EZ News

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

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 102-points this morning from Friday's close, at 33,009 on turnover of 8.4-billion N-T. The market slumped on Friday, closing down 225-points, or 0.68-per cent, after Wall Street had its worst day since the start of Donald Trump's Iran war over growing doubts about a de-escalation and oil prices have gained more than 1-per cent Cancer treatment cost NHI record NT$156 billion in 2025 The National Health Insurance Administration says National Health Insurance spending on cancer treatment rose to a record 156.7-billion N-T last year. That was an increase of 26.5-billion N-T from 2020. According to the administration, the number of patients seeking cancer treatment increased to 970,104 in 2025, reflecting an average annual increase of 5-per cent over the past five years. Data shows breast cancer accounted for the largest number of cases. The administration says the rising costs are mainly driven by Taiwan's aging population and expanded cancer screening programs, reflecting increased health investment and improved access (通路) to care. CWA warns of aftershocks from Pingtung earthquake The Central Weather Administration's Seismological Center is warning of possible aftershocks over the coming week following Sunday's magnitude 4.7 earthquake the rattled (使慌亂，使緊張) the south Sunday morning. That quake was centered some 29-kilometers south-southeast of Pingtung County Hall at a depth of 23-kilometers and was felt across parts of Pingtung, Taitung, Kaohsiung, Tainan and Chiayi. According to the Seismological Center, the quake could result in aftershocks of between magnitudes 4 and 5 on the weather administration's intensity scale. The center says the quake was caused by the Eurasian Plate subducting beneath the Philippine Sea Plate along Taiwan's Chaozhou Fault zone. Trump Fine with Russia Delivering Oil to Cuba US President Donald Trump says he has “no problem” with a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Cuba delivering relief to the island, which has been brought to its knees (使陷入困境，打敗) by a U.S. oil blockade. Trump told reporters as he flew back to Washington, that "they have to survive". Tracking data shows the oil tanker carrying approximately 730-thousand barrels of oil, was just off the eastern tip of the island on Sunday night and slated to land in the city of Matanzas by Tuesday. Trump has effectively cut Cuba off from key oil shipments in an effort to force regime change. Island-wide blackouts have roiled Cubans already grappling with years of crisis, and lack of gasoline and basic resources has crippled hospital and slashed public transport. Iran warns the US against a ground invasion as regional powers meet in Pakistan Iran threatens the US as Pakistan says it will host talks between the countries in a bid to broker an end to the war. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports Egypt Imposes Early Closing to Cut Energy Costs Egypt is imposing early closing times for shops, cafes and restaurants to cut oil use as energy prices surge (猛漲的) during the war. The rules were enacted nationwide Saturday and are forcing most businesses to shut by 9 p.m. for a month. The government is also dimming (使變暗) streetlights and advertising. Offices in the capital close by 6 p.m. Some civil servants work from home one day a week. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly says Egypt faces soaring import costs for fuel. Tourist areas are exempt. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 台中社宅3案聯合開放申請中！即日起至4/11止， 有「南屯建功5號」、「太平育賢三期」及「烏日高鐵」三處基地，歡迎年滿18歲、名下無自有住宅且符合財稅規定的民眾踴躍申請。 現在就點擊下方連結了解詳情 台中社宅17租：https://sofm.pse.is/8w9dp8 廣告由台中市政府住宅發展工程處提供 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 136-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,575 on turnover of 10.6-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher by 826 points on Wednesday after U-S President Donald Trump claimed peace talks with Iran were underway. The rally was the seventh largest point gain in the Tai-Ex's history and helped it overcome (克服) technical resistance ahead of the five-day moving average of 33,201. Taipei District Court to hand down Ko Wen-je verdict this afternoon The Taipei District Court is slated to hand down its verdict (判決) in former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's corruption case. The court session has been scheduled for 2:30PM. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of 28 years. The case centered on allegations Ko accepted 17.1-million N-T in bribes from Core Pacific Group Chairman Shen Ching-jing to approve the expansion of the floor area ratio at his Core Pacific City project. Ko has faces charges of embezzling political donations and of campaign finance irregularities. He has persistently denied any wrongdoing is all of the cases brought against him. $39 NT FamilyMart receipt wins invoice lottery's $10 million prize And, The Ministry of Finance says a 39 N-T receipt for two bottles of tea at a FamilyMart was among the 10-million N-T special prize winners in the January-February uniform invoice lottery. The winning lottery numbers were released yesterday. FamilyMart says two of the 10 million N-T winning receipts, two 2-million grand prize winning receipts and three 200,000 N-T first-prize winning receipts were issued (發出) at its stores. While 7-Eleven is reporting that three 10-million N-T winning receipts and three 2-million N-T grand prize winning receipts were issued at its stores. TSA acting administrator: US airports have highest wait times in history Airports in the United States are experiencing "the highest wait times in history" according to the acting head of the Transportation Security Administration. During congressional testimony, Ha Nguyen McNeill said more than 480 agents have quit after more than a month without pay under the partial (部分的) government shutdown. To try to address the airport lines President Trump has reassigned Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to support the TSA. Kate Fisher reports Mexico to Continue Cuban Doctor Program Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country would continue to have Cuban doctors work in Mexico. It comes a time when other nations across the Americas have ditched their agreements with Cuba’s government in the face of mounting U.S. pressure. The leader’s support of the Cuban medical program comes as President Donald Trump has sought to isolate the Caribbean nation in an effort to push for regime change. The U.S. wants to end such missions, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling it “forced labor” and a “form of human trafficking.” Sheinbaum on Wednesday defended the program, pointing to all the help Cuban doctors have offered during the COVID-19 pandemic and in rural (鄉下的) areas across the country. It's unclear exactly how many Cuban doctors currently work in Mexico. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－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/8w3hp8 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 113-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 32,725 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market bucked a regional upturn on Tuesday - after giving up initial gains as investors rushed to take profits and opted to ignore comments by U-S President Donald Trump that talks with Iran are underway. MOFA thanks US senators for marking Taiwan election anniversary The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been thanking a bipartisan group of U-S senators for introducing a resolution commending (讚揚) Taiwan on the 30th anniversary of its first direct presidential election. The resolution was proposed by senators Tammy Duckworth, Tim Kaine and John Curtis. The resolution commemorated Taiwan's first direct presidential election on March 23, 1996, and praised Taiwan for setting an example of self-governance for the Pacific region and beyond. The foreign ministry says it welcomes the international community to continue supporting democratic Taiwan with concrete actions, and that it will continue working with the U-S and democracies worldwide to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity. Asustek warning that PC prices are expected to rise by 25-30% in Q2 And, Asustek Computer is warning that P-C prices here in Taiwan are expected to rise by between 25 and 30-per cent in the second quarter of the year. The technology company is attributing (歸因) the price hikes to a sharp rise in the cost of components, especially memory chips. According to Asus Technology, P-C brands faced higher costs in the first quarter, and prices will continue to rise in the second quarter due to a global supply shortage of dynamic random access memory chips and solid state drive hard disks. Reports says that retail prices for P-Cs sold by leading brands rose by between 10 and 15-per cent in the first quarter. NTSB: Air Traffic controls doing the job of multiple people on night of deadly LaGuardia crash A preliminary investigation into the deadly Air Canada crash at New York City's LaGuardia Airport has found that the air traffic controllers on duty were doing the job of multiple people. But the head of the National Transportation Safety Board cautioned against "pointing fingers" (指責，互相怪罪) saying many things must have gone wrong. Toni Waterman has the details Brazil Bolsonar to Serve Sentence at Home for Health Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro will continue to serve his 27-year sentence for a coup attempt at home instead of in prison due to failing health. A Supreme Court Justice says he will review the case within 90 days, but allowed the 71-year-old to return to his residence in capital Brasilia after he is discharged (出院) from hospital. The judge also ruled that Bolsonaro will wear an ankle monitor and is not allowed to use cellphones. Local police will surveil his house in a gated community, where protesters are not allowed to gather. The embattled leader has been hospitalized since March 13-th for pneumonia, one of several health problems he has faced since he was stabbed by a man in 2018 before he was elected president. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－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/8wc9mg -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 340-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,062 on turnover of 9.5-billion N-T. The market tumbled over 800 points on Monday as investors reacted to claims by U-S President Donald Trump's that he plans to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by Monday evening. Control Yuan calls for tougher sentences for China spying cases The Control Yuan is calling on courts to hand down tougher sentences for military personnel convicted of spying for China and violating national security laws. It comes after the government watchdog investigated two cases involving military personnel. The investigations were carried out by the Control Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee and Judiciary and Prison Administration Committee. According to the committees, such sentences handed down by district courts averaged 12.8 months, those handed down by the High Court averaged 18.1 month, while the average sentence handed down by the Supreme Court stood at 27.8 months. And the government watchdog says the light sentences for violating national security laws do not act as deterrent (威懾力、阻嚇物). FM confirms Eswatini has invited Lai to visit Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says President Lai Ching-te has been invited to make a state visit to Eswatini. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Eswatini Cultural Fair in New Taipei, Lin said the Kingdom has invited Lai to attend events marking the 58th anniversary of Eswatini's independence and King Mswati III's 58th birthday. Lin also said this year marks 58th anniversary of Eswatini's establishing ties with Taiwan. According to the foreign minister, he was hugley impressed when he visited the Southern African country in April of last year - and that trip took place as the two sides are expanding trade and investment and Taiwan establishes an industrial innovation park there. The Presidential Office has not released any information concerning (有關) Lai's possible trip to Eswatini. Flights slowly resume at LaGuardia after deadly plane crash Flights are slowly resuming at New York City's LaGuardia airport after an Air Canada jet struck a fire truck on the runway late Sunday night, killing the plane's pilot and co-pilot. During a press briefing, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reiterated (重申) that he's been asking Congress for more money for air traffic control. Mitch McCann has more from LaGuardia. Australia EU Sign FTA The European Union and Australia have agreed on the final text of a free trade agreement. This comes two years after negotiations broke down over Australian demands for more red meat market access and complaints about Australian products labeled with traditionally European names. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed the agreement today at the Australian Parliament House after protracted (延長的) negotiations that began in 2018. The breakthrough comes as both the EU and Australia seek to diversify (多樣化) their trading networks and reduce their economic reliance on China and exposure to uncertain U.S. tariffs. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【今年兒童節，給偏鄉孩子一份祝福🍀】 邀請你，和我們一起支持偏鄉孩子的教育與成長 捐款支持 TFT 為台灣而教， 培育人才走進最需要的教室， 透過生命影響生命的陪伴，共同為孩子的教育而努力。 點擊連結👇瞭解更多 https://sofm.pse.is/8wd32h -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 30-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,720 on turnover of $8-billion N-T. The market fell by over 650 points on Thursday on the back of a sell-off sparked by a spike in international crude oil prices duen to Donald Trump's Middle East war and the U-S Federal Reserve's alert over rising inflation. Taiwan rated second freest country in Asia by Freedom House Taiwan maintained its status as a "free" country and the second freest in Asia in the latest annual report released by the US-based democracy watchdog (監督組織), Freedom House. Taiwan has an overall score of 93 out of 100. That was down one point from last year. Taiwan also ranked second in Asia behind Japan, which scored 96. The "Freedom in the World 2026: The Growing Shadow of Autocracy" report assessed access to political rights and civil liberties in 195 countries and 13 territories from January 1 to December 31 last year. Taiwan scored 38 out of 40 in political rights and 55 out of 60 in civil liberties. Freedom House says Taiwan's vibrant (活躍的) and competitive democratic system has enabled regular, peaceful transfers of power since 2000, while protections for civil liberties remain generally strong. However, it also flagged concerns, including insufficient protections for migrant workers and efforts by the China to influence policymaking, media, and democratic institutions. Kremlin:US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks are on Pause The Kremlin says US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks have been put on pause, but bilateral talks between Moscow and Washington continue. As the focus of the White House appears to have shifted to the Middle East in recent weeks, fears are rising the situation around Iran may distract (使分心) it from Kiev's urgent needs for Western arms supplies. Daria Bondarchuk reports from Moscow. NKorea Kim and Daughter Ride Tank North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter have ridden a tank together, days after they watched rocket launches and fired pistols. The official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that Kim oversaw (監督) training involving tank units and infantry troops on Thursday. KCNA images showed Kim and his daughter, both wearing black leather jackets, riding in an olive-green tank. The images show the girl sticking her head out of the tank'ss hatch, while Kim sitting on its top. The girl has accompanied her father to many high-profile events since 2022, sparking outside speculation that she is her father's likely heir. Brazil Enforcing Internet Laws Brazil now enforces a sweeping new law that aims to make the internet safer for children and teens. On Tuesday, the digital statute takes effect after Congress backs it and President Lula signs it in September. The law requires accounts for minors under 16 to link to a legal guardian. It also bans addictive design tricks like endless scrolling and autoplay. Platforms must use real age checks, not just a box that says “over 18.” Lula says online abuse and exploitation (剝削) can no longer hide behind “freedom.” WhatsApp and Google already roll out (推出) parent tools. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－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/8vqra8 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 69-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 34,279 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market rose by more than 500 points on Wednesday, as buying was triggered by lingering enthusiasm toward global A-I development, which pushed up tech stocks higher. KMT and TPP approve cooperation pact for local elections The K-M-T and the Taiwan People's Party have approved a cooperation agreement for November's local elections. The agreement was separately passed by the K-M-T Central Standing Committee and the T-P-P's Central Committee and means that two party's will jointly field (選派…上場) candidates. Under the pact's "nominate first, coordinate later" model, the two parties will prioritize incumbent mayors or county magistrates seeking re-election. A joint KMT-TPP campaign group will also be established to support candidates nationwide. CPC absorbs NT$3.3 billion in fuel costs amid Middle East tensions The Ministry of Economic Affairs says C-P-C has absorbed about 3.3-billion N-T in fuel costs over the past two weeks to help stabilize domestic prices due to the US-Isreal war with Iran. According to Vice Economics Minister, Lai Jien-hsin, the government has been prioritizing price stability as global energy supplies face disruptions (破壞) from the conflict. Under a price-stabilization mechanism, C-P-C absorbs at least 60-per cent of cost increases while keeping domestic fuel prices among the lowest in neighboring markets. Saudi Arabia Criticizes Iran After Overnight Attacks Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister offered harsh criticism Thursday of Iran following overnight attacks on his country, saying: “What little trust there was before has completely been shattered.” Prince Faisal bin Farhan offered the comments after a meeting between foreign ministers of the Gulf Arab states and others over the Iranian attacks targeting the wider Middle East. He criticized Iran’s attacks on Riyadh, the capital hosting the meeting. Iran also attacked Saudi Arabia's vast Eastern Province, home to many of its oil fields, as well as Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The minister says Saudi Arabia will use "every lever (手段，把柄)", "political, economic, diplomatic and otherwise, to get these attacks to stop”. US Lawmakers Demand Answers from Attorney General Over Epstein Files A US congressional committee is demanding that the US Attorney General face questions over her handling of the Epstein files, a move the Justice Department is pushing back (反對) on. Mitch McCann reports: World Happiness Report: Decline in Happiness Due to Social Media The latest World Happiness Report 2026 says that heavy social media use has contributed to a stark (嚴重的 ) decline in well-being among young people, with the effects particularly worrying in teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe. The annual report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, also found that Finland is the happiest land in the world for the ninth year in a row. Other Nordic countries such as Iceland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway ranked among the top 10 countries. But it highlighted how life evaluations among under 25-year-olds in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have dropped over the past decade. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－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/8wc9ma -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 38-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,380 on turnover of 7.6-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Monday as investor sentiment remained muted due the impact of the US-Israel war against Iran, which has resulted in rises in international crude oil prices. Lai urges supply chain cooperation among democracies President Lai Ching-te is calling for closer cooperation among democratic partners to strengthen supply chain and economic resilience. Speaking at the opening of the Yushan Forum in Taipei, Lai said his administration wants to work with like-minded countries to form "international teams" with them … .. and intends to leverage (善用) the many advantages of these partners to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. According to Lai, his government will form national teams in specific fields to keep making Taiwan stronger, while also go beyond that, by building international teams to keep leveraging the power of solidarity with other nations. The two-day Yushan Forum runs through today. Over 400 households and business affect by power outage in Taichung's Beitun District Tai-Power says electricity has been restored to over 400 households and business affected by a power outage last night in Taichung's Beitun District. The affected business included the Costco north Taichung Warehouse. According to Tai-Power, electricity was restored to all households and businesses by 10PM after emergency repairs were carried out and cause of the outage is under investigation. Tai-Power says an initial investigation has found that a fuse box (保險絲盒) failure in the underground substation of a residential building was likely the cause of the power outage. The faulty equipment is being disassembled for inspection. UAE Lifts Brief Airspace Closure The United Arab Emirates lifted a brief airspace closure this morning after the country faced incoming Iranian attacks. The state-run news agency quoted the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority as saying the closure had ended. The authorities said “the situation stabilized,” allowing flights to resume. The earlier closure announcement showed the balancing act Emirati authorities face in trying to keep their long-haul carriers, Emirates and Etihad, flying as Iranian attacks continue to target the country. On Monday, an Iranian drone attack set a fuel tank ablaze (燃燒) at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel. UK WORKING WITH ALLIES TO RE-OPEN STRAIT OF HORMUZ The UK is working with all of its allies to re-open the Strait of Hormuz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference this morning. He also announced a government contribution of over $70million to support British households (家庭) with rising oil costs. Lara Bentley reports from London Spain King on Conquest of Americas Spain’s King Felipe says Spain’s conquest of the Americas involved abuse and ethical controversy, as Spain and Mexico remain at odds over calls for an apology. On Monday, Felipe made the remarks during a visit to a museum exhibition in Madrid. He told Mexico’s ambassador to Spain that parts of the conquest do not make Spain proud by today’s values. Mexico has demanded a formal apology for years, which Spain has refused to do. Mexico’s president said she needed to review Felipe's comments but acknowledged similar conciliatory (願意和解的，安撫的) remarks made last year by Spain's foreign minister. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【今年兒童節，給偏鄉孩子一份祝福🍀】 邀請你，和我們一起支持偏鄉孩子的教育與成長 捐款支持 TFT 為台灣而教， 培育人才走進最需要的教室， 透過生命影響生命的陪伴，共同為孩子的教育而努力。 點擊連結👇瞭解更多 https://sofm.pse.is/8wd326 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 140-points this morning from Friday's close, at 33,541 on turnover of 13.5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, but losses were capped as bargain hunters turned active to pick up large-cap tech stocks. Taichung mayor says US trip aims to build goodwill for Taiwan Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has visited New York City as she continues her 11-day trip to the U-S. Speaking in the city this past weekend, Lu said her trip has three main goals - deepening city-to-city exchanges, engaging with overseas Taiwanese communities, and reinforcing (強化) Taiwan-US relations. Lu arrived in New York following a stop in Boston. She visited the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Manhattan's Chinatown and later traveled to Columbus Park to lay flowers at a statue of Sun Yat-sen. Lu is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. this week. Taiwan twins win badminton doubles title at BWF Swiss Open And, Twin brothers Lee Fang-ren and Lee Fang-zhi beat their Danish opponents 21-18, 21-13 to win the men's badminton doubles title at the BWF Super 300 Swiss Open in Basel. The Taiwan pair started the first set trailing 4-7 but quickly stabilized and took the lead. After a brief break, the twins maintained at least a two-point advantage and closed out the set 21-18. In the second set, they quickly pulled ahead 5-1 and despite some errors, the brothers responded with six consecutive (連續的) points, shutting down the Danish pair's comeback and clinching their first title of the year. The twin brothers won their first BWF Super 300 men's doubles title at last year's Canada Open. Tehran denies seeking U.S. ceasefire after Trump says Iran was Decimate Iran's Foreign Minister is rebuffing any suggestion his government has asked the United States for a ceasefire, as the conflict in the Middle East enters its third week. It follows President Trump posting on social media at the weekend that Iran was beaten and completely decimated (毀滅) militarily, economically, and in every other way. Mitch McCann reports: Mexico City Sets Record for Soccer Class Mexico City set a world record on Sunday with the largest soccer class ever, with 9,500 participants in the capital’s Zocalo square as the country prepares to host the opening match of the World Cup in June. The city’s main square became a massive open-air training ground with crowds practicing soccer drills under the guidance of instructors. Participants kicked balls and followed coordinated exercises to promote (推動) sport and community engagement. A Guinness World Records official confirmed the new historic mark during the event. Organizers said the turnout surpassed (超越) the previous Guinness record set in Seattle in June 2025, when a soccer class brought together 1,038 participants. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－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》🎧 https://sofm.pse.is/8w9dsn -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 366-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,216 on turnover of $16-billion N-T. Pedestrian lights to cancel fast-walking signal The Ministry of Transport says it plans to phase out faster-paced walking animation on some pedestrian signals islandwide by the end of this year. According to the ministry, the move is aimed at discouraging pedestrians to run across intersections. The ministry's Department of Railways, Highways and Road Safety says the decision was made during a road safety briefing at the Cabinet earlier this week. Department head Wu Dong-ling says while the flashing green signal that appears in the final seconds of a pedestrian light will remain, the faster-paced walking animation used in some areas will be removed. Wu also says the Cabinet has asked the transport ministry to coordinate with local governments on the adjustments and ensure that signal designs are standardized nationwide by the end of the year. Only Chiayi County, Kinmen and Matsu don't use the fast-walking signal. Iraq plan to get oil flowing As the War in Iran continues to disrupt global oil flows, Iraq is trying to strike a deal that would allow its oil to flow through the autonomous Kurdistan Region. But Iraqi Kurds want something in return. Olly Barratt explains from the region's capital - Canada to Spend Billions on Northern Military Operating Locations Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he is putting an additional $32 billion into military forward operating locations in the North to assert sovereignty over the increasingly contested region. The prime minister made the announcement in Yellowknife, the capital city of Canada’s Northwest Territories, before he takes off for his planned visit to Norway where he will observe a NATO exercise. The additional funds comes as U.S. President Donald Trump called earlier this year for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, the Inuit self-governing territory of the kingdom of Denmark. Trump has also talked about making Canada the 51st state. Cuba Announces Prisoner Release Cuba’s government says it will release 51 people from the island’s jails in an unexpected move. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the release in the upcoming days stems from a spirit of goodwill and close relations with the Vatican. The government did not identify who it would release (釋放), except to say that “all have served a significant (相當長的時間) part of their sentence and have maintained good conduct in prison.” The government said it has granted pardons to 9-thousand-905 inmates since 2010. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－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》🎧 https://sofm.pse.is/8w9dtp -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 298-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 33,816 on turnover of 16.3-billion N-T. The market posted its second-largest daily point gains on Wednesday, as a decline in investor concerns over the Middle East saw the bellwether electronics sector attract strong buying. Analysts say the combined gains from Tuesday and Wednesday helped the main board completely recover losses seen on Monday, when investors were spooked (受到驚嚇) by reports the US-Israel war against Iran could drag on for weeks. Economics minister says No. 3 nuclear plant could be restarted in 2028 Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin says Tai-Power will submit a plan later month to re-start the decommissioned Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung. According to Kung, that means the plant could begin generating electricity as early as 2028. The statement came after as the economics minister was being questioned during a Legislative hearing as to whether the government is considering (考慮) using nuclear energy as a stable energy source in the event of a wartime blockade. The Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant was decommissioned on May 17 of last year. Taichung mayor leaves for 11-day US visit And, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen left for an 11-day visit to the United States late yesterday evening. She was seen off at Taoyuan International Airport by several K-M-T lawmakers. Prior to boarding her flight, Lu told reporters that trip to the was primarily (主要地，首先) focused on city-level diplomacy, but given Taiwan's current situation, her delegation will take the opportunity to advocate for the island's rights and interests. Lu's March 11 to 21 has planned stops in Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The Taichung mayor has said the issues to be discussed with U-S officials include energy stability, regional security and global trade. IEA greenlights record release of 400m barrels from emergency reserves The International Energy Agency has greenlit the release of a record 400m barrels of oil from emergency reserves in a bid to curb (抑制) rising prices sparked by the war in Iran. Instability around the Strait of Hormuz - a key oil shipping route off Iran's coast- has brought tanker traffic to halt. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Czech Republic Keeps Defense Spending Below NATO Target Czech lawmakers have approved a 2026 budget that keeps defense spending below NATO’s 2% target, despite pressure from the United States. They voted Wednesday to fund the Defense Ministry at just over 1.7% of GDP. The new government of populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis says the state budget is strained (勉強的) and it has other priorities, including health care. Czech spending rises above 2% only if other ministries’ projects count too. President Petr Pavel urges a bigger budget and cites Russia’s war in Ukraine. The U.S. ambassador warns that the Czech decision hurts the whole alliance. Ecuador Preps for Crackdown on Criminal Groups Ecuador's interior minister says the country is preparing a major crackdown on criminal groups set to begin this weekend with logistical support from the United States. Ecuador's interior minister told local media that the government wants to avoid civilian casualties. He is also urging people to follow a nightly curfew from March 15th to March 30th. It covers three of the country's most violent provinces. The minister says roads need to stay clear for troop movements and equipment. Ecuador has faced rising organized crime since 2021 that officials link to (與…有關聯) drug cartels. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【今年兒童節，給偏鄉孩子一份祝福🍀】 邀請你，和我們一起支持偏鄉孩子的教育與成長 捐款支持 TFT 為台灣而教， 培育人才走進最需要的教室， 透過生命影響生命的陪伴，共同為孩子的教育而努力。 點擊連結👇瞭解更多 https://sofm.pse.is/8vap5w -- Hosting provided by SoundOn