EZ News

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 104-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,330 on turnover of 12-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Wednesday, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing pulled back on profit taking after hitting a record closing level a session earlier - but the main board remained above the 30,000 point mark. Air Force to call on US to speed-up collision-avoidance system work following F-16V incident The Air Force is urging the U-S to expedite work to install automatic ground collision avoidance systems on its F-16V fighter jets and hopes the process (過程) can be completed sooner than initially planned. It comes after an F-16V jet went missing off of Hualien on Tuesday evening. Authorities are still searching for the missing aircraft and its pilot. The incident has led to concerns about the speed in which automatic ground collision avoidance systems are being installed on Taiwan's F-16Vs. The project was initially slated for completion in 2028. However, the Air Force says it now hopes it can completed by the end of this year. Subject: E*MOEA gives final approval for Nvidia's Taipei headquarters Return to Table of contents The Taipei City Government says the Ministry of Economic Affairs has given its final approval for Nvidia to build its overseas headquarters at the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park. Nvidia is now set to submit its investment proposal to the city government later this month. Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang is expected to visit Taiwan later this month to attend (出席) the signing ceremony. The Nvidia headquarters will be designed by local architect Kris Yao. Yao's previous projects include the China Steel Corporation Headquarters in Kaohsiung and the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum in Chiayi. WH: US has started marketing Venezualan oil on the global marketplace The White House says the US has already started marketing Venezuelan oil in the global marketplace. It comes as President Trump says Venezuela has agreed to make up to 50 million barrels of crude (原油) available to the US. Jagruti Dave has more from Washington Canada PM to Visit China Next Week Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit China next week where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping as Canada looks to reduce its reliance (依賴) on the United States. The visit, announced on Wednesday, is the first to China by a Canadian prime minister in more than eight years. Xi invited Carney to China when they met during an Asia-Pacific summit last fall and it comes as the two countries move to restore stronger ties after years of tensions. Carney will travel to China from Jan. 13 to 17. EU Snow and Ice Hampering Travel Snow and ice are hampering travel in parts of Europe as flights have been grounded and roads clogged (堵塞). More than 1,000 passengers spent the night at Amsterdam's airport as staff worked to clear snow from runways. At least 800 flights were canceled at the airport on Wednesday. France's weather service has issued alerts for snow and black ice. People were urged to work from home. Swedish and Finnish cities also faced disruptions with trams and buses halted. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8kahwc -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 163-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 30,412 on turnover of 23-billion N-T. The market closed above the 30,000 point mark once again on Tuesday, as buying was further boosted by investor optimism over Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's sales amid the current A-I boom. Analysts say investors are betting that T-S-M-C will deliver positive leads (商機線索) at its investor conference next Thursday. NSB says Beijing paired Taiwan drills with cyberattacks and cognitive warfare The National Security Bureau says Beijing paired military drills against Taiwan with information operations and cyberattacks from between December 29 and January 2. According to the bureau, the move resulted in the spreading of more than 19,000 "controversial" messages and the launch of millions of hacking intrusions (入侵). In a report submitted to the Legislative Yuan, the N-S-B says the online activity involved 799 abnormal accounts and focused on amplifying skepticism about the U-S, Taiwan's military and President Lai Ching-te, referring to concerns about Taiwan's ability to defend itself. CDC warns that influenza epidemic to hit late January and peak over Lunar New Year The Centers for Disease Control says it expects to see a rise in flu cases in the later this month and a further increase around the Lunar New Year holiday period. According to the C-D-C, a total of 82,161 people sought medical treatment for flu-like illness from the week of December 28 to January 3 - and that level remains about the same as the previous week. The C-D-C is projecting that Taiwan will again enter a flu epidemic ( 流行病) period in the latter half of this month, following a previous period from late September to late November this winter and it's likely to peak around the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on February 14. UN Human Rights Office Expresses Renewed Concern Over U.S. Actions in Venezuela The UN Human Rights office says it's concerned America's military action in Venezuela is going to make the situation (情況) in the country even worse, and that US actions undermined international law. Mitch McCann reports from the United Nations in New York: Canada FM and Governor General to Visit Greenland Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says his foreign minister and the governor general will visit Greenland in early February in the wake of renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex the Danish territory. Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Governor General Mary Simon are expected to open a consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Simon became Canada's first Indigenous governor general in 2021 and previously served as Canada's ambassador to Denmark. Carney says the future of Greenland and Demark are decided solely (唯一地，完全) by the people of Denmark. He spoke while meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Canadian Embassy in Paris. 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 171-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 29,933 on turnover of 14-billion N-T. The market moved sharply higher on Monday - as it closed above the 30,000-point mark for the first time as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing smashed closing records on the back of investor optimism toward demand for its high-end processes. Three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan indicted over new TSMC trade secret theft The Taiwan High Prosecutors' Office Intellectual Property Branch has indicted three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan for stealing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's 14-nanometer technology secrets. Those indicted include Chen Li-ming, a former T-S-M-C engineer who worked at Tokyo Electron Taiwan, a T-S-M-C employee and a Tokyo Electron employee. Two of the individuals have been charged with reproducing trade secrets relating to national core (核心) key technologies under the National Security Act. While the other individual and Tokyo Electron Taiwan have been charged with destroying evidence in a criminal case. All three individuals and Tokyo Electron Taiwan have also been indicted in a seperate investigation into the theft of T-S-M-C's 2-nanometer technology. Tourism authority issues guidelines to protect foreign accommodation interns The Tourism Administration has issued updated guidelines to better protect foreign interns in the accommodation/hospitality sector. It comes after the government opened the sector to foreign students enrolled in overseas schools last year to help address labor shortages. The administration says more than 1,900 students came to Taiwan to work as interns last year, but there were concerns over inadequate (不足) protections. Under the updated guidelines, foreign interns who perform work beyond their training must receive payment equivalent to at least the minimum wage, training must not exceed more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week … … and it cannot be scheduled between 10PM and 6AM, without the individual intern's consent. Iran Protest Death Toll Rises to at Least 35 Activists say the death toll in violence surrounding (周圍的) protests in Iran has risen to at least 35. The figure came from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which said more than 1,200 people have been detained in the protests, which have been ongoing for more than a week. It said 29 protesters, four children and two members of Iran’s security forces have been killed. The semiofficial Fars news agency, believed close to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, says some 250 police officers and 45 members of the Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force have been hurt. UK Gov to Seize Illegal Migrants Phones Mobile phones will now be seized from illegal migrants entering the UK without arrest. The country's government says the new powers will help gather more information on smuggling (走私) gangs organising the Channel crossings. Lara Bentley has more… Auschwitz Survivor Eva Schloss Obit Auschwitz survivor Eva Schloss, stepsister of Anne Frank, has died at 96. The Anne Frank Trust UK, where she was honorary president, said she died Saturday in London. King Charles III praised Schloss for her lifelong dedication to overcoming hatred and prejudice (偏見). Born in Vienna in 1929, Schloss fled to Amsterdam and became friends with Anne Frank. Both families hid from the Nazis but were eventually captured. Schloss survived Auschwitz and later moved to Britain. She became a prominent Holocaust educator, speaking worldwide and writing books. 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 429-points this morning from Friday's close, at 29,779 on turnover of 15.7-billion N-T. The market closed at a new high Friday,as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing continued to break records amid the current A-I boom. MOFA welcomes new SVG leader's pledge to maintain diplomatic ties The Ministry of Foreign Affairs say it welcomes a recent pledge (保證) by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' new prime minister that his government will maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Godwin Friday assumed office in late November and he made the Taiwan comments during a recent radio interview. Friday has been quoted as saying that diplomatic relations with Taiwan remain, as do relations with all countries with which Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has diplomatic ties. According to the foreign ministry, it will continue close communications with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' government to deepen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. Panama-flagged cargo ship refloated off Hualien without oil spill A Panama-flagged bulk carrier that ran aground off Hualien County on New Year's Day has been successfully refloated and towed into Hualien Port. Authorities says no oil pollution has been detected. The C-S-E Prosperity Express was refloated by two tugboats under coast guard escort after passing hull inspection and safely berthed (停泊) at Wharf No. 22. According to the Maritime Port Bureau, no oil leakage was observed during or after the operation, despite the ship carrying more than 200-metric tons of residual fuel. The carrier is operated by China Steel Express. US Rebuts Russian Claims of Ukrainian Attack on Putin Residence U.S. national security officials have determined that Ukraine did not target a residence belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a drone attack last week. That's according to President Donald Trump. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last Monday said Ukraine launched (發射) a wave of drones at Putin’s state residence in the northwestern part of Russia. The allegation came just a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had traveled to Florida for talks with Trump. Trump initially appeared to take the Russian allegations at face value and said he was angry. Maduro Case to Revive Legal Debate Over Foreign Leaders Immunity Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has taken the place of her ally President Nicolas Maduro who was captured by the United States in a nighttime military operation. Legal experts say Maduro's case will revive a legal debate over immunity (豁免) for foreign leaders tested in another trial. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports SKorean Star Ahn Sung-ki Obit A Seoul hospital says prominent South Korean movie star Ahn Sung-ki has died. He was 74. The hospital says Ahn died this morning. Ahn has been fighting blood cancer for years. Ahn is one of South Korean cinema’s most beloved (被喜愛的) and respected stars. His 60-year extensive career and positive, gentle public image earned him the nickname “The Nation’s Actor.” That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8k4ptr -- 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 on the new year's first trading day, at 29,016, on turnover of 6.5-billion N-T. Taiwan shares closed the final trading session of 2025 at a record high Wednesday, led by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, as the benchmark index capped a second straight year of historic gains fueled by strong demand tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. For the full year, the benchmark surged nearly 26 percent, surpassing the rise recorded in 2024 and setting a new record for annual point gains for the second consecutive year. The index has now risen more than 20 percent for three straight years. Lockheed gets Taiwan contract The Pentagon says Lockheed Martin has been given a contract involving foreign military sales to Taiwan to meet what Washington is describing as an "urgent operational need" of Taiwan's Air Force. The contract has a ceiling value of 328-million U-S dollars. According to the Pentagon, the contract is for the procurement (採購) and delivery of 55 Infrared Search and Track Legion Enhanced Sensor Pods, processors, pod containers and processor containers. The work is expected to be completed by June of 2031 First official record of Formosan black bear entering worker's hut in Alishan The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency says a Formosan black bear broke into a worker's hut in Alishan's Dabang Village and ate food from a refrigerator and from canned goods. According to the agency's Chiayi branch, personnel were sent to inspect (察看) the site and set up infrared cameras to track the bear after receiving the report. The agency has released photos showing an open refrigerator, broken eggs in a carton, and empty food cans inside the hut - which sits at an elevation of 1,190-meters in Alishan. Experts found footprints near the worker's hut and, based on the damaged canned food, concluded that a Formosan black bear was responsible. Although Formosan black bears are occasionally sighted in the Alishan area, the Dabang Village incident marks the first officially recorded case of a bear entering a worker's hut and eating food. Iran Protests Leave at Least 3 Dead Protests over Iran's struggling economy have spread into rural areas, with at least three people killed. Authorities reported the fatalities on Wednesday and Thursday in cities home to Iran’s Lur ethnic group. The demonstrations are the largest since 2022. The protests began due to economic pressures, with Iran's currency rapidly depreciating (貶值). Demonstrators have also chanted against the country’s theocracy. Trump delays tariff hike on furniture and kitchen cabinets as affordabilitycrisis bites The White House says planned tariff hikes on items like furniture and kitchen cabinets are being pushed back one year. The delay comes as the administration insists its trade strategy is working - even as high prices continue to frustrate (感到煩躁) voters. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Anthony Joshua to Stay in Nigeria After Release from Hospital British boxer Anthony Joshua is initially staying in Nigeria as he recuperates from injuries sustained after a deadly crash. A vehicle carrying the former heavyweight champion and two of his associates crashed (撞擊) into a stationary truck on Monday on a local highway. The two associates were killed. Joshua was released from a Lagos hospital on Wednesday afternoon and he paid his respects to his deceased friends at the morgue. His promoter, Matchroom Boxing, told The Associated Press that Joshua will remain in Nigeria over the coming days.” That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 新感覺夾心土司 多種口味隨心挑選 讓你隨時隨地都有好心情 甜蜜口感草莓夾心、顆粒層次花生夾心、濃郁滑順可可夾心 主廚監製鮪魚沙拉、精選原料金黃蛋沙拉 輕巧美味帶著走，迎接多變的每一天 7-Eleven多種口味販售中 https://sofm.pse.is/8js83s -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 16-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,723 on turnover of 5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Tuesday after Wall Street fell overnight as heavyweight tech stocks lost ground from last week's big gains, but the downturn was limited due to government-led funds picking up large cap stocks to minimize volatility. MND highlights China's disinformation during large-scale drill The Ministry of National Defense's Political Warfare Bureau says it identified 46 pieces of disinformation related to China's military exercise on Monday and Tuesday. According to the bureau, the disinformation mainly focused on attacking the Lai administration's policies, slandering (誹謗) the armed forces, and eroding (逐漸毀壞) trust in the United States. Defense ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang says that every major Chinese military exercise since August 2022 has combined military and non-military actions aimed at influencing public opinion here in Taiwan, as well as in neighboring countries and Taiwan-friendly countries. President Lai Ching-te urged the public in a social media post to be mindful of disinformation accompanying the exercise. Lawmakers pass law amendments to Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act Lawmakers have passed amendments to the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act. The revisions increase penalties for for high-value fraud and also offer sentence reductions for offenders who voluntarily surrender to authorities and pay full restitutions (歸還,賠償) to their victims. Under the amended Act, judicial and prosecutorial authorities are also authorized to notify financial institutions and virtual asset service providers to flag bank accounts, e-payment accounts, credit cards and virtual asset accounts suspected of being linked to fraud. And the amendments also add new penalty tiers (等級). Those found guilty of high-value fraud exceeding 10-million N-T face a prison sentence of up to 10-years While for fraud cases exceeding 100-million N-T, the statutory prison term has been increased to 7 years. Trump confirms US has bombed Venezuelan port, adds new sanctions US President Donald Trump says the US has struck an alleged drug loading dock inside Venezuela, marking the first strike on Venezuelan soil in his months-long pressure campaign against the government of Nicolas Maduro. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Italy Approves 2026 Gov Budget Italy’s Parliament has approved the government’s 2026 budget, which includes deficit-cutting measures. The budget aims to reduce the 2026 deficit to 2.8% of GDP, aligning with the European Union's demands. Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative coalition won the final vote on Tuesday. Meloni describes the budget as serious and responsible, focusing on families, work, businesses and health care. However, the center-left opposition criticizes it for not addressing poor salaries and high taxes. About 25% of the budget’s funding comes from the financial sector, with tax hikes on banks and insurance companies. The European Central Bank warns these levies (課稅) could reduce credit flow. Germany bank Theft Police in Germany say thieves stole tens of millions of euros worth of property from safety deposit boxes inside a bank vault that they drilled into during the holiday lull (暫時平靜[). Some 2,700 bank customers were affected by the theft at the bank branch Monday in Gelsenkirchen. Investigators believe the theft to be worth somewhere between 10 and 90 million euros. German news agency dpa reported that the theft could be one of Germany’s largest heists (搶劫). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8jreap -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 87-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,723 on turnover of 6.4-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Monday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its share price hit a new record high on the back of reports the company plans to raise prices for its advanced chips. China carrying out live-fire drills around Taiwan China is carrying out live-fire military drills around Taiwan today and has said they will be taking place until 6 o'clock this evening in five designated maritime and airspace zones. The exercises are code-named "Justice Mission 2025." According to coordinates provided by China's Eastern Theater Command, the drills were to be staged (舉辦) in the sea and in the airspaces north of Keelung, east of Taitung, south of Pingtung, southeast of Penghu, and northwest of Taoyuan. The Ministry of National Defense says all five of the drill zones are within Taiwan's territorial waters. According to the ministry, the island's armed forces have established an ad hoc emergency operations center and are respond to developments. Cause of Taichung power outage under investigation Tai-Power says the cause of a power outage that affected over 9,000 households in Taichung's Beitun District is under investigation. The outage began at around 8:55 last night and power was restored (恢復) by 10:30. According to the Tai-Power, the outage not only affected households, but also large numbers of businesses and several fire stations located in the district. Tai-Power says repair teams arrived at the scene and found that the fault was located in the power distribution room. The state generator says personnel carried out repairs, before carrying out two power transfer operations to isolate the fault area. Repair teams also reduced the power outage in order to minimize the number of households affected. Israel PM to Meet Trump in Florida Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump in Florida later today for talks that are expected to (預計，預期) focus on the Gaza peace plan, Iran and Lebanon. Blake Sifton reports from Tel Aviv China Condemns Panama Monument Demolition China has condemned the demolition (拆除) of a monument honoring the Chinese community in Panama. Panama’s president echoed the condemnation, blaming local authorities and pledging the monument would be rebuilt. Overnight, videos circulated on social media showing large excavators tearing down the monument. The Chinese Embassy in Panama accused the local authorities of having “brazenly (明目張膽) and forcibly demolished” the monument and “seriously damaged the friendly sentiments of the Chinese people towards the Panamanian people.” It's the latest development as the Trump administration in the US pushes for the Central American nation to distance itself from Beijing. Turkey Armenia to Simplify Visa Procedures Turkey and Armenia have agreed to simplify visa procedures to normalize ties, according to Turkey's Foreign Ministry. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said electronic visas will be available for both countries' passport holders starting Jan. 1-st. Relations have been strained by historic grievances (不平，委屈) and Turkey’s alliance with Azerbaijan. The countries have no formal diplomatic ties, and their border has been closed since the 1990s. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8k5uac -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 106-points this morning from Friday's close, at 28,662 on turnover of 4.6-billion N-T. The market closed out last week higher, as investors continued to pick up tech heavyweights, while turnover remained moderate, despite many foreign institutional investors being away for the holidays. Analysts say then lack of foreign institutional investors saw local investors dominating the trading day, and they tended to buy large cap electronics stocks, in particular Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Lai says Taiwan must raise cost of war and build indigenous defense to deter China President Lai Ching-te says his administration will continue to raise the cost of aggression and strengthen the island's indigenous defense capabilities to deter China. Speaking in a an exclusive interview with Sanlih E-Television News, that aired on Sunday, Lai repeated previous comments that peace can only be secured (保護，使…穩固) through strength. Lai also reiterated that his administration will not provoke China and remains "firmly committed to maintaining the status quo." And he stressed that peace "must be backed by real strength," rather than relying on an agreement or the goodwill of an aggressor. Snow-chasing rider fined for bringing horse onto public road in Wuling And, A man who rode a horse in Wuling in the Hehuanshan area has been fined by police on Sunday for violating traffic regulations. While national park authorities says that are reviewing whether additional penalties will apply. Police say the man was riding his horse on public road at Wuling in an apparent (明顯的) attempt to see snowfall and was issued fine for violating the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. The incident drew widespread public attention after the man and his horse were spotted in a parking lot in the Hehuanshan area. Subject: E*NKorea Claims Missile Launch to Test Nuclear Deterrence Return to Table of contents North Korea says it fired long-range strategic cruise missiles into the sea to test the country’s nuclear deterrence. The official Korean Central News Agency reports that the missile launches occurred off the country’s west coast on Sunday in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un. The launches were the latest weapons display by North Korea ahead of its planned ruling Workers's Party congress early next year. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it was aware of several cruise missile launches made from North Korea's capital region on Sunday morning. It said South Korea maintains a readiness to repel any potential North Korean provocations (激怒, 挑撥) through its alliance (聯盟) with the United States. Last week, North Korea test-launched new anti-air missiles off its east coast and unveiled apparent progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine. Trump and Zelensky meet but report no major breakthroughs US President Donald Trump said a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia was "a lot closer" after he met with Ukrainian leader Volodomyr Zelensky in Florida. However, the meeting didn't appear to yield (產生) any major breakthroughs on key sticking points. Ira Spitzer reports. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8jreaw -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8k9h8l －－－－以上為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ Police investigating note posted on Eslite memorial wall KMT and TPP propose 'Taiwan Future Accounts' for children Tai-Ex opening higher Turkey busts Islamic State group Britain's King delivered 2025 Christmas speech -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 73-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,384 on turnover of $4.9-billion N-T. Analysts say with foreign institutional investors absent, major local investors seized the opportunity to control the session by buying TSMC, after a U.S. tech rally. TSMC's gains offset losses suffered by other tech heavyweights. And when many large-cap tech stocks trade in weakness, local investors parked their money in smaller tech stocks. Taipei Public Asked Not to Leave Food and Drinks at Attack Memorial Space Taipei Metro is asking the public not to leave food or drinks at a memorial space for victims of a random knife attack last week. The memorial located at Taipei Main Station Exit M7 honors 57-year-old Yu Jia-chang, who was killed on December 19th while attempting to stop the attacker. Transit officials say the hallway near the exit is narrow and they are asking that visitors only leave flower bouquets. Workers will inspect the site daily and remove any food, drinks, or inappropriate (不當) messages after the station closes each night. Taipei Metro also says says it plans to build a permanent monument to recognize Yu's bravery. The Taoyuan City Government also announced it will honor Yu by enshrining him in the Taoyuan Martyrs' Shrine. (NS) 5 undersea cables planned to boost communications resilience: Minister The Minister of Digital Affairs says Taiwan will add two international and three domestic undersea communications cables as part of its efforts to strengthen communications resilience. Minister Lin Yi-jing says the new undersea cables will be hardened with an "armor-like" protective layer, so they will not be easily damaged. According to Lin, the planned undersea cables are part of the ministry's "three-dimensional defensive communications network" initiative, which aims to strengthen Taiwan's communication from land, air and sea. The MInister says the initiative also includes the addition of an Amazon low-earth-orbit satellite constellation and the inauguration of a high-orbit geosynchronous (地球同步) satellite being built by American manufacturer Astranis. On land, the ministry will plan disaster-resilient base stations, expand its existing fleet of vehicles with satcom-on-the-move capability, and procure a large number of mobile diesel generators. Supreme Court blocks Chicago National Guard deployment The US Supreme Court has issued a preliminary ruling blocking the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Chicago. The decision is a rare setback for the administration from the conservative-leaning court, which has largely sided with President Trump so far in testing the limits (試探底線) of executive power. Ira Spitzer reports. Egypt Musem Begins Reassembling Phraoah's Boat The Grand Egyptian Museum has begun reassembling (重新組裝) a boat belonging to Pharaoh Khufu in its exhibition hall. The cedarwood vessel, one of two found with King Khufu, started coming together on Tuesday as visitors watched. The project is expected to take around four years, according to the museum. King Khufu ruled over 4,500 years ago and built the Great Pyramid of Giza. The museum, located near Cairo, houses nearly 50-thousand artifacts. Experts believe the boats were used for Khufu’s funeral or his afterlife journey. 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 104-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,253 on turnover of $6.4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed sharply higher Monday, led by the electronics sector, after artificial intelligence-related stocks surged in the United States at the end of last week. Momentum continued yesterday as contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing pushed the broader market ahead, and memory chip suppliers continued moving upwards due to a supply shortage. Buying also spread to non-tech stocks with the electric machinery industry in focus, providing more support to the Taiex. Taiwan cracks down on threats following Taipei attack Authorities are intensifying (強化) actions against online threats, following Friday's deadly knife and smoke bomb attacks in Taipei, which killed 3. Taichung prosecutors say a man was ordered detained and held incommunicado after he posted online referencing plans for large-scale attacks. Investigators searching his home and seized his phone. The Criminal Investigation Bureau said that about 20 online posts involving threats or calls for indiscriminate attacks had been identified nationwide as of Sunday. Hualien man fined after ostrich runs wild In Hualien's Yuli township, a man has been fined after his pet ostrich escaped its enclosure and was spotted running among motorists on Provincial Highway 9. Authorities in the township say that one officer was conducting (進行) an "online patrol" yesterday morning when they came across photos of the loose ostrich on social media. Officers were able to find the owner, surnamed Huang, who said he usually kept the bird in an enclosure. But yesterday morning, the bird was apparently scared by something and took off running down the highway… running a red light and continuing south to a factory near Yuli Senior High School. All in all, it ran about 2.5 kilometers. After questioning Huang, police issued him a citation under the law… which stipulates a fine of 300-600 NT. Denmark summons US ambassador over Greenland appointment Denmark has summoned the US ambassador after Donald Trump's appointment of a special envoy to Greenland. The US president has repeatedly expressed (表達) interest in taking over the island, angering the Danish government, which has controlled Greenland for centuries. Ira Spitzer reports. Nigeria Abducted Children and Teachers Released Nigerians have welcomed back 130 children and teachers who were released after being seized in one of the largest mass abductions (綁架) in the country’s history. Some of the children appeared to be malnourished or in shock on Monday as they arrived at a government ceremony. Police said they were freed Sunday, a month after gunmen stormed their Catholic school in Niger state’s Papiri community in a predawn attack. Authorities said plans were underway to reunite the children with their families before Christmas. Officials did not say whether a ransom — common in such abductions — had been paid. France Cyberattack Knocks Out Postal Service A suspected cyberattack has knocked France’s national postal service and its banking arm offline during the busy Christmas season. La Poste said Monday the attack disrupted package deliveries and online payments, but customer data was not impacted (受影響). At a Paris post office, employees turned away frustrated (惱怒的，不滿意的) customers trying to send or retrieve packages. Customers of the bank were blocked from using the application to approve payments or conduct other banking services. The bank redirected approvals to text messages. It said teams are working to resolve the situation quickly. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8jtdyg -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 290-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 27,987 on turnover of $10.5-billion N-T. The market ended up last week Friday, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing last week recorded an increase in shareholders to the highest number in almost eight months. Analysts say TSMC is expected to continue to benefit from strong global demand for its high-end processes to meet strong global demand for artificial intelligence applications. Air pollution warning issued for sensitive groups The Ministry of Environment is warning that northeasterly monsoon winds will continue to bring increased pollution to southern and central parts of the island today. The ministry says pollutants from overseas are forecast to bring air quality to an orange alert level in those areas and sensitive groups are advised to avoid outdoor activities. Under the ministry's Air Quality Index system, during an orange alert, people with heart, respiratory, or cardiovascular conditions, as well as children and the elderly, are advised to reduce physical exertion (體力消耗/勞動) and limit outdoor activity or wear a mask when going out. According to the environment ministry, the concentrations of fine particulate matter are being brought to Taiwan by a northeasterly monsoon from China's Shanghai and Shandong areas. The impact of transboundary pollution is expected to ease later today. Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker allegedly helping Venezuela skirt sanctions US officials say the Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker is says is helping Venezuela skirt (避開，繞開) sanctions. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports Israel Approves Settlements in West Bank Israel’s far-right finance minister says the Cabinet has approved 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. The decision announced Sunday is part of a broader push by the government to expand settlements, which threatens the possibility of a Palestinian state. The Peace Now anti-settlement group says the approval increases the number of settlements in the West Bank by nearly 50% during the current government’s tenure (任期). Settlements are widely considered illegal under international law. The decision comes as the U.S. is pushing Israel and Hamas to advance a Gaza ceasefire plan that includes a possible pathway to a Palestinian state. France to Build New Aircraft Carrier French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to build a new aircraft carrier. The vessel will have the capacity for 30 fighter jets and 2,000 sailors. Macron described it as a display of national power. The announcement was made to French troops in Abu Dhabi. The new carrier is set to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle by 2038. It will be nuclear-powered and equipped with Rafale M fighter jets. The project is expected to benefit (對……有益) many small- and medium-sized businesses. Macron has also announced increased military spending, aiming for 64 billion euros by 2027. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8k9s6d -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 217-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 27,685 on turnover of $8.7-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday as renewed concerns about an artificial intelligence bubble drove Wall Street down overnight. Analysts say renewed fears over an A-I bubble triggered selling in large-cap AI-related stocks and investors seized on the lead as an excuse (藉口) to pocket recent gains. However, the Tai-Ex still recovered from its initial downturn by the end of the session and the index saw strong technical support ahead of the 27,400-point mark - which is around the 60-day moving average. Central bank leaves interest rates unchanged for 7th straight quarter The central bank has opted to leave its key interest rates unchanged after wrapping up (結束) it final quarterly policymaking meeting of this year. The market had widely anticipated the bank would leave interest rates unchanged for the seventh consecutive quarter - despite the U-S Federal Reserve cutting rates for the third straight policymaking meeting last week. The decision by the central bank means that the discount rate remains at 2-percent and that's still the highest level in 15 years. Economists have said it's currently difficult for the central bank to follow the U-S Fed's lead and cut interest rates as the local economy remains strong and inflation stable. According to government estimates, the island's economy will grow 7.37-per cent for the whole of this year, largely on the back of an increase of 8.21-per cent in the third quarter due strong global demand for artificial intelligence applications. EU Delays FTA with SAmerican Countries Amid Protests The European Commission says the European Union is delaying a massive free-trade deal with South American countries after fiery protests by farmers and last-minute opposition by France and Italy. Top EU officials had hoped to sign the EU-Mercosur in Brazil this weekend, after more than 25 years of negotiations. Instead Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho confirmed that the signature had been put off until January. Experts say the delay will dent the EU’s negotiating credibility globally as it seeks to forge (創造) new trade ties amid commercial tensions with the U.S. and China. USTrump signs executive order that could reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order labeling (標示，標籤) marijuana a less dangerous drug. AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports Italy Monument Outside PM Office Restored Italian restorers have used laser beams to clean an ancient Roman marble column in the piazza outside the prime minister’s office, removing layers of dust and grime that had covered the monument for decades. The 47-meter-tall column, built between A.D. 180 and 193, features a relief that spirals (盤旋上升) upward and recounts the battles of one of Rome’s best-known emperors, Marcus Aurelius. During the column’s last restoration, in the 1980s, restorers used tiny brushes to remove the dirt. The $2.3-million dollar restoration is funded by the post-pandemic European recovery fund, and includes a new system to illuminate (照亮) the column at night. Work began in April and the restoration (恢復) is expected to finish in June. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8k9s6c -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 77-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 27,447 on turnover of 9-billion N-T. The market closed marginally lower on Wednesday as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its early gains eroded due to futures-led selling on the settlement day for December futures contracts. US official says Taiwan made 'essential contributions' at Pax Silica summit The U-S Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment says Taiwan made essential contributions after being invited to participate in the first summit of the US-led AI supply chain strategy initiative. The inaugural Pax Silica summit took place in Washington D.C. last Friday. According to Jacob Helberg, Taiwan was at the table and was absolutely present in all of the sessions in which one would expect Taiwan to play an important role, and Taiwan participated in discussions on manufacturing and semiconductors. The statement comes after the U-S State Department didn't list Taiwan as being includes on a list of participants and guest contributors (貢獻者) slated to meet for the summit. Taipei City Government hoping to sign Nvidia land deal before LNY Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says the city government is hoping to sign a land rights agreement with Nvidia before the Lunar New Year holiday. According to Chiang, his administration initiated (發起) the urban planning change process last week and a public exhibition period is set to end within one month. Chiang made the statements while inspecting the T-17 and T-18 sites at the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, where the Nvidia headquarters will be built. Chiang also said he believes Nvidia's headquarters at the technology park will prove to be transformative development that will establish Taipei as a major artificial intelligence hub. Israel Fires Mortar into Palestinian Residential Area in Gaza Strip Israel’s military says troops fired a mortar shell into a Palestinian residential area in the Gaza Strip, in the latest incident to rock the tenuous (脆弱的) ceasefire with Hamas. Health officials on Wednesday said at least 10 people, were wounded, and the army said it was investigating. The military said the mortar was fired during an operation in the area of the “Yellow Line,” which was drawn in the ceasefire agreement that divides the Israeli-held majority of Gaza from the rest of the territory. The military said the mortar had veered from its intended target, which it did not specify. UK TO Rejoin EU's Erasmus Program in 2027 UK students will once again have access to the European Union's "Erasmus" programme, which allows students to study at a university in a different country for part of their degree. London has paid around $760 million dollars to join the scheme (方案) for the 2027-2028 academic year at a 30% discount. But future participation will depend on further negotiations. Stuart Smith has more from London. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8js2pq -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 59-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 27,596 on turnover of 5.7-billion N-T. The market tumbled once again on Tuesday, ahead of the release of U-S employment and inflation reports that could drive the direction of interest rates. While mixed performances for artificial intelligence-related stocks on Wall Street overnight also did nothing to lift investor concerns about an A-I bubble. Lawmakers pass amendments strengthening undersea cable protections Lawmakers have passed amendments to four separate acts governing ships, ports, meteorological facilities and telecommunications (電信). Passage of the amendments is part of the Cabinet's moves to update Taiwan's so-called "seven undersea-cable laws." The changes to the Law of Ships, Meteorological Act, Telecommunications Management Act and Commercial Port Law are aimed at strengthening protections for submarine cables … …. which the government has said could pose a threat to national security if cut or otherwise damaged. MOTC's new vehicle window tinting rules to take effect next year The Ministry of Transport has announced that new regulations governing tinted vehicle windows will be taking effect in the first quarter of next year. According to the ministry, owners of new vehicles must ensure that the tint on the front windshield has visible light transmission (透射) of no less than 70-per cent, while front, side windows must allow at least 40-per cent light transmission. The new regulations are being introduced as part of proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Rules to address concerns over safety risks posed by tinted windows. The proposed amendments will apply to all newly registered and licensed vehicles. US military blows up 3 more alleged drug boats as Trump weaponizes fentanyl The US military says it has blown up three more alleged drug boats in the Eastern Pacific - killing eight people. The total death toll in the Trump Administration's revamped war on drugs is now closing in on 100. The latest strikes come as the Trump Administration ramps up its war on drugs, designating illicit (非法的) fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Toni Waterman Private Canada Delegation Barred from West Bank Israel has barred a private Canadian delegation that included six members of Parliament from entering the occupied West Bank. The Israeli Embassy in Canada said the group was denied entry on Tuesday because of its links to Islamic Relief Worldwide, a nongovernmental organization that Israel lists as a terror group. Ontario Member of Parliament, who was part of the delegation, said she was shoved several times by Israeli border officials at the Allenby crossing between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said in a post on social media that Canada has expressed its objections (反對) over the barring. Jane Austen 250th Bday Celebration Fans of Jane Austen are celebrating the author's 250th birthday with events in Britain and beyond. Austen enthusiasts gathered Tuesday for a church service in her home village and festive visits to her house. A virtual birthday party allowed fans worldwide to join in. Thousands have participated in a yearlong celebration of the author, known for "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility." Jane Austen’s House in the southern English village of Chawton hosted talks, tours, and performances. Fans have marked the occasion (慶祝/紀念這個時刻) with Regency balls and festivals in the U.K., U.S., and elsewhere around the world. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8jtdxy -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 145-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 27,721 on turnover of 7.5-billion N-T. The market took a beating on Monday, on the back of a decline in investor interest in artificial intelligence-related stocks, as selling followed heavy losses on Wall Street last Friday amid lingering concerns of an A-I bubble. MAC voices regret over Jimmy Lai conviction in Hong Kong The Mainland Affairs Council is expressing his "deep regret" over the conviction of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai under the territory's national security law. The council says it "strongly condemns the Hong Kong government for using the malicious (惡意的) national security law to curb freedom of speech and press freedom, and to politically persecute pro-democracy figures." The statement issued by the council also says the ruling was "tantamount to declaring to the world" that Hong Kong's freedom, democracy, and judicial independence have been "gradually eroded." MOEA to invest NT$2.5 billion to boost adoption of artificial intelligence The Administration of Commerce has announced plans to invest at 2.5-billion N-T over the next two years to expand support for the adoption of artificial intelligence within the island's commercial service sector. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the program will targets businesses in wholesale, retail, food and beverage, and logistics as more companies in those fields are seeking to adopt A-I tools. The ministry says it expects to help over 30,000 businesses adopt A-I through the funding program. The Department of Commerce says the service will help businesses evaluate A-I adoption conditions and provide guidance (指導) based on scale and digital capability. US foils New Year Eve's terror bomb plot US authorities have arrested four people who were allegedly planning a New Year's Eve terror plot (陰謀) in southern California. Nick Harper reports. Mexico Plane Crash Kills Seven A small plane has crashed in central Mexico while attempting an emergency landing, killing at least seven people. Mexican officials say the accident happened Monday in an industrial area near Toluca airport. The plane had taken off (起飛) from Acapulco. Authorities say the private jet had eight passengers and two crew members, but only seven bodies have been recovered. The plane apparently tried to land on a soccer field but hit a nearby business, causing a large fire. The crash is under investigation, and the fire forced the evacuation of about 130 people. SSudan Grounds UN Aircraft South Sudan’s government has grounded four aircraft registered under the United Nations mission there, alleging that they were used for illegal surveillance and smuggling. The U.N. denied it. South Sudan’s foreign minister said a government committee was examining the aircraft after intelligence reports raised security concerns, and two were found with advanced (先進的) surveillance and intelligence recording systems. A U.N. mission spokesperson said the mission has been talking with South Sudan’s government “for a while now to resolve this issue” and said the mission works transparently (透明地) with it on U.N. operations. South Sudan's government in 2017 grounded U.N. aircraft after peacekeepers were deployed to guard the country's main airport. The government said that was not part of their mandate. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託X反應過激的貓，聯名貼圖限時登場！ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 即日起至2026年1月22日，加入中國信託LINE官方帳號就可以免費下載限定聯名貼圖，再完成貼圖互動遊戲，就可獲得美食優惠大禮包！ 趕緊來下載吧! https://sofm.pse.is/8jtdy5 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 78-points this morning from Friday's close, at 28,119 on turnover of 5-billion N-T. The market closed higher on Friday, after Wall Street's rose to more record highs overnight, despite a sell-off for Oracle as investors worries persist about a potential bubble in artificial-intelligence technology. Newly delivered M1A2T tanks to undergo month-long tests A batch of 42 M-1-A-2-T Abrams main battle tanks delivered by the United States in July will begin a month-long testing program today. According to reports, the testing will be taking place at an Army base in northern Taiwan and include multiple live-fire drills using the tanks' 120-millimeter main guns. The tanks were recently deployed to an Army training ground in Hsinchu County for training sessions ahead of the testing phase. The testing program is set to focus on evaluating the tanks' observation and targeting (靶向) systems, as well as their integration with the ammunition system. Reports say the month-long tests are expected to conclude by the end of January, after which the tanks will enter active service with the Army. Police seize NT$100 million worth of mephedrone in Kaohsiung Law enforcement agencies in Kaohsiung have raided (突襲、掃蕩) a mephedrone manufacturing site - arresting three suspects and seizing drugs with an estimated market value of 100-million N-T. According to Kaohsiung City Police Department's Renwu Precinct, the site was located in the city's Dashu District and was being used to produce "meow meow." The raid was led by the Ciaotou District Prosecutors' Office. Police say they seized drug manufacturing equipment, more than 47-kilograms of finished mephedrone, and about 300-kilograms of unfinished product during the raid. The case has been transferred to prosecutors for potential indictments under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. Ukraine President Offers to Drop NATO Bid but Rejects Ceding Territory Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is offering to drop Ukraine’s NATO bid in exchange for security guarantees. AP correspondent Rica Ann Garcia reports Australia Bondi Beach Shooting Leaves Over a Dozen Dead Two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi beach, killing 15 people, including a child. Officials say one gunman, a 50-year-old man, was fatally shot by police. The other shooter, his 24-year-old son, was wounded and was being treated at a hospital. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called an act of antisemitic terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation. Those killed were aged between 10- and 87-years-old. At least 42 others were being treated at hospitals as of this morning, several of them in a critical condition (命危). Police said one gunman was known to security services, but authorities had no indication of a planned attack. It was the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws. Chile Conservative Opposition Wins Presidential Runoff Chile’s ultra-conservative opposition candidate, Jose Antonio Kast, has secured a victory in the presidential runoff election. He defeated the candidate of the left-wing governing coalition by over 15 percentage points on Sunday, setting the stage for the country’s most right-wing government in 35 years of democracy. According to electoral results with over 95% of the vote counted, Kast won more than 58% of the vote. Chilean voters embraced his pledge to crack down on increased crime, deport (驅逐出境) hundreds of thousands of immigrants without legal status and revive the sluggish (遲緩) economy of one of Latin America’s most stable and prosperous (繁榮) nations. 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 73-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,098 on turnover of $5.9-billion N-T. The market joined other regional indexes and lost ground on Thursday, despite Wall Street closing higher after the U-S Federal Reserve opted to cut interest rates. While some leading tech companies saw sharp declines after Oracle, a bellwether in the artificial intelligence sector, reported weaker than expected earnings - which dented investor sentiment. Cabinet seeks to establish agencies for seniors and children The Cabinet says it's finalized proposals to create two new agencies to strengthen services for children, families and seniors. The proposals will now be sent to the Legislature for review. Under the proposals, a Long-term Care and Social Development Agency will be created to handle matters related to the elderly, people with disabilities, women. That agency will also oversee (監督) the National Pension system. While a Child and Family Support Agency will be established to oversee policies related to the welfare of minors and to provide support for families with children. The Cabinet says both new agencies will be under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. According to Health Minister Shih Chung-liang, the proposed Long-term Care and Social Development Agency is being designed to address Taiwan's rapidly aging society and declining birthrate. Thailand PM Receive Royal Permission to Dissolve Parliament Thailandˇs Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul received royal permission today to dissolve (解散) Parliament, setting up general elections early next year. The election for the House of Representatives would be held 45 to 60 days after the Royal Decree, a period while Anutin will head a caretaker government with limited powers and cannot approve a new budget. Anutin posted on his Facebook late Thursday that ¨Iˇd like to return power to the people.〃 The move comes at a tricky political moment, as Thailand is engaged in large-scale combat with Cambodia over long-disputed border claims. About two dozen people were reported killed in the fighting this week, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced on both sides. Anutin has been prime minister for just three months, succeeding Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who served only a year in office. Questions over the legality of Donald Trump new golden visa Legal observers are raising questions over Donald Trump's golden visa scheme (方案), in which foreign nationals can pay a million dollars to begin the path to US citizenship. Mitch McCann reports: Canada Conservative Lawmaker Defects to Liberals A Canadian Conservative lawmaker has defected from his party and joined Prime Minister Mark Carneyˇs governing Liberals. The move by Michael Ma leaves the Liberal Party just short of a simple majority of the seats in Parliament. Ma, who represents MarkhamUnionville, is the second Canadian Conservative lawmaker to join Carneyˇs Liberals in just over a month. Ma said he entered politics ¨to focus on solutions, not division (分歧)〃. The move puts the Liberals one shy of a majority government and being able to pass any bill without the support of an opposition party. 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 marginal down this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,385 on turnover of 4.1-billion N-T. The market gained ground on Wednesday, as investors were optimistic that the U-S Federal Reserve would cut its key interest rates for a third time this year following its policy making meeting. While reports that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing will produce Nvidia's high-performance H-200 A-I chips and they will be made here in Taiwan also drove investor confidence higher. MOFA thanks allies for their support at annual Interpol meeting The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has thanked eight formal diplomatic allies for supporting Taiwan's bid to participate in Interpol during the agency's annual General Assembly in Morocco late last month. According to the ministry, senior officials from the Marshall Islands, Belize, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Guatemala, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Paraguay, and Eswatini all spoke up on Taiwan's behalf. The foreign ministry says it delayed publicly thanking the allies until now because the assembly was held in a closed-door format (模式，格式), and it needed time to collect information on their respective addresses. Former digital minister warns TSMC faces rising cybersecurity risks Former Digital Affairs Minister Huang Yen-nan is warning that cyberattacks could be the most effective way for hostile actors to damage Taiwan's semiconductor advantage. According to Huang, companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing need to strengthen precautions. The former digital minister now heads (領導) Academia Sinica's Taiwan Information Security Center. Speaking at a conference on geopolitics and chip strategy, Huang said T-S-M-C's global influence has grown with A-I, making it "too big to fail," as any disruption to its production a national security concern. Venezuela Opposition Leader Appears in Public Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has appeared in public for the first time in 11 months. She appeared on a hotel balcony in Norway's capital early this morning and waved to supporters. Her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf (代表她) a day earlier. Machado had been in hiding since Jan. 9 after being briefly detained during a protest in Caracas. She was expected to attend the award ceremony Wednesday in Oslo but couldn’t make it in time. EU leaders reject Trump "weak" comment European leaders have rejected claims (聲稱) from U.S. President Donald Trump that the continent is run by weak people. William Denselow reports from Brussels. Study: HumanClimateChange Caused Deadly Rainfall in Asia New analysis suggests that ocean temperatures warmed by human-caused climate change fed the intense rainfall that triggered deadly floods and landslides across Asia in recent weeks. The rapid study by World Weather Attribution focused on heavy rainfall from cyclones Senyar and Ditwah in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka starting late last month. The analysis found that warmer sea surface temperatures over the North Indian Ocean added energy to the cyclones. Floods and landslides triggered by (觸發於) the storms have killed more than 1,600 people, with hundreds more still missing. The cyclones are the latest in a series of deadly weather disasters affecting Southeast Asia this year, resulting in loss of life and property damage. 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 marginally higher this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,190 on turnover of 3.8-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Tuesday as it followed most other regional markets and closed lower after Wall Street sank overnight as investors await the outcome of Wednesday's meeting of the U-S Federal Reserve and expectations of more interest rate cuts. MOFA protests South Korea listing it as part of China The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing to urge South Korea to amend its electronic entry card system that lists Taiwan as part of China. The ministry says it has yet to receive a direct response from Seoul on the matter after highlighting (突出顯示) the error in its newly launched e-Arrival card system earlier this month. Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Director-General Liu Kun-hao is expressing the need for a correction - saying revising the island's designation underscores the importance of longstanding economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between the two sides. Liu says there are serious concerns about the improper designation and the government is reviewing its overall relationship with South Korea - noting a large and long-standing trade deficit that highlights what he's describing as an unequal relationship. Taiwan raises long-term care tax deduction to NT$180,000 Lawmakers have approved an amendment that will raise the annual long-term care deduction to 180,000 N-T. The deduction previously stood at 120,000 N-T and the amendment to Article 17 of the Income Tax Act is aimed at easing (減輕) the financial burden of households supporting a dependent who requires long-term care. The change will apply retroactively from January 1 of this year and start to take effect in tax filings in May of 2026. Under Article 17 of the Income Tax Act, taxpayers may claim the deduction to taxable income for themselves, their spouses, or dependents officially recognized by the Ministry of Health as requiring long-term care due to physical or cognitive impairment. Zelenskyy refuses to cede land to Russia as he rallies European support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country will not cede (放棄) territory to Russia. AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports < Canada Ambassador to US Resigning Next Year Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. for the last six years says she’s resigning next year as the two major trading partners review the free trade agreement. Ambassador Kirsten Hillman said Tuesday it is the right time to put in place someone who will see a review of the free trade agreement through to conclusion. Canada’s free trade deal with the U.S. is up for review in 2026. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Hillman “prepared (準備) the foundations for Canada in the upcoming review" of the agreement. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Hillman in 2017. She was the first woman appointed (任命) to the role. Hillman helped lead the trade negotiations during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term and worked with U.S. and Chinese officials to win the release of two Canadians detained in China. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn