#News of the world [Pre-intermediate] - By Cate - 19/05/2025

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

No country will remain untouched 😎
No celebrity or politician will remain safe 😅
Put on the earphones  🔈
Choose your level - Pre-Intermediate or Advanced ⭐️
Press play ▶️
Improve your English 🔥

Ps: Cate rocks 🤘

Transcript

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

In World News…

Israeli air strikes overnight killed dozens in northern Gaza, including in Jabalia town and refugee camp, after rockets were fired into Israel. Israel had warned residents to evacuate. The UN’s top humanitarian official accused Israel of creating inhumane conditions and warned of possible genocide. He also criticised a new plan to deliver aid through private companies. Israel denied the claims, saying the current aid system helps Hamas, which both the UN and Hamas reject. Gaza faces severe shortages of food and fuel, with most aid kitchens shut and half a million people at risk of starvation. Israel says its military campaign will continue.

Business News

Zara is celebrating 50 years as it faces rising competition and changing shopper habits. Known for speed, it makes over half its clothes in nearby countries like Spain and Turkey, allowing weekly updates to stores. A team of 350 designers, supported by real-time sales data, helps quickly adjust stock to match demand. Unlike other brands, Zara limits discounts to two main sales a year. Its parent company, Inditex, says its wide supply network helps it manage global challenges, including pressure from fast-fashion rivals like Shein and Temu. Zara remains focused on quality, creativity, and staying flexible as the market shifts.

Entertainment

Cardinal Robert Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV closely mirrored the 2024 film Conclave, which explored the Vatican’s secretive papal voting process. As in real life, 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from outside contact, until they reached agreement. While the Church presents the process as guided by divine will, it also involves political strategy and alliances. Much of the tension happens before voting begins, as cardinals evaluate their options. This year’s vote was especially uncertain due to the diverse group appointed by Pope Francis. Despite its traditions, the conclave remains a very human process.

Sport

One of my trainees, a French Arsenal fan, was upset after Arsenal’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain, who will now face Inter Milan in the Champions League final on 31st May. It’s the first final since 2004 without an English, Spanish, or German team. PSG, under coach Luis Enrique, have rebuilt after losing Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, focusing on younger, disciplinedplayers. Their run includes wins over four English clubs. Inter Milan beat Barcelona in the semi-final and also knocked outBayern Munich. Both clubs have proven that teamwork and tactics still matter in a competition long dominated by star-driven giants.

Self-development

Email overload is a growing problem in the workplace, especially for managers and CEOs. Constant inbox checking breaks focus, reduces productivity, and increases stress. Leaders often spend too much time on internal emails instead of focusing on strategy or team development — and their habits influence the culture of the whole organisation.

To improve this, change should begin at the top. Managers can lead by setting clear expectations. Not every message needs to be an email — quick updates or ideas can be shared through tools like Slack or Asana. Centralised documents can also reduce repeated questions and messages.

Another useful habit is checking emails only at set times during the day, rather than reacting to each one as it arrives. This helps maintain focus and reduces distractions. It is important to tell your team this, so they understand replies won’t always be instant unless it’s urgent.

Smaller changes also help — clearer subject lines, fewer reply-all threads, and turning long email chains into quick meetings. A helpful tip: if a conversation goes beyond three emails without progress, have a call.

While everyone can help reduce email overload, when leaders model better habits, the whole team benefits from a calmer, more productive work environment.

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you spend less time emailing today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!