EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 296-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,339 on turnover of 23.8-billion N-T. The market plunged (暴跌) over 1,000 points on Wednesday after tech stocks suffered heavy losses on Wall Street overnight. FSC closely monitoring growing personal loans amid equity boom The Financial Supervisory Commission says it's closely monitoring expanding personal credit (個人信用貸款) as more and more retail investors (散戶投資人) are opting to borrow money to invest in the local stock market amid the current equity boom. According to the commission's Financial Examination Bureau, it's now conducting regular reviews of the local banking sector and will continue monitoring lending activity. The statements come amid concerns over possible risks caused by retail investors using personal loans to buy stocks, and that once the stock market faces volatility (波動), borrowers could fail to repay their loans, pushing up the number of non-performing loans shouldered by banks. CWA issues heavy rain warnings The Central Weather Administration has issued rain warnings today. Extremely heavy rain or torrential rain (豪雨；暴雨) advisories (警示) are in effect for Kaohsiung, Pingtung and the Hengchun Peninsula. Heavy rain or extremely heavy rain advisories have been issued for the North Coast area, Taipei, New Taipei and Tainan. While a heavy rain advisory is in effect for Keelung, Yunlin both Chiayi city and county, mountainous area of Taitung, Penghu and Matsu. All of the rain warnings are currently in effect through early tomorrow morning. White House asks Congress for USD$87.6B in supplemental spending for Iran War, farm aid, and ebola response The White House has asked Congress for 87.6 billion US dollars in emergency spending, with the bulk of the money earmarked (指定用途) for the war in Iran. Democrats have dismissed (駁回；不予理會) the request, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it an attempt to paper over the damage of what he called a reckless war. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy said the package appeared designed not to pass. The request comes a day after both chambers of Congress voted to rebuke (譴責) US President Donald Trump over the conflict. Mitch Mccann reports from New York. Powerful earthquake rattles Japan A powerful earthquake has struck off Japan’s northern coast but there was no danger of a tsunami, the country’s meteorological agency said. The Japan Meteorological Agency says the quake had a preliminary magnitude (初步規模) of 6.9 and occurred off the eastern coast of Iwate at a depth of about 50 kilometers. The U.S. Geological Survey also reported a magnitude of 6.9. The rattling (搖晃；震動) occurred in the area where strong earthquakes have repeatedly been reported in recent months. The quake struck Japan’s northeastern region during rush hour this morning, and also mildly shook Tokyo. Some bullet trains and other local lines have been suspended for safety checks. Officials say nuclear power plants and facilities and a spent fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori, have not reported any abnormalities (異常) from Thursday's earthquake. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 53 -points this morning from yesterday's close, at 47,795 on turnover of 21.5-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another record high on Monday after surging more than 1,200 points, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing smashed previous closing levels amid ongoing optimism over global AI development. Cancer remains No. 1 cause of death in Taiwan for 44th straight year The Ministry of Health and Welfare says cancer remained the leading cause of death here in Taiwan in 2025 - maintaining that trend for the 44th consecutive (連續的) year. According to the ministry, data shows cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia remained the top three causes of death last year. That was followed by cerebrovascular disease and diabetes. Cancer claimed 54,838 lives in 2025 accounting for 27.5-per cent of all deaths and the cancer mortality rate was 234.9 deaths per 100,000 people. The average annual increase of cancer deaths over the past decade has been 1.5-per cent. Lung, liver and colorectal malignancies remained the main causes of cancer deaths in 2025 for the 22nd consecutive year. Suspect in Taipei knife attack on cheerleader detained A man suspected of carrying out a knife attack on C-T-B-C Brothers' Passion Sisters cheerleading team member, Wang Ching-wen has been ordered detained. The 52 year old man was detained after the Shilin District Court approved a request for a detention order submitted by the Shihlin District Prosecutors' Office. The court says it accepted the request based on strong evidence of attempted murder and assault (突擊), as well as the risk that he could reoffend. Wang, who is known by her stage name Wen Wen, was taking part in a private photo shoot at a photo studio in Taipei on Saturday when she was attacked by a man with a knife. The motive for the attack remains under investigation. Iran Pushes Back on US Claims for Agreement on Nuclear Inspectors Iran has pushed back against claims by US Vice President JD Vance that Tehran agreed during talks in Switzerland to readmit international nuclear inspectors — with Iran's foreign ministry saying cooperation with the UN's atomic watchdog would continue under existing procedures. Vance had described the opening round of negotiations at Bürgenstock as "very, very good," but Tehran says substantive (實質Shízhì) discussions on the nuclear issue have not yet begun. The two sides have agreed a road map to reach a final deal within sixty days, with Qatar and Pakistan acting as mediators. Washington correspondent Kate Fisher says the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil presents a challenge for the US — because Washington will have far less control over how Tehran spends the revenue it earns on the open market. Egypt Detains Hundreds for Illegal Goldmining and Smuggling Egyptian security forces have detained hundreds of people, including foreigners, near the Sudan border. They are accused of illegal gold mining and smuggling, according to the Egyptian military. The military said the detainees included 87 Egyptians and 136 foreigners. Egypt's military said some surrendered (投降) and were sent home. The operation seized large amounts of mining equipment. The southern region of Egypt is rich in gold mines, including the Sukari mine. Sudan, also rich in gold, has seen much of its gold smuggled due to the war there. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. ---- Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up (上漲開盤) 95-points this morning from yesterday's close (收盤), at 45,972 on turnover (成交金額) of $15-billion N-T. ---- 90 percent of suspended social media accounts restored: MODA The Ministry of Digital Affairs says Meta has promised to restore (恢復) thousands of social media accounts wrongly suspended (被停用 / 被停權) over the weekend, with nearly 90 percent recovered as of Wednesday afternoon. Between 3,000 and 4,000 accounts were suspended late Sunday after a technical issue caused Meta's system to mistakenly flag users as being under 13 years old, part of a new age-verification mechanism (年齡驗證機制) the company rolled out in May. About 200 accounts belonged to media organizations and public figures, with thousands more belonging to individual users. The ministry instructed Meta to restore a list of nearly 100 accounts, including those of major broadcasters and prominent political figures, by 6 p.m. Wednesday. Meta also said its existing appeal mechanisms remain available for users whose accounts are still suspended. ---- Banqiao man arrested after robbing bank with scissors A 50-year-old man was arrested (被逮捕) Wednesday morning after robbing a bank in New Taipei's Banqiao District with a pair of scissors. Police said the robbery at the Taishin International Bank branch was reported at around 10:15 a.m. Officers arrived four minutes later to find the suspect (嫌犯), surnamed Wang, seated in the customer area counting cash. He was arrested on the spot. Wang is being questioned on suspicion of robbery. Investigators are working to determine whether any accomplices (共犯) were involved and whether the crime was premeditated. ---- US and Iran digitally sign MOU to end war as Trump warns he'll resume bombing if talks fail US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have digitally signed a fourteen-point memorandum of understanding (諒解備忘錄) to end the war between the United States, Israel and Iran. The deal calls for an immediate ceasefire (停火), the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of sanctions (制裁) on Iranian oil exports, but President Trump has warned the agreement is not final and the US would resume military action if further talks fail. A further round of negotiations is due to begin in Switzerland on Friday, with those talks expected to conclude within sixty days. Kate Fisher has more from Washington. That was Kate Fisher in Washington. ---- UN Warns of Acute Hunger Across Global Hotspots The United Nations’ food agencies warn that acute hunger (嚴重飢餓) is set to worsen across 13 global hot spots in the coming months, calling for urgent action. Conflict, funding shortages, and climate shocks are pushing millions closer to famine (飢荒). A new joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program highlights that conditions are expected to deteriorate between June and November 2026. Around 266 million people already face high levels of acute food insecurity (糧食不安全). The report says "Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, and Palestine" remain the countries of greatest concern. Nigeria and Somalia have been newly added to that category as conditions worsen and famine risks rise. ---- UK Stonehenge "Prototype" Discovered Archaeologists (考古學家) say they have discovered a structure near Stonehenge that may have served as a “prototype” (原型) for the monument. A team from Wessex Archaeology says the structure, found near Bulford, predates Stonehenge by around 500 years. It consisted of two wooden poles aligned with the sun during solstices (至日). The site also revealed pottery, animal bones, and a rare knife, suggesting it was a focus for religious gatherings. The discovery was made as part of work for the British defense ministry. Stonehenge remains a symbol of British culture and a major tourist attraction. ---- That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 103-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,500 on turnover of $14-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan surged more than 1,200 points and closed above the 45,000-point mark Monday on an announcement by the United States and Iran that they have reached a peace deal slated to be signed Friday. Contract chipmaker TSMC rose 2.81 percent, contributing about 520 points to the Taiex's rise and sending the electronics index up 2.97 percent. Analysts say buying also rotated to passive electronics component makers, adding momentum to the tech sector. TFDA confirms no contaminated forumla imported The Food and Drug Administration is confirming that a contaminated (受污染的) infant formula in the US was not imported into Taiwan. The product came under scrutiny after three cases of infant botulism (肉毒桿菌中毒) were reported in the US. The US CDC found that all three affected infants had consumed the formula. Taiwanese officials say that there are no import records for the product over the past three years. According to the U.S. FDA, the three illnesses began between April and May 2026. Testing of the infant formula in question and related investigations remain ongoing. US & Iran sign peace deal, starting more negotiations US President Donald Trump says Washington and Tehran have signed a deal to end the conflict (衝突) and start further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. The two sides are scheduled to take part in a signing ceremony on Friday in Geneva. Nick Harper reports from Washington. UN Resolution Calls on Taliban to Reverse Crackdown on Women The U.N. Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to swiftly reverse their crackdown on women. China’s U.N. Ambassador, whose country sponsored the resolution, said the hope is that the Afghan government will “take more proactive measures to protect human rights, especially the rights of women, and project an image of openness, inclusivity (包容性) and responsibility.” The resolution adopted on Monday extends the U.N. political mission in Afghanistan until June 17, 2027. It authorizes the mission to support humanitarian aid deliveries and promote national and local governance “without any discrimination based on sex, religion or ethnicity, with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women." 1st Edition Wuthering Heights Up for Auction A rare first-edition copy of Emily Brontë’s novel "Wuthering Heights" is up for auction for the first time in over a century. Christie's auction house announced Monday that this is the first copy in the publisher’s original cloth binding to be auctioned since 1908. Only about 250 copies of the first edition were printed, and this one has been in a private library since shortly after (不久之後) its publication in 1847. The book, along with a copy of Anne Brontë’s "Agnes Grey," is expected to sell for up to $800-thousand US dollars at a June 30th sale in London. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 438-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 43,588 on turnover of $22.6-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday, as investors reacted to another sell-off of artificial-intelligence stocks that dragged Wall Street down overnight. The loses were far less than Thursday's sharp decline, but the main board still closed lower. Taiwan slips to 42nd in Global Peace Index Taiwan ranks 42nd in terms of peacefulness in the 2026 Global Peace Index. Taiwan has an overall score of 1.751 this year and fell from 37th place in last year's report. The report is published by the global Institute for Economics and Peace and covers 163 countries. The overall score measures a country's level of peacefulness, using 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators across three domains - those being ongoing domestic and international conflict, societal safety and security, and militarization. Each indicator is weighted on a scale of 1 to 5, with lower scores indicating greater peacefulness. Although Taiwan ranks 42nd worldwide, it's listed in 9th place among the 19 Asian-Pacific countries in the report. Iceland remained the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th consecutive (連續的) year, with an overall score of 1.161, followed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia and Ireland. New Taipei launches new commuter bus routes over Danjiang Bridge The New Taipei Transportation Department has launched (啓動，開始) four new bus routes that cross that Danjiang Bridge. The new routes provide 80 daily services between Banqiao and Tamsui, Tamsui and Taoyuan International Airport, and Tamsui and Bali. Route 988 connects Banqiao Bus Station and Danhai New Town with 20 services each way on weekdays and 18 each way on weekends. Airport routes 989 and 990, provide 10 services each way between Taoyuan Airport and Danhai New Town, and Tamsui Metro Station. The 115 route will operate as a commuter service between Tamsui and Bali on weekdays and as a tourism-focused route on weekends and public holidays. Philippine QuakeHit Town Pleads for Food Supplies The mayor of a quake-hit southern Philippine town is pleading for air force helicopters to transport food to stave off hunger in places isolated by landslides. The earthquake Monday off southern Sarangani province has left 47 people dead with 31 others still missing and 45,000 displaced. The mayor of the town of Glan says 10 villages remained isolated (被孤立) mostly due to landslides. He pleaded for the immediate deployment of air force helicopters to deliver food to the stricken areas. The town doesn't have power and phone service is unreliable. UK Defence Secretary Resigns The UK defence secretary has resigned. John Healey says the government's plans for spending on defence 'falls well short of what's required.' John Bevir reports. Thailand Princess Dies Age 47 Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha "Pacha-raki-ti-ya-Pa" Mahidol, a lawyer and the eldest of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s children, has died at age 47. The palace said she died Thursday. She had been on life support after falling unconscious in 2022. The princess was active in justice reform and known for her “Inspire” project to rehabilitate (恢復正常生活，獲得改造) incarcerated women. She had a doctoral degree from Cornell University, where scholarships to the law school were established in her name. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 【曼谷旅遊首選：喬瑞旅行社】 帶長輩小孩出國不再心累！ 喬瑞提供專屬包車、客製化行程與小團服務，免去交通奔波，讓全家輕鬆享受泰國假期。 點擊連結，讓喬瑞為您規畫完美旅程：https://sofm.pse.is/98r5vq -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 122-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 44,581 on turnover of 8.6-billion N-T. The market staged a technical rebound (技術性反彈) on Tuesday led by the electronics sector, after tech stocks rallied on Wall Street overnight, while buying also rotated to (輪動至) the financial sector, to give an additional boost to the broader market. Lai touts Shinzo Abe's legacy at Tokyo forum President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan and Japan face identical security challenges along the First Island Chain. In a pre-recorded address at the inaugural (首屆的) Shinzo Abe and Modern Japan International Research Forum in Tokyo, Lai said the late Prime Minister's declaration that "a Taiwan contingency (緊急事態) is a Japanese contingency" highlights the importance of continued peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president also used the opportunity to thank Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for continuing Abe’s legacy. The forum was cohosted by the National Chengchi University's Shinzo Abe Research Center and the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals think tank… it brought together experts from Taiwan, Japan and the U-S to discuss Abe's legacy and strategy. Hsinchu gas explosion cause under investigation Fire investigators (調查人員) and police are looking into the cause of an explosion that left two people dead and two others injured in Hsinchu City on Tuesday. The explosion ripped through (炸穿 / 猛烈摧毀) a lunchbox store on Gaocui Road in the city's East District. The blast collapsed a wall onto a neighboring bakery - where the two elderly victims were sleeping. Both were later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Firefighters believe the blast was due gas accumulating (累積 / 聚積) overnight inside the lunchbox store after it closed. US Launches New Attacks on Iran Following Helicopter Incident Bahrain has sounded its missile alert sirens as Iran said it targeted the island nation to retaliate (報復) for US strikes. Iran said it had targeted the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, the island nation in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged (呼籲) the public to seek shelter. The US launched fresh strikes on Iran following the downing of an Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, putting any new peace agreement in jeopardy (陷入危險). Mitch McCann reports. … That was correspondent Mitch McCann. Brazil Crackdown on Smugglers of Cuban Migrants Brazilian police have rescued more than 100 Cuban migrants from human smugglers (走私者 / 偷渡集團) at the northern border with Guyana. Officials say the 108 migrants are in custody while authorities work to regularize (使合法化) their immigration status. Five people have been arrested on smuggling charges. The smugglers, known as "coyotes," charged high fees and provided unsafe travel conditions. The operation, conducted Monday, marks the largest humanitarian rescue in the state. Cuban migration to Brazil has surged since 2022 due to Cuba's economic crisis and U.S. sanctions. More affluent migrants often fly to Sao Paulo, while others travel overland through northern Amazon states. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 563-points this morning from Friday's close, at 44,507 on turnover of 31--billion N-T. The market lost ground on Friday after big artificial intelligence-related stocks saw sharp declines on Wall Street overnight, but financial stocks helped stabilize (穩定) the main board. Analysts says that decline came as many investors rushed to (趕往、衝向) pocket recent gains built in the electronics sector in the wake of the U-S losses. VP encourages tourists to visit Palau during 1st ally trip Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is urging more Taiwan tourists to visit Palau. She made the call after snorkeling with Palau's President Surangel Whipps during her first visit to the diplomatic ally as vice president. Hsiao arrived in Palau on Saturday on a direct flight from Taiwan. She joined Whipps on a boat trip Sunday morning to Big Drop Off, a renowned snorkeling and diving site in the southern part of Palau's Rock Islands. According to Hsiao, after working hard in their daily lives, people in Taiwan deserve to arrange an island getaway to relax and recharge, and Palau is a convenient (方便的) choice because it is close to Taiwan and served by direct flights. Taiwan's Japan rep. attends Tokyo Pride and highlights equality Taiwan's representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang has attended the Tokyo Pride Parade. Lee was invited to speak on the event's main stage by Britain's ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom. He was only official representative from an Asian country to do so. Lee used his speech to tout Taiwan becaming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019, describing the move as not only a legal milestone but also a reflection of broader (更廣泛的) social progress. Members of Team Taiwan, a group formed by the Taipei Representative Office in Japan, the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership Rights and the Taiwan AIDS Foundation attended the event. Ebola latest Officials of the Democratic ​Republic of ‌Congo said that ​the number of confirmed ​Ebola cases ​had increased to 515 ​after ​27 new samples ‌tested positive in the previous 24 ​hours. Government data showing the ​confirmed cases include ​91 ​deaths. Donna Warder has more on efforts to bring the epidemic to a head (達到緊要關頭). Philippines 7.8Earthquake and Tsunami Warning A magnitude 7.8 earthquake has shaken part of the southern Philippines, and a tsunami was possible on some regional coasts. Power outages were reported and people were urged to (力勸，強烈要求) go to higher ground. No further information on damage or casualties was immediately available. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the epicenter was 13 kilometers from General Santos city on the island of Mindanao. It was just 10 kilometers deep and struck at 7:37 this morning. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves up to 3 meters were possible on some coasts of the Philippines. Waves up to 1 meter were possible in parts of Indonesia. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 「挺你所想，與你一起生活的銀行」 回饋加碼賺~好康別錯過！ 即日起至2026/8/31完成註冊網路投保會員、預約網路投保提醒並登錄可獲OPENPOINT點數；完成線上投保可抽旅遊金。 透過APP可一次查看保險資訊，線上快速投保。 了解更多活動訊息 https://sofm.pse.is/98upwp -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 95-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 46,364 on turnover of 13-billion N-T. The market closed at yet another record high on Wednesday, it surpassed the 46,000 mark following an overnight rally among tech stocks on Wall Street - which triggered buying, particularly in the bellwether electronics sector (指標電子類股). In news from and about Taiwan this morning, Research group to work with US defense firm on drone development The government-sponsored Metal Industries Research & Development Center has signed a memorandum of understanding (合作備忘錄) with US-based defense technology developer Anduril Industries for the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (無人機). The agreement was signed by Center Chairperson Liu Chia-ru and Anduril founder Palmer Luckey in Taipei. According to the center, cooperation will focus on the development of A-I autonomous systems and key drone components and the two parties will integrate the supply chains, promote localized production (在地化生產) and expand technology exchanges. 2025 carbon reduction estimated at 9%, below 10% goal Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming says Taiwan's greenhouse gas emissions (溫室氣體排放) in 2025 are estimated to have been about 9-per cent below 2005 levels, narrowly missing the government's 10-per cent reduction target (減量目標). According to Peng, the official goal remain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28-per cent, plus or minus 2 percentage points, by 2030 compared with 2005 levels. Peng says in order to meet the 2030 target, the government will need to reduce emissions by nearly 20-per cent over the next five years. Peng is describing that possibilty as being challenging, despite emissions here in Taiwan being on a steady downward trend (下降趨勢). House delivers bipartisan condemnation of Iran war House lawmakers have delivered a bipartisan condemnation (譴責) of the Iran war, passing a resolution to block U.S. President Donald Trump from ordering further strikes. Kate Fisher reports from Washington Indonesia Arrests Nutrition Agency Head Over Corruption Indonesia's former head of the National Nutrition Agency has been arrested on corruption charges (貪污指控) related to a multibillion-dollar free-meals program. The initiative aimed to fight malnutrition (營養不良) by feeding nearly 90 million children and pregnant women. President Prabowo Subianto fired Dadan Hindayana on Tuesday, replacing him with the agency's deputy chief. Investigators searched the agency’s offices early Wednesday. Prosecutors also arrested two other officials. The program, expected to cost $28 billion through 2029, has faced criticism for high costs and food poisoning (食物中毒) cases. WHO says Congo's Ebola outbreak testing is improving The World Health Organization says Congo's Ebola outbreak (疫情爆發) had a head start, but testing is improving, even as violence plagues the region. Since mid-May, 344 cases and 60 deaths have been confirmed in three eastern provinces. The number of suspected cases (疑似病例) has dropped significantly. Uganda has 15 confirmed cases, including one death. The outbreak involves a rare Ebola type with no approved medicine or vaccine. Limited testing and access issues make assessing the outbreak's extent difficult. The W-H-O says only 45-per cent of contacts have been traced, with insecurity and displacement complicating efforts. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 51-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,388 on turnover of 19.1-billion N-T. The market gained solid ground and closed above the 45,000-point mark for the first time on Monday, amid investor enthusiasm over the artificial intelligence boom. The rise came as some of the world's leading tech companies are in Taiwan for Computex this week - where they're expected to give solid guidance for A-I at a series of forums and keynote speeches. Analysts say Computex-driven business opportunities could help push the market higher for much of this week. Vystrcil says China cannot decide Czech-Taiwanese ties Visiting Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil says China cannot tell the Czech Republic whom to befriend (交朋友). The statement came shortly after Vystrcil arrived in Taiwan on Monday heading a delegation of around 40 people for a four-day visit at the invitation of Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu. Along with meeting with representatives from the K-M-T and the D-P-P, Vystrcil is also slated to hold talks with President Lai Ching-te and other senior government officials this week. MOHW announces that foreign professionals and dependents eligible for long-term care services The Ministry of Health says foreign professionals and their dependents will soon be eligible for long-term care services. According to the ministry, the move means foreign professionals with permanent residency status along with their spouses, children under the age of 18 will have access to the services beginning June 30. Foreign professionals with permanent residency, dependants aged 65 or over or with disabilities will also be eligible. However, eligibilty only applies to those who have legally lived in Taiwan for 10 cumulative years and spent at least 183 days per year here. The health ministry says the move is expected to benefit (造福) between 100 to 200 people. Israel UltraOrthodox Protests Against Military Enlistment Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis have demonstrated across the country against mandatory military enlistment. On Monday, they blocked roads and trains, lit cars on fire, and attacked a soldier. Police struggled to control the crowds with water cannons and horses. The protest disrupted highways and public transportation in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Military service is compulsory for most Jewish men and women in Israel, but ultra-Orthodox parties have historically secured exemptions. Israel is currently maintaining a simultaneous (同時) military presence in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, in addition to fighting a war with Iran, which has stretched its robust military to the breaking point. The issue is tearing apart Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, possibly moving elections up by several weeks this fall after the ultra-Orthodox parties withdrew their support for Netanyahu. Anthropic files for IPO The artificial intelligence company Anthropic says it has filed paperwork for an initial public offering, setting the stage for a blockbuster IPO possibly later this year. The maker of the chatbot Claude will be competing (競爭) with rival OpenAI, as well as SpaceX, both of which are also planning to go public. Ira Spitzer reports from San Francisco. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 現在到 Gogoro 門市領玩具總動員購物袋與貼紙包好禮： https://sofm.pse.is/98va8a 騎上 Gogoro EZZY 500 玩具總動員系列，一起重溫童年想像 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 179-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 43,815 on turnover of $16.3-billion N-T. Taipei logs hottest May temperature on record at 38.3°C The Central Weather Administration says data shows temperatures at the Taipei weather station hit 38.3-degrees on Wednesday afternoon - marking the hottest May temperature ever recorded by the station since it was established in 1896. According to the administration's forecast center, the temperature was recorded shortly before 3PM at the station in Taipei's Zhongzheng District. It surpassed the previous May record of 38.2 degrees, which was set twice, on May 28, 2021 and May 27, 2018. The forecast center is attributed the extreme heat to the combined effects of a Pacific high-pressure system, reduced cloud cover and descending (下降) air currents brought by southwesterly winds, which pushed temperatures higher across the Taipei Basin. The highest temperature on Wednesday islandwide was recorded in Tainan's Yujing District, where the mercury hit 39.8-degrees. Report: US & Iran reach initial agreement The US and Iran have reached an agreement to extend (延長) the ceasefire and open nuclear talks, according to the American news outlet Axios. However, US President Donald Trump reportedly still needs to agree to the plan. Nick Harper reports from Washington. UN Sexual Violence Report Includes Israeli and Russian Forces An annual United Nations report documenting sexual violence in conflicts worldwide has included Israeli forces for the first time since the review began more than 15 years ago for their treatment of Palestinian detainees. Russian armed and security forces were also blacklisted for the first time this year for sexual violence against prisoners of war and civilians detained during the war in Ukraine. Israel and Russia both deny the accusations (指控). The 35-page report was shared by the Israeli mission to the U.N. late Thursday ahead of its expected release Friday. The report says the number of cases of sexual violence in conflicts rose sharply in 2025 from 2024. Both Israel and Russia were warned in last year's report by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that they could be put on the list. The ambassadors of both countries expressed outrage at their inclusion and lashed out at Guterres. Canada on US New Partnership Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling for a new partnership with the United States. He is making the comments just weeks before President Donald Trump decides on whether to renew the free trade agreement between the countries. Carney says there should be a “true partnership” that reimagines cooperation in specific sectors deeply challenged by global competition. But warned “we live in a world where integration has been weaponized (武器化)” and noted that is why Canada is diversifying away from the U.S. and signing trade deals with countries around the world. Carney made a speech at the Economic Club of New York. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 「挺你所想，與你一起生活的銀行」 回饋加碼賺~好康別錯過！ 即日起至2026/8/31完成註冊網路投保會員、預約網路投保提醒並登錄可獲OPENPOINT點數；完成線上投保可抽旅遊金。 透過APP可一次查看保險資訊，線上快速投保。 了解更多活動訊息 https://sofm.pse.is/98qatg -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 316-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 43,842 on turnover of 26.4-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Tuesday, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's share price fell from its day's high on technical corrections after a recent rally, pushing the broader market to negative territory - despite it briefly breaching the 44,000 point mark. Ex-Czechia official to speak at democracy forum in Taipei Former foreign ministers from the Czech Republic and the Philippines will be speaking at the inaugural Forum for Democratic Cooperation in Taipei today. The event has been organized by the Forum 2000 Foundation and has received government backing here from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking to reporters in Taipei, foundation executive director, Jakub Klepal, said Taiwan was chosen as the forum's first stop given the growth of A-I and the restructuring (重組) of the global economy, in which Taiwan plays crucial roles. The Forum 2000 Foundation was created by the late Czech President Vaclav Havel and seeks to get democratic actors to address shared challenges in "an increasingly contested global environment." CWA heat alerts remain in effect The Central Weather Administration says hot weather is expected across Taiwan once again today. "Red" heat alerts - meaning maximum temperature could reaches 38-degrees for three consecutive days - have been issued for the Tainan and Pingtung areas. "Orange" heat alerts are in effect in Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, Hualien and Taitung - where the mercury could reach a daily maximum temperature of 38-degrees today, or reach 36-degrees for three consecutive days. While a "yellow" heat alert has been issued for Taoyuan - where the temperatures is forecast to reach 36-degrees today. All of the heat alerts are currently (現在) in effect through this afternoon. NASA announces next steps for planned 'moon base' The US space agency NASA has unveiled plans for a permanent (常駐) base on the moon, with the first missions set to launch later this year. The announcement comes just days after China sent three astronauts into orbit as part of its own push to reach the lunar surface by 2030. Ira Spitzer has more. Canada Germany on Possible Deal to Export LNG A person familiar with the matter says Canada has reached a deal to export liquefied natural gas to Germany from a planned Pacific Coast terminal. The official confirmed Canada will sign the agreement with Germany’s leading utility company "Securing Energy for Europe", from a proposed (建議的，提議的) export facility on the coast of British Columbia. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak ahead of today’s announcement. The official said up to million metric tons of liquefied natural gas per year will be exported. Prime Minister Mark Carney has set a goal to double non-U.S. trade in a decade. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 399-points this morning from Friday's close, at 42,667 on turnover of 27.5-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Friday to rebound to back over the 42,000 point mark following a losing run - as regional markets advanced following modest gains on Wall Street overnight after pressure from the bond market eased and oil prices fell. Lai touts his child allowance proposal during visit to Chiayi temple President Lai Ching-te has been touting (宣傳) his proposal to boost childcare benefits and increases to farmers’ allowances. Speaking during a visit to the Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, Lai said families will receive 5,000 N-T per month for each child from birth through the age of 18 starting from next January. According to Lai, that will ensure (確保) that payments for each child between those ages will reach 1.08-million N-T by adulthood if payments continue through the full period. Lai said parents will be advised to set aside part of the allowance for the children's college or future business plans. THSR original schedule cancelled from 8AM due to signal problems The High Speed ​​Rail Corporation cancelled it regular scheduled trains at 8AM today following a signal malfunction on Miaoli section of line. According to the network operator, three trains are running per hour and will depart from Nangang Station southbound and Zuoying Station northbound, stopping at each station. Departure times from the terminal stations are on the hour, 20 minutes past the hour, and 40 minutes past the hour. The High Speed ​​Rail Corporation says signal anomaly occurred during pre-operational preparations (準備工作) earlier this morning and repairs are ongoing and it will release updates on the status of services when they are available. US Downplays Hopes for Iran Deal U.S. leader Donald Trump said he had told his representatives not to rush (急速行進) into any deal with Iran, as his administration played down ​hopes of an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old war that had been raised a day earlier. Trump indicated the U.S. blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz would "remain in full force and effect until ‌an agreement is reached, certified, and signed." Joe Federman has details. That was Joe Federman. Madrid Protests Against Rising Housing Costs Thousands have rallied in central Madrid against spiraling housing costs that have priced many Spaniards out of the market. Protesters chanted slogans and held banners highlighting their right to housing. The country has a tradition of homeownership and limited public housing (公共住宅), with rents driven up by tourism and immigration. Last month, Spain’s government passed a 7 billion euro plan to build more public housing. However, a decree to extend temporary rent freezes did not pass Parliament. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 242-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 40,263 on turnover of 14.-billion N-T. The market lost ground for a fifth consecutive session on Wednesday, after Wall Street stumbled overnight and gave back more of its record-setting rally as invertors shunned tech stocks. CDC raises Ebola travel advisory for DRC and Uganda The Centers for Disease Control has raised the level of its Ebola travel advisory for Congo and Uganda and is urging hospitals and doctors clinics to ask patients about their travel and exposure history. The C-D-C has raised its travel advisory for Congo and Uganda from "watch" to the second-level "alert." That advisory level urges travelers to "take enhanced precautionary (預防性的) measures" in regions experiencing Ebola outbreaks. However, the C-D-C is stressing that it considers the Ebola outbreak's threat to Taiwan relatively low. Detection of hidden camera in Taichung store triggers more inspections Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says inspections of retail spaces will extend to 17 big-box and department stores starting from tomorrow. The statement comes after a camera invading customers' privacy (隱私) was found in a fitting room at a local store. According to Lu, citywide inspections for illegal hidden cameras had previously focused on cosmetic surgery clinics, sports facilities with changing rooms, and saunas .. .. but they will now be expanded to department stores and other big-box stores with fitting rooms, as they could be "hot spots" for covert filming. The move is in response to the discovery of a surveillance camera pointing toward a mirror inside a fitting room at the Under Armour store in Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport in Taichung. US indicts former Cuban president Raul Castro The US Justice Department has field criminal charges against Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president of Cuba. He’s been charged with murder and a conspiracy (陰謀) to kill U.S. citizens stemming from the fatal downing of two planes 30 years ago. Kate Fisher reports from Washington UN Votes for Climate Change Resolution The U.N. General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to support strong action to prevent climate change. The 193-member world body approved a nonbinding resolution Wednesday endorsing the landmark advisory opinion by the U.N.’s top court last July that called failure by countries to protect the planet from climate change a violation of international law. The measure was opposed by the U.S., Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia — some of the highest oil-producing nations and major emitters (發出者) of greenhouse gas. The text includes adopting a national climate action plan to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, phasing out subsidies for fossil fuel exploration, production and exploitation (開發利用, 不公平地使用); and urging those in violation to provide “full reparation” for damage. The U.N. resolution had initially included stronger language from the International Court of Justice opinion that called for establishing an “International Register of Damage” to record evidence and claims, but it was removed after nearly a dozen consultations in order to receive more support. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn