News of the World

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

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

In World News…

Republican town halls this week showed rising anger from voters over President Trump’s government cuts and growing power. In Iowa, Senator Chuck Grassley faced difficult questions about tariffs and Social Security. He mostly defended Trump but said he wouldn’t support benefit cuts. In Georgia, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene avoided direct questions and mocked critics, while police removed protesters from the event. Many Republican lawmakers skipped town halls altogether. Democrats also faced criticism. At a Maryland event, one voter said vague answers won’t inspire support. Across all parties, people want real answers and stronger action from their elected officials.

Business News

Semiconductors — the tiny chips in phones, cars, and military tech — are at the centre of the US-China tech fight. The US invented them, but most are now made in Asia, especially Taiwan. President Trump wants to bring chip-making back to the US using tariffs and pressure on companies.

However, chips are made through a complex global process, and rebuilding that in the US is slow and expensive. Even top firms like TSMC and Samsung have struggled with labour and cost issues.

Experts say real progress will take global cooperation, not isolation, and a long-term strategy beyond tariffs.

Entertainment

HBO has announced key cast members for its upcoming Harry Potter TV series, set to start filming this summer. Nick Frost will play Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu is Snape, Janet McTeer takes on McGonagall, and Paul Whitehouse will be Filch. John Lithgow was already confirmed as Dumbledore.

Casting for Harry, Ron, and Hermione is still underway, with over 30,000 actors having auditioned. Luke Thallon joins as Quirrell.

HBO says the show will closely follow J.K. Rowling’s original books, with more time to explore the story. Rowling is an executive producer, and more casting news is expected soon.

Sport

Esports, or competitive video gaming, has grown into a global industry with pro teams, large prize pools, and fans worldwide. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike headline major tournaments, now even shown on ESPN.

Although it’s not physical like traditional sports, esports demand intense training, quick reflexes, and mental focus. Some players react faster than Formula 1 drivers. Universities now offer esports scholarships, and even the Olympics has included virtual events.

With tech like AI coaching and VR training, plus big corporate support, esports are shaping the future of sports and competition around the world.

Self-development

When you are facing an important moment—like giving a speech, navigating a difficult conversation, or speaking a new language—one surprisingly helpful tool is character invention. It’s not about pretending to be someone else. It’s about using a version of you that is built for the moment.

The idea is simple: when you are under pressure, you don’t always have immediate access to your calm or confident self. So, you create a role—maybe ā€œpresentation modeā€ or ā€œcalm negotiatorā€ā€”to help guide you. It’s not fake; it’s a real part of you, just more intentional and focused.

Artists and performers do this all the time. BeyoncĆ©, for instance, performed early in her career as ā€œSasha Fierceā€ to manage stage anxiety. But this strategy works far beyond the stage—leaders, teachers, and everyday people use it to keep calm when it really matters.

It also helps shift attention away from self-doubt. Rather than wondering how you appear, you are focused on what this version of you needs to do. It’s about purpose, not performance.

So next time you get nervous, ask yourself: Who is the version of me that can handle this? And then, step into that version—just long enough to do what needs to be 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!