#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 05/05/2025

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…

Donald Trump’s message on the economy is starting to unravel. What a surprise! This week, after hyping a new “Golden Age,” he pivoted to warning Americans about fewer toys and higher prices. The shift follows news that the US economy shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter — a symbolic setback for a president trying to sell his first 100 days as a record-breaking success. While the contraction might be partially explained by technical factors, it comes at a politically sensitive moment.

Trump has leaned heavily on his business credentials to maintain support, especially as the cost of living remains high, although he does have a chain of bankruptcies under his belt! But signs of economic weakness — sliding markets, falling consumer confidence, and rising recession forecasts — are testing that image. Meanwhile, his tariffs on China have made consumer goods more expensive and created uncertainty, with imports spiking as companies brace for more disruption.

In public, Trump is deflecting blame onto the Biden administration, of course, even as the economic signals emerge from policies he introduced. The administration continues to downplay the risks, while celebrating milestones like the newly signed minerals deal with Ukraine — a potential long-term strategic win, though unlikely to offset growing domestic discontent. The gap between economic messaging and economic reality appears to be widening fast.

Business News

Starbucks is making a major course correction. Under its new CEO, Brian Niccol — who joined in late 2024 — the company is rethinking a strategy that leaned too heavily on automation and not enough on people.

Speaking to investors, Niccol admitted that reducing in-store staff in hopes that machines could pick up the slack was a mistake. Now, Starbucks is hiring more baristas, giving them more hours, and scaling back its automated drink-making system. The idea is simple: technology can help, but it can’t replace human service. Yes!

Niccol is also moving to simplify the menu, adjust pricing, and make the cafés feel more welcoming. Details like handwritten notes on cups, ceramic mugs and comfy seats are part of an effort to bring customers back in — especially as many are cutting down on expensive drinks amid rising costs.

Still, the turnaround has yet to show strong results. Starbucks reported a 1% drop in global sales last quarter — its fifth decline in a row. US sales dipped, but China and Canada showed some growth. Niccol called the results “disappointing,” but said these changes are just the start of a bigger shift aimed at restoring customer loyalty. Human beings: 1; robots: nil!

Entertainment

A major show celebrating the life and work of Gianni Versace will open in London this summer, showcasing over 450 pieces from the legendary designer’s archive. Launching at Arches London Bridge on 16th July, the exhibition will span 21 seasons of Versace’s work, with outfits once worn by icons like Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, George Michael, and Sir Elton John. Titled Gianni Versace Retrospective, it marks the first time the exhibition has been staged in the UK in this expanded format.

The show will also include a special new section, Gianni Versace in London, and feature not just clothing but accessories, sketches, photographs, and video interviews. The curator called London a fitting location, given its status as a global fashion capital. The exhibition also comes at a symbolic moment, just weeks after Donatella Versace stepped down as creative director, with Dario Vitale stepping into the role.

Gianni Versace, who was murdered in 1997 at the age of 50 in Miami, remains a towering figure in fashion history. His bold, baroque-infused designs and collaborations with music and pop culture defined the 1990s and helped elevate the era of the supermodel.

Sport

The 2025 Italian Open will take place from 6th to 18th May in Rome, featuring over 300 matches across men's and women’s draws. This year’s spotlight is on World Number 1 Jannik Sinner, returning from a three-month anti-doping suspension. Meanwhile, six-time Italian Open champion Novak Djokovic has pulled out, ending a streak of appearances since 2007. His absence follows early exits in recent tournaments and adds uncertainty to his French Open preparations. Other key players in Rome include Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and in the women’s field, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini.

The tournament showcases major upgrades to its facilities, including a new red clay court at the Stadio dei Marmi and a temporary installation at Piazza del Popolo for pre-qualifying matches. Djokovic’s withdrawal comes at a difficult time; without a title this season and with early losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, he acknowledged he’s adjusting to a new phase in his career. Now ranked World Number 5 and coached by Andy Murray, Djokovic faces the likelihood of entering Roland Garros without further match play, where he will seek his fourth French Open crown.

Self-development

Long meetings are a growing problem in modern work life. Since the rise of hybrid and remote work, back-to-back hour-long calls have become routine — but often leave attendees drained, distracted, and unclear about what was achieved. According to the World Economic Forum, over 40% of people leave meetings unclear about decisions made or who is responsible for follow-up. We don’t need to eliminate meetings though — we just need to make them shorter and more effective.
The WEF highlights new research from Wharton Executive Education showing that 25 minutes is the ideal length for a meeting. It keeps people focused, reduces fatigue, and increases the likelihood of clear decisions being made. Their suggested method to achieve this is built around three simple steps: set up, show up, and speak up.

Step one: Set up.
Start by identifying why you're meeting — to inform, align, or resolve. Write this goal clearly in the invite. Limit attendance to the essential few, ideally no more than five people. Then create a simple agenda and process to keep the meeting on track.

Step two: Show up.
Preparation matters. Share the agenda and any materials in advance. Begin and end on time — no repeating information for late arrivals. If possible, ask people to put devices away to stay focused.

Step three: Speak up.
Use a structure like Scan-Focus-Act. Begin by reviewing context, then focus on two or three key issues, and finally confirm next steps. Follow up after the meeting with clear action items.

The message is clear: shorter, more structured meetings can be smarter meetings. Try the 25-minute approach and see the difference for yourself.

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