EZ News 12/22/25

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 _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn