant's family members and 395 others suspected contacts are now being monitored. They will continue to be monitored until February 28. The C-D-C has issued measles travel alerts for Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Angora, Mexico, Yemen and Pakistan, and placed 30 other countries on its watch list. Health authorities are advising parents to ensure their young children receive their measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. US Trump Administration to Wind Down Immigration Surge in Minnesota The Trump administration says it will end its immigration enforcement (執行) operation in the state of Minnesota, claiming the state is now safer because of their work. This comes after the deaths of at least two people, both shot by immigration or federal border agents. Mitch McCann reports: UNICEF: Haiti Armed Groups Increasingly Recruiting Children UNICEF says that the recruitment of children by armed groups in Haiti tripled last year as poverty and violence deepens across the troubled Caribbean country. The surge reported Thursday comes as gang violence displaces a record 1.4 million people across Haiti. More than half of them are children whom experts say are left exposed and vulnerable (易受傷害的; 易受攻擊的). The U.N. estimates that 30% to 50% of members of armed groups are children, with recruiting (招募) starting as young as 9 years old. UNICEF's representative in Haiti, said boys generally act as spies, carry ammunition and weapons while girls often face sexual violence and are tasked with domestic work. France Prosecutors Investigating Ticketing Fraud at Louvre Paris prosecutors say police are detaining nine people in an investigation into a long-running ticket fraud scheme at the Louvre museum. Prosecutors say the arrests happened on Tuesday. The museum had filed a complaint in December 2024. Investigators found tour guides repeatedly reuse the same tickets for different visitors. Prosecutors say guides also split groups to avoid a required speaking fee. Two Louvre employees allegedly helped skipping (略過) ticket checks in exchange for cash. The prosecutors' office estimates losses top 10 million euros over a decade. Prosecutors also mentioned similar suspicions regarding a ticket fraud at the Palace of Versailles, without providing details. 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qduag -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Taipei signs NT$12.2 billion Nvidia deal The Taipei City Government has signed a 12.2-billion N-T agreement with Nvidia for the T-17 and T-18 plots of land at the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park. Mayor Chiang Wan-an says construction on the U-S technology company's new Taiwan headquarters could now begin as early as June. The deal grants Nvidia 50-year land surface rights, extendable by up to 20 years and Chiang is describing the agreement as a major milestone and is also pledging (保證) full municipal support. Under Nvidia's investment plan, more than 40-billion N-T will be spent during construction, and operations are expected to create over 10,000 jobs. Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit Taiwan from June 2 to 5 for Computex Taipei. TSMC shares surge almost 69% in 'Year of Snake' Shares in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing soared almost 69-per cent in the Year of the Snake. T-S-M-C shares closed at a record high of 1,915 N-T on Wednesday - the final trading day of the Year of the Snake - despite coming off off a historic intraday high of 1,925 N-T early in the session. The chipmaker's share price jumped 780 N-T during the Year of the Snake and contributed about 6,262 points to the Tai-Ex's overall rise for the year. The strong showing raised T-S-M-C's market capitalization by more than 20-trillion N-T during the year. Taipei Zoo to renovate its tropical rainforest area And, The Taipei City Zoo has announced plans to renovate its tropical rainforest area. According to the zoo,the renovations will improve animal welfare, update some of its aging facilities and are in line with (與…一致,符合,按照) international trends in professional zoo development. The Asian tropical rainforest area opened in 1997. The zoo will be relocating its Asian elephants Yu-Hsin and Yu-Kai to the African animal area later this year during the renovation period. The zoo will also be transfering other animals, such as the Malayan tiger, sun bear, and leopard, following the elephants' move. Republicans join Democrats to rebuke Trump's Tariffs on Canada US lawmakers have voted to terminate President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada - with six Republicans joining Democrats in the House of Representatives. The resolution passed 219 to 211 - sending the bill to the Senate where a similar (相似的) measure passed last year. Toni Waterman has more. Sci Initiative Finds HumanCaused Climate Change Drove Wildfires A team of researchers say that human-caused climate change had an important impact on the recent wildfires that engulfed parts of Chile and Argentina's Patagonia region. That's according to a report released Wednesday by World Weather Attribution, a scientific initiative that investigates extreme weather events. The report says the hot, dry and gusty weather that fed last month's deadly wildfires in central and southern Chile was made around 200% more likely by human-made greenhouse gas emissions. Ande the high-fire-risk conditions that fueled (激起，助長) the blazes still racing through southern Argentina were made 150% more likely. World Weather Attribution says “These trends are projected to continue in the future as long as we continue to burn fossil fuels.” 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qdyge -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,086 on turnover of 12.1-billion N-T. The market ended at a high of just over 33,000 points on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing registered strong gains after its American depositary receipts closed at a record price overnight. MOEA sets aside NT$30 billion to cushion auto industry amid US tariff deal The Ministry of Economic Affairs has set aside 30-billion N-T to support Taiwan's automobile industry as it prepares for changes to tariffs under a Taiwan-US trade agreement, According to Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin, initial assessments indicate that the impact on domestic industrial output could exceed (超過) 1-per cent but will remain "manageable." Kung says the funding will help the automobile and auto parts industry absorb (吸收)shocks, advance transformation and upgrading, and strengthen independent research and development and exports. Kung also says any tariff arrangements will apply only to US-made vehicles and such vehicles will be defined only if they meet country of origin and value-added content requirements consistent with existing international standards. Population declines for 25th consecutive month The Ministry of the Interior says the island's population fell for a 25th consecutive month in January -- with the number of live births falling by 304 from December of 2025. According to the latest data, as of the end of January, the population totaled 23,289,045, down 10,087 from December. A total of 8,723 babies were born in January, 304 fewer than in December and 772 fewer than a year earlier. The interior ministry says that translates to roughly one birth every 5.1 minutes and an annual crude birth rate (粗出生率) of 4.41 per 1,000 people. Deaths totaled 17,529 in January, or about one every 2.5 minutes and the crude death rate was 8.86 per 1,000 people White House defends Trump Canada bridge attack The White House has defended US President Donald Trump's threat to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario with Michigan. Trump has told Canada his administration needs to be "fully compensated for everything", despite (儘管) both countries co-owning the bridge. Nick Harper reports from Washington on the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's comments. Chile Launches OpenSource AI Language Model for Latin American Culture Chile has launched the first open-source AI language model trained on Latin American culture. Called Latam-GPT, the two-year effort is led by Chile's National Center of Artificial Intelligence and supported by over 30 institutions. It aims to reflect regional realities in AI. Chilean President Gabriel Boric emphasized the importance of Latin America's role in the AI revolution. Latam-GPT, announced at the February 2025 Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, addresses linguistic biases (語言的偏誤) in models trained mainly on English data. It uses Latin American data and will initially operate in Spanish and Portuguese, with plans to include Indigenous languages later. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 第十屆法藍瓷想像計畫：熱血開跑！

Good afternoon, I'm Jacob Ingram with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opens higher on Wall Street rally The Tai-Ex opened up 35 points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,440 on turnover (成交額) of $5.9 billion NT. Shares in Taiwan closed more than 600 points higher Monday, as a strong rally (大漲) in the United States late last week prompted investors to buy large-cap (大型股) electronics stocks. Contract chipmaker TSMC failed to hold onto all of its earlier gains, with analysts saying investors turned cautious ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, amid concerns over possible negative developments overseas. Old-economy stocks (傳產股) were largely overshadowed by the technology sector, although some industries tied to AI development attracted interest. TaiDoc union protests interference; company blames 'outsider' involvement The union at TaiDoc Technology protested Monday outside the Ministry of Labor. It's accusing the medical device maker of undermining (破壞) its operations, including illegally dismissing its chair, Filipino worker Elizabeth Basas. Notices posted around the workplace allegedly humiliated her and warned other employees against joining the union. Union director Lennon Wang said the group, formed six months ago with about 30 Filipino members, has faced ongoing pressure from management and claimed the company forced employees to join the union, announcing over 100 new members unilaterally (單方面地). TaiDoc's chair has denied the accusations, calling Wang an "outsider" illegally interfering (非法干預) and questioning the legitimacy (合法性) of a recent strike vote. The Ministry of Labor said it has received a request to investigate the allegations and urged employers to respect union independence (工會自主權) and avoid improper interference (不當干預). Taiwan's Zhang Bo-ya wins gold at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships Taiwan's top hurdler Zhang Bo-ya (張博雅) secured gold in the women's 60-meter hurdles at the 2026 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Tianjin, setting a new national record of 8.12 seconds. The 22-year-old star broke her own national record twice in a single day. After an initial record-breaking run in the heats, Zhang surged past her Japanese competitors in the final to take Taiwan's first gold of the meet. Her victory capped off a successful weekend for the national team, which earned one gold and three silver medals. Notable performances included Chen Wen-pu (陳玟溥), who smashed a 38-year-old national record in the men's 60-meter sprint, alongside silvers from long jumper Lin Yu-tang (林昱堂) and sprinter Liao Yan-jun (廖晏均). Coach Wang Kuo-hui (王國慧) said the result confirms Zhang's peak condition as she prepares for the upcoming outdoor season and Asian Games qualifiers (亞運資格賽). Maxwell remains silent to Epstein questions, pleads for clemency In international news, Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker for Jeffrey Epstein, has refused to answer US lawmakers' questions at a closed-door hearing, asserting her Fifth Amendment right (保持緘默權). She used the session to ask for clemency (寬赦), saying she would "speak fully" if pardoned (特赦) by US president Donald Trump. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Cuba Aviation Officials Warn of Fuel Shortage Cuban aviation officials have warned airlines of a fuel shortage (燃料短缺) for refueling on the island. This is part of energy rationing (能源配給) as the Trump administration cuts Cuba off from its fuel sources. The shortage stems from U.S. political pressure severing Cuba's access to oil from Venezuela and Mexico. Shorter flights may not be affected, but long-haul routes face challenges. The energy crisis has led to reduced bank hours, suspended cultural events and halted public transport. U.S. sanctions (制裁) have long impacted Cuba, but recent measures have intensified the situation. 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qduba -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 173-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,956 on turnover of $10.4-billion N-T. Cross-border effort leads to Taiwan fugitive's arrest in Philippines A 33-year-old Taiwanese fugitive has been arrested in Metro Manila following a joint operation between Philippine and Taiwanese authorities. The suspect, surnamed Chien (簡), had been on the run since August 2023, when an arrest warrant was issued by the Miaoli (苗栗) District Prosecutors Office on theft charges. Philippine immigration officials say Chien was also classified as an “undesirable (不受歡迎的) alien” after overstaying his temporary visitor visa. He is currently being held at a detention facility pending deportation. Since the start of 2025, officials have successfully tracked down and arrested 22 wanted Taiwanese fugitives in the Philippines through intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation. Airport MRT to run 5 a.m. express train from Feb. 12-22 for LNY Taoyuan Airport MRT is adding an early morning express train service from Taipei Main Station to handle (應付) increased outbound travel over the Lunar New Year holiday. According to the operator, the train will run from February 12th to the 22nd … and depart at 5 AM … reaching Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Station within 41 minutes. On the way, it will call at A3 New Taipei Industrial Park, A8 Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and A12 Airport Terminal 1 stations — as usual for the express train. To support the service, Taipei Main and New Taipei Industrial Park stations will open earlier — at 4:30 AM. In-town check-in at Taipei Main will also be available at that time. While the other stations it stops at will open at 5 AM. Japan PM Party Secures Supermajority Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's governing party has secured a two-thirds supermajority in a parliamentary election. Takaichi told public broadcaster NHK later that she is ready to pursue (實行) policies to make Japan strong and prosperous. TV networks cited preliminary results from Sunday's vote in reporting that Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner won 352 seats in the 465-seat lower house. The huge jump from the previous parliament could allow Takaichi to make progress on a right-wing agenda that aims to boost Japan's economy and military capabilities as tensions grow with China and she tries to nurture ties with Washington. US FBI concluded Jeffrey Epstein wasn't running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men, files show From the US…. Files show the FBI concluded Jeffrey Epstein wasn't running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports Venezuela Gov Releases Opposition Members from Prison Venezuela's government has released (釋放) several prominent opposition members from prison, including one of the closest allies of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado. These releases come as acting President Delcy Rodriguez faces pressure to free those detained for political reasons. The move follows a visit from representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On Sunday, Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least 30 people. Machado's ally Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor, and her attorney, Perkins Rocha, were among the released. The ruling party-controlled National Assembly is debating an amnesty bill that could lead to more releases. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 一趟遠程飛機 一篇小日記 飛行 9800 公里 穿越一個又一個時區 把想說的話 全都唱給妳聽 擁抱同一片藍天 望著同一顆月亮 讓想念帶著我們前進 用愛對齊時間 用心容納一切 盧可沛 Look 首張個人專輯傾心醞釀中 首波前導單曲〈小日記〉2/9搶先收聽

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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qgw4g －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Trump says he spoke with Xi about Taiwan and April China trip Typhoon Penha forms east of the Philippines, no direct threat to Taiwan US proposes preferential trade bloc for critical minerals US-brokered Ukraine-Russia talks open in Abu Dhabi as fighting continues US and Iran set Oman talks as agenda dispute continues Smithsonian's National Zoo welcomes first Asian elephant calf in nearly 25 years -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Education Ministry freezes university fees for 3 years Cold wave forecast as tropical storm forms near Philippines Abe shooter appeals life sentence in Japan US shoots down Iranian drone French police raid X office as Europe probes Grok deepfakes -- 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qdsew －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ KMT in New Taipei to pick mayoral nominee by Feb. 15 Jensen Huang to return to Taipei in June for Computex LINE Pay Money fixes nationality option for residence permit users UN to send ceasefire monitors to eastern Congo after Doha talks Trump says US-India trade deal cuts tariffs to 18% -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 中國信託行動銀行APP全新聯名主題登場 三大超萌IP：反應過激的貓、無所事事小海豹、貓貓蟲咖波 主題自由切換，快來中信銀行APP打造你的專屬體驗 立即搜尋>中國信託行動銀行APP 體驗主題>https://sofm.pse.is/8qfz2m －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Cabinet outlines upgrades to conscription training Taipei Zoo says panda Yuanzai passes full health check Another cold surge could bring plains lows near 8°C Iran warns of wider war as it labels EU armies "terrorists" Britain's Prince Andrewcan't escape Epstein's shadow -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Family of murdered Malaysian student criticizes death penalty ruling The mother of a Malaysian student murdered in Taiwan says she cannot accept a court's decision to spare her daughter's killer from the death penalty. In a statement released Thursday, the mother criticized the Kaohsiung High Court for overturning the death sentence previously given to Liang Yu-chih. The court ruled that the 2020 rape and murder did not meet the legal threshold for the "most serious" of crimes. The mother argued that the court focused too much on the possibility of rehabilitation (（囚犯）獲得改造). She noted that professional psychiatric assessments found the killer had a high risk of committing another crime, and urged the judiciary to consider public safety and the protection of future victims in its sentencing. Liang had been sentenced to death in three previous trials. The court now says life imprisonment and psychological treatment are sufficient because the murder was not proven to be premeditated. The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office says it plans to appeal the new ruling. Olive oil importer fined over mislabeled products, 3,202 bottles recalled Authorities have recalled more than 3,200 bottles of olive oil after discovering a major food fraud operation that blended expensive oil with cheap canola oil. The Taipei Department of Health fined Rong & Chyi International $4-million NT for mislabeling. The Investigation Bureau says the scheme involved two companies that allegedly mixed up to 500 liters of canola oil for every 50 liters of olive oil. Investigators raided a manufacturing site in New Taipei and found equipment used to mix the oils. The bureau estimates the operation made about $15-million NT in illegal profits. Health officials have notified online platforms and local authorities in 17 cities and counties to remove the product from shelves. The heads of both companies have been released on bail as the fraud (騙局) investigation continues. DRC Measles Deaths from Low Vaccine Coverage and Conflict Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo say 24 people have died of measles across the country since the beginning of this year. Most victims are young children due to low vaccination coverage (疫苗接種率). The hardest-hit areas are in the country's east where an armed conflict has been raging between government forces and the M23 rebels since 2021. Chris Ocamringa reports UN Criticizes Haiti for Stalled Political Transition The U.N. Security Council has criticized Haitian authorities for the lack of progress in achieving a political transition and reforms to tackle (應對) increasing violence. The council condemned the upsurge in violence by gangs and criminal groups, pointing to human rights violations and widespread abuses. The council resolution was co-sponsored by the United States and Panama and adopted unanimously (一致地) Thursday. It extends the U.N.'s political mission in Haiti until Jan. 31, 2027. The resolution also revises the mission's mandate to focus on facilitating a “national dialogue” to support efforts to hold municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections. 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 24-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,828, on turnover of $11-billion N-T. The Taiwan stock market hit a record high today as shares of chipmaker T-S-M-C soared to a new peak, and memory chip suppliers also saw big gains. Analysts say the surge was driven by investor optimism over the artificial intelligence boom and upcoming earnings reports from U.S. tech giants like Microsoft and Meta. Beyond tech, petrochemical stocks rose because of higher crude oil prices and tensions in Iran, while electric machinery companies also gained value as the government works to improve the national power grid. However, some analysts warn the market could face resistance as it approaches the 33,000-point mark. (NS) Prosecutors Seek Taiwan Man Detention for Alleged Money Laundering Prosecutors are seeking to detain the Taiwanese manager of a gambling ring accused of laundering money from China through local shell companies. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office says a Chinese national set up several companies in Taiwan starting in 2016. The group allegedly hired engineers to design gambling software for overseas markets, then used fake transactions and false invoices to move illegal profits back into Taiwan. On Tuesday, authorities searched four locations and questioned 12 people, including accountants and engineers. Nine suspects were released on bail. But prosecutors are asking the court to hold the Taiwanese manager without bail, citing the risk that he might collude (串通) with others. (NS) Russia Warn on Ukraine Casualties Could Hit 2Million A new report warns that combined (合併的) war casualties in Russia's war on Ukraine could soon hit 2 million AP correspondent Laurence Brooks reports Germany Deutsche Bank Searched in Money Laundering Probe German investigators searched the offices of Deutsche Bank, Germany's largest, on Wednesday in connection with an investigation into possible money laundering. Prosecutors in Frankfurt said that the probe focused on the bank's prior (事先的) business relationships to foreign entities which were in turn suspected of being used to launder money. Offices were searched in Frankfurt, where the bank is headquartered, and in Berlin. The bank said it was cooperating with investigators. Rwanda Suing UK for Cancelled Migrant Deal Rwanda has said it is suing the United Kingdom to seek payments over an aborted, controversial migrant deal under which the East African nation was to host deported asylum seekers from the European country. The migrant deal entered into force on April 25 2024. In July 2024, shortly after taking office, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the deal was “dead and buried.” In 2023, the UK Supreme Court found the deal between Rwanda and the UK to be “unlawful,” ruling that it violated both UK law and international law and ordering it to be scrapped. Some legal experts have questioned whether parties to an unlawful contract can seek financial remedies (補救措施). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 64-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,381 on turnover of $8.5--billion N-T. With contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing regaining its footing and rebounding from a session earlier, shares in Taiwan closed at another record high Tuesday. The buying in TSMC shares spread to other semiconductor stocks, with investors betting that orders for more mature chip processes would shift, as TSMC cuts that capacity (生產能力) in favor of more advanced chip manufacturing. Some flight cancellation fees increased to 30% The Civil Aeronautics Administration says that cancellation fees for domestic offshore flights during holiday periods will be raised to up to 30% of the ticket price. The new tiered (分層的) fee system will take effect in March, and be applied for the first time on the Labor Day long weekend. Under current rules, domestic offshore tickets sold for holidays for three days or more carry restrictions (限制)… such as "valid only for the booked flight" or "expired if unused" with cancellation fees capped at 10% if refunds are requested before departure. But under the new rules, cancellation fees will vary based on how close the refund request is to the flight's departure time. Officials say, the changes are intended to curb seat hoarding (囤積) during peak travel periods… as some passengers book multiple flights and cancel later. Spain to Grant Legal Status to Immigrants Spain will grant legal status to potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrants living and working in the country without authorization. Spain's migration minister says the government plans to amend immigration laws by expedited (加急的) decree, offering legal residency and work permits for up to one year. This applies to those who arrived before Dec. 31, 2025, and have lived in Spain for at least five months without a criminal record. The minister says the measure could benefit an estimated 500-thousand people. Many are from countries in Latin America and Africa and work in agriculture, tourism or service jobs, backbones of Spain's booming economy. Landmark social media trial underway in California Social media giant TikTok has settled a lawsuit claiming the platform deliberately addicts and harms children. However, Meta and YouTube are still facing similar claims as a landmark (具有重大意義的，標誌性的) trial gets underway in Los Angeles. Ira Spitzer reports. BAFTA Nominations Announced and finally….. Paul Thomas Anderson's politically charged action thriller “One Battle After Another” leads the race for the British Academy Film Awards, with 14 nominations including acting nods for five of its cast. Ryan Coogler's blues-steeped vampire epic “Sinners” is close behind with 13 nominations, while Chloe Zhao's Shakespearean tragedy “Hamnet” and Josh Safdie's ping-pong odyssey (漫長而驚險的旅程) “Marty Supreme” have 11 apiece. The winners will be announced at a Feb. 22 ceremony in London. The U.K. prizes — officially called the EE BAFTA Film Awards — often provide clues about who will triumph at Hollywood's Academy Awards. 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/8qfgfe -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 31-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,095 on turnover of $9.3-billion N-T. The market smashed closing records on Monday after breaching the 32,000-point mark as buying rotated to the old economy sector. Analysts say the main board's momentum extended from the recent significant gains, as raw material suppliers attracted strong investor interest, while interest in tech stocks saw a downturn. Japanese artists to build lantern floats for Taiwan Lantern Festival Two Japanese Nebuta artists will be crafting (手工製作) the large lantern floats for this year's Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County. Artists Makoto Suwa and Hiromi Hayashi from Japan's Aomori City were invited to create the lantern floats for the General Association of Chinese Culture. Nebuta are traditional lantern floats handmade with wood, metal wire and paper. According to the association, the two artists will create nebuta for Chiayi County's Pei Tien Temple, featuring the deities Mazu and Hu Ye, for Lantern Festival - which will be taking place from March 3 through 15. Both Suwa and Hayashi have previously visited Taiwan to exhibit their nebuta works, but this will be the first time they produce nebuta from scratch in Taiwan. The floats will be taking part in the festival parade on the evening of March 7. UN Aid Delivered to Kobani Syria A U.N. aid convoy has delivered humanitarian supplies to Kobani in northeast Syria. This marks the first aid delivery since fighting began between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces earlier this month. A ceasefire, announced Tuesday and extended Saturday, is mostly holding despite sporadic skirmishes (斷斷續續的小規模戰鬥). Kobani residents have faced electricity and water cuts and shortages of essentials (必需品). The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 24 trucks delivered supplies, including food and medical kits. The fighting has displaced over 173-thousand people. A new agreement aims to merge SDF fighters with government forces. UK and EU Countries Join Wind Power Project The UK is among ten other European countries to work on a clean energy scheme (方案) by producing more wind farms in the North sea. The aim of the project, to be agreed at a summit in Germany, is to move away from fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. Lara Bentley reports Canada Last Captive Whales May Be Exported to US Canada's last captive whales have a received a reprieve from death after the Canadian government conditionally approved a plan to export them to the United States. The country's fisheries minister met with officials from Marineland, the shuttered theme park and zoo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to talk about its proposed plan to move the animals south. The park is in discussions with four U.S. institutions to take its 30 belugas and four dolphins. The park had said it was running out of funds and the animals would be euthanized (安樂死) if the export permits were not authorized by Jan. 30-th. 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qducm -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 41-points this morning from Friday's close, at 32,002 on turnover of 7.2-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another high on Friday as Wall Street made gains overnight after U-S President Donald Trump rescinded his tariff threats on European countries over the pursuit of Greenland. Subject: E*Taiwan to list Nipah virus as Category 5 disease after India outbreak Return to Table of contents The Centers for Disease Control says it plans to list Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease following a recent outbreak of the virus in India. According to the C-D-C, it released a proposed change to its measures on controlling infectious diseases on January 16 -- which would list Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 disease. The measure now has to undergo a 60-day period during which members of the public can comment on it before it can take effect. The Nipah virus has only been under priority surveillance (監視) in Taiwan since 2018. The Nipah virus can infect humans through contact with infected bats or animals such as pigs. CAA probes Starlux flight to Kobe after hard landing The Civil Aeronautics Administration is investigating a Starlux Airlines flight from Taichung to Kobe after it experienced a hard landing. The incident occured on January 20 and the C double A has grounded the crew pending the outcome of the investigation. According to the administration, the flight exceeded vertical G-force limits during its landing, meaning the aircraft touched down with a stronger-than-normal downward force. Starlux says the flight encountered a sudden gust of wind on approach, which triggered (觸發) abnormal system readings, but has not released any further details of the incident. Philippines Ferry Sinking An inter-island ferry with more than 350 on board has sunk in the southern Philippines after midnight. Rescuers have saved at least 244 passengers and retrieved 13 bodies. Officials say the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, a cargo and passenger ferry, was sailing to southern Jolo island in Sulu province from the port city of Zamboanga with 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it apparently encountered (遭遇) technical problems and sank. Coast guard and navy ships, along with a surveillance plane, an air force Black Hawk helicopter and fleets of fishing boats were carrying out search and rescue operations off Basilan. Officials say the cause of the ferry sinking was not immediately clear and there will be an investigation. Federal and state officials both claim moral high ground in immigration crackdown after shooting Protests continue in Minneapolis following a second fatal (致命的) shooting by federal law enforcement. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports France President Wants Social Media Ban FastTracked French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to fast-track a ban on social media for teenagers under 15. He aims for the law to take effect in September. Macron made the announcement in a video released over the weekend. He emphasized that children's emotions and minds should not be manipulated by (受到操縱 / 操控) social media platforms. This move follows the British government's consideration of a similar ban. France's health watchdog reports that many teenagers spend hours daily on social media, leading to negative effects like low self-esteem and exposure (接觸) to harmful content. Macron's office confirmed the bill will be discussed today. 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qdvg2 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 43-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,789 on turnover of $6.4-billion N-T. Premier thanks Japan for swift response to helicopter crash Premier Cho Jung-tai is expressing his thanks to Japanese government for their swift and comprehensive rescue operation after a helicopter carrying two Taiwanese tourists and a Japanese pilot went missing near one of Japan's most active volcanoes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has arranged for the Taiwan victims' families to travel to Japan following the accident. Authorities say the helicopter lost contact during what should have been a 10-minute flight over Mount Aso in southern Japan on Monday. Rescuers on Wednesday said they'd spotted wreckage believed to be from the sightseeing helicopter inside the crater (火山口) of one of Mt. Aso's five peaks. However, officials had said bad weather and high levels of volcanic gases were hampering the rescue operation. The helicopter's operating agent has said the two tourists from Taiwan were a 41 year old man and a 36 year old woman. Alex Honnold to scale Taipei 101 on Saturday American free solo climber, Alex Honnold will be attempting to scaling the Taipei 101 tomorrow. Taipei 101 chairwoman Janet Chia has led a bilingual blessing ceremony for the American climber ahead of his historic free solo climb. Honnold will scale all 101 floors of the structure (結構) without ropes or safety equipment. He's attempting what organizers a describing as potential milestone in human achievement. The climb will be broadcast live by Netflix. Ukraine President Criticizes EU for Slow Response to Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is criticizing European allies for their slow and fragmented response to Russia's invasion. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he highlighted Europe's inadequate (不足) support compared to the U.S. push for peace. Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump, calling the talks productive. He urges Europe to become a global force, contrasting its response to Washington's actions in Venezuela and Iran. Despite European support, internal disagreements and slow responses frustrate Kyiv. Zelenskyy stresses the need for Western weaponry and international focus on the war as Russia's influence persists. Minnesota judge overturns block on agents using force on protesters A US appeals judge has overturned a ruling that blocked federal agents in Minneapolis from using force against peaceful protesters. The city has seen several weeks of protests against the government's immigration crackdown (鎮壓), and the killing of a woman by an immigration agent. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Olympic Flame to Pass Through Venice The Olympic flame makes a landmark run through Venice, gliding on boats down the Grand Canal and across St. Mark's Basin. The flame will arrive toward dusk (黃昏) at "Piazzale Roma", crossing the "Ponte delle Guglie" and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is the 46th stage of the 63-day torch relay covering 12-thousand kilometers. The relay started in Rome and will wind through (蜿蜒穿過) all 110 Italian provinces before reaching Milan's San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony on February 6. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 中國信託行動銀行APP全新聯名主題登場 三大超萌IP：反應過激的貓、無所事事小海豹、貓貓蟲咖波 主題自由切換，快來中信銀行APP打造你的專屬體驗 立即搜尋>中國信託行動銀行APP 體驗主題>https://sofm.pse.is/8qgd2f -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 124-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,371 on turnover of 9.7-billion N-T. The market moved sharply lower on Wednesday following heavy losses on Wall Street overnight. Analysts say investors opted to dump their holdings in panic as sentiment was hit by the big losses on U-S indexes overnight. While Wednesday was also the settlement date for January futures contracts, so selling increased, with foreign institutional investors holding more short-position contracts than long-position ones … and tech stocks remained the targets of the sell-off. DPP finalizes candidates for Chiayi County, Tainan and Kaohsiung elections The D-P-P has finalized its candidates for key mayoral positions in southern Taiwan. According to the party, it has approved Lai Jui-lung as the D-P-P's candidate for the Kaohsiung mayoral election, Tsai Yi-yu as its candidate for the post of Chiayi County magistrate, and Chen Ting-fei as its Tainan mayoral candidate,. Final approval for all three candidates was made during a meeting of the D-P-P's s Central Executive Committee. President Lai Ching-te, who doubles as the party chairman, says he hopes the candidates will integrate (整合) local efforts and support other party members seeking office in November's local elections. Rescuers spot wreckage from Japanese sightseeing helicopter carrying 2 Taiwanese tourists Rescuers in Japan have spotted wreckage (殘骸) believed to be from a sightseeing helicopter that was carrying two Taiwanese tourists and a Japanese pilot that went missing near one of Japan's most active volcanoes Authorities say the helicopter lost contact during what should have been a 10-minute flight over Mount Aso in southern Japan on Monday. According to local police, the wreckage, possibly of the missing helicopter, was spotted inside the crater of Nakadake, one of Mt. Aso's five peaks. However, officials had said bad weather and high levels of volcanic gases were hampering (阻礙) the rescue operation. Taiwan's representative office in Fukuoka says it was notified of a helicopter crash involving the two Taiwanese tourists immediately after the accident occurred. Supreme Court looks set to reject Trump's bid to control Fed US President Donald Trump's bid to control the US central bank looks set to be rejected by the Supreme Court. During arguments on Wednesday, justices from across the ideological spectrum (政治光譜) appeared concerned that the president's efforts to fire one of the Federal Reserve's leaders, could imperil its independence. Kate fisher reports from Washington Peru President Facing Scrutiny for Meetings with Chinese Business Owners Peru's interim President Jose Jeri is facing scrutiny (細看，仔細審查) for unregistered meetings with two Chinese business owners. On Wednesday, he appeared before a congressional oversight committee to address these encounters, which have sparked a criminal probe and calls for his removal. Jeri denies wrongdoing and claims the opposition's actions are a destabilizing maneuver ahead of the April 12 election. Earlier this week, Peru's attorney general's office said it has launched a preliminary investigation against Jeri for the alleged crimes of influence peddling and illegal lobbying. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally lower this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,749 on turnover of 8.5-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another new record high on Tuesday, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing recouped its early losses on the back of investor optimism over the company's fundamentals. Analysts say T-S-M-C continued to attract bargain hunters and that resulted in the chipmaker's share price rising by 0.85-per cent to close at 1,775 N-T. No invite for Taiwan to Honduras presidential inauguration The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has not received an invitation to the inauguration of Honduras' president-elect Nasry Asfura. The statement comes amid reports that President Lai Ching-te had expressed an interest in attending the January 27 event. According to the foreign ministry's Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, the lack of (沒有…) an invitation is due to Taiwan not having official diplomatic ties with Honduras. The department has not said whether or not it approached members of the incoming Asfura administration for an invitation. Asfura pledged to restore ties with Taipei if he was elected president during his campaign. Epidemic flu period may begin this week, peak around Lunar New Year The Centers for Disease Control was warning that Taiwan could enter a flu epidemic as early as this week, as case numbers are continuing to rise ahead of Lunar New Year holiday. According to the C-D-C, outpatient and emergency visits for flu-like illnesses reached 104,348 from the week of January 11 to 17. That figure marked a second consecutive weekly increase and was an increase of 11.9-per cent from the previous week. The C-D-C says the number of weekly visits for flu-like illnesses could climb to as high as 140,000 during the peak period (高峰期). Health officials say 458 severe flu cases and 88 flu-related deaths have been recorded so far this flu season. The C-D-C is urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Trump: "you'll find out" how far he'll go to acquire Greenland US President Donald Trump says people will "find out" how far he's willing to go to acquire Greenland. It comes as he prepares to meet worried European allies on Wednesday in Davos, who are becoming increasingly vocal (直言不諱的) in their push back against the President's plans. Nick Harper reports from Washington NZ PM Announces National Election Date New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a national election will be held Nov. 7th. New Zealand elections are held every three years with the government selecting the date. Voters choose which party they prefer to see in government and also select a local candidate to represent their constituency (選區) in parliament. Luxon, who is leader of the center-right National party, became prime minister in 2023. His chief opponent is Chris Hipkins, leader of the center-left Labour party. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 54-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,584 on turnover of 11-billion N-T. The market hit yet another new closing high as Monday on the back of continuing strong shows by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. T-S-M-C saw its share price climb to a record high of 1,780 N-T in intraday trading, before closing 1.15-per cent higher at 1,760 N-T. Defense Minister briefs lawmakers on weapons procurement plans Defense Minister Wellington Koo has briefed members of the Legislative Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee on weapons systems the military hopes to procure under the 1.25-trillion N-T special defense budget. According to Koo, the defense ministry is seeking to purchase more than 200,000 U-A-Vs, as well as precision artillery (精準火炮), long-range missiles, air defense missiles and anti-tank missiles Koo told lawmakers during the closed-door session that he will be given a detailed explanation in regards the weapons systems being eyed by the defense ministry, when the special defense budget has been referred to committee review. Lows of 8-degree as cold air mass moves in And, The Central Weather Administration says, a strong continental cold air mass will send temperatures drop to as low as 8-degrees in some areas this week. The cold front will move south from this afternoon and strengthen from tomorrow through Thursday. Lows tomorrow and Thursday in the north are forecast to fall to between 12 and 13 degrees. While the mercury could drop to between 13 and 14 degrees overnight in the center and south. The cold air mass is expected to weaken starting Saturday - when daytime temperatures will rebound (反彈). Iran Protests Leave Over 4000 Dead Activists say the bloody crackdown on demonstrators taking part in nationwide protests in Iran killed at least 4,029 people. The Human Rights Activists News Agency offered the toll today, saying more than 26-thousand people have been detained in the crackdown. It said of the dead, over 3-thousand-700 were demonstrators, and nearly 30 were children. It fears many more may have been killed. The agency has been accurate (準確的) in previous unrest in Iran and relies on a network of activists on the ground to confirm each death. This comes as a U.S. aircraft carrier, which days earlier had been in the South China Sea, passed Singapore overnight to enter the Strait of Malacca. This puts it on a route that could bring it to the Middle East. US FBI asking agents to volunteer for Minnesota deployment: reports The FBI is reportedly asking agents to volunteer for a deployment to Minnesota, as clashes between anti-ICE protestors and federal agents intensify. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have beefed up (加強) their presence in Minneapolis after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good - a US citizen and mother of three - in her car two weeks ago. Toni Waterman has the story. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 中國信託行動銀行APP全新聯名主題登場 三大超萌IP：反應過激的貓、無所事事小海豹、貓貓蟲咖波 主題自由切換，快來中信銀行APP打造你的專屬體驗 立即搜尋>中國信託行動銀行APP 體驗主題>https://sofm.pse.is/8qgw3w －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Magnitude 4.3 quake rattles mountainous areas of south and center TVGH suspends 3 doctors after video shows vendor taking part in surgery Europe won't be blackmailed High-speed train derails in southern Spain Suspected gang members in Guatemala's capital kill seven police officers -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 34-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,845 on turnover of $8-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday as investors awaited the outcome of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's investor conference - which began after the trading day ended. Danjiang Bridge to host opening events in both April and May Events are slated to take place to mark the completion of the Danjiang Bridge in the lead-up to its officially opening on May 12. Both the New Taipei City Government and the Highway Bureau will be hosting events from between April 25 and May 9. The bridge will be open to the public to walk across on April 25 and the Highway Bureau will be holding a parade on the bridge the following day featuring performances by musical groups. A concert will also be taking place in May 2 and the bridge will be open for a public picnic day on May 3. Construction of the 920-meter-long bridge is due to be completed in April and when completed, the Danjiang Bridge will become the longest asymmetric (不對稱的) single-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world. Officials say the bridge will cut the travel time between Tamsui and Bali by about 25-minutes. Trump threatens to send troops to Minnesota as tensions rise following second ICE shooting US president Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota in response to rising tensions between protesters and federal agents. His warning came just hours after a man was shot and wounded (受傷的) by an immigration officer who had been attacked with a shovel and broom handle in Minneapolis. Kate fisher reports from Washington UN SecretaryGeneral Criticizes Violations of Intl Law and Concentration of Wealth The United Nations chief is lashing out at countries that violate international law and calling the concentration of power and wealth by the world's richest 1% “morally indefensible.” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday at the start of his final year at the helm (領導地位) of the United Nations. He said the U.N.'s 193 member nations are facing “a world marked by self-defeating geopolitical divides, brazen violations of international law, and wholesale cuts in development and humanitarian aid.” He said all these forces are shaking the foundations of global cooperation at a time when it is needed most. Guterres warned of the dangers of a concentration of power and wealth in the world's richest 1%, who hold 43% of global financial assets. He also criticized countries that don't pay their U.N. dues on time — another jab at the Trump administration, which did not pay its mandatory dues to the U.N.'s budgets in 2025. Wikipedia Partners with AI Companies Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia written by volunteers, is embracing artificial intelligence to mark its 25th anniversary. The site has signed up new AI partners, including Meta and Microsoft, alongside existing ones with companies like Google. These companies are paying to access Wikipedia content, supporting its nonprofit mission. Founder Jimmy Wales welcomes AI training on Wikipedia data, emphasizing (強調) its human-curated nature. The Wikimedia Foundation urges AI developers to pay for access, as bots heavily tax (使負重擔) its servers. 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 194-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,746 on turnover of 11.3-billion N-T. The market gained ground again on Wednesday as buying rotated to select tech stocks that had been lagging behind semiconductor shares in recent sessions. Presidential impeachment hearings begin Lawmakers have begin public hearings to discuss impeaching President Lai Ching-te. The first hearing took place yesterday and a second hearing is scheduled for today as part of the legislature's impeachment review process. The Committee of the Whole Yuan will then hold formal (正式的) review meetings on January 21 and 22. The lead sponsors will use those meetings to explain the grounds for impeachment and Lai will be invited to give a 15-minute statement followed by questioning by lawmakers. A second review meeting is scheduled for May, after which the impeachment case will be put to a vote in the Legislative Yuan on May 19. The impeachment needs a two-thirds majority of lawmakers for it to pass. Taiwan passport rises three spots in global ranking Taiwan's passport has risen three place in the latest Henley Passport Index to move up to 33rd spot. The rise means it returned to the same place it was in the rankings in January of last year. The index rank passports by the number of destinations its holder can travel to without a visa. The latest survey shows that Taiwan passport holders can travel to 139 countries and territories without a visa. The Singaporean passport was ranked (排名) the most powerful with visa-free access to 192 destinations out of a total of 227. US to freeze visa processing for 75 countries The Trump Administration says it will indefinitely halt visa processing for immigrants from 75 countries, including Brazil, Russia and Iran. The State Department says this latest restriction - which kicks in next week - is aimed at people trying to quote .. "extract (強索) wealth from the American people." Toni Waterman has more from DC Canada BC Ends Experiment Decriminalizing Limited Drug Possession Canada's Pacific coast province of British Columbia is ending its three-year experiment in decriminalizing possession (擁有) of small amounts of drugs. British Columbia's health minister says the province is not seeking an extension (延伸) of its agreement with Canada's federal health agency that allowed the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs for personal possession. The three-year pilot project, slated to end Jan. 31st, initially allowed adults to possess up to 2.5 grams cumulatively of opioids, crack and powdered cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. But in 2024, the exemption was amended to restrict such possession to private homes and places where homeless people are legally sheltering, as well as designated health-care clinics and overdose prevention, drug checking and supervised consumption sites. The minister says the goal was to make it easier for people o come forward and seek help, but it "hasn't delivered the results" officials hoped for. 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 35-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,742 on turnover of 7.5-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another new high on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing extended its momentum from a session earlier amid optimism over global demand for A-I applications. Cabinet refusing to comment on reports of US tariff deal The Cabinet is refusing to comment on reports that Taiwan and the U-S are close to completing a trade deal. Reports have been suggesting the deal will reduce the U-S tariff rate on Taiwan products will from 20 to 15-per cent, and commit Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to invest significantly more in the U-S. Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says Taiwan and the U-S have already reached "broad consensus (共識)" on related issues, and are currently discussing the timing of a wrap-up meeting. And according to Lee, any confirmed arrangements will be announced publicly. T-S-M-C has not commented on the report, but is expected to address the issue at its investor conference tomorrow. Former Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan named SEF chairman Former Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan has been appointed as chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation. Su had long been widely tipped for the post after his predecessor, Frank Wu, announced his resignation on December 18. According to Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo, President Lai Ching-te invited Su to take the post, citing his "extensive (全面的) political experience and successful track record in international exchanges." Kuo says Lai is expressing his hope that Su will strengthen the Straits Exchange Foundation's operations and help promote "positive and healthy" cross-strait exchanges. Su most recently served as chairman of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association for more than three years. Iran Protest Death Toll Surpasses 2Thousand Activists say the death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has surpassed 2,000 people. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate (準確的) in previous unrest in recent years, gave the latest toll. It says most of the dead over more than two weeks of protests were protesters and 135 were government-affiliated. With the internet down in Iran, gauging the demonstrations from abroad is difficult. The demonstrations began a little over two weeks ago in anger over Iran's ailing economy and theocracy, particularly the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Human Rights Activists News Agency warns that the death toll will rise. US Justice Department Prosecutors Resign Over Minnesota ICE Shooting Investigation From the US…. Justice Department prosecutors are resigning amid turmoil (動盪) over Minnesota ICE shooting investigation AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports. France Le Pen in Court to Appeal Embezzlement Conviction French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has returned to court to appeal an embezzlement (挪用公款) conviction that risks affecting her 2027 presidential ambitions. She denies any wrongdoing. She was found guilty in March of misusing European Parliament funds and sentenced to a five-year ban from holding office, among other penalties. The appeal trial involving Le Pen and 10 others opened on Tuesday and is set to last five weeks. The verdict is expected possibly before summer. Le Pen argues the funds were used appropriately (適當地). The case weighs heavily on her political future, as she has worked to bring the far right into France's mainstream politics. 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 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、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/8qdvg3 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 63-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,630 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market closed higher yesterday as buying was sparked by gains posted on Wall Street at the end of last week. However, the main board declined from the day's high of 30,681 after profit-taking set-in late in the session, as investors turned cautious ahead of the anticipated U-S Supreme Court ruling later this week on Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. Taiwan F-16s return to the sky after no-flight order lifted The Air Force says its fleet of F-16s jet fighters have now resumed regular training operations following safety checks. The fleet was grounded in response to the disappearance of an F-16V and its pilot going missing in waters off the east coast last Tuesday. According to the Air Force, all of its F-16s passed inspections, with pilots and ground crews completing simulation (模擬) and maintenance training, respectively. The Air Force also released photos of a group of four F-16Vs making preparations for takeoff, with one piloted by Maj. Gen. Hu Chung-hua -- the chief of the Air Force's 5th Tactical Mixed Wing based in eastern Hualien County. Taipei to launch 'smoke-free city' plan this year Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says his administration is looking at various options to limit smoking in public places and some version of the policy is likely to be implemented this year. According to Chiang, a "Taipei smoke-free city" plan is expected to be launched by the end of this year. Chiang says city officials are studying the establishment of designated (指定的) smoking areas in Tokyo, which has cut down on secondhand smoke and cigarette litter in the Japanese capital. The Taipei mayor also said that it's very possible the city will make reference to examples abroad, such as using designated smoking areas or booths to improve the quality of public spaces. US Trump Administration Sends Hundreds More Agents to Minneapolis Hundreds more federal agents are being deployed (部署) to Minneapolis by the Trump administration. It comes amid protests after a woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in the city. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Iran Protest Death Toll Rises Activists say the death toll from Iran's nationwide protests has reached at least 646 people with the number expected to rise further. The toll as of Tuesday comes from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate (準確) throughout multiple years of demonstrations. According to the Associated Press, the agency relies on a network of activists inside Iran that confirms all reported fatalities. Iran's government has not provided casualty figures for the demonstrations, as all communications remain blocked in the country. Pope Meets with Venezuela Opposition Leader Machado Pope Leo XIV has met with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the Vatican. During Monday's meeting, which was not previously announced, the Venezuelan leader asked the pope to intercede (調解) for the release of hundreds of political prisoners held in Venezuela and for a swift transition to democracy. Machado is touring Europe and the United States after escaping Venezuela in early 2025. The pope called for Venezuela to remain independent and urges the protection of human rights following the capture (捕拿) of former President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. 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 183-points this morning from Friday's close, at 30,472 on turnover of 10.8-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday, but remained above the 30,000 point mark on the back of investor optimism that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing would report strong sales for 2025 after the main board closed. Lai announces approval of NT$2.94 billion 'smart health' subsidies President Lai Ching-te says his administration has approved 197 subsidy programs worth about 2.94-billion N-T under a plan to encourage medical institutions to adopt 'smart health care' technologies. The subsidy programs are part of the five-year 48.9-billion N-T Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, which the government launched last year. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nobel Health Care Forum in Taipei, Lai said the subsidy programs are designed to leverage (利用，發揮（優勢）) the advantages of smart health care to strengthen medical services. According to Lai, although average life expectancy in Taiwan is currently above 80, people spend an average of 8.4 years in poor healthand that means "about 10-per cent of the average lifespan is unhealthy," with some people bedridden, using wheelchairs or needing daily care. HPA to publish new dietary guidelines in Q2 2026 Health Minister Shih Chung-liang says the Health Promotion Administration will issue new daily dietary guidelines in the second quarter of this year. It will be the first such update since 2018. A draft of the new guidelines was completed late last year. According to Shih, eggs will be promoted more than in the past, given the growing body of research (大量的研究成果) showing they are an excellent source of nutrition. And while earlier guidelines only recommended skim or low-fat milk, the updated guidelines recognize that whole milk contains important nutrients, as long as it is consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. US Minnesota More Immigration Arrests Minnesota braces for what's next amid (…之中) more protests and immirgration arrests AP's Lisa Dwyer reports Italy Olympic Venue Guard Death Authorities have confirmed the death of a guard at construction site near a 2026 Winter Olympic venue in the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The death occurred during a frigid overnight shift, when temperatures plunged to minus 12 degrees Celsius. Italy's infrastructure minister has called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 55-year-old worker's death. Italian media reported that the death happened on Jan. 8, outside Cortina's ice arena, and Milan Cortina organizers said that the worker died of a heart attack. City officials expressed deep sadness and concern (憂慮) over the incident. The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are scheduled for Feb. 6-22. 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 10-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,370 on turnover of $6.5-billion N-T. FDA announces recall of Nestle formula powder over potential contamination The Food and Drug Administration says Nestle has preemptively recalled 83,496 cans of baby formula powder over potential contamination (污染) of the toxin cereulide. The move comes amid a global recall of the food company's baby formula products earlier this week. According to the F-D-A, Nestle Taiwan self-reported that two batches of its products sold in Taiwan may have used potentially contaminated ingredients. Those products are batches (批次) of it Illuma Infant Growth Formula and Illuma Toddler Growth Formula. Nestle Taiwan says it initiated voluntary recalls as a precaution to safeguard consumer health and safety. The company says it has lso set up a dedicated hotline to handle returns and exchanges. The F-D-A is urged consumers who have purchased the products to stop consumption and return the product. MOEA updates guidelines for foreign students interning in Taiwan The Ministry of Economic Affairs has updated guidelines to protect the rights of foreign students interning in Taiwan. The updated Guidelines Governing the Application of Foreign Students to the ROC in the Capacity of Interns in Enterprises and Organizations includes clearer rules on student eligibility, internship stipends and working hours. Under the revised rules, students must be enrolled (已註冊) at overseas universities officially listed by the Ministry of Education, the and the economic ministry's Department of Investment Review. Students must have completed at least one semester of study before coming to Taiwan and be of an age appropriate for their program. They must also be studying a field related to their internship and have basic Chinese or English communication skills to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the internship. US Withdraws from dozens of international bodies and organisations The United States is withdrawing from dozens of international organizations and bodies, many of which are associated with the United Nations, in the latest sign of Washington stepping back from multilateralism (多邊主義). Mitch McCann reports: Philippines Garbage Mound Collapse Leaves Dead and Missing A huge mound of garbage has collapsed in a waste segregation facility in a central Philippine city, killing one person and leaving at least 27 others missing. Police say that firefighters and disaster-mitigation personnel retrieved eight people, including workers at the facility, who were trapped (被困) Thursday afternoon in the avalanche of trash and debris in the village of Binaliw in Cebu city. Local officials say one of those rescued, a female worker at the landfill, died while being brought to a hospital. Authorities and officials at the waste management facility, which has 110 employees, are to hold an emergency meeting today UN Forecasts Global Growth Slightly Lower This Year The United Nations is forecasting that the global economy will grow by 2.7% this year. That's slightly lower than last year's estimate, citing the impact of higher U.S. tariffs, economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. U.N. economists predict that growth will edge up to 2.9% in 2027. That's still well below the average 3.2% growth between 2010 and 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hurt economies around the globe. The U.N. economists say there was “unexpected resilience" to sharp increases in U.S. tariffs last year. They are pointing to solid consumer spending and easing inflation, which helped sustain (維持) growth.. 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 104-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,330 on turnover of 12-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Wednesday, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing pulled back on profit taking after hitting a record closing level a session earlier - but the main board remained above the 30,000 point mark. Air Force to call on US to speed-up collision-avoidance system work following F-16V incident The Air Force is urging the U-S to expedite work to install automatic ground collision avoidance systems on its F-16V fighter jets and hopes the process (過程) can be completed sooner than initially planned. It comes after an F-16V jet went missing off of Hualien on Tuesday evening. Authorities are still searching for the missing aircraft and its pilot. The incident has led to concerns about the speed in which automatic ground collision avoidance systems are being installed on Taiwan's F-16Vs. The project was initially slated for completion in 2028. However, the Air Force says it now hopes it can completed by the end of this year. Subject: E*MOEA gives final approval for Nvidia's Taipei headquarters Return to Table of contents The Taipei City Government says the Ministry of Economic Affairs has given its final approval for Nvidia to build its overseas headquarters at the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park. Nvidia is now set to submit its investment proposal to the city government later this month. Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang is expected to visit Taiwan later this month to attend (出席) the signing ceremony. The Nvidia headquarters will be designed by local architect Kris Yao. Yao's previous projects include the China Steel Corporation Headquarters in Kaohsiung and the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi. WH: US has started marketing Venezualan oil on the global marketplace The White House says the US has already started marketing Venezuelan oil in the global marketplace. It comes as President Trump says Venezuela has agreed to make up to 50 million barrels of crude (原油) available to the US. Jagruti Dave has more from Washington Canada PM to Visit China Next Week Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit China next week where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as Canada looks to reduce its reliance (依賴) on the United States. The visit, announced on Wednesday, is the first to China by a Canadian prime minister in more than eight years. Xi invited Carney to China when they met during an Asia-Pacific summit last fall and it comes as the two countries move to restore stronger ties after years of tensions. Carney will travel to China from Jan. 13 to 17. EU Snow and Ice Hampering Travel Snow and ice are hampering travel in parts of Europe as flights have been grounded and roads clogged (堵塞). More than 1,000 passengers spent the night at Amsterdam's airport as staff worked to clear snow from runways. At least 800 flights were canceled at the airport on Wednesday. France's weather service has issued alerts for snow and black ice. People were urged to work from home. Swedish and Finnish cities also faced disruptions with trams and buses halted. 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 163-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,412 on turnover of 23-billion N-T. The market closed above the 30,000 point mark once again on Tuesday, as buying was further boosted by investor optimism over Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's sales amid the current A-I boom. Analysts say investors are betting that T-S-M-C will deliver positive leads (商機線索) at its investor conference next Thursday. NSB says Beijing paired Taiwan drills with cyberattacks and cognitive warfare The National Security Bureau says Beijing paired military drills against Taiwan with information operations and cyberattacks from between December 29 and January 2. According to the bureau, the move resulted in the spreading of more than 19,000 "controversial" messages and the launch of millions of hacking intrusions (入侵). In a report submitted to the Legislative Yuan, the N-S-B says the online activity involved 799 abnormal accounts and focused on amplifying skepticism about the U-S, Taiwan's military and President Lai Ching-te, referring to concerns about Taiwan's ability to defend itself. CDC warns that influenza epidemic to hit late January and peak over Lunar New Year The Centers for Disease Control says it expects to see a rise in flu cases in the later this month and a further increase around the Lunar New Year holiday period. According to the C-D-C, a total of 82,161 people sought medical treatment for flu-like illness from the week of December 28 to January 3 - and that level remains about the same as the previous week. The C-D-C is projecting that Taiwan will again enter a flu epidemic ( 流行病) period in the latter half of this month, following a previous period from late September to late November this winter and it's likely to peak around the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on February 14. UN Human Rights Office Expresses Renewed Concern Over U.S. Actions in Venezuela The UN Human Rights office says it's concerned America's military action in Venezuela is going to make the situation (情況) in the country even worse, and that US actions undermined international law. Mitch McCann reports from the United Nations in New York: Canada FM and Governor General to Visit Greenland Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says his foreign minister and the governor general will visit Greenland in early February in the wake of renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex the Danish territory. Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon are expected to open a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Simon became Canada's first Indigenous governor general in 2021 and previously served as Canada's ambassador to Denmark. Carney says the future of Greenland and Demark are decided solely (唯一地，完全) by the people of Denmark. He spoke while meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Canadian Embassy in Paris. 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 171-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 29,933 on turnover of 14-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Monday - as it closed above the 30,000-point mark for the first time as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing smashed closing records on the back of investor optimism toward demand for its high-end processes. Three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan indicted over new TSMC trade secret theft The Taiwan High Prosecutors' Office Intellectual Property Branch has indicted three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan for stealing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's 14-nanometer technology secrets. Those indicted include Chen Li-ming, a former T-S-M-C engineer who worked at Tokyo Electron Taiwan, a T-S-M-C employee and a Tokyo Electron employee. Two of the individuals have been charged with reproducing trade secrets relating to national core (核心) key technologies under the National Security Act. While the other individual and Tokyo Electron Taiwan have been charged with destroying evidence in a criminal case. All three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan have also been indicted in a seperate investigation into the theft of T-S-M-C's 2-nanometer technology. Tourism authority issues guidelines to protect foreign accommodation interns The Tourism Administration has issued updated guidelines to better protect foreign interns in the accommodation/hospitality sector. It comes after the government opened the sector to foreign students enrolled in overseas schools last year to help address labor shortages. The administration says more than 1,900 students came to Taiwan to work as interns last year, but there were concerns over inadequate (不足) protections. Under the updated guidelines, foreign interns who perform work beyond their training must receive payment equivalent to at least the minimum wage, training must not exceed more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week … … and it cannot be scheduled between 10PM and 6AM, without the individual intern's consent. Iran Protest Death Toll Rises to at Least 35 Activists say the death toll in violence surrounding (周圍的) protests in Iran has risen to at least 35. The figure came from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which said more than 1,200 people have been detained in the protests, which have been ongoing for more than a week. It said 29 protesters, four children and two members of Iran's security forces have been killed. The semiofficial Fars news agency, believed close to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, says some 250 police officers and 45 members of the Guard's all-volunteer Basij force have been hurt. UK Gov to Seize Illegal Migrants Phones Mobile phones will now be seized from illegal migrants entering the UK without arrest. The country's government says the new powers will help gather more information on smuggling (走私) gangs organising the Channel crossings. Lara Bentley has more… Auschwitz Survivor Eva Schloss Obit Auschwitz survivor Eva Schloss, stepsister of Anne Frank, has died at 96. The Anne Frank Trust UK, where she was honorary president, said she died Saturday in London. King Charles III praised Schloss for her lifelong dedication to overcoming hatred and prejudice (偏見). Born in Vienna in 1929, Schloss fled to Amsterdam and became friends with Anne Frank. Both families hid from the Nazis but were eventually captured. Schloss survived Auschwitz and later moved to Britain. She became a prominent Holocaust educator, speaking worldwide and writing books. 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 429-points this morning from Friday's close, at 29,779 on turnover of 15.7-billion N-T. The market closed at a new high Friday,as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing continued to break records amid the current A-I boom. MOFA welcomes new SVG leader's pledge to maintain diplomatic ties The Ministry of Foreign Affairs say it welcomes a recent pledge (保證) by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' new prime minister that his government will maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Godwin Friday assumed office in late November and he made the Taiwan comments during a recent radio interview. Friday has been quoted as saying that diplomatic relations with Taiwan remain, as do relations with all countries with which Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has diplomatic ties. According to the foreign ministry, it will continue close communications with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' government to deepen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. Panama-flagged cargo ship refloated off Hualien without oil spill A Panama-flagged bulk carrier that ran aground off Hualien County on New Year's Day has been successfully refloated and towed into Hualien Port. Authorities says no oil pollution has been detected. The C-S-E Prosperity Express was refloated by two tugboats under coast guard escort after passing hull inspection and safely berthed (停泊) at Wharf No. 22. According to the Maritime Port Bureau, no oil leakage was observed during or after the operation, despite the ship carrying more than 200-metric tons of residual fuel. The carrier is operated by China Steel Express. US Rebuts Russian Claims of Ukrainian Attack on Putin Residence U.S. national security officials have determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week. That's according to President Donald Trump. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last Monday said Ukraine launched (發射) a wave of drones at Putin's state residence in the northwestern part of Russia. The allegation came just a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had traveled to Florida for talks with Trump. Trump initially appeared to take the Russian allegations at face value and said he was angry. Maduro Case to Revive Legal Debate Over Foreign Leaders Immunity Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has taken the place of her ally President Nicolas Maduro who was captured by the United States in a nighttime military operation. Legal experts say Maduro's case will revive a legal debate over immunity (豁免) for foreign leaders tested in another trial. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports SKorean Star Ahn Sung-ki Obit A Seoul hospital says prominent South Korean movie star Ahn Sung-ki has died. He was 74. The hospital says Ahn died this morning. Ahn has been fighting blood cancer for years. Ahn is one of South Korean cinema's most beloved (被喜愛的) and respected stars. His 60-year extensive career and positive, gentle public image earned him the nickname “The Nation's Actor.” 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 on the new year's first trading day, at 29,016, on turnover of 6.5-billion N-T. Taiwan shares closed the final trading session of 2025 at a record high Wednesday, led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, as the benchmark index capped a second straight year of historic gains fueled by strong demand tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. For the full year, the benchmark surged nearly 26 percent, surpassing the rise recorded in 2024 and setting a new record for annual point gains for the second consecutive year. The index has now risen more than 20 percent for three straight years. Lockheed gets Taiwan contract The Pentagon says Lockheed Martin has been given a contract involving foreign military sales to Taiwan to meet what Washington is describing as an "urgent operational need" of Taiwan's Air Force. The contract has a ceiling value of 328-million U-S dollars. According to the Pentagon, the contract is for the procurement (採購) and delivery of 55 Infrared Search and Track Legion Enhanced Sensor Pods, processors, pod containers and processor containers. The work is expected to be completed by June of 2031 First official record of Formosan black bear entering worker's hut in Alishan The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says a Formosan black bear broke into a worker's hut in Alishan's Dabang Village and ate food from a refrigerator and from canned goods. According to the agency's Chiayi branch, personnel were sent to inspect (察看) the site and set up infrared cameras to track the bear after receiving the report. The agency has released photos showing an open refrigerator, broken eggs in a carton, and empty food cans inside the hut - which sits at an elevation of 1,190-meters in Alishan. Experts found footprints near the worker's hut and, based on the damaged canned food, concluded that a Formosan black bear was responsible. Although Formosan black bears are occasionally sighted in the Alishan area, the Dabang Village incident marks the first officially recorded case of a bear entering a worker's hut and eating food. Iran Protests Leave at Least 3 Dead Protests over Iran's struggling economy have spread into rural areas, with at least three people killed. Authorities reported the fatalities on Wednesday and Thursday in cities home to Iran's Lur ethnic group. The demonstrations are the largest since 2022. The protests began due to economic pressures, with Iran's currency rapidly depreciating (貶值). Demonstrators have also chanted against the country's theocracy. Trump delays tariff hike on furniture and kitchen cabinets as affordabilitycrisis bites The White House says planned tariff hikes on items like furniture and kitchen cabinets are being pushed back one year. The delay comes as the administration insists its trade strategy is working - even as high prices continue to frustrate (感到煩躁) voters. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Anthony Joshua to Stay in Nigeria After Release from Hospital British boxer Anthony Joshua is initially staying in Nigeria as he recuperates from injuries sustained after a deadly crash. A vehicle carrying the former heavyweight champion and two of his associates crashed (撞擊) into a stationary truck on Monday on a local highway. The two associates were killed. Joshua was released from a Lagos hospital on Wednesday afternoon and he paid his respects to his deceased friends at the morgue. His promoter, Matchroom Boxing, told The Associated Press that Joshua will remain in Nigeria over the coming days.” That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn