#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 21/04/2025

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…

At town halls this week, Republican lawmakers were met with frustration and anger from voters over President Trump’s sweeping changes to the federal government. In Iowa, Senator Chuck Grassley was repeatedly pressed to stand up toTrump. Constituents challenged him on cuts to Social Security, tariffs hurting farmers, and the president’s expanding power. Grassley mostly defended Trump, although he acknowledged the risks of tariffs and said he wouldn’t support cutting Social Security.

In Georgia, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene took a very different approach — holding a scripted, controlled event where questions were submitted in advance. She mocked critical comments, brushed off concerns about Medicaid and library closures, and doubled down on her support for Trump. Several protesters were forcibly removed from the event.

These meetings highlight growing public frustration, especially as Trump continues to push for major cuts and centralise executive power. Many Republican lawmakers have avoided public forums altogether during this recess, underscoring how politically tense the climate has become.

Democrats aren’t off the hook either. At a town hall in Maryland, one voter told a Democratic congresswoman that vague answers and cautious messaging won’t motivate people to vote. Across both parties, the demand from voters is clear: do more — and do better.

Business News

Semiconductors — the tiny chips powering everything from smartphones to fighter jets — are now central to the US-China tech rivalry. While the US invented the chip, Asia dominates its production, particularly Taiwan. President Trump wants to change that, promising tariffs and tough policies to bring chip manufacturing back to American soil. But it’s not that simple.

Chip-making is complex, expensive, and deeply global. A single chip may be designed in the US, produced in Taiwan or South Korea, packaged in Vietnam, and assembled in China. Rebuilding that supply chain in the US will take time, investment, and expertise — something even giants like TSMC and Samsung have struggled with on US soil due to labour shortages and high costs.

The Biden administration’s CHIPS Act has funnelled billions into domestic production, but Trump is pushing further, threatening 100% tariffs unless companies manufacture in the US. Yet experts warn this kind of protectionism may backfire. Advanced chip-making depends on global cooperation, not isolation.

While the US wants to lead again, countries like India are emerging as alternative hubs. Still, no nation can go it alone. If the US wants a robust chip industry, it will need more than tariffs — it will need long-term collaboration and strategy.

Entertainment

HBO has officially announced key cast members for its upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which begins filming this summer and could air as early as next year. Nick Frost will take on the role of Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape, and Janet McTeer is cast as Professor McGonagall. Paul Whitehouse has been confirmed as Argus Filch, while John Lithgow was previously announced as Hogwarts’ headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

The actors for Harry, Ron, and Hermione have yet to be cast, though HBO’s open call for the lead trio received over 30,000 submissions. Luke Thallon has also joined the cast as Quirinus Quirrell.

The series, described by HBO as a “faithful adaptation” of J.K. Rowling’s original books, will reportedly have the time and space to explore the stories in more depth than the films. Rowling is on board as an executive producer.

The creative team includes showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod, who praised the “extraordinary talent” of the new cast. Additional casting announcements are expected soon, with rumours circulating about big names like Cillian Murphy potentially joining the series.

The show marks a major reboot of the franchise, aimed at a new generation of fans.

Sport

Esports—short for electronic sports—refers to professional competitive video gaming, where players and teams compete in structured tournaments across games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike. Once dismissed as a niche hobby, it has become a global industry with professional leagues, million-dollar prize pools, and a fanbase rivalling traditional sports.

Sceptics argue that esports lack physicality, but the demands are real. Professional players train for hours daily, developing razor-sharp reflexes, strategic thinking, and mental endurance. Reaction times at the highest level are faster than those of Formula 1 drivers, and pressure to perform is intense. Universities now offer esports scholarships, and major broadcasters, including ESPN, feature tournaments alongside traditional competitions.

Even the Olympic Committee has taken notice, introducing virtual sports events alongside Paris 2024. Meanwhile, AI coaching, biometric tracking, and VR training are pushing the boundaries of performance. With corporate sponsorships pouring in and millions tuning in worldwide, esports are no longer just a pastime—they’re a legitimate, rapidly growing sport shaping the future of competition.

Self-development

Let’s talk about a tool that’s surprisingly effective when you’re facing a high-stakes situation — like speaking a foreign language, giving a presentation, or handling a tough conversation. It’s not a hack or a performance trick. It’s called character invention.

At its core, it’s the idea of stepping into a version of yourself that’s built for the situation — even if you don’t feel like you are. You create a character, or persona, that can show up with the calm, clarity, or confidence you need. Think of it as switching modes, not faking anything. You're not pretending to be someone else — you're drawing on a part of yourself that already exists but maybe doesn't show up automatically under pressure.

This isn’t new. Performers use it all the time. Beyoncé famously used to perform as "Sasha Fierce" to get through early-stage anxiety. But it applies well beyond the stage. People create what they call “presentation mode” or “leader mode” or “unflappable negotiator” — not because it’s who they are all the time, but because it's who they need to be in that moment.

And it works because it shifts your focus. Instead of being caught up in how you’re coming across, you’re anchored in the role you’re playing. It gives you distance from fear. It gives you a job to do.

So, before your next high-stakes moment, ask yourself: who’s the version of me that could handle this well? What do they sound like? How do they carry themselves? What would they do?

And then — just for that moment — step into it.

Not to impress anyone. Just to show up as the version of you that gets the job done.

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you find the right version of yourself today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!