#News of the world [Advanced] - By Cate - 16/02/2026

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…

A fresh release of US government files linked to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has reignited global attention, largely because of the names involved. The documents mention politicians, business leaders and celebrities — some in emails, others in photos or unverified allegations, including Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Richard Branson, Sarah Ferguson, Lord Mandelson, and Bill Clinton. Crucially, appearing in the files does not imply wrongdoing, and many of those named have firmly denied any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.

What the release really highlights is how Epstein moved through elite circles for years, even after his earlier conviction, and how proximity to power can leave an uncomfortable paper trail. Some exchanges are mundane, others ill-judged, and a few are simply baffling - the kind of messages that look far worse with hindsight.

Responses have been swift: denials, clarifications, statements of regret, and renewed calls for justice for Epstein’s victims. Several figures have stressed that attention should stay focused on those who committed crimes, not just those who crossed paths with him.

For the public, it’s a reminder that transparency doesn’t always bring neat answers. Sometimes it just confirms something we already suspected: wealth and influence can blur boundaries - and the consequences can linger for years.

Business News

In the world of tech recruitment, flashy websites and free smoothies now come with a very honest warning: expect to work around 70 hours a week. One US start-up has become a symbol of the so-called “996” culture - long days (9am-9pm), six days a week, fuelled by ambition, AI and a lot of caffeine.

Supporters say this grind is the price of innovation. In a global race to dominate artificial intelligence, speed matters, and long hours are worn like a badge of honour. This approach has roots in China and has quietly found fans in parts of Silicon Valley.

But critics point out the obvious downsides: burnout, health risks and the simple fact that productivity drops once exhaustion sets in. Studies - and common sense - suggest there’s a limit to how much useful work a human can do.

In Europe, this culture feels… intense. Even in the UK, where long hours aren’t unheard of, there’s growing interest in shorter working weeks. Personally, I’m firmly in the four-day-week camp - fewer hours, better focus, and still getting things done. And best of all, you have time to enjoy life and follow your passions.

Entertainment

A worrying story is developing in the US after the mother of television news anchor Savannah Guthrie was reported missing from her home in Arizona. Authorities believe she was taken overnight, and the case is being treated as an abduction.

Investigators say security equipment at the house was interfered with, and a medical monitoring device linked to her health was disconnected, raising serious concerns. Law enforcement agencies, including federal authorities, are now involved, and a reward has been offered for information. Officials say they are reviewing messages believed to be linked to the case, while warning that not all communications received so far are genuine. Despite limited public updates, police say they are working on the assumption that she is still alive.

Against that backdrop, Guthrie and her siblings have released a new video directly addressing whoever may be holding their mother. They say they have received a message, understand what is being asked, and are pleading for her safe return. The family has stressed that she urgently needs medication and says peace will only come when she is home.

Sport

The Winter Olympics are back in Italy for the first time in two decades, and Milano-Cortina has wasted no time reminding us where we are. This is the first Winter Games co-hosted by two cities, stretching from Milan to the peaks of Cortina, and the opening ceremony leaned hard into that idea.

Instead of one long, stamina-testing parade in a single stadium, the ceremony unfolded across several venues at once. Alpine athletes appeared in the mountains, ice athletes in Milan, all stitched together in one broadcast. It felt less like a pageant and more like watching the country perform itself in real time.

And yes, fashion mattered. Italy’s team emerged in snow-white Emporio Armani uniforms, among the last Olympic designs linked to Giorgio Armani himself, catching the floodlights and plenty of applause. Other teams followed suit, turning the parade into a kind of moving catwalk.

Now the sport begins: skiing, skating, biathlon, curling and ice hockey all coming thick and fast. It’s a Games built on style, scale and serious sporting ambition.

Self-development

Recognition isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a basic human need. We all have a recognition tank, and whether it’s filled at work, at home, or with friends makes a huge difference to how motivated, confident and resilient we feel.

What’s interesting is this: recognition works the same whether it’s freely given or clearly requested. A thank-you still counts. Feedback still lands. And the kind of recognition you put out often mirrors what you get back.

There are different types of recognition, too. Some people thrive on verbal appreciation — hearing “you did a great job.” Others need specific feedback, like what exactly worked. Some feel recognised through trust and responsibility, others through time, attention or public acknowledgment.

Problems start when we expect others to magically know what fills our tank. That’s when resentment creeps in. Instead, self-development means learning to notice when your tank is low — and topping it up.

That can mean asking. Saying, “It would really help me to know what you think of this,” or “Could you let me know when I’m on the right track?” At work, ask for feedback after a project. In relationships, share what makes you feel appreciated.

Recognition isn’t needy. It’s maintenance. And a well-filled tank helps you show up better for everyone - including yourself.

Well, that’s all from NEWS OF THE WORLD for now. I hope you work on filling your recognition tank today, and I’ll talk to you soon! Take care!