#News of the world [Pre-intermediate] - By Cate - 10/03/2025

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

No country will remain untouched 😎
No celebrity or politician will remain safe 😅
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Transcript

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

In World News…

Where do I begin?! Six weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump addressed Congress, celebrating his early actions and attacking opponents. He claimed his administration had achieved more in 43 days than most do in years, highlighting executive orders, immigration enforcement, and removing "woke ideology" from schools and the military.

Blaming Democrats and Joe Biden for inflation, he promised tax cuts and tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China—policies critics say could increase prices. On foreign policy, he reaffirmed his position on Ukraine, hinting at a deal with President Zelensky after a recent public dispute.

Despite the long speech, details on funding his promises remain unclear. 

Business News

Bubble tea chain Mixue has quietly become bigger than McDonald’s and Starbucks, with over 45,000 stores across China and other countries. Its recent launch on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange saw shares rise over 40%, unlike other bubble tea brands that have had difficulties after going public. Mixue's success comes from its low prices—most items cost less than a dollar—making it popular during tough economic times. Founded in 1997 by a university student, it mainly supplies ingredients to franchisees, allowing for rapid growth. If you haven’t tried it, bubble tea is a Taiwanese cold drink made with tea, milk, flavourings, and tapioca pearls. Yuck!

Entertainment

Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on 26th February. Their bodies were in separate rooms—Hackman near the kitchen with his walking cane and sunglasses on the floor, Betsy in the bathroom with pills. Their German shepherd was also dead, while two other dogs survived. Authorities found no signs of forced entry or suspicious activity. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was known for The French Connection, Unforgiven, and as Lex Luthor in Superman. He retired in 2004, spending his later years writing and living quietly in New Mexico. We await the results of the autopsies.

Sport

The World Handicap System (WHS) was introduced in 2020 to make golf fairer and more adaptable across different courses. However, five years later, it remains controversial, with some arguing it has made the game too easy. A key concern is that WHS relies on trust, allowing players to submit casual round scores, which some may manipulate. Governing bodies insist these issues are minor, noting increased participation and competition entries. While steps are being taken to prevent abuse, the debate highlights golf’s shift toward accessibility—whether this benefits the game depends on how well the system is managed. 

Self-development

When making big decisions, should you trust your intuition or rely on logic? Both play a role but knowing when to use each one is vital.

Intuition is that inner feeling that tells you something is right or wrong, often without a clear reason. It comes from past experiences, subconscious patterns, and emotions. Experts like doctors and financial traders make quick, accurate decisions because their intuition is based on years of practice.

Logic, on the other hand, relies on facts, analysis, and careful thinking. It helps prevent mistakes, especially in important situations like starting a business.

So, which is better? It depends. If you have experience in a situation, your gut feeling may be more accurate than you think. But if emotions are clouding your judgment or the situation is new, logic can help you avoid errors. The best decisions happen when we use both—intuition as a guide and logic as a check.

However, many people today struggle to trust their instincts due to information overload, fear of mistakes, and constant distractions. Next week, we will explore ways to strengthen your intuition so you can make better, more confident decisions.

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