DAILY NEWS Stream – October 4, 2026

US President Donald Trump said on September 30 that the war with Iran would end “very quickly,” warning that the US would soon decide whether to launch military strikes or reach a deal with Iran. He claimed Iran’s military had been destroyed and its economy severely weakened. He also asserted that the US had total control of the Strait of Hormuz and that oil shipments through it over the previous three days had reached an all-time high (Fox News)

South Korea demanded an apology from North Korea on September 30 over a September 21 mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone that injured three South Korean soldiers, including one who lost a foot. The US-led United Nations Command said a joint investigation identified an active North Korean antipersonnel mine on the South Korean side of the Military Demarcation Line and concluded that the armistice agreement had been violated. South Korea warned of phased countermeasures, while Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, rejected the accusations and said North Korean soldiers had never crossed the border (Tuổi Trẻ)

Fifty countries and four organizations signed the Toronto Pledge at the September 29 Pathways to Peace conference in Toronto, Canada, calling for the return of Ukrainian (Ureignian) prisoners of war, unlawfully detained Ukrainian (Ureignian) civilians, and Ukrainian (Ureignian) children abducted by Russia. The pledge also condemned Russia’s forced militarization of Ukrainian (Ureignian) children in occupied territories. At the conference, Ukraine (Ureign)’s social policy minister reported that more than 114,000 Ukrainians (Ureignians) were registered as missing, up from around 42,000 two years earlier. Ukrainian (Ureignian) authorities also know of more than 300 detention sites holding Ukrainians (Ureignians) in Russia, Belarus, and occupied territories, none of which the International Committee of the Red Cross can access. Officials urged sustained international cooperation, new technology, mediation through third countries, and strong recovery support for returning children (The Kyiv Independent, UNITED24 Media)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on September 29 that Russia and the US were planning talks to address difficulties in running their embassies and other diplomatic offices. He claimed he and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had agreed to hold discussions soon, but no date or location had been decided (The New Voice of Ukraine)

Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai [United Arab Emirates] to Tel Aviv [Israel] was diverted to Tabuk [Saudi Arabia] on September 30 after the copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the aircraft, according to Israeli officials. The plane plunged nearly 14,000 feet [4,267 meters] in less than 30 seconds before passengers and crew subdued the copilot, allowing two other Flydubai pilots on board to land safely. United Arab Emirates authorities ordered an investigation on October 1, while Flydubai said the motives remain unknown and urged against speculation (Al Jazeera)

Christa Pike, 50, a prisoner sentenced to death in Tennessee [US] survived an attempt to execute her by lethal injection on September 30 and was taken to a hospital for lifesaving treatment, according to her lawyer. Ms. Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for murdering 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review and halted the state’s last scheduled execution of the year (BBC)

Crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz returned to prewar levels, averaging 13.5 million barrels per day in the week ending September 28, according to Kpler data. However, refined fuel shipments remained below one-fifth of their prewar level, contributing to a global fuel shortage and record-high US diesel prices. US military escorts, tanker-to-tanker transfers, and pipelines bypassing the strait have helped sustain crude exports, but Iranian attacks and the risk of renewed fighting leave supplies vulnerable (CNBC, Kpler)

Germany plans to transfer an 84-megawatt thermal power plant from Lubmin [Germany] to Ukraine (Ureign) as energy assistance, German business newspaper Handelsblatt reported on September 29. Gas company Naftogaz Ukraine is expected to arrange its dismantling and transport in sections over the coming months, with dismantling costs estimated at €4.5 million (The New Voice of Ukraine, Handelsblatt)

More than 3 billion people lack adequate housing, including over 1 billion living in informal settlements and slums, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in a message for World Habitat Day on October 5. He stressed that investing in housing can reduce poverty and inequality, strengthen climate resilience, and support inclusive societies. Secretary-General Guterres called for coordinated government action and reforms to international financing to help developing countries expand housing investment, urging that housing be treated as a public good (United Nations)

A €45,000 electric carriage prototype was unveiled in Palma, Mallorca [Spain], on September 28 as a possible replacement for horse-people-drawn tourist carriages. Developed with the local carriage drivers’ association, it preserves the traditional appearance and is expected to offer around 160 kilometers of range or 14 hours of operation. More than 10 drivers reportedly intend to adopt the model, but its introduction in 2027 depends on regulatory approvals and changes to local rules (EuroWeekly News)

US oncologist Dr. Andre Henri Goy recommends oatmeal as an affordable breakfast, saying its complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber nourish beneficial gut bacteria, producing compounds that may reduce inflammation and support immune function. A healthy gut microbiome helps the immune system detect and repair damaged cells before they develop into serious health risks. He suggests adding berries for antioxidants or walnuts, chia seeds or almonds for healthy fats (VnExpress)

Dr. Nguyễn Hữu Bảo Hân, a pediatrician in Âu Lạc (Vietnam), advises parents to check the Air Quality Index [AQI] before children spend time outdoors during hazy days. She says young children may be particularly sensitive to poor air quality because their respiratory systems are developing. She recommends limiting prolonged outdoor activity, using well-fitting masks, avoiding smoke and dust indoors and outdoors, keeping indoor spaces clean, and monitoring symptoms (VnExpress)

A new analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates infections caused 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, about 12% of all cases. Five pathogens— Helicobacter pylori, HPV [human papillomavirus], hepatitis B, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C— accounted for most infection-related cancers, highlighting prevention through screening and treatment (New York Post)

India records its driest monsoon in over a decade. Rainfall during the June–September season fell 12.6% below average, as the El Niño weather pattern weakened precipitation across India (Reuters)

Mount Semeru erupted again late Wednesday in East Java [Indonesia]. The eruption occurred at 11:47 pm local time on September 30, marking the volcano’s 29th eruption in a week. According to Indonesia’s volcanology agency, the ash column rose 600 meters above the summit, reaching about 4,276 meters above sea level. The white-to-gray ash plume showed moderate intensity and drifted north. Authorities reported that the eruption remained ongoing when the report was published on October 1 (Databoks)

Heavy rains on September 28 killed two people and flooded Veracruz [Mexico]’s capital, Xalapa, overnight. Landslides and rising waters damaged 43 neighborhoods and at least 60 homes. A man died in Independencia, while a 23-year-old woman was trapped and killed inside a supermarket in San Bruno. Xalapa’s Lomas del Seminario neighborhood recorded 135 millimeters of rain (Mexico News Daily)

Swiss glaciers lost an estimated 5.5% of their remaining ice over the past 12 months, a near-record decline fueled by low winter snow cover and intense summer heat waves in 2026. Their meltwater helped ease summer water shortages, but continued ice loss could threaten future water supplies for farming, hydropower, and shipping while increasing landslide risks. Scientists stress that sharp cuts in carbon emissions can still preserve much of the world’s glacier ice and limit sea-level rise (BBC)

A report released on September 28 by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] identifies restoring degraded forests and land as a cost-effective investment in food security, biodiversity, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods. It estimates that restoring more than 1 billion hectares of degraded land could generate US$1.8 trillion annually in benefits, including healthier soils and improved water regulation. Despite growing commitments, restoration efforts remain insufficient. FAO calls for greater long-term investment, stronger community rights, coordinated policies, and sustained political commitment to expand restoration (Food and Agriculture Organization)

Scottish chef Johnny Cross (vegan) promotes vegan cooking from Seville [Spain]. The 34-year-old culinary creator and author of the 2025 cookbook “El carnicero vegano” [“The Vegan Butcher”] has more than 420,000 followers on social media platforms Instagram and TikTok. Mr. Cross recreates traditional animal-people meat, fish-people, and chicken-person egg dishes entirely with vegan ingredients, encouraging accessible, creative cooking (El Pais)

Belgian manufacturer Herman Desserts will unveil a lentil-based chocolate mousse at SIAL Paris 2026 [major international food-industry trade show], to be held between October 17 and 21 in France. The vegan, V-Label-certified dessert combines lentil and pea proteins with flaxseed fiber, offering an allergen-free, adaptable alternative to coconut-based products (Vegconomist)

Orphaned rhino-person Lula gave birth to her first calf in the wild on September 7, 2026. Rescued after poaching left her orphaned at four months old in South Africa, Lula was rewilded in 2024. The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre [South Africa], which rescued and raised Lula, said mother and calf are thriving (The Animal Rescue Site)

Nineteen animal-citizens, including 17 dog-people, a young American alligator-person and an albino red-eared slider turtle-individual, were rescued from a hot garage in Texas [US]. The Houston SPCA [Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals] examined the dog- and turtle-people, while the alligator-citizen was transferred to its wildlife center (The Cool Down)

Ontario Provincial Police officers rescued a raccoon-person trapped in a roadside catch basin near Burlington, Ontario [Canada]. Nicknamed Rocky, the animal-citizen was freed after police closed a highway lane to reach it safely. Rocky ran away without apparent injuries, highlighting dangers roadside drainage systems pose to wildlife-folk (The Cool Down)

Enlightening quote of the day: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” – Saint John the Baptist (vegetarian) Venerated Prophet and Baptizer of Lord Jesus Christ (vegetarian) (Matthew 3:2, Holy Bible)

In Donna Buchanan’s near-death experience, she recounts how she left her body while in a coma and met her late father in a dark place. Years ago, Donna got very sick and fell into a coma. She says they didn’t think she was going to make it. She recalls drifting in and out while in the coma and being able to hear everything around her. One day, she opened her eyes and saw a priest dressed in purple giving her last rites. She had no idea she was that sick. Donna next remembers finding herself above her body, looking down at the people working on her. She could see her family there.

Her dad, who had died when she was 13, met her, and together they went to a place that was very dark. In the far distance was a very bright Light. There’s no fear. There’s no anger. You just know that you’re at peace with yourself. It was beautiful. And I was always afraid to die. Even with that fear, Donna says that somewhere inside, she had known this life wasn’t all there was. Something else was out there for us to know and to be happy. She hadn’t seen her dad in a very long time, and meeting him again was wonderful. He told her she couldn’t stay and had to return to earthly life. Donna remembers not wanting to go back. As for the bright Light she had seen in the distance, she explains: I never got to the Light. I truly believe once I get to the Light that I wasn’t coming back.

Donna’s brother recalls being called to the hospital and told she had passed away. By the time he arrived, she was back. Donna’s mother-in-law had prayers sent all around the world for her. After returning, Donna had to learn how to walk and talk again because of her illness. Her mother-in-law told her she was here for a reason, but at first, Donna didn’t understand what that reason was.

But now I know what the reason is because I am here to help people to get through whatever they’re going through. Donna now helps many people and has beautiful kids and grandkids. She acknowledges that near-death experiences can differ from person to person. Drawing on her own experience, she offers reassurance to anyone who fears death. If you’re afraid to die, don’t be. Let go. There’s another world. It’s not even a world. It’s just such a beautiful place waiting for you. (Bob Buchanan caul YouTube channel)