EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 64-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 13,865 on turnover of 2.1-billion N-T. The market extended gains from a session earlier on Wednesday, rising more than 200 points, as investors took cues from another surge on Wall Street overnight. Buying focused on top stocks in terms of market capitalization, in particular those in the bellwether electronics sector, which pushed up share prices across the board, as sentiment improved amid eased fears over aggressive U-S Federal Reserve rate hikes. **Over 50,000 New Coronavirus Cases Reported for the First Time Since June ** The Central Epidemic Command Center is reporting 54,874 new domestic coronavirus infections. That's the first time the daily number has exceeded (超過) 50,000 since late June. The daily tally has now risen week-on-week for 10 consecutive days. Epidemic command center head Victor Wang says the increase shows that the current wave of infections is peaking and could rise further. However, Wang is insisting the rise in new cases will not affect the government's plans to lift mandatory quarantine for arriving travelers from next Thursday. **Three Allies Call for Taiwan's Inclusion in ICAO ** The representatives of three of Taiwan's allies are calling for the island's participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization. Representatives from Belize, Eswatini and Tuvalu spoke up in support of Taiwan during a plenary (全體出席的) session of agency's triennial assembly, which is on-going in Montreal. Belize's representative called for Taiwan to "be given the opportunity to have meaningful participation" - arguing that "no country should be left behind." Eswatini's representative told delegates that his country believes that "all international civil aviation stakeholders that administer any political airspace should be part of such an organization." While Tuvalu's representative said his country fully supports "the full inclusion of all nations in assemblies as we need to advocate a joint community for the betterment of our world." **US Russia China Faceoff Over NKorea ** North Korea has launched another ballistic missile just days after sending one over Japan for the first time in five years. It came as members of the United Nations Security Council clashed over North Korea's recent military activity. The UN Secretary-General has called this week's missile launch reckless (魯莽) and a violation of UN resolutions. William Denselow has more from UN headquarters in New York. **Nobel Prize Chemistry Announced ** This year's Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded to Americans Carolyn R. Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless, and Danish scientist Morten Meldal for developing a way of ``snapping molecules together`` that can be used to design better medicines. They were cited for their work on click chemistry, which has been used to make cancer drugs, map DNA and create materials that are tailored (量身定制) to a specific purpose. A week of Nobel Prize announcements kicked off Monday, and will continue today with literature. The 2022 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday and the economics award on Monday. 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 151-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 13,727 on turnover of $4-billion N-T. The market made a strong comeback on Tuesday, as a rally on Wall Street overnight and expectations the U-S Federal Reserve will ease the pace of its rate hike cycle both sparked heated buying. Investors rushed to pick up large-cap tech stocks with a focus on semiconductors, which drove the local board higher throughout the session. **Indonesians Stuck on Cargo Ship in Kaohsiung to Allowed to Disembark ** The Maritime and Port Bureau says eight Indonesian crewmen on a cargo ship that has been docked in Kaohsiung Port since February will be allowed to leave the vessel once a relief crew arrives in Taiwan. According to the bureau, nine Burmese sailors will relieve (換班) the Indonesian crewmen, who have been stuck on the vessel for over seven months. The Ministry of Transport says the Burmese nationals are currently having their visas processed by Taiwan's representative office in Myanmar and are expected to arrive in Taiwan soon. However, the ministry has not given an approximate date for their arrival. The Indonesian crewmen have been on the Togo-registered "Jian Ye" since it was towed into Kaohsiung Port in February after the vessel lost power near Taiwan's territorial waters. **Passport Applications Surge ** The Bureau of Consular Affairs says the number of passport applications and renewals has soared (飆升) since the government announced that quarantine regulations for arrivals would be lifted on October 13. According to the bureau, prior to the coronavirus pandemic, it processed an average of 1.7 million passport applications per year. However, that number has fallen to 300,000 a year - with the lowest number of applications and renewals being 233,000 reported in 2021. The bureau says it processed 386,000 passport applications as of September 30 his year and there's been an average of around 3,000 applications per day. And the bureau has been seeing an average of 5,300 applications over the past week. **Estonia PM on Moscow's Nuclear Threat ** Estonia's prime minister says the West mustn't give in to Moscow's nuclear threats or premature (過早的) peace proposals but stand firmly in support of Ukraine as the invaded country fights to rid its occupied territories of Russian soldiers. Prime Minister Kaja Kallas told The Associated Press in an interview that ``very dangerous'' calls for negotiations and peace in Ukraine have come from ``very prominent people.'' She didn't specify anyone by name, but her comments followed Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeting a contentious proposal for ending the war. Kallas says Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats to defend Russian territory ``with any means at our disposal'' must be taken seriously but not lead to attempts at appeasement. **SKorea Missile Malfunctions During Drill ** South Korea says one of its missiles malfunctioned (故障) and fell during a drill. AP correspondent Norman Hall reports. **Bangladesh Power Out ** A failure in Bangladesh's power grid plunged much of the country into a blackout. The state-run Bangladesh Power Development Board said power transmission (輸電系統) had failed in the eastern part of the country, cutting electricity in Dhaka and other big cities. Officials said restoring power could take hours. Bangladesh has seen several power shortages since the government suspended operations of all diesel-run power plants to reduce costs for imports as prices have soared. 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 146-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 13,447 on turnover of 4.-billion N-T. The market extended losses from Friday's session on Monday, losing more than 120 points as investor concerns continued over the U-S Federal Reserve's rate hike cycle. The slump also came despite the Financial Supervisory Commission announcing measures at the end of last week to tighten short-selling rules amid global market volatility (易變). **German Lawmaker Lauds Taiwan's Democratic Development ** The visiting chairman of the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group says Taiwan should be proud of its democratic development. Klaus-Peter Willsch made the statement during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Office. The German lawmaker also lauded (讚美) Taiwan for playing a major role in the world's semiconductor industry - saying "the world's industries will face serious problems without Taiwan's semiconductors." Willsch is heading a seven-member delegaiton to Taiwan consisting of lawmakers from six different political parties on a five-day visit. The delegation will also be meeting with lawmakers and visit the Tainan Science Park for talks on trade and investment, high-tech industry, and supply-chain security. **National Day Fireworks Display to Feature 25,000 Fireworks ** Chiayi County Tourism Bureau Director-General Hsu You-ren says this year's National Day fireworks at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum will feature 25,000 fireworks. According to Hsu, in addition to the fireworks the event will feature a 360-degree water dance featuring a light sculpture projection together with a sound and light show during the 45-minute performance. Hsu says the audience will also be entertained by drone acrobatics with musical accompaniment from Taipei Sinfonietta & Philharmonic Orchestra. Some 12,000 free parking spaces are being made available near the museum, as county government officials are expecting a large turnout (到場人數). **NKorea Launches Missile Over Japan ** North Korea has reportedly fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan. The Japanese prime minister's office said at least one missile fired from North Korea flew over Japan and was believed to have landed into the Pacific Ocean. Officials say the missile landed in waters outside the country's exclusive economic zone after a 22-minute flight. Japanese authorities issued a ``J-alert'' to residents in northeaster regions to evacuate to buildings nearby, the first such alert since 2017. Trains were temporarily suspended in Japan's Hokkaido and Aomori regions before their operations were resumed after a government notice that the North Korean missile appeared to have landed into the Pacific. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly condemned the launch, calling it a "reckless (魯莽) act". South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has called a National Security Council meeting to discuss the launch and says the North's ``reckless nuclear provocations'' would meet the stern response of the South and the broader international community. **Swedish Geneticist Wins Nobel for Physiology ** A Swedish geneticist has won the Nobel Prize for medicine. Svante Paabo pioneered (首創) the use of ancient DNA to unlock secrets about human evolution. Jody Jacobs has more from New York. 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 65-points this morning from Friday's close, at 13,359 on turnover of 2.5-billion N-T. The market fell by over 100-points on Friday, as other regional indexes sank again after German inflation spiked higher, Britain's Prime Minister Liz Truss defended a tax-cut plan that rattled investors and data showed that Chinese manufacturing has weakened. **More than 141,000 Free Flu Shots Administered on First Day of Rollout ** The Centers for Disease Control says more than 141,000 people received a flu shot on Saturday, when the government launched this year's free vaccination program. That figure was a 14-per cent increase from last year. C-D-C Deputy Director-General Zhuang Ren-xiang is attributing the higher number to there being less conflict with the administration of coronavirus vaccines. People being vaccinated against the coronavirus at this time last year were advised (建議) to wait at least seven days before getting a seasonal flu shot. However, the C-D-C this year has said that flu shots can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including coronavirus vaccines, but not on the same limb. **Mercury to Drop in North this Week ** The Central Weather Bureau says a seasonal northeasterly wind system is expected to begin affecting (影響) the north from Wednesday - when daytime temperatures are expected to drop by between 7 and 8 degrees. According to the weather bureau, the mercury in northern Taiwan is forecast to range from between 25 and 26 degrees - and that'll be a marked decline from the daytime highs of 34 to 35 degrees seen over the past week. The seasonal northeasterly wind is also expected to bring brief showers to areas north of Taoyuan as well as to northeastern Taiwan, while sporadic rainfall is forecast for Hualien and Taitung from Wednesday. Those weather conditions will last into the weekend. **Haiti Sees Cholera Outbreak ** Haiti's government says at least eight people have died from cholera for the first time in three years. The cases are raising concerns about another potential catastrophic epidemic like the one that broke out a decade ago and killed nearly 10,000 people. The cases were reported in a community in southern Port-au-Prince and in a seaside slum (貧民窟) where thousands of people live in cramped, unsanitary conditions. The deaths announced Sunday come as a lack of fuel and ongoing protests shut down the availability of basic services across Haiti, including medical care and clean water, which is key to helping fight cholera and keep patients alive. **Brazil Presidential Candidates Head into Runoff Vote ** Brazil's top two presidential candidates will face each other in a runoff vote after neither got enough support to win outright. With 98.8% of the votes tallied on Sunday's election, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had 48% support. Incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro had 43.6% support. Brazil's election authority said the result made a second round vote between the two candidates a mathematical certainty (必然的事). Nine other candidates were also competing. **King Charles Not to Attend Climate Summit ** King Charles III has decided not to attend (參加) the international climate change summit in Egypt next month. AP correspondent Zerya Shakely 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 125-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 13,410 on turnover of $3.1-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Thursday following a rise on Wall Street overnight on the back moves by the Britain's central bank to forcefully to stop a budding financial crisis. **CECC Receives 4th Shipment of Second-Generation Moderna Coronavirus Vaccine ** The Central Epidemic Command Center has taken delivery of the fourth shipment of Moderna's second-generation coronavirus vaccine. Command center head Victor Wang says the 605,000 doses will be part of a new rollout plan scheduled for October 3, when it the second-generation coronavirus vaccine will be made available to more people. From next Monday, the booster vaccine will also be available to frontline medical workers, airport personnel and flight crews, everyone aged between 50 and 64, as well as those 18 and above who need to travel abroad (國外) for work or diplomatic reasons. **EPA to Ban PVC in E-Commerce Packaging Next July ** The Environmental Protection Administration says online retailers will be banned from using packaging materials containing P-V-C from July of next year. The ban comes amid a rise in environmental concerns over the surge (上升) in online shopping packaging waste. According to the E-P-A, materials containing P-V-C will be banned in packaging for e-retail businesses, and all packaging materials must contain a certain amount of recycled paper or recycled materials beginning July 1, 2023. The E-P-A says online shopping sales produced over 3,000 metric tons of plastic packaging waste and 54-thousand metric tons of paper packaging waste. All those sales and packaging emitted a total of 78-thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide. **UK PM Defends Cutting Taxes ** The UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has defended (辯護) her government's decision to cut taxes - saying Ministers took action at a difficult time. Laura Makin-Isherwood reports from London. **Nigeria Presidential Candidates Sign Peace Accord ** Presidential candidates in Nigeria have signed an accord (協議) committing to a peaceful campaign for the 2023 election. Nearly all of the 18 candidates for president signed the pact at an event in Abuja, the nation's capital, on Thursday. Similar peace accords have been struck in every general election cycle since 2015. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is due to leave office in May after completing his second term and has promised peaceful voting to elect his successor. **UK Reveals First King Charles Coins ** Meanwhile…. Britain's Royal Mint has unveiled the first coins to feature (使…成為主要的特征) the portrait of King Charles III. Britons will begin to see Charles' image in their change from around December, as 50-pence coins depicting him gradually enter circulation. The Royal Mint says the new monarch's effigy was created by British sculptor Martin Jennings and has been personally approved by Charles. In keeping with a centuries-old tradition, the king's portrait faces to the left, the opposite direction to his mother's, Queen Elizabeth II. A separate memorial 5-pound coin remembering the life and legacy of Elizabeth will be released Monday. Charles ascended to the throne Sept. 8 upon the death of his mother, Britain's longest-reigning monarch. 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 84-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 13,550 on turnover of 3.2-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex joined other regional markets and lost ground on Wednesday, following a wobbly session on Wall Street overnight, as markets churned over the prospect of a possible recession. **US Speaks Up for Taiwan's Participation at ICAO Assembly ** The U-S Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is calling for Taiwan's inclusion (包括、加入) in the International Civil Aviation Organization on the opening day of the agency's assembly in Montreal, According to Buttigieg, the U-S believes "all of international civil aviation's most important stakeholders, particularly those who would administer critical aerospace, like Taiwan, should have the opportunity to participate meaningfully. Germany's Ministry for Digital and Transport, Stefan Schnorr, also called on the global aviation body to include all parties involved - saying it should "include those that are not members." However, he did not mention Taiwan by name. Civil Aeronautics Administration Director-General Lin Jun-liang is heading a delegation to Montreal this week, to promote Taiwan's inclusion in the International Civil Aviation Organization. **Inbound Visitors can Travel if Tour Group Members Contract Coronavirus ** The Central Epidemic Command Center says members of inbound tour groups will be allowed to continue traveling in Taiwan, even if other members of their group test positive for the coronavirus during their trip. However, they will need to take a rapid test and obtain (獲得) a negative result every two days. The statement comes as the ban on inbound and outbound tour groups as well as for mandatory quarantine for arriving visitors is set to be lifted as part of a new "0+7" policy on October 13. The "0+7" policy will replace the current "3+4" policy - but all arrivals must observe seven days of self-conducted epidemic prevention measures, and will be allowed to outside if a test taken within the past two days returned a negative result. **Iran Drone Bombing Leaves Dead and Wounded ** An Iranian drone bombing campaign targeting the bases of an Iranian-Kurdish opposition group in northern Iraq has killed at least nine people and wounded 32 others. The Kurdish Regional Government's Health Ministry said the strikes Wednesday came as demonstrations continued to engulf (吞噬) the Islamic Republic after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman who was detained by the Iranian morality police. Local officials say Iran's attacks targeted Koya, some 65 kilometers east of Irbil. Iraq's Foreign Ministry and the Kurdistan Regional Government have condemned the strikes. Hurricane Ian Makes Landfall in Florida Florida's governor Ron De Santis is warning that "nasty" days are ahead as Hurricane Ian makes landfall in the US state. Forecasters said cities at the heart of the storm were facing extremely (極其) dangerous winds and rains, as officials warned it was too late to evacuate in some places. Our US correspondent Kate Fisher reports That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening down Premier Expresses Condolences to Families of Coronavirus Victims Tourism Bureau Could Issue Subsidies to Quarantine Hotels Ukraine's president: No talks with Putin if its land annexed Hurricane Ian knocked out power across all of Cuba -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Weekly Coronavirus Infections Decline by 3% New Taipei Seeking Gold Label Designation for Marathon Security tightens in Tokyo NASA's DART mission successfully slams into an asteroid -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Third Batch of Moderna Next-Gen Vaccine Arrives in Taiwan Government Thanks Marcos for Cross-Strait Peace Appeal AI Educational Center in New Taipei Italian far-right leader strikes moderate tone after vote US Box office reports -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taipei MRT Wenhu Line glitches CWB Warning Two Tropical Depressions Could Develop into Tropical Storms *Pompeo to Make Second Trip to Taiwan Next Week Mexico proposed that India and the Vatican lead dialogue to seek a peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine US and S. Korea Joint Military Drills -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Novavax Coronavirus Vaccine Shipment Arrives FSC Touts Banks Growing Bilingual Services Putin orders partial military call-up, sparking protests Trump inflated his wealth Federer on GOAT debate in AP Interview: How can you compare? -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Magnitude 4.7 Quake Rattles South and Southeast Quake Simulation Our world is in peril': At UN, leaders push for solutions Official: Canada likely to drop vaccine requirement to enter United Airlines grounds 25 planes after missed inspections -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

CECC Forecasting Latest Coronavirus Wave to Peak Next Week Number of People Injured in Weekend Earthquakes Rises to 164 Ukraine warns of 'nuclear terrorism' after strike near plant Leaders call for action to address global education Nigeria battles worst floods in years; 300 killed in 2022 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 68-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,602 on turnover of $2.6-billion N-T. The market closed marginally higher on Thursday, after Wall Street posted modest gains overnight. **Pig Carcass Found in Kinmen Tests Positive for African Swine Fever ** The Council of Agriculture has imposed a one-week ban on the transport of pork products from Kinmen to other parts of Taiwan. The move comes after a pig carcass that washed up on the outlying island tested positive for African Swine Fever. According to the Kinmen County government, a Coast Guard patrol found the carcass of a on the shoreline near Jinning Township's Housha Village. Disease control officials collected samples from the carcass, and then burned and buried it on site. Tests of those samples by the National Institute for Animal Health showed it had been infected with African Swine Fever. Animal health officials have been inspecting pig farms located within a 3-kilometer radius of where the carcass was found, but no trace of the disease has been found. The Kinmen County government says it's not unusual to find pig carcasses among garbage that occasionally washes ashore (上岸) in Kinmen, due to its close proximity to China. **US Judge Rejects DOJ Request to View MaraLago Material ** A federal Judge has rejected the US Justice Department's request to resume reviewing classified material it seized from former president Donald Trump's Mar a Lago home. The Florida court also appointed a neutral (中立) third party suggested by Trump's legal team to oversee the process. US correspondent Ira Spitzer has more. **Haiti Investigates Police Killings ** Haiti's National Police says it is investigating the recent slaying of three officers that it blames on gang members. The agency says a gang called ``Ti Makak,'', killed the officers Tuesday in Laboule, a largely gated community just south of Port-au-Prince. The area is also the site of recent turf wars (地盤爭奪) between gangs that have led to other killings in the area, including two journalists in January and a former senator who worked for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor in August. Police said Wednesday that they had opened an investigation into the killings of the officers. **Mexico Gov: Train Poses No Threat ot Skeleton ** Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History says a prehistoric human skeleton found recently in a flooded cave system along the country's Caribbean coast was actually registered by the institute in 2019 and will not be threatened by a nearby tourist train project. Earlier this week, archaeologist Octavio del Rio said he and fellow diver Peter Broger saw the shattered skull and skeleton partly covered by sediment (沉積物) in a cave. They reported it to the institute, which had not publicly spoken of the find until its statement Thursday. The institute says that scientific analysis has still not been carried out on the remains, but that it is 400 meters from the path of the government's Maya Train project and not threatened. 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 11.3-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,647 on turnover of $2.5-billion N-T. The market lost over 230-points on Wednesday as investors reacted to disappointing inflation data from the U-S that sent the Dow Jones plunging by nearly 1,300 points on Wall Street overnight. Large cap tech stocks, in particular those in the semiconductor industry, led the decline on the main board, amid expectations the U-S Federal Reserve will adopt (採納) a more aggressive approach on interest rates as it takes steps to fight inflation. **US Senate Committee Passes Taiwan Policy Act ** The U-S Senate Foreign Relations Committee has passed the Taiwan Policy Act. Lawmakers voted to pass the bill after about 2-hours of discussions. The bill is aimed at increasing America's support for Taiwan, both militarily and economically, and it was introduced in June by Senates Bob Menendez and Lindsey Graham. Speaking after lawmakers voted, Menendez said there were only minor changes to the approved version and those changes were mainly symbolic (象徵性的). And he's stressing that the substance of Taiwan Policy Act remains unchanged. **CECC Approves Guidelines for Overseas Tour Groups ** The Central Epidemic Command Center says it has approved a series of guidelines for travel agencies organizing overseas tours. The statement comes after local media reported that that operating guidelines have been finalized, despite the continuing ban on organizing tour groups for overseas travel. The guidelines will not be implemented until the current domestic coronavirus outbreak has peaked and the ban on group overseas travel will only be lifted in full accordance with the government's border re-opening plan. According to center head, Victor Wang, the guidelines for overseas tour groups have been approved "in preparation" for future policy changes, which will be implemented (實施的) at later dates. **SKorea Arrests Woman Wanted in NZ ** Authorities say a woman has been arrested in South Korea on two murder charges from New Zealand, where the bodies of two long-dead children were found in abandoned (遺棄) suitcases. Authorities didn't immediately say if the 42-year-old suspect was the victims' mother. New Zealand police earlier told their South Korean counterparts that the mother might be in South Korea. South Korean police said they detained the woman after New Zealand requested her extradition. A court will now review whether she should be extradited. The bodies were discovered last month after a New Zealand family bought abandoned goods from a storage unit. Police said the children were between 5 and 10 years old and the suitcases had been in storage at least three or four years. **Macau Begins Negotiations for Casino Licenses ** The government in Macau is beginning negotiations with casino operators for new licenses in the world’s biggest gambling hub. But analysts say the process is facing unprecedented (史無前例) complications due to China’s strict COVID-19 restrictions. Richard Kimber reports from Hong Kong. **Czech Gov Unveils Plan to Help Businesses with Energy Costs ** The Czech government has unveiled a plan to help businesses cope with surging energy costs. Prime Minister Petr Fiala says the government is ready to use up to $1.2 billion US dollars for the program, which mainly aims to assist (幫助) larger firms with a high consumption of electricity or gas. The government already announced another plan to cap to cap electricity and gas prices for households, small businesses and the public sector. 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 199-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,695 on turnover of 3.3-billion N-T. This morning's decline comes after renewed (重新開始的) inflation fears in the U-S triggered the biggest selloff on Wall Street in two years overnight. The Tai-Ex extended gains from the previous session on Tuesday, but turnover remained thin and the main board also met with stiff technical resistance ahead of the 15,000-point mark. **US Senate Committee Expected to Pass Taiwan Defense Bill ** The U-S Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to pass Taiwan Policy Act of 2022 early tomorrow morning Taiwan time. The bill is aimed at increasing America's support for Taiwan and was introduced in June by Senates Bob Menendez and Lindsey Graham. The bill promotes the renaming of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington to the "Taiwan Representative Office" and requires the appointment of the director of the American Institute in Taiwan to be subject to (以……為條件的) the approval of the Senate. It also calls for the "negotiating" of a bilateral free trade agreement with Taiwan and the use of a Foreign Military Financing Program and other measures "to accelerate the modernization of Taiwan's defense capabilities." **Japan to Relax Entry Rules for ROC Passport Holders Today ** Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that R-O-C passport holders living in Taiwan will be able to apply online for visas to travel there on business or for family visits or group travel from today. Under the new rules, Taiwanese nationals will need a Japanese organization, such as a company, school or a private group, to register their personal information and vouch for them in Japan's Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System. After receiving a "certificate of completion" for registration, people will be able to use the Japan eVisa website to complete the rest of their visa application. The application can be processed (處理) in around five working days. **Queen Elizabeth Arrives at Buckingham ** The body of Queen Elizabeth II has arrived at Buckingham palace where thousands of people had gathered (聚集) in the rain to watch the arrival of the UK's longest serving monarch, who died last week at the age of 96. She will remain at the palace overnight Tuesday before moving to Westminster Abbey on Wednesday, where she will lie in state for four days ahead of her funeral on Monday. Olly Barratt is at Windsor castle… **Canada Makes Queen Funeral Day Holiday ** Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Sept. 19 will be a holiday so that federal employees can mourn Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral. Trudeau also said he's working with the provinces on a possible public holiday for other workers but Canada's two most populous provinces declined (拒絕) to make it a holiday. The late queen was the head of state for 45% of Canada's existence and visited the country 22 times as monarch. 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 88-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,895 on turnover of 2.9-billion N-T. The market gained more than 200 points on Monday as investor sentiment (情緒) improved on the back of gains on Wall Street at the end of last week. Those gains were led by large cap tech stocks, in particular semiconductor heavyweights, which moved higher amid eased investor concerns over another rate hike by the U-S Federal Reserve later this month. **Economics Minister Pledges 2.5GW of New Solar Power Capacity ** Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua says the government will add 2.5-gigawatts of solar power generation capacity (容量) this year. If the government managed to achieve that goal, it will be the most installed in a single year. According to Wang, a total of 1.1-gigawatts of solar capacity was installed in the first seven months of this year and it's hoped that 1.4-gigawatts can be installed in the final five months of the year. Wang says adding new solar power capacity of 2.5-gigawatts this year would top the previous annual high of 1.883-gigawatts in 2021 Data shows that solar power accounted for 2.7-per cent of all electricity produced here in Taiwan in 2021 and 3.3-per cent of all power produced in the first seven months of this year. **Number of Furloughed Workers Falls ** The Ministry of Labor says the number of furloughed workers fell by 3,020 last week on the back of a tentative (暫定的) recovery in domestic tourism. According to the ministry, figures show that the number of workers placed on furlough programs stood at 16,872 as of Wednesday of last week and that was down from the 19,892 from the previous week. While the number of companies implementing (實施) unpaid leave programs fell to 2,605 from 2,990 during the same period. The decline is being attributed to a slight recovery in domestic tourism, due to the summer vacation, and the easing of concerns over the coronavirus situation. **Kremlin Faces Questions Amid Ukraine Offensive ** The Kremlin, facing mounting questions about the country's invasion of Ukraine, has sidestepped questions about whether Vladimir Putin has confidence in his defense minister. Russian officials now say their forces are outnumbered 8 to 1 by the Ukrainian army in some parts of the country and are conceding (承認) that they have lost territory they previously seized there. In Moscow, there's been growing criticism of the Russian army's performance in Ukraine on state television, and questions raised about Vladimir Putin's decision to invade. Julia Chapman has more from Kyiv. **ExAfghan Parliament Member Calls on UN to Push for Women's Rights ** A former member of Afghanistan's parliament is urging the world to label the Taliban a ``gender apartheid'' regime because of its crackdown on human right. Naheed Farid, a women's rights activist who was the youngest-ever politician elected to parliament in 2010, told a U.N. news conference Monday that as a result of severe (苛刻的) restrictions on women's rights, she is hearing more stories of Afghan women choosing to take their life out of hopelessness and despair. She expressed hope that world leaders meeting next week for their annual gathering at the U.N. General Assembly would make time to meet and listen to Afghan women living in exile. Farid accused the Taliban of using women as a ``bargaining chip'' to demand legitimacy, funds, and aid from the international community. 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 127-points this morning from last Thursday's close, at 14,711 on turnover of 3.5-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Thursday ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday three-day weekend - closing up 173-points as investor optimism got a boost from a rally on Wall Street, as it was on track to break a three-week losing streak. **Typhoon Muifa 10AM ** The Central Weather Bureau says the periphery of Typhoon Muifa will bring heavy rain to the north and center today, as its passes the island. New Taipei and Taoyuan could see "extremely heavy rain," while "heavy rainfall" is expected in Taipei, Taichung, Keelung, Yilan, Hsinchu County, Miaoli, and Nantou. The weather bureau says the storm is not forecast to make landfall here and will be closest to the island today and tomorrow. Muifa is currently located some 300-kilometers south-southeast of Taipei and is moving in a northerly direction at 7-kilometers-an-hour. Muifa is forecast to have moved away from Taiwan tomorrow evening at the earliest, as it moves into the East China Sea to threaten (威脅) the Shanghai area. **Tsai Lauds U18 Women's Basketball Team ** President Tsai-Ing-wen is lauding the performance of Taiwan's Under 18 women's basketball team for its performance at the Asian Youth Women's Basketball Tournament in India. Writing on her Facebook page, Tsai described the team's performance as "brilliant (傑出的)" -- saying although they failed to beat Australia and Japan, she believes the squad will do better next year at the under 19 Youth Women's World Cup next year. Tsai went on to say the team is the "pride of Taiwan." Taiwan finished second in Group B with a 2-1 record, and beat New Zealand 77-67 in the semifinal match. However, they lost 70-61 to Australia in the semi-final. **US Marks 9/11 ** Events are taking place across the United States marking the 21st anniversary of the attack on 9/11. William Denselow has more from New York. **Mexico Fireworks Explosion Leaves Dead and Injured ** One person is dead and 39 are injured after a stray fireworks explosion at a town festival just west of Mexico City. The township of Tianguistenco said Sunday the blast occurred late Saturday during an annual village celebration. The municipal government said at least five people were in serious condition, and seven others were still hospitalized. The remaining 27 people injured in the blast were treated (治療) and released. **Sweden Election Votes Counting ** An exit poll projected that Sweden's ruling left-wing Social Democrats have won the most votes in a general election while a right-wing populist party had its best showing yet. The exit poll published by Swedish public broadcaster SVT projected (預計) that the left had a slight edge over the right, with 176 seats to 173. The center-left Social Democrats are Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson's party. There are eight parties running to win seats in Sweden's 349-seat parliament. The final outcome will only be known once votes are counted. 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. **E*Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 37-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,447 on turnover of 3-billion N-T. The market tumbled on Wednesday, losing more then 260-points, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing came under heavy pressure amid speculation that its major clients have cut chip orders. T-S-M-C's losses contributed to about 135-points alone to the decline on the main board. **Another Delegations of US Lawmakers Arrives in Taiwan ** A delegation of U-S lawmakers has arrived in Taiwan on a previously unannounced trip and is meeting with senior government officials today - including President Tsai Ing-wen. The eight-member delegation is being led by Representative Stephanie Murphy, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee. According to the American Institute in Taiwan, the delegation will be staying in Taiwan until tomorrow as part of a larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region. A-I-T says delegation will be discussing "US-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, global supply chains and other significant issues of mutual (相互的) interest." It is the seventh U-S congressional delegation to have visited Taiwan so far this year. **Death Penalty Sought in Police Murder Case ** The Tainan District Prosecutors' Office says it is seeking the death penalty for a man charged with the killing of two police officers last month. According the prosecutors' office, it has charged Lin Hsin-wu with aggregate larceny, murder, robbery, and illegal use of firearms and knife. Prosecutors says Lin showed no sympathy for the two police officers he had stabbed, but instead chose to steal a firearm and two magazines of bullets from one of them, before walking away and leaving them to die. Office spokesman Hsu Chia-long says Lin admitted the he was aware (知道的) he had killed the police officers during questioning. Justice Minister Tsai Qing-xiang is voicing his support for the prosecutors' decision to seek the death penalty. **SKorea Proposes Restarting Family Reunions ** South Korea has proposed a meeting with North Korea to resume reunions of families separated by war. Seoul's unification minister said Thursday that South Korea hopes that responsible officials of the two Koreas will meet in person as soon as possible for a candid (坦率) discussion. It's unclear if North Korea would accept the offer because it has already rejected the new South Korean government's offer to provide massive aid in return for denuclearization. The two Koreas ban millions of people separated since the 1950-53 Korean War from visiting each other. Reunions were last allowed in 2018. **Canadian Stabbing Suspect Arrested ** After a 4 day manhunt, Canadian police have arrested the suspect in a series of (一系列) knife attacks over the weekend that left ten people dead. Most of the victims belonged to an indigenous community. North American correspondent Ira Spitzer has more **Philippines Ends Outdoor Mask Mandate ** Philippine officials say President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a recommendation (擬議) to end the mandatory wearing of masks outdoors across the country. The interior secretary says Philippines and Myanmar are the last countries in Southeast Asia to ease the compulsory wearing of masks outdoors, though he encouraged the elderly and those with other illnesses to continue masking up in public areas. The Philippines imposed one of the longest lockdowns in the world, which caused its worst economic recession in decades and deepened poverty, hunger and unemployment. 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 119-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14, 557 on turnover of 2.1-billion N-T. The market closed marginally higher on Tuesday despite lingering investor concerns over increased fund outflows and a hawkish U-S Federal Reserve continuing to affect market sentiment. The market breached the five-day moving average of 14,778-points early in the session, but quickly leveled off as investors sought to lock in gains. **MOFA Calls on Countries to Support UN Inclusion ** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the government will again be calling on Taiwan's diplomatic allies and like-minded countries to voice their support for the island's inclusion (被包括) in the United Nations system. The statement comes as the annual U-N General Assembly is set to begin next week in New York. Foreign ministry Secretary-General Lily Hsu says her office is asking 'friendly nations' to speak up during the upcoming General Assembly and send a letter to U-N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Hsu says delegation of lawmakers will visit New York to advocate for Taiwan's U-N, while Taiwan's representative office in New York will be holding a series of events promoting inclusion in the U-N system. **Police Detain Suspect in Dismemberment Case ** Police in New Taipei have detained a suspect wanted in connection with the dismemberment of a man, whose torso (軀幹) and left foot were found in an apartment in the city's Yonghe District. According to the police, the suspect has confessed to killing his 54-year-old brother on September 1 after being repeatedly asked to lend him money. Law enforcement authorities say they believe the suspect stabbed his brother to death in his sleep, before dismembering him and later dumping his limbs and head into a garbage truck. The suspect is expected to be charged with homicide, tampering with and the illegal disposal of a dead body. **UN Security Council Meets to Discuss Zaporizhzhia Concerns ** The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said recent attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine are unacceptable (不可接受). William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York. **Australia Navy Given Clearance to Visit Solomon Islands ** Australia says its navy ships have been given clearance to resume visits to the Solomon Islands, which had last week announced a temporary block on all military vessels during a review of its approval processes. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that military ships from New Zealand and Fiji would also be allowed to visit the South Pacific nation. But that means military ships from the U.S., Britain and other countries still won't be able to dock (停靠) at a time that many nations are concerned about the Solomon Islands increasing security ties to China. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 44-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,705 on turnover of 1.5-billion N-T. The market closed marginally lower on Monday, as it entered consolidation (合併) mode on the back of lingering investor concerns over a pending rate hike by the U-S Federal Reserve. And although the main board failed to rebound after it came off a high, large-cap semiconductor stocks showed resilience, preventing the market from falling further. **ACIP Approves Updated Moderna Vaccine as Booster ** The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved the use of Moderna's second-generation coronavirus vaccine as a booster shot for recipients at high risk of infection or severe disease. The updated vaccine targets both the original virus from 2020 and the Omicron BA.1 subvariant. According to committee convener (召集人) Lee Bing-ing, experts have agreed to recommend the vaccine for use as a booster for two types of "vulnerable groups." Those "vulnerable groups" are people aged 65 and abov, adults aged 18 and above with compromised immune systems and for use among people at high risk of infection, such as front-line medical workers and airport and port employees. **CTiTV to Sue Robert Tsao, as UMC Threatens Counter Suit ** Chung Tien Television has filed a defamation lawsuit against United Microelectronics founder Robert Tsao. The lawsuit seeks 500-million N-T in damages and comes after Tsao referred to the media group last week as a "bandit station" during a press conference. Tsao was asked by a Chung Tien reporter whether his description of China's zero-coronavirus policy as "extremely stupid" also applied to Taiwan's former Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, who had maintained a similar policy for much of the pandemic. Tsao dismissed that question as a "trap" and went on to describe Chung Tien as "bandit station" and refused to answer anymore questions from the reporter. Tsao says he plans to countersue (反訴) Chung Tien for 5-billion N-T for making false accusations against him. **Canadian Police Continue Hunt for Other Stabbing Suspect ** Police in Canada say 31-year-old Damien Sanderson, one of the suspects wanted in connection with a series of stabbings in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, has been found dead and that the wounds did not seem to be self-inflicted. Police say they are still hunting for his brother 30-year-old Myles Sanderson who may have sustained (承受、受到) injuries. Here's Rhonda Blackmore, commanding officer of the Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ten people were stabbed to death on Sunday and 18 others were injured in what's being described as one of Canada's deadliest attacks. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his condolences yesterday. Authorities have said some of the victims were targeted and others appeared to have been chosen at random on the James Smith Cree Nation and in the town of Weldon in Saskatchewan province. They have given no motive for the crimes. **Venezuela Drug Bust ** The armed forces of Venezuela have carried out what authorities say is the largest marijuana bust of the last 10 years in the South American country. Officials say members of the armed forces intercepted (截獲) a vessel carrying more than 2-thousand-800 kilos of marijuana, as well as almost 8 kilograms of cocaine, and extra motors. They say the vessel had departed Colombia and was en route to the island of Martinique. Twelve men traveling on the boat were arrested. Hernandez says all are Venezuelans. 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 2.9-points this morning from Friday's close, at 14,670 on turnover of $2.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan extended (延長) their weakness from a session earlier to fall more than 120 points Friday as market sentiment was hurt by lingering concerns over the potential for ongoing interest rate hikes in the United States. The bellwether electronics sector led the downturn, with the sell-off focusing on large cap semiconductor stocks, while shipping stocks also came under pressure to push the broader market down further. **Taipei mayor candidate slammed for tone deaf public toilet policy ad ** A campaign video to promote DPP Taipei mayor candidate Chen Shih-chung's plan to upgrade the city's public toilets sparked controversy was blasted (批評) by critics for making light of sexual harassment. The video, released on Saturday, features internet celebrity Si-cha-mao using a public toilet and discovering that there is no toilet paper, and shows Chen peeking over the stall and lowering an electronic bidet toilet seat down on a string. The video is drawing criticism from some, including rival candidates. KMT nominee Jiang Wan-an called on Chen to apologize for the video, which he said violated the "basic concept" of opposing sexual harassment and voyeurism. Vivian Huang, running for Taipei Mayor's office as an independent took aim at the content of Chen's policy, which she criticized as "(overly) luxurious and unpractical." **US Mississippi Still Lacks Clean Water ** The US's Federal Emergency Management Agency says it's too early to say when clean water will be restored Jackson, Mississippi. Last week flood waters damaged the city's water treatment plant. As our US correspondent Jagruti Dave 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 11-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,790 on turnover of $2.6-billion N-T. Taiwan's benchmark stock index plunged 1.94 percent to close below 15,000 points on Thursday after U.S. stocks finished lower overnight for a fourth straight session. The sell-off took a toll on the bellwether electronics sector, which led the broader market down, losing 2.35 percent. Contract chipmaker TSMC, the most heavily weighted stock on the local market, led the market downturn, falling 2.87 percent to close at its lowest in nearly one month. Analysts say the decline reflects recent hawkish (鷹派的) comments by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell who reiterated the American central bank's commitment to contain inflation by tightening the economy. **Typhoon Hinnamnor Weakens After Sea Warning (10AM Update) ** The CWB says Typhoon Hinnamnor has weakened, after the bureau issued a sea warning earlier this morning. The Central Weather Bureau says the storm is currently located 470-km east of Eluanbi, moving north-northwest at a speed of 6 to 11-km per hour. Hinnamnor currently has a radius of 250-km, and forecasters say the storm may increase in size. The bureau says if the storm veers (轉向) westward in its path, a land warning may still be issued, but much depends on the the size of the typhoon at that time. The CWB has also issued an extremely heavy rain advisory for the northern cities of Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, as well as Hsinchu County. And a heavy rain advisory has been issued for Keelung City, Yilan County and Miaoli County. The advisories are expected to remain in effect through tonight. **Golden Horse Awards winners named lifetime achievement awards recipients ** **Return to **Table of contents Filmmakers Lai Cheng-ying and Chang Chao-tang will be honored with lifetime achievement awards at the 59th Golden Horse Awards. The award's Executive Committee made the announcement yesterday, for the event scheduled for Nov. 19-th. Both filmmakers are masters of their craft with a total of five Golden Horse Awards combined. The 92-year-old Lai, 92, is one of the pioneers helping Taiwan's movie industry transition (轉變) into shooting in color after being sent to Japan to learn color filming techniques. He won three Golden Horse Awards for Best Cinematography. And 78-year-old Chang Chao-tang transitioned from film cinematography to documentary filmmaking and videography education, influencing the likes of Australian-born Hong Kong cinematographer Christopher Doyle and Taiwanese directors Chung Mong-hong and Huang Hsin-yao. He is also the one of the founders of the biennial Taiwan International Documentary Festival . **US Capitol Riot ** The House panel investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection (暴亂) is seeking information from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich about his communications with senior advisers to then-President Trump in the days leading up to the 2021 attack on the Capitol. AP correspondent Ben Thomas reports. **Peru Investigates Transgender Man's Death ** Prosecutors in Peru have opened an investigation into the death of a Peruvian transgender man who died this month after being detained on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali. Peru's Public Ministry said Wednesday that the probe by prosecutors who specialize in (專門從事) human rights will include an autopsy on Rodrigo Ventocilla. That has been demanded by LGBTQ activists amid allegations by the man's family that he was tortured by Indonesian police. Authorities in Indonesia deny those claims, saying Ventocilla was not abused or mistreated. They say he died in a hospital Aug. 11 after complaining of stomach pains and showing signs of depression while in detention. 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 114-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,981 on turnover of $4.3-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan moved higher to end above the 15,000-point mark Wednesday as the electronics sector recouped early losses, helping the broader market climb out of its previous doldrums (低迷). Turnover remained thin, however, as investors remained cautious amid lingering concerns over possible volatility among tech stocks in the U.S., which could be affected by expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. **Typhoon Hinnamnor (Update 10AM) ** The CWB Taiwan will see more significant impact from Typhoon Hinnamnor tomorrow and Saturday, when the storm will likely be closest to the island. The Central Weather Bureau says as of 2am, the storm was located about 520-km east of Taipei and is moving in a southwesterly direction at a speed of 27-km-per-hr. A strong wind advisory is up for most regions across Taiwan's coastal regions in the north, west and east, due to the influence of the typhoon's outer periphery (周邊). Forecasters say a sea warning may come tomorrow morning, but the bureau is still monitoring the path of the storm before determining whether a land warning should be issued as well. **Taiwan Expo in Thailand focuses on environmental sustainability ** Taiwanese and Thai officials are touting (宣傳，讚揚) the potential for greater collaboration between the two countries on the manufacture of electric vehicles and the creation of a "green" economy, during the opening of the annual Taiwan Expo. The expo is being held in a hybrid format, with the physical site located at Siam Paragon shopping mall in Bangkok. This year's Taiwan Expo featured "smart" medical services and manufacturing, low-carbon economy, domestic demand and consumption, and culture and tourism, at the 11 pavilions set up at Siam Paragon shopping mall. The deputy executive director of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office expressed hopes that the expo will open up new possibilities for cooperation between the two sides in the fields of science, industrial development, and environmental sustainability. **UN Report: Uighur Torture Claims "Credible" ** The United Nations long awaited report into allegations of human rights violations against the Uighur Muslim population in China's northern Xinjiang region has been released. In it the United Nations says the claims of torture are "credible" (可信的). William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York. < [CLIP] Slug: > **SKorea Conducts Survey for BTS Miltiary Service Exemption ** South Korea may conduct a public survey to help determine whether to grant exemptions to mandatory military service to members of the K-pop boyband BTS. The defense minister told lawmakers he ordered officials to implement (實施) a survey quickly. He said his ministry will also look into various other factors such as BTS's economic impact, the importance of military service and the overall national interest. By law, all able-bodied men in South Korea must serve 18-21 months in the military. But exemptions are granted to certain athletes, musicians and artists. BTS' oldest member, Jin, faces enlistment in December, when he turns 30. **OUTRO ** 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. **Taiwan, Palau sign MOUs on joint criminal investigation and forensics ** Taiwan and Palau have signed memorandums of understanding to provide mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and forensic assistance between the two countries. The MOUs were signed virtually by Justice Minister Tsai Ching-hsiang and Palauan Vice President and Minister of Justice J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, who is in quarantine after arriving in Taiwan on Saturday on a five-day visit. This marks the first time Taiwan has signed an MOU on mutual forensic assistance with another country. Tsai says the MOU will allow Taiwan to send medical examiners to Palau at the request of the latter to perform autopsies and forensics as well as train medical examiners. **Woman Dies After Being Struck by Train ** A woman has died after being struck by an out-of-service train in New Taipei. Police say the 72-year-old woman was grazed by a Taiwan Railways Administration train as it was traveling on an elevated part of the track just past midnight. They say the woman was found without vital signs, lying next to the tracks with broken bones in her hands and feet. Officials are looking into the cause of the incident. (NS) **Gorbachev Dead at 91 ** Mikhail Gorbachev, the 8th and last leader of the Soviet Union has died in Moscow at the age of 91. Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks was based in Moscow in the 1990s and interviewed Gorbachev after he left power. **UN Official Warns of Libya Chaos ** The U.N. political chief is warning that failure to resolve Libya's political crisis and hold delayed elections poses a growing threat in the country. Rosemary DiCarlo pointed to violent clashes Saturday that killed at least 42 people and injured 159 others according to Libyan authorities. She told the U.N. Security Council Tuesday that the clashes between armed groups supporting rival claimants to be prime minister involved the indiscriminate use of medium and heavy weapons. DiCarlo says the violence also displaced 50 families, significantly damaged five health facilities, and affected two detention centers for migrants and refugees, involving a total of 560 people. Libya has plunged into chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The oil-rich county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments **OUTRO ** 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 6.5-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,920 on turnover of $2.3-billion N-T. **Taiwan receives shipment of 600,000 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines ** The Central Epidemic Command Center says Taiwan took delivery of a shipment of over 600-thousand doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine yesterday. The shipment will be prioritized for use as booster shots for children aged 12 to 17. CECC head Victor Wang says the 602,550 Pfizer-BioNTech doses arrived at Taoyuan International Airport on Monday morning, and were transferred to a cold chain logistics center to undergo inspection. Wang said the new batch of vaccines expires (到期) on March 21, 2023, and will be used primarily as booster shots for children aged 12-17, many of whom received first and second shots of the same brand in the second half of 2021. **Pakistan Flooding Causes Widespread Death and Damage ** Disaster officials say nearly a half million people in Pakistan are crowded into camps after losing their homes in widespread flooding caused by unprecedented (史無前例的) monsoon rains in recent weeks. Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said floods this summer have killed more than 1,136 people and injured 1,636 as well as damaging 1 million homes. At least 498,000 people in the country are in relief camps after being displaced, and many more displaced are believed to be living with relatives, friends or outside. The country's climate minister tells The Associated Press that new monsoons were expected in September. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday said the rains so far have been the heaviest Pakistan has seen in three decades. He says the government would provide housing to all those who lost their homes. **Dutch Soldier Dead After US Shooting ** One of three Dutch soldiers shot in the US city of Indianapolis over the weekend has died. The Dutch Defense Ministry said the two other commandos (突擊隊員) are conscious and remain stable in hospital. US correspondent Kate Fisher reports **Greek Lawmakers Vote to Investigate Wiretaps ** Greek lawmakers have voted for a parliamentary investigation into the surveillance by the country's secret service of an opposition party leader's phone. On Monday, 142 lawmakers voted for the parliamentary investigation, easily exceeding (超過) the 120-vote threshold needed. The scandal broke after revelations that Nikos Androulakis, a European Parliament member, was put under surveillance for three months last year. At the time he was running for his party's leadership, which he subsequently won. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has denied any prior knowledge of the surveillance, which he said was wrong, and pledged to overhaul the EYP secret service. 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. **Three Taiwanese from Myanmar Human Trafficking Ring Arrested ** The Criminal Investigation Bureau says three people have been detained on connection with a human trafficking ring in Myanmar. The three were allegedly involved in organ harvesting and sex trafficking. They were arrested after it was confirmed they were fugitives and are likely members of a telecom extortion ring in Myanmar. The three Taiwanese nationals were detained after they returned home from Myanmar this past weekend. One of them was on Taiwan's most wanted list for forgery (偽造罪) and currency counterfeiting, but police have not indicated that that individual was involved in human trafficking operations. **KMT Vice Chair Touts China Trip as 'Helping Taiwanese People' ** K-M-T Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia says his recently concluded 17-day trip to China was aimed at looking after the needs of Taiwanese people based in the country. Speaking after returning to Taiwan, Hsia said used his meetings with Chinese officials to convey (表達) concerns over Beijing's recent military drills in areas surrounding Taiwan. According to Hsia, he told Chinese officials that the military exercises were of no help to peaceful development, and that the vast majority of people in Taiwan were uneasy, worried, and dissatisfied with the drills. Hsia says he also exchanged views with them on job scams in Cambodia, cross-strait flights, the reopening of the "mini-three links" and rumors of the termination of the ECFA accords "early harvest" list. **Army Fires Warning Flares at Chinese Drone in Kinmen ** The army says it has fired warning flares after a Chinese drone after it was spotted over a small island in Kinmen County. According to the Kinmen Defense Command, a civilian-operated drone from China appeared over Lieyu Township and troops responded by firing warning flares based on standard operating procedures. Defense officials say troops refrained from takiing more aggressive (挑釁的) measures, such as shooting the drone down, in order to avoid further escalating cross-strait tensions. A clip of the drone's flight was posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo and shows it flying close to and filming a military lookout post, including its facilities and soldiers and ship and aircraft identification charts. The Ministry of National Defense says it is work on a defensive system against drones for installation by 2023 in Kinmen and Matsu. **Serbia opposition, rights groups condemn EuroPride decision ** In Serbia, opposition parties and international rights groups have denounced (斥責) a decision by the President to cancel next month's LGBTQ EuroPride events. President Aleksandar Vucic explained that the Balkan nation could not handle EuroPride because of a political crisis with Serbia's former breakaway province of Kosovo, and economic problems amid Russia's war in Ukraine. Most of the groups say they would ignore the ban announced Saturday by Vucic and go ahead with the September 12-18 events scheduled in Belgrade. **NASA moon rocket on track for launch despite lightning hits ** NASA's new moon rocket is expected to launch later today, despite a series of lightning strikes at the launch pad. Officials say neither the rocket Artemis 1 nor ground equipment suffered (受到) any damage. Five lightning strikes hit the 600-foot towers surrounding the rocket at Florida's Kennedy Space Center this past weekend. The 322-foot rocket is the most powerful ever built by NASA. It plans to send an empty crew capsule into lunar orbit, 50 years after NASA's Apollo program. Astronauts could return to the moon in a few years, if this six-week test flight goes well. 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

**EZ NEWS AUGUST 26, 2022 ** **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 21-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,226 on turnover of $2.2-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex followed other regional markets and gained ground on Thursday, as investors waited for a highly anticipated speech from the U-S Federal Reserve chair about interest rates. **8 Associates of Cambodia-Based Fraud Ring Figure Arrested ** **Return to **Table of contents Law enforcement officials say eight associates of a Taiwanese national believed to be a senior figure in a Cambodia-based fraud ring have been detained. According to the Kaohsiung Criminal Investigation Corps, the eight were working for a Taiwanese national who has been identified as the head of a telecoms fraud ring operating out of Phnom Bokor in southern Cambodia. Corps head Hong Sung-tien says the man reportedly instructed his associates here in Taiwan to find people to work for the ring, offering a reward of 3,000 U-S per person sent to Cambodia. The eight detained suspects are known to have conned at least six individuals in Taiwan to travel to the Cambodia on the promise of fake jobs. Police say those six victims paid a ransom (贖金) of 20,000 U-S dollars each to secure their release and have since returned to Taiwan. Officials say an investigation into this case is ongoing and authorities here in Taiwan are seeking the arrest of more suspects in Cambodia. **CWB: Overcast Skies with Sudden Showers and Gusts ** **Return to **Table of contents Forecasters say rainfall will be more limited today, after torrential downpours and thundershowers yesterday afternoon. The Central Weather Bureau says most parts of the island are seeing overcast to clear skies today, as the amount of moisture in the air tapers off (逐漸停止). But mountainous regions and low-lying areas nearby may still see sudden rainfall accompanied by thunder and gusts of wind, particularly in the afternoon. The CWB is reminding people in those areas to be on the alert for rough weather. (NS) **WHO: Global Monkeypox Cases Dropping ** A World Health Organization report says the number of monkeypox cases reported globally dropped by 21% in the last week, reversing a month-long trend (trend) of rising infections. AP correspondent Zerya Shakely reports. **NKorea: Border Fever Cases Not Coronavirus ** North Korea says the latest fever cases detected in its border region with China were tested to be influenza, not coronavirus infections as initially feared. The report today by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency came a day after the North said it locked down unspecified areas in Ryanggang province after four people had fevers that were suspected to be COVID-19. North Korea maintains there have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in the country since Aug. 10, when leader Kim Jong Un declared a widely disputed victory over the virus, just three months after the country acknowledged (承認) an omicron outbreak. **Latvia Brings Down SovietEra Monument ** Latvia has taken down the centerpiece of a Soviet-era monument in the capital of Riga. The nearly 80-meter high concrete obelisk topped by Soviet stars commemorated (紀念) the Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany. Latvian media broadcast its removal live on Thursday. The monument was built in 1985 while Latvia was still part of the Soviet Union. It had stirred controversy since Latvia regained independence in 1991. Lawmakers voted in May to take it down after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. **OUTRO ** 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 36-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,105 on turnover of 1.7-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex closed slightly lower on Wednesday after initial gains were wiped out (去除; 消滅) on the back of lingering investor concerns about the U-S Federal Reserve's hawkish outlook on inflation and interest rate hikes. The bellwether electronics sector gave up early gains amid fears over further volatility in tech stocks on Wall Street, which prompted investors to lock in profits, or move funds to the biotech and select old economy sectors towards the end of the trading day. **CECC Expects Omicron Subvariant-Induced Outbreak to Peak Earlier ** The Central Epidemic Commander Center is forecasting that new coronavirus cases induced by the Omicron BA. 5 subvariant are expected to peak (達到高峰) in mid or late September. That's some 10 days earlier than had previously been forecast. Epidemic commander center head Victor Wang says Taiwan is continuing to see an upward trend in infections, with Wednesday's daily cases increasing by 15.1-per cent compared with last week. According to Wang, the increase in case numbers is an indication that a peak is close and the number of new infections could start to break 30,000 per day from early next week. **TRLU Drops Strike Plans Amid Progress in Pay Talks ** The Taiwan Railway Labor Union says its members won't be pushing for strike action on public holidays later this year following progress in negotiations with the Taiwan Railways Administration on pay issues. The union had been threatening (威脅) to call a strike on the Mid-Autumn Festival in September and Double Ten Day in October. However, union representatives say it members will be reporting for work on both days after the railways administration agreed to raise the minimum monthly salary for railway employees to 30,000 N-T. The pay raise affects 1,300 employees and was one of the key issues the union hoped would be addressed before it is turned into a state-run corporation in 2024. **US WH Announces Student Debt Relief ** US President Joe Biden has forgiven a part of student debt (學生貸款) for most borrowers in the United States. Caroline Malone reports from Washington. **WHO: COVID19 Deaths Worldwide Falling ** The World Health Organization says the number of coronavirus deaths reported worldwide has fallen by 15% in the last week while new infections dropped by 9%. In its latest weekly assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.N. health agency said there were 5.3 million new cases and more than 14,000 deaths reported last week. WHO said the number of new infections declined in every world region except the Western Pacific. It said the predominant (最普遍的) COVID-19 variant worldwide is omicron subvariant BA.5, which accounts for more than 70% of virus sequences shared with the world's biggest public viral database. 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 Yilan County Chief Charged with Corruption Lawmakers Urged to Expedite Law Relaxing Rules on Police Use of Weapons Ukraine fears stepped-up attacks around national holiday Bolsonaro welcomes emperor's heart for Brazil bicentennial -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Suspect Arrested in Connection with Police Deaths Tropical Storm Ma'On to Bring Rain to South and East Trump seeks special master to review Mar-a-Lago documents South Korean link suspected to New Zealand suitcase deaths Brazil's da Silva says Bolsonaro taking low road in campaign -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening NCC Could Change Controversial Digital Law Taoyuan International Airport Lagging Behind Other Top Asian Transit Hubs Polio Viruses Possibly Mutated from Vaccines Serbia warns it will protect Kosovo Serbs if NATO doesn't -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Ottawa "Respects" Lawmakers Plans to Visit Taiwan Southern Taiwan Reefs Facing Serious Coral Bleaching Risk NKorea Rejects SKorean Offer US Judge Denies Bail for Rushdie Attacker Brazil Environment Agency Director Removed -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening KMT Announces New Taipei and Taichung Mayors to Seek Reelection Korean Air Force Aerobatic Team to Refuel in Kaohsiung UN Investigator: Contemporary Slavery Widely Practiced US CDC Announces Shake-up Bulgaria Heroin Bust -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening NSB Head Pulls Out of NTU Amid Plagiarism Controversy Pilots Union Calls for Easing of Quarantine Rules for Flight Crews Abroad US Warning on Monkeypox Spreading to Pets Palestinian President Expresses No Regret for Munich Athletes Attack -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening US Senator Praises Taiwan for 'Restraint' Amid Beijing Coercions CECC Confirms First Domestic BA.4 Subvariant Case UN Envoy for Myanmar Visits London Airport to Extend Cap on Daily Passengers -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Pfizer-BioNTech Coronavirus Vaccine for Young Children Set to Arrive Tsai Attends Peng Ming-min Memorial Service Palestinian Gunman Wounds 8 in Jerusalem Kenya Elections Japan Economy Ekes Out Growth -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Labor Advocate Questions Migrant Worker Wage Hike UN Warning on Ukraine Nuclear Plant HK Population Sees Record Drop Mexico Raises Interbank Interest Rate -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening KMT Vice Chairman on Controversial Visit to China Ban on New Owners of Formosan Macaques Slated to Take Affect in September Iranian Operative Charged in Bolton Murder Plot NKorea Declares Victory Over COVID19 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening FDA Plans to Ban Use of Eucalyptus as Raw Material in Food Products Russia Air Base Sees Explosions HK Flights Surge Amid Quarantine Relaxation Brazil Monkey Killings Amid Monkeypox Outbreak -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Lithuania Seeking Electric Bus Cooperation with Taiwan SKorea Heavy Rains Leave Dead and Missing US Trump Says FBI Raided MaraLago Greece PM Denies Wiretap Involvement -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening China Sends 66 Warplanes and 14 Warships Around Taiwan Nanzih Technology Industrial Park Ground Broken US Senate Passes Health Tax Climate Package UK Museum to Return Benin Bronzes -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening MAC Issues China Travel Advisory in Wake of Activist Arrest Government to Raise Minimum Wage for Migrant Caregivers UN: NKorea Preparing for More Nuclear Tests -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening MOEA Allays Energy Concerns Mexico Miners Trapped in Northern Mexico US Biden Signs Order to Protect Abortion Rights WHO COVID19 Case Numbers and Deaths Stable -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Pelosi Visits LY US DOJ Sues Idaho for Abortion Laws Guatemala Arrests Alleged Migrant Smugglers Cyprus Confirms First Case of Monkeypox -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Blinken Calls on China Not to Raise Tension Amid Pelosi Taiwan Visit Chatter Taiwan Advanced to U-12 Baseball World Cup Super Round US Confirms al Qaeda Leader Killed Alibaba Responds to US Announcement of Possible Delisting -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Taiwan not Mentioned in Pelosi's Asia Itinerary Low Pressure System to Affect Taiwan from Today Beirut Grain Silo Collapses After Fire NBA Celtics Legend Bill Russel Obit -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Motorcycle Deaths Spike nearly 5% Biden Xi Hold Talks French President Welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Argentina Appoints Economic "Super Minister" -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening Police Arrest of 50 in Cross-Border Charity Scam Ukraine Hits Key Russian Bridge US Offers Prisoner Swap for Griner French President Promises Cooperation with Benin -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Four More BA.5 Subvariant Cases Reported in Shipyard Wanan Air Defense Drill Set for South this Afternoon 7.3 earthquake shakes northern Philippines, felt in capital Trump focuses on his new agenda Pope in Canada prays for healing for 'terrible' colonization -- Hosting provided by SoundOn