EZ News 10/12/26

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 41-points this morning from last Thursday's close, at 49,272 on turnover of 11-billion N-T. The market shed nearly 500 points last Thursday after Wall Street fell overnight - as the tech-heavy Nasdaq declined 0.2-per cent. Medical professionals, social workers speak up amid drug policy dispute Medical and social work groups are voicing support for drug harm-reduction policies (政策). It comes amid a political debate fueled largely by Taipei mayoral candidates ahead of the November 28 local elections. The Taiwan Association of Clinical Psychology and the Association of Taiwan Clinical Psychologists have issued a joint statement supporting harm-reduction measures, including clean-needle programs and methadone maintenance treatment. The statement comes after Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an questioned D-P-P mayoral candidate Puma Shen's position on drugs and his proposed policies - arguing that would encourage drug abuse. Philippines opens largest OFW service center in Taipei, eyes expansion The Philippines has opened its largest overseas Filipino worker service center in Taipei. It's located in the same building as the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei's Neihu District. The O-F-W Global Center-Taipei is the third such facility worldwide, following centers in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. It is also the largest to date. According to the country's Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Taipei center is designed as a one-stop hub where Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan can access government services, welfare assistance (社會福利援助) and training without returning to the Philippines. The facility includes training spaces, a cafe, a karaoke room and areas for government services. NKorea Fires Projectile Towards Eastern Watesr South Korea’s military says North Korea fired at least one projectile toward its eastern waters, adding to a recent streak in weapons demonstrations. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff today did not immediately say whether the weapon was a ballistic missile or how far it flew. Japan described the weapon as a suspected ballistic missile. The launch followed an Oct. 3 test of what the North described as a hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed to evade (逃脫，躲開) missile defenses in South Korea and Japan. North Korea in recent weeks has also conducted live-fire drills and commissioned a new warship. TRUMP DECLARES RUSSIA-UKRAINE ENERGY CEASEFIRE ON TRUTH SOCIAL — ZELENSKYY SAYS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NEWS TO HIM US President Donald Trump has declared on Truth Social that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the announcement was news to him, and Moscow has not confirmed it. The announcement follows a bipartisan backlash (強烈反彈) from senators who say the administration's decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel is illegal — but the White House has shown no sign of backing down. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended the move, saying the president has the legal authority to act. From Washington, Kate Fisher reports. Pope Surgery to Remove Lesion Pope Leo XIV has announced he will undergo surgery to remove a nodular lesion on his lung in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate.. The lesion was found at an early stage and is well-localized. The Vatican said Sunday the surgery is scheduled in the coming days, with a recovery time of about a week. Leo, who is 71 and physically active, made the announcement during his Sunday blessing. He thanked the crowd for their support and prayers. Leo has a major trip planned for November to South America, but it's unclear if the surgery will affect his itinerary (行程表). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn