#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 02/06/2025

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…

Canada is stepping up its defence ambitions amid growing global threats and increasing pressure from allies. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada aims to join “ReArm Europe” by 1st July—a major European defence initiative focused on reducing reliance on the US and increasing spending over the next five years. The Canadian Defence Minister echoed this urgency, citing Russia, China, and Arctic tensions as key concerns. 

At the same time, high-level talks are underway with the US about joining Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system. The ambitious project aims to intercept advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles, using space-based technology. Trump claims the system could be operational by the end of his term and has floated a $175bn price tag, although independent estimates put the full cost over 20 years closer to $542bn.

Trump controversially suggested Canada could join “for free” by becoming the 51st US state, a comment dismissed firmly by Carney, who reaffirmed Canada's sovereignty. Both initiatives—ReArm Europe and Golden Dome—signal Canada’s intent to redefine its defence posture on its own terms. 

Business News

The Trump administration is escalating its conflict with Harvard University by launching a review of the school's federal funding. Around $100 million in contracts could be re-evaluated, with the Government Services Administration (GSA) instructing agencies to assess whether funding should be cancelled or redirected. While the administration claims this is due to concerns over discrimination and antisemitism, critics argue it’s politically motivated and harmful to research.

Harvard hasn’t commented, but its website warns federal support is vital to its research on diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. The White House says essential funding may be spared if agencies justify its importance. However, the move follows earlier freezes totalling $2.65 billion, along with attempts to block international student enrolment—actions already challenged in court.

Lab work is already being affected. The Sinclair Lab at Harvard Medical School, which focuses on ageing and disease treatment, has lost grants and half its staff due to these actions. Researchers say halting projects midstream is wasteful and damaging.

Harvard alumni, faculty, and students have protested against the administration’s actions, warning they jeopardise vital academic work and risk job losses for graduate and PhD researchers reliant on external funding.

Entertainment

French actor Gérard Depardieu has recently been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on a Paris film set in 2021. The 76-year-old received an 18-month suspended prison sentence and was placed on France’s sex offender registry. The court ruled in favour of two women — a set dresser and an anonymous assistant director — who described how Depardieu groped them and used crude language during filming.

Depardieu denied the allegations and plans to appeal. The judge found the women’s testimonies consistent and credible, while Depardieu’s accounts shifted over time. He was ordered to pay each woman €1,000 for the additional emotional tollcaused by the trial itself. His lawyer accused the women of lying, while the women's legal team said the verdict marked an important step against impunity in the film industry.

This was Depardieu’s first criminal conviction for sexual assault, although several other women have made similar accusations in the media. A separate rape case may still go on trial.

The verdict came just before the Cannes Film Festival opened, casting a shadow over the industry. Despite the ruling, Depardieu is back working on a new film, supported by long-time collaborator Fanny Ardant, who defended him in court.

 Sport

Is padel, also pronounced padel, the new pickleball? That’s the question being asked as padel’s popularity surges across Europe. While pickleball has made headlines in the US for its rapid rise, padel — a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash — is making steady gains here, with a growing network of courts and clubs.

Unlike pickleball, which is played with a hard paddle and plastic ball, padel uses a stringed racket and a pressurised tennis ball. The court is enclosed, the pace faster, and the rallies longer. It's a social sport, usually played in doubles, and its accessibility is a big part of the appeal — easier than tennis for beginners, yet still physically demanding and engaging.

Major tennis organisations are taking note. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has officially recognised padel, and investments are growing, with clubs opening courts to meet rising demand. High-profile backers from sport and business are also helping to boost visibility.

Whether padel will mirror pickleball’s explosive growth remains to be seen, but its blend of fast play, social interaction, and lower barriers to entry make it one to watch.

 Self-development

I’ve just finished reading the Mel Robbins “Let Them” Theory and I recommend it. It’s a strikingly simple idea with real self-development weight behind it. The concept? Stop trying to control what others do. If someone judges you, excludes you, behaves in a way you don’t like, or makes a choice you wouldn’t — let them. Let them go. Let them stay. Let them be wrong. Rather than reacting, correcting, or chasing, Robbins encourages a pause: let them.

But the theory doesn’t end there. The second part is just as important — let me. Let me focus on my goals. Let me conserve my energy. Let me respond with calm instead of conflict. When you “let them”, you create space for “let me” and this is where growth happens.

In practice, this mindset builds emotional independence. You stop expecting others to validate you or behaving in a certain way to keep the peace. You become more grounded in your own choices. Instead of constantly managing external relationships, you shift attention inward: what do you want to do? What do you need to work on?

It’s also helpful for relationships. Letting people be who they are removes a huge amount of tension. You’re no longer managing their behaviour, just managing your response. That shift builds healthier boundaries and more mutual respect.

It’s a useful tool in everyday life. Someone’s late? Let them. Let me use the time my way. A friend makes a decision you wouldn’t? Let them. Let me support without controlling.

Robbins’ idea isn’t about giving up or letting people treat you badly — it’s about letting go of what's out of your control or not yours to carry. It creates stronger boundaries, frees mental space, and allows you to focus fully on what you can shape, which is your own direction.

 Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you focus on what’s in your control today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!