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

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…

Donald Trump’s upbeat economic message is starting to break. After promising a “Golden Age,” he’s now warning about increasing prices and fewer goods. This shift comes after the U.S. economy decreased by 0.3% in the first quarter — a blowto Trump’s claims of early success. While technical issues may partly explain the drop, it adds pressure as the cost of livingstays high. Trump has long rested on his business image, despite past bankruptcies, but falling markets and weak consumer confidence are damaging that appeal. He blames Biden, but many problems come from his own policies, like tariffs on China.

Business News

Starbucks is reversing course after its push for automation failed. New CEO Brian Niccol admits reducing staff and relying on machines hurt customer experience. The company is now hiring more baristas, scaling back automated systems, and trying to bring a human touch back to cafés. It is also simplifying the menu and making spaces feel more welcoming. But the turnaround is still a work in progress — global sales decreased by 1% last quarter, the fifth straight decline. Niccol says it’s early days, but the focus is clear: people over machines, especially as customers grow more budget conscious.

Entertainment

A large-scale exhibition of Gianni Versace’s work opens in London this July, featuring over 450 pieces worn by fashion and music icons. Titled Gianni Versace Retrospective, the show spans 21 seasons and includes clothing, accessories, sketches, and interviews. It is the first time this expanded version will be in the UK and includes a new section on Versace’s London connections. The exhibition arrives shortly after Donatella Versace stepped down as creative director, with Dario Vitale taking over. Gianni Versace, who was killed in 1997, is remembered for his bold, glamorous designs and lasting influence on fashion and pop culture.

Sport

The 2025 Italian Open runs from 6th to 18th May in Rome, with over 300 matches scheduled. World Number 1 Jannik Sinner returns after suspension, while Novak Djokovic has pulled out — breaking a run of appearances since 2007. Djokovic’s recent early losses and lack of titles this season raise doubts about his form ahead of the French Open. Other key names in the draw include Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, and Jasmine Paolini. The event also features expanded facilities, including a red clay court at the Stadio dei Marmi and pre-qualifiers in central Rome’s Piazza del Popolo.

Self-development

Long, back-to-back meetings have become common with hybrid and remote work, but they often leave people tired and unclear on what was decided. The World Economic Forum says over 40% of people leave meetings not knowing the outcomes or who is responsible for next steps. We don’t need to eliminate meetings — just make them shorter and more focused.

Research from Wharton Executive Education suggests 25 minutes is the ideal meeting length. It helps people stay alert and leads to better results. They recommend three key steps: set up, show up, and speak up.

Set up: Be clear on the meeting’s goal — is it to inform, align, or solve a problem? Keep the invite list small, ideally under five people. Include a short agenda to keep things on track.

Show up: Share materials beforehand. Start and end on time. Don’t repeat information for latecomers and encourage everyone to stay off their phones.

Speak up: Use a simple structure — review the context, focus on a few key points, and agree on next steps. Send a quick follow-up with clear action items.

In summary, shorter meetings with clear structure can save time and make work more effective. Try the 25-minute method.

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!