EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 49-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,267 on turnover of $4.1-billion N-T. The market tumbled on Thursday, as investors reacted to rate hike-related comments by the U-S Federal Reserve following the conclusion of its policymaking meeting. The bellwether electronics sector led the downturn on the back of heavy losses suffered by tech stocks on Wall Street overnight, as a spike in U-S treasury yields made interest rate sensitive stocks less attractive. **MOA Says Future Government Egg Imports to be Packaged in Country of Origin ** The Ministry of Agriculture says any future state-funded egg import programs will give preference to eggs packaged and washed in their country of origin. The policy comes amid ongoing controversy over the government program used to import 145 million eggs from overseas suppliers between March and July to alleviate a domestic shortage. The program has come under criticism after incidents in which imported eggs were labeled with the wrong expiration date or country of origin, as well as the agriculture ministry's admission (承認) that 54-million of the eggs were sent to be destroyed after expiring in storage. However, agriculture officials are continuing to defend the program - saying that it was largely successful in easing the egg shortage without affecting prices in a way that could harm local producers. The ministry is also insisting that no imported eggs were sold past their expiration, while any remaining eggs that have not yet expired will be distributed to food processors, rather than being sold fresh. **UN seeks to turbocharge SDGs ** Members of the United Nations are convening (召集) to set the groundwork for a summit it hopes can reinvigorate the multilateral system. The goal is to create a transformative pact ahead of next year's UN General Assembly. William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York. **UK Booker Prize Finalists Announced ** Novels from Ireland, the United States, Canada and Britain that explore families, communities and a world in crisis make up the six finalists for the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction. The shortlist announced Thursday for the $61-thousand US dollar award includes Canadian author Sarah Bernstein, U.S. writer Jonathan Escoffery and fellow American Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist Paul Harding. Also on the list are Irish writers Paul Lynch and Paul Murray and British writer Chetna Maroo. James Shapiro, a member of the judging panel, said many of the books reflect the “grim (嚴厲的,殘忍的,) times” we live in. The winner of the 2023 Booker Prize will be announced Nov. 26 at a ceremony in London. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 59-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,475 on turnover of $4.3-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex extended losses from the previous session on Wednesday, to close below the 16,600 point market, as investor interest remained muted (被抑制的; 不熱烈的) ahead of the conclusion of this week's policymaking meeting of the U-S Federal Reserve. Market watchers say the bellwether electronics sector led the broader market lower, as foreign institutional investors opted to move to the sell side and cash in on profits in futures. **World Leaders Gather for UN Climate Ambition Summit ** World leaders have pledged to invest billions of dollars to keep climate change under control. Many have gathered in New York for the Climate Ambition Summit, taking place during the United Nations General Assembly. But some leaders have been criticized (被批評) for failing to show up. Sally Patterson reports from the UN headquarters. < [CLIP] Slug: > **UK PM Delaying Ban on Gas and Diesel Cars ** Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he’s delaying by five years a ban on new gas and diesel cars that had been due to take effect in 2030. The move is among measures that water down green pledges the U.K. has made. Sunak says Britain remains committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, but in a way that won’t “impose unacceptable costs on hard-pressed (遭受強大壓力的) British families.” The announcement has angered green groups, opposition politicians and large chunks of U.K. industry, but has been welcomed by some in the governing Conservative Party who are against the expense of switching to renewable energy. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 9-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,626 on turnover of 3-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Tuesday after coming off an earlier high, as investors opted to lock-in gains from the bellwether electronics sector. Many investors also appeared reluctant (不情願的) to chase prices, as they await the outcome of this week's policymaking meeting by the U-S Federal Reserve. **MOEA Keeps Electricity Rates Unchanged, but Lifts Freeze for 880 Businesses ** The Ministry of Economic Affairs says it's keeping average electricity rates unchanged for now. However, it will be lifting the freeze on rates for around 880 businesses from October 1. Tai-Power says the end of the price freeze (價格凍結) could generate roughly 1.6-billion N-T in revenue. The statements follow a meeting of the ministry's price review committee. And according to the economics ministry, the average power rate currently remains at 3.1154 N-T per kilowatt-hour. **Black Hawk Helicopters to Perform Double Ten Flyover Rehearsal ** The National Day preparatory committee says UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters will perform flyover (低空飛行) rehearsals for this year's Double Ten Day over the Presidential Office this week. According to the committee, early-morning rehearsals will take place tomorrow and Saturday to ensure the flyover during the National Day celebrations "proceeds smoothly." Flyover training exercises involving other aircraft slated to take part in the Double Ten Day celebrations will be conducted on September 28 and October 4th. **Zelensky Urges Unity Against Russian Aggression ** Ukraine's President has urged (力勸) the international community to be united in the face of Russian aggression. William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York. **Israeli Military Raids Leave 3 Dead in West Bank ** Palestinian health officials say at least three people have been killed in an Israeli military raid in the northern West Bank. They say some 30 others were wounded in Tuesday's operation in the Jenin refugee camp. The Israeli military is providing few details, though it says it carried out a rare drone strike. Palestinian health officials reported numerous casualties from Israeli gunfire. The identities of the dead were not immediately known. **Argentina Applauds ESMA World Heritage Site Designation ** Argentina is celebrating a decision by a United Nations conference to include a former clandestine detention and torture center as a World Heritage site. A UNESCO conference in Saudi Arabia agreed to include the ESMA Museum and Site of Memory in the list of sites “considered to be of outstanding value to humanity,” marking a rare instance (實例) in which a museum of memory related to recent history is designated to the list. The former Navy School of Mechanics, known as ESMA, housed the most infamous illegal detention center that operated during Argentina’s last military dictatorship that ruled from 1976 through 1983. It now operates as a museum and a larger site of memory, including offices for government agencies and human rights organizations. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened opened up 8-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,706 on turnover of 2.6-billion N-T. The market tumbled more than 200-points on Monday, to close below the 16,700 point mark, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing came under pressure following heavy losses for tech stocks on Wall Street at the end of last week. While investor sentiment also remained cautious ahead of a two-day policymaking meeting of the U-S Federal Reserve, which is slated to begin today. **French Senator Olivier Cadic on 3rd Visit to Taiwan ** French Senator Olivier Cadic has arrived in Taiwan for a four-day visit to meet with senior government officials. Cadic is the vice-president of the French Senate's permanent committee on foreign affairs and defense issues. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cadic's agenda includes a visit to the Ministry of Digital Affairs to discuss issues concerning Indo-Pacific politics, democracy, human rights, and digital and information security. The senator will also be meeting with French business representatives and expatriates (外籍人士) in Taiwan. It's Cadic's third visit to Taiwan and the fourth by a French parliamentary delegation this year. **Central Bank Expected to Leave Interest Rates Unchanged ** The central bank is expected to leave its key interest rates unchanged at its quarterly policymaking meeting later this week due to eased inflationary pressures. Economists say the bank is likely to keep it rates unchanged on Thursday and again its next policymaking meeting in December, unless the local consumer price index growth surpassed (超過) the 3-per cent mark again. The central bank raised rates by 75 basis points to combat inflation beginning in March of last year, with the discount rate currently set at 1.875 percent. It chose to keep rates unchanged at its last policymaking meeting in mid-June, but the rates remain at an eight-year high. **Canada Expels Indian Diplomat Amid Activist Slaying ** Canada is expelling (驅逐) a diplomat from India as it investigates India's possible link to the death of a Sikh activist. The AP's Ed Donahue reports. **Libya Facing Disease Outreak Post Flooding ** Officials are warning that a disease outbreak in Libya’s northeast, where floods have killed thousands, could create “a second devastating crisis” as adults and children fell ill from contaminated (受汙染的) water. The mission said the World Health Organization sent 28 tons of medical supplies to the devastated country. Libyan officials say at least 150 people suffered diarrhea after drinking contaminated water in Derna, and at least 55 children got sick after drinking polluted water in Derna. **Guatemala Protests for PresidentElect ** Thousands of indigenous supporters have protested in Guatemala City to defend Guatemala’s president-elect as government prosecutors seek to ban his political party. Many of the protesters carried banners or chanted slogans demanding the resignation of government officials who have sought (尋求)to prosecute Bernardo Arevalo and ban his Seed Movement party. Protesters threatened to keep demonstrating until the efforts against Arevalo are stopped. Arevalo won the Aug. 20 presidential runoff in a landslide, but prosecutors have continued pursuing multiple investigations related to the registration of Arevalo’s Seed Movement party, and alleged fraud in the election. International observers have said that's not supported by evidence. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 26-points this morning from Friday's close, at 16,893 on turnover of 3.3-billion N-T. The local main board traded higher on Friday, as other regional markets moved into positive territory, after China's central bank eased the reserve requirements for banks and chip designer Arm Holdings' I-P-O on the Nasdaq boosted investor optimism. **Electricity Price Freeze Expected to End for 880 businesses ** The Ministry of Economic Affairs' electricity price review committee is expected to end a freeze on electricity rates for over 800 businesses. Tai-Power says the freeze is likely to be ended during a meeting of the price review committee later today. The economics ministry raised power prices for industrial consumers by 15-per cent in July last year and by 17-per cent in April of this year. However, the ministry did not increase rates for businesses in the cinema, gym, department store, and catering (餐飲業、酒席承辦) and restaurant sectors, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on domestic demand. **MOEA Set to Budget NT$800 million to Develop Advanced IC Processes ** The Ministry of Economic Affairs is set to budget around 800-million N-T to subsidize smaller domestic I-C designers in the development of processes below 28 nanometers. The amount constitutes (構成) part of the 5.2-billion N-T the ministry is set to receive next year as part of a semiconductor industry innovation project proposed by the National Science and Technology Council. The Industrial Development Bureau says the funding aims to help domestic smaller I-C designers develop advanced I-C processes due to expected competition from China. **NY Thousands Take Part in Climate March ** Thousands of people took to the streets of New York on Sunday demanding an end to the use of fossil fuels (化石燃料) and for the U.S. to show greater leadership in the fight against climate change. Jody Jacobs reports from New York. < [CLIP] Slug: > **UN to List Jericho as World Heritage Site in Palestine ** A U.N. committee has voted to list prehistoric ruins near the ancient West Bank city of Jericho as a World Heritage Site in Palestine. The decision Sunday angered Israel, which controls the territory and does not recognize a Palestinian state. Jericho is one of the oldest continually inhabited (有人居住的) cities on earth, and is in a part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank that is administered by the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. The listing refers to the Tell es-Sultan archaeological site nearby, which contains prehistoric ruins dating back to the ninth millennium B.C. and is outside the ancient city itself. The decision was made by the U.N. World Heritage Committee meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 2-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,810 on turnover of $2.6-billion N-T. The market gained more than 200-points on Thursday, as investor interest in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rebounded from previous session. Renewed investor interest in T-S-M-C came after the company issued a record cash dividend of 3 N-T per share for its first-quarter earnings - and that led to a rally across the broader market. **Control Yuan Censures Taipei Prison ** The Control Yuan has censured the Taipei Prison for its mistreatment of some inmates. According to the government watchdog, it is demanding the Ministry of Justice review surveillance systems in all correctional facilities islandwide. The move comes after it opened an investigation into the prison following complaints filed by some inmates earlier this year. The Control Yuan says that investigation found that some prisoners were subject to abuse by prison employees, while other correctional officers turned a blind eye to the mistreatment. The abuse included handcuffing, beating and pepper spraying. Control Yuan member Gao Yong-cheng says some of the incidents resulted in injuries to the inmates, and some of them were coerced (脅迫的) by correctional officials into signing a document stating that they had not been injured. The investigation also found that the surveillance cameras in the prison were compromised by numerous blind spots. **EU Countries to Keep Sanctions on Iran ** Britain, France and Germany have announced that they will keep their sanctions on Iran related to the Mideast country’s atomic program and its development of ballistic missiles. The measures were to expire in October under a timetable spelled out in the now defunct (不復存在的) nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. The three European allies known as E3 had helped negotiate the nuclear deal. In a joint statement on Thursday, they said they would retain their sanctions in a “direct response to Iran’s consistent and severe (劇烈) non-compliance” with the accord. Iran has violated the sanctions by developing and testing ballistic missiles and sending drones to Russia for its war on Ukraine. **Dominican Republic Closes Borers with Haiti ** The Dominican Republic’s president has announced he will close all borders with neighboring Haiti starting today in a dispute over a canal on the Haitian side that would divert water from a border river. His announcement signals that last-minute talks between the countries have failed to head off the closure (關閉). President Luis Abinader says air, sea and land borders will remain shuttered “until necessary.” It is a rare move for the Dominican Republic, and could hit economies in both countries, though it will be most acutely (嚴重地) felt in Haiti. The closure is a response to the excavation of a canal by a farming group on the Haitian side that targets waters from the Massacre River. **NASA UFO Report Finds No Evidence of Alien Activity ** A UFO sightings report from the US space agency has found no evidence of alien activity in relation to a number of unexplained phenomena. However, Nasa could also not rule out the possibility of the existence (存在) of other life forms. US correspondent Nick Harper 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened flat this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,581 on turnover of 2.3-billion N-T. The market closed almost flat on Wednesday as early gains were eroded amid investor caution ahead of the release of August's U-S consumer price index. The bellwether electronics sector came off a high as "Apple concept stocks" came under pressure, despite the U-S electronics giant unveiling the latest iPhone 15 series overnight, while buying switched to select old economy stocks. **Presidential aspirant Terry Gou announces running mate ** Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. founder and aspiring (有抱負的) presidential candidate Terry Gou has announced veteran singer-actress Lai Pei-hsia as his prospective running mate for Taiwan's 2024 election. Gou introduced Lai at a press conference at 8:35 a.m. and touted her experiences in communication skills, adding that her female perspective will be beneficial (有利) for him to promote gender equality. Due to a lack of party affiliation, Gou still needs to collect signatures from about 290,000 people between Sept. 19 and Nov. 2 to make it onto the ballot, according to rules set by the Central Election Commission. Gou is required to register his independent candidacy with the CEC no later than Sept. 17 before his campaign can begin the signature drive. Should Gou make it onto the ballot, he will face the DPP candidate and Vice President Lai Ching-te, as well as the KMT's New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih and the TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je. **FDA Grants EUA for Updated Moderna COVID Vaccine ** The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for Moderna's updated coronavirus vaccine. According to F-D-A Deputy Director Chen Hui-fang, the Spikevax XBB.1.5 vaccine will be rolled out here in Taiwan by the end of this month. An expert panel has approved the vaccine for those aged over six months during a review meeting. The Centers for Disease Control is expected to take delivery of a batch of 2-million doses of the vaccine in the coming days. Health officials will then spend a week inspecting (檢查) and label the shots before making them available to the public. The first jabs will be made available to people aged 65 and over. **Central EU Countries Call to Maintain Ukraine Grain Ban ** Central European countries say they will ban Ukrainian grain imports if the EU doesn't extend its existing restrictions, which are set to expire (到期) on September 15. Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland are concerned that a flooding of the market with cheaper Ukrainian products will bring down their own grain prices, hitting domestic producers. Pablo Gutierrez reports from Budapest. **UN Imprisoned Reporter Family Calling for his Freedom ** The father of imprisoned Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich is calling on world leaders meeting at the United Nations next week to stand up for freedom of the press and urge Russia to release him. Mikhail Gershkovich came to U.N. headquarters with his wife and daughter at the invitation of U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on Wednesday to spotlight his son’s nearly six months in a Russian prison on charges of espionage, which the Journal’s lawyers call “patently (明顯地) false.” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged all U.N. member nations “to join this call for Evan’s release, and the release of all those who have been wrongfully detained.” 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,578 on turnover of 1.5-billion N-T. The market staged a technical rebound on Tuesday on the back of increased investor interest in semiconductor stocks follow a rise on Wall Street overnight sparked by a more than 1-per cent increase on the tech heavy Nasdaq. **MND Releases Latest Defense Paper ** The Ministry of National Defense has released its first national defense report since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the report, the island's armed forces are learning from the war in Europe, and are boosting the asymmetrical warfare capabilities and adopting a whole-of-society approach in preparation for a potential cross-strait conflict. The military notes that as is being seen in the Russia-Ukraine war, China is also deploying hybrid warfare to target Taiwan through both military coercion (強迫) and non-traditional threats, including cyber and cognitive warfare. And the report says the military is responding to those actions by upholding its long-held "resolute defense and multi-domain deterrence" strategic guidance, and continuing to beef up its asymmetrical warfare capabilities in the face of a much stronger opponent. **Court Rejects Taipei's Initial Request to Freeze Kee Tai Assets ** The Taipei District Court has rejected a request by the Taipei City government to freeze 61.96-million N-T in assets (資產) belonging to Kee Tai Properties. The city government submitted the request to the court on Sunday, days after underground excavation work at a Kee Tai construction site in the Dazhi neighborhood caused one building to partially collapse and six others to incline to one side. According to the court, it chose to reject the request as Kee Tai is a publicly-traded company with authorized capital of 5-billion N-T, and has already agreed to transfer 100-million N-T into a fund for the affected households. **US Vows Support for Libya ** US President Joe Biden has promised emergency funds (資金) for Libya, after severe flooding killed an estimated 5,000 people. Thousands of people are still missing, with parts of some cities completely destroyed. Nick Harper reports from Washington. **Russian Warplane Crash ** The Russian military has announced that one of its warplanes crashed during a training mission in southern Russia without specifying the fate of its crew. The Defense Ministry says the Su-24 bomber went down Tuesday in an unpopulated area in the Volgograd region and rescue helicopters were deployed to the site. The ministry says that the aircraft wasn’t carrying any weapons. It didn’t say what might have caused the crash that caused no casualties or damage on the ground. The Russian air force has suffered a string of crashes that some observers have attributed to (將（某種狀況）歸屬於) a higher number of flights amid the fighting in Ukraine. **Simona Halep Suspended for Doping ** Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been suspended (暫令停止參加活動) from professional tennis for four years for doping violations. The International Tennis Integrity Agency says the 31-year-old Romanian “committed intentional anti-doping rule violations” by failing a drug test during the 2022 U.S. Open and for irregularities in her Athlete Biological Passport. Halep had been provisionally suspended since October 2022. The four-year ban will run to Oct. 6, 2026. She plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,433on turnover of 2-billion N-T. The market extended losses from a session earlier on Monday, as it fell more than 140 points on the back of a sell-off in artificial intelligence development-related stocks. Selling was seen across the main board, as investors remain concerned over the upcoming release of U-S consumer price index data for August later this week. **Premier Stresses "No Plans to Demolish CKS Hall" ** Premier Chen Chien-jen says the government currently has no plans to demolish (拆除) the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei as part of its ongoing transitional justice efforts. However, Chen says the Tsai administration remains focused on removing symbols of authoritarianism. The statement is in response to a opinion piece published by Liberty Times in which members of a Cabinet-level task force claimed the government has "little political will" to remove the memorial site. According to the premier, the government firmly believes that the removal of symbols of authoritarian regimes is an major aspect of its pursuit of transitional justice, and a task force is studying ways to re-purpose the memorial hall. **University Makes Second Successful Research Rocket Test ** Researchers at the Tamkang University have conducted a successful test flight of a research rocket. It marks the second successful launch by the university from the Xuhai rocket test site in Pingtung County since it became operational in 2022. According to the Taiwan Space Agency, the scientific research rocket was named "Jessie" - after a Pokemon character - and its launch validated (驗證) its payload and structural design, which incorporates composite materials. The single-stage rocket is fueled by an R-N-X composite propellant, known for its stability and safety. It's hoped it will be able to reach an altitude of 4.2-kilometers. **NKorean Leader Departs for Russia ** The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian president Vladimir Putin will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “in the coming days”. State media in North Korea has confirmed that Kim departed (離開) Pyongyang for Russia on a private train on Sunday. Chris Gilbert reports. **Sweden to Increase Military Spending ** The Swedish government wants to increase the country's defense budget by 28% as it prepares to join the NATO alliance. The increase would put Sweden on track (有望成功、在正軌上) to reach NATO's target for military spending to be 2% of a country's gross domestic product. Sweden’s center-right coalition government unveiled a defense bill Monday and said the defense budget will be increased by $2.4 billion. About $63 million will be spent on Sweden’s future membership of NATO. Sweden and neighboring Finland sought protection under the NATO security umbrella after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. Finland joined earlier this year but Sweden is still waiting. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from Friday's close, at 16,579 on turnover of 2.2-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Friday as Apple concept stocks came under pressure on the back of reports that China plans to expand (擴張) restrictions on the use of iPhones in government offices and state-backed entities dealers said. And while the bellwether electronics sector led the downturn, buying in the financial sector helped the local main board offset the impact of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, **Kee Tai and Taipei City Government Reach Consensus on Response to Building ** Collapse Kee Tai Properties and the Taipei City government have reached an initial agreement to help people affected by the partial collapse of a building in the city's Dazhi neighborhood. A total of 442 people from 201 households have had to be evacuated pending safety inspections and that figure includes 25 people who will need to be temporarily rehoused after their homes suffered severe (劇烈) structural damage. News of the agreement comes after Kee Tai Properties C-E-O Feng Hsien-mien had been facing criticism for his failure to make any public statement since the incident occurred last Thursday. Kee Tai has agreed to create a 100-million N-T fund for the purposes of disaster relief and to cover the costs of building restoration and temporarily resettling displaced residents. The company has also promised to "fully cooperate" in the reconstruction of the damaged buildings, regardless of whether the work is carried out by Kee Tai or Taipei's Urban Regeneration Office. **Lee Hong-chi's "Love Is a Gun" Wins Best First Feature Award at Venice ** Festival Director Lee Hong-qi's debut movie "Love Is a Gun" has been awarded the prize for best first feature at the Venice International Film Festival. The award makes Lee the first Taiwanese director to score a win in the debut (首次亮相) category at the annual film festival. Lee was also the scriptwriter and lead actor in the movie that tells the story of a a young man who, upon being released from prison, discovers that he cannot escape his past. It's the first time a Taiwanese film has won an award at the Venice International Film Festival since 2013. **US Biden Visit Enhances Vietnam Ties ** US President Joe Biden, visiting Vietnam, is praising the newly-enhanced (增進) relationship between the two countries – once at war. AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports. **Subject: E*Sudan Drone Attack Kills Dozens in Khartoum ** Sudanese activists and a medical group say at least 43 people have been killed in a drone attack on an open market south of the capital, Khartoum. They say more than 55 others were wounded in the attack Sunday and were transferred to a hospital. Sudan's military and a powerful rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, have been battling for control of the country since mid-April. The paramilitary group blamed the military’s air force for Sunday’s attack. It wasn't immediately possible to independently verify (核實) the claim. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 9-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,610 on turnover of $2.5-billion N-T. **Work Halted at Taipei Construction Site After Tilting ** Work has been halted at a Taipei construction site, after nearby residential buildings began to tilt (傾斜), and one partially collapsed into the ground. The damage began last night, as Taipei city police and firefighters received reports of 5 to 6 apartment buildings adjacent to the construction site in Zhong-shan District, tilting to one side. Through the night and into this morning, nearly 200 households were evacuated as a precaution, affecting over 350 residents. There were also reports that the 1st floor of one of the buildings has already collapsed down into the ground, as other buildings showed cracks on the walls, bent metal window covers, and broken glass. Kee Tai Properties states that it will not shirk its responsibilities and will provide plans to aid affected residents. (NS) **ASEAN Touts Peace but Little Progress ** Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for establishing southeast Asia as a theatre of peace and inclusiveness (包容性) in his closing remarks at the ASEAN summit in Jakarta. But the bloc is widely seen to have failed in solving critical issues including tensions in the South China Sea and conflict in Myanmar. Patrick Fok reports. **Mali Islamic Insurgent Attacks Leave Dozens Dead ** Two attacks by Islamic insurgents in the restive north of Mali have killed 49 civilians and 15 government soldiers. The provisional death toll given by the country’s military junta was read on state television. A passenger boat near the city of Timbuktu on the Niger River and a Malian military position in Bamba further downstream in the Gao region were targeted. The statement said the attacks have been claimed by Islamic extremist insurgent group JNIM, an umbrella coalition of armed groups aligned with (與…結盟) al-Qaida. **UN Report Gives Grim Picture of Gender Equality ** The United Nations says in a report that the U.N. goal of achieving gender equality by 2030 is impossible to achieve because of deeply rooted biases against women around the world in health, education, employment and the halls of power. UN Women and the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs said in “The Gender Snapshot 2023” report launched Thursday that “active resistance to gender equality and chronic under-investment are key factors in slow progress and, in some cases, reversals (倒退) of gains already made.” It also pointed to “unequal access to sexual and reproductive health, unequal political representation, economic disparities and a lack of legal protection." The report assessing the progress for women in achieving the 17 U,N. goals for 2030 warned hat the continuing failure to make the achievement of gender equality a priority will put the achievement of all 17 goals “in peril.” 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 23-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,715 on turnover of $2.5-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed lower after coming off earlier highs as tech heavyweights gave up their earlier gains in the wake of a lackluster performance on the U.S. markets overnight,. Market sentiment stayed cautious as investors anxiously waited for the release of the U.S. August consumer price index for a better guess about the next move the Federal Reserve will make in its monetary policy **Taiwan military to showcase new Indian Challenger motorcycles at base ** opening Taiwan's Military Police is scheduled to debut its newly purchased heavy motorcycles in an upcoming military base opening event later this month. The Military News Agency announced Wednesday that the Taipei-based 202nd Military Police Command's Quick Response Company will showcase its new Indian Challenger motorcycles at the Sept. 24 opening of the army base in Hukou Township, Hsinchu County. The MNA report said the company will hold a round of motorcycle performances during the opening event, which is expected to be attended by tens of thousands of civilian participants. The 202nd Military Police Command's Quick Response Company is the only military unit in Taiwan equipped with heavy motorcycles. The military police said the motorcycles are highly mobile (可動的，移動式的), explaining that a rider would be able to hold a locally developed Kestrel anti-armor rocket and get to where they need to be much quicker than on other military vehicles. **NKorea: China VicePremier to Visit for Founding Anniversary ** North Korea says a Chinese delegation led by Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong will visit the country to help celebrate the North's 75th founding anniversary, which is on Saturday. The report in state media today didn't say how the Chinese delegation would be participating in the anniversary events or say if the delegates would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The report came amid speculation (猜測) that Kim will visit Russia soon for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Such a meeting could involve discussions of North Korean arms sales to refill Russian reserves drained by its war on Ukraine. **Trump trial in Georgia ** The judge overseeing the Georgia case that accuses former President Donald Trump and others of illegally trying to overturn (翻倒) the 2020 election in the state… has denied requests by two of the 19 defendants to be tried alone, Prosecutors say the trial would take four months and include approximately 150 witnesses. Ed Donahue reports. **Mexico Removes Federal Penalties for Abortion ** Mexico’s Supreme Court has thrown out all federal criminal penalties for abortion. The sweeping ruling issued Wednesday declared that national laws prohibiting the procedure are unconstitutional and violate women’s rights. The high court ordered that abortion be removed from the federal penal code (刑法). The decision will require the federal public health service and all federal health institutions to offer abortion to anyone who requests it. Some 20 Mexican states, however, still criminalize abortion. While judges in those states will have to abide by the court's decision, further legal work will be required to remove all penalties. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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 16,796 on turnover of $2--billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed after little change throughout the day as the U.S. market remained closed for Labor Day, providing no direction to the local main board. Contract chipmaker TSMC and the major stocks related to artificial intelligence development reversed course following a brief surge Tuesday, offsetting the gains made by other tech stocks during the trading session. **Taiwan Eswatini Sign Three MOUs ** President Tsai Ing-wen has overseen the signing of three MOUs with diplomatic ally Eswatini. The President arrived in Eswatini yesterday, to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Kingdom of Eswatini, as well as the 55th anniversary of Eswatini's independence. And after her arrival, she met with Eswatini's King Mswati III, and witnessed the signing of the bilateral agreements on supporting women's entrepreneurship, assisting Eswatini in building oil storage tanks for emergency oil reserves (儲備), as well as a "Sister City Agreement" between Kaohsiung and Mbabane. That agreement sees Kaohsiung sharing its experience in developing the information and technology industry, as well as increase cultural and educational exchanges. (NS) **China Rejects Offer to Join Fukushima Water Testing ** China is rejecting an offer by Japan to join an international framework to test the radiation levels at the Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge (釋放) site. Beijing, which strongly opposes the water release, banned all seafood imports from Japan last month., Chris Gilbert reports. **Saudi Arabia Russia Extend Oil Production Costs ** Saudi Arabia and Russia have agreed to extend their voluntary oil production cuts through the end of the year. The dual announcements from Riyadh and Moscow on Tuesday said the two countries would trim (減少) 1.3 million barrels of crude out of the global market. Their move pushed benchmark Brent crude above $90 a barrel in afternoon trading, a price unseen in the market since November. It could increase costs for motorists at gas stations and put new pressure on Saudi Arabia’s relationship with the United States. President Joe Biden warned Saudi Arabia last year there would be unspecified “consequences” for the kingdom partnering with Russia on cuts as Moscow wages war on Ukraine. **Brazil Announces Financial Support for Reducing Deforestation ** In a bid to slow down deforestation in the Amazon, Brazil will provide financial support to municipalities that have reduced deforestation rates the most. The announcement was made Tuesday by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change during the country’s Amazon Day. The new program will invest up to $120 million in technical assistance. The money will be allocated based on the municipality’s performance in reducing deforestation and fires, and must be invested in land titling (土地所有權), monitoring and control of deforestation and fires, and sustainable production. The money will come from the Amazon Fund, which has received more than $1.2 billion, mostly from Norway, to help pay for sustainable development of the region. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 6-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16.784 on turnover of 2.3-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan rose by more than 140 points Monday to close above the 16,700 mark amid eased fears over an aggressive Federal Reserve after the United States reported a cooling job market. The bellwether electronics sector regained its footing, led by large-cap semiconductor stocks, with contract chipmaker TSMC, driving a solid upturn on the main board in the wake of the gains posted by their counterparts on the U.S. markets at the end of last week. **CWB Ends Sea Warning for Haikui ** The Central Weather Bureau has ended its sea warning for Haikui. The CWB ended the warning at 8:30am, as the storm continued to weaken (削弱) into a tropical depression, as it moves west over China. Forecasters say weather conditions across the island today should remain relatively clear with occasional rainfall. And northern and southern regions should remain on alert for afternoon thundershowers. The CWB says from September 2nd until 8am today, Haikui brought over 1-thousand-111 milimeters of accumulated rainfall over parts of Hualien County, and 725 milimeters of rainfall over Taipingshan in Yilan County. (NS) **Subject: E*Japan PM Announces Fnd for Exporters Hit by Wastewater Release ** **Return to **Table of contents Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced a $141 million emergency fund to help exporters hit by a ban on Japanese seafood imposed by China in response to the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. The discharge (釋放) of the wastewater into the ocean began Aug. 24 and is expected to continue for decades. Japanese fishing associations and groups in neighboring countries have strongly opposed the release, and China immediately banned all imports of Japanese seafood. **Sunak says he's not to blame for school concrete crisis ** British lawmakers have headed back to Parliament after their summer break but thousands of U.K. children won’t be returning to their classrooms this week. Their schools are at risk of collapse from crumbling (粉碎) concrete. The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says it's wrong to blame him for the escalating crisis surrounding unsafe concrete material in English schools. This comes after accusations that Sunak had ignored a report finding the concrete in some buildings presented a "critical risk", and cut the school repair budget when he was finance minister. Julia Chapman reports. **Australia Rescues Ill Man at Antarctic Base ** Authorities in Australia say an Australian who fell ill at a remote Antarctic base is returning home on an icebreaker following a daunting mission to rescue him. The man was working at the Casey research station when he suffered from what authorities described as a developing medical condition that needed specialist (專家) assessment and care. Officials say the icebreaker left Australia last week and traveled south more than 3,000 kilometers, breaking through sea ice to reach a location 144 kilometers from the base. From there, two helicopters were deployed from the deck on Sunday and arrived at the base after nearly an hour to rescue the man. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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 16,700 on turnover of $1.7--billion N-T. **Haikui Causes 44 Injuries Across Taiwan ** Emergency officials say Severe Tropical Storm Haikui has caused dozens of injuries, as well as damage across much of eastern Taiwan. The Central Emergency Operation Center says the storm left 44 people injured, mostly in Taitung, Tainan and Hualien. Other damage included hundreds of uprooted roadside trees, as well as damaged roads. Haikui has been hovering in waters about 50 kilometers west-northwest of Tainan, moving west-northwest at a speed of 9-km per hour. The storm decreased in size and now has a radius of 150-kilometers, but still covers Taitung, Hualien, and all areas south of Taichung. Officials say the outer periphery (外圍) of the storm will continue to bring heavy rain to much of Yilan and Hualien, and the precipitation is expected to ease somewhat heading into the evening. (NS) **Taitung Households Still Without Power ** In related news….. Over 10-thousand households and businesses in Taitung remain without power this morning. Local officials say more than 50-thousand users lost power yesterday, and after emergency repairs by TaiPower crews, around 13-thousand still do not have access to electricity services. The severe tropical storm also brought strong winds and heavy rain to the region, with 7 townships recording accumulated (積累) rainfall of near 400 milimeters. Officials also say over 20 roadside trees were uprooted, but Taitung's famed bishop wood in Chishang Township remains standing, despite suffering some broken branches. (NS) **Israel migrant riots ** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants Eritrean migrants involved in a violent clash (衝突) in Tel Aviv to be deported immediately and has ordered a plan to remove all of the country’s African migrants. His remarks came a day after bloody protests by rival groups of Eritreans in south Tel Aviv left dozens of people injured. Laurence Brooks has this report. **SKorea President to Stresses Sanctions on NKorea at ASEAN Meeting ** South Korea’s president says he’ll tell world leaders about the need to faithfully enforce U.N. sanctions on North Korea when they converge in Indonesia and India for annual summits this week. President Yoon Suk Yeol is to visit Jakarta to attend a series of summits scheduled alongside a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders. He'll travel on to New Delhi for a summit of the Group of 20 leading economies. In written responses to questions from The Associated Press, Yoon says during the G20 summit, he'll stress the need to block North Korea's cyber hacking and other illicit (非法的) activities that fund its weapons programs. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 6-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,641, on turnover of $2.2-billion N-T. **Cabinet signs off on public sector AI guidelines ** The Cabinet has signed off on new guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) within the public sector. Drafted by the National Science and Technology Council, the guidelines indicate that public sector workers using generative AI must have any outputs evaluated by an assigned party for potential (潛在的) risks. The guidelines also state that government agencies must not solely depend on the output of generative AI or its unverified content for administrative actions or official decision-making. In addition, the guidelines require disclosure when generative AI is employed as a tool for official tasks. Moreover, users are expected to adhere to regulations concerning information security, personal data protection and copyright, under the guidelines. **40 Taiwanese youth ambassadors to visit Saint Lucia for 10 days ** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to send 40 "youth ambassadors" to Saint Lucia this month. The youth ambassadors received two weeks of training under MOFA's annual program, and will visit the Caribbean allied nation for 10 days to promote friendship between the two countries. According to MOFA, the ambassadors, all of them Taiwan nationals aged 18-35 who are still undergraduate or graduate students, were selected because of their good command of English, special talents in the performing arts, or outstanding skills in cooking. **Canada Updates US Travel Advisory for LGBTQ+ ** Canada has updated its travel advisory (旅遊警示) to the U.S., warning members of the LGBTQ+ community that some American states have enacted laws that may affect them. The country’s Global Affairs department did not specify which states, but is advising travelers to check the local laws for their destination before traveling. A department spokesperson says "Since the beginning of 2023, certain states in the U.S. have passed laws banning drag shows and restricting the transgender community from access to gender-affirming care and from participation in sporting events”. Asked about the travel advisory change this week, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said travel advisories are based on advice from professionals in the department whose job it is to monitor for particular dangers. She did not say whether her government had discussed the matter with its U.S. counterpart. **US Pledges Funds for Auto Workers ** The Biden administration has pledged more than 12 billion dollars to help US automakers retrofit (改造) existing facilities as they transition to electric vehicle production. The move comes as auto workers threaten to go on strike. Ira Spitzer reports **India Economy Grows 7.8Percent ** India’s economy has clocked up growth of 7.8% in the first quarter of the current financial year, mainly due to good performance by the agricultural and financial sectors. The World Bank says India is one of the fastest-growing economies of the world and is poised (作好準備的) to continue on this path. However, the manufacturing sector growth slowed to 4.7% during the quarter from April to June, compared to 6.1% in the same period last year. The World Bank said India's real gross domestic product growth is likely to moderate to 6.3% this year from an estimated 6.9% in the last financial year. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **U.K. parliamentary report describes Taiwan as 'independent country' ** Taiwan's government has welcomed a new report from the U.K. parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, which stated Taiwan is "already an independent country." The report included Taiwan in its "countries" section, describing it as possessing "all the qualifications for statehood" bar "greater international recognition." According to Committee Chairperson Alicia Kearns of the ruling Conservative Party, the report is the first from a U.K. parliamentary committee to make such statements relating to Taiwan's sovereignty. Meanwhile, the committee report called on the U.K. to develop deterrence diplomacy - building up resilience and defense in order to deter malicious (惡意的) actors - and to use this to protect the self-determination of the people of Taiwan. According to the Central News Agency, MOFA spokesman Jeff Liu says Taiwan welcomed the report's support for Taiwan's international participation, and will continue to do its best to enhance deeper cooperation with the United Kingdom on various fronts for the prosperity of both countries. **New feature on Taipei Metro app makes meet-ups easier ** A new feature on the Taipei Metro mobile app will make it easier for passengers to find each other. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation says the "train meet-ups" feature on the Taipie MRT Go app allows passengers to share their train information with friends and acquaintances (相識的人) via social media apps. Passengers are required to enter the car number and door number which are located near the door inside each car before sharing a message, which allows the app to locate the train on a real-time MRT map for message recipients. They are then notified near which door in which car the sender is located, so they can wait at the correct spot on the platform, or alternatively find each other if on the same train. The app is currently only available in Mandarin. **N Korean missiles fall short of Japan EEZ ** North Korea says ballistic missiles it fired on Wednesday were part of a tactical nuclear drill. The DPRK launched two projectiles towards the Sea of Japan which fell short of (沒達到) Japanese waters. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. **Canada Bees Spilled on Road ** And from Canada…. Police in the city of Toronto warned drivers to keep their car windows closed after a truck spilled (灑) crates carrying five million bees onto a road. Pedestrians were also asked to avoid the area just west of the city, where the accident occurred. Regional police said they received a call Wednesday morning local time reporting the bee crates had come loose from a truck and spilled onto the road. About an hour after police put out a notice on social media, several beekeepers were in touch with police offering to help. Six or seven beekeepers eventually arrived at the scene. By around 9:15 a.m., police said most of the five million bees had been safely collected and the crates were being hauled away. Some crates had been left behind for the uncollected bees to return to them on their own. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tsai Admin. Lobbying for United Nations Inclusion Ahead of General Assembly 31 Indicted in im.B Fraud Case 10 Drugs Targeted for US Medicare Price Negotiations Japan Could Take China to WTO over Seafood Import Ban Oher Lawyers Seeking School Records Related to the "The Blind Side" -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 19-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,528 on turnover of 1.9-billion N-T. The market closed slightly higher on Monday as large-cap semiconductor stocks lent support to the broader market, despite the lose of early gains amid lingering (揮之不去) concerns over global inflationary pressure. However, artificial intelligence development-related stocks came under pressure, which capped the upturn on the main board - that, after Nvidia shares tumbled more than 2-per cent on Wall Street at the end of last week. **KMT Describe's Gou's 2024 Decision as "Deeply Regrettable" ** The K-M-T is describing Terry Gou's plans to run as an independent candidate in January's election as being "deeply regrettable (遺憾的)." In a statement released hours after Gou announced his decision, the K-M-T accused the Hon Hai founder of "reneging on an earlier promise" to help its presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih win the 2024 election. The K-M-T also warned that party members who publicly show support for Gou's presidential bid will be subject to disciplinary measures. However, the party went on to say that it hopes that Gou will return to the K-M-T fold one day and join "mainstream efforts to unseat the D-P-P." **Premier Touts Aims Build NT$1 trillion Biotech Industry ** Premier Chen Chien-jen says the government plans to transform the local biotech sector into "Taiwan's next industry" with the aim of generating (產生) 1-trillion N-T in production value. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Bio Taiwan Committee, Chen said the Cabinet plans to integrate government resources to map out appropriate policies and laws to boost the speed of the sector's growth. According to Chen, the government is seeking to establish biotech industrial clusters by encouraging more startups to join the sector and attracting more foreign companies to enter the local market. **NKorea Kim Calls for Battle-Ready Military ** North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un has called for his military to be constantly ready for combat to thwart (阻撓) plots to invade his country, as he accused the U.S. of conducting “more frantic” naval drills off the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. and South Korean militaries are holding joint summer exercises that North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal. The allies have insisted the drills are defensive in nature. The report said Kim made the remarks in a speech marking Navy Day on Monday. Kim has been pushing to expand his nuclear arsenal and introduce new weapons systems. He said the navy would become a component of his “nuclear deterrence,” which suggests it would get new nuclear-capable missiles. **Study: Voice Assistance Apps Not Reliable in Emergency ** A new study finds that you don’t want to rely (依賴) on voice assistance apps in the event of a medical emergency. AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports. ((opens with actuality)) 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 17-points this morning from Friday's close, at 16,498 on turnover of 2.8-billion N-T. The market took a beating on Friday, tumbling almost 290-points, as large-cap electronics stocks led the downtrend following heavy losses suffered by the tech sector on Wall Street overnight. That decline came ahead of a speech by U-S Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell - during which he warned that America's central bank may still need to increase interest rates to further slow inflation. **Taipei Mayor to Travel to Shanghai Tomorrow ** Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an will be leading a delegation to attend this year's Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum tomorrow. Chiang will stay in Shanghai for three-days and along attending the forum (論壇), he will hold talks with officials in the city on issues related to environmental protection and childcare. Chiang is also expected to visit Shanghai's Cheng-Huang Night Market Snack Street and meet with Taiwanese business owners in the city. This year's forum is being held under the theme of "new trends, new development." Taipei and Shanghai are expected to forge agreements promoting cooperation on carbon reduction, sustainability, the exhibition sector, and badminton. **Taiyen Urges Against Fukushima Panic Buying ** Taiyen Biotech is urging the public not to panic buy salt following Japan's release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. The call comes after the release of the treated radioactive wastewater sparked (觸發) panic buying in China and South Korea. The island's largest salt producer is reassuring the public that it has an ample supply and is stressing that "panic buying is unnecessary." Taiyen says salt supplies remains normal, despite the upcoming Ghost Festival driving up demand in recent weeks, and it is able to cope with extra demand. **Russia Wagner Leader Killed in Plane Crash ** Russian authorities are confirming that the head of the Wagner Group mercenary fighting force was killed in a plane crash last week. AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports. ((Wagner is pronounced VAHG’-nur)) **Myanmar Orders East Timor Diplomat to Leave ** Myanmar’s military government has ordered East Timor’s diplomat to leave the country in retaliation for the East Timorese government holding meetings with Myanmar’s main opposition organization. A Foreign Ministry statement says East Timor has conducted (進行) engagements with Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, which views itself as the country’s legitimate administration after the military seized power from the democratically elected government in 2021. East Timor's charge d’affaires is believed to be the first foreign diplomat expelled (被驅逐) from Myanmar since the army takeover. Many countries have downgraded their relations with Myanmar and left behind the No. 2 diplomat in place of ambassadors. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

CDC Wraps-Up Deadly Amoeba Monitoring Tropical Storm Saola Could Bring Periodic Showers from Next Week Songshan Airport Reports 3-Minute Blackout Wall Street falls ahead of Powell speech London Zoo Weigh-In -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tsai Attends 1958 Kinmen Artillery Bombardment Memorial CDC Reporting First Locally Acquired Typhoid case of 2023 Prigozhin Dead in Plane Crash Authorities in Hawaii Seeking DNA Samples Tankers Collide in Suez Canal -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,440 on turnover of 2-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Tuesday, as artificial intelligence development-related stocks led the market higher following a surge in Nvidia shares on Wall Street overnight. The bellwether electronics sector served as the main driver for the day's gains. However, the upturn was capped amid lingering investor concerns about the 10-year U-S treasury yield, which some say could make electronics stocks less attractive. Former Miaoli County Magistrate Quits KMT and Throws Support Behind Gou Former Miaoli County Magistrate Hsu Yao-chang has announced that he's quit the K-M-T and will now be supporting Terry Gou's possible run for the presidency. Hsu's resignation comes only days before a deadline set by the party for him to explain why he's been urging supporters not to vote for the K-M-T's Hou Yu-ih, was due to expire (到期). The former Miaoli County Magistrate has been critical in recent weeks of the K-M-T for choosing Hou has its presidential candidate and has also been accusing the K-M-T of corrupted by "backdoor politics" and of "failing to resonate with the general public." **CDC Reporting Second Dengue Fever Death as Local Cases Continue to Climb ** The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed the second dengue fever-related death this year. According to the C-D-C, a woman in her 80s from Yunlin County died on August 15 after being hospitalized for several days with dengue fever-related symptoms. Confirmation of the death comes as the number of domestic dengue fever cases are continuing to rise. The C-D-C says as of August 21, it had recorded 2,135 domestic cases so far this year and that number includes 556 new cases reported in 10 administrative areas (行政區). Most of the new cases are continuing to be reported in Tainan. **Report: Canada Wildfire Made Worse by Climate Change ** A group of scientists has found that climate change caused by humans has made Canada's wildfire season significantly (顯著地，相當數量地) worse. The country is currently experiencing its worst fire season on record. Ira Spitzer reports. **Pakistan Cable Car Rescue ** Army commandos using helicopters and a makeshift chairlift rescued eight people from a broken cable car as it dangled hundreds of meters above a canyon in Pakistan. Authorities said the rescues were completed late Tuesday in a remote, mountainous part of the country. The six children and two adults became trapped when a cable snapped (斷) while they were crossing a river canyon. The children were on their way to school. Video from the final rescues showed a handful of people hanging from a cable as they were pulled to safety through a stand of trees to a waiting crowd. Villagers frequently use cable cars to get around Pakistan’s mountainous regions. But the cars are often poorly maintained. Officials say they've ordered safety inspections of the country’s cable cars and chairlifts. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 48-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,429 on turnover of 4.4-billion N-T. The market closed flat on Monday after giving up most of its early gains ahead of Nvidia's release of its latest financial results at an investor conference scheduled for Wednesday in California. Investor sentiment was also negatively affected by concerns over the U-S Federal Reserve's rate hike cycle, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell is set to address the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium on Friday. **MOA to Take China Mango Import Suspension to WTO ** The Ministry of Agriculture says it plans to take China's decision to suspended imports of mangoes from Taiwan to the World Trade Organization. The statement comes after Beijing announced that it had suspended imports of mangoes following the detection of an agricultural pest in recent shipments. The agriculture ministry is slamming the suspension of mango imports -describing it as being "unwarranted (毫無根據的、不合理的) and out of step with international trade standards." Agriculture officials say China's import ban is unlikely to have any major economic impact, as Taiwan has only exported 2.2-per cent of its total mango crop this year. **MOFA Congratulates Guatemala' President-Elect ** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is congratulating Bernardo Arevalo on his victory in Guatemala's presidential election. According to the ministry, it has informed Guatemala's president-elect that Taiwan will seek to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with his incoming government, based on the shared values of democracy and freedom. The foreign ministry is "lauding" Guatemala for holding a successful election and Taiwan's embassy in Guatemala City sent an official letter of congratulations to Arevalo's camp after it declared victory in Sunday's runoff election. Speaking in July, Arevalo said he would not switch (轉變) diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing if elected, despite his being favor of improving trade relations with China. **Japan to Release Fukushima Wastewater as soon as Aug24 ** The Japanese government says treated and diluted (經稀釋的) radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant will be released into the ocean as early as Thursday. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave the final go-ahead at a meeting Tuesday of the Cabinet ministers involved in the plan. He instructed the plant's operator to being the release Thursday if weather conditions permits. It comes more than 12 years after nuclear meltdowns at the plant caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami. The water has been accumulating since then and will be released over decades. **US Biden Faces Criticism for Hawaii Response ** Joe Biden has visited the Hawaiian island of Maui, almost two weeks after deadly wildfires there killed more than hundred people. The US President has faced criticism (批評) for not traveling to Hawaii sooner. **Swiss ZeroDegree Isotherm Level Reaches Highest Altitude ** The Swiss weather service says a heat wave has driven the zero-degree Celsius level to its highest altitude since recordings on it in Switzerland began nearly 70 years ago. MeteoSwiss says the zero-degree isotherm level reached 5,298 meters above sea level over Switzerland overnight Sunday to Monday. All of Switzerland’s snow-capped Alpine peaks had air temperatures exceeding (超過) zero Celsius, where water freezes. That raises prospects of a thaw. A MeteoSwiss meterologist says "if such conditions persist in the longer term, glaciers are set to be lost irreversibly (不可逆轉地)". 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 32-points this morning from Friday's close, at 16,414 on turnover of 3.9-billion N-T. The market moved lower last Friday, as investors reacted to fresh concerns the U-S Federal Reserve will raise key interest rates further following warnings that "upside risks" to inflation could lead to more rate hikes. The bellwether electronics sector was the focus of weakness on the main board, led by artificial intelligence development-related stocks, while the financial sector rose slightly amid lingering concerns over financial woes faced by Chinese debt-ridden companies. **US Calls on Beijing to Stop Pressuring Taiwan. ** The U-S State Department is calling on Beijing to cease pressuring Taiwan. According to a State Department spokesperson, the White House is urging Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with the island. The statement comes after the Ministry of National Defense reported that 45 Chinese aircraft and nine ships were detected operating around Taiwan from 6AM Saturday to 6AM in Sunday. Of that total, 25 aircraft crossed the median line (中線) of the Taiwan Strait. The U-S State Department says it will continue to closely monitor China's military exercises. **Dadaocheng Summer Festival Finale Attracts Over 100,000 ** The Taipei City Government says more than 100,000 people attended last night's finale of the Dadaocheng Summer Festival. City officials say more than 1,000 police officers were on duty to direct traffic. Strict traffic restrictions were in place last night ahead of the closing 8-minute long fireworks display and some local residents have complained (抱怨) about traffic problems due to the large number of people attending the event. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is touting the decision to extend the summer festival this year from one weekend to 51 days - saying along with larger crowds, it also resulted in greater opportunities for local businesses. **Spain Wildfire Started Deliberately ** An official in Spain says it appears a wildfire that's forced thousands of evacuations on Tenerife was deliberately (故意地) started. AP correspondent Mimmi Montgomery reports. **Libya Central Bank Reunified ** Libya’s central bank has announced its reunification after being split for nearly a decade due to the country’s long-running civil war that resulted in two rival administrations, in the east and the west. The bank said in a statement Sunday that it has become a “unified (統一) sovereign institution” following a meeting in the capital, Tripoli, between the central bank governor and his deputy. The announcement came 19 months after the bank started a unification process. In 2014, it splintered along the country’s broader political fault lines. Libya was plunged into chaos after a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. **Russia Luna25 Crashes into Moon ** Russia's Roscosmos space agency says the Luna-25 spacecraft has crashed into the moon after it spun into an uncontrolled orbit, bringing a premature end to the country's first lunar mission since 1976. The pilotless spacecraft was aiming to be the first ever to land on the south pole of the moon, an area where scientists believe there could be important reserves of frozen water and precious elements. It was expected to land today. However, Roscosmos said it lost contact with the Luna-25 on Saturday after the spacecraft ran into difficulties and reported an “abnormal (異常) situation.” The Luna-25 was in a race with an Indian spacecraft to be the first to reach the south pole. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 8.2-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,508, on turnover of $2.8-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex bucked the regional downward trend and gained ground on Thursday, despite notes from a U-S Federal Reserve meeting denting hopes that its interest rate hike cycle is finished. **FDA to Amend Regulations on Nutrition Labeling for Prepacked Food ** The Food and Drug Administration says it planning to change the regulations regarding the nutrition labeling of carbonated beverages and other prepacked food products. According to the F-D-A, the amendments have been drafted due to health concerns. Deputy Director Lin Jin-fu says the amendments mean that carbonated beverages (碳酸飲料) will no longer be permitted to use labeling with words such as "rich in" Vitamin C or similar descriptions and the content of labeling will be limited to related nutritional facts. Lin also says the revisions will not limit nutrients that can be labeled on food products. Previously, only eight types of nutrients (養分) could be shown on packaging, but that restrictions will be lifted when the new draft takes effect, in accordance with international regulations on food products. **Canada Evacuations as Wildfires Spread ** Residents in parts of Canada's Northwest Territories are being evacuated due to wildfires threatening (威脅) their towns. It's part of what has become the country's worst fire season on record, with a warmer and drier spring and summer than normal. Caroline Malone reports. **DR ID on Dead Still Ongoing After Bakery Explosion ** Authorities in the Dominican Republic say it could take months to identify all of the 28 victims who died in a powerful explosion near the country's capital this week. The announcement comes as friends and family keep trying to confirm whether their loved ones died in Monday’s explosion in the city of San Cristobal. Fifty-nine people were injured, with the majority (多數) of them still hospitalized. Forensics officials say only seven of the bodies found have been turned over to their families so far. The explosion took place mid-afternoon in a bustling (繁忙的) commercial area in the city center, filled with businesses, including a bank and a hardware store. An investigation is still underway as to what caused the explosion, and authorities have said they will hold accountable any business that was not operating properly. **Thailand Pangolin Scales Seized ** Thai authorities say they have seized more than a ton of pangolin scales worth over $1.4 million US dollars that are believed to have been headed out of the country through a land border. P olice say the pangolin scales, which have an estimated price of around $1,129 per kilogram, are suspected of being brought from Malaysia to Thailand, to be transported to Laos, and then sold to clients in China. Two male suspects, who were on a truck with the scales, were arrested and charged with the illegal possession of carcasses (屍體) of protected animals. Officiasl say the amount of scales is estimated to come from at least 3-to-4-thousand dead pangolins, adding that the scales will be tested to find out the species of the pangolins. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 35-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,411 on turnover of 4-billion N-T. The market closed virtually flat on Wednesday as investors were cautious after Wall Street fell overnight amid renewed speculation the U-S Federal Reserve could once again raise interest rates. Artificial intelligence development-related stocks remained popular despite the weakness of U-S markets overnight, but the financial sector struggled due to the debt issues faced by Chinese enterprises. **Military Refusing Comment on Test Launch of Cruise Missile ** The Ministry of National Defense is refusing to comment on reports that it test fired a new cruise missile earlier this week. However, local media is citing unnamed military source as saying a classified missile was test fired on Wednesday, as part of an ongoing three-day live-fire drill in waters off Pingtung's Jioupeng military base. Reports have been claiming the Air Force launched a Hsiung Feng IIE missile. According to the United Daily News, the missile flew for over an hour after it was launched from a base in Pingtung County. Defense officials didn't publicly acknowledge the existence of the Hsiung Feng IIE cruise missile system until March of last year. **Port Authorities Patch Hole in Sunken Container Ship ** The Taiwan International Ports Corporation says it has patched (修補) a hole in the engine room of a container ship which sank in Kaohsiung Harbor last month. According to the corporation, it now expects to finish the clean-up of a related oil spill and the removal of containers that fell from the vessel by later today at the earliest. The Palau-flagged "Angel" was anchored some 5-kilometers from shore when it began listing and taking on water on July 20 and it sank the following day. US President Joe Biden to travel to wildfire-ravaged Hawaii next week US President Joe Biden will travel with the First Lady to Maui on Monday, where they'll meet with first responders and survivors, and survey damage from wildfires which last week ravaged (嚴重破壞) the island. The death toll from the state of Hawaii's worst natural disaster in history, and the country's deadliest US wildfire in more than a century, has now topped 100 people. Officials say it's expected to rise further. ? Thousands others have been made homeless. Benji Hyer reports. **Germany Cabinet Approves Cannabis Decriminalization. ** Germany’s Cabinet has approved a plan to liberalize rules on cannabis. The plan foresees legalizing possession of up to 25 grams of cannabis for recreational purposes and allowing individuals to grow up to three plants on their own. The legislation is billed as the first step in a two-part plan and will still need approval by parliament. Officials hope their plan will help protect consumers (消費者) against contaminated (受污染的) products and reduce drug-related crime. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 44-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,438 on turnover of 4-billion N-T. The market tumbled 207-points on Monday amid investor concerns that debt-ridden Chinese property giant Country Garden will trigger a financial crisis and send regional currencies lower against the U-S dollar. The financial sector led the downturn, while the bellwether electronics sector also struggled as investors opted to dump large-cap tech stocks after a sell-off on Wall Street at the end of last week. **Lai in Paraguay Ahead of Pena Inauguration ** Vice President and D-P-P presidential candidate Lai Ching-te is in Paraguay to attend the inauguration of President-elect Santiago Pena. Lai and his delegation were greeted on their arrival by Taiwan's Ambassador to Paraguay Jose Han, Paraguay's Vice Foreign Minister Raul Silvero, and representatives from Paraguay's presidential office. Lai held talks with incumbent (現任者) Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez and Pena shortly after his arrival. Lai and his delegation will attend Pena's inauguration later today Taiwan time before heading back to the U-S for a brief transit in San Francisco on their return trip to Taiwan. **UK Seeking High-Tech Cooperation in Taiwan Trade Talks ** The U-K's Department for Business and Trade says London is hoping to deepen cooperation with Taiwan in high-tech fields through an enhanced trade partnership. The statement comes ahead of this year's bilateral trade talks and an announcement in late July that both sides plan to start talks on an "Enhanced Trade Partnership" to strengthen the bilateral trade relationship. A spokesperson for the U-K's Department for Business and Trade says the partnership will deepen engagement and take advantage of growing opportunities for British businesses. The talks will be held later this year in London and Taiwan's delegation will be headed by Deputy Economics Minister C.C. Chen. **US Montana Judge Hands Victory to Climate Activists ** A landmark climate decision out of Montana. A judge has ruled in favor of a group of young plaintiffs who have accused the state of violating their right to a healthy environment by supporting the use of fossil fuels, which are seen as a main driver (主要驅動力) of climate change. Toni Waterman has more. **Germany Foreign Minister Plane Trouble ** Germany’s foreign minister had to wait for hours in Abu Dhabi after a technical problem on her government plane forced it to return to the airport rather than continue to Australia. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was due to arrive in Canberra on Monday night. But her ministry said her German air force Airbus A340 had to return to Abu Dhabi after a refueling (加燃料，加油) stop because of “a mechanical problem with the landing flaps." It was the latest in a string of problems with Germany's government planes, some of which are aging, that have affected various senior officials. In May, Baerbock had to extend a trip to the Persian Gulf region by a day because of a damaged tire on an aircraft when she was in Qatar. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 15-points this morning from Friday's close, at 16,585 on turnover of 3.7-billion N-T. The market closed the trading day in negative territory on Friday, as a technical rebound from the prevous session ran out of steam. The semiconductor industry led weakness in the market, while select artificial intelligence development-related stocks bounced back to give some support to the local main board. **Tourism Bureau 'Optimistic' about 6 Million Tourist Target for 2023 ** The Tourism Bureau says it's optimistic about hitting its goal of 6-million tourist arrivals by the end of the year. According to the bureau, firgure between January and June suggest it is likely to hit that target, as Taiwan saw a total of nearly 2.7-million visitors from January to June. That figure is almost half the amount from the same period of 2019, when nearly 6-million visitors were recorded. Acting bureau director-general Zhou Ting-chang says visitor numbers from countries including South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are either on par with, or already exceed (超過) pre-coronavirus pandemic numbers. Data shows the largest number of visitors between January and June were from Hong Kong and Macau, followed by Japan and South Korea. **Tainan Reporting More Dengue Fever Cases ** More dengue fever cases are being reported in Tainan. The total number of cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the city now stands at 1,223 since June 13, when the first case of this year was confirmed. Most of the cases has have been reported in the city's Yongkang, Annan, Rende and East districts. Local government officials say this year's outbreak is being compounded (使加劇) by the recent heavy rains, which have resulted in an increase of potential mosquito breeding habitats - such as stagnant water sources. While the rains have also made disinfecting potential outdoor breeding sites impossible. **Russian Shelling Kills ** Russian shelling (砲擊) in southern Ukraine has killed at least seven people, and warning shots were fired by a Russian warship. AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports. **Greece Rescues Migrants from Sea ** Greek authorities say they have safely rescued 48 migrants from a rudderless (無舵的) inflatable boat off the island of Lesbos, close to the Turkish coast. A patrol vessel evacuated the migrants Sunday morning and took them to the port of Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos. Three of them remain hospitalized. The coast guard did not mention the ethnicities of the migrants, but a YouTube video it released shows most of them are Africans. The coast guard says the packed inflatable vessel then sank. Greece has seen a rise in migrant arrivals from Turkey, mostly by sea, in recent weeks amid more mild summer sailing conditions. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

MOL Expected to Open Farming Sector to Indonesian Workers in September TASA Enters 2nd Phase of CubeSat Development Program At Least 17 Dead As Boat Carrying Rohingya Heading to Malaysia Breaks Up Russia's Moon Mission Australia jailed journalist in China -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 43-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,827 on turnover of 4.1-billion N-T. The market closed marginally lower on Wednesday as artificial intelligence development-related stocks continued to trend down and investors opted to pocket recent gains. Investors also remained cautious as the main board moved closer to the nearest technical resistance ahead of the 17,000 point mark, prompting many to stay on the sidelines throughout much of the trading day. **Hou Yu-ih Talks Restarting Nuclear Power Plants if Elected ** New Taipei Mayor and K-M-T presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih says he will not phase out nuclear power if elected, and will instead reopen decommissioned plants. The statement comes as Hou is laying out his energy policy platform and 2050 energy vision. According to Hou, his policies include ensuring (確保) environmental sustainability, national security, people's health and an orderly transition to renewables. Hou says he also plans to develop renewable energy sources as well as use nuclear power to replace coal-fired power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to ensure environmental sustainability. **Air Force and Navy to Carry Out Precision Missile Drill on August 15-17 ** The Air Force and Navy will be holding their annual joint precision missile live-fire exercise in water off the southeast coast from August 15 through 17. According to defense officials, air-to-air and anti-ship missile systems will be tested during the exercise. Sources are being reported as saying the Air Force will be deploying Mirage 2000-5, I-D-F and F16V jet fighters. While the Navy will be test firing the Taiwan-made Hsiung Feng anti-ship missile at four decommissioned (退役的) vessels. The Coast Guard Administration will be participating in the precision missile drill for the first time this year. **Ecuador Presidential Candidate Shot and Killed ** Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman while at a political rally in the country’s capital of Quito. President Guillermo Lasso vowed that the crime "will not go unpunished". The 59-year-old politician was one of eight presidential candidates for the late August election. He also filed many judicial complaints (告訴) against high ranking members of the government of former President Rafael Correa. Early accounts show that several others were injured in the attack, though authorities did not confirm how many. The killing comes amid a wave of violence in the South American nation, with drug trafficking and violent killings on the rise. **World Bank Sanctions Uganda Over AntiGay Law ** Ugandan economists say the World Bank's move to halt loans to Uganda over the country's anti-gay law could reverse (倒轉，推翻) its economic gains. The country has just recorded the lowest inflation in the last fifteen months - which was considered an indication it was recovering from the COVID-19 Shocks. Hillary Ayesiga 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 40-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,836 on turnover of 3.3-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Tuesday after giving up early gains - as selling focused on large cap tech stocks. Although the electronics sector was the main target of investor sell-offs, some artificial intelligence development-related stocks bounced back from an early downturn to give some support to the broader market. **Aso Stresses Need for Japan and US to Show Resolve to Fight to Defend Taiwan ** Visiting former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso says he believes the best way to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is for Japan, the U-S and other like-minded countries to make it clear to Beijing that they would be willing to defend Taiwan militarily. Speaking during his key note address at the Ketagalan Forum in Taipei, Aso reiterated that Japan and other G-7 countries seek peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, adding that China and Taiwan should resolve their differences through peaceful means. He also touched on (簡略提到) trade during his address - saying Japan supports Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. **CDC Warning of Dengue Case Rise ** The Centers for Disease Control says 264 new domestic dengue fever cases were reported over the past week. They include the first confirmed (確認) cases so far this year in Miaoli and Chiayi. According to the C-D-C, of the latest cases, 229 were in Tainan, 20 in Yunlin, six in Kaohsiung, five Chiayi County, two in Pingtung and one each in Taichung and Miaoli. The latest cases bring the total number of domestic infections of the mosquito-borne disease to 1,109 since the first such case was confirmed in Tainan on June 13. A majority of the cases have been reported in Tainan, where 920 infections have been confirmed to date. **Ukraine Accuses Russia of Double Tap ** Ukrainian officials are accusing the Kremlin’s forces of targeting rescue workers by hitting residential buildings with two consecutive (連續的) missiles — the first one to draw crews to the scene and the second one to wound or kill them. Officials said the strikes Monday evening in the downtown district of the city of Pokrovsk killed nine people, including an emergency official. The strikes also wounded more than 80 others, most of them police officers, emergency workers and soldiers who rushed to assist residents. The Russian missiles slammed into the center of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region, which is partially occupied by Russia. Emergency crews were still removing rubble on Tuesday. **Trump Vows to Keep Talking About Criminal Cases ** Former US President Donald Trump is vowing (發誓) to keep talking about his criminal cases. The AP's Ed Donahue 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 10-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,006 on turnover of 4.6-billion N-T. The market gained more than 150 points in Monday following a slump at the end of last week, as investor interest in artificial intelligence development-related stocks resumed and the sector moved out of consolidation mode. The rise also came as investor sentiment improved amid eased concerns over further pending rate hikes by the U-S Federal Reserve on the back of the release of a weaker-than-expected American jobs report on Friday. **Carbon Exchange Opens in Kaohsiung ** President Tsai Ing-wen has overseen (監督) the opening of a carbon exchange at the Kaohsiung Software Park. The exchange is part of the government's ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. According to Tsai, the carbon exchange will work with its international counterparts to help Taiwan reach its goal of low carbon emissions, and those efforts are expected to bring in more than 4-trillion N-T in private investment. Tsai also says it will also bring in 5.9-trillion N-T in production value, while potentially create more than 550,000 jobs from 2023-2030. **New Military Police Battalion to be Garrisoned in South Taipei ** And, Military sources are saying the Ministry of National Defense plans to garrison a newly raised military police battalion in south Taipei. The move is reportedly part of efforts to step-up protection for the president and other top government officials. However, the specific location of the garrison (駐軍) has not yet been decided. The unit will be the sixth military police battalion under the 202nd Military Police Command stationed in Taipei. The military police command currently numbers 5,000 and teports have said that number could reach 11,000 in the coming years. **Pakistan Railway Service Partially Restored ** Officials say engineers have partially restored passenger rail service in southern Pakistan, a day after a passenger train derailed there, killing at least 30 people and injuring 90. Local authorities have handed over 27 bodies of the victims of Sunday's crash to their families for burials while three people were still unidentified. Engineers were still working at the crash site to fully restore rail service and dozens of injured remained in hospital on Monday. A probe into the train accident was also underway. Train accidents in Pakistan are common and often happen as the result of poor railway infrastructure and official negligence (疏忽). **US Texas Cost of Electricity Surges ** The price of electricity – crucial for air conditioning – has surged in the U.S. state of Texas in the last few days. Just as parts of the state continue to swelter (熱得難受) in a heatwave that is pushing temperatures well above 100 Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Caroline Malone reports from Austin. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 27-points this morning from Friday's close, at 16,870 on turnover of 3.6-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower on Friday amid volatility (易變) on Wall Street, after ratings agency Fitch cut the U-S' credit rating Artificial intelligence development-related stocks bounced back from previous session, offsetting loses seen the semiconductor sector, while buying also rotated to select old economy stocks to lend further support to the broader market. **Agricultural Losses from Typhoon Khanun Estimated at NT$128 million ** The Ministry of Agriculture says agricultural losses (損失) caused by Typhoon Khanun currently stand at 129-million N-T. According to the minstry, farms in Miaoli, Taichung and Nantou have been the hardest hit. Agricultural damage in Nantou stands at 120-million N-T and accounts for 93-per cent of the total losses so far. Miaoli County is seeing 6-million N-T in loses, while Taichung has sustained 2.5-million N-T in storm-related agricultural losses. The Ministry of Agriculture is warning that those losses will likely rise, as more farms report further damage in the coming days. **Taoyuan Vietnamese Sandwich Stand Fined Following Mass Food Poisoning ** The Taoyuan City Department of Public Health says the owner of a Vietnamese sandwich stand at a traditional market in the Zhongli District has been fined 540,000 N-T following a mass food poisoning. The fine was issued after the health department received reports that over 400 people who purchased food from the sandwich stand fell ill. According to city health officials, it collected information regarding the food consumption (食用) history of 243 people who became ill, and discovered that 229 of them had developed symptoms after eating sandwiches purchased at the stand between August 2 and 3. Four of the victims have since tested positive for salmonella. **Pakistan Train Crash Toll Rises ** Railway officials say the death toll from a train derailment in southern Pakistan has risen to at least 30, with more than 90 others injured. Senior Railway officials said Sunday the train was on its way from Karachi to Rawalpindi when its 10 cars derailed. Police say that 30 bodies have been recovered from the overturned (翻倒) and damaged cars and more than 90 were injured, some of them very seriously. The minister for railways says the crash could be due to a mechanical fault or the result of sabotage. He says an investigation was underway. **US Trump Demands New Judge and Venue for Trial ** Former US President Donald Trump says there is "no way" he can get a fair trial in his case related to the 2020 election. Trump wrote on social media that his legal team (法律團隊) will ask for a new judge and to move the trial out of Washington DC. Trump is accused of trying to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election. Nick Harper reports from Washington. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Agricultural Losses from Typhoon Doksuri Exceed NT$300 million Firefighters Battle of Blaze at PChome Warehouse for 3 Hours Trump Indicted French Military Transport Plane Carrying Europeans Departs Niger Sweden to Step up Border Controls -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Lawmakers Pass Amendments to the Act of Gender Equality in Employment TTP Removes 'Vote White, Vote Right' Slogan France Concern for Citizens in Niger OIC Calling for Action on Quran Desecration X Sign Removed from the San Francisco HQ -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 48-points this morning from Friday's close, at 17,341 on turnover of $6.3-billion N-T. The market moved higher on Friday as investors ignored the losses on Wall Street continued to pick up artificial intelligence related stocks to offset (抵消) weakness in large cap stocks such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Buying also focused on select old economy stocks, in particular in the transportation industry in the wake of a rebound in freight rates by both container cargo and bulk cargo shipping companies. **Czech Republic Launches E-Gate Clearance System for ROC Passport Holders ** The Czech Republic has launched an automatic immigration clearance system or e-gate for R-O-C passport holders. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the reciprocal (互惠的) program to provide electronic immigration processing at both countries' respective airports makes the Czech Republic Taiwan's ninth e-gate partner. However, the ministry says even with the e-gate system at the Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, R-O-C passport holders will still need to have their travel documents stamped by Czech customs officers when entering the country's border. The announcement comes after the recent launch of direct flights by Taoyuan International Airport and Prague. **Pakistan Suicide Bombing Leaves Dead and Injured ** A suicide bombing at a political rally on Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan has killed at least 44 people and wounded nearly 200. The Bajur district near the Afghan border was a stronghold (勢力強大的地方，大本營) of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan’s Taliban government — before the Pakistani army drove the militants out of the area. Supporters of hard-line Pakistani cleric and political party leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman were meeting in Bajur on Sunday in a hall close to a market outside the district capital. Party officials said Rehman was not at the rally, but organizers added tents because so many supporters showed up. The Pakistan Taliban says the bombing was aimed at setting Islamists against each other. **US Heatwave Air Conditioning ** As parts of the US remain in the grips of (深陷于.) a heat wave, linked to global warming, it’s the lower-income families that suffer the most in hotter neighborhoods, without air conditioning. AP correspondent Jackie Quinn report. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 2.7-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,245 on turnover of $3.4-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Thursday after the U-S Federal Reserve raised rates by a quarter of percentage point - a move that had been widely expected. **Female Students in Taichung Gain Easier Access to Sanitary Products ** The Taichung City Education Bureau says female students will be getting easier access to sanitary products at schools or receive vouchers to buy them at major retail chains from August 1. According to the bureau, students will also be able get sanitary products at health center in the city's 350 high schools, junior high schools and elementary schools. While some 10,000 female students from low-income households will be given two 100 N-T vouchers per month to purchase the products. The bureau says the 102-million N-T scheme aimed at increasing access to sanitary products in the city is being funded by the Ministry of Education as part of an islandwide program. Taichung received 11.89-million N-T from the ministry to expand its existing scheme (方案) to offer free sanitary products. **UN Calls for Peace in Middle East ** The United Nations says the deterioration of the security situation in the occupied West Bank once again undermines a possible two-State solution. Security Council members on Thursday heard from the Assistant Secretary General, Khaled Khiari who said the situation is becoming untenable (難以繼續的，難維持的). The occupied West Bank is currently experiencing a period of increasing violence and several members have once again raised concern. Jody Jacobs reports from New York… **Kuwait Executes Five Prisoners ** Kuwait says it executed five prisoners including an inmate convicted over the bombing of a Shiite mosque in 2015 that killed 27 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group. A statement from Kuwait’s Public Prosecution said the five inmates were hanged on Thursday. The 2015 bombing struck during midday Friday prayers inside one of Kuwait’s oldest Shiite mosques. The Islamic State group views Shiites as heretics (異教者). The country conducted its last mass execution in November 2022 when it put seven inmates to death. **Vietnam Agrees to Vatican Representative and Office ** Vietnam has formally agreed to let a Vatican representative live in the country and open an office. The Holy See announced the conclusion (結論) of an agreement during a visit to the Vatican by Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, who met with Pope Francis. A Vatican statement said the appointment of a resident representative of the pope to the communist country would support the local Catholic community, contribute to the development of the country and help serve as a “bridge to advance relations between Vietnam and the Holy See.” The agreement Thursday still falls short of full diplomatic relations, which have been strained for decades. But the two sides have held regular talks since at least 1990 studying the renewal of ties. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 27-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,189 on turnover of $3.9-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex closed slightly lower on Wednesday, as investors opted to stay on the sidelines awaiting the conclusion of the U-S Federal Reserve's two-day policymaking meeting. Market watchers say movement throughout the session was dictated by (由… 影響) a tug-of-war between the bellwether electronics sectors, as investors looked-to cash in on profits earlier this week from for artificial intelligence, and financial sector related stocks. **Typhoon Doksuri 10AM Update ** The Central Weather Bureau has expanded its land warning for Typhoon Doksuri. The CWB says its warning has now been expanded to cover Miaoli and areas southward, as well as Hualien, Taitung, Penghu, and Kinmen. Now, only northern Taiwan remains outside of the land warning. The bureau says Doksuri is currently 170 km southwest of Eluanbi, at the island's southernmost tip, moving at a speed of 15-to-22 km per hour. Officials say the outer rim of the storm is now over southern and southeastern regions of the island, and rains are expected to ease off gradually starting tomorrow. Meanwhile, the CWB is also keeping a close eye on (密切關注) a tropical depression east of the Philippines. Forecasters say the system may form into the 6th typhoon of the season tonight or tomorrow, and will likely move toward Xiaoliuqiu. They say it remains to be seen whether that storm will affect the island. (NS) **Ukraine's CounterOffensive Reportedly Intensified ** The United States says Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia is now in full swing (正在進行中，正在活躍) in the country's southeast. Pentagon officials have told local media here in the US that thousands of reinforcements are being deployed into the battlefield, many of them trained and equipped by the West. Jody Jacobs reports… **Nigeria Soldiers Claim Gov Overthrown ** Mutinous soldiers claim to have overthrown Niger’s democratically elected president, announcing on state television that they have put an end to the government over the country’s deteriorating security. The announcement Wednesday night comes after a day of uncertainty (不確定) as members of Niger’s presidential guard surrounded the presidential palace, detaining President Mohamed Bazoum. It was unclear where the president was at the time of the announcement or if he had resigned. Threats to Bazoum’s leadership would undermine the West’s efforts to stabilize Africa’s Sahel region, which has been overrun with coups in recent years. Mali and Burkina Faso have had four coups since 2020. **Mexico Oil Spill Company says Leak "Natural" ** The head of Mexico's state-owned oil company contends oil washing up on the country's Gulf coast beaches could not have come from a spill of about 1,350 barrels caused by a pipeline leak. Instead, Octavio Romero suggested Wednesday the oil came from natural seepage (滲漏) from ocean-floor vents. The state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos company acknowledged last week that an aging underwater pipeline sprang a leak at the start of July. Because Pemex did not have the right size fitting on hand to repair the pipe, the leak continued for 18 days. The pipeline was finally fixed late last week. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 7-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,205 on turnover of $4.6-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex made solid gains on Tuesday - rising more than 160-points - as investor enthusiasm over the development of artificial intelligence continued to push up A-I-related stocks. Market watchers say momentum accelerated as investors rushed to pick up A-I-related stocks after opting to ignore the lackluster performance of the tech-heavy Nasdaq on Wall Street overnight. **10AM Land Warning Remains in Effect for Typhoon Doksuri ** A land warning remains in effect for Typhoon Doksuri, as it continues to approach (逼近) the island. The 5th typhoon of the season is currently 330-kilometers south of Eluanbi at the island's souternmost tip. The storm is moving in a northwesterly direction at a speed of 14-kilometers an hour. Doksuri is packing sustained wind speeds of 173-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 209-kilometers-an-hour. The Central Weather Bureau's land warning covers Tainan, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Pingtung, and the Hengchun Peninsula. According to the bureau, high waves are expected today in the Bashi Channel and along Taiwan's coast. Officials are warning the public to stay away from coastal regions. (NS) **UK Lawmakers Concerned About Wagner Mercenary Group ** British lawmakers say the U.K. has underestimated the threat posed by the Russian Wagner mercenary group and should ban it as a terrorist organization. The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee says the sanctions imposed by Britain on Wagner are “underwhelming” and U.K. authorities have done little to track the network’s activities outside of Ukraine. The committee said: “There are serious national security threats to the U.K. and its allies of allowing the network to continue to thrive.” Wagner has played a key role in fighting in Ukraine, and the committee said it has conducted (實施) military operations in countries including Syria, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Libya, Mozambique and Mali. **Taliban Announces Beauty Salon Ban Now in Effect ** The Taliban has announced that all beauty salons in Afghanistan must now close as a one-month deadline ended, despite rare public opposition to the edict (法令). A spokesman for the Taliban-run Virtue and Vice Ministry didn't say whether it would use force against salons that do not comply. The ruling that took effect on Tuesday is the latest curb on the rights and freedoms of Afghan women and girls following edicts barring them from education, public spaces and most forms of employment. **US Biden Establishes Monument for Murdered Black Teen ** US President Joe Biden has signed a proclamation creating a National Monument for Emmett Till and his mother on what would have been his 82nd birthday. Emmett Till was black teenager who was lynched in 1955 — his death and the activism (社會運動) of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley helped galvanise the civil rights movement in America. With more, Benji Hyer 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 28-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,061 on turnover of 4.8-billion N-T. The market closed marginally higher on Monday, as gains by artificial intelligence-related stocks offset ongoing losses by semiconductor heavyweights after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing announced that it's cutting its 2023 sales outlook. The Tai-Ex fluctuated within a narrow range throughout the session, as T-S-M-C dragged semiconductor shares lower, while gains posted by artificial intelligence server suppliers lent support to the main board towards the end of the day's session. **Tsai Urges Overseas Firms to Seek CPTPP Backing ** President Tsai Ing-wen is urging the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce to help seek support for her administration's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Speaking during a meeting with chamber members, Tsai said she hopes overseas Taiwanese businesses can exert (發揮) their influence to rally support for Taiwan's application to join the the trade bloc. According to Tsai, the joining the partnership will strengthen Taiwan's economic resilience. She's also calling on Taiwanese businesses based overseas to invest in Taiwan and build the nation into a key global industrial hub. **KMT Presidential Candidate Hou Yu-ih to Visit Japan ** The K-M-T's presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih will be traveling to Tokyo next week. According to Hou's campaign office, the three-day trip is aimed at (目的是) strengthening his foreign policy credentials. Hou is slated to meet with lawmakers and officials from the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. Hou's campaign office says he'll also be doing interviews with Japanese national broadcaster N-H-K and the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. Hou will also be meeting with oversea's Taiwanese in the Japanese capital and will be accompanied by K-M-T think tank head Ko Zhi-yen, and Overseas Department head Chen Yi-xin. **UN Urges Russia to Revive Grain Deal ** The United Nations' highest official is urging Russia to revive a grain deal with Ukraine. AP correspondent Norman Hall reports. **Algeria Wildfires Leave Dead and Injured ** The Algerian government says wildfires raging across the country have killed 25 people and injured about 50. The Defense Ministry says Monday that includes 10 soldiers killed while trying to get the flames under control in the face of high winds and scorching (灼熱的) summer temperatures. The Interior Ministry says at least 1,500 people were evacuated. Wildfires, some spread by strong winds, moved across forests and agricultural areas in 16 regions. That caused 97 blazes in the north African country. The largest and deadliest fires ravaged parts of the Kabyle region east of Algiers. **Musk Reveals New Twitter Logo ** Elon Musk has unveiled a new “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he follows through with a major rebranding of the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year. The X started appearing at the top of the desktop version of Twitter on Monday, but the bird was still dominant across the smartphone app. In response to questions about what tweets would be called when the rebranding (重塑形象) is done, Musk said they would be called Xs. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from Friday's close, at 17,036 on turnover of 5.7-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Friday, as regional indexes ended the week mixed after the latest rally on Wall Street fizzled, with big declines for Tesla, Netflix and other big tech-oriented stocks. **French Parliamentary Group Visits Taiwan ** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a French parliamentary delegation has arrived on Taiwan for a five-day visit. The delegation is being led by Senator Andre Gattolin, who serves as the vice-chairman of the French Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and the Armed Forces. The foreign ministry says the delegation is slated to meet with senior government officials, including Vice President Lai Ching-te, Legislative Speaker You Si-kun, National Security Council Secretary-General Wellington Koo and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. The talks are expected to focus enhancing (增強) bilateral economic and trade ties between the two countries and on cooperation on semiconductors. **Tai Tzu-ying Loses in Korea Open Final ** Tai Tzu-ying has failed to win to Korea Badminton Open after losing 21-9, 21-15 in the women's singles final to South Korea's defending champion An Se Young. Despite the lose at the Jin-Nam Stadium in Yeo-Su, Tai still recorded (記錄，得到) her best ever performance in the Badminton World Federation Super 500 event, bettering the semifinal she reached in 2019. World No. 2 An beat Tai in 38 minutes for her seventh win over the Taiwan player in their nine matches played. Tai is currently ranked word No. 4. Tai's next event is the Badminton World Federation Super 750-level Japan Open, which begins tomorrow. **China Flooding Leaves Dead and Missing ** Five people have died and three are missing after heavy rains caused flooding and a landslide in eastern China. State media reported Sunday the floods swept through part of Hangzhou city and engulfed (吞沒) many houses. The rain led to a partial mountain collapse and mudslide, affecting multiple areas. Seasonal flooding hits large parts of China every year, but some northern regions this year have reported the worst floods in 50 years. **US Heatewave Continues ** Pervasive heat continues to hit many parts of the United States, after what has already been a record-breaking few weeks: particularly in the South and South West. As the heatwave moves east, many usually cooler states are due to feel the intense (激烈的) heat in the coming week. Caroline Malone reports from Washington. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 59-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,106 on turnover of $4.5-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex closed slightly higher on Thursday, despite investor sentiment remaining cautious during the current earnings season pushing turnover down. Analysts say the market moved in a narrow range for the much of the trading day. as buying in old economy and financial sectors helped offset losses suffered by large cap tech stocks in the semiconductor industry. **Government to Donate US$2.5million to help Kyiv Build Bridge ** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the government has pledged a donation of 2.5-million U-S dollars toward the construction of a bridge in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. According to the ministry, the bridge will connect (連接) Obolonksy Island with the city. The pledged donation will be given to the charitable fund, Future Kyiv. That organization has been designated by the Kyiv government, based on a memorandum of understanding signed between Taiwan's Representative to Poland, and the head of the fund earlier this week. **US Senate Advances Bill on Supreme Court Ethics ** From the US….. The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced an ethics (道德) bill for Supreme Court justices in the wake of a series of reports about Justice Clarence Thomas's relationship with a wealthy Republican donor. However, the legislation has little chance of being approved in the House or the Senate. US Correspondent Ira Spitzer has more. **Brazil Homicides Fall but Attacks on Women Rise ** Researchers say the number of homicides in Brazil last year reached the lowest level in more than a decade. The Brazilian Forum on Public Safety is an independent group that tracks national crime statistics. It says in a report Thursday that about 47,500 people were killed in 2022, which was down 2.4% from the previous year. The downward trend has come amid a sharp rise in the number of firearms circulating (散佈,) in Brazil. Experts have come up with at least three factors to explain the dual trend, including a relative truce among gangs since 2018. On other violence, the report says that while homicides fell last year, violent attacks on women rose and there was a record number of rapes. **Bolivia Lithium Resource Estimates Increased ** Bolivia’s president says the Andean country's total lithium (鋰) resources have increased 2 million tons to a total of 23 million tons. The new estimate released Thursday further cements Bolivia’s position as the country with the most lithium resources in the world. Bolivia is stepping up its search for international partners to help develop its lithium reserves amid soaring global demand for the metal used in batteries for electric vehicles. Previous estimates placed Bolivia’s lithium resources at 21 million tons. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 12-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,105 on turnover of $3.12 -billion N-T. The Tai-Ex closed lower on Wednesday for a second consecutive session, as investors continued to lock-in recent gains on the back of lingering enthusiasm over artificial intelligence development. Market watchers say sentiment remained cautious ahead of the release of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's latest earnings report later today, as investors are still anxious ( 焦慮的) about inventory adjustments in the global semiconductor industry. **Taipei Zoo's Malayan Tapir Dies ** The Taipei Zoo says it will be holding a memorial for Malayan tapir, "Moko," following the animal's death earlier this week. According to the zoo, "Moko" died from undetermined causes after falling ill and running a high temperature since the weekend. The zoo said the animal was found lying next to a pool in its enclosure (圍場) on Tuesday morning but was unable to stand. A veterinarian then administered a blood test, provided a nutritional supplement (營養補充品) and other medical treatment throughout the day, but the tapir was found unresponsive (沒有反應) in the mid-afternoon. The zoo says an autopsy will be performed today to determine its cause of death. The seven-year-old Malayan tapir born in Prague Zoo in the Czech Republic and was sent to the Taipei Zoo in 2018 as part of a cross-institute breeding program. **NewZealand Gunman Kills Two at Construction Site Near ** A gunman has killed two people at a construction site in Auckland, New Zealand, as the nation prepared to host (主辦；主持) games in the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament. Authorities said the shooter was also dead and a police officer and four civilians were injured. The shooting took place near hotels where Team Norway and other soccer teams have been staying. New Zealand Prime Minster Chris Hipkins said the tournament would go ahead as planned. The opening match is scheduled for Thursday between New Zealand and Norway. **Mother of US Soldier in NKorea Appeals for his Return ** The mother of an American soldier being held in North Korea has appealed for her son to come home. Claudine Gates told US network ABC News that she was "shocked" when Army officials told her on Tuesday that her son had fled (逃跑). Private Travis King crossed the border while on a tour of the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. Pyongyang has not commented on the incident so far. Sally Patterson reports from New York. **Russian Belarus Athletes Allowed to Compete as Neutral Athletes ** Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to take part in sanctioned (准許; 批准) competitions as “individual neutral athletes” from the start of 2024. The International Gymnastics Federation announced the move but said any decision on the Paris Games will be left to (留給，交給) the International Olympic Committee. Russian and Belarus gymnasts had been banned since last year in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Belarus' military support. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

MAC to Open Limited Ferry Service to 'Designated' Chinese Nationals Defense Minister Confirms Plans to Purchase US NASAMS 2 Air Defense System US Solider Flees to North Korea Satellite Images Show Wagner Belarus Camp Canada Wildfires Burned Record Amount of Area in BC India's Space Chief Confirms Debris on Australian Beach is Part of a Rocket -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Rent Index Hits Record High in June TIPC Touting More Cruise Liners Set to Stop in Taiwan Russia Halts Ukraine Grain Export Deal Biden Invites Netanyahu to Meet in the US Greece Issues Precautionary Evacuation Orders Lindsay Lohan Give Birth to First Child -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

DPP 'Adopts' Ban on Candidates with Criminal Records 2023 Green Appliance Subsidies to Continue Europe heatwave Putin Warns on Use of Cluster Munitions Jane Birkin Dies Aged 76 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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 17,153 on turnover of $5.9-billion N-T. **Cabinet approves amendments targeting power-based sexual harassment ** Taiwan's Executive Yuan has approved a set of draft amendments, that say employers may face a fine of up to $1 million NT for sexual harrassment of their employees. The draft amendments aim to start an "effective" clampdown (鎮壓) on sexual harassment, and to strengthen protections for victims of sexual violence. The proposal mandates the local government to intervene when an individual is sexually harassed by their employer, or is not satisfied with their organization's handling of their sexual misconduct report. **Kaohsiung Factory Fire and Explosion ** Firefighters are working to put out a blaze at a factory in Kaohsiung. Officials say several explosions were reported by residents near the electronic components factory in Nan-zhi District at around 7am today, and emergency personnel were dispatched to (發送, 派遣) the scene. They say there have been no reports of any injuries or workers trapped so far, but firefighters are still fighting to contain the blaze through thick smoke. (NS) **ICC Investigating Darfur War Crimes ** The International Criminal Court prosecutor says he is investigating alleged new war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan’s western Darfur region. Karim Khan told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that fighting between government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces has spilled into Darfur which was wracked by (被毀壞) bloodshed and atrocities in 2003. He said the country is now “in peril of allowing history to repeat itself.” In 2005, the Security Council referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC and Khan said the court still has a mandate under that resolution to investigate crimes there. The current conflict in the region has killed over 3,000 and displaced more than 3 million. **US Justice Department Urges Judge Not to Postpone Trump Trial ** The Justice Department is urging a federal judge to reject Donald Trump’s efforts to postpone (推遲、延後) his trial in the classified documents case. AP correspondent Jackie Quinn reports. **UAE Sultan on COP28 Plan ** The head of this year’s United Nations climate talks is calling for governments and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (排放量) in all regions and sectors if they want to stop the planet from passing a key temperature limit agreed on more than seven years ago. Sultan al-Jaber of the United Arab Emirates told senior officials from Europe, Canada and China gathered in Brussels on Thursday that record-breaking heat seen across the world recently shows the need for urgent action to curb emissions. Al-Jaber laid out his strategy for the upcoming COP28 global climate talks in Dubai this fall. Al-Jaber urged governments to come forward with more ambitious national targets for cutting emissions in the next few months. He also named two veteran officials from South Africa and Denmark to lead negotiations on the first global stocktake of where the world stands in meeting the Paris goals. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 33-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,995 on turnover of $5.1-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed higher Wednesday as contract chipmaker TSMC got a boost from buying in the last few minutes of the session to climb out of its previous weakness. But the local main board remained in a narrow range throughout the session as market sentiment was cautious ahead of the release of the United States' June inflation figures, which are expected to influence (影響) moves by the Federal Reserve. **Military stages rehearsal for anti-takeover drill at Taoyuan airport ** According to the Ministry of National Defense, Taiwan's military on Wednesday morning held a rehearsal for an anti-takeover drill at Taoyuan International Airport. The drill at Taiwan's main international gateway is designed to test the armed forces' cross-branch coordination and emergency response capabilities, during a simulated Chinese invasion. In the rehearsal staged at a hanger of the Taoyuan International Airport, members of the Aviation and Special Forces Command and Army Airborne Special Forces acted as the red team invading force, with the blue team formed by ground troops from Sixth Army Corps serving as the defenders. The red team was originally set to arrive at the drill ground in Army helicopters, but decided to call them off, given the fact that nearby schools were hosting college entrance exams. After yesterday's rehearsal, the actual anti-takeover drill is scheduled to take place on July 26th, and will be the first such exercise staged at Taoyuan International Airport since it opened in 1979. **NKorea Kim Vows to Bolster Nuclear Capabilities ** North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to bolster (加固、提高) his country’s nuclear fighting capabilities as he supervised the second test-flight of a new intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the mainland U.S. North Korea's state media reported Kim’s comments a day after the launch of the Hwasong-18 missile. Kim was quoted as saying deepening U.S. and South Korean hostilities require "more intense efforts to implement the line of bolstering nuclear war deterrent.” According to KCNA, the Hwasong-18 missile was launched on a high angle to avoid neighboring countries. It flew a distance of about 1-thousand kilometers before landing in a targeted area in the open waters off the North’s east coast. The missile’s flight time is the longest recorded by any weapon launched by North Korea. **US VP Harris Makes History with Tiebreaking Votes ** **Return to **Table of contents US Vice President Kamala Harris has made history with tiebreaking votes in Senate. AP's Lisa Dwyer has more. **Kosovo to Reduce Police Numbers and Hold Mayoral Elections ** Kosovo’s government has decided to reduce by one-fourth the number of special police officers and also hold new mayoral elections in four Serb-majority municipalities. The move is a bid to defuse tensions with neighboring Serbia that flared anew in May. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Wednesday that more officers would be withdrawn based on the continuous (連續的) evaluation of the situation. Kurti also said the government would formally declare holding new elections in the four Serb-majority municipalities. Violent clashes in late May sparked when new Albanian mayors took office left at least 30 international peacekeepers and more than 50 ethnic Serbs injured. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 4-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,903 on turnover of $4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan moved sharply higher Tuesday amid renewed interest in tech heavyweights focused on artificial intelligence development and the financial sector. But old economy stocks were more mixed. **3 teenage boys drown near Taoyuan's Xiaowulai Skywalk ** Three junior high students drowned, while swimming in a restricted area in Taoyuan. The Taoyuan City Fire Department says it received a report from residents yesterday, that several teenage boys from a group of seven had fallen into the water under the Xiaowulai Skywalk. Emergency workers were dispatched to the scene, but three of the boys were pulled from the water with no vital signs, and later pronounced dead. Officials believe the boys had been caught in a whirpool (漩渦) underwater, and were unable to escape. The fire department says the spot where the drownings happened was restricted, and emphasized that people should not enter the deep-water zone. **SKorea: NKorea Lanches Ballistic Missile ** South Korea says North Korea has launched a ballistic missile toward the North’s eastern waters. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff says the launch was made this morning but gave no further details. The reported launch came a day after North Korea threatened “shocking” consequences to protest what it called a U.S. spy plane’s reconnaissance activity near its territory. The United States and South Korea dismissed the North’s accusations and urged it to refrain from any acts or rhetoric (言辭) that raises animosities. **US Charles Manson Follower Released from Prison ** A follower of cult (邪教) leader Charles Manson, Leslie Van Houten, has been released from a California prison. The AP's Ed Donahue reports. **France Notre Dame Trusses Placed ** Work to rebuild the fire-ravaged Notre Dame has hit a new milestone. A crane hoisted massive oak trusses (桁架) from a barge and onto the Notre Dame Cathedral, as part of the operation to bring the Paris Monument back to life by December 2024. The operation involving the trusses, each weighhing up to 7.5 tons, drew crowds along a bridge over the Seine River and its banks Tuesday. France's transport minister says seeing the sight of the trusses placed on the cathedral was a "magic moment" for Parisians. Notre Dame was consumed by flames in 2019, and the French government determined it would be rebuilt using traditional techniques. 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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn