#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 28/07/2025

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…

Donald Trump is struggling to contain the growing storm over his past links to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019. Trump took to social media at the weekend, insisting no explanation would satisfy the “left-wing mob,” but his outbursts seem only to fuel the fire. The controversy deepened after a Wall Street Journal report revealed letters Epstein received — including one reportedly from Trump, which he says is fake and is now suing over.

What’s unusual is that this saga has put Trump at odds with parts of his own base, especially after his administration’s poor handling of calls for transparency around Epstein’s connections. While most MAGA supporters don’t rank the issue as top priority, the story has gained momentum, partly due to Trump’s erratic responses — and missteps by key allies like Pam Bondi, who publicly hinted at bombshell revelations but failed to deliver.

From conspiracy theories to AI-generated videos, Trump is leaning on old distraction tactics. But this time, they may not be enough. The Epstein story is proving harder to bury — and politically riskier — than Trump expected.

Business News

France’s Prime Minister has stirred strong reactions with a bold proposal to cut two public holidays — Easter Monday and 8thMay — to help rescue the country’s worsening finances. The idea is to boost productivity without increasing salaries, but unsurprisingly it’s sparked uproar across the political spectrum, especially from the left and populist right.

May is famously sacred in the French calendar, packed with long weekends due to public holidays like VE Day. Many see them as untouchable — part of the cultural rhythm of life. But the PM argues that with France’s debt now at €3.3 trillion, drastic thinking is needed. He’s not the first to try — similar proposals under Chirac and even De Gaulle caused similar upset, though some did stick.

Interestingly, despite the image of France, it has fewer public holidays than the EU average and, although it has more than the UK, it still outpaces the UK in productivity by 18%. 

With no parliamentary majority, the proposals are unlikely to pass. Still, in the PM’s weakened position, he’s opted for honesty over popularity — and opened a real debate about work, tradition, and economic survival.

Entertainment

Emma Watson, best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, has been handed a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding in Oxford. The 35-year-old, currently studying for a master’s in creative writing at the University of Oxford, was clocked doing 38mph in a 30mph zone last July. Already carrying nine points on her driving licence, the additional offence brought her to the 12-point threshold, triggering an automatic ban. She was also fined £1,000. 

Since wrapping up her role as Hermione in 2011, Watson has starred in films including Beauty and the Beast, with her most recent film appearance in Little Women in 2019. She also co-founded the sustainable gin brand Renais with her brother last year.

In a bizarre coincidence, fellow Harry Potter actress Zoë Wanamaker — who played Madame Hooch — was also banned from driving the same day, in the same court, for a separate speeding offence. Like Watson, she too had nine points prior to the incident and received the same fine and ban.

Sport

If you’re looking for something a little different this summer — something that mixes adventure, nature, and a bit of adrenaline — sand surfing might just be for you. Also known as sandboarding, this growing sport is exactly what it sounds like: think snowboarding, but on golden dunes instead of snow-covered slopes.

Popular spots include the vast dunes of the Sahara, the deserts of Dubai, and closer to home, France’s Dune du Pilat — the tallest sand dune in Europe — or the beachside slopes in southern Spain and along Portugal’s coastline.

The appeal? It’s low-tech, low-cost, and great fun. There’s no need for ski lifts — just climb the dune, take in the view, and glide down with the wind in your face. It's surprisingly accessible: no snow, cold gear or previous experience required. And if you fall, the sand is soft!

Sand surfing is a brilliant way to inject some playfulness and movement into your day. Great for groups, great for laughs, and great for your inner daredevil. Why not give it a go this summer?

 Self-development

Last week, we talked about why adults need play — this week, let’s talk about how to actually do it. Unlike kids, we don’t get scheduled playtime, so we have to be more intentional. That starts with figuring out your play personality — a concept from Dr Stuart Brown.

Are you a Collector, finding joy in gathering stamps, books, coins, wine, shoes, cars, odd souvenirs or fridge magnets? Or maybe a Competitor who thrives on a bit of healthy rivalry, whether it’s five-a-side football, video games or pub quiz night. There’s the Creator/Artist, who loves making, building, painting, doing jigsaw puzzles, gardening or sewing; the Explorer, who finds fun in discovering new places or ideas; or the Storyteller, who plays through reading, writing, or imagination.

Others find joy as Directors, planning events or holidays, or bringing people together. Then there’s the Joker, who lives to make others laugh by clowning around. And finally, the Kinesthete, who feels most alive when moving — whether through dance, yoga, swimming, walking, or climbing trees if that’s your thing!

You can also rethink how you exercise. It doesn’t have to be a slog — a dance class or a playful swim can do wonders. The real secret? It’s all in the mindset. Play isn’t about the activity — it’s about entering that joyful, timeless state where you're simply lost in the moment.

When I want to enter that flow state, I sing, and that covers many play personalities: Storyteller, Artistic, Kinesthete.

And you? How do you play?

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you connect with your inner child this summer, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!