EZ News 12/14/22

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 34-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,557 on turnover of 2.5-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Tuesday despite a rally on Wall Street overnight, as investors opted to shift their attention back to the local export-oriented economy. The bellwether electronics sector remained concerned by worries over inventory adjustments (調整) in the global market due to rising inflation and rate hikes. And investors were also spooked following news that bicycle manufacturer Giant has asked its suppliers for payment postponement due to weakening global demand. **Cabinet to Approve Bill Barring Ex-Convicts from Public Office ** The Cabinet is set to approve a draft bill that seeks to ban individuals convicted of involvement in organized crime, money laundering, drug-related offenses, and illegal possession of guns or knives from running for public office. The move comes after Premier Su Tseng-chang announced the Cabinet would introduce a draft amendment to the Civil Servants Election and Recall Act in order to meet public expectations of "integrity" (廉正) among public officials. Data from the Anti-corruption and Whistleblower Protection Association from August showed that of the 885 incumbent city and county councilors prior to the recent local elections, 136 had criminal records. **Yushan Likely to See First Snow this Winter at Weekend ** And, The Central Weather Bureau says Yushan could see the first snowfall of this winter this weekend, when a cold wave is forecast (預報) to send temperatures down to 10 degrees or lower. This winter's first snowfall was recorded on Xueshan earlier this week. According to the weather bureau's forecast center, snow is most likely late Saturday or early Sunday at altitudes of 3,000-meters and above. Snow could also fall in mountainous areas of northern Taiwan at altitudes of around 2,000-meters and above. **US Respect for Marriage Bill Signed ** US President Joe Biden has now signed the respect for marriage act into federal law. The act provides greater nationwide protections for same-sex couples. Chris Jones has more from Washington DC. **Ukraine President Urges NZ to Help on Environment Issues ** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged New Zealand to take a leading role in focusing on the environmental destruction his country is suffering as a result of Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy delivered his message via video link to lawmakers who packed the debating chamber today. He said some of the environmental effects of the war included poisoned groundwater, ravaged (毀壞) forests, flooded coal mines and huge areas of Ukraine that remain contaminated from unexploded mines. He is pushing for a 10-point peace plan that, as well as environmental protection, includes items such as nuclear safety and justice. New Zealand announced it was providing another $2 million US dollars in humanitarian aid through the International Committee of the Red Cross, adding to the $5 million it had already provided. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn