DAILY NEWS Stream – July 23, 2026

Germany says that its troops will join a French nuclear exercise later this year, as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to deepen defense cooperation. Chancellor Merz emphasized that the exercise complements Germany’s role in NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization]’s nuclear deterrence. The meeting also underscored urgency in strengthening European defense amid Russia’s ongoing war and uncertainty over future US commitments (France 24)

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement says that it is imposing a “maritime embargo” on Saudi Arabia, claiming it is retaliating against what it calls a years-long Saudi blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled areas. A Houthi media official said the group intends to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait to Saudi vessels, a move that could disrupt Red Sea shipping at a time when Saudi Arabia has rerouted most of its crude exports through the region due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz (BBC)

Russia says that it is extending its visa-free entry program for Chinese citizens until Dec. 31, 2027, lengthening a trial scheme that was set to expire in September 2026, and mirroring China’s recent extension of visa-free travel for Russians. Russia has framed the expansion as a milestone in deepening Russia-China ties (The Moscow Times)

North Korea’s foreign minister Choe Son Hui says that North Korea will support Russia “until the day of victory” in the Ukraine (Ureign) war during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow [Russia], citing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s instructions to treat the relationship as a strategic priority. President Putin thanked North Korea for its assistance and vowed to honor North Korean personnel who have aided Russian forces, while both sides highlighted decades-long ties and ongoing high-level exchanges (NK News)

Russia launched its largest ballistic-missile assault of the war against Kyiv [Ukraine (Ureign)] early Sunday, firing roughly four dozen ballistic missiles in an overnight attack that sparked fires across the capital. Ukrainian (Ureignian) officials said 18 of 41 missiles were intercepted, but at least one person was killed and 16 injured, with strikes hitting dormitories, residential buildings, a supermarket, and multiple districts. Ukrainian (Ureignian) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again urged allies to supply more anti-ballistic interceptors, as Ukraine (Ureign) warns its stocks are running low while Russia increases the use of ballistic weapons (DW)

US Central Command said that on Sunday, it carried out another round of strikes against Iran (Fox News)

The US Embassy in Bahrain issued a security alert on Sunday, warning that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama [Bahrain]. The embassy urged Americans to stay vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review its latest guidance. Manama, located on Bahrain’s northeastern coast, is also home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, underscoring the city’s strategic significance (Fox News)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Iran’s recent attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz have effectively rendered the US-Iran memorandum of understanding meant to keep the waterway open nonfunctional, though he emphasized that the US remains willing to pursue diplomacy (Fox News)

US Central Command said on Sunday that American forces have continued tightening the naval blockade of Iranian ports, redirecting six commercial vessels and disabling one to enforce compliance (Fox News)

Two Dynacom Tankers vessels were struck by projectiles of unknown origin on Monday while sailing off the coast of Oman. All crew members from both ships were safely located by Omani authorities (Reuters)

US forces launched new strikes against Iran on Monday, marking the 10th straight day of military operations in the region (Fox News)

US President Donald Trump is expected to decide within days whether to expand US military operations against Iran and potentially return to full-scale combat, senior officials told Fox News on Monday. They said the intensified campaign would be “far more intense and extensive” than the recent series of airstrikes and noted that US forces are already repositioning aircraft — including F-16s, F-35s, and KC-135 refueling tankers — in preparation for a possible escalation (Fox News)

Kuwait’s Army said on Monday that its air defenses are intercepting missiles and drones, warning residents that any explosion sounds are from interception activity (Fox News)

The EU [European Union] and Gulf Cooperation Council say that any claim of sovereignty or control over the Strait of Hormuz is “unlawful,” rejecting permits, fees, or other restrictions on international shipping and reaffirming that freedom of navigation through the strait is guaranteed under international law. In a joint statement following a Brussels [Belgium] security forum, the blocs also condemned Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, saying they endangered civilians and violated UN [United Nations] Security Council Resolution 2817. They urged Iran to cease all interference with maritime traffic and pledged continued coordination to safeguard shipping while calling for restraint and renewed diplomacy (Anadolu Agency)

Andy Burnham became the UK’s seventh prime minister in a decade on Monday, after His Majesty King Charles III formally asked him to form a government following Keir Starmer’s resignation. In his first speech, Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to introduce a new political and economic model and accelerate North Sea oil and gas development (AP)

US gas prices rose back to an average of US$4 a gallon [US$1.06 per liter] on Monday. The AAA [American Automobile Association] said prices are up about 13 cents from last week, with states like California averaging nearly US$5.50 per gallon [$1.45 per liter] while others remain closer to the mid-US$3 range per gallon [$0.79 per liter]. The White House said prices will fall once Iran’s ability to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is degraded (AP)

Botswana’s government warned that Russia is luring its citizens abroad under false pretenses and forcing them into combat in Ukraine (Ureign), calling the escalation of these recruitment schemes “alarming.” Officials said Botswanans are being promised jobs, high salaries, or other benefits, only to discover upon arrival in Russia that they are being coerced into military service — a situation the government says it has “extremely limited” ability to remedy once recruits are inside the country (Kyiv Independent)

Oil prices rose more than 3% on Monday, pushing Brent crude above US$90 a barrel, as escalating US–Iran military strikes increased concerns about disruptions to shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported (Fox News, Reuters)

Iraq has begun moving massive volumes of fuel oil by truck through Syria to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, rapidly turning Syria into a major export hub after the US eased key sanctions that had restricted Syria’s energy trade (gCaptain)

Peaches provide vital fiber, potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants that support gut health, control blood pressure, and boost immunity. Their cell-protecting properties fight oxidative stress linked to aging and chronic disease (Báo Sức khỏe và Đời sống)

A University of Cambridge [UK] study warns that low-calorie sweeteners found in food and drinks may slow beneficial gut bacteria growth, especially alongside medications like duloxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant in Britain. Laboratory tests on a stevia-derived compound show increased cellular toxicity, highlighting the need to evaluate sweetener impacts on the gut microbiome (Daily Mail)

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] often hides behind chronic forgetfulness, disorganization, and poor focus rather than laziness. Because symptoms mimic anxiety or depression, many cases go undiagnosed, impacting work and relationships. Specialists recommend professional evaluation for ongoing issues, noting that treatment combining medication and therapy improves daily functioning while helping individuals embrace personal strengths like creativity and periods of intense focus (Báo Sức khỏe và Đời sống)

Flash floods and landslides triggered by monsoon rains kill at least 19 people in India on July 19, damaging infrastructure and isolating areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland. Authorities suspend major religious pilgrimages and deploy rescue teams (Channel News Asia)

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake and a smaller aftershock strike Chupaca province in Peru’s Junín region, killing at least six people and injuring 21. Authorities report about 48 homes destroyed and 300 people affected, as rescue personnel search for survivors (Al Jazeera)

Heavy monsoon rains trigger flooding, landslides and evacuations across South Korea over the weekend, prompting 837 damage reports, including 270 flooded homes and roads. A pavilion in Andong collapses in the downpour. Scorching temperatures follow on Sunday as recovery begins (The Korea Herald)

UK Members of Parliament have backed a new motion calling for an end to “blind approval” animal-folk testing, after Freedom of Information data showed that six generic service licenses issued in early 2026 authorize experiments on more than 100,000 animal-individuals over the next five years. Critics say these broad licenses allow laboratories to conduct tests without disclosing specifics, making it impossible to assess necessity or accountability. The motion urges halting new licenses, reviewing existing ones, and accelerating the government’s pledged transition toward non-animal-people scientific methods (Plant Based News)

During the “Plant-Based Pathways to Protein Security” policy webinar organized by the World Agriculture Forum and the Plant Based Treaty, Anita Krajnc (vegan), global campaign coordinator of the Plant Based Treaty, states, “Animal-based food production uses about 83% of agricultural land, covering approximately 4 billion hectares globally. By transitioning to plant-based diets, land use could be reduced by as much as 75%, creating opportunities for reforestation, rewilding and carbon storage while still feeding the global population.” (Peoples Gazette)

An article in VegNews highlights innovative chefs and home cooks who utilize unexpected flavor pairings for vegan dishes and provides these eight suggestions: 1. Dragon fruit and matcha 2. Pistachio and peach 3. Blueberries and beets 4. Raspberry and chili 5. White chocolate and miso 6. Jalapeño and lemon 7. Avocado and coconut 8. Tomato and nectarine (VegNews)

On July 19 [National Ice Cream Day], US animal-people rights group PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] parked its “iScream” truck outside a Friendly’s restaurant [American restaurant franchise known for its ice cream desserts] in South Portland [Maine, US] to give away free vegan ice cream and urge the chain to add dairy-free options. PETA says the event highlights concerns about the harmful dairy industry and growing consumer demand for animal-friendly desserts [PETA]

An Arizona [US] teenager saved a 76-year-young woman with dementia during extreme 39°C heat in June. Fourteen-year-old Royal Cothrun moved her to shade and contacted emergency services, staying until safety officials arrived. The local fire department has announced plans to honor him for his life-saving actions in August (The Guardian)

Oregon Right to Life volunteers staff pro-life booths at county fairs statewide in Oregon [US], engaging visitors with fetal models and educational materials. The initiative, which reached over 1 million fairgoers in 2025, aims to foster respectful dialogue, shift perspectives, and connect local families with supportive resources (Life News)

Humane World for Animals announces a partnership with Project Runway [popular American reality television competition series focused on fashion design] for a July 30 animal-inspired fashion challenge. Contestants must design runway looks using exclusively cruelty-free, animal-free, sustainable materials. The initiative aims to promote compassionate fashion alternatives across the industry (Humane World for Animals)

Insightful quote of the day: “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus Greek Stoic Philosopher (AZ Quotes)

In this multipart series on Tony Cavallaro’s near-death experience, American diesel mechanic Tony shares how a heart attack brought him to the brink of death. Shortly before his heart attack, Tony had been on a cruise through Europe with his family. In Türkiye, at the House of the Virgin Mary, he drank water from a well fed by water flowing from inside the mountain. He turned to his family and joked, “I’m going to live forever.” Days later, back home on Long Island, the 59-year-young dad went to a construction site in an isolated part of Oyster Bay to repair a bulldozer. While jogging to his truck for tools, he felt something pop in his chest. He sat and hoped it would pass, but the discomfort didn’t go away. He asked someone to call an ambulance and phoned his wife to tell her he loved her and was sorry for the things he had done in his life. When paramedics arrived, six men carried him up the hill to the ambulance.

While they were driving, my pain came on so bad, I was being, like, tortured. I felt like two knives coming out of my chest. Now, I’m saying, “Hey, listen, guys. This pain’s coming on. You got to give me some morphine or something like that. I’m not handling this.” And the guy goes, “Well, we can’t. We don’t have permission from headquarters.” I go, “Well, you got to do something. You got to do something here, man. This is getting out of control.” And he goes, “Just calm down. Just calm down.” So, I go to him, “What’s your name?” And he goes, “Brian.” “What’s your name?” And he goes, “Steve.” Then I turn to the right, and I go, “What’s your name?” It was a young girl, a cadet. She goes, “Katie.” I said, “OK, Katie.” I got a grip on myself. I got three daughters. [I thought to myself,] “You don’t have to scare her.” And I was lying there. I kept silent. And I’m looking up at the roof of the ambulance. I was saying, “I’m not going to make it.” And the pain— the pain became so unbearable. But what overcame the pain was fear. I knew I was going to die. And the fear [of] answering to God for my sins became greater than the pain. I was petrified. Petrified. And then the pain came on, so I screamed, “You got to do something!” My last words were, “Stop the pain!” And that was it. I went out.

The next thing I know, I saw or felt something gold. I felt myself, saw myself resurrect. I was in another dimension. It was totally black. I saw my body form from my legs up. And the energy went across me. And I’m looking around. “Where am I?” As I stood there, I felt perfect. I was perfect, and I was meek. But I’m looking at myself. I said, “But where am I?”

Then, I felt the Earth behind me, and totally detached from my body and my sins, and I knew it. I was perfect. I was pure. Then I’m looking around again. “But where am I?” I look up, I see this square opening in this black, silent place that I was at. And there are these clouds. There was an opening of clouds, just puffing out, just coming out. And I’m standing there, just gazing at it. I couldn’t believe it. It was amazing. Then this overwhelming feeling of no fear came at me. And I was in the presence of some type of Divine energy or something. It was GOD. I was in the presence of GOD. And I knew I was forgiven. I knew it. HE made me feel no fear. I knew if I went into those clouds, I wasn’t coming back. And I started floating up, up into the clouds. Then, instantly, I said, “My kids!” And I turned around. Instantly.

In Part 2, Tony receives confirmation of what happened inside the ambulance. He goes, “You were flatlined on me for three minutes.” I go, “What did you say?” He goes, “You heard me, sir. You have a good day.” And he hung up the phone. Now, I’m sitting there and saying to myself, “That whole thing— that was all real.” Join us tomorrow for Part 2 of this multipart series on Tony Cavallaro’s near-death experience. (Spiritual Warrior Journey)