Podcast appearances and mentions of Kate Fisher

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 17-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 20,215on turnover of 4.1-billion N-T. The market moved higher on Tuesday, extending momentum from a session earlier as a technical rebound continued. Buying focused on non-tech stocks, while the electronics sector saw its gains capped after reports that Huawei Technologies is ready to test its newest artificial intelligence chip to rival Nvidia. Narwhal faces sea trial testing delay Navy Chief of Staff Qiu Chun-rong has admitted the first domestically built submarine prototype willl likely miss the date that sea trials were scheduled to begin. The Ministry of National Defense's timeline for the Narwhal to carry out sea trials was supposed to begin in April month and be completed by late September. However, Qiu says the Navy is currently still working on improvements and focusing on reaching the "technology readiness level" required for the vessel (船隻) to carry out sea trials. That statement followed reports of potential testing delays due to voltage surges from a land-based power supply used in testing causing some components in the submarine to fail. CDC warning of rise in COVID cases The Centers for Disease Control is warning in a rise in the number of COVID infections. According to the C-D-C, infections have now risen for three consecutive (連續的) weeks and are likely to peak between May and June. Figures show the number of people visiting hospitals with COVID symptoms increased by 19-per cent last week from the previous (前) week. While 21 cases of severe COVID and seven deaths have been confirmed over the past seven days. C-D-C Deputy Director-General Philip Luo is advising people to get vaccinated and more than 3-million doses of government-funded COVID vaccines are currently available. Canada PM Warning on Trump Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has just won re-election to officially replace former leader Justin Trudeau has warned that the US president is trying to break Canada. Kate Fisher reports from Washington EU Urges Serbia Reforms The European Union's enlargement commissioner has urged Serbia's new government to push forward democratic reforms (改革，改進) needed for membership in the bloc, saying that the Balkan nation's protesting citizens have been seeking similar changes. Marta Kos says the EU wants to embrace Serbia and other candidate countries in the Western Balkans. But she said Serbia must first reform the judiciary in order to fight corruption, ensure freedom of the press and free and fair elections. Marta Kos spoke after meeting Serbia's new prime minister who has taken over the government earlier this month facing monthslong anti-corruption demonstrations triggered by a train station concrete canopy collapse that killed 16 people in November. Many in Serbia blamed the crash in the northern city of Novi Sad on alleged rampant (猖獗) corruption in the government's infrastructure deals with China, staging almost daily street protests demanding justice for the victims. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ ✨宏匯廣場 歡慶璀璨女王節✨

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 382-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 19,861 on turnover of $8.6-billion N-T. The market ended the day down on Thursday, as the market fell into consolidation mode amid lingering concerns by investors about the impact of U-S tariffs on Taiwan's semiconductor industry. Taiwan FM and King unveil oil reserve facility project in Eswatini Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Eswatini's King Mswati III have jointly presided over an unveiling ceremony for an oil reserve facility project Taiwan will build to enhance the energy resilience of its ally. Lin attended the ceremony marking The Strategic Oil Reserve Facility project as part of his ongoing visit to Eswatini. According to Taiwan's embassy in Eswatini, the oil reserve facility project is expected to be completed in three years and will ensure a 60-day fuel reserve for the kingdom. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says prior to (之前) attending the oil reserve facility project ceremony, Lin presented a letter from Lai and cows as gifts while meeting the king and queen mother. The foreign minister in the kingdom this week as a special envoy for President Lai Ching-te to pariticpate in the king's 57th birthday celebrations. Vegetation in Yangmingshan fire could take 1 year to recover The Ministry of the Interior says a fire that destroyed some 4.5 hectares of vegetation in Taipei's Yangmingshan could take about a year to recover. The fire broke out on April 14 near the Xiao-You-Keng Recreation Area and burned for about five hours - destroying silvergrass and portions of the Yangmingshan National Park's arrow bamboo forest. No deaths or injuries were reported. Authorities have said the fire was likely caused by air quality monitoring equipment belonging to the National Science and Technology Council installed at the site. Besides the vegetation, the fire also damaged various amenities (設施), including ropes, sand-filled barriers and several wooden posts along the forest trail. Total estimated damage caused by the fire is being put at between 1.7 and 1.8-million N-T. NATO chief in Washington for talks Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte is in Washington for talks with senior members of the Trump administration as Ukraine peace talks are stalling (停滯). He'll meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz at the state department on Thursday. Kate Fisher reports. Vatican Keeps Basilica Open Overnight for Mourners The Vatican kept the doors St. Peter's Basilica open overnight, as lines of mourners waited to pay their last respects (致敬) to the pope. Officials closed the basilica for just an hour and a half Thursday morning for cleaning, and by the evening that day, the Vatican says more than 90,000 people had paid their respects. After three days of public viewing, a funeral Mass including heads of state will be held Saturday in St. Peter's Square. The pope will then be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica, near his favorite Madonna icon. Namibia New President Announces Free Education Changes New Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has announced that her government will introduce free education at state universities and technical colleges starting next year. Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia's first female leader last month. Namibia already provides free education in public elementary and high schools, though parents still typically have to pay for school uniforms, stationery, books, and hostel fees. There have been calls for years for all levels of education to be subsidized (補貼的) by the government in the country of around 3 million people in southern Africa. Two of Namibia's seven universities are state run and will offer free education under the policy. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 2025年COMPUTEX以「AI Next」為主題，5月20日至23日於南港展覽館隆重登場！ 吸引1,400家國內外科技大廠、新創企業及加速器等夥伴共襄盛舉，同時舉辦多場精采活動，歡迎踴躍預登參觀！ 報名連結

US President Donald Trump is backing his Defence Secretary despite him being embroiled in yet another group chat scandal. Washington DC correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 228-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 18,773 on turnover of 11-billion N-T. Taiwan stocks finished up 9.25 percent Thursday, surging more than 1,600 points at the market's opening after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on his steep "reciprocal" tariffs on most countries. Three heavyweight stocks -- Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Hon Hai (Foxconn) and MediaTek -- hit their limit-up prices. The market subsequently (隨後) flattened out, with many stocks hitting their daily 10 percent limit-up prices, which also kept turnover relatively low. Taiwan and Cambodia in talks over sending of 179 fraud suspects to China Criminal Investigation Bureau says Taiwan is continuing talks with Cambodia to prevent 179 Taiwan fraud suspects from being deported to China. According to a member of bureau's liaison officer in Ho Chi Minh City, negotiations are on going in order that the suspects are sent to Taiwan instead to face legal consequences. The statement comes after media reports out of Cambodia haven suggesting that the Taiwan suspects were to be handed over to China as a goodwill (善意) gesture to Beijing. The Taiwanese suspects were all arrested on March 31 during raids of an online telecommunication fraud center in Phnom Penh. Reports say they are currently scheduled to be deported to China on Sunday along with over 300 Chinese nationals. Israel Frees 10 Palestinian Prisoners Israel has freed 10 Palestinians detained from Gaza, the latest in periodic releases from the thousands of people troops have seized during the military campaign in the territory. The men returned to the Gaza Strip and said they had suffered frequent abuse while imprisoned, including beatings. They were welcomed by family members at a hospital in central Gaza. There was no immediate comment by the military. Israeli officials have said that they abide by (遵守) the letter of the law in the treatment of prisoners and investigate violations. But there have been widespread reports of abuse of Palestinian detainees in military prison camps and civilian prisons. US Stocks Fall as Trump Confirms 145Percent China Tariffs U.S. stocks fell on Thursday as President Trump clarified that he had raised tariffs on Chinese goods by a total of 145 percent. It comes as new inflation data shows that U.S. inflation eased more than expected in March but economists suggest this is likely to be a temporary reprieve (暫時緩解) before tariffs take effect. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Canada Mounties Bust BC Drug Labs Canadian police have dismantled three drug labs in the Pacific-coast province of British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police also arrested two suspects, including someone described as a “chemist,” but no charges have yet been laid as the police probe continues. The Mounties say they executed “numerous (許多的)” search warrants in late March and found the three labs, which were equipped with sophisticated equipment that is also used in “academic and professional research facilities.” Police say two of the illicit drug labs are believed to have been used to produce fentanyl, but the purpose of the third lab remains “undetermined.” That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ ✨宏匯廣場 歡慶璀璨女王節✨

US stocks are handing back some of their historic gains from Thursday as Wall Street weighs a global trade war that has cooled in temperature, but is still threatening the economy. Washington DC correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Paddy Gower.

Donald Trump announced he is pausing and lowering reciprocal tariffs on some nations, not including China - which he has raised to 125 percent. Washington correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Paddy Gower.

Global stock markets have been volatile, taking big swings both up and down as uncertainty remains over looming trade tariffs. Washington D.C. correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Alexa Cook.

President Donald Trump is remaining defiant after the unveiling of yesterday's global tariffs. Washington D.C. correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Paddy Gower.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 116-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,836 on turnover of $5.7-billion N-T. Cabinet to establish agency for strengthening personal data protection The Cabinet has approved a proposal paving the way (（為…）創造條件) for the establishment of an independent agency tasked with strengthening personal data protection in Taiwan. According to the Cabinet, the proposed bill and amendments will provide the legal basis for the planned Personal Data Protection Commission. Under the proposal, each government agency should also appoint a "personal data protection officer" to coordinate and oversee efforts to strengthen data protection and promote awareness of its importance. The head of the planned agency's preparatory office, says the commission will include five to seven commissioners serving for renewable four-year terms .. .. and it will primarily be tasked with handling cases of personal data breaches in both government agencies and private enterprises that "do not have a specific competent authority. Full-length photo of Taiwan's tallest tree The Taiwan Forestry Research Institute has unveiled a full-length photo of Taiwan's tallest tree. The tree is a Taiwania nicknamed "Heaven Sword" and measures 84.1-meters in height. The forestry research institute says photo was made possible thanks to its collaboration with a National Cheng Kung University team nicknamed "Taiwan champion trees," and Steven Pearce, the leader of Australia's The Tree Project. According to the institute, the full photographing of the tree was completed in January of 2023. Institute Deputy Director Wu Meng-ling says the research team spent six days climbing mountains and trekking up the Da'an River to reach the tree before they could begin photographing it. The tree was located using airborne light detection and ranging technology - which can obtain (獲得) three-dimensional information over a large area in a short time, which in turn helps to measure the height of trees. US Rubio on Signalgate "Big Mistake" US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says someone made a big mistake (錯誤) by adding a journalist to a group chat of top US officials ahead of US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Canada PM and Trump Schedule Phone Call Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will talk to U.S. President Donald Trump soon after Trump announced 25% tariffs on auto imports. Carney said Thursday that Trump reached out Wednesday night to schedule a call, and the two leaders would speak "in the course of the next day or two." Carney was sworn in (宣誓就職) as Canada's new prime minister on March 14th, but he hasn't spoken with Trump since taking office. Trump has declared a trade war on Canada and continues to call for the United States' northern neighbor to become the 51st U.S. state, a position that has infuriated Canadians. King Charles Hospitalized for Treatment Side Effects Buckingham Palace says King Charles III was hospitalized for observation on Thursday after experiencing “temporary side effects,'' related to a scheduled cancer treatment. His engagements for Thursday afternoon and Friday were cancelled. The palace says the move is a "precautionary (預防性的) measure" The 76-year-old king has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer for more than a year. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ Hey小AI，最近股市表現不錯，有建議的投資標的? 2025投資絕不能少了美國！ 美股核心配置，首選「中信NASDAQ 009800」參與市場成長！ 看好美國科技創新實力，鎖定「中信美國創新科技 009801」掌握未來！ 快打開券商APP，輸入009800、009801，單筆或定期定額長期布局都很讚喔！ https://user285523.pse.is/79hh24 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's rise to become the 'First Buddy' of US President Donald Trump has shaken the US political establishment. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk appears to have unprecedented access and power in the White House and further afield. How far does his reach go? Teresa Tang sits down with correspondents Kate Fisher and Trent Murray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 91-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,131 on turnover of 8.7-billion N-T. The market bucked the regional downward trend and traded marginally higher on Monday - as investors shrugged off a decline on Wall Street at the end of last week. Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum Taking Place Today The Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum has gotten underway. Shanghai's delegation is being led Vice Mayor Hua Yuan - who arrived in Taiwan yesterday Hua is leading a delegation of about 90 people to attend today's event. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has said he believes the forum can help promote peace across the Taiwan Strait and that it's a rare platform for official cross-strait dialogue, which could help ease tensions (緊張局勢) between Taiwan and China. The Mainland Affairs Council announced last Friday that it had denied entry applications for 10 members of Shanghai delegation. The two cities are expected to sign memorandums of understanding on smart medical care and zoo animal exchanges during today's forum. Taichung mayor to Visit Japan Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says she plans to visit Japan next year. According to Lu, her itinerary is still be worked out, but she's likely to travel to Miyazaki Prefecture - which recently formed a sister city relationship Taichung. The mayor's announcement came after K-M-T Taichung City Councilor Liu Shih-chou made public that the city has proposed a budget of just over 4-million for city exchange visits next year. Liu also said the city government should organize ( 安排，籌劃) a visit to Japan. Lu Shiow-yen made her first overseas visit in four years in April - when she traveled to Singapore. She also traveled to the U-S in July. Israeli Leader Phone Call with Trump Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President-elect Donald Trump had a "very warm" phone call according to the Israeli leader. He said they spoke about the need to complete Israel's victory, and bring home the hostages being held in Gaza - something Trump has said must happen before his inauguration (就職典禮). Kate Fisher reports from Washington India Zakir Hussain Obit Zakir Hussain, one of India's most accomplished classical musicians who defied genres and introduced tabla to a global audience, has died at the age of 73. His family said the Indian classical music icon died on Sunday from chronic lung disease at a hospital in San Francisco. Hussain was considered the greatest tabla player of his generation and his career spanned six decades, during which he collaborated (合作) with the likes of singer-songwriter George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in the same year. Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ UL.OS，來自日本大塚製藥 男人系健膚專家 獨家保濕成分 AMP，全天候滋潤你的肌膚，讓你從 AM 到 PM 都狀態滿分，健康又有型！ 各大藥妝店與網購平台，熱賣中！ https://bit.ly/3DdDJLu

There's a match on fingerprints found at the assassination scene of a major US health insurance boss in Manhattan. New York prosecutors have charged 26-year-old Luigi Mangione with murdering Brian Thompson. Police have told CNN that fingerprints found at the crime scene match Mangione's. Correspondent Kate Fisher told Andrew Dickens that development followed his extradition hearing yesterday. She says he refused extradition to New York and was then denied bail, so he'll remain in a Pennsylvania jail while the legal ramifications are sorted out. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 44-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,228 on turnover of 6.7-billion N-T. The market rose on Monday as investors reacted to Wall Street hitting new records on Friday following the release of positive U-S jobs data. FTC Extends Uber Eats-Foodpanda Merger Review The Fair Trade Commission is extending its review of a Uber Eats' proposed acquisition (獲得, 收購) of Foodpanda and the results of the review will now be released in March at the at the latest. The commission had previously said it planned to issue the results of it review into the merger on December 19. The commission says it chose to delay the release due to concerns the merger could impact market dynamics as well as the economy. Commission deputy chairperson Chen Zhi-min says the greatest concern is that if Uber Eats acquires Foodpanda, the combined entitly would have market share of between 80 and 90-per cent and that could increase restrictions on market competition. Former President and Tech Heavyweights Attend Morris Chang Memoir Event And, Former President Tsai Ing-wen has joined some of the tech world's biggest names at a book launch (新書發布) event for the second installment of Morris Chang's memoir. Tsai was joined by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing C-E-O C.C. Wei, Quanta Computer Chairman Barry Lam and Acer C-E-O Jason Chen at the presentation in Taipei. Chang has been working on his autobiography since retiring in 2018. The second installment covers Chang's life until his retirement. US Police Question POI in CEO Killing Police are questioning a man in connection with the killing of a health insurance boss in New York. 26 year-old Luigi Mangione was detained (被拘留) on firearms charges at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania on Monday. US correspondent Kate Fisher reports Nobel Peace Prize Winner Calls on Putin to Stop Making Nuclear Threats Terumi Tanaka, a survivor of the U.S. atomic bombings of Japan and the representative of an organization that won this year's Nobel Peace Prize, has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop making nuclear threats (威脅). The 92-year-old spoke at a news conference in Oslo, Norway, a day before the award ceremony where he is to deliver a lecture on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of survivors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that won this year's prize. He said that his organization's message to Putin is that “nuclear weapons are things which must never be used.” Greece Ancient Statue Discovered Work to lay natural gas pipelines near the foot of the Acropolis has uncovered an ancient marble statue of a young man buried almost upright (直立) in a brick-lined pit. Greece's Culture Ministry says in a statement that the nude statue resembles ancient representations of messenger of the Greek gods Hermes and may have decorated the townhouse of a wealthy Roman-era Athenian. The ministry suggested it could be a Roman-era copy of a fifth century B.C. original. The ministry says the statue has been taken to a conservation workshop for further examination. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____.

Police in New York are still searching for a suspect who shot and killed the CEO of America's largest health insurance company. US correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Corin Dann.

The manhunt continues for a gunman after a top US executive was fatally shot in the back in New York's Manhattan. The victim is 50 year old UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. Police say it was a brazen, targeted attack carried out by someone who was proficient with firearms. US Correspondent Kate Fisher told Ryan Bridge that authorities are telling people not to panic. She says Mayor Eric Adams is assuring people they're safe to go about their business. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 68-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,614 on turnover of 4-billion N-T. The market tumbled on Monday, falling almost 200 points, as the bellwether electronics sector trended lower after a decline on Wall Street at the end of last week sparked by fears the U-S Federal Reserve is set to slow down the pace of its current rate cut cycle. Court Rules Women's League has KMT Links The Taipei High Administrative Court has ruled that the National Women's League was an affiliate of the K-M-T before 2004 and as such has been ordered pay 17.89-billion N-T to the state. The ruling comes after the women's group sued the Ill-gotten Party Assets Settlement Committee in 2018. The lawsuit was filed shortly after the committee classified (分類) the National Women's League as a K-M-T affiliate in February of that year. The women's league had argued it had not been controlled or run by the political party and the committee's classification was incorrect. The committee also froze the assets of the women's group, including 38.5-billion N-T in cash. Man Involved in High Speed Rail Knife Incident Released on Bail The Taipei District Court has released man who punched a woman on a high speed rail train and damaged a tray table with a knife on 29,000 N-T bail. The court ruling comes after the Railway Police Bureau's Taipei branch announced it had arrested in Nantou. The suspect was then referred to the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office for further investigation on suspicion of threatening members of the public, assault (攻擊) and damaging private property. The incident occurred while the train was traveling between Banqiao Station in New Taipei and Taipei Station. The Railway Police Bureau says it will increase the number of patrols to ensure passenger safety. Biden Pledges Funding to Fight Poverty US President Joe Biden has pledged $4 billion for the world's poorest countries. The announcement came after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva launched a global alliance (全球性聯盟) to fight hunger and poverty at the G20 meeting of the world's leading economies in Rio de Janeiro. Kate Fisher reports Finland Germany Undersea Cable Severed German and Finland have expressed deep concern over the discovery of a severed undersea cable between the countries through the Baltic Sea. The two countries say it raises suspicions of sabotage and that an investigation is underway. Finnish authorities say the severed data cable was detected Monday in the cable that runs nearly 1.200 kilometers from the Finnish capital, Helsinki, to the German port city of Rostock. They say Finland's international data and telecommunications connections are secured by running them through several redundant (額外的，重複的) lines, and the effects of a single cable failure would depend on the security level of service providers' connections. Greece to Make Early Repayment on Debt Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says Greece is set to make an early repayment of $5.3 billion in bailout-era debt in 2025. Mitsotakis on Monday described the move as a signal of the nation's fiscal recovery. Finance Ministry officials say they plan to reduce debt through primary surpluses, loan repayments and combating tax evasion. Mitsotakis' center-right government was elected for a second term in 2023. It's struggling to address a cost of living crisis that has sapped (削弱了) Greeks' spending power. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 華碩商用電腦ASUS Expert 台灣市佔第一！ 通過多項美國軍規測試，以優異產品品質、高擴充性及完整的軟硬體解決方案，助企業降低擁有成本、簡化管理。 客製化保固與在地服務，IT專家華碩商用小隊是各企業、政教單位的最強後盾。 商用AIPC首選「華碩」，值得信賴! https://bit.ly/3CpbcSI -- 高雄美術特區2-4房全新落成，《惟美術》輕軌C22站散步即到家，近鄰青海商圈，卡位明星學區，徜徉萬坪綠海。 住近美術館，擁抱優雅日常，盡現驕傲風範！美術東四路X青海路 07-553-3838

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 95-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,870 on turnover of 4-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Monday - rising more than 180-points - as it rebounded from a session earlier after buying was sparked by gains on Wall Street at the end of last week. The bellwether electronics sector led the upturn, but turnover was low amid lingering investor caution ahead of the U-S presidential election. Agricultural Losses from Typhoon Kong-Rey Top NT$1.3 billion The Ministry of Agriculture says losses (損失) due to damage to farms and agricultural facilities caused by Typhoon Kong-Rey currently stand at 1.32-billion N-T. According to the ministry, farms in Yunlin County were the hardest hit - suffering estimated losses of 365-million N-T. That was followed by Hualien County, where farming losses stand at 317-million N-T, Taichung which has reported losses of 296-million N-T, and Taitung County, where agricultural losses stand at 179-million N-T. Broken down by crops, pears grown on 640 hectares of farmland in Taichung suffered losses of at least 233-million N-T - the most of any crop. Frank Wu Takes Office as SEF Chairman Former Control Yuan member Frank Wu has assumed the chairmanship of the Straits Exchange Foundation. Wu was elected to the post by the foundation's board of directors and supervisors. He replaces acting chair Rock Hsu. Hsu had served as the interim head of the foundation following the resignation (辭職) of Cheng Wen-tsan, who stepped down from the post in July after being charged in a corruption case related to his tenure as Taoyuan mayor. Speaking after being elected, Wu said he hopes that the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits will show reciprocal goodwill and work collaboratively to improve bilateral relations. US Election Day Eve in the US It's Election Day eve in the US and both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump are campaigning Monday in Pennsylvania, the battleground state with the largest number of electoral votes at stake (處於危急關頭). Kate Fisher reports from Washington Russia Rocket Carries Iranian Satellites into Orbit A Russian rocket has blasted off successfully to carry a pair of Iranian satellites into orbit. The Soyuz rocket lifted off as scheduled today from a launchpad (（火箭）發射台) in far eastern Russia and put its payload in a designated orbit nine minutes later. It carried two Russian Earth observation satellites and several dozen smaller satellites, including the two Iranian ones. Iran's two satellites were the first launched on behalf of the country's private sector. French Groups on Displacement After Paris Olympics A coalition of over 100 organizations has reported that nearly 20,000 individuals were displaced from informal housing in Paris and surrounding areas during preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The group claims these evictions are part of “social cleansing,” citing evidence including government documents that reference the Olympics as justification. Eviction operations surged by 41% compared to the previous year, with over 4,500 minors affected. French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, have stated that every displaced person was offered alternative (可供選擇的) housing and emphasized the creation of a social legacy linked to the Games. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 高雄美術特區2-4房全新落成，《惟美術》輕軌C22站散步即到家，近鄰青海商圈，卡位明星學區，徜徉萬坪綠海。 住近美術館，擁抱優雅日常，盡現驕傲風範！美術東四路X青海路 07-553-3838

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced professional in the test prep industry? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Kate Fisher, who grew up in Englewood, NJ, and graduated cum laude from Horace Mann School, where she remains an active part of the community and is a member of the Alumni Council. Private tutoring is not Kate's side hustle; rather, she deliberately chose to pursue it as a full-time career because she loves teaching and values cultivating genuine and impactful relationships with her students and their families beyond the boundaries so often required by traditional academic and classroom environments. Kate is an energetic and patient tutor (and cheerleader!) who is able to quickly and effectively accommodate her students' needs. Her tutoring is creative and adaptive, providing her students with the support and skills they need to achieve their goals. Kate has worked with thousands of students during her career as a full-time tutor, which she began as an undergraduate in 2008. As a part-time teacher at Kaplan Test Prep, she taught ACT, SAT, and SHSAT in both in-person and online classrooms. By 2010, Kate expanded her tutoring repertoire to include both the ISEE and SSAT, as well as various AP exams, SAT Subject Tests, and high school and college admissions consulting. She spent 2013 as a full-time instructor, teaching classes and tutoring students throughout the tristate area. In addition to training part-time tutors and developing teaching materials, Kate taught and tutored low-income students through her involvement in partnerships with the NYC Department of Education. In 2014, Kate was promoted to manager of content and curriculum, spearheading product and course revisions for the 2015 PSAT and 2016 SAT test changes. After returning to tutoring full-time, Kate joined an elite, boutique firm in 2016 and quickly became one of their most requested tutors. From 2020 to 2022, Kate joined the company full-time and was not only the top-grossing tutor but also served as Director of School Partnerships and trained other tutors to work with neurodiverse students. Kate also singlehandedly wrote the company's e-book on Executive Function during this period.  Kate is well positioned to help students with a wide variety of learning differences. In addition to her extensive experience as a tutor, she is a lifelong activist for the Autism community, and has been volunteering with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder since her childhood. Kate holds a Professional Certificate in Learning Differences (LD) and Neurodiversity with a Specialization in Executive Function through the Landmark College Institute for Research & Training. In early 2023, Kate recruited an elite team of like minded tutors and founded Kate Fisher Tutoring (KFT) because she believes that one-on-one tutoring can transform students' lives and their relationships with learning. KFT focuses on effectively connecting families to top private educators who help their children efficiently meet—and exceed—their goals. KFT prides itself on organic growth generated through word-of-mouth referrals based on the success of the work Kate and her team do whether EF coaching, test prep, or academic support and enrichment. Find Kate at katefishertutoring.com. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 176-points this morning from Friday's close, at 22,479 on turnover of 6.4-billion N-T. The market closed lower Friday. However, those losses were limited () after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing received a boost from buying towards the end of the session that allowed it to recoup its earlier losses. MOFA Touts National Day Guests Foreign dignitaries and delegations are scheduled to arrive in the coming days to take part in this year's Double Ten National Day celebrations. Among the VIPs expected this year are the deputy prime ministers of Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the first lady of Guatemala, and the speakers of Saint Lucia's upper and lower houses. Along with attending a series of celebratory events in the lead-up to National Day, guests are scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other senior government officials. They are also expected to visit multiple government agencies to discuss (討論) semiconductors, public health and medicine, social welfare. Disaster Response Center Disbands The mechanisms set up by the Central Disaster Response Center o deal with Typhoon Krathon's effects have now been disbanded. Howevr, recovery is work continuing in parts of the island. According to the center, Typhoon Krathon killed four and injured 719 people in Taiwan since forming in late September. A total of 9,499 disaster-related incidents were reported, while one person remains (仍然是) missing. Clean-up work is still underway in Keelung, New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Pingtung and Kinmen. The Ministry of Economic Affairs says 435,634 households experienced temporary power outages, while 608,073 households reported water supply problems due to the typhoon. While agricultural losses currently total nearly 390-million N-T. NZ Navy Vessel Oil Spill "Highly Probably" Samoan officials say an oil spill from a grounded New Zealand navy ship which sank and caught fire off the coast of Samoa is “highly probable”. Officials in the Pacific island nation are conducting an environmental impact assessment (評估) in the area where the ship sank on Sunday morning. All 75 people on board the "H-M-N-Z-S Mana-wanui" were taken to safety on life rafts. New Zealand will hold a court of inquiry into the loss of the ship, which was one of nine in its navy. The cause of the disaster is not known. US Gulf Coast Faces Another Hurricane Another hurricane is barreling (飛馳) towards the already storm-ravaged US gulf-coast. A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Florida while the state is still clearing up from the effects of hurricane Helene. US correspondent Kate Fisher reports UK PM Staff Reshuffle British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff has quit, citing concerns that growing news reports about her role “risked becoming a distraction to the government.” Sue Gray's resignation came after recent reports about tensions between her and Starmer's chief adviser Morgan McSweeney, and that she was earning more than the prime minister. The BBC has reported that Gray's annual salary was about, $223-thousand US dollars. That's nearly $4-thousand dollars higher than Starmer's pay. Gray said she accepted a new role as Starmer's envoy (使者) for the regions and nations. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 【2024世界音樂節＠臺灣】 從臺灣到世界，一場成癮於音樂的心流體驗！ 從雷擎、异境樂團 X 乱彈阿翔限定共演組合、還有剛果、義大利等多個國家音樂人，高達 28 場多元演出。 時間｜2024/10/11（五） – 10/13（日） 地點｜臺北流行音樂中心產業園區內（戶外表演空間、 LivehouseD、LegacyTERA） ➤ 購票｜ https://bit.ly/4epwn5g

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 176-points this morning from Friday's close, at 22,479 on turnover of 6.4-billion N-T. The market closed lower Friday. However, those losses were limited () after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing received a boost from buying towards the end of the session that allowed it to recoup its earlier losses. MOFA Touts National Day Guests Foreign dignitaries and delegations are scheduled to arrive in the coming days to take part in this year's Double Ten National Day celebrations. Among the VIPs expected this year are the deputy prime ministers of Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the first lady of Guatemala, and the speakers of Saint Lucia's upper and lower houses. Along with attending a series of celebratory events in the lead-up to National Day, guests are scheduled to meet with President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and other senior government officials. They are also expected to visit multiple government agencies to discuss (討論) semiconductors, public health and medicine, social welfare. Disaster Response Center Disbands The mechanisms set up by the Central Disaster Response Center o deal with Typhoon Krathon's effects have now been disbanded. Howevr, recovery is work continuing in parts of the island. According to the center, Typhoon Krathon killed four and injured 719 people in Taiwan since forming in late September. A total of 9,499 disaster-related incidents were reported, while one person remains (仍然是) missing. Clean-up work is still underway in Keelung, New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Pingtung and Kinmen. The Ministry of Economic Affairs says 435,634 households experienced temporary power outages, while 608,073 households reported water supply problems due to the typhoon. While agricultural losses currently total nearly 390-million N-T. NZ Navy Vessel Oil Spill "Highly Probably" Samoan officials say an oil spill from a grounded New Zealand navy ship which sank and caught fire off the coast of Samoa is “highly probable”. Officials in the Pacific island nation are conducting an environmental impact assessment (評估) in the area where the ship sank on Sunday morning. All 75 people on board the "H-M-N-Z-S Mana-wanui" were taken to safety on life rafts. New Zealand will hold a court of inquiry into the loss of the ship, which was one of nine in its navy. The cause of the disaster is not known. US Gulf Coast Faces Another Hurricane Another hurricane is barreling (飛馳) towards the already storm-ravaged US gulf-coast. A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Florida while the state is still clearing up from the effects of hurricane Helene. US correspondent Kate Fisher reports UK PM Staff Reshuffle British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff has quit, citing concerns that growing news reports about her role “risked becoming a distraction to the government.” Sue Gray's resignation came after recent reports about tensions between her and Starmer's chief adviser Morgan McSweeney, and that she was earning more than the prime minister. The BBC has reported that Gray's annual salary was about, $223-thousand US dollars. That's nearly $4-thousand dollars higher than Starmer's pay. Gray said she accepted a new role as Starmer's envoy (使者) for the regions and nations. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 【2024世界音樂節＠臺灣】 從臺灣到世界，一場成癮於音樂的心流體驗！ 從雷擎、异境樂團 X 乱彈阿翔限定共演組合、還有剛果、義大利等多個國家音樂人，高達 28 場多元演出。 時間｜2024/10/11（五） – 10/13（日） 地點｜臺北流行音樂中心產業園區內（戶外表演空間、 LivehouseD、LegacyTERA） ➤ 購票｜ https://bit.ly/4epwn5g

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 105-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,329 on turnover of 4.2 -billion N-T. The market tumbled nearly 600-points on Monday on the back of steep declines in the share price of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and other tech heavyweights. Analysts says Monday's downturn came as investors moved their money from tech stocks into non-tech stocks. Tai Power to Hike Electricity Rates for Industrial Users The Ministry of Economic Affairs says Tai-Power will be raising electricity rates for industrial users from October 16. The statement follows a meeting of the ministry's electricity price review committee. The hike in price means that industrial users will see their electricity rates increase by an average of 12.5-per cent. Tai-Power had been seeking an increase of 14-per cent, but the committee says it opted for a lower figure in order to ensure (確保) that Taiwan businesses remain competitive. It's the second electricity rate hike this year and was proposed as part of government efforts to shore-up Tai-Power's finances. National Day Gala Tickets Snapped Up in 15 Minutes The Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism says all 5,400 tickets for the 2024 National Day Gala were snapped-up within 15 minutes of release on Monday. The event will be taking place this coming Saturday at the Taipei Dome and it will be the venue's first large-scale non-sporting event. Organizers made the 5,400 tickets available through the "udn fun life" online ticketing platform at noon. Four-hundred of those tickets were reserved for (保留給) senior citizens. Personal information was required by those lucky enough to have booked their seats and tickets cannot be transferred. The National Day Gala will feature performance by singers Jody Chiang and Huang Fei. US Man Pleads Not Guilty to Trump Assassination Attempt The man accused of plotting to kill former president Donald Trump at his Florida golf course has pleaded not guilty to five counts including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate. Prosecutors allege Ryan Routh stalked (跟蹤) Donald Trump before setting up what they called a "sniper's nest" at the edge of his golf course in west Palm Beach, Florida. US correspondent Kate Fisher reports Japan PM Resigns Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has resigned with his Cabinet, paving the way for his likely successor Shigeru Ishiba to take office. Ishiba was chosen as the governing Liberal Democratic Party's leader on Friday to replace Kishida, who announced in August his resignation at the end of his three-year term. Ishiba is assured to be prime minister later today in a vote by parliament because it is dominated by his party's ruling coalition (執政聯盟). Ishiba will then announce his new Cabinet later in the day. On Monday, Ishiba said he planned to call a parliamentary election to be held on Oct. 27 after he is formally chosen as prime minister. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 國立臺灣科學教育館Podcast節目《科科出來講》 有各種新奇有趣的科學小知識，破解生活中的科學小迷思 想聽知識含量最豐富的科學節目，就在《科科出來講》！ 以上廣告由國立臺灣科學教育館提供。 《科科出來講》https://bit.ly/3JXYZVr -- 高雄美術特區2-4房全新落成，《惟美術》輕軌C22站散步即到家，近鄰青海商圈，卡位明星學區，徜徉萬坪綠海。 住近美術館，擁抱優雅日常，盡現驕傲風範！美術東四路X青海路 07-553-3838

E*EZ NEWS SEPTEMBER 18 , 2024 E*Tai-Ex Opening The Tai-Ex opened down 36-points this morning from Monday's close, at 21,813 on turnover of 4.5-billion N-T. The market was closed yesterday for the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday - but ended the trading day moderately higher on Monday, despite turnover dipping to an over seven-month low. Large-cap tech stocks largely moved in a narrow range throughout the session due to a lull in investor interest, but buying rotated to the old economy sector, helping the broader market end above the previous closing bell. E*NDC to Open Start-Up Innovation Hub in Tokyo The National Development Council is scheduled to open an overseas innovation hub 創新中心 in Tokyo today. The move is part of the government's efforts to boost exchanges between innovation start-ups, enterprises and investment institutions in Taiwan and Japan. N-D-C head Paul Liu says the hub is expected to serve as a regular bilateral platform for comprehensive exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, paving the way for greater substantive business cooperation. Liu also says the N-D-C is also planning to set up similar platforms in the Untied States and Southeast Asia. E*MOI Holding Plane Crash and Earthquake Drills Today The Ministry of the Interior is holding separate plane crash and earthquake drills today as part of a three-day national exercise to mark the annual National Disaster Prevention Day. According to the ministry, more than 1,300 people, including the public, central and local government officials, and Japanese N-G-O staff, are participating in the drills. The plane crash drill will simulate 假裝 a plane crash following a typhoon and will take place in Penghu, while the earthquake drill will simulate a magnitude 7.3 earthquake striking Chiayi County's Zhuqi Township. E*Hezbollah pagers Israel's Mossad spy agency planted a small amount of explosives inside 5000 Taiwan-made pagers ordered by the Lebanese group Hezbollah… months before Tuesday's detonations 霹靂. That's according to a senior Lebanese security source and another source cited by the Reuters News Agency. The details shed light on an unprecedented Hezbollah security breach that saw thousands of pagers detonate across Lebanon, killing nine people and wounding nearly 3,000 others, including the group's fighters and Iran's envoy to Beirut. E*North Korea tests two ballistic missiles Japan's military reports that North Korea had test-fired two ballistic missiles. It happened on Wednesday at a time when tensions with Washington and neighbors are escalating. The launches came days after North Korea showcased a secretive uranium enrichment 鈾濃縮 facility. Japan's Defense Ministry didn't provide details about the missiles, including their type and range. Japan's coast guard said the missiles had likely fallen into waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Subject: E*Republicans shoot down IVF protection bill U-S Senate Republicans have blocked a bill that would offer new protections for in vitro fertilization 體外受精. It's the second time Democrats have tried - and failed - to get the measure passed. Ed Donahue reports. < [CLIP] Slug: > E*Instagram introduces stricter rules for teens Social media platform, Instagram, will automatically make teenagers' accounts private and give parents more control, under revamped 改造過的 rules. It's the company's most significant move yet to manage how minors use Instagram as congress seeks to impose regulations on the industry. Kate Fisher reports. < [CLIP] Slug: > That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 高雄美術特區2-4房全新落成，《惟美術》輕軌C22站散步即到家，近鄰青海商圈，卡位明星學區，徜徉萬坪綠海。 住近美術館，擁抱優雅日常，盡現驕傲風範！美術東四路X青海路 07-553-3838

A US Coast Guard hearing has begun into the failure of OceanGate's Titan submarine, which imploded with five people onboard last year. Our correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Corin Dann.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 25-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,089 on turnover of 2.8-billion N-T. The market closed down on Tuesday - as early gains were rubbed-out on the back of lingering (持續的) investor concerns about possible further volatility on Wall Street despite a rebound overnight. Although most large cap electronics stocks came under pressure during the trading day, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing remained resilient to keep the tech sector and the broader market from falling further. MOFA Cites Inflation for Over 60% Hike in High-Level Travel Budget The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is defending a decision to raise its budget for high-level overseas trips by over 60-per cent. According to ministry spokesman Jeff Liu, the significant increase in the budget allocated for next year is due to global inflation and rising commodity prices. The 2025 budget proposal lists 424-million N-T for overseas travel - that's an increase of 160-million N-T compared with the budget allocated (分配) for overseas travel for this year. The statement comes after opposition lawmakers questioned the budget increase and called on the foreign ministry to provide more details about how the money will be spent. CDC Warns of Ongoing Diarrhea Risks Ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival The Centers for Disease Control is warning about the risks of diarrhea ahead of next week's Mid-Autumn Festival - noting that a significant number of clusters in Taiwan had been caused by a previously less common strain of norovirus. According to the C-D-C, just over 130,000 people with diarrhea visited emergency and outpatient departments from September 1 through 7. Although that was a 1.5-per cent decline from the previous week, health officials are stressing (強調) that it was the highest number for the same period since 2019. The C-D-C says 101 diarrhea clusters has also been reported over the past four weeks, marking a five-year high for the same period. US Presidential Debate Ongoing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have taken the debate stage in Philadelphia, where they'll fight to sway 2024 election voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics. The event offers Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that's dramatically (戲劇性地) changed since the last debate in June. It's the only debate that's been firmly scheduled and could be the only time voters see Harris and Trump go head-to-head before the November general election The debate has no audience, no written notes, and no live mics when candidates aren't speaking, according to rules the host network ABC News shared. So far Trump has spoken about abortion rights, saying the issue should be left up to the states, while Harris spoke about her plans to create an "opportunity economy", and criticized Trump's economic plan as "all about tax breaks for the richest people". Space X Launches Mission with Private Citizen Spacewalk SpaceX has launched a capsule carrying four private citizens into orbit on a five day mission set to make history by including the first spacewalk conducted by a non government crew. The journey will also take the four private astronauts to the highest orbital altitude (高度) that humans have reached since the Apollo moon mission in 1972. Kate Fisher reports That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 高雄美術特區2-4房全新落成，《惟美術》輕軌C22站散步即到家，近鄰青海商圈，卡位明星學區，徜徉萬坪綠海。 住近美術館，擁抱優雅日常，盡現驕傲風範！美術東四路X青海路 07-553-3838 -- 停讓文化升級了！什麼是停讓文化2.0呢？ 以人為本、預防危險、安全優先的交通 該如何做到？ 駕駛人與行人有不同的規矩嗎？ 了解更多「人本交通 停讓文化」 https://bit.ly/4cStw37

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has been selected as Kamala Harris' running mate. The former high school teacher was selected from a two-man shortlist between he and Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro. Washington D.C correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On the first season of the Milkshakes for Marleigh podcast, Brenden Hall thanked the Australian blood donors who saved his life when, at age 6, he had complications from Chicken Pox that resulted significant hearing loss and his leg being amputated.Kate Fisher recorded this interview with Brenden in late 2022 and he reflected on his disapointment about his Tokyo 2020(1) Paralympics, the realities of becoming a new Dad to his then 10 week old son and what he wanted the legacy of his swimming career to be. At the time he didn't know if he would wear the green and gold ever again, he is now Australia's flagbearer for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.For more information about the Milkshakes for Marleigh blood donation advocacy movement, book or podcast: www.milkshakesformarleigh.org To hear the full version of this interview with Brendan Hall, please go back to Season One of Milkshakes for Marleigh in your podcast feed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support for Ukraine will again dominate the agenda of the talks, with leaders saying they would never recognise Russia's annexations, including of Crimea. President Biden stressed that Ukraine would win the war against Russia, and he announced that Washington and its allies would provide Ukraine with additional air defence systems. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says a "incredibly robust" package will be unveiled for Ukraine in the next couple of days, including the provision of a number of F-16 fighter jets. Washington DC correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 237-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 20,094 on turnover of $6.4--billion N-T. The Tai-Ex lost ground on Thursday, as other regional closed mixed. Investors awaited the release of a flood of global earnings reports, including updates from leading U-S tech companies. Government Platform Touts 60-80% Reduction in Statutory Animal Testing The National Science and Technology Council says statutory animal testing could be significantly reduced if alternative testing introduced in regulations is more widely adopted. According to council head Wu Zheng-chong, the amount of animal testing could be cut by an average of 60 to 80-per cent. Wu says he believes using a large number of animals for testing is a matter of concern for many people. He says as a developed country, Taiwan has a responsibility to replace, reduce and refine animal testing. And he also says to achieve that objective, the government established the Inter-ministerial Platform for Alternative Technology of Animal Testing in October 2022. The platform aims to improve related regulations, cultivate talent in the field, and facilitate the development of relevant (相關的) technologies. The National Laboratory Animal Center says 102 alternatives to animal testing have so far been introduced for pesticides, chemicals and cosmetics. Ukraine Moves to Reverse Soldier Drain Ukraine is seeking to reverse the drain of potential soldiers from the country. It has announced that men of conscription age will no longer be able to renew (更新) their passports from outside the country. Ukraine is working to get much-needed new supplies of weapons and ammunition from a huge U.S. aid package to the front line. Millions of Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Poland's defense minister said Warsaw was ready to help ensure “those who are subject to compulsory military service go to Ukraine". But he did not specify how. US New Rules for Coal Power Plants Many of the US's fossil fuel plants could close after sweeping (廣泛的) new rules to limit pollution from power stations issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The Biden Administration says the new regulations will significantly reduce pollution. It could also bring hundreds of billions of dollars in climate and public health benefits. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Congo Questions Apple on BloodMinerals Congo's government is questioning Apple about the tech company's knowledge of “blood minerals” from a conflict zone in the African country. A group of international lawyers representing Congo said Thursday it sent letters to Apple's CEO Tim Cook and its French subsidiary this week. They raised concerns about human rights violations involving the minerals extracted (提取的) from mines in the country's east. They say those minerals might end up being used in the company's products. They included a list of questions challenging Apple to show how it monitors its supply chains in a troubled region where more than 100 armed rebel groups operate. It's demanding answers within three weeks. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 城揚建設新推出的「陽明第一廳」 緊鄰三民區的明星學府-陽明國中 46~52坪，每層四戶兩部電梯 最適合有換屋與置產需求的你 讓生活中充滿書香、運動風，滿足食衣住行的消費需求 城揚建設 陽明第一廳 07-384-2888 https://bit.ly/4azoWGy -- 【00941】全台首檔鎖定半導體上游設備與材料廠的ETF 半導體不是只有護國神山，想投資真正的隱形英雄，力爭「上游」就對了！中信上游半導體(00941)，帶你與科技王者中的王者同行：https://bit.ly/3Umqe2r

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally down this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,356 on turnover of 1.6-billion N-T. The market retreated from an early rise to end the day slightly higher on Wednesday - as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its gains eroded ( 削弱) ahead of the release of its November sales data. Investor sentiment also turned cautious ahead of the release of U-S nonfarm payroll data tomorrow, as many are waiting for more guidance on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Environment Minister in Dubai for COP28 Environment Minister Xue Fu-sheng is in Dubai for the COP28 meeting. According to Ministry of Environment, Xue is leading a delegation of other government officials to the two-week United Nations's annual climate change conference. Taiwan hasn't been formally invited to attend the conference, but officials are attending peripheral (週邊) meetings and holding talks on the sidelines of the event. The environment minister says he's been highlighting Taiwan's plans to reach climate goals and showcasing the government's resolution to pursue efforts to limit the average global temperature rise during those meetings in Dubai. Pufferfish that Killed 1 and Hospitalized 8 Others was "Inedible" And, The Food and Drug Administration says a poisonous pufferfish that was served by a restaurant owner in Nantou County last month has been identified as an lunartail puffer. The meal left one person dead and resulted in eight other people being hospitalized. According to the F-D-A, samples of the fish were sent for testing immediately following the man's death and D-N-A samples identified it as a lunartail puffer - which is an inedible (不可食用的) variety of the fish. The F-D-A says the lunartail puffer can be easily confused with species in the same genus that are edible when properly prepared. The sale, processing and producing of food stuffs made with pufferfish are illegal under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. US Ukraine Funding Stalls in Senate US President Joe Biden's push to pass tens of billions of dollars in new aid for Ukraine has stalled in the Senate. Republican lawmakers blocked the funding - which also includes help for Israel - in a protest over a dispute (爭議) about border security policy. Kate Fisher reports from Washington France Charges for Man Who Killed Tourist Near Eiffel Tower Prosecutors say a man accused of fatally stabbing a tourist and injuring two other people over the weekend near the Eiffel Tower has been placed under investigation on charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with a terrorist organization. The suspect went before an investigating magistrate Wednesday who ultimately decides preliminary charges. The stabbing over the weekend killed a German-Filipino tourist at a bridge near the tower. It has drawn special concern from French authorities less than a year before the 2024 Paris Olympics, whose opening ceremony is planned along the Seine river. The man had been under surveillance for suspected Islamic radicalization. Mexico Supreme Court Overturns Bullfighting Ban Mexico's Supreme Court has overturned (推翻) a 2022 ban on bullfighting in Mexico City, opening the way for events to resume, possibly as soon as this month. A panel of justices voted to overturn a May 2022 injunction that said bull fights violated city resident's rights to a healthy environment free from violence. The panel did not explain their arguments for overturning the ban, but fight organizers claimed it violated their right to continue the tradition. The capital had a history of almost 500 years of bullfighting, but there had been no fights since the 2022 injunction. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.

 Melissa Wallace was joined by Kate Fisher, full-time Realtor at Boston Connect Real Estate to let listeners know that their first home is just that - their first home! Podcast & Live Radio Show on WATD 95.9 The McNamara Horton Group Boston Connect Real Estate Sharon McNamara | Melissa Wallace Facebook Live every Tuesday at 6:15 pm & Saturday at 8AM @ facebook.com/McNamaraBrokerTeam Follow our team on Instagram @TheMcNamaraHortonGroup

Melissa Wallace was joined by Kate Fisher, full-time Realtor at Boston Connect Real Estate & Jessica Fennessy, Esq. from Sherman Law to discuss what happens when a buyer backs out from a Real Estate purchase. Podcast & Live Radio Show on WATD 95.9 McNamara Broker Team Boston Connect Real Estate Sharon McNamara | Mary Horton | Melissa Wallace Facebook Live every Tuesday at 6:15 pm & Saturday at 8AM @ facebook.com/McNamaraBrokerTeam Follow our team on Instagram @McNamaraBrokerTeam

A federal judge has sentenced former far-right Proud Boys leader Joseph Biggs to 17 years in prison. A jury convicted Biggs of seditious conspiracy for his role in storming the U.S. Capitol in a failed bid to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 election defeat. The sentence handed down is far less than the prison term sought by federal prosecutors. US correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

原子彈之父奧本海默，為了終結戰爭，他必須測試毀滅性武器，做出撼動全人類的重要決定！克里斯多夫諾蘭編劇執導，席尼墨菲，麥特戴蒙，小勞勃道尼等眾星雲集，【奧本海默】7月21日大銀幕震撼登場，IMAX同步上映！ https://pse.is/54uu2y －－－－以上訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 29-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,055 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Monday to close above the 20-day moving average as investor interest was sparked by the gains on Wall Street at the end of last week. All sectors registered gains, but the big winners were the computer sub-index, which jumped 4.03-per cent and the transportation sub-index, which ended the day up 3.6-per cent. **Hou to Scrap Extension of compulsory Military Service ** K-M-T presidential candidate and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih says he plans to scrap the extension of compulsory military service if he wins next January's election. According to Hou, he'll restore the current four months of compulsory (強制性的) conscription for qualified male citizens of military age if elected in order to help "maintain peace and stability between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait." However, Hou's statement is being criticized by defense experts who argue that only by maintaining a sufficient military training regime can Taiwan hope to have an effective reserve force to increase the deterrence against a Chinese invasion. The government is set to extended compulsory military service from the current four months to one year on January 1, 2024. **Cost of Domestic Air Travel to Fall ** The Civil Aeronautics Administration says the cost of domestic air travel will fall by between 2.7 and 6.9-per cent from August 1 due to a decline in aviation fuel prices. The cost cuts will cover all 23 domestic routes. According to the administration, the Taipei to Kinmen route operated by Mandarin Airlines will see the largest decline - with the price of a one-way ticket falling by 6.9-per cent. While the smallest decrease will be on the Taitung to Green Island route, which will see 2.7-per cent decline. The announcement comes after the average price of aviation fuel (航空燃料) from May to July fell below the benchmark price of 21.74 N-T per liter. **Ukrainian Writer Dies After Russia Missile Attack ** The PEN America rights group says award-winning Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina has died from her injuries suffered after a Russian missile attack on a popular restaurant last week. The attack on the restaurant, frequented by journalists and aid workers and located near the front line, killed at least 11 other people and wounded scores more. Ukrainian authorities arrested a man a day later, accusing him of helping Russia direct the strike. The 37-year-old Amelina had expanded her work beyond literature following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and had documented Russian war crimes. Her first work of English nonfiction is expected to be published soon. **US Travel Chaos Due to HeatWave ** Travel chaos is plaguing US airports ahead of the Independence Day holiday, as over 100 million Americans are under extreme weather warnings. More than 1,000 flights were delayed or cancelled as of Monday morning. Our US correspondent Kate Fisher report **Senegal President Won't Seek Third Term ** Senegalese President Macky Sall says he will not seek a third term in the presidential elections set for February. Sall said Monday that he would not be a candidate “even if the constitution allows me to do so.” Top opposition leader Ousmane Sonko already had called for more demonstrations around the West African country in the event Sall had instead announced his intention (打算) to run again. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.

Former Vice President Mike Pence has filed the paperwork declaring his campaign for president in 2024, setting up a challenge to his former boss, Donald Trump. Pence, the nation's 48th vice president, will formally launch his bid for the Republican nomination with a video and kickoff event in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday. He made his candidacy official on Monday with the Federal Election Commission. Washington DC correspondent, Kate Fisher, spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Sharon was joined by Kate Fisher, full-time Realtor at Boston Connect Real Estate to discuss navigating through the process of moving with kids. Podcast & Live Radio Show on WATD 95.9 McNamara Broker Team Boston Connect Real Estate Sharon McNamara | Mary Baker | Melissa Wallace Facebook Live every Tuesday at 6:15 pm & Saturday at 10AM @ facebook.com/McNamaraBrokerTeam Follow our team on Instagram @McNamaraBrokerTeam

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 19 points-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,628 on turnover of $2.3-billion N-T. **Cabinet approves NT$16 billion youth employment program ** The Cabinet on Thursday approved the second phase of a cross-agency youth employment program. Under the new phase, $16 billion NT will be earmarked to help 800,000 young people obtain (獲得) jobs over the next four years in industries experiencing labor shortage. The Ministry of Labor says the second phase will kick off in May and run until 2026, targeting people aged 15 to 29. The MOL says as part of 12 strategies and 48 measures devised jointly by various government agencies, career guidance sessions will be held on school campuses to help final-year students find opportunities that can eventually become full-time jobs. And the ministry says in addition, under the plan, training will be offered to young people to sharpen their professional skills. **Serbia DriveBy Shooting Leaves Dead and Wounded ** Serbian state television says at least eight people have been killed and 13 wounded in a drive-by shooting in a town close to Belgrade. State media reports that the suspected killer used an automatic weapon to shoot randomly at people near a town some 50 kilometers south of the capital. The report says the shooter is on the run. No other details are immediately available. This is the second mass killing in Serbia in two days. On Wednesday in Belgrade, a 13-year-old boy used his father's guns in a school shooting rampage (狂暴行為) that killed eight of his schoolmates and a school guard. **Ｍore convicted over January 6 attack ** From the US… Four members of the far-right Proud Boys group, including their former leader, have been found guilty of seditious (煽動性的) conspiracy. Kate Fisher reports from Washington. **Canada Considers China Dipomats Expulsion ** Canada's foreign minister said Thursday the country is considering the expulsion of Chinese diplomats over an intelligence agency report saying one of them plotted (密謀) to intimidate the Hong Kong relatives of a Canadian lawmaker. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said her department was summoning China's ambassador to a meeting to underline that Canada won't tolerate such interference. She said the intelligence agency report indicated that opposition Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong and his Hong Kong relatives were targeted after Chong criticized Beijing's human-rights record. Chong warns that not taking action would send a signalt that Canada is "open to foreign interference targeting Canadian citizens." Trudeau has ordered Canada's intelligence agencies to immediately inform lawmakers of any threats against them, regardless of whether those threats are considered credible. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 5-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,548 on turnover of $2.2-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan moved lower Wednesday as turnover shrank ahead of the conclusion of a two-day policymaking meeting held by the U.S. Federal Reserve due later in the day. Caution continued throughout the session with many investors wary of financial woes (困難) in the U.S. banking sector, which pushed down shares on American markets overnight. **Taiwan ranked 35th in 2023 RSF press freedom index ** Taiwan has moved up three spots to 35th in the latest World Press Freedom Index released Wednesday. The 2023 edition of the index issued by Reporters Without Borders ranked Taiwan 35th out of 180 countries and territories evaluated based on the environment for journalism, compared to 38th the previous year. But RSF says the ranking does not represent (代表) improvement in Taiwan's media environment, and is actually due to the decline in press freedom in other countries. Taiwan's latest ranking placed it fourth in the Asia-Pacific region, behind New Zealand, Samoa, and Australia, but ahead of South Korea, Papua New Guinea, and Japan. The index's top three spots go to Norway, Ireland, and Denmark, in that order. The last three places are occupied by Asian countries, namely Vietnam, China, and North Korea. **Rwanda Flooding Leaves Dead and Missing ** A public broadcaster in Rwanda says at least 129 people have been killed in flooding amid torrential rain in the western and northern provinces of the country. The Rwanda Broadcasting Agency reported Wednesday that the death toll “continues to rise.” The governor of Rwanda's Western province told reporters that a search for more victims was underway (正在進行的) following heavy rain Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Strong rainstorms last week caused flooding and mudslides that swept away several houses across the country. The Rwanda Meteorology Agency has warned that more rain is coming. Parts of East Africa also are seeing heavy rainfall. At least three people drowned in floods last week after a river burst its banks in Uganda. **US Fed Raises Interest Rates ** The US central bank has raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point - its 10th increase in 14 months. But it could be its last hike for a while as the Federal Reserve tries to calm (使鎮靜) fears about the stability of banks and the broader economy. Kate Fisher reports from Washington **Mexico Touts DomesticallyProduced COVID19 Vaccine ** Mexican officials are touting the country's domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine. The head of Mexico's government commission for science and technology said Wednesday the new vaccine would be approved for use as a booster shot. Mexico started developing the Patria vaccine in March 2020. But testing was slow, and the country wound up (最後) importing 225 million doses of vaccines. And vaccine uptake in Mexico dropped in late 2022 and 2023. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 50-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,854 on turnover of $3.2-billion N-T. The market bucked the regional upward trend and lost ground on Thursday, as investors remained cautious despite signs that U-S inflation is easing and the Federal Reserve expects fewer interest rate hikes this year. **MND to Recruit 5,000 More Military Police ** The Ministry of National Defense is seeking to double the number military police officers in the coming years in an effort to strengthen (加強) protection for the president and other senior government officials. Reports say of the 210,000 troops in Taiwan's armed forces, only 5,000 are military police offices. That number is set to rise to 10,000 pending central government approval. Taiwan's military police are a separate branch of the armed forces. They are tasked with protecting government leaders, guarding strategic facilities, and conducting counterintelligence operations. **US Air National Guardsman Arrested Over Intelligence Leaks ** 21-year-old US Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira has been arrested in connection with the unauthorized removal and transmission (傳播) of classified information. The leaked material includes sensitive information regarding the war in Ukraine, as well as on China and US allies. Kate Fisher reports from Washington. **UN Groups on Surge in Darien Gap Crossing ** Two U.N. groups say the number of migrants crossing the dangerous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama could soar to as many as 400,000 this year. That would represent a huge increase from the 250,000 migrants estimated to have crossed the roadless, jungle-clad route in 2022. The U.N. agencies for refugees and migration said in a report Thursday that around 100,000 people have already made the crossing so far this year. If that trend (趨勢) keeps up, it could mean many more migrants seeking to reach the United States through Central America and Mexico. The groups called it “an unprecedented movement (of people) through the Americas.” **China Sandstorm to Continue Until Sunday ** Many areas in northern China are blanketed with floating sand and dust, and a sandstorm is expected to sweep through parts of Inner Mongolia. The National Meteorological Center says the sandy, dusty weather and strong winds will last until Sunday, advising the public to take precautionary (預防性的) measures to guard against poor air quality. It renewed a blue alert for sandstorms, the least severe warning in the country's four-tier weather warning system. The center's chief forecaster says the sandy and dusty weather began Sunday in southern Mongolia. As cold air moved southward, the weather spread to various regions including northern and northeast China. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.

The Mississippi town of Rolling Fork is still grapping with the aftermath of a tornado that's displaced almost every resident. At least 25 people died when winds blowing up to 320 kilometres per hour swept across the area in the middle of the night on Friday local time Rolling Fork vice mayor LaDonna Sias is one of many who lost their homes and told CNN they're holding up as best they can US correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Craig McCulloch.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 16-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,536 on turnover of $1.9-billion N-T. Most shares in Asia were subdued yesterday, as a holiday in the US led to a slow start for global stock markets. Investors were still awaiting minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting for a hint of what's to come for inflation and interest rates changes. **Rights groups urge government to ease migrant worker vacation rules ** Migrants rights groups rallied outside the Executive Yuan in Taipei yesterday, to demand the government overturn what they called discriminatory obstacles, faced by workers who vacation in their home countries. Dozens of migrant workers led by the Migrants Empowerment Network in Taiwan, and the Domestic Caretakers Union Taoyuan, held up banners and placards urging the government to abolish (廢除) complicated border regulations that they say target blue-collar migrant workers. The DCU secretary says that unlike foreign white-collar professionals and Taiwanese, blue-collar migrant workers have always needed to apply for a re-entry permit from the National Immigration Agency, to re-enter Taiwan and are required to enter Taiwan by the expiration date on the permit. In addition, when the worker arrives in Taiwan, they are not allowed to leave the airport on their own and must be signed for and collected by their employer or an individual assigned by the employer. **Turkey New Quake Leaves More Dead and Injured ** A new 6.4 magnitude earthquake has killed three people and injured more than 200 in parts of Turkey laid waste two weeks ago by a massive (巨大的) quake that killed tens of thousands. Officials said more buildings collapsed, trapping some people, while scores of injuries were recorded in neighboring Syria too. Monday's earthquake was centered in the town of Defne, in Turkey's Hatay province, one the worst-hit regions in the magnitude 7.8 quake that hit on Feb. 6-th. It was felt across the region and followed by a second, magnitude 5.8 temblor. Rescue efforts were underway in three collapsed buildings where six people were believed trapped. **US Supreme Court Mulls Tech Online Speech Law ** The US Supreme Court is set to hear a landmark case that could transform (改革) the Internet. Gonzalez versus Google is being brought by the family of a woman killed by an ISIS gunman in Paris in 2015. It will tackle whether tech companies should be liable for harmful content promoted by their algorithms. Kate Fisher reports from Washington **Egypt Unveils Newly Renovated Museum Wing ** Egypt's ministry of tourism and antiquities has unveiled a newly renovated (重新裝修) wing of its oldest museum. The new wing is home to a 16-meter-long papyrus scroll unearthed last year. The refurbishment marks the first stage of broader renovations for the 120-year-old museum in downtown Cairo. The new papyrus contains around 113 spells from The Book of the Dead. The museum also has added modern glass protection and new interior lighting. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.

The US military is searching for the remnants of a suspected Chinese spy balloon after it was shot down over the weekend. Officials say they grew concerned about the balloon when it drew close to the US mainland and hovered over missile sites. China had expressed regret for the overflight, claiming it was a weather balloon that had been blown off course. China has accused the US of overreacting, and has also confirmed it owns another balloon spotted over Latin America at the weekend. US correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Guyon Espiner from Washington.

Former US President Donald Trump has urged fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives to elect his ally Kevin McCarthy to lead the chamber. McCarthy, a congressman from California, who has served as the top House Republican since 2019, has weathered three failed votes for House speaker. Voting on the fourth ballot is underway, but McCarthy already lacks the votes needed to become House Speaker, and a fifth ballot will be required. The last time the House failed to elect a speaker on the first ballot was 1923. Washington correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Charlotte Cook on Morning Report.

American basketball star Brittney Griner freed from jail in Russia, after the White House agreed to a prisoner swap with Russia. Griner, who was arrested in Russia for possessing cannabis oil, has been freed after being exchanged for the notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as 'the merchant of death'. US correspondent Kate Fisher has more.

One of the most high-profile trials from the US Capitol riots is about to get underway. Members of the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group, will be tried after jury selection on charges of seditious conspiracy, a rare offence from the Civil War era. Authorities allege the group formed a weeks-long plot to violently stop the transfer of presidential power from election-denier Donald Trump to Joe Biden in 2020. Washington correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Guyon Espiner.

Donald Trump has invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to answer questions in a long-running New York civil investigation into his business dealings. The probe, led by Attorney General Letitia James, involves allegations of a decade-long pattern of financial misstatements by the Trump Organisation. An hour after he arrived at James' office, Trump issued a statement saying he took his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The deposition comes just days after FBI agents searched his Florida estate in an unrelated federal operation concerning his handling of classified documents. Washington correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Corin Dann.

The Supreme Court has dealt a blow in the battle to fight climate change in the US. A new ruling makes it almost impossible for President Biden to achieve the targets he's set. RNZ correspondent Kate Fisher is in Washington and spoke to Morning Report.

US President Joe Biden has arrived in Uvalde, the Texas town where an 18 year-old gunman killed 19 students and two teachers last week. It could be defining moment for the President at a time when many Americans desperate for an end to mass shootings and gun violence. The town of Uvalde, Texas, is still in shock after the tragic school shooting and the US Justice Department has now confirmed it will investigate the slow police response. Kate Fisher spoke to Susie Ferguson.

For more on how the new Framework may affect US dealings in the Asia and Pacific regions, we heard from our Washington DC correspondent Kate Fisher.

Relations between the US and Russia are close to a full collapse after President Biden's declaration that Russian leader Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power" . The off-the-cuff remark has potentially serious implications for Washington's ability to help end the war in Ukraine and avoid a wider conflict. Meanwhile in President Biden has just unveiled his budget for the 2023 fiscal year in which he calls for more military spending in the face of Russian aggression toward Ukraine. And the 94th Academy Awards may be remembered for Will Smith assaulting Chris Rock, but it made history too. Jane Campion won her first directing Oscar, having won in 1994 for her screenplay for "The Piano" - making her the third woman to win in the directing category.

Kate Fisher is a mother of 2 who after the birth of her children, discovered her innate power within and left her corporate career in HR to pursue her newfound dream to be a support for other persons moving through the vastly complicated, magical, and awakening joinery of re-aligning to intuition. In our conversation today, Kate shares the details and differences between the birth of her first daughter Poppy and second daughter Sophia and what she chose to do differently the second time around. We cover the power of Hypnobirthing in her experience as well as how it felt to visit that place of oneness and peace during labor and how birth helped cultivate new ideas and a new version of herself and mission in the world. Kate now practices as an intuition alignment coach and runs her business called Ignite Intuition. I support my clients to establish a trusted connection with self awareness, self trust and self honor. Meet Kate: Hi there, I'm Kate, Mum to two young daughters (and a spaniel), wife, daughter, big sister and friend. Like most, I've lived and experienced some of life's hurdles. Loss & grief, complicated relationships, self-sabotaging behaviour, post-natal challenges, crippling anxiety, a deep sense of professional unfulfillment – to name a few. By nature, I am fiercely driven, tenacious, wildly enthusiastic, high energy and get such a kick out of seeing something tangible emerge from my graft. I'm all about action and I want it all done perfectly, yesterday. Let's just say, it's been a complicated relationship with myself for as long as I can remember and honestly, my World has come crashing down a few times. Following the birth of our children, I realised that something simply had to change. I physically couldn't be all the things anymore. I could no longer tolerate the bitter disappointment and violent self-hatred of not living up to my own expectations. I felt desperate, exhausted, utterly depleted and as though I was clinging on by a thread. And so, I let go. When I stopped trying so damn hard. When I gave myself permission to step down from my self-imposed position of striving for outward perfection no matter what it costs me, I began to create a tiny slither of space in my life. Within this space, I began to reconnect with my intuition. I stopped running, I was honest, I was vulnerable, I began to repair my battered and bruised relationship with myself and it recalibrated my energetic capability. I upgraded my energy to VIP and it initiated transformation in my daily existence far beyond my expectations. The all or nothing thinker in me finally began to quieten down, the destructive limiting belief system, the narrative that I had created for my life that had me believing I either needed to aim for perfect or not bother at all, slowly but surely began to fade. I am here to tell you that there is a middle ground. It is here that the masculine & feminine energy collide headfirst with each other. It's beautifully balanced. It's potent, it's powerful – it's MAGIC Connect with Kate Instagram Kate's Website