#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 14/07/2025

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… 

A freak weather event has left devastation across Texas, with over 100 people confirmed dead after torrential rain triggered catastrophic flash floods. One of the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls, where at least 27 lives were lost some as young as eight. 

The floods struck in the early hours of Friday with almost no warning. Months’ worth of rain fell in just a few hours after a tropical storm collided with the hilly terrain of Kerr County, creating massive storm clouds that dumped up to 21 inches of rain in places. 

The Guadalupe River burst its banks with terrifying speed, overwhelming cabins less than 150 metres from the water. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with trees uprooted and children pulled from floodwaters. 

Officials had issued warnings, but the storm intensified so quickly that many were caught unprepared. 

Experts say the region — known ominously as “Flash Flood Alley” — is especially vulnerable. Climate scientists warn this is part of a bigger trend: extreme weather events like this will only become more common as global temperatures rise. 

Business News 

Apple is heading to court to appeal a €500 million fine imposed by the European Commission for alleged anti-competitive behaviour on its App Store. The Commission ruled in April that Apple broke EU law by stopping app developers from telling users about cheaper options outside the App Store — something Apple disputes. 

In its appeal, Apple claims the fine is “unprecedented” and the Commission is unfairly dictating how it runs its platform. The company argues that proposed changes would overcomplicate things for both users and developers. 

This case marks one of the first major fines under the EU’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at curbing the power of tech giants. Alongside Apple, Meta was also fined €200 million over its “consent or pay” model. 

Analysts say Apple’s appeal was widely expected but warn that sorting out these disputes — which involve deep design and commercial changes — will be slow and complex. The move also adds fuel to growing transatlantic tensions over EU regulation of American tech firms. 

Entertainment 

Hip-hop tycoon Sean "Diddy" Combs has been denied bail following his conviction for transporting individuals for prostitution. Although acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, the judge ruled he must remain in custody ahead of sentencing, where he could face up to 20 years in prison. 

The judge cited Combs’ history of violence and testimony from ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who warned he posed a danger if released. Combs has acknowledged past domestic violence but denies running a wider criminal enterprise. 

The federal trial lasted nearly two months, with prosecutors accusing Combs of using his wealth and fame to run a sex trafficking network. Key evidence included surveillance footage of him assaulting Ventura, alongside testimony from over 30 witnesses. 

Although the jury could not agree on the racketeering charge which would have required proof of an organised criminal scheme they convicted him on transporting women for sex. 

Combs' legal team argued he had taken steps to reform, but the judge wasn't persuaded. He’ll remain in a Brooklyn jail until sentencing, set for October. Civil lawsuits against him continue. 

Sport 

This year’s Wimbledon has taken an extraordinary turn, with top seeds tumbling out at a record-breaking pace in the opening rounds. No fewer than eight top 10 players across the men’s and women’s draws crashed out early — an unprecedented figure in the Open Era. In total, 19 seeded men and 17 seeded women were eliminated in the first week. 

Several big names admitted to being emotionally and physically drained, with short turnaround times from the clay-court season cited as a major factor. The transition from clay to grass remains notoriously difficult – the surfaces demand vastly different tactics, movement, and mental adjustments. Some also pointed to the unusually slow and slippery courts this year, possibly influenced by the recent heat. 

Fatigue is clearly setting in, as this midpoint in the tennis calendar often catches players worn out from six months of intense competition. And with the stakes higher at a grand slam, lower-ranked players have nothing to lose. The early exits have left parts of the draw wide open, offering a golden opportunity for dark horses to make a career-defining run at the All England Club. 

Self-development 

We all know kids need play — it’s vital for their development. But there’s something we often forget: play is just as important for adults. And yet, somewhere along the way, many of us stop making time for it. Work, responsibilities, the usual grind — it all gets in the way. But research says if we want to boost our well-being, we need to bring a bit of play back into our lives. 

Now, when we say “play,” we don’t just mean board games or football — although they count! It could be anything joyful or light-hearted: writing stories, painting, gaming, or even collecting odd little things just because you like them. 

Studies show that playful adults are more creative, more hopeful, better at handling stress, and tend to lead more active and fulfilling lives. One study even linked daily play to improved physical health and better emotional support  especially among people managing chronic conditions. 

Play helps us cope, unwind, and reconnect with joy. It’s not childish — it’s essential. 

The key takeaway? Adults who play more tend to stress less, laugh more, and live better.  So, if life’s felt a bit serious lately, it might be time to ask yourself: when’s the last time you played? Next week, we’ll dive into how to bring more play into your daily routine, just in time for the summer! 

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