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

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 is struggling to stop growing questions about his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019. Trump posted online, blaming left-wing critics, but his comments have made things worse. A report claimed Epstein received a letter from Trump, which Trump says is fake. He is now suing the newspaper. His team, including ally Pam Bondi, made mistakes by suggesting big news that never came. Some in Trump’s own MAGA base are not happy. Trump is using old tricks to distract attention, but this time, the Epstein story may not go away easily.

Business News

France’s Prime Minister wants to remove two public holidays — Easter Monday and 8th May — to help the country’s economy. He says working two extra days a year will increase productivity without increasing salaries. Many people, especially on the political left and right, are angry about this idea. May is known in France for long weekends, and people value their days off. France’s national debt is now €3.3 trillion. The Prime Minister has no majority in parliament, so the plan probably won’t happen. But by speaking honestly, he has started a big discussion about work, holidays, and how to fix France’s finances.

Entertainment

Emma Watson, Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, has been banned from driving for six months. She was caught driving 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford. She already had nine penalty points, and this new offence brought her to 12, which means an automatic ban. She was also fined £1,000. Watson, 35, is now studying creative writing at Oxford University. Since Harry Potter, she has acted in several films and started a gin company with her brother. On the same day, actress Zoë Wanamaker, also from Harry Potter, was banned from driving too for speeding in a different case.

Sport

Want to try something new this summer? Sand surfing, or sandboarding, could be perfect. It’s like snowboarding but on sand dunes instead of snow. You don’t need special equipment or experience. Just climb a dune, enjoy the view, and slide down! It’s fun, simple, and not expensive. Great places to try it include the Sahara, Portugal’s coast, Spain’s beaches, and France’s Dune du Pilat — the tallest sand dune in Europe. You can do it alone or with friends, and falling in soft sand is no problem. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and try something exciting.

Self-development

Last week, we talked about why adults need play. This week let’s talk about how to do it. Unlike children, adults don’t have scheduled playtime, so we must make time for it ourselves. A good way to start is by knowing your “play personality” — an idea by Dr Stuart Brown.

You might be a Collector, enjoying things like stamps, shoes, or souvenirs. 

A Competitor loves games or sports. 

A Creator enjoys painting, puzzles, or sewing.

An Explorer finds fun in new places or ideas. 

A Storyteller loves reading or using imagination. 

A Director plans events and brings people together. 

A Joker loves making others laugh. 

And a Kinesthete feels happy when moving — dancing, swimming, or walking.

Exercise can be play, too. What matters is the feeling — when time disappears and you are simply having fun. For me, that happens when I sing. What about 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!