News of the World

#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 13/10/2025

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

In World News…

The situation in Gaza is changing rapidly, but here’s where things stand at the time of recording.
US President Donald Trump has urged all sides to “move fast” in efforts to end the Gaza war, as key mediators gather in Egypt for indirect peace talks between Hamas and Israel.

Hamas has agreed to parts of a 20-point US peace plan — including freeing hostages and handing over Gaza’s governance to Palestinian technocrats — but has stopped short of agreeing to disarm or give up all political control. Trump said the talks had been “very successful” so far and insisted that time was critical to avoid “massive bloodshed.”

Despite his calls for restraint, Israeli air strikes have continued, with at least 65 people reportedly killed in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, both sides are preparing for complex negotiations over borders, hostages, and Gaza’s future leadership.

With American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators at the table, many believe this round could mark the most significant chance yet for peace — if it holds.

Business News

Jaguar Land Rover has spent the last month struggling to restart its production lines after a major cyber-attack brought operations to a standstill. The company, which usually ramps up output in September with the release of new number plates, was forced to send workers home from three of its main UK sites. Analysts estimate JLR lost around £50 million a week, with global production halted for more than a month.

The attack has exposed just how vulnerable major manufacturers and their suppliers are to cybercrime. JLR sits at the top of a huge supply chain, and smaller firms reliant on its business were left on the brink. Experts warn that “just-in-time” production systems — which rely on precise deliveries with no stockpiles — make companies especially fragile in the face of disruption.

Cyber-attacks have also hit Marks & Spencer, the Co-op, and other big names this year including key European airports, highlighting a wider international problem. Analysts say years of underinvestment in cyber security are now “starting to bite”, and businesses must urgently strengthen their defences.

Entertainment

Few artists have mastered the art of storytelling quite like Taylor Swift. Her ability to turn moments from her personal life into powerful, relatable songs has made her one of the most successful musicians of all time. From heartbreak and friendship to fame and self-discovery, Swift’s lyrics invite listeners into her world while reflecting their own.

Her “Eras Tour” became a global phenomenon, breaking records for ticket sales and film box office alike. But behind the glitter and guitars lies a sharp creative mind. Swift has built a brand rooted in honesty — transforming diary entries into poetry, and pain into empowerment.

By sharing her experiences so openly, she has built a rare kind of trust with fans, one that transcends age, genre, and geography. Her success reminds us that vulnerability can be a superpower — that by telling our stories truthfully, we connect more deeply with others. Taylor Swift’s songs aren’t just hits; they’re human experiences set to music. And you: are you a Swiftie?

Sport

Ski resorts across Europe are turning to an unusual but ingenious solution to fight the effects of climate change — snow-saving mats. These large, insulated sheets are used to cover piles of snow at the end of the season, keeping it frozen throughout the summer so it can be spread back onto the slopes when winter arrives.

The method, first popularised in Finland, has now spread to resorts in Switzerland, Spain and the United States, where warmer winters and shorter ski seasons are threatening livelihoods and tourism. The mats, which resemble giant white tarpaulins, can preserve up to 80% of stored snow, depending on the temperature and humidity.

While some environmental groups warn that such measures are only a temporary fix, others see them as a clever adaptation while the industry works towards longer-term sustainability. For many alpine towns that depend on skiing, the mats are more than a stop-gap — they could be the difference between staying open and shutting down completely.

Self-development

As the days shorten and the light fades, many of us feel that quiet heaviness that winter brings. It’s natural — less sunlight, slower days, and colder mornings can all take their toll. That’s exactly when optimism matters most.

True optimism isn’t pretending everything’s fine. It’s the steady belief that things can improve — that tomorrow might bring something lighter. Positivity, meanwhile, is about focus. If you fixate on what’s wrong, that’s all you’ll see. But if you gently turn your attention to what’s still good — a warm drink, a friend’s message, or a patch of morning light — the picture begins to shift.

There are simple, honest ways to nurture that outlook. Get outside for even a short walk each day. Talk about how you feel rather than bottling it up. Keep small routines that bring comfort — reading, cooking, music. And when things do feel heavy, allow it. Positivity doesn’t mean denying sadness; it means meeting it with kindness and perspective.

Research shows that optimistic people cope better with stress and recover faster from challenges. So as we move through the darker months, treat optimism as quiet strength — not forced cheerfulness, but the calm conviction that even now, there’s still light to be found. What ray of hope have you noticed today?

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you live with a positive attitude today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!