#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 10/02/2025

A quick glance at what's happening on Mother Earth 🌍

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Transcript

Hello, Cate here and welcome back to NEWS OF THE WORLD!

 In World News…

The political world is still reeling from Donald Trump’s latest bombshell. In a shocking turn of events, Trump suggested that the U.S. should take over Gaza, remove its 2.2 million Palestinian inhabitants, and redevelop the area into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.” His remarks, made after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have sparked outrage across the globe and a U.S. senator labelled them “ethnic cleansing by another name.”

Trump’s statements have thrown ongoing ceasefire negotiations into chaos. Talks between Israel, Hamas, Egypt, and the U.S. were set to resume, focusing on hostages, governance, and extending the fragile truce. Now, Trump’s remarks have given fresh ammunition to Israel’s most hardline factions while alienating key Arab nations. Saudi Arabia quickly rejected the idea, refusing to normalize relations with Israel without a Palestinian state.

But is Trump serious, or is this just another distraction? His second presidency has taken on a strikingly imperialist tone—flirting with ideas of annexing Canada, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and now occupying Gaza. Whether real policy or political theatre, Trump’s words are already reshaping global dynamics.

Business News

The US-China trade war has escalated again. After President Trump imposed new tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing responded tit-for-tat with its own measures, but how significant are they?

China has slapped tariffs on US fossil fuels, including coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and crude oil. However, with the US accounting for just 1.7% of China’s crude oil imports, the impact is minimal. China can easily source more oil from Russia, while the US, as the world’s largest LNG exporter, has plenty of other buyers.

Beijing has also targeted US agricultural machinery, pick-up trucks, and large cars, but these imports are already limited, again making the economic impact relatively small. Experts estimate that China’s tariffs affect around $20 billion in US imports—a fraction of the $450 billion in Chinese goods hit by US tariffs.

Beyond tariffs, China has launched an anti-monopoly probe into Google, and added PVH, owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, to its “unreliable entity” list, complicating business operations.

While the US is seeking alternative suppliers, including Ukraine, China remains dominant.

Trump has hinted at talks with Xi, but for now, tensions are rising.

Entertainment

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, two of Hollywood’s biggest names, are embroiled in a legal battle that has captivated the entertainment world. The actors, who co-starred in It Ends With Us, a film based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, are now facing off in court over allegations of sexual harassment and a public smear campaign.

Their dispute began last December when Lively accused Baldoni of misconduct, while Baldoni countered with a defamation lawsuit, claiming his reputation had been irreparably damaged. Last week’s pretrial hearing in Manhattan federal court was tense. Lively’s attorney criticized Baldoni’s legal team for making inflammatory media statements, arguing that the case should be settled in court, not in the press. Baldoni’s lawyer responded by accusing Lively’s team of trying to silence him.

The Judge warned that if the case continues to play out publicly, he may bring forward the 2026 trial date to ensure jurorsremain impartial. He also imposed restrictions on public statements from lawyers.

Meanwhile, Baldoni’s team launched a website featuring legal documents and videos, which Lively’s lawyers condemned as an attempt to sway public opinion. With both actors preparing to amend their complaints, this legal battle is just beginning.

Sport

The rugby Six Nations is back, and the opening weekend delivered plenty of drama. Holders Ireland began their title defence with a 27-22 win over England, despite trailing at halftime. England showed defensive improvement but struggled to close out the game. Ex-Wales captain Sam Warburton believes England don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but they lack discipline.

Scotland secured a 31-19 victory over Italy, with Huw Jones stealing the show with a hat-trick of tries. The game was finely balanced at 19-19 before a moment of magic from Darcy Graham set up a crucial score. Sam Warburton praised Scotland’s ability to produce game-changing moments, a trait that now defines them as a top-tier team.

Meanwhile, France thrashed Wales 43-0 in Paris, marking Wales’s worst Six Nations defeat since the tournament expanded in 2000. The star of the show? Antoine Dupont. Fresh from leading France to Olympic rugby sevens gold last summer, he returned in style, delivering a masterclass with a dazzling solo run. Warburton called him “by far the best player of this generation.”

With key clashes ahead, the Six Nations is already shaping up to be a thrilling contest.

Self-development

Have you ever noticed how good you feel after spending time with a group of people who share your interests? Whether it’s a choir, a book club, a sports team, or even a regular walking group, being part of a community isn’t just enjoyable—it’s essential for our health and longevity.

Research consistently shows that strong social connections improve mental and physical well-being. They reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and even help protect against cognitive decline. Some studies suggest that chronic loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s a staggering thought—our social habits can be just as crucial as diet and exercise when it comes to living a long and healthy life.

Take choirs, for example. When we sing together, our heart rates synchronize, our bodies release endorphins, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop. Singing in a group fosters deep social bonds, giving us a sense of belonging and emotional connection. I experience this every Monday evening when I have rehearsals with my local gospel choir. I come out buzzing! But it’s not just choirs—any form of group activity, from community gardening to yoga classes, strengthensour sense of purpose and connection.

These connections also create a support network. When we’re struggling—whether it’s with stress, grief, or life’s everyday pressures—having a community to lean on makes all the difference. Engaging with others helps us feel seen, valued, and understood.

So, if you’re looking for an easy, effective way to improve your well-being, get involved. Join a group, volunteer, reconnect with friends, or start something new. Prioritizing human connection isn’t just good for the soul—it’s a proven way to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Your future self will thank you. 

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you feel connected today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!