EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 79-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,841 on turnover of 8.2-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Wednesday after Wall Street posted more record-high closes overnight. Investors were buoyed by a strong showing by Nvidia on U-S markets overnight - which allowed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to close above the 1,000 N-T mark - as the chipmaker led the rise on the local main board and other AI-related stocks followed. MOFA Thanks US President Joe Biden for Taiwan Comments The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expressing its thanks to U-S President Joe Biden for his speech at the United Nations General Assembly - in which he stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Speaking in New York Biden reiterated America's support for stability in the Taiwan Strait, condemned military aggression (侵略) in the South China Sea and stated the U-S' commitment to deepening security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden's comments come after he hosted Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware this past weekend. The leaders voiced their opposition (反對) to any attempt to change the "status quo" in the Taiwan Strait. More Chinese Tourists Arrive in Kinmen More Chinese tourists have arrived in Kinmen. According to China's Taiwan Affairs Office, 27 of them traveled to the outlying island on Wednesday as independent tourists and more could travel there in the future. The office also called on the Lai administration to ensure the smooth flow of tourism exchanges "for the well-being of people on both sides." The arrival of the 27 Chinese Tourists in Kinmen comes after first post-COVID-19 tour group from China's Xiamen City traveled to Kinmen for a two-day trip this past Sunday. That 22-member group traveled on direct ferry via the "mini-three links" from Xiamen City. UK PM Tells Britons to Leave Lebanon UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told an estimated (估計，大約)10,000 Britons in Lebanon, "now is the time to leave," as Israel attacks Hezbollah across the country. Lebanese authorities believe well over 500 have been killed since airstrikes began on Monday. Stuart Smith reports from London. EU Set to Remove Some Protections for The European Union is moving toward backing plans to remove some of its protections for wolves on the continent as their population grows. Ambassadors of the 27 EU nations reached a qualified majority Wednesday to seek to loosen protection rules enshrined in the European Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. Farmers in many members countrieshave been increasingly angered by attacks on their livestock by wolfpacks as the animals have taken hold in woods and fields close to agricultural lands. Wolves remain a “strictly protected” species in most of Europe, but their numbers are estimated to have grown by 25% over the last decade. Under the plans the EU backs, wolves would be downgraded (降級) from “strictly protected” to “protected," allowing for more measures to keep them at bay from farmers and the population. 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 137-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,569 on turnover of 8.9-billion N-T. The market gained more than 140-points on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing recouped early losses, which helped the broader market return to positive territory by the end of the session. Other heavyweights in the old economy sector, in particular those in the transportation industry also moved higher, adding momentum (衝力、動量) to the local main board -- which pushed the index past stiff technical resistance ahead of the 60-day moving average. 2025 Government Budget Bill Stalled A legislative review of the 2025 central government budget remains stalled after opposition lawmakers demanded the Cabinet revise its spending plan. The move effectively stops any further reviews of the budget outside of the Procedure Committee. D-P-P lawmaker Shen Fa-hui is describing the move as "unprecedented"(史無前例) arguing that the main task of the new legislative session is to review and pass the budget bill. However, K-M-T lawmaker Chen Yu-ren has been quick to point out that President Lai Ching-te and Premier Cho Jung-tai employed the same procedural tactic in the D-P-P's failed move to hold up the central government budget bill when they were lawmakers in 2008. Grounded Mirage-2000s Back in Operation Defense officials say the Air Force's fleet on Mirage-2000 fighter jets has returned to normal operations. The aircraft had been grounded (（飛機）停飛) for safety checks following a crash earlier this month. The resumption of normal flight operations came after the Air Force lifted the grounding order for all of Taiwan's 50-plus Mirage-2000s following the completion of a round of safety checks in the wake of the September 10 crash. The Air Force has said that preliminary indications are that one of the crashed fighter jet's engines lost thrust before the aircraft crashed. However, a full investigation into the incident is ongoing. Military aid to Ukraine The U.S. has unveiled its latest military aid package worth about $375 million for Ukraine. This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy embarks (出發) on a visit to the United States… Sagher Meghani reports from Washington. Thailand Legalizes SameSex Marriage Thailand’s landmark marriage equality bill has been officially written into law, allowing same-sex couples to legally wed. The law was published in the Royal Gazette after endorsement by Thailand's king, and will come into effect in 120 days. This means LGBTQ+ couples will be able to register their marriage in January next year, making Thailand the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, to allow same-sex marriage. The bill, which grants full legal, financial and medical rights for marriage partners of any gender, sailed through (順利通過) both the House of Representatives and the Senate in April and June respectively. 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 22,273 on turnover of 3.2-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Monday as it extended momentum from the previous session on the back of strong momentum in the bellwether electronics sector - which continued to lead the broader market higher. However, turnover failed to register any significant expansion, with many investors opting to stay on the sidelines amid concerns of volatility on Wall Street in the lead-up to the U-S presidential election in November. US Executives Visiting to Explore Drone Tech Collaborations More than 20 executives from U-S companies that manufacture drone and anti-drone systems are visiting Taiwan this week to explore collaboration and trade opportunities. The trip has been organized by the American Institute in Taiwan and the U-S Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. According to A-I-T, the delegation includes representatives from Northrop Grumman, AEVEX Aerospace and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, among others. A-I-T says the business development mission will help foster the relationships between U-S and Taiwan companies that are needed to increase global supply chain resilience (彈性). Forest Fire Drill Alert to be Sent out in Parts of Kaohsiung Friday And, The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency is reminding residents of two Kaohsiung districts that they will receive a forest fire drill text warning on their phones this Friday. A message reading "Forest Fire Alert Drill. Please don't panic" will be delivered through the Public Warning Cell Broadcast Service between 2:30 and 3:30PM. It will be sent phone users in Tianliao and Cishan districts. According to the agency, the drill is part of the efforts to help raise awareness (提高認識) of forest fires in higher-risk areas in central and southern Taiwan, particularly during October's dry season. Japan Claims Russia Plane Violates Airspace Japan is protesting to Moscow after claiming a Russian plane violated its airspace on Monday. The incursion triggered (觸發) a Japanese Self-Defense Force jet to respond with signal flares for the first time ever. Chris Gilbert reports from Tokyo. Congo Prisoners Released Congo's minister of justice says nearly 1,700 ill inmates have been released from the country's largest prison as part of an effort to thin out Congo's overcrowded prisons. The operation took place Monday at Makala Central Prison in the capital Kinshasa. Severely ill prisoners received immediate medical care, while others were sent home on buses provided by the ministry of justice and a state-owned company. Makala prison, Congo’s largest penitentiary (監獄) with a capacity for 1,500 people, holds more than 12,000 inmates, most of whom are awaiting trial, according to information from Amnesty International. The country's minister of justice says there are plans for the construction of a new prison in Kinshasa, without giving more details. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,170 on turnover of 2.5-billion N-T. The market gained on Friday, as investors were buoyed by Wall Street's romping to record highs overnight after the U-S following the Federal Reserve's decision to make big interest rate cuts. MND Reveals FPV Drone Development Project The Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that a recent promotional video showed footage of a first-person view drone system. The statement comes after the Military News Agency released video footage of the drone system earlier this month. That footage showed soldiers using laptops and remote controls to launch small, explosive-laden drones, which detonated on striking a car and speedboat being used as targets (目標). F-P-V drones are piloted from the drone's point of view via an onboard camera, footage from which is transmitted to the pilot's monitor screen or video goggles. Investigators into Possible Foul Play in Taitung Food Poisoning Case The Taitung District Prosecutors' Office says it is considering the possibility of foul play in a food poisoning case last week that left three people dead. The statement comes after test results from the scene showed suspiciously (可疑地) high levels of pesticide in the first victim's kitchenware. According to chief prosecutor Chen Yen-qiu, authorities are looking into the source of millet and the preparation process of glutinous millet dumplings, which were discovered to contain a high level of terbufos. Terbufos is a hazardous chemical compound found in some pesticides. US Polling Shows Tight Race with Harris Increasing Lead New polling over the weekend shows US Vice President Kamala Harris has increased her lead (領先) nationally over her Republican rival Donald Trump in the Presidential election. Our Washington Correspondent Jagruti Dave has the details. Bolivia Clashes between Protesters and Supporters Bolivia’s pro-government supporters and security forces have confronted (面對) protesters loyal to former President Evo Morales in a street melee. The protesters and counterprotesters hurled firecrackers, small dynamite bombs and stones at each other across a dusty sprawl in the city of El Alto on Sunday, while riot police unleashed tear gas into the crowds. Health authorities say at least eight people were injured. The standoff erupted while thousands of Bolivians supporting Morales continued a weeklong march to the capital. Report: Rhino Population Rises Slightly, but Killings Rise A new report finds that the rhino population across the world has increased slightly but so have the killings, mostly in South Africa, as poaching fed by huge demand for rhino horns remains a top threat. Conservationists said in the report that the number of white rhinos increased by just over 1-thousand-500 from 2022, to 2023, but the black and greater one-horned rhino stayed the same. Another subspecies, the northern white rhino, is technically extinct with only two females being kept in a secure private conservancy (自然保護區,) in Kenya. With all five subspecies combined, there are just under 28-thousand rhinos left in the world, from 500,000 at the beginning of the 20th century. 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 204-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,246 on turnover of $6.6-billion N-T. The market gained more than 360 points on Thursday to close above the 22,000 point mark as investors reacted positively to moves by the U-S Federal Reserve to cut interest rates for the first time in four years. Investors rushed to pick up large-cap stocks across the board, led by the bellwether electronics sector, which managed to rebound from a wobbly (變來變去的) start to the trading day. Cabinet OKs Amendments to Halve Amusement Taxes The Cabinet has passed an amendment to the Amusement Tax Act. The move will reduce tax rates on most entertainment activities by at least half, with the exception of (除了) golf. Amusement taxes are levied on tickets sold or fees charged by amusement facilities or activities and collected by local governments. The Ministry of Finance says the amendments are aimed at assisting local governments to develop local cultural events and competitions, boost regional economic development and retain financial autonomy. EU China Pledge Increased Dialogue European Union and Chinese trade representatives have agreed to intensify (強化) efforts to resolve a dispute over electric vehicles. The EU has imposed tariffs of up to 35 percent on electric vehicle's from China accusing Beijing of imposing unfair subsidies and flooding the European market. William Denselow reports from Brussels. Rwanda Begins Mpox Vaccination Campaign The African health agency says that Rwanda has started a vaccination campaign against mpox with 1,000 doses it obtained from Nigeria. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccination started Tuesday targeting seven districts with high-risk populations who neighbor Congo. Congo has been at the epicenter (震央) of an outbreak on the African continent, where nearly 3-thousand new mpox cases and 14 new deaths have been recorded in the last week. This brings the total number of cases to over 6-thousand, with 738 deaths since the beginning of the year. Italy Churchill Portrait Returned to Canada A ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome has marked the successful recovery of a stolen photo portrait of Winston Churchill, known as “The Roaring Lion,” after a two-year search. Italy's police handed over the portrait to the Canadian ambassador to Italy, who praised the cooperation between Italian and Canadian investigators that led to the recovery. The 1941 portrait of the British leader was taken by Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh. Canadian police say it was stolen from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa sometime between Christmas 2021 and Jan. 2022, and replaced with a forgery (偽造品). The original was found to have been sold at auction and the Italian buyer has returned it. 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 3.4-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,675 on turnover of $3.2-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Wednesday as investors awaited the outcome of the U-S Federal Reserve's two-day policymaking meeting. Selling focused on large-cap tech stocks, which pushed the broader market near the 20-day moving average of 21,801-points, while select old economy stocks appeared resilient to investor caution. 23 People, Including Serving Military Officers, Charged with Spying for China The Tainan District Prosecutors' Office has indicted 23 people on charges of spying for China. The 23 include eight serving personnel from the Air Force, the Army, the Navy and the Coast Guard Administration. According to the prosecutors' office, the espionage (間諜) ring was created by two brothers in 2021 and targeted serving personnel who were having financial problems. Reports says they received some 5-million N-T over a two and half year period from China to gather sensitive information. The the Ministry of National Defense has said the active service personnel were not high ranking officers and little access to restricted information. UN Calls for Israel to Withdraw from Occupied Palestinian Territory The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a Palestinian-drafted resolution that demands Israel end "its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" within 12 months. The resolution received 124 votes in favor, while 43 countries abstained and Israel, the United States and 12 others voted no. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York. NKorea Kim Supervised Missil Tests North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un has supervised successful tests of two types of missiles as he ordered officials to bolster up his country’s military capabilities to repel U.S.-led threats. The tests were apparent references to the multiple missile launches that neighboring countries said North Korea performed off its east coast on Wednesday, extending its run of weapons display as confrontations (對抗，衝突) with the U.S. and South Korea escalate. State media said Thursday that Kim oversaw the launch of the North's newly built Hwasongpho ballistic missile tipped with a dummy “4.5-ton super-large conventional warhead.” Kim also guided the launch of an improved “strategic” cruise missile, a word implying the weapons were developed to carry nuclear warheads. DR Cracks Drug Trafficking Ring Officials from the U.S. and the Dominican Republic have arrested nearly a dozen suspects after they launched a joint operation to crack down on a regional drug trafficking ring. Officials with the Dominican Republic’s Anti-Drug Agency and agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Southern Command fanned out (散開) across the Caribbean country early Wednesday as part of the operation. Among those arrested are the suspected heads of the ring that officials say received drugs from South America in the Dominican Republic and neighboring Puerto Rico and then shipped them to the United States and Europe. Officials said the drug trafficking ring is responsible for more than two tons of drugs seized in the Dominican Republic. 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

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

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 101-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,754 on turnover of $5.4-billion N-T. The market soared more than 600 points on Thursday on the back of significant gains by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and other large-cap tech stocks. T-S-M-C saw its share price rise by 4.79-per cent, to close at 940 N-T. And the spike in the company's share price came after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told a conference in San Francisco that Nvidia is struggling to keep up with "incredible" levels of demand from its customers. MOI to Hold Plane Crash and Earthquake Drills Next Wednesday The Ministry of the Interior says it will be holding a series of drills next Wednesday as part of a three-day national exercise to mark the annual National Disaster Prevention Day. According to the ministry, more than 1,300 people, including the public, central and local government officials, and Japanese NGO staff, will participate (參加) in the drills. A plane crash drill will simulate a plane crash following a typhoon and will take place in Penghu County, while the earthquake drill will simulate a magnitude 7.3 earthquake striking Chiayi County's Zhuqi Township. In addition to the drills, a text alert will be sent to people's mobile phones at 9:21AM on September 20 by the Central Weather Administration, along with an alarm sound. Sirens will also sound across the island at 10AM, warning people in coastal towns to be aware of a possible tsunami. While all television channels will cut to the Public Television Service for a two-minute broadcast of disaster prevention information from 10:59 to 11:01AM. NKorea Releases Images of Purported Nuclear Production Facility North Korea has offered a rare glimpse into a secretive (秘密的) facility to produce nuclear materials as it says leader Kim Jong Un visited the area and called for stronger efforts to increase his nuclear weapons. It’s unclear if the site is its previously known nuclear-enrichment site in Yongbyon, north of Pyongyang, or another that was undisclosed until now. The images North Korea’s media released of the area could provide outside experts a valuable source of information for estimating the amount of nuclear ingredients North Korea has. The report today said Kim expressed “great satisfaction repeatedly” over North Korea's technical force in the nuclear power field. US Trump Rules Out 2nd Debate Former US president Donald Trump has categorically ruled out another debate with his rival (競爭對手) for the White House Kamala Harris. The Harris campaign had called for a second debate between the pair, after polls suggested she performed better during Tuesday night's showdown. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Canada Churchill Portrait to be Returned Canadian police say a renowned portrait of Winston Churchill that was reported stolen from an Ottawa hotel has been tracked down in Italy. Investigators will travel to Rome later this month to retrieve the 1941 portrait of the British leader taken by Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh. Officials say once it is in Ottawa police custody, the portrait will be returned to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where it will once again be displayed as a notable (顯著的) historic portrait. "The Roaring Lion” was stolen from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier sometime between Christmas Day 2021 and Jan. 6, 2022, and replaced with a forgery. The swap was uncovered months later. 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 101-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,754 on turnover of $5.4-billion N-T. The market soared more than 600 points on Thursday on the back of significant gains by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and other large-cap tech stocks. T-S-M-C saw its share price rise by 4.79-per cent, to close at 940 N-T. And the spike in the company's share price came after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told a conference in San Francisco that Nvidia is struggling to keep up with "incredible" levels of demand from its customers. MOI to Hold Plane Crash and Earthquake Drills Next Wednesday The Ministry of the Interior says it will be holding a series of drills next Wednesday as part of a three-day national exercise to mark the annual National Disaster Prevention Day. According to the ministry, more than 1,300 people, including the public, central and local government officials, and Japanese NGO staff, will participate (參加) in the drills. A plane crash drill will simulate a plane crash following a typhoon and will take place in Penghu County, while the earthquake drill will simulate a magnitude 7.3 earthquake striking Chiayi County's Zhuqi Township. In addition to the drills, a text alert will be sent to people's mobile phones at 9:21AM on September 20 by the Central Weather Administration, along with an alarm sound. Sirens will also sound across the island at 10AM, warning people in coastal towns to be aware of a possible tsunami. While all television channels will cut to the Public Television Service for a two-minute broadcast of disaster prevention information from 10:59 to 11:01AM. NKorea Releases Images of Purported Nuclear Production Facility North Korea has offered a rare glimpse into a secretive (秘密的) facility to produce nuclear materials as it says leader Kim Jong Un visited the area and called for stronger efforts to increase his nuclear weapons. It’s unclear if the site is its previously known nuclear-enrichment site in Yongbyon, north of Pyongyang, or another that was undisclosed until now. The images North Korea’s media released of the area could provide outside experts a valuable source of information for estimating the amount of nuclear ingredients North Korea has. The report today said Kim expressed “great satisfaction repeatedly” over North Korea's technical force in the nuclear power field. US Trump Rules Out 2nd Debate Former US president Donald Trump has categorically ruled out another debate with his rival (競爭對手) for the White House Kamala Harris. The Harris campaign had called for a second debate between the pair, after polls suggested she performed better during Tuesday night's showdown. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Canada Churchill Portrait to be Returned Canadian police say a renowned portrait of Winston Churchill that was reported stolen from an Ottawa hotel has been tracked down in Italy. Investigators will travel to Rome later this month to retrieve the 1941 portrait of the British leader taken by Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh. Officials say once it is in Ottawa police custody, the portrait will be returned to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where it will once again be displayed as a notable (顯著的) historic portrait. "The Roaring Lion” was stolen from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier sometime between Christmas Day 2021 and Jan. 6, 2022, and replaced with a forgery. The swap was uncovered months later. 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 343-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,374 on turnover of $7.6-billion N-T. The market closed down slightly on Wednesday after moving in consolidation mode as investers sentiment was muted ahead of the release of August's consumer price index data. Tech heavyweights fluctuated in narrow range before selling emerged late in the session - but turnover still shrank to its second lowest level so far this year as many investors opted to stay on the sidelines. Taiwan Wins 15 R&D 100 Awards The Ministry of Economic Affairs says Taiwan research institutions have won 15 awards at this year's R&D 100 Awards. The awards tally set a new record as the highest number of Taiwan has ever received at the not for profit innovation-focused program. It was the most of any country in Asia and the second most worldwide, trailing only the United States. According to the ministry's Department of Industrial Technology, Taiwan's award-winning projects or technologies focused on a wide range of areas, including semiconductors, information and communication technology, net zero and artificial intelligence. Economics Minister Guo Zhi-hui says 90 percent of Taiwan's award-winning technologies this year have either been transferred (轉移) to manufacturers or used to establish new startups .. The R&D 100 Awards is a US-based not for profit innovation-focused program established in 1963. NKorea Launches Multiple Missiles Towards Sea South Korea says North Korea has fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea. Today's launches are North Korea’s first public weapons firing activities in more than two months. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the missiles launched from North Korea’s capital flying about 360 kilometers before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The reported fight distances suggest the missiles were designed to attack targets in South Korea. On Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to redouble (加倍) efforts to make his nuclear force fully ready for combat with the United States and its allies. UN's refugee appeals for millions to scale up Mpox response in Africa The United Nations Refugee agency is appealing for $21 million to urgently (緊急地) scale up health services for forcibly displaced people in African countries impacted by the mpox emergency. According to the organisation the funding is to support critical response and prevention efforts in 35 countries across the continent. Jody Jacobs has more… Smashed Ancient Jar Repaired and Back on Display An Israeli museum has put back on display a rare Bronze-Era jar that a 4-year-old accidentally smashed. Last month, a family from northern Israel was visiting the museum when their youngest son tipped over the jar, smashing it into pieces. Restoration experts were able to carefully piece the 3,500-year-old item back together. The jar at the Hecht Museum in Haifa was one of the only containers of its size and from that period still complete when it was discovered. It was likely used to hold wine or oil, and dates back to between 2200 and 1500 B.C. The museum invited the family back for a special visit and hands-on activity to illustrate (說明) the restoration process. 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 25-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,089 on turnover of 2.8-billion N-T. The market closed down on Tuesday - as early gains were rubbed-out on the back of lingering (持續的) investor concerns about possible further volatility on Wall Street despite a rebound overnight. Although most large cap electronics stocks came under pressure during the trading day, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing remained resilient to keep the tech sector and the broader market from falling further. MOFA Cites Inflation for Over 60% Hike in High-Level Travel Budget The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is defending a decision to raise its budget for high-level overseas trips by over 60-per cent. According to ministry spokesman Jeff Liu, the significant increase in the budget allocated for next year is due to global inflation and rising commodity prices. The 2025 budget proposal lists 424-million N-T for overseas travel - that's an increase of 160-million N-T compared with the budget allocated (分配) for overseas travel for this year. The statement comes after opposition lawmakers questioned the budget increase and called on the foreign ministry to provide more details about how the money will be spent. CDC Warns of Ongoing Diarrhea Risks Ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival The Centers for Disease Control is warning about the risks of diarrhea ahead of next week's Mid-Autumn Festival - noting that a significant number of clusters in Taiwan had been caused by a previously less common strain of norovirus. According to the C-D-C, just over 130,000 people with diarrhea visited emergency and outpatient departments from September 1 through 7. Although that was a 1.5-per cent decline from the previous week, health officials are stressing (強調) that it was the highest number for the same period since 2019. The C-D-C says 101 diarrhea clusters has also been reported over the past four weeks, marking a five-year high for the same period. US Presidential Debate Ongoing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have taken the debate stage in Philadelphia, where they’ll fight to sway 2024 election voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics. The event offers Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that’s dramatically (戲劇性地) changed since the last debate in June. It’s the only debate that’s been firmly scheduled and could be the only time voters see Harris and Trump go head-to-head before the November general election The debate has no audience, no written notes, and no live mics when candidates aren’t speaking, according to rules the host network ABC News shared. So far Trump has spoken about abortion rights, saying the issue should be left up to the states, while Harris spoke about her plans to create an "opportunity economy", and criticized Trump's economic plan as "all about tax breaks for the richest people". Space X Launches Mission with Private Citizen Spacewalk SpaceX has launched a capsule carrying four private citizens into orbit on a five day mission set to make history by including the first spacewalk conducted by a non government crew. The journey will also take the four private astronauts to the highest orbital altitude (高度) that humans have reached since the Apollo moon mission in 1972. Kate Fisher reports That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 108 -points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,252 on turnover of 4.8-billion N-T. The market closed sharply lower on Monday, driven by heavy losses on Wall Street late last week and the day's sell-off was concentrated in the bellwether electronics sector. However, bargain hunters turned active late in the session, which capped losses above 20,922-points - which is the intraday low set on September 4. Business Leaders Urge Government to Scale Back Carbon Fee Rate Plans Business groups are criticizing the government's proposed carbon fee rate range - arguing the plan will increase costs for companies and ultimately (程沧) pass the buck onto consumers. The statement comes after a review committee announced that it's recommending setting a basic carbon fee rate in the range of between 300 and 500 N-T per metric ton of carbon emissions. According to the Third Wednesday Club, the proposed carbon fee rate, combined with a planned minimum wage hike, will increase costs by "at least 10-per cent" for some companies .. .. and the initial carbon fee rate should not exceed 100 N-T per metric ton of emissions. PLG Star Chou Yi-hsiang Quits Pilots Following Drunk Driving Incident And, Taoyuan Pilots star player Chou Yi-hsiang has quit the team after his refusal to take a breathalyzer test in August was made public. According to a statement issued by the pro-basketball league franchise, the small forward requested to leave the team because "he felt he had let the public down." That request was accepted effective immediately. The franchise says Chou's drunk driving and his refusal to take the breathalyzer test was a serious violation of the team's management principles and his contract and the Pilots' "strongly condemn (宁砫) his actions." Chou's driving license has been revoked and he is now required to attend road safety lectures. UN Chief on Gaza Death and Destruction The UN chief says the United Nations is offering to mediate (秸秆), as he calls the death and destruction in Gaza the worst he's seen. AP correspondent Ed Donahue. UK Kate Returning to Some Public Duties Kate, the Princess of Wales, says she has completed chemotherapy and will return to some public duties in the coming months. The 42-year-old wife of Prince William is expected to undertake a light program of engagements until the end of the year. Kate said Monday that while she had completed her chemotherapy treatment, the path to full recovery would be long and she would ¨take each day as it comes.〃 She had announced in March that she was being treated for an undisclosed type of cancer. Kate attended a ceremonial (祸Α) birthday parade for her father-in-law King Charles III in June, and the following month presented the men's winner's trophy at the Wimbledon tennis championships. 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 Submarines to be Built in Updated 2-3-2 Sequence Taiwan Beats Japan to Win U-18 Asian Baseball Championship Trump and Harris neck and neck Mideast Tensions remain -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 68-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,255 on turnover of $3.8-billion N-T. MND Earmarks NT$4.9 billion to Boost Backbone Network The Ministry of National Defense has earmarked about 4.9-billion N-T to acquire backbone subnetworks for faster and more stable battlefield data transmission. The budget request is pending legislative review. It approved it will fund 213 backbone subnetworks, 179 microwave transmission subsystems, power generators and fiber channels to facilitate data transmission to command centers and weapons launch platforms across different services of the armed forces. According to the defense ministry, the planned systems are expected to boost the survivability (生存能力) of critical military command and control systems during wartime by establishing a round-island fiber optic communication system and a high-capacity data transmission network. They are also expected to ensure uninterrupted data transmissions between command and control centers, harbors, airports, and joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. Some 59-million N-T has been earmarked for the design and planning of the systems and on-site evaluations for next year. The project will take place from 2025 to 2030. FDC Hotel Chain Tests 4-Day Workweek at Sun Moon Lake Jotel F-D-C International Hotels has announced that it's become the first company in Taiwan's hospitality industry to implement a four-day workweek on a trial basis. The hotel and restaurant operator says it began a trial run of the new system at the Fleur de Chine Hotel near Sun Moon Lake on September 1. The move means employees get three days off a week. The trial will last six months. F-D-C says the four-day workweek policy will not impact the quality of the service customers receive and the company is continuously monitoring and evaluating the impact of the new system. According to F-D-C Chairman Sheng Zhi-ren, he believes having three days off every week can improve employees' job satisfaction and enhance (提高) overall work efficiency and creativity. US Hunter Biden to Plead Responsibility in Tax Evasion Trial Hunter Biden, son of US president Joe Biden, has offered to plead responsibility in his tax evasion case to avoid a potentially (潛在地) embarrassing trial. The plea would mean he maintains his innocence but accepts punishment for avoiding more than a million dollars of taxes. US correspondent Nick Harper reports. France Macron Names New PM President Emmanuel Macron has named EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister after more than 50 days of caretaker government. Thursday's appointment of the 73-year-old Barnier follows weeks of intense (激烈的) efforts by Macron and his aides to find a candidate who might be able to build loose groupings of backers in parliament and survive promised attempts by Macron’s opponents to quickly topple the new government. Barnier is the oldest of the 26 prime ministers that have served modern France’s Fifth Republic. He replaces the youngest, Gabriel Attal, who was 34 when he was appointed just eight months ago. 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

INTRO Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Taiex open The Taiex opened up 178.34 points at 21,271.09, on turnover of NT$4.81 billion. The upward tick came after the index suffered its third steepest decline in history, tumbling almost 1,000 points on the back of a sell-off triggered by Wall Street. DPP Secretary-General Tells America that Taiwan is Determined to Defend Itself Against China D-P-P Secretary-General Lin You-chang says Taiwan is determined to defend itself against China. During a public seminar hosted by the Global Taiwan Institute in Washington, D.C., Lin said Taiwan's will to defend itself, as well its investments in national security, continue to grow stronger .. .. and while the Lai administration has the ideal of pursuing peace, Taiwan must not have illusions about China, as Beijing's intention to seize Taiwan has never changed regardless of which party is in power in Taiwan. Lin said Beijing has only adjusted its approach from using "shells and missiles" during Chen Shui-bian's presidency, to "money" during Ma Ying-jeou's presidency, and "shells, missiles, silver bullets, and cognitive warfare" during Tsai Ing-wen's presidency. Lin said that under President Lai Ching-te, China is using all of those approaches as well as disinformation (假信息) and legal battles in an attempt to disrupt and infiltrate Taiwanese society. Taipei Zoo Announces Deaths of Three Long-Term Residents And, The Taipei Zoo has announced the deaths of three of long term residents -- a white rhino, its last American bison, and a Bengal tiger. American bison (野牛) Chiao-wa died on Wednesday, while Bengal tiger Hsin-chun and white rhino Hsi-min died on Monday this week. Chiao-wa was born at the zoo in October of 1999 and it was the last American bison at the zoo. Hsin-chun was the last Bengal tiger at the Taipei Zoo, it died after suffering from chronic kidney disease. While white rhino Hsi-min was 44 years old and one of the oldest residents in the zoo's African Animal Area. Georgia Mass Shootings U-S authorities say a 14-year-old student has opened fire (開槍) at a Georgia high school and killed four persons. Nine people were also wounded. The dead have been identified as two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder. Haya Panjwani reports. < [CLIP] Slug: > North Korea sends more trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea. North Korea is flying more trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea in the latest round of Cold War-style psychological warfare between the rivals. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (參謀長聯席會議) says it detected more balloons launched from North Korea on Thursday morning following launches the previous evening. The joint chiefs said North Korea launched around 420 balloons from Wednesday evening to early Thursday and that about 20 of them had been discovered so far in the South Korean capital of Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province. It says the balloons were filled with paper waste, plastic bottles and other trash but contained no dangerous materials. New study sheds light on plastic pollution A new study finds that every year people create 57 million tons of plastic pollution. The material winds up everywhere from the deepest oceans to the highest peak of Mount Everest to inside people's bodies. More than two-thirds of it is in the Global South (南方國家) Researchers in the United Kingdom examined waste produced at the local level in more than 50,000 cities and towns. They looked at waste that gets into the open environment, rather than plastic that goes into landfills or gets burned properly. But experts say that the study's focus on pollution, rather than growing plastic production, lets the plastics industry off the hook. 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. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 518-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,575 on turnover of 11.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed lower Tuesday as turnover shrank to the lowest in more than seven months amid caution over the U.S. economy, ahead of the release of August manufacturing activity data. Large cap tech stocks largely moved lower led by contract chipmaker TSMC as investors appeared wary of movements on U.S. markets with futures there on the decline, pointing to a possible fall on spot markets later in the day. Tropical Storm Yagi to Bring Extreme High Temperatures Tropical Storm Yagi may bring extreme high temperatures to parts of the island today. The Central Weather Administration says the storm currently moving towards China, does not pose a direct threat to Taiwan, but subsiding (下沉) airflow caused by Yagi will cause high temperatures over the western half of the island. Forecasters say that's particularly the case for northern regions, which highs of up to 38-degrees expected in Hsinchu today. The CWA has issued heat warnings for large parts of the north, as well as for Hualien, Yunlin and Tainan. And the storm may cause some precipitation as well, with sporadic showers across the north, east, and mountainous areas, as well as brief thunderstorms in central and southern Taiwan. (NS) US Files Criminal Charges Against Hamas Leader US prosecutors have filed criminal charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and five other militants in the group. The charges, related to the October 7th attack on Israel, include terrorism, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction (大規模殺傷性). Nick Harper reports from Washington. IAEA Says Zaporizhzhia Plant "Very Fragile" The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has described the situation at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant as “very fragile” following fresh attacks near the site in central Ukraine. He also vows to expand International Atomic Energy Agency inspections to include critical electricity supplies. Rafael Mariano Grossi has highlighted the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure because of Russian attacks. The Zaporizhzhia plant came under Russian control in the wake of Moscow's full-scale (全面的) invasion in 2022. The IAEA says ongoing attacks in the area and damage to Ukraine’s national grid threaten the power supply that's vital to nuclear power stations. Nvidia shares fall In related news….. Chipmaker NVIDIA lost more market value than any other stock in a single day. CNBC reports the stock fell 9.5 percent, or about $279 billion in market value. It is now down 23.3% since June 20. But it is up, however, 118% in 2024. But NVIDIA didn't drop on its own. Its fall saw a basket of chip stocks retreat -- Intel fell almost 8%, Marvell slid 8.2%, and AMD dropped 7.8%, and Qualcomm fell nearly 7%. The stock is down another 2% after hours. The action comes after Bloomberg reported that the Department of Justice is taking a closer look at antitrust (反壟斷) concerns for Nvidia. CNBC says chip stocks were gainin steam on optimism that the artificial intelligence boom will require companies to buy more semiconductors to keep up with AI applications. 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 5.01 points at 22,240.11 Tuesday on turnover of NT$2.54 billion. A rally in the home stretch of Monday's session led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) pulled the Taiex up from the day's low. The financial sector attracted interest on rumors that the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) will agree to a tender offer proposed by CTBC Financial Holding Co. to acquire Shin Kong Financial Holding Co. Taiwan may continue to drift today, with U-S markets closed for the Labor Day weekend. SEMICON Taiwan 2024 opens Wednesday with CEO summit, tech forums More than 20 international forums on leading-edge semiconductor technologies will be held at this year's SEMICON Taiwan, which is expected to draw some 85,000 overseas visitors from 56 countries. Organizers say a round of international forums kick off before the formal opening of the expo, will include the "most eye-catching CEO Summit" that features talks by major figures in the semiconductor industry, Another highlight… an "AI chip talk of the century" among major figures from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, ASE Technology, Samsung Electronics, and Google tomorrow afternoon. This year's expo will feature 16 main themes, including advanced manufacturing, heterogeneous integration, green manufacturing, and semiconductor cybersecurity (網路安全). But the exhibit will also feature be some new areas "such as artificial intelligence (AI), smart mobility, silicon photonics, and precision machinery. Taiwanese firms in Japan to benefit from 'one-stop' service center: Minister Taiwan's economics minister says the government is planning to set up a one-stop service center in Kyushu, Japan to assist Taiwanese companies that are expanding there. Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei says the government-funded service will be "like a science park" that will facilitate the needs of Taiwanese companies on Kyushu island and help them with the logistics (後勤) of establishing businesses there. Kuo did not specify the exact location of the planned office but said it will not be in Kumamoto, the Kyushu prefecture in which Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has a fab and is preparing to build another one. The minister says Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kitakyushu are some of the Kyushu prefectures that have expressed interest in welcoming Taiwanese companies. Britain to suspend sales of some weapons to Israel The U.K. government says it's suspending exports of some weapons to Israel because they could be used to break international law. Here's Foreign Secretary David Lammy Lammy told lawmakers the decision related to about 30 of 350 export licenses to Israel and wasn't an arms embargo (禁令，禁運). The United Kingdom is among a number of Israel’s longstanding allies whose governments are under growing pressure to halt weapons exports because of the toll of the nearly 11-month-old war in Gaza. Biden: Netanyahu not doing enough to secure hostage deal Meanwhile… US President Joe Biden says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not doing enough to secure (獲得) a hostage deal. It comes after Hamas' killed six hostages, including an American citizen. Nick Harper reports from Washington. < [CLIP] Slug: > Philippines Tropical Storm Yagi A fierce storm is blowing out of the northern Philippines after leaving at least 14 people dead in landslides, floods and swollen waterways. Tropical Storm Yagi swept past Paoay town in Ilocos Norte province into the South China Sea with sustained winds of up to 75 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 125 kph. It was forecast to strengthen into a typhoon as it barrels (飛馳) northwestward over the sea toward southern China. Storm warnings remained in most northern Philippine provinces, where residents were warned of the lingering danger of landslides in rain-soaked mountain villages and floodings in the farming lowlands of the Philippines' most populous region. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 74-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,342 on turnover of $3.5-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed higher Friday but gains were limited by looming downgrades to the country's weighting in two of MSCI Inc.'s major indices. The bellwether electronics sector saw most of its upturn eroded, while select nontech stocks in the transportation and construction industries attracted rotational buying to lend support to the broader market. CWA: Sunny to Cloudy Skies with Afternoon Thundershowers The Central Weather Administration says skies across Taiwan will be mostly sunny or cloudy with occasional thundershowers in some areas. Forecasters say the short thunderstorms will be in central and southern regions or mountainous areas during the afternoon. For daytime temperatures, the CWA says most areas will see highs of 33 to 36 degrees Celsius, with a possibility of temperatures exceeding 37 degrees in regions north of Hsinchu. Meanwhile…. Tropical Storm Yagi is located about 890 kilometers southeast of Eluanbi, and is expected to move northwest toward the northern part of Luzon Island and the Bashi Channel. Officials say starting Tuesday evening, moisture (濕氣、水分) levels along Taiwan's eastern half and southern regions are expected to increase due to the influence of the storm's outer bands. (NS) US Biden Speaks with Family of Hostage Killed in Gaza Joe Biden has spoken with the family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old Israeli-American, whose body was among the six discovered by the IDF in southern Gaza. The US President and Vice-President Kamala Harris also issued statements reaffirming (重申) their commitment to secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Jagruti Dave has more from Washington. < [CLIP] Slug: > Philippines Raid CyberGambling Complex Philippine authorities have raided a suspected illegal online gaming and cyberscam complex and taken into custody more than 160 people who were committing (犯) internet-based crimes. Philippine officials say the raid were carried out by more than 100 government agents, backed by military intelligence, on Saturday on a resort compound in Lapu-Lapu city. The move is part of an ongoing crackdown after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a ban in July on widespread online gaming operations that cater mostly to clients in China, where illegal gambling is banned. Marcos said then that the massive gambling operations have ignored Philippine laws and also committed other crimes, including financial scams, human trafficking, torture, kidnappings and murder. Paris Paralympics Postponed Events in Seine to Go Ahead Today Paralympics organizers say triathlon competitions in Paris scheduled for Sunday have been postponed for a day because of concerns about water quality in the Seine River after heavy rainfall. Late Sunday night, organizers confirmed the 11 para triathlon events would go ahead today, saying in a statement that new water testing results and monitoring "indicate that water quality continues to improve and will be within the World Triathlon thresholds on race day." Rainstorms hit the French capital Friday and Saturday. Heavy rains cause wastewater and runoff to flow into the river, leading to a rise in bacteria levels including E. Coli. The disruption is another hiccup (造成短暫延誤或中斷的小問題) for the city’s efforts to clean up the river for future public swimming. 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 22,230 on turnover of $5-billion N-T. The market grounded on Thursday, as investors reacted to Wall Street trending lower overnight, as Nvidia's stock price fell 2.1-per cent, despite the company reporting strong profit. Carbon Fee Collection to Start in 2026 The Ministry of Environment says carbon fees will begin to collected in 2026. According to the ministry, the government will use next year a preparation window for the plan, during which only reporting of emission amounts for the previous year will be required. The statement comes after the regulations for carbon fee collection and how fee-liable (需要付費的) enterprises can qualify for preferential rates by achieving certain emission reduction targets were made public. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming is calling the plan a milestone signifying Taiwan "has entered the era of carbon pricing." The regulations will oversee how carbon fees are collected, management of fee-liable enterprises' reduction projects, and standards determining whether the reduction projects undertaken by the enterprises qualify them for preferential carbon fee rates. The environment minister says carbon fee scheme will cover those companies that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent a year, which covers 281 enterprises based on data from 2022. Israel Hamas Agree to Pause for Polio Vaccination The United Nations says an agreement has been reached for limited pauses in fighting to allow for the polio vaccination drive (大規模疫苗接種活動) to take place in Gaza. The Israeli military and Hamas have agreed to three-day pauses as hundreds of children need to receive the vaccine after a baby contracted the first confirmed polio case in 25 years in the Palestinian territory. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations… Thailand Indicts Police in Red Bull Heir Case Prosecutors in Thailand have indicted a former national police chief in connection with an alleged cover-up of a 2012 crash involving an heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune that killed a police officer. The former police chief, along with a former deputy attorney general and six other people were arraigned (提審) Thursday on charges alleging they conspired to alter the recorded speed of the Ferrari driven by Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya to help him evade a speeding charge. Police have said Vorayuth smashed his Ferrari into the police officer’s motorbike on a major Bangkok road in 2012. Vorayuth fled abroad, where he remains. Ecuador Begins Dismantling Oil Drilling Block in National Park Ecuador says it has begun to dismantle infrastructure on a controversial oil drilling block in Yasuni National Park, home to the Waorani Indigenous people. After a historic referendum last year that favored keeping oil in the ground in Yasuni, the country’s top court ordered the government to halt operations and remove wells by Aug. 30. Last week, the government asked the court for an extension of five years and five months to complete the task. The drilling block is in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Ending oil drilling at the 43-ITT oil block could cost $1.3 billion, according to government estimates. Oil accounts for nearly one-third of Ecuador’s GDP, and its economy is struggling to meet its domestic debt obligations (義務). 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 25-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,210 on turnover of 2.9-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower on Tuesday on the back of thin turnover following heavy losses suffered by tech stocks on Wall Street overnight. Sentiment also turned cautious amid a sudden sharp rise in international crude oil prices, which could potentially rekindling (重新點燃) inflation, and is leading to doubts over whether the U-S Federal Reserve will slow down its pace in a rate cut cycle. KMT Lawmaker Released on Bail in Corruption Probe The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has released K-M-T lawmaker Zheng Tien-cai on bail of 2-million N-T. Zheng has also been barred from leaving Taiwan. His release came after he was questioned by prosecutors as part of a corruption investigation. According to the prosecutors' office, Zheng received several million N-T dollars in bribes from several green energy companies between 2020 and 2023. Nine other people were summoned (被傳喚) for questioning in connection with the same case and released without bail last week. MOL to Ease Hotel Job Access for Foreign Students The Ministry of Labor says foreign students graduating from colleges and universities here in Taiwan will be eligible (有資格的) for mid-level jobs in the hotel industry from from today. The move is as part of government efforts to address workforce shortages in the hospitality sector. According to the labor ministry, graduates must hold associate degrees or higher from local schools in order to be eligible to qualify for jobs in housekeeping, cleaning, room booking, reception and restaurant waiting service at hotels. The entry-level monthly salary is 30,000 N-T, rising to 33,000 N-T if a contract is renewed. US Harris Walz Agree to First Sitdown Interview US presidential hopeful Kamala Harris has agreed to her first sit-down interview since taking over the Democratic ticket from Joe Biden. It follows weeks of criticism (批評) from her Republican rival Donald Trump who has suggested she was scared of facing the media. Nick Harper reports from Washington. Egypt Artifacts Recovered from Netherlands Egypt has recovered three ancient artifacts after they were smuggled out of the country and found in the Netherlands. Egyptian authorities say two of the items were for sale in an antiques shop. The items include a mummified head, a ceramic (陶瓷的) figurine, and the side of a wooden tomb. Dutch police and the cultural heritage inspection unit retrieved the figurines and parts of the tomb after determining that they were smuggled out of Egypt. A Dutch individual handed over the mummified head, which he had inherited from a family member, to local authorities. Egyptian authorities say more than 30-thousand artifacts have been recovered from around the world since 2014. 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 60-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,179 on turnover of 2.8-billion N-T. The market closed moderately higher on Monday after giving up early gains ahead of stiff technical resistance at around the 60-day moving average. Gains posted by the bellwether electronics sector fell off early in the trading day, but non-tech stocks, in particular those in the financial sector, attracted strong buying, preventing the broader market from falling further. Taiwan and Japan Hold 6th Maritime Talks in Taipei Representatives from Taiwan and Japan have held the sixth edition of the Maritime Affairs Cooperation Dialogue in Taipei. Agencies involved in the meeting included the Ocean Affairs Council, the Coast Guard Administration, the Ocean Conservation Administration, the Nuclear Safety Commission and the Fisheries Agency. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks focused on cooperation on maritime security, conservation of the marine environment, "marine power development," fisheries and marine science. However, neither side has disclosed any information about the outcome (結果) of the meeting, which took place at the Grand Hotel. Liu Ya-ting and Chen Po-yen to be Flag Bearers at Paris Paralympics And, Javelin (標槍) thrower and three-time Paralympian, Liu Ya-ting and table tennis player Chen Po-yen have been named as Taiwan's flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics. The ceremony will be taking place in the French capital Thursday morning Taiwan time. It will be the second time that Liu will have been Taiwan's flag bearer at the Paralympics opening ceremony, following the Tokyo Paralympics, And at the age of 17, Chen Po-yen is the youngest member of the Taiwanese team at the Paris Paralympics. Taiwan Paralympic team consists of 13 athletes, who will be competing in archery, athletics, badminton, judo, table tennis, taekwondo and powerlifting. Army Private who Fled to NKorea to Plead Guilty to Desertion A US army private who fled to North Korea will plead guilty to desertion (擅離職守). AP correspondent Lisa Dwyer reports France Macron Comments on Durov Arrest French President Emmanuel Macron says the arrest in France of the CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, wasn’t a political move but part of an independent investigation. Macron posted on the social media that his country “is deeply committed” to freedom of expression but “freedoms are upheld (捍衛、堅持) within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.” French media reported that Durov was detained at a Paris airport Saturday on an arrest warrant alleging his platform has been used for money laundering, drug trafficking and other offenses. Colombia Airlines Resume Flights After Fuel Shortage Two Colombian airlines say they will operate most of their flights today and resume full schedules Wednesday, after warning earlier Monday that they would have to cancel dozens of flights due to shortages of jet fuel. The late announcements by the airlines capped off a turbulent (動盪的) day for Colombia’s aviation industry that saw hundred of passengers grounded and others struggling to rebook their flights. The two companies carry more than 70% of Colombia’s domestic air passengers. On Sunday, Colombia’s national oil company announced it had imported 100-thousand barrels of jet fuel to ensure supplies for domestic airlines after the carriers complained they were not receiving enough fuel from suppliers. 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 92-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,250 on turnover of $5.4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed almost flat Friday after recovering from initial weakness driven by cautious sentiment ahead of a speech planned by the U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for later in the day. Large-cap tech stocks benefited from bargain hunting to help the broader market regain its footing by the end of the session, while transactions increased in the financial sector after Taishin Financial Holding Co. and Shin Kong Financial Holding Co. agreed to a merger deal. Taiwan hosts chef workshop to promote culinary tourism The Ministry of Economic Affairs is holding a workshop featuring renowned chefs and restaurants that started Saturday to enhance food industry exchanges and promote tourism in Taiwan. The Ministry says four acclaimed chefs, Andre Chiang, Zor Tan, Thomas Chien and Wes Kuo, were invited to the three-day workshop to share their experiences of working in fine dining. Representatives from restaurants including Shin Yeh Restaurant Group, and Jin Xia were also present, along with food critics (美食評論家) from different generations, to discuss their expertise. Deputy Economics Minister Chen Chern-chyi says the ministry will hold similar activities in the future, including a culinary competition called "Taiwan Select," to showcase restaurants and attract international and domestic tourists. British Journalist Killed in Russian Strike on Ukraine Reuters news agency confirms that a member of a British journalistic team has been killed after Russian forces struck a hotel overnight in eastern Ukraine. In a statement on social media, the Donetsk regional prosecutor’s office said that the body was recovered from underneath the rubble (瓦礫) late Sunday evening. Two other members of the six-person Reuters crew were hospitalized. Local officials said the hotel was struck by an Iskander-M Russian ballistic missile, leaving the reporters with blast injuries, concussions and cuts on the body. US Harris Campaign Raises 540Million US Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign says she's raised $540 million dollars since announcing (宣告) her run for President in November's election. It's been over a month since incumbent President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. Our US Correspondent Jagruti Dave reports. France Telegram CEO Detained French broadcast media reports say the founder and CEO of the popular messaging service Telegram has been detained at a Paris airport. Pavel Durov is being held on an arrest warrant (逮捕令) alleging his platform has been used for money laundering, drug trafficking and other offenses. Durov is a dual citizen of France and Russia. French broadcasters reported that Durov was arrested on Saturday evening after landing in France from Azerbaijan. French prosecutors declined to comment on Durov’s arrest when contacted by The Associated Press on Sunday. Durov’s representatives couldn’t be immediately reached for comment. 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

Taiwan shares down Chiang Announced that Twin City Forum will Take Place in Late September US Warship Transits Taiwan Strait Palestinians to push for resolution for Israel to leave occupied territories Trump visits border -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Kinmen Lawmaker Urges China to Lift Restrictions on Travel to Taiwan AMD to open R&D Hubs in Tainan and Kaohsiung Russia Leader Met Chinese premier Li Qiang Russia drones attacks from Ukraine Violence costs the world nearly 20 trillion dollars Taylor Swift cancel concerts in Vienna -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

TPP Suspends Huang Shan-shan's Membership Deputy Transport Minister Appointed Acting MOTC Head Blinken ends trip to Middle East Former Tropical Storm Jongdari Brings Torrential Rains to South Korea Russian Bridges Collapse as Kyiv's Offensive Intensifies -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening up Under 30's Earn Highest Ever Income in 2023 Expanded IVF Subsidy Program Marks 3rd Anniversary with Over 20,000 Newborns Mideast latest Israel-Hamas cease-fire Philippines-US agreement about Afghan Immigrants -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Tai-Ex opening down Cross-Party Delegation of Lawmakers to Attend Democratic National Convention Lin Yu-ting's Hometown of Yingge Celebrate Olympic Gold US Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz Northern Ireland WW2 Bomb Removal -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 220-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,114 on turnover of $7.7-billion N-T. Earthquake Update 10PM No major damage has been reported after this morning's magnitude 6.3 earthquake. The tremors at 7:35am caused some disruptions to traffic, as mass transportation systems underwent checks for safety. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation says the city's MRT ran at reduced speeds for a brief time, before returning to normal operations. The quake registered an intensity of 3 in Taichung, and metro trains there stopped at station platforms for two minutes, before running at lower speeds. All lines have been reported undamaged. Meanwhile…. The Central Weather Administration says aftershocks of magnitude 5.5 or higher may occur in the next three days. The CWA says with recent heavy rains, they are advising (勸告) members of the public to stay on alert for landslides. (NS) Taiwan CDC raises travel alert for 7 African countries due to mpox The Centers for Disease Control raised its travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and six other African countries… … after the World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The alert follows a surge in m-pox cases in the DRC and a rising number of African countries… The D-R-C has been elevated to "Level 2: Alert", advising Taiwanese travelers to take enhanced (提高的) precautions. So far this year, the D-R-C has reported over 15 thousand 600 cases and 537 deaths due to m-pox. (CNA_IG) UNICEF: More Gaza Children will Die if Polio Vaccine Not Delivered The United Nations Children's Fund, Unicef says if polio vaccines don't get distributed immediately, children in Gaza will die. 1.2 million doses of the vaccine have been approved by the World Health Organisation following the discovery of poliovirus type 2 in July by the Global Polio Laboratory Network in sewage (污水) samples collected in Gaza. Jody Jacobs has more… Ukraine Troops Claim to Take Russian Town Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country’s troops have taken full control of Sudzha. It's the largest Russian town to fall to Ukraine’s forces since the start of their cross-border incursion more than a week ago. Zelenskyy's claim on Thursday couldn't be independently verified (驗證). He says Ukraine’s military is setting up a command office in Sudzha, which suggests that Ukraine might plan to remain in the Kursk region long-term — or just signal Moscow that it may intend to. Sudzha had a prewar population of around 5,000 and is the administrative center for the border area of Russia’s Kursk region. Meanwhile, in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, officials warned civilians Thursday to evacuate ahead of rapidly advancing Russian troops. HK Welcomes Panda Cub Births Hong Kong has welcomed the births of its first locally born giant pandas. The theme park where the twins were born said their mother is the world’s oldest first-time giant panda mother on record (記錄在案). Ying Ying gave birth to the male and female pandas at Ocean Park on Thursday just a day before she turned 19 years old. Ying Ying and her partner Le Le were the second pair of pandas gifted by Beijing to Hong Kong since the former British colony returned to China’s rule in 1997. 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 22-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,005, on turnover of $4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed sharply higher by about 230 points Wednesday as buying was sparked by a rally on the U.S. markets overnight in the wake of the softer-than-expected July producer price index (PPI) growth, which reinforced (加強) hopes of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Analysts say interest was seen among large-cap stocks across the board amid improved sentiment, but gains were capped by stiff technical resistance ahead of the 20-day moving average of 22,084 points by the end of the session. Booster vaccines proposed for seniors amid rare summer flu outbreak Health experts are advocating for a version of the flu vaccine for those aged 65 and above. Doctors point out that since last Friday, over 1 thousand 200 severe flu cases have been recorded, marking the first severe summer flu outbreak in seven years. They say flu has become a year-round issue, which they attribute to compromised (降低) immune systems from repeat COVID-19 infections. They reccomend that Taiwan adopt enhanced recombinant flu vaccines for the elderly, as these provide protection for a full year compared to the six-month coverage of traditional vaccines. The government has already procured flu vaccines for this year, but the proposal for these enhanced vaccines will undergo a cost-benefit analysis… …and could be reviewed by an expert committee in spring 2025. US VP Candidate Walz Prepped to Debate Vance From the US… Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz says he's accepted an offer to debate his Republican opponent (對手) JD Vance in October. It's still unclear whether Vance has agreed to participate. Ira Spitzer has more. UNICEF: Africa Extreme Heat Creating Health Concerns UNICEF says children in West and Central Africa are increasingly exposed to extreme heat, creating health concerns. The U.N. children's agency in a new report published on Wednesday says that the frequency of heat waves in the region has more than quadrupled since the 1960s. This leaves children more vulnerable to developing chronic (慢性的) conditions and contracting infectious diseases that spread in high temperatures, such as mosquito-borne malaria and dengue. Central Africa is currently battling an outbreak of mpox, previously known as monkeypox, an infectious disease that disproportionally affects children. Officials at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nearly 70% of mpox cases in Congo are in children younger than 15, who also accounted for 85% of deaths. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global emergency. The UNICEF report called on governments to reduce carbon emissions to get rising temperatures under control and protect children. France Investigating GoldMedalist Khelif's Complaint Against Online Harrassment French prosecutors say they are investigating a complaint made by Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif for online harassment. The Algerian boxer faced a torrent (連發，迸發) of criticism and false claims about her sex during the Paris Olympics. A statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office said Wednesday its unit for combating online hate speech has opened a probe. Under French law, it's up to investigators to determine which person or organization may have been at fault. The prosecutor's office didn’t name specific suspects. Among those who posted misinformation about Khelif were Donald Trump, Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling. Khelif won gold in the women’s welterweight division, becoming a hero in Algeria. 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 155-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,952 on turnover of $6.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed slightly higher Tuesday following a reduced turnover amid caution ahead of key U.S. economic data due out later this week. Because of the lower turnover, many large-cap tech stocks fell into consolidation mode throughout the session. iPhone assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. attracted bargain hunters which helped boost the broader market. Taiwan to recognize Lin's World Boxing Championships bronze medal Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that Taiwan's government has decided to recognize the bronze medal won by Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting at the 2023 World Boxing Championships, despite her later disqualification by the International Boxing Association. Cho made the announcement in a media interview, saying he has instructed the Ministry of Education to work out a plan to present a National Glory Medal and prize money of $900-thousand NT to Lin, in recognition of her outstanding performance in international competitions. The Cabinet says Taiwan experts and medical authorities have already verified (核實) Lin's eligibility, and the International Olympic Committee allowed her to compete in the 2024 Paris Games, with the IOC and its President Thomas Bach repeatedly backed her eligibility to compete in the women's event. The Cabinet says this shows that Lin's disqualification at the 2023 World Championships was illegitimate. Deputy Education Minister Chang Liao Wan-Chien also announced that Lin will be appointed an anti-bullying Public Welfare Ambassador. War crimes in Myanmar escalating at alarming rate A team of United Nations investigators warns that war crimes committed by Myanmar's military government has escalated (加劇、惡化) at an alarming rate. In the past six months the UN estimates that over three million people have been forced to flee their homes. East Asia correspondent William Denselow reports. Russia Claims Ukraine Incursion Checked The Russian Defense Ministry says its forces have checked an effort by Kyiv’s troops to expand a stunning weeklong incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. A Ukrainian Foreign Ministry official said Tuesday that Kyiv has no intention of occupying Russian territory in the operation that has been shrouded in (籠罩在) secrecy. The Russian Defense Ministry said army units, fresh reserves, army aircraft, drone teams and artillery forces stopped Ukrainian armored mobile groups from moving deeper into Russia. A Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the cross-border operation was aimed at protecting Ukrainian land from long-range strikes launched from Kursk. He said that Ukraine isn't interested in taking the territory of the Kursk region. Banksy Artwork at London Zoo Workers arriving at the London Zoo were surprised to discover an unexpected exhibit that suggested the animals were being set free. A mural by elusive street artist Banksy showed a gorilla holding up the entrance gate as birds took flight and a sea lion waddled away. Three sets of eyes peered out (向外看) from the darkness inside. The painting may explain why Bansky-created creatures, including a mountain goat perched on a building and a rhinoceros mounting a car, have been showing up around London for nine straight days. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened opened up 43-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,816 on turnover of $5.9-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed sharply higher, rising more than 300 points in a continued comeback Monday as the U.S. markets showed signs of stabilizing from a recent sell-off amid eased concerns over a possible recession in the United States. The bellwether electronics sector served as a driver to the upturn on the local main board as buying focused on artificial intelligence server stocks throughout the session. Returning Olympians Escorted by F16s Returning Olympians have been welcomed back to Taiwan with flares (熱焰彈) and a jet escort. Media reports say three Air Force F-16 jets were on standby at around 5am today in the air southwest of the island, to accompany the E-V-A Air Flight on orders from President Lai Ching-te. And once the jets were alongside the returning plane, flares were set off to cheers from the passengers inside the plane. The Chinese Taipei team, including athletes, coaches and staff, landed at Taoyuan International Airport just after 7am. And the flight was greeted with a water salute as it taxied down the runway. (NS) Syria Earthquake Causes No Major Damage Local authorities say an earthquake shook central Syria causing no major damages. But the equake rattled residents who remembered last year’s devastating (毀滅性的) temblor that struck northern Syria and Turkey. Syria’s National Center for Earthquakes said a magnitude 5.5 quake struck 28 kms east of the city of Hama at 11:56 p.m local time. The U.S. Geological Survey put the quake’s magnitude at 5.0 and said it had a depth of 10 kilometers. There were no immediate reports of deaths. In Damascus and Beirut - the capital of neighboring Lebanon - residents descended to the streets fearing a stronger quake that would collapse buildings. US Trump Sues DoJ Over FBI Raid In the US…. Donald Trump is suing the United States' Department of Justice for $100 million. The former US President is seeking damages (損害賠償) over the FBI's search of his Florida residence. At that time, law enforcement agents found hundreds of classified documents that he'd taken from the White House. Benji Hyer reports. Study: Amazon Rainforest Under Threat A new study finds that the Amazon rainforest is under threat as a carbon sink. The report from US nonprofit Amazon Conservation finds that deforestation is the biggest immediate threat to the world's largest rainforest. The NPO used satellite data to determine that Amazon trees held 56.8 billion metric tons of carbon above ground in 2022. They found the forest has been a carbon sink over the last decade. But with deforestation there's a danger the Amazon could start contributing more carbon than it absorbs from the atmosphere. The researchers say that it’s now a “very small buffer (緩衝)". They say "there’s reason to worry that the biome could flip from sink to source with ongoing deforestation.” 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 130-points this morning from Friday's close, at 21,599 on turnover of $5.1-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan staged a technical rebound Friday last week after slumping a day earlier, helped by solid gains in American markets overnight. Market sentiment improved as investors were relieved by lower-than-expected weekly jobless claims in the United States. Led by TSMC, buying momentum continued Friday and spread to old economy and financial stocks to push the Taiex above 21,600 points before some investors moved to the sell side, capping the market's rise. Perseid meteor shower to peak on Monday: Taipei Astronomical Museum And finally, Stargazers are on the lookout tonight, as one of the three major meteor showers of the year is set to peak. The Taipei Astronomical Museum says the Perseid meteor shower may reach a maximum rate of 100 shooting stars per hour this evening. The museum forecasts that the meteor shower's radiant, that's the point in the sky from which meteors appear to originate (起源), will rise at around 8:30 p.m., but the best viewing time would be from 11 p.m. until sunrise the next day. For those who are not able to get outside, the museum will also set up video cameras on mountains to provide a live stream on YouTube accompanied by expert commentary, starting at 8 o'clock tonight. This year's Perseids have been active since July 17 and will continue until Aug. 24. Ukraine Acknowledges Military Action in Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indirectly acknowledged ongoing military actions in Russia's Kursk border region. Zelenskyy made the comment late Saturday in his nightly address. Ukraine’s incursion into Russia is into its sixth day Sunday. It's the largest such attack since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, and is unprecedented (史無前例的) for its use of Ukrainian military units on Russian soil. The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that Russian forces engaged Ukrainian troops in 3 villages roughly 25 km from the Ukrainian border. US Biden on Dropping Out of Presidential Race US President Joe Biden says he dropped out of the Presidential race because he was worried internal Democratic party discussions about his fitness to serve (合適，勝任) would be a "distraction" to his re-election campaign. Our US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has more. Olympic Flame Out in Paris The Olympic flame has gone out in Paris, officially ending the 2024 Games as Los Angeles takes over for 2028. The French capital has handed over (把…交給) hosting duties for the Summer Games to the next city in line. For the closing ceremony, Hollywood star Tom Cruise descended from the top of the stadium to the “Mission Impossible” theme song, before taking the Olympic flag from star gymnast Simone Biles, putting it on the back of motorcycle and roaring out of the stadium. Next, Los Angeles will host the Olympics for the third time, with previous Games being held there in 1984 and 1932. It will be the first time the city will host the Paralympics. 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 342-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,212-points on turnover of $6.1-billion N-T. The market tumbled once again on Thursday as investors were spooked by a sharp decline in artificial intelligence development-related stocks on Wall Street overnight. The three major weighted stocks all slid on the main board. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing closed the day down 2.61-per cent, Hon Hai fell 4.11-per cent and MediaTek lost 3.04-per cent. Cat Owners Required to Register and Microchip their Moggies The Ministry of Agriculture says cat owners will be required to register and have microchips implanted (植入) in their pets by September of next year. The statement comes as amendments to the Animal Protection Act are set to take affect next month. The government has said the new regualtions are being brought into effect due to a sharp increase in the number of pet cats. That has risen by 50-per cent since 2020 and now stands at around 1.31-million. According to the agriculture ministry, cat owners will have a one-year grace period to comply with the new rules. They must register their pets with local government animal protection agencies. Those who fail to do so will be subject to penalties under the Animal Protection Act. Fines will range from between 3,000 to 15,000 N-T for cat owners who don't adhere to the new regualtions. Cat owners will also have to register the births or deaths of their pets. US Trump Holds Press Conference Former US Donald Trump has announced that he wants three presidential debates with Kamala Harris before the election in November. Trump spoke at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, in Florida. It was his first major event since Harris was announced as the Democratic candidate for the US presidency. The Republican nominee also falsely (錯誤地) stated that no one was killed during the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Jody Jacobs reports… Bulgaria Protests Against LGBTQ Talk Ban Protesters have rallied outside Bulgaria’s parliament to denounce a controversial legal amendment adopted the day before. It bans talk of LGBTQ+ and so-called non-traditional sexual choices in schools. Thursday's protest was organized by rights groups calling for a reversal of that amendment. The demonstrators waved the rainbow flag, and chanted slogans (口號) as police officers guarded the rally. No violence was reported. Bulgaria’s parliament on Wednesday approved the amendment introduced by a pro-Russian party and backed by some pro-European Union parties. 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 248-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 21,047 on turnover of 5.9-billion N-T. The market recorded its largest closing gains in history on Wednesday - after surging nearly 800-points. The rise was led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. This comes after its American depositary receipts spiked overnight as Wall Street staged a rebound. However, Wall Street fell overnight. Those losses weren't as bad as those that wracked (摧殘，折磨) markets worldwide earlier this week. But market watchers say the downturn in U-S indexes still spooked investors here in Taiwan. Environmental NGOs Form Coalition to Lobby New Climate Change Committee Environmental groups have announced the establishment of coalition to lobby the National Climate Change Response Committee. The coalition is being led by groups including the Taiwan Renewable Energy Alliance, the Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, and the Taiwan Citizen Participation Association. According to those groups, the coalition has been formed due to concerns that industry might seek to obscure (遮蔽；使不分明) the government's climate policy. The National Climate Change Response Committee was formed in June by President Lai Ching-te and is holding its inaugural meeting today. Today's meeting is expected to focus on the impact of climate change on the world and Taiwan, and the challenge of Taiwan's power supply and demand. Current and Former Presidents Remember Doris Brougham And, President Lai Ching-te and former President Tsai Ing-wen are marking the death of Studio Classroom founder and English teacher to several generations of people here in Taiwan, Doris Brougham. Brougham passed away multiple organ dysfunction syndrome at the MacKay Memorial Hospital's Tamsui Branch on Wednesday. She was 98. Lai is thanking Brougham for dedicating herself to Taiwan and lauding (讚美) her as a "respected educator" for "resolutely speaking up for Taiwan" in the international community for decades and for being a "force for good" for society. While Tsai is thanking Brougham for always bringing her "warmth and encouragement" during times of difficulty and challenges. US Harris Polling Up Among Black Voters US Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris is hitting the campaign trail with her new running mate Tim Walz, in a multi-day, multi-battleground blitz (閃電戰). It comes as new polling analysis shows Harris is receiving a boost in support from black voters across the country. Mitch McCann reports: Bangladesh Interim Leader Appeals for Calm Bangladesh’s incoming interim leader Muhammad Yunus has appealed for calm and urged all parties to help the country rebuild. This comes after weeks of violence that killed hundreds of people and prompted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee (逃跑) to India. Yunus, a Nobel peace laureate, was in Paris for the Olympics when he was named interim leader following talks among military officials and student activists who led the uprising against a prime minister seen as increasingly autocratic. Yunus on Wednesday boarded a plane to return home. Bangladesh’s military chief said that an interim government headed by Yunus would be sworn in Thursday night. 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

Constitutional Court Tells Legislature to Reach Agreement over President's Address Bad Weather Curtails Rehearsals for Chiayi Air Base Air Show U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has introduced new running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Trump's interview with Elon Musk New York City's Emergency Drones -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 513-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 20,344 on turnover of 13.7-billion N-T. The market plunged 1,807-points on Monday, as the main board recorded its biggest points and percentage decline in history. The fall came as the bellwether electronics sector and artificial intelligence development-related stocks all tumbled, This comes amid reports of economic weakness in the U-S and heightened geopolitical (地緣政治的) tensions. There's speculation the Cabinet could now seek to use to the National Financial Stabilization Fund to support the stock market following the sharp decline. NCC to Mediate Copyright Fee Dispute Between Homeplus and Yong Xin The National Communications Commission has announced that it will mediate (調解) a dispute over copyright fees between cable TV provider Homeplus Digital and Yong Xin Multimedia - the Taiwanese agent for several well-known foreign channels. The statement comes after Yong Xin notified Homeplus of its plan to stop transmitting 12 channels on August 16, after negotiations on copyright fees with the cable TV operator brokedown. Those channels include HBO, Animax, Cinemax, CNN and the Cartoon Network. Homeplus has just over 1-million subscribers and accounts for 22-per cent Taiwan cable TV market. Taiwan Promotes India Ties And, Taiwan's representative to India has presented scholarships to more than 100 Indian students. He expressed his hope that they will become an "important bridge" between the two countries. Representative Baushuan Ger presented scholarship certificates to local students at a ceremony hosted by the New Delhi-based Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India. According to Ger, more than 40 students were awarded Taiwan Scholarships, which fund (資助) university-level study, while more than 90 others received Chinese-language Huayu Enrichment Scholarships. US Harris to Announce VP Pick Today US Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is expected to announce her vice presidential pick on Tuesday morning, ahead of the pair's first campaign rally in Philadelphia. Harris has reportedly cut her pool of possible running mates (競選夥伴) down to just two. As Nick Harper reports from Washington. Venezuela AttorneyGeneral Investigating Gonzalez Venezuela’s top prosecutor has announced a criminal investigation against the opposition’s presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and its leader Maria Corina Machado. The attorney general says the case is related to their call on the armed forces to abandon their support for President Nicolas Maduro and to stop repressing (鎮壓) demonstrators. The statement tied the investigation directly to a written appeal the two members of the opposition sent hours earlier about Maduro and the demonstrators who have come out in force to defend their votes in the July 28 election. The attorney general says the duo “falsely announced a winner of the presidential election other than the one proclaimed by the National Electoral Council" and they openly incited (煽動) “police and military officials to disobey the laws.” 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 655-points this morning from Friday's close, at 20,983 on turnover of $17.5-billion N-T. The market registered is steepest point fall in history last Friday, as steep (急劇的) declines in heavyweight electronics shares reflected concerns over the the U-S economy and uninspiring earnings reports. The weighted index tumbled 1,004-points on Friday to close 21,638. The plunge came after Wall Street fell overnight following more signals that U-S economic growth is slowing. MOI Says Data Show April 3 Earthquake Caused Islandwide Displacement The Ministry of the Interior says the April 3 magnitude 7.2 earthquake caused an islandwide displacement. According to the ministry, a geological survey, conducted from April 3 to 22, found significant displacement (移位) at 138 out of 247 satellite monitoring stations. Those in Hualien were the most heavily impacted. The interior ministry says Hualien's Shoufeng Township recorded the largest displacement before and after the earthquake, with a horizontal shift of 32.7-centimeters and a vertical lift of 39.3-centimeters. The survey covered an area extending from Yilan to Hualien, Nantou and coastal areas in the east and detected smaller displacements in other regions. The ministry says the displacements ranged from 1 to 4-centimeters in the north, between 1 and 6-centimeters in the west, and between and 1 and 2-centimeters in the south. US Allies Seek Lower Tensions in Middle East The United States and its allies are trying to dial down tensions in the Middle East. They are concerned Iran will attack Israel, who it blames (責備) for last week's killing of Hamas' political leader in Tehran. Our US Correspondent Jagruti Dave has more. Nigeria Leader Calls for End to Mass Protests Nigeria’s leader has called for an end to mass protests over economic hardship. The protests, which began Thursday, continued Sunday after the Nigerian leader's request. The protests have been accompanied by reports of looting and vandalism, as well as accusations that security forces have used excessive (過多的) force. Amnesty International has reported the deaths of nine protesters in clashes with police, while another four were killed by a bomb. The Nigerian police denied the Amnesty report. The protests reflect frustration with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and accusations of misgovernment and corruption in Africa’s most populous country. Belgium Triathalon Team Withdraws After One Falls Ill Belgium’s Olympic committee announced Sunday that it would withdraw its team from the mixed relay triathlon at the Paris Olympics after one of its competitors who swam in the Seine River fell ill. Claire Michel had competed in the women's triathlon Wednesday. The statement from the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee said she was “unfortunately ill.” The mixed relay triathlon is scheduled for today. The statement did not elaborate on Michel’s illness but it comes after concerns (擔憂) over the river’s water quality. 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 500-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,141 on turnover of 12-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Thursday on the back of renewed investor interest in tech heavyweights. This comes after Wall Street made strong gains as Big Tech stocks drove a rally for U-S indexes. Electronic heavyweights helped push the main board over the 60-day moving average of around 22,300 points. Precision Live-Fire Missile Drills Slated for Late August Reports say the military will be holding precision (精確) live-fire missile drills later this month. Sources are being cited as saying the drills will be taking place in areas around Jiupeng Base in Pingtung's Manjhou Township. Source also say coast guard patrol vessels are expected to be equipped with anti-ship missiles to train alongside the Navy's warships. The Maritime and Port Bureau has issued a statement saying areas affected by the live-fire exercises will include sea and air spaces around Taitung and Pingtung counties, as well as around Green and Orchid islands. UK New Police Unit The UK Prime Minister has announced a new national police unit to prevent violent disorder in the wake of (繼…之後) violent protests, following the killing of three children in a stabbing attack on Monday in Northwest England. Simon Gaitan has more from London. Nigeria Protesters Clash with Police Security forces have fired gunshots and tear gas to quell mass protests across Nigeria. Thousands were on the streets to rally against the country’s spiraling economy. At least two people were reported killed in northern Niger state where protesters clashed with security forces after blocking a major road on Thursday. Police opened fire in at least two other states. The protesters demanded an end to governance that has rendered the people of Niger, which is Africa's top oil producer, among the poorest in the world. Rights groups denounced the violence and said police used excessive force. Activists said the demonstrations would continue until their demands are met. Turkey President Urges Pope to Stand Against Olympic Drag Queen Performance Turkish officials say President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken with Pope Francis about the “immoral (不道德) display” at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. During Thursday's telephone call, Erdogan urged a unified stance against acts that ridicule sacred values, according to a statement from Erdogan’s office. In an unprecedented (無先例的) display of inclusivity, drag queens took center stage at the ceremony last week. But it also attracted criticism over a tableau reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” 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

Taiwan Fishing Boat and Crew Return After being Released by Japan Government to Launch Video Relay Service for Sign Language Users US and Philippines hold joint exercise Heightened tensions in Middle East French Swimmer Leon Marchand set new records -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 134-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,088 on turnover of 4.4-billion N-T. The market closed slightly higher on Tuesday despite early losses - but investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of a two-day policy-making meeting of the U-S Federal Reserve. Taiwan and China Reach Settlement over Kinmen Speedboat Incident Representatives from Taiwan and China have reached settlement regarding the February 14 incident that left two Chinese nationals dead after their speedboat attempted to evade (躲避) a Coast Guard Administration patrol boat in waters near Kinmen. Speaking after a one-hour talks at the Golden Lake Hotel in Kinmen, administration director-general Hsieh Qing-qin said the agreement will be actively implemented. However, Hsieh went on to say that he's "currently unable to disclose" details of the deal. The top Chinese representative at the talks also confirmed an agreement has been reached - saying he now hopes the "relevant parties in Taiwan" will honor the agreement and provide a resolution for the families. CDC Touts Mid-August as End of COVID-19 Epidemic Phase The Centers for Disease Control says it believes a COVID-19 epidemic phase currently affecting Taiwan will pass by mid-August. The number of patients seeking medical attention relating to COVID-19 last week stood at 56,000 and that's a decline of 37-per cent from the previous week and the third consecutive (連續的) week the number has fallen. C-D-C Deputy Director-General Philip Luo says Typhoon Gaemi resulted in cancellations of large gatherings for two to three days, which is favorable for control of the disease - and he's optimistic the pandemic will continue to decline. Venezuela Protests Amid Contested Presidential Election Violent protests are continuing in Venezuela following Sunday's disputed (有爭執的) election result. Police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at people demonstrating against President Nicolas Maduro who claimed victory. The opposition claims its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won by a large margin. Mary Triny Mena reports from Caracas. North Macedonia Seeks EU Help to Fight Wildfires North Macedonia said it was seeking further assistance from the European Union to combat wildfires that continue to burn out of control in heatwave temperatures and crossed the southern border into Greece. Large wildfires in parts of North Macedonia this week destroyed and damaged homes, forced evacuations and claimed the life of an elderly resident in a village some 60 kilometers east of the capital. Successive heat waves have helped trigger (引發) fires across the Balkan region and elsewhere in southern Europe, with several countries including Bulgaria and Albania currently receiving international firefighting assistance through an EU support system. Fires were also reported in Croatia and Bosnia. Nissan Sustainability Plan Nissan says it has a “sustainability plan” to become a greener and more inclusive company. The Japanese automaker is promising to recycle batteries, empower (授權，使自主) workers and create safer cars. Nissan says that by 2030 it will reduce per-vehicle manufacturing CO2 emissions by 52% and cut per-vehicle driving CO2 emissions for new models by 50% in Japan, the U.S., Europe and China. Its chief sustainability officer told reporters this week that Nissan hopes to work with various partners, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. That is the same goal set by the governments of Japan, the U.S. and Europe, and other major automakers. 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 124-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,040 on turnover of 5-billion N-T. The market closed slightly higher on Monday following a technical rebound on Wall Street at the end of last week. The market gained more than 300 points in the early morning session. However, investors then opted to shift to the sell side, eroding (侵蝕) the early upturn by the end of the session. MAC to Meet ARATS in Kinmen Today Officials from Taiwan and China are meeting today at the Golden Lake Hotel in Kinmen today for talks on the the February 14 Kinmen speedboat incident. Today's meeting is taking place after talks planned for last Wednesday were postponed due to Typhoon Gaemi. The Mainland Affairs Council has said the focus of the meeting is to discuss outstanding (未解決的) issues relating to the incident that left two Chinese nationals dead after their speedboat attempted to evade (逃避) a Coast Guard Administration patrol boat. Chinese representatives and members of two men's families arrived in Kinmen yesterday. Lai Talks Aid to Farmers Affected by Typhoon Gaemi President Lai Ching-te says farmers in areas hit hardest by Typhoon Gaemi will be able to apply for cash assistance and low-interest loans. According to Lai, the move is aimed at minimizing their losses and ensuring (確保) farming operations can resume quickly. The statement comes as Lai has been visiting parts of the island affected by the typhoon accompanied by Premier Cho Jung-tai and Defense Ministry Wellington Koo. Lai says farmers in heavily affected areas such as Kaohsiung and Pingtung will be exempt from paying interest on low-interest loans for the first six months - with the government covering all such interest payments. US Kamala Harris Campaign Raises 200Million US Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has raised $200 million since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her, according to her team. The campaign says it has 170,000 new volunteers, and the "momentum (動力) and energy for Vice President Harris is real", according to its communications director. It comes after a weekend of campaigning for both Harris and former President Donald Trump, as the US presidential election draws closer. Sally Patterson reports from New York. Guatemala Temporary Residency to Mexican Refugees Guatemala’s government has given temporary residency to 207 Mexicans, mostly children, on humanitarian grounds, after they fled across the border last week to escape drug violence. Officials say the refugees will have 30 days of legal status after which they could request asylum (庇護) if they want. They have registered at least 44 extended families, and domestic and international organizations are supporting the families with donations. Early last week, nearly 600 Mexicans crossed the border into Guatemala, later describing harrowing escapes on foot as drug cartels battled around their communities. 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

Kinmen Speedboat Incident Talks Slated for Tomorrow Typhoon Rains Replenish Reservoirs China Exerts Pressure on Several Countries Russia Ukraine War in eastern Donetsk Paris Olympics Day 2 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened sharply lower by 665-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22-207 on turnover of 18.8-billion N-T. The market plunged today after returning from two days off due to Typhoon Gaemi. TSMC's share price plunged 6.5-percent, testing the quarterly moving average. This comes after US tech stocks also took a significant hit over the typhoon holiday, particularly for stocks in the artificial intelligence sector, including NVIDIA, AMD and Supermicro. Widespread Flooding Due to Typhoon Typhoon Gaemi has caused widespread flooding across Taiwan - as residents in some areas have been struggling to pump water out of their homes and places of business. Heavy flooding has been reported in several areas of Kaohsiung, including Renwu, Gushan, Fongshan, Cianjin and Dashe districts. According to the Central Weather Administration, as of 5PM Thursday, Kaohsiung's Maolin District had received 112-centinmeters of rainfall. That was followed by Sandimen in Pingtung, which has recorded 94-centinmeters of rainfall and Chiayi County's Zhuqi Township, which saw 93--centinmeters of rainfall. Flood waters in Yilan County's Yuanshan Township had reached 2-meters - prompting the deployment (調動) of rescue boats to evacuate 13 residents early Thurday morning. US VP on Gaza After Israeli PM Meeting US Vice President Kamala Harris says the world cannot become "numb" to suffering in Gaza, speaking after meeting the Israeli prime minister. Benjamin Netanyahu also held talks with President Joe Biden on Thursday, where they discussed ongoing (正在進行的) efforts to secure a ceasefire deal. He is expected to meet with former President Donald Trump on Friday - who is vying to return to the White House in November. Sally Patterson has more. Japan Heavy Rain Heavy rain has hit northern Japan, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and sending hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued emergency warnings of heavy rain for several municipalities in the Yamagata and Akita prefecture, where warm and humid air was flowing. According to emergency officials, one person is missing in Akita prefecture, after being hit by a landslide at a road construction site. Officials predicted up to 20 centimeters of more rainfall in the region through this evening, urging residents to remain cautious (謹慎). G20 Discussing Global Tax on SuperRich Finance ministers from leading rich and developing nations are meeting in Rio de Janeiro to discuss a global tax on the super-rich. The proposal before the G20 participants would require individuals with over $1 billion in total assets to pay the equivalent of 2% of their wealth in income tax. Brazil, which currently holds the Group of 20 presidency. A Brazilian ministry official has said France, Spain, and South Africa have expressed support for the proposal. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Thursday the U.S. doesn't support it and that tax policy is hard to coordinate globally. A study commissioned by Brazil finds that billionaires currently pay the equivalent (相等的) of 0.3% of their wealth in taxes. The report said a 2% tax would raise up to $250 billion per year globally from about 3,000 individuals, money that could fund public services such as education and health care as well as the fight against climate change. 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

10AＭ Typhoon Gaemi Wrap Han Kuang Exercise Troops on Standby for Typhoon Operations Biden to address nation on Wednesday on dropping out of race UN Yemen attacks Malaysia Bangladesh Violence -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 257-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,514 on turnover of 7.8-billion N-T. The market plunged more than 600-points on Monday as selling was seen among large cap stocks across the board following the news that U-S President Joe Biden will not be seeking re-election. Government Employees to Get 3% Wage Hike in 2025 Premier Cho Jung-tai says the Cabinet has approved a pay rise for civil servants, military personnel and public school teachers. According to the premier, the public sector workers will be getting a 3-per cent hike next year. Cho said the Cabinet believes that civil servants, military personnel and public school teachers should benefit from the growth in Taiwan's economy - which is in recovery mode (模式). Cho also said he hopes the wage hike by the government will prompt the private sector to raise salaries for employees and strengthen Taiwan's competitiveness. EU Rep Receives Presidential Honor Outgoing top European Union representative Filip Grzegorzewski has been awarded a presidential honor for his contribution to promoting relations between the bloc and Taiwan during his five-year tenure. Speaking at a ceremony after being presented with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by President Lai Ching-te, Grzegorzewski described Taiwan as "a land of good fortune." According to the outgoing E-U envoy, his top memories from his five-year stint included participating in the 13-hour Ironman triathlon in Penghu, summiting Jade Mountain, swimming across Sun Moon Lake and biking around Taiwan's coastline. Lai said he awarded Grzegorzewski the honor to highlight (強調) the envoy's "outstanding contribution to deepening Taiwan-EU relations." US Biden Condemns Police Shooting of Black Woman US authorities have released a video showing a white police officer fatally shooting a Black woman, in a case sparking outrage across the country. The video includes body-cam footage (一段影片) from the sheriffs who responded to Sonya Massey's home in the US state of Illinois on July 6. It has reignited national debate about police use of force and racial discrimination. Sally Patterson reports. EU Ministers' Meeting in Brussels The EU's top diplomat says Hungary won’t be allowed to host a strategic EU meeting next month. EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said the upcoming foreign and defense ministers’ meeting would take place in Brussels instead of Budapest. The change may be due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s surprise, self-proclaimed (自稱) “peace mission” trips to Moscow and Beijing aimed at brokering an end to the war in Ukraine. EU partners overwhelmingly (壓倒性地) saw that as undermining their support for Kyiv. Hungary , which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, blasted the decision. It had expected to host the annual late August gathering. 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 50-points this morning from Friday's close, at 22,818 on turnover of 5.7-billion N-T. The market lost over 500 points on Friday - as investors reacted to lackluster performances by tech stocks on Wall Street last week - which dragged down Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Lai Talks About Democracy at DPP National Party Congress President Lai Ching-te has been stressing the value of democracy for Taiwan during his address at the D-P-P's national congress in Taipei. Speaking at the event, Lai touted the theme for the congress this year as being "democratic Taiwan moving forward in unity" and proposed three main targets for the party. Those targets include establishing a national identity based on Taiwan subjectivity .. the strengthening of the democratic constitutional system and to ensure (確保) human rights and freedom are safeguarded. The D-P-P also elected the party's central standing committee members, central executive committee members and central evaluation committee members during the national congress. University Compensates Students who had Food Stolen by Monkeys The National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung says it's compensated 17 students who had their food stolen by Formosan macaques during confrontations (衝突) on campus. The compensation payments are part of a six-month campaign by the school to promote what it's calling "human-monkey coexistence." The campaign runs from February 1 through July 31. According to a university spokesperson, it's given up to 100 N-T to each victim, most of whom were attacked and lost their food in areas near convenience stores or parking lots. In order to be eligible for the payments, students have to provide food receipts and photos of the monkeys. Russia Ukraine latest At least two people have been killed in Ukrainian strikes on the partly Russian-occupied Donetsk region, Russian state media say, while Russian strikes wounded (使…受傷) at least five people in Ukraine overnight. Karen Chammas reports. Bangladesh Scales Back Job Quota System Changes Bangladesh’s top court has scaled back a controversial quota system for government job applicants after it led to nationwide unrest and deadly clashes between police and protesters. The Supreme Court in its verdict (判決) ordered 93% of the government jobs to be called on a merit-based system, with only 5% reserved for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971 and other categories. Earlier, the system reserved 30% of the jobs for veterans' relatives. Sunday’s verdict comes after weeks of demonstrations that turned deadly this week. Authorities haven’t shared any official numbers of those killed, but local media have reported over 100 dead. Greenland AntiWhaling Activist Arrested Greenland police have arrested a prominent environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan. Police said they arrested Paul Watson when his ship docked in Greenland’s capital Nuuk on Sunday morning. They said Watson will be brought before a district court with a request to detain him until a decision is made on whether to extradite (引渡) him to Japan. Watson is a Canadian-American citizen and he's a former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Watson's direct action tactics include high-seas confrontations with whaling vessels. Japan has accused Watson and Sea Shepherd of endangering whalers’ lives during operations in the Antarctic Ocean. 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 170-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,228 on turnover of 10-billion N-T. The market closed sharply lower - falling by more than 370 points on Thursday. This is despite Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing recouping some of it's loses from the previous session. Analysts say bargain hunters jumped-in to the market late in the trading day to pick up T-S-M-C stocks. The old economy sector attracted investor interest. The financial sector outperformed the broader market to stem the downturn at the bottom of the session. Drivers and Pedestrians Must Seek Shelter during Next Week's Wanan Defense Traffic controls will be imposed and pedestrians will be required to go seek shelter during next week's 30-minute-long Wanan air defense drills. The drills will be taking place in central Taiwan next Monday, in the north on Tuesday, the east and outlying islands on Wednesday and in the south on Thursday. All of the drill will run from 1:30 to 2PM. Interior Minister Liu Shi-fang says local governments will each issue an air defense alert. They will use television, radio, police patrol car broadcasts and other broadcast systems at villages and schools during the drills to enhance the coverage of the air-raid warning. Text message alerts will also be sent to people's mobile phones. Drivers must immediately park and, along with pedestrians (行人), follow police instructions to enter the nearest air raid shelter. Those caught violating the rules face a fine of up to 150,000 N-T. US More Details on Trump Attack The US Secret Service was reportedly told about a 'suspicious (可疑的) man' using a rangefinder. This happened 20 minutes before a gunman opened fire at Donald Trump on Saturday. Sally Patterson reports. Canada Female Military Chief A woman has become the top commander of Canada's military for the first time. Gen. Jennie Carignan officially took over command of the Canadian Armed Forces in a ceremony at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on Thursday. Carignan was promoted to the rank of general during the change-of-command ceremony. She was chosen by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to become Canada’s first female defense chief. Trudeau praised Carignan as someone of the right caliber (水準；才能) to take over. He points out she is the first woman to lead the military of any Group of 20 country. Cambodia Finds Rare Siamese Crocodile Eggs Officials in Cambodia say conservationists have found 106 eggs of rare Siamese crocodile species in a western Cambodian wildlife sanctuary. They say it was the biggest discovery in the last 20 years, giving new hope for the world’s rarest crocodile species' survival (生存) in the wild. The group discovered the species eggs in Cardamom National Park in May. Officials say between June 27 and 30, a total of 60 eggs successfully hatched. It’s believed only about 1,000 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild, with more than 300 of them in Cambodia. 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 396-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,373 on turnover of 13.6-billion N-T. The market lost more than 200 points on Wednesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing share price tumbled after Donald Trump once again claimed that Taiwan had taken "100-per cent" of America's "chip business." Analysts say Trump's comments and his being seen as possibly winning November's U-S election are raising concerns that T-S-M-C's global expansion will be affected if he returns to the White House. Cabinet Launches Task Force to Tackle Economic Issues Premier Cho Jung-tai has announced the establishment of a Cabinet-level task force which will be responsible for formulating (制定) policies to tackle various economic issues. The Economic Development Commission will convene (召開) for the first time today. According to the premier, the first issue on the agenda will be discussion refarding how Taiwan can further attract overseas investors and skilled workers. The premier says other issues, including driving innovation, modifying taxation rules, raising salary levels and funding the construction of social housing will also be discussed by the task force in the future. Hsinchu County Magistrate Indicted on Corruption Charges Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke has been indicted along with 11 other people on corruption charges. According to prosecutors, Yang and the 11 others knowingly shielded (庇護) Fong Yi Construction from legal responsibility after the company caused a severe sinkhole in the county last year. Prosecutors say Fong Yi Construction failed to properly stabilize the ground of a new residential project in order to save over 100-million N-T in costs. And the company's use of substandard materials led six collapses and sinkholes appearing on roads adjacent to the construction site between April of 2022 and April of 2023. Yang continues to serve as Hsinchu County Magistrate despite the indictment. UN says fighting in Gaza is increasing The United Nations warns that further regional spillover (溢出效應) conflict in the Middle East is increasing by the day, at a meeting on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Jody Jacobs reports… Oman Tanker Rescue Continues Nine crew members were rescued and another died as teams searched for others after an oil tanker capsized this week off the coast of Oman, according to the country's state news agency. The tanker, the MT Prestige Falcon, had 16 crewmembers on board, mostly Indians, when it capsized in the Arabian Sea late Monday southeast off Oman's Ras Madrakah area. The cause of the capsizing (傾覆) and the condition of the tanker and its cargo were not immediately known. But the Indian navy, which sent a warship to help in the search operations, said the rescue teams were dealing with rough seas and strong winds. Brazil Illegal Dumping Leads to Fish Dieoff Several tons of fish have died along one of the main rivers in Brazil's Sao Paulo state after an alleged illegal dumping of industrial waste from a sugar and ethanol (乙醇) plant. Prosecutors say a preliminary analysis estimates that between 10 and 20 tons of fish died on the Piracicaba River. The initial investigation points to an “irregular discharge of wastewater” from Estiva’s Sao Jose plant in the community of Rio das Pedras, and it reached a stream that flows into the river. Prosecutors have requested a full report into water conditions and are waiting for further technical information before taking the next steps regarding civil and criminal liability. 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 169-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,827 on turnover of 8.5-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing led the bellwether electronics sector higher ahead of a its investor conference scheduled tomorrow. Buying was also sparked on the back of fresh investor hopes that the U-S Federal Reserve could opt to cut interest rates as early as September. MND Warning About Deepfakes Ahead of Han Kuang Exercise The Ministry of National Defense is warning about an increase in deepfake disinformation ahead of next week's live-fire phase of the Han Kuang exercise. According to defense officials, the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology has been asked to present a special report on deepfake (深度，深偽) recognition, examining the technology and its defense applications. The move comes as the defense ministry has said that misinformation often increases during the annual exercise. The defense ministry says government agencies have taken steps to reduce the impact of such misinformation, but the military is working to intercept misinformation before it can be spread. CDC Says COVID-19 and Flu Outbreaks have Now Peaked The Centers for Disease Control says both COVID-19 and flu cases have now peaked and the epidemic phases is likely pass in the coming weeks. According to C-D-C Deputy Director-General Philip Luo, emergency and outpatient department visits for both diseases have seen a week-over-week decrease of more than 10-per cent. Luo says based on that figure, the epidemic phase for COVID-19 will end mid-August, while the epidemic phase for flu will end early next month. However, Luo is stressing that a renewed (更新的) COVID-19 outbreak in the autumn cannot be ruled out. Data shows the most common COVID-19 strain detected domestically over the past four weeks is the JN.1 variant - which has accounted for 39-per cent of the total number of cases. UK Gov to Lay Out Policy in State Opening of Parliament In the UK, the state opening of Parliament is taking place later (Wednesday) to mark the official start of the new government's time in office. The ceremonial (儀式的) event is a chance for newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer to lay out some of the key policies for the coming months. John Bevir reports. Brazil Old Dinosaur Bones Found A team of Brazilian scientists has discovered a skeleton of what they believe is one of the world’s oldest dinosaurs. They made their discovery after heavy rains in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul accelerated the natural process of erosion. The researchers say the fossil found next to a reservoir is around 233 million years old. That would mean the dinosaur lived during the Triassic period, when all continents were part of a single land mass. The apex predator (頂級掠食者) discovered in Rio Grande do Sul belongs to a family of dinosaurs that used to wander (行走) across lands that now make up present-day Brazil and Argentina. The size of the bones reveals that the dinosaur would have reached around 2.5 meters in length. 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 169-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,827 on turnover of 8.5-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Tuesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing led the bellwether electronics sector higher ahead of a its investor conference scheduled tomorrow. Buying was also sparked on the back of fresh investor hopes that the U-S Federal Reserve could opt to cut interest rates as early as September. MND Warning About Deepfakes Ahead of Han Kuang Exercise The Ministry of National Defense is warning about an increase in deepfake disinformation ahead of next week's live-fire phase of the Han Kuang exercise. According to defense officials, the National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology has been asked to present a special report on deepfake (深度，深偽) recognition, examining the technology and its defense applications. The move comes as the defense ministry has said that misinformation often increases during the annual exercise. The defense ministry says government agencies have taken steps to reduce the impact of such misinformation, but the military is working to intercept misinformation before it can be spread. CDC Says COVID-19 and Flu Outbreaks have Now Peaked The Centers for Disease Control says both COVID-19 and flu cases have now peaked and the epidemic phases is likely pass in the coming weeks. According to C-D-C Deputy Director-General Philip Luo, emergency and outpatient department visits for both diseases have seen a week-over-week decrease of more than 10-per cent. Luo says based on that figure, the epidemic phase for COVID-19 will end mid-August, while the epidemic phase for flu will end early next month. However, Luo is stressing that a renewed (更新的) COVID-19 outbreak in the autumn cannot be ruled out. Data shows the most common COVID-19 strain detected domestically over the past four weeks is the JN.1 variant - which has accounted for 39-per cent of the total number of cases. UK Gov to Lay Out Policy in State Opening of Parliament In the UK, the state opening of Parliament is taking place later (Wednesday) to mark the official start of the new government's time in office. The ceremonial (儀式的) event is a chance for newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer to lay out some of the key policies for the coming months. John Bevir reports. Brazil Old Dinosaur Bones Found A team of Brazilian scientists has discovered a skeleton of what they believe is one of the world’s oldest dinosaurs. They made their discovery after heavy rains in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul accelerated the natural process of erosion. The researchers say the fossil found next to a reservoir is around 233 million years old. That would mean the dinosaur lived during the Triassic period, when all continents were part of a single land mass. The apex predator (頂級掠食者) discovered in Rio Grande do Sul belongs to a family of dinosaurs that used to wander (行走) across lands that now make up present-day Brazil and Argentina. The size of the bones reveals that the dinosaur would have reached around 2.5 meters in length. 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