20120529 7pm

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7PM EZ News Intro

Good evening. It's 7 o'clock. I'm _____ and time for EZ News on ICRT.

Manufacturing, service sectors bearish over next six months (update)

Taiwan's manufacturing and service sectors have grown pessimistic about their economic prospects over the next six months amid uncertainty over the European debt crisis and slowing economic growth in China According to the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, or TIER's, latest monthly survey of the domestic business environment, the seasonally adjusted manufacturing composite indicator for April dropped by 0.61 points to 96.72. The service sector composite indicator for the month also fell, by 3.87 points to 93.72. Both indexes declined for the first time this year, according to the economic think tank's report. According to the Taipei-based institute, Taiwan's economy is now expected to remain low in the second quarter and improve gradually in the second half of the year. (EG)

Lawmakers pass amendment stipulating less reward for returned items

Helpful folks who return lost property can expect less in the way of rewards in the future, thanks to new amendments to laws passed by the legislature. The legislature has approved bills lowering the reward that people who find and return lost belongings can claim The revisions lower the potential reward from 30 percent of the value of the returned items to 10 percent. Also, people who find belongings are also not allowed to ask for a reward if they do not report or turn in the lost items within seven days. Low- or lower middle-income individuals, people with special needs, and recipients of emergency and disaster aid, are now exempted from paying out rewards. The changes come after a controversial case involving a financially disadvantaged woman who was asked to pay a reward. (EG)

Italy

At least nine people are reported dead in a magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck the same area of northern Italy stricken by another fatal tremor earlier this month. Premier Mario Monti pledged that the government will do "all that it must and all that is possible in the briefest period to guarantee the resumption of normal life in this area". The United States Geological Survey said the quake was centered 40 kilometers northwest of the city of Bologna. It hit the area where a 6.0 temblor killed seven people earlier this month. One media outlet reported that nine people had died, while another said others were buried under the rubble of collapsed homes and factories.

China

China and Japan have agreed to start direct trading of their currencies from this Friday as Beijing takes a step toward making the yuan more of a global currency. Until now, China has only allowed direct trading between the yuan and the U.S. dollar. The People's Bank of China said that it authorized the move to help improve the foreign exchange market, promote Sino-Japanese cooperation and the development of China's capital markets. China has long pledged to loosen tight controls on its currency. The move to allow direct trading of yen and yuan is a step in that direction, which will also streamline foreign exchange dealings.

UK

Britain is launching a new initiative aimed at tackling sexual violence in war zones around the world. Olly Barratt reports from London.

RP

Senators fired the Philippines' Supreme Court chief justice today for failing to declare $2.4 million in bank accounts. Chief Justice Renato Corona was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III's predecessor, and he has called the effort to oust him a threat to democracy. He said his omission was not an impeachable offense and that a 1974 bank privacy law protects foreign deposits from disclosure. Prosecutors argued the constitution mandates a full declaration of assets for someone in his position. Corona is considered fired and barred from public office after senators voted 20 to 3 to convict him on charges of betraying public trust and violating the constitution.

Weather

Central Weather Bureau forecasters say it's going to be partly cloudy islandwide tonight, with chances of occasional showers. Lows tonight will be 24 in the north and center, 25 in the south. Tomorrow, it will again be partly cloudy, with chances of thunderstorms in the northern half of the island, and afternoon showers in the southern half. Highs then will peak at 32 or 33 islandwide. Right now, it's 28 in Taipei, 25 in Taizhong, and 28 in Gaoxiong.

7PM EZ News Outro

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