EZ News 03/20/25

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 210-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 22,171 on turnover of $6.7-billion N-T. The market took a beating on Wednesday as the bellwether electronics sector was in investor focus after tech stocks saw heavy losses on Wall Street overnight ahead of the conclusion of the U-S Federal Reserve's two-day policymaking meeting. Market watchers say foreign institutional investors stayed on the sell side during the session and the local main board could see further unpredictability (不可預測性) as volatility on U-S markets is continuing to dictate large-cap electronics stocks here in Taiwan. Taipei animal protection office seeks new owner for bitey pit bull Authorities in Taipei are seeking a new owner for a pit bull named "Lucky," who was confiscated from it owner after biting people on two separate occasions this month. The Taipei City Animal Protection Office says "Lucky" is currently being kept alone to minimize (使降到最低) stress and is looking for owners who have experience with pit bulls. "Lucky" mauled people on two separate occasions, prompting the Taipei City government to fine the owner 200,000 N-T for violating the Animal Protection Act by allowing an aggressive animal out in public place without proper supervision and precautions. The authorities confiscated the dog on Tuesday. The Taipei City government's Department of Economic Development says the original owner is no longer allowed to look after Lucky due to his lack of control over the animal. Russia Ukraine Prisoner Swap Russia and Ukraine say they have each swapped 175 prisoners in one of the largest exchanges of the war began. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday the exchange included severely (嚴重地) wounded fighters whom Russia had prosecuted on fabricated (編造的) charges. He says all those who returned will receive immediate medical and psychological assistance. Russia's Defense Ministry said it had released an additional 22 severely wounded Ukraine captives as a goodwill gesture. Originally, Russian President Vladimir Putin had promised to release 23 prisoners when he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about a potential partial ceasefire. There was no immediate comment on the reason the number changed. Reknowned Pianist to Boycott US Over Trump Presidency The concert pianist Andras Schiff has become the latest performer to announce that he will boycott the United States over Donald Trump's presidency. Mr. Schiff is widely considered (被視為) one of the world's leading performers of music by Bach and Mozart, and has announced he is cancelling plans to tour the country later this year. From Washington, Simon Marks reports. Pope Condition Continues to Improve Pope Francis’s condition has continued to improve and he no longer needs to use noninvasive mechanical ventilation to help him breathe at night. The Vatican said 88-year-old pontiff is also reducing his reliance on high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day. The Holy See press office says his double pneumonia infection, while not completely eliminated, is under control. Francis celebrated Mass on Wednesday, on the anniversary of his installation as pope 12 years ago. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn