EZ News

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 23-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,676 on turnover of $3.4--billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed slightly lower Monday as earlier gains were eroded amid lingering concerns the U.S. Federal Reserve will resume its rate hike cycle in July. Investors seemed to ignore the losses on the U.S. markets on Friday, but selling set in as investors started to pocket their earlier gains, pushing down the Taiex to negative territory by the end of the sessions as select nontech stocks remained resilient on rotational buying. **Launch date getting closer for first locally built weather satellite ** The Taiwan Space Agency says a domestically engineered weather satellite will leave Taiwan on Friday for French Guiana, where it is scheduled to be launched into space in September, after all tests found it ready to go. TASA says the Triton will take off into orbit on an Arianespace Vega C rideshare mission. TASA Director-General Wu Jong-shinn said the Triton project was initiated (發起) in 2014 and that it has finally reached the launch phase after eight years of hard work. Wu said Triton was Taiwan's first domestically engineered weather satellite and was built with many domestic components, including Taiwan's own global navigation satellite system-reflectometry. TASA says the Triton will be launched into a circular low earth orbit at an altitude of about 550-650 kilometers. **Erdogan Biden to Meet After Turkey Approves Sweden NATO Bid ** US President Joe Biden will meet his Turkish counterpart (作用相同者，相對應者) on Tuesday on the sidelines of the NATO summit after Turkey lifted its opposition to Sweden's membership of the military alliance. Julia Chapman reports from the Lithuanian capital, where the summit is being held. **UN Envoy Warns of Strained Peace Efforts in Yemen ** A U.N. envoy says sporadic armed clashes between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government forces are straining peace efforts, and the rivals are now also battling over revenue from ports, trade, banking and natural resources. The U.N. special representative for Yemen told the U.N. Security Council on Monday that the fight over economic wealth “has become inseparable from the political and military conflict.” Hans Grundberg says that fighting has decreased in Yemen markedly since an April 2022 truce, but that “continued sparks of violence" and threats to return to large-scale fighting have increased fear and tensions. He says that the “the situation on the ground remains fragile (脆弱的).” **Canada More Fires Started in British Colombia ** Lightning strikes over the weekend triggered more than 100 new wildfires in British Columbia, raising the total above 300 and leading authorities to order a ban on campfires for most of the province. The wildfire danger was high to extreme across most of British Colombia on Monday. The province’s Wildfire Service says almost 200 of the fires are ranked as out of control. Officials warn of challenging conditions, with lightning storms forecast for most of the week and above-average temperatures throughout the central interior (內部的) of the province. Last week, the Canadian Forest Service said wildfires raging across Canada had already broken records for total areas burned, the number of people forced to evacuate their homes and the cost of fighting the blazes. 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 3.22-points this morning from Friday's close, at 16,667 on turnover of $2.6-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed lower last week, amid concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve will hike rates at its next meeting later this month. Contract chipmaker TSMC remained unchanged, however, preventing the bellwether electronics sector and the broader market from falling further, but old economy and financial stocks largely fell. **Taipei Sinkhole Continues to Cause Problems ** A large sinkhole in Taipei is continuing to cause problems. The city government dispatched personnel to the site, after the sinkhole appeared Saturday night in the middle of Nanjing West Road near its intersection with Gui-de Street. The hole, estimated to be about 1.5 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1.5 meters deep was filled in with concrete after workers confirmed that there were no leaks in underground pipes. But officials say the sinkhole continued to expand, despite being supported by dozens of sandbags and concrete, and water services were shut off for 108 nearby households due to concerns over leaks and flooding. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an inspected the site earlier this morning, and city officials say they are working to rectify (改正) the problem as quickly as possible. (NS) **Venus to shine at its brightest so far this year Monday ** The Taipei Astronomical Museum says the night sky tonight will boast three celestial wonders. The museum says stargazers will be able to see a dazzling Venus that will shine at its brightest so far this year, the close alignment of the planet Mars and the star Regulus, and the passing of the International Space Station over Taiwan. Officials say Venus will reach its brightest and will be visible in the sky after sunset. The museum adds that the celestial conjunction (結合，聯合) of Mars and Regulus will be visible from around 4 p.m., but the two celestial bodies will only be visible through binoculars because they will shine 300 times less bright than Venus. Then at about 8:00 p.m., the ISS will travel across Taiwan's night sky from the southwest to the northeast and is expected to be visible for around seven minutes from Taiwan. **UN won't retract condemnation ** United Nations says Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stands by his views which condemn Israel's attack on the Jenin refugee camp. This came after Israel’s United Nations ambassador called on Guterres to retract (撤回) his condemnation. Julie Walker reports. **Syria Cancels BBC Media Accreditation ** Syria’s Information Ministry has canceled the BBC’s media accreditation, accusing the British public broadcaster of biased (有偏見的) and fake news in its coverage of the war-torn country. The ministry late Saturday said the decision was made after “warning the channel more than once that it has broadcasted its misleading reports relying on statements and testimonies from terrorist entities and those hostile to Syria." The announcement came days after BBC Arabic released an investigative documentary about the illicit drug trade in Syria, pinpointing links between the blossoming of Captagon amphetamine pills and associates of President Bashar Assad. The Syrian government denies any involvement in the production of Captagon. 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 25-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,737 on turnover of $4-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex plunged by more than 294-points on Thursday as investors await the outcome of a trip to China by U-S Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and amid concerns America's central bank will continue to hike interest rates this month. **About Time Technologies Offering Free Checks after Smartwatch Fire ** A local smartwatch manufacturer says it will compensate the family of a 10-year-old schoolboy who sustained second-degree and first-degree burns after the device he was wearing caught fire. According to New Taipei-based About Time Technologies, it will also offer the family free testing of all models in its Herowatch series. The company has also issued apologizes to customers for the incident and says it will have the device examined by a third party to determine the reason it caught fire, if the customer agrees to that. The statement comes after the smartwatch caught fire on June 30. The 10-year old now requires skin grafts (植皮). The National Communications Commission says it could order a recall of the battery used in the smartwatch pending an investigation. **Pakistan Death Toll Rises Due to Monsoon ** Officials in Pakistan say the death toll from two weeks of monsoon rains rose to at least 55 on Thursday after at least 12 people died in weather-related incidents. The eastern city of Lahore had a record-breaking downpour the previous day, flooding many streets and disrupting normal life. Officials say since Wednesday, 19 people have died in the city due to collapsing roofs and electrocution (觸電死亡). Heavy rain also continued to lash Pakistan, overflowing the main rivers in the Punjab province, prompting the disaster management agency to be on high alert for fear of flash floods. **Twitter Threatens to Sue Meta Over Threads App ** Twitter has threatened (威脅) to sue rival Meta over its new Threads app, according to multiple media reports. Ira Spitzer reports. **Brazil Amazon Deforestation Drops ** New government data indicates that deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest dropped 33.6% in the first six months of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s term. From January to June the rainforest had alerts for possible deforestation covering 2,650 square kilometers, down from 4,000 square kilometers during the same period last year under former President Jair Bolsonaro. This year's data includes a 41% plunge in alerts for June, which marks the start of the dry season when deforestation tends to (傾向於) jump. Lula campaigned last year with pledges to rein in illegal logging and undo the environmental devastation under former President Jair Bolsonaro. Next month, Lula will preside over a meeting in Belem, bringing together heads-of-state from all Amazonian nations to discuss means to effectively cooperate in the challenging region. Lula has promised to end net deforestation in Brazil's Amazon by 2030. 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

Tai-Ex opening down 39 points MOFA to Open Rep. Office in Mumbai ITRI Marks 50th Anniversary IAEA says Japan's nuclear waste water is safe South Africa-Gas Leak Deaths -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 10 -points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,130 on turnover of 4-billion N-T. The market extended its gains from a session earlier on Tuesday - as investor interest remained focused on artificial intelligence-related stocks after tech stocks led Wall Street earlier this week. Although the local main board has fallen into consolidation (合併) mode, analysts says artificial intelligence server suppliers remain the target of investor interest, as the sector continues to dominate the trading floor. **CDC Reports First Severe Dengue Fever Cases in 3 Years ** The Centers for Disease Control is reporting the island's first domestic severe (嚴重) cases of dengue fever in three years. According to health authorities, four of the 101 cases reported between June 27 and July 3 have been classed as severe. All of the severe cases involve people living in Tainan, where a majority of this year's cases have been recorded. The C-D-C says 241 cases of the mosquito-borne disease have been reported so far this year. Of that total, 53 are imported, and some 188 other cases are domestic infections, with 177 of them being reported in Tainan. **Army Conducts Stinger Missile Firing Drill ** The Army's precision weapon live-fire exercise is on-going in Pingtung - with troops on Tuesday firing Stinger surface-to-air missiles. The drills include troops from the 11 Army units, including the 21st Artillery Command, the Kinmen and Penghu defense commands and the Marine Corps Air Defense Garrison Group. Defense officials say the precision weapon live-fire exercise is aimed at test the military's asymmetrical warfare (不對稱作戰) capabilities. The military earlier this week tested fired Sky Horse surface-to-surface missiles, the Thunderbolt 2000 multi-tube rocket system and Sky Bow surface-to-air missiles as part of the "Mighty Bow" exercise. **Tel Aviv Car Attack Leaves Injured ** Seven people have been injured, three seriously, after a car-ramming and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv. The attack happened as Israeli forces entered the second day of the ongoing raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, which has drawn condemnation (譴責) from the United Nations and Washington. Ten people have died, including 3 children, and 120 have been injured. Mia Alberti has more. **Netherlands Luxembourg Leaders Call for Ties Btwn KosovoSerbia ** The leaders of the Netherlands and Luxembourg say normalizing ties between Kosovo and Serbia would serve not only regional peace and stability but also their prospects of further integration into the European Union. Prime Ministers Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and Xavier Bettel of Luxembourg on Tuesday were on a trip to Pristina after visiting Belgrade on Monday. They called on Pristina and Belgrade to de-escalate recent tensions that have threatened to push the Balkan region into instability (不穩定) as Europe faces Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Pristina and Belgrade were also told to re-engage in EU-facilitated dialogue. 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 29-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,055 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Monday to close above the 20-day moving average as investor interest was sparked by the gains on Wall Street at the end of last week. All sectors registered gains, but the big winners were the computer sub-index, which jumped 4.03-per cent and the transportation sub-index, which ended the day up 3.6-per cent. **Hou to Scrap Extension of compulsory Military Service ** K-M-T presidential candidate and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih says he plans to scrap the extension of compulsory military service if he wins next January's election. According to Hou, he'll restore the current four months of compulsory (強制性的) conscription for qualified male citizens of military age if elected in order to help "maintain peace and stability between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait." However, Hou's statement is being criticized by defense experts who argue that only by maintaining a sufficient military training regime can Taiwan hope to have an effective reserve force to increase the deterrence against a Chinese invasion. The government is set to extended compulsory military service from the current four months to one year on January 1, 2024. **Cost of Domestic Air Travel to Fall ** The Civil Aeronautics Administration says the cost of domestic air travel will fall by between 2.7 and 6.9-per cent from August 1 due to a decline in aviation fuel prices. The cost cuts will cover all 23 domestic routes. According to the administration, the Taipei to Kinmen route operated by Mandarin Airlines will see the largest decline - with the price of a one-way ticket falling by 6.9-per cent. While the smallest decrease will be on the Taitung to Green Island route, which will see 2.7-per cent decline. The announcement comes after the average price of aviation fuel (航空燃料) from May to July fell below the benchmark price of 21.74 N-T per liter. **Ukrainian Writer Dies After Russia Missile Attack ** The PEN America rights group says award-winning Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina has died from her injuries suffered after a Russian missile attack on a popular restaurant last week. The attack on the restaurant, frequented by journalists and aid workers and located near the front line, killed at least 11 other people and wounded scores more. Ukrainian authorities arrested a man a day later, accusing him of helping Russia direct the strike. The 37-year-old Amelina had expanded her work beyond literature following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and had documented Russian war crimes. Her first work of English nonfiction is expected to be published soon. **US Travel Chaos Due to HeatWave ** Travel chaos is plaguing US airports ahead of the Independence Day holiday, as over 100 million Americans are under extreme weather warnings. More than 1,000 flights were delayed or cancelled as of Monday morning. Our US correspondent Kate Fisher report **Senegal President Won't Seek Third Term ** Senegalese President Macky Sall says he will not seek a third term in the presidential elections set for February. Sall said Monday that he would not be a candidate “even if the constitution allows me to do so.” Top opposition leader Ousmane Sonko already had called for more demonstrations around the West African country in the event Sall had instead announced his intention (打算) to run again. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 31 -points this morning from Friday's close, at 16,946 on turnover of 4.4-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Friday, despite other regional indexes closing the day up after Wall Street ended higher overnight on the back of news that America's economy grew at a 2-per cent annual rate in the first three months of the year. That figure was much stronger than the 1.3-per cent rate earlier estimated. **Tainan Dengue Fever Cases Rise to 158 ** The Tainan Public Health Bureau says the number of dengue fever cases in the city has now risen to 158 after 28 new cases were confirmed on Sunday. According to city health officials, all of the new cases are related to areas with a high risk of transmission of the disease. City health authorities are now urging residents to clean up vector (昆蟲媒介) mosquito-breeding sites by getting rid of stagnant water, throwing out unused containers and destroying mosquito eggs. The total number of domestic dengue fever case since June 13 now stands at 211. Only 88 cases of the mosquito-borne disease were recorded for the whole of last year. **TPass Passengers Not Eligible for TRA Delay Compensation ** The Taiwan Railways Administration is stressing that passengers using the newly introduced regional T-Pass on its trains will not be eligible for compensation in the event of delays. According to the railways administration, as the contactless cards offer unlimited (無限) journeys on not only T-R-A trains but also other forms (形式) of public transport, it will be impossible to break down the cost. One of the T-Pass' covers Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung and Taoyuan, another covers Taichung, Changhua, Nantou and Miaoli, and a third can be used on public transport in Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. The 30-day unlimited transport pass can be used for railway, M-R-T, bus, light-rail, and ferry journeys as well as YouBike rentals. **Syria Israel Exchanges Airstrikes ** The Syrian military says Israel carried out airstrikes on areas near the central Syrian city of Homs causing material damage but no casualties. A Syrian anti-aircraft missile exploded over Israeli territory, the Israeli military said, prompting another round of strikes early Sunday. Syrian state media quoted an unnamed military official as saying that the air defenses shot down some of the missiles fired by Israeli warplanes flying over neighboring Lebanon. Israel, which has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment (牢固確立;) in Syria, has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets in government-controlled parts of neighboring Syria in recent years, but it rarely acknowledges them. **Australia Changes Psychiatrist Prescriptions ** Australia has become the first country to allow psychiatrists to prescribe certain psychedelic (迷幻的) substances to patients with depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports. **Thailand Elephant Returning for Medical Care ** An ailing elephant that Thailand presented to Sri Lanka more than two decades ago has returned to his native land for medical treatment Sunday following allegations the animal was badly abused while living at a Buddhist temple. The male elephant was flown directly from the South Asian island nation’s capital to northern Thailand on a cargo plane. A six-person team, including two veterinarians and four trainers, accompanied the elephant on the flight, which took about six hours. The 4-ton animal traveled in a specially built container. Video footage of his arrival in Chiang Mai province showed the elephant conscious and appearing calm. 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 72-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,870 on turnover of $4.8-billion N-T. The market ended the day marginally higher on Thursday, as investors awaited the release of fresh economic data out of America and as major central banks announced they need to keep interest rates high to fight persistent inflation. **Maximum Fine for Failure to Yielding to Pedestrians Rises to NT$6,000 ** The fine for motorists caught failing to yield to (停車讓道) pedestrians on crosswalks in being raised to 6,000 N-T from today. Drivers who fail to allow pedestrians to pass first, either at pedestrian crossings or other designated areas for pedestrians to cross a road, will also be required to attend traffic-safety lectures. And those who fail to stop for pedestrians at crossings that results in injury or death, will face a maximun fine of 36,000 N-T and could have their driving license suspended for one year or revoked. The new traffic regulations also extend the traffic safety lecture requirement to motorists who refuse to stop at police checkpoints, and those who fail to properly secure cargo on vehicles, that results in items falling into and obstructing the road. **French Court Sentences Rwandan Policeman for Genocide ** A court in Paris France has found a former Rwandan military policeman guilty of genocide (種族滅絕) and crimes against humanity during the Rwanda 1994 murders. Daniel Kijo reports. **Italy Hunting Colosseum Defacer ** Italian police say they believe the man filmed while engraving (雕刻) his name last week on the ancient Roman Colosseum is a tourist who lives in Britain. Neither the name of the suspect nor his whereabouts were revealed in the statement. Italian officials have vowed to find and punish a tourist who carved names and numbers on the wall of the Colosseum in Rome, a crime that has resulted in hefty fines in the past. It was at least the fourth time this year that such graffiti was reported at the Colosseum. **Google To Remove Canada News Links ** Google says it will remove links to Canadian news on its platforms across Canada after a new law that forces digital giants to compensate (補償) media outlets for content they share or otherwise repurpose comes into force. Google has informed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government of its decision. It did not say exactly when it will remove news, but it will happen before the law comes into force. The law passed last week and will come into effect by the end of the year. Meta made a similar announcement last week, saying that it will remove news from its social media platforms Facebook and Instagram before the law comes into force. 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 16,930 on turnover of $2.9-billion N-T. The market bounced back from loses in previous sessions this week on Wednesday, as investors were buoyed by reports suggesting that the American economy is in better shape than feared. **Vice Premier Meets with Japan's LDP Secretary-General in Tokyo ** Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan has held talks with the secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Cheng met with Toshimitsu Motegi at the party's headquarters in Tokyo. Speaking during the meeting, Motegi described Taiwan is an extremely important partner to Japan and a precious friend with shared values and the the two countries also enjoy close economic relationships and regular personnel (人員) exchanges. Cheng is leading a delegation of economics officials to Tokyo this week for talks on energy, net-zero emissions and 5-G wireless cellular technology. **World News Media Congress Opens in Taipei ** The World News Media Congress is taking place in Taipei this week and is bringing together more than 900 leaders in journalism and news media organizations from 58 countries. It's the first time since 2013 that the event has been held in Asia. Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, President Tsai Ing-wen told delegates that combatting (對抗) disinformation is a shared challenge all democracies must face, as disinformation directly influences people's way of life. According to Tsai, Taiwan has become home to many international media professionals in the past few years and that's testament to the island's "hard work on safeguarding media freedom and the right to free speech." **SKoreans Scrap Traditional Age System ** Millions of South Koreans are now one or two years younger, after the country abandoned (棄) a traditional system for giving people’s ages. Here’s Andrew Wood – who used to live in South Korea – to explain **Malta Eases Abortion Laws ** Maltese lawmakers have unanimously approved legislation to ease the the strictest abortion laws in the European Union. But a coalition of pro-choice campaigners say last-minute changes make the legislation “vague, unworkable and even dangerous.” The original bill allowing women access to abortion if the mother’s life or health was in danger was hailed as a step in the right direction for the nation. Under the amendments, though, a woman must be at risk of death to access an abortion, and then only after three specialists consent. The new law allows a doctor to terminate (終止) a pregnancy without further consultation only if the mother's life is at immediate risk. 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 18-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,906 on turnover of 2-billion N-T. The market ended the trading day in negative territory again on Tuesday, following a steep decline in tech stocks on Wall Street overnight. Market watchers say investor sentiment this week will likely remain muted as they await the release of the latest U-S inflation data - which is due out on Friday. **Military Planning 'Anti-Takeover' Drill at Taoyuan Int. ** Defense officials say Taoyuan International Airport will suspend commercial air traffic for one hour late next month for a military anti-takeover drill. It will be part of the live fire phase of this year's Han Kuang exercises and will be the first time that such a drill will have ever been staged at the airport. The exercise has been set for July 26 and officials say it's likely to last less than an hour in order to avoid lengthy disruption (擾亂) to air traffic. According to defense officials, all major airlines will be informed of the event and an international air traffic broadcast will also be issued. **TAITRA Opens Taiwan Trade Center in Dallas ** And, The Taiwan External Trade Development Council has opened an office in Dallas, Texas. According to council chairman James Huang, the office has been opened to support Taiwanese businesses operating in the state at a time when the American south is fast becoming a manufacturing hub (中心). The opening of the Taiwan Trade Center in Dallas was attended by five U-S representatives - who all touted their belief in the need to boost commercial ties between the U-S and Taiwan. The opening of the center means the External Trade Development Council now has three offices in the United States. Pakistan IMF Close to Bailout Deal A senior official with the International Monetary Fund and Pakistan’s prime minister are indicating a deal could soon be reached on a much-needed $6 billon bailout package for the impoverished (貧困) south Asian country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Kristalina Georgieva, the managing director of the IMF on Tuesday, according to a government statement. Later, the IMF’s mission chief to Islamabad released a statement suggesting the sides were close to reaching an agreement. Talks between Pakistan and the IMF stalled in December, after the global lender delayed the release of a crucial tranche of $1.1 billion from the bailout **Scientists: Climate Change Made US Heat Dome More Likely ** With temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius in some parts of the US, scientists have found human activity is making these extreme (極端) weather events more likely. Southern US states have been under a heat dome for the last few weeks. Nick Harper reports from Washington. **Klimt Painting Most Expensive Artwork Ever Sold in Europe ** A late-life masterpiece (傑作) by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt is now the most expensive artwork ever auctioned in Europe. "Lady with a Fan", sold at Sotheby’s on Tuesday for about the equivlanet of $108.4 million US dollars in London. The sale price exceeded the presale estimate of $80 million. It also beat the previous European auction record of $104.3 million for Alberto Giacometti’s sculpture “Walking Man I” at Sotheby’s in 2010. 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

Government Maintains 3-Meter Rule for Motorists on Crosswalks Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an to Visit Singapore Tai-Ex opening Greece Prime Minister Elections Guatemala Election Saudi Arabia Hajj Pilgrimage -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

MOFA Admits it Tope Envoy to Thailand Resigned Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations US Transit Passengers Could be Exempt From Security Screening at Taoyuan International Airport Tai-Ex opening Russian mercenaries' future and direction of Ukraine war remain uncertain China-Russia Talks Saudi Arabia Hajj Pilgrimage -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Subject: E*Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,186 on turnover of 2.8-billion N-T. The market lost ground to close below the 17,200-point mark on Tuesday, as investor interest turned cautious after foreign institutional investors recorded a net sell during the previous session earlier, ending a six session buying streak. The bellwether electronics sector led the downturn, but old economy stocks, in particular those in the paper and electric machinery sectors, attracted strong rotational buying to give some support to the broader market. **MOE to Roll Out New Subsidy for Private College Students ** The Ministry of Education has announced that the cost of education for private college undergraduate students will be subsidized beginning next February. According to the ministry, the move is aimed at mitigating (減免) the tuition fee gap between private and public schools. Some 473,000 students are expected to benefit. The education ministry says it will cover at least 50-per cent of the tuition fee for private college students, with a minimum of 25,000 N-T per year. That payment will be deducted from the student's bill at the beginning of each academic year. **Coronavirus Cases Remain Flat for Second Consecutive Week ** The Centers for Disease Control says the number of serious coronavirus infections has remained high, but stable for a second consecutive week. Data shows the C-D-C recorded a daily average of 253 moderate to severe cases from June 14 and 20, which represented a 3-per cent increase over the previous week's daily average. According to the C-D-C, the number of infections is expected to continue to plateau (平穩期、停滯期) through the end of this month due to the increased risk of transmission during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday weekend. **Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Drones ** Ukrainian officials say the country's air defenses have downed 32 of 35 Shahed exploding drones Russia launched overnight. Most of them were taken down in the Kyiv region. The attack was part of a wider bombardment of Ukrainian regions that extended (延伸到) as far as the Lviv region in the west of the country near Poland. In other Ukraine news, the country's military intelligence chief claimed Russia has mined the cooling system of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The plant’s six reactors are shut down but still need cooling. **Tokyo Couple Convicted of Student Killing ** A Tokyo couple has been convicted of the brutal murder of an 18-year old high school girl. The pair were found to have abducted (綁架) the student before killing her in a remote location two years ago. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. **Norway to Open for Deep Sea Mining ** Norway says it wants to open parts of the Norwegian continental shelf for commercial deep sea mining. Norway’s minister for petroleum and energy says the country needs minerals to help transition to a more green economy. The Norwegian seabed is reportedly rich with minerals and metals including copper, zinc, manganese and cobalt. But the Norwegian government’s plan is controversial (有爭議的) and environmental groups are warning that mining the sea bed would threaten the biodiversity of the vulnerable ecosystems in the area. 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 17,233 on turnover of 5.9-billion N-T. The market moved slightly lower on Monday after rebounding from an early low, as technical support was seen at around the 17,200 point mark. The bellwether electronics sector came under pressure, but rotational buying remained active, with a focus on tourism, aviation and financial stocks, to help the broader market recoup its early losses. **Premier Seeks to Reassure in US-China Talks ** Premier Chen Chien-jen says Washington has been keeping the government informed about the meeting between U-S Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's Xi Jin-ping. According to the premier, the government here has been informed of details of those talks in regards Taiwan and communications channels on matter between the two sides are "running smoothly." However, Chen says the government will not be releasing details concerning its knowledge of the talks between Blinken and Xi based on "bilateral practices, mutual trust and longstanding tacit understandings." **Tainan Opens Dengue Fever Screening Station ** The Tainan City Health Bureau has established (成立) a dengue fever screening station in the city's Rende District. The move comes after health authorities in Tainan reported the city's 14th dengue fever infection. All of the cases of the mosquito-borne virus have been linked to the Rende District and city officials are advising residents showing symptoms of the disease to visit the screening station, which is located in the activity center in Cheng-Cong Village. City officials are also urging people to clean up possible mosquitoe breeding sites to prevent the further spread of the disease. The Kaohsiung City Government is taking similar action and has opened a dengue fever command center that covers six districts that border Tainan. **US Blinken on China Trip ** US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States remains "clear eyed" about the challenges posed by China, but insists there is agreement on both sides to stabilise the bilateral relationship. He was speaking off the back of a trip to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a sign of potentially thawing (解凍) ties between the two superpowers following months of tensions. Benji Hyer reports from Washington DC. **UAE Qatar Reopen Embassies ** The United Arab Emirates and Qatar have reopened their embassies following a yearslong rift. The two countries issued statements on Monday saying the Qatari Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a Qatari Consulate in Dubai, as well as an Emirati Embassy in Qatar’s capital, Doha, had resumed (恢復) operations. The UAE joined Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt in imposing a boycott and blockade of Qatar in 2017 in large part over its support for Islamist groups across the Middle East that the other Arab countries consider terrorist organizations. The boycott was officially lifted in January 2021. 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 14-points this morning from Friday's close, at 17,274 on turnover of 3.1-billion N-T. The market lost ground last Friday after hitting a 14-month high the previous session - as it bucked the regional upward trend despite a broad-based rally on Wall Street overnight. **EU Parliamentarians And Polish Lawmakers Visit Taiwan ** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says a seven-member delegation (代表團) from the European Parliament and a 10-member delegation from the lower house of the parliament of Poland are visiting Taiwan this week. According to the ministry, the European Parliamentary group is being led by by the vice-chair of the E-U Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defense and includes members from subcommittees of Foreign Affairs, Economic and Monetary Affairs, among others. Meanwhile, the Polish delegation is being led by the vice chairwoman of the Polish lower house's Foreign Affairs Committee. That delegation includes parliamentarians across from across Poland's major political parties. They are all slated to meet with President Tsai Ing-wen and other senior government officials this week. **Temperatures Likely to Top 36 Degrees Today ** And, The Central Weather Bureau has issued "yellow" heat alerts for 13 cities and counties today, as the mercury is forecast to rise above 36-degrees. The heat alerts cover Taipei, New Taipei and Keelung, all areas south of Taichung as well as Hualien and Taitung. The heat alert will remain in affect through this afternoon. According to the weather bureau, sunny to partly cloudy skies can be expected across most of the island from today through Friday. However, occasional morning showers could affect areas in the center and south, while residents (住戶, 居民) of mountainous areas could see some thunderstorms. **Pakistan PM Declares Day of Mourning for Capsized Migrants ** Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared a national day of mourning (喪、哀) for citizens who died when a fishing trawler packed with migrants sank off the Greek coast. As many as 750 people from Syria, Egypt, the Palestinian territories and Pakistan were on board the vessel, trying to reach relatives in Europe. The Greek coast guard has defended its response to the tragedy that has left more than 500 migrants presumed drowned. The vessel sank Wednesday. Sharif expressed his grief over the tragedy and said today would be observed as a day of mourning, with the national flag flying at half-staff. **US Washington Shooting Leaves Dead and INjure ** Two people were killed and three injured in a shooting near a Washington state campground hosting people attending a nearby music festival. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. **Switzerland Votes for Climate Measures ** A majority of Swiss citizens have voted in favor of a bill aimed at introducing new climate measures to sharply curb the rich Alpine nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Sunday's referendum was sparked by a campaign by scientists and environmentalists to save Switzerland’s iconic glaciers, which are melting away at an alarming rate. Campaigners initially (最初) proposed even more ambitious measures but later backed a government plan that requires Switzerland to achieve “net zero” emissions by 2050. The nationalist Swiss People’s Party, which had demanded the popular vote, had claimed the measures would cause electricity prices to rise. Swiss glaciers experienced record melting last year, losing more than 6% of their volume and alarming scientists who say a loss of 2% would once have been considered extreme. 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 8-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,343 on turnover of T$3.98-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex gained ground and hit a 14-month high on Thursday as investors continued to digest the U-S Federal Reserve's overnight decision to leave key interest rates unchanged. Market watchers say the tech sector led the main board higher. As investors took cues from a 1.52-per cent overnight rally on the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, old economy stocks also rose while the transportation sector extended (延長) its momentum from a session earlier. **New Regional Public Transport Passes Rolled Out ** The new regional monthly public transport passes serving the north, center and south have gone on sale ahead of the programs launch on July 1. The monthly "T-Pass" can be used to take unlimited (無限) journeys on most trains operated by the Taiwan Railways Administration, intercity buses, metro and light rail trains, local city buses, limited ferries as well as bicycle-sharing services. The pass is now available for purchase at M-R-T stations, T-R-A stations and intercity bus stations as well as other outlets including convenience stores. Commuters can also use their existing smartcards such as the EasyCard to purchase and sync to the "T-Pass" - but one card can only purchase the "TPass" service for one of the three regions each month. The monthly "TPass" for Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan costs 1,200 N-T, the pass for central Taiwan is 699 N-T for Taichung residents and 999 N-T for non-Taichung residents, while the monthly "TPass" for Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung costs 999 N-T. **US Charges Filed Over Pentagon Leak ** A grand jury has indicted the US air national guardsman accused of leaking military intelligence online. Jack Teixeira faces six counts of retaining (保留) and transmitting classified national defense information. Ira Spitzer reports. **Iran and Cuba Leaders Sign Cooperation Agreements ** Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has met with Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana. During a trade forum with local businesspeople in Cuba's capital on Thursday, the leaders said Cuba and Iran would seek opportunities to work together in biotechnology, mining, electricity generation and other areas. After the forum, Raisi and Diaz-Canel toured biotechnology production plants in the western part of Havana and then headed to an official reception at Cuba's Palace of the Revolution. The leaders also signed several agreements on customs (關稅), justice, telecommunications and diplomatic action. **Peru Mummy Found Next to Soccer Club Field ** Archeologists have found a pre-Hispanic mummy surrounded by coca leaves on top of a hill in Peru’s capital next to the practice field of a professional soccer club. Experts say the mummy was buried in a ritual that included coca leaves and seashells. The burial was on top of a destroyed U-shaped clay temple, a characteristic (特徵) of some pre-Hispanic buildings. Officials say the mummy has not yet been subjected to radiocarbon dating to determine its age. The hill is next to the training field and headquarters for the Sporting Cristal soccer club. 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 21-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,259 on turnover of 5.3-billion N-T. The market closed slightly higher on Wednesday despite investor interest in the bellwether electronics sector dropping off following gains in recent sessions. Analysts say many investors remained cautious ahead of the outcome (結果) of this week's policymaking meeting of the U-S Federal Reserve and the central bank's comments on America's economy. **Vice President of Italian Senate Arrives in Taiwan ** The vice president of the upper house of the Italian parliament has arrived in Taiwan for a six-day visit. The visit to Taiwan this week by Gian Marco Centinaio is the highest-level Italian parliamentary trip to Taiwan since 1970. Centinaio is heading a three member delegation that includes one senator. According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Centinaio and his delegation will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen for formal (正式的) talks. The foreign minister says the delegation is seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan and explore opportunities for bilateral collaboration in the fields of politics, trade, technology, and culture. **Rain Helping Further Ease Drought in South ** The Water Resources Agency says the heavy rain that has lashed parts of the island over the past few days has contributed some 23-million cubic meters of water to major reservoirs. According to the agency, the Xinshan, Feitsui, Shihmen, Second Baoshan reservoirs in the north have received an estimated 7.1-million cubic meters of rainfall. In central Taiwan, the Techi Reservoir is now at 74-per cent of capacity, and the Liyutan Reservoir has reached 73.6-per cent of its capacity. While in the south, the Tsengwen and Wushantou Reservoirs have now accumulated more than 100-million cubic meters of rain water in total. The Water Resources Agency says levels are expected to continue to rise as the current plum rain front is forecast to last until June 18. **Japan Investigating Defense Force Shooting ** Japan’s Self Defense Force is launching an investigation after a trainee shot and killed two others at a shooting range on Wednesday. The 18-year old was arrested and all shooting ranges (射擊場, 靶場) across the country shut down following the incident. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. **Myanmar Army and Resistance Clash Leaving Dead ** Reports say recent fierce fighting between Myanmar’s army and resistance fighters in an area east of the country’s capital has killed at least two dozen civilians. The fighting has taken place in Shan State’s Pekon township, a hotly contested (有爭議的) area of the armed struggle that arose after the army’s February 2021 seizure of power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. A local resident said at least 26 people were killed, either shot dead in their homes or when they went out onto the street, or killed by artillery strikes. **Pope and Imam Call for Human Fraternity ** Pope Francis and a leading Sunni imam have made calls for peace as the U.N. Security Council met to discuss the importance of human fraternity. The pope sent a statement calling for an end to war. Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, grand imam of Al-Azhar in Cairo, said in a virtual briefing that human fraternity was the key to global peace. After their appeals, council members adopted a resolution recognizing that hate speech, racism, xenophobia, intolerance and gender discrimination can contribute to conflict. he resolution urges all countries to condemn (譴責) these acts. It was adopted unanimously even though some of the council’s 15 members have been accused of some of the same actions they are condemning. 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 29-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,190 on turnover of 5.1-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Tuesday to close at a 14-month high after Wall Street rallied overnight. Tuesday high came as buying remained focused on tech heavyweights due to continuing optimism (樂觀) over the development of artificial intelligence-related products. **MND Releases New Revised Civil Defense Handbook ** The Ministry of National Defense has released a revised version of its civil defense handbook. The moved comes after the original version was heavily criticized for being out of date when it was published in April of last year. According to the ministry's All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency, the updated version of the handbook has almost doubled (加倍) its content and been expanded from 28 pages to 48 pages. Agency head says Shen Wei-zhi, the new version consists of two main parts - "peacetime preparation" and "wartime responses" - and has far more descriptions of civil defense concepts and more detailed suggestions on how to respond to different types of emergencies. The original version focused more on identifying which government agencies were responsible for doing what during wartime. **Premier Declares War Drugs ** Premier Chen Chien-jen is declaring war on recreational drugs. Speaking at an event marking the conclusion of the government's "Eighth Wave Anti-Drug Program," Chen cited marijuana as being the main target of recent crackdowns (打擊；鎮壓). According to the premier, over 6,000 kilograms of illegal drugs have been seized over the past three months and that includes 900 marijuana plants, while 56 drug factories have also been shut down. Chen went on to describe recreational drugs as being the "root of all evils" and stressed that President Tsai Ing-wen attaches great importance to drug prevention and control operations. ***US House Resolution to Overturn Gun Regulation ** From the US….. The House has pushed through a resolution to overturn (改變, 推翻) a new federal gun regulation. AP correspondent Norman Hall reports. **AI Used to Record Beatles Song ** Paul McCartney says artificial intelligence has been used to extract (取出) John Lennon’s voice from an old demo to create “the last Beatles record," decades after the band broke up. McCartney told the BBC on Tuesday that the technology was used to separate (分離) the Beatles’ voices from background sounds during the making of director Peter Jackson’s 2021 documentary series “The Beatles: Get Back.” He said the new song is set to be released later this year. McCartney didn't identify the name of the demo, but the BBC and others said it was likely to be an unfinished 1978 love song by Lennon called “Now and Then.” 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 180-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,136 on turnover of $6.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed higher Monday as interest in artificial intelligence pushed chipmaker TTSMC and iPhone assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. higher. Caution remained, however, ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policymaking meeting on June 13th and 14th, when the Fed is expected to hold rates steady. **White House on Reports of Citizen Evacuation Plan ** The White House is denying media reports that it is formulating an evacuation plan for Americans in Taiwan. US news outlet "The Messenger" published a report citing 3 anonymous sources, that the US government has been formulating the evacuation plan for citizens living in Taiwan for at least six months. The report claims an insider pointed out that Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as a driving factor behind the development of the plan. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated during a routine White House briefing today that it is not standard U.S policy to evacuate American citizens from conflict zones, the U.S. has protocols "for any type of emergency". Kirby goes on to say that "there's no indication at this time that current conditions in Taiwan would warrant any reconsideration (重新考慮) of that policy". (NS) **CWB: Rain Continues for South ** Rainfall is set to continue for southern Taiwan. The Central Weather Bureau says a stationary front continues to linger (逗留, 徘徊) over the island today, likely causing showers or thunderstorms in central and southern Taiwan as well as brief periods of rainfall in Taitung. The CWB says the precipitation over southern regions will be more sustained, while northern and eastern Taiwan should see brief thundershowers in the afternoon. But forecasters say the unstable conditions could result in short periods of heavy or even torrential rain, and those heading out should take precautions, particuarly near coastal regions. (NS) **Trump in Florida for Court Appearance ** Former US President Donald Trump has arrived in Florda ahead of his scheduled court appearance. AP correspondent Eric Tucker has the details. < [CLIP] Slug: > **Pakistan India Brace for Severe Cyclone ** India and Pakistan are bracing for the first severe cyclone this year expected to hit their coastal regions later this week. Authorities halted fishing activities, deployed rescue personnel and announced evacuation plans. From the Arabian Sea, Cyclone Biparjoy is aiming at Pakistan’s Sindh province and the coastline of the western Indian state of Gujarat. It is forecast to make landfall on Thursday and could reach maximum wind speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour. Disaster management personnel have been deployed to densely populated (人口密集) regions and cities in the storm's path. It will likely affect Karachi in Pakistan and two of India’s largest ports in Gujarat state. It's the first severe cyclone to hit Pakistan since last year when floods killed over 1,700. 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. **FM to Visit Prague for European Values Summit ** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Foreign Minister Joseph Wu will be traveling to Europe this week. According to the ministry, Wu will be visiting the Czech Republic to deliver an address at the European Values Summit 2023 in Prague on Wednesday. He will give a speech titled "One Theater, One World and One Vision," which will focus on both countries' shared democratic values and human rights as well as their close partnership during the one-day summit. However, the foreign ministry is not releasing further details of Wu trip - including whether or not he will also travel to Brussels later this week. **Traces of Barbiturates Found in 8 Students at New Taipei Preschool ** The New Taipei City Government says blood tests have found trace amounts of barbiturates in eight students at a private preschool in the Banqiao District. According to New Taipei Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-ran, the blood tests administered to 28 students on June 5 detected the barbiturate at a concentration (濃度) of 1 to 1.5-micrograms per milliliter in six of the students, Two other children showed higher concentrations of 1.5 to 2 and 3 to 3.5-micrograms per milliliter. Prosecutors opened an investigation into the preschool after several parents filed reports with police that a teacher had given their children unknown drugs and used improper physical methods to discipline them. **Colombia Children Survive Plane Crash ** Children from the ages of 13 down to a 1 year old have been found alive in thick jungle in Colombia, after they survived a plane crash. All the adults aboard the crash died when the Cessna aircraft came down on May 1st. A massive (大量、巨大的) search operation was successful with the siblings now back to safety. Caroline Malone reports. **Former Scottish First Minister Questioned by Police ** Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and questioned by police investigating the finances of Scotland's pro-independence governing party. Police say a 52-year-old woman was detained Sunday “as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party.” The force said she was “released without charge pending further investigation” after about six hours. A spokesperson for Sturgeon said the former first minister voluntarily attended (出席) an interview with police and would cooperate with the force’s investigation. Two former officials, the party treasurer and chief executive, have previously been arrested and questioned as part of the investigation. Neither has been charged. 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 42-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,776 on turnover of $3.5-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday, after tech stocks slummed on Wall Street overnight - as the local main board lost momentum to close below the five-day moving average of 16,764. **Government Dismisses Calls for Three-Day Weekend ** The government has responded to a petition posted on an online public policy participation platform calling for a shorter workweek. The petition asking the government make Taiwan the first Asian country to implement a three-day weekend garnered more than 5,700 signatures meaning it passed the threshold requiring a government response. According to the Ministry of Labor, the government has rejected a proposal, as current labor shortages mean the proposal is impossible to implement and wholly (完全地) unsustainable. The Financial Supervisory Commission has also responded to the petition, arguing that the shorter week would result in the government facing a 30-billion N-T loss in stock transaction taxes. Officials say the proposal would result in increases in labor costs at public service institutes, including hospitals, while it would also have a negative affect on supply chains and agricultural logistics. **Ukraine: Russia Shelled Flooded Ukrainian City ** Ukrainian officials say Russian forces have shelled a southern Ukrainian city that was inundated in a catastrophic dam collapse. They said that forced a suspension of some rescue work hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to the area to assess (評估) the damage. At least 14 people have died, many are homeless, and tens of thousands are without drinking water after the Kakhovka dam’s destruction. Officials say more than 6,000 people have been evacuated on both sides of the river. Both sides blame each other for the destruction of the dam. **US Trump Indictment in Classified Doc Case ** Donald Trump says he's been indicted by a grand jury over his handling (處理) of classified documents. Trump is now the first former president in U.S. history to face federal charges. William Denselow reports. **Vatican: Pope Condition Stable ** The Vatican says Pope Francis' condition is stable and is following the regular post-operative course of recovery following a three-hour operation to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall. The Vatican says he is drinking liquids, received the Eucharist and even made a phone call Thursday. Most of the day, though, was spent resting. Doctors say Wednesday’s operation was successful and there were no complications or other pathologies ( 病狀, 病變) discovered. The pontiff is expected to remain in the 10th-floor papal suite at the Gemelli hospital for several days, and all papal audiences have been canceled through June 18. 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 58-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,864 on turnover of 2.7-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Wednesday to close above the 16,900-point mark as semiconductor stocks attracted investor interest. While buying also focused on old economy stocks, in particular those in the tourism and green energy storage sectors, to lend additional (附加的) support to the broader market throughout the trading day. **Ko Dismisses Xi Meet Without Agenda ** Taiwan People's Party chairman and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je says he has no plans to meet with China's Xi Jinping "just for the sake of it" and if such a meeting were to take place "there must be a clear aim for such talks." Speaking to reporters during his trip to Tokyo, Ko said he firmly believed there is "no problem" with cultural exchanges with China and he supports be economic cross-strait cooperation. Ko has been holding talks this week in Tokyo with former and current Japanese government officials and Taiwan business owners in Japan. He's slated to (定於) return to Taiwan today. **CDC Reports First Monkeypox Case in a Child ** The Centers for Disease Control says a four-year boy has tested positive for monkeypox. According to C-D-C Deputy Director General Philip Luo, its the first case in Taiwan of the the disease in a child. The boy is believed to have been infected by a family member, who had previously been confirmed as having contracted the disease. Health officials also say the boy had been absent from pre-school after coming down with the illness, and the risk of transmission (傳播) is low. However, people he had close contact with at home and at school have been ordered to closely monitor their health for 21 days. **SKorea National Security Strategy Targets North ** South Korea is highlighting (強調) Pyongyang as a main security threat in its newly unveiled National Security Strategy. The document highlights the risks of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo **Expedition Sights More Vaquitas ** A new research expedition (考察隊；探險隊) report suggests that the remaining handful of Mexico’s endangered vaquita porpoises are holding on in their only habitat in the Gulf of California. Experts on the expedition estimate they saw from 10 to 13 of the elusive porpoises during nearly two weeks of sailing in the gulf last month. That is a similar number to those seen in the last such expedition in 2021. Experts from Mexico, the conservation group Sea Shepherd and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said they sighted at least one and probably two calves. They said there may be more vaquitas out there, since the voyage covered only part of the creature’s habitat in the gulf. It lives nowhere else, and the species cannot be captured, held or bred in captivity. 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

National Policy Adviser Quits Amid Sexual Harassment Accusation Three Private Universities Ordered to Halt Enrollments Russia and Ukraine Trade Barbs at UN Boeing Holding Up Deliveries of 787 Dreamliner Gooding Jr. Settles in Raped Case -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 1-point this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,712 on turnover of 2-billion N-T. The market closed marginally higher on Monday after coming off an early high - as investors opted to lock in gains while the main board moved closer to the nearest technical resistance ahead of the 16,800 point mark. **AIT Chair 'Looking Forward to Meeting' Presidential Candidates ** American Institute in Taiwan Chair Laura Rosenberger has arrived in Taiwan for a six-day visit. According to Rosenberger, she plans to meet with the presidential candidates during her trip and is also reiterating that Washington will cooperate with whichever candidate wins January's election. It's her second visit to Taiwan since she assumed the post on March 20. Speaking to reporters, Rosenberger said she's looking forward to further "engaging (接洽) with leaders from across Taiwan's political spectrum" this week and plans to "spend time with each of the declared presidential candidates." And she went on to stress that "the United States will not take sides and we oppose outside interference or influence in Taiwan's elections." **Climate Institute Holds Plaque Unveiling Ceremony ** The newly established Climate Institute has held a plaque-unveiling ceremony. The event was attended by Vice President William Lai and the heads of several of Taiwan's leading tech companies. They included A-U-O chairman Paul Peng and Pegatron chairman Tong Zi-xian. Speaking at the ceremony, Lai reiterated the government's plans to achieve (達到) net-zero emissions by 2050 and hopes that the private and public sectors can further collaborate to reach that goal. The institute has been tasked with hosting training courses to promote sustainable development and tackle climate change and to offer assistance to private companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint under the Taiwan Climate Partnership. **Haiti Flooding Death Toll Rises ** Authorities say the number of people killed by heavy floods that hit Haiti over the weekend has risen to 42 and that another 11 are missing. Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency says at least 85 people are injured, and more than 13,600 homes were flooded. The rains pelted Haiti’s western, northwestern, southeastern and central regions. The weather has since improved, but many crops were damaged amid a spike (激增) in starvation. Prime Minister Ariel Henry has said he has asked for international help. **SKorea Support for Nuclear Arsenal Falls ** Public support for South Korea to develop its own nuclear arsenal is plummeting (暴跌) according to new figures. Chris Gilbert reports. **British Princess Eugenie Welcomes Baby Boy ** Buckingham Palace says Princess Eugenie has given birth to a baby boy. Eugenie, the niece of King Charles III, and her husband, welcomed their son on May 30th. The baby is the couple’s second child. The child is 13th in line to the throne (王位繼承人). 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 Friday's close, at 16,714 on turnover of 2.6-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher Friday after the U-S Senate voted to raise America's debt ceiling and avoid a default and turbulence (動盪) in global markets. Buying focused on both the bellwether electronics sector and old economy stocks as the Tai-Ex closed the session above the 16,700 point mark. **DPP and KMT 2024 Candidates Rally Supporters ** D-P-P presidential candidate William Lai has met supporters in Nantou and Miaoli counties. Speaking in Nantou, Lai criticized Beijing's 1989 crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square and said "the people of Taiwan must remain united in the face of China's threats and military intimidation." And speaking in Miaoli, Lai rejected Beijing's "one China" principle and the "1992 consensus" saying acceptance of both would be tantamount (等於) to Taiwan giving up its sovereignty. Meanwhile, the K-M-T's presidential candidate Hou You-yi has launched a campaign group in Taipei - where he told supporters that "peace is the main point of concern for next year's election" and cross-strait peace was the main he reason he chose to run in the election. **Grandriders Finish Annual Round Island Ride ** And, Members of the Hongdao Senior Citizens Welfare Foundation's "Grandriders" have finished their annual round island motorbike trip. According to the foundation, 32 riders made the 10-day, 1,106-kilometer trip this year - which began and finished in Taichung. The oldest rider was 99-year-old. The annual event has been held since 2006 and seeks to raise awareness and funds for disadvantaged (弱勢) elderly adults. It was the focus of a documentary titled "Go Grandriders" in 2012. The film became the first ever Taiwanese-made documentary to be submitted to the Academy Awards in 2013. **US Navy Claims Ship in Strait of Hormuz Harrassed by Iran ** The U.S. Navy says its sailors and the United Kingdom Royal Navy came to the aid of a ship in the crucial Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard “harassed” (騷擾) it. A US Navy statement says Three fast-attack Guard vessels with armed troops aboard approached the merchant ship at a close distance Sunday afternoon. Black-and-white images the Navy said it took from overhead showed three small ships close to the commercial ship. The guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul and the Royal Navy’s frigate HMS Lancaster responded to the incident, with the Lancaster launching a helicopter. Iran did not acknowledge the incident. **Hollywood Writers Potential Deal ** A union representing many Hollywood writers is presenting an agreement to them to help them get back to work. Thousands of writers have been on strike for a month to push for (努力爭取) better wages and protection against AI. Here's U.S. Correspondent Caroline Malone. 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 12-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,525 on turnover of $2.8-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday, despite the U-S House approving a debt ceiling and budget cuts package to avoid a default crisis. **Taiwan and Lithuania Ink MOU to Boost Bilateral Digital Resilience ** The National Institute for Cyber Security and Lithuania's Innovation Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding that seeks to mutually boost the digital resilience (數位韌性) of both nations. The agreement was signed remotely by institute head Ho Quan-de and the head of Lithuania's Innovation Agency using an external communication adapter during a virtual conference. According to Digital Affairs Minister Audrey Tang, the use of the external communication adapter marked a bilateral milestone as it was issued by Ministry of Digital Affairs and recognized by Lithuania. Along with strengthening mutual digital resilience, the M-O-U also aims to boost bilateral cooperation while seeking talent exchange. **UN Warns of Russia Blockage of Ukraine Ports ** The United Nations is warning of a new threat to global food security. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Russia is limiting the number of ships allowed to pick up Ukrainian grain at Black Sea ports in its campaign to get Kyiv to open a pipeline for a key ingredient of fertilizer to get to world markets. He expressed serious concern that only 33 ships departed from Ukrainian ports in May, half the number compared to April, and exports of grain and other foodstuffs (食品) totaled just 1.3 million metric tons last month, less than half the amount of the previous month. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted Wednesday that the port of Yuzhny is blocked and more than 1.5 million tons of agricultural products are waiting there for shipment to at least 10 countries. He urged everyone to pressure Russia to unblock food supplies. **US President "Fine" After Fall ** The White House says President Joe Biden is doing "fine" after he tripped and fell Thursday as he was handing out diplomas at a graduation ceremony at the US Air Force Academy. Toni Waterman has more. **Italy Florence Bans ShortTerm Vacay Rentals in City Center ** The city of Florence has announced an immediate ban on new short-term private vacation rentals in the city's historic center. The move is part of an effort to bring full-time residents back to one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. Students in Italian cities, including Florence, Milan and Rome, have been camping out in tents on campuses to protest a lack of affordable housing. At the same time, art cities like Florence and Venice have seen their housing stocks depleted (耗盡) by short-term rentals, defined as covering any period less than 30 days. The Italian government is expected to adopt a plan that so far allows only the city of Venice to cap the number of days a property can be rented out at 120. 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 67-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,511 on turnover of 3.4-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower on Wednesday as the electronics sector lost momentum following rallies in recent sessions. Buying rotated to select old economy stocks that offset losses in the tech sector, and bargain hunters also turned active in the afternoon session to pick up T-S-M-C shares. However, selling reemerged as passive mutual funds cut their holdings in local stocks in response to the downgrade of Taiwan's weighting in two of M-S-C-I's major indexes. **KMT Chair Denies Plans to Replace Presidential Candidate ** K-M-T Chairman Eric Chu is dismissing (駁回) speculation the party could move to replace Hou Yu-ih as its candidate for next January's election. The statement comes after a My-Formosa published its latest 2024 election poll. That survey found that Hou is running in third place with a support rating of 18.3-per cent. That's behind Taiwan People's Party candidate Ko Wen-je with a 25.9-per cent support rating and the D-P-P's Lai Ching-te who, according to the poll, is enjoying a 35.8-per cent support rating. According to Zhu, rumors of plans to replace Hou are "groundless" and are being disseminated by pan-green supporter with the sole aim of sowing disunity with the K-M-T. HAP Cites 32% of Retailers Caught Selling Cigarettes to Buyers in School Uniform And, The Health Promotion Administration says some 32-per cent of retailers were found to have sold cigarettes to buyers wearing school uniforms. According to the administration, the Consumers' Foundation sent undercover (臥底的) buyers dressed in school uniforms to 663 convenience stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets and betel nut stalls between April and October of last year. The survey found betel nut vendors were the least likely to carry out age verification, with the undercover buyers able to purchase cigarettes from 42.4-per cent of the stalls. Undercover buyers were able to purchase cigarettes from 40.3-per cent of grocery stores, 26.6-per cent of supermarkets or hypermarkets, and 18.8-per cent of convenience stores. **NKorea to Reattempt Satellite Launches ** North Korea is reaffirming its intention to put a spy satellite into orbit after a failed launch attempt on Wednesday. The projectile, fired by Pyongyang, triggered alarms in both South Korea and Japan, before crashing into the Yellow Sea. Chris Gilbert reports. **Scientists Say Climate Change Didn't Cause Italy Flooding ** A group of scientists say in a new study that climate change in itself wasn't responsible for a series of exceptional rain and resulting deadly flooding in northern Italy in recent weeks. Instead, the study concluded that the three cyclones hitting the Emilia-Romagna region in 21-day-period drove the flooding. Scientists used computer modeling to estimate (估計) that having such three heavy rainfalls so close together was an event that had a one-in-200 chance of occurrence in a given year. The study, unveiled on Wednesday, wasn't peer-reviewed since it was done so soon after the flooding. 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 29-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,593 on turnover of 3.8-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Tuesday, as investor optimism about a deal on America's debt ceiling was dented (受打擊) by worries about the regional economy. **10AM - Typhoon Mawar ** Typhoon Mawar is be passing through waters off Taiwan's southeast and eastern coasts. The Central Weather Bureau says the storm is currently located some 430-kilometers east of Eluanbi, at the island southernmost tip, and moving in a north-northeasterly direction at between 9 and 13-kilometers-an-hour. Mawar still has a radius of 300-kilometers and is packing sustained wind speeds of 126-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 162-kilometers-an-hour. According to the weather bureau's forecast center, Mawar will move away from Taiwan tomorrow and begin to skirt (沿…的邊緣走) the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan. **Lawmakers Pass Amendments to Immigration Act to Retain Foreign Talent ** Lawmakers have passed amendments to the Immigration Act aimed at improving professional talent retention by easing residency restrictions for foreign nationals and their spouses and children. The amendments extend permanent residence rights to spouses (配偶), minor children, and adult children with disabilities of foreign nationals … …. who are high-level professionals, have won top professional awards, have made a significant contribution to Taiwan, or hold an investment visa. While Alien Permanent Resident Certificate holders will only need to spend an average of 183 days per year over the last five years in Taiwan to retain their permanent residency status, instead of the current 183 days each year for five years. **New US Aid Package for Ukraine ** A New US aid package for Ukraine will likely include munitions (彈藥) for drones. Lisa Dwyer has the details….. **UN Extends Arms Embargo on SSudan ** The U.N. Security Council has extended an arms embargo on South Sudan. The 10-0 vote with five abstentions (棄權) on the U.S.-drafted resolution was the same as the vote on the previous sanctions resolution adopted last May. The resolution welcomes “encouraging developments” in implementing some elements of a fragile 2018 power-sharing agreement including completing the first phase of training and graduation of a unified force. But it expresses concern “over the continued intensification of violence prolonging the political, security. economic and humanitarian crisis in most parts of the country." **Malaysia Reports Chinese Barge Plundering WWII Shipwrecks ** Malaysia’s maritime agency says a detained Chinese barge likely plundered (竊取，侵佔) two World War II British shipwrecks in the South China Sea. Malaysian media reported that illegal salvage (打撈) operators are believed to have targeted the HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, which were sunk in 1941 by Japanese torpedoes. Over 800 sailors perished, and the shipwrecks are designated war graves. The agency detained the barge on Sunday for anchoring without a permit. It found piles of scrap metal and an artillery shell believed to be from World War II. The agency said a thorough search Tuesday found another 100 artillery shells on the vessel. 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 12-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 16,648 on turnover of 3.6-billion N-T. The market rose on Monday - gaining 131-points - as investors took cues from the news that U-S President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have reached a final agreement on a deal to raise America's national debt ceiling. **10AM - Typhoon Mawar Wrap ** A sea warning is in affect for Typhoon Mawar. The warning currently covers the Bashi Channel and waters off southeastern Taiwan. The storm is currently located some 470-kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi, at the island southernmost tip, and moving in a north-northwesterly direction at 7-kilometers-an-hour. Mawar has a radius of 300-kilometers and is packing sustained wind speeds of 155-kilometers-an-hour, with gusts of up to 191-kilometers-an-hour. The Central Weather Bureau says the storm is expected to veer in a more northerly direction and begin moving away from Taiwan. However, the storm's outer rim (外緣，邊緣) is forecast to bring a significant amount of rainfall to the Yilan and Hualien areas tomorrow. **TPP Confirms Ko Wen-je's Japan Visit ** The Taiwan People's Party has confirmed that its founder (創辦人) and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je will travel to Japan next week. According to party secretary-general Zhou Tai-zhu, Ko will visit Japan from Sunday through Thursday of next week and will be holding talks with senior administrative and legislative officials. Zhou has not released any further details concerning the names of the senior officials Ko will be meeting with, but says the talks will be focusing on international and cross-strait affairs. The T-P-P secretary-general also says he will be accompanying Ko along with former Taipei deputy mayor Vivian Huang. **China Launches Manned Mission ** China has doubled down (加倍下注) on its space ambitions with the launch of the Shenzhou-16 manned mission, saying it plans to put astronauts on the moon before 2030. Nina-Maria Potts reports from Hong Kong: **SAfrica Appoints Judge to Investigate Arms Supply to Russia Accusations ** South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a judge to oversee an inquiry into allegations that the country supplied arms to Russia on a ship that docked secretly at a naval base in December. The allegations were made this month by the United States’ ambassador to South Africa, who said he was sure that weapons and ammunition were loaded onto the Russian-flagged cargo ship when it docked at the Simon’s Town naval base near Cape Town. South Africa has denied there was any government-sanctioned deal to provide weapons to Russia, although it hasn’t categorically (斷然地) ruled out that an unofficial transaction took place involving another entity. South Africa could be in breach of international law and its own laws regarding weapons sales if it is found to have supplied arms to Moscow for the war in Ukraine. 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