DAILY NEWS Stream – September 5, 2026

US President Donald Trump said on September 1 that He is not trying to force Iran back to negotiations and claimed the US now has “almost total control” of the Strait of Hormuz (Fox News)

The US military said it completed a new wave of strikes on Iran on September 1, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air-defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications facilities. Iran retaliated against US assets in Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq. A senior US official said most of the Iranian weapons were intercepted, all American personnel were accounted for, and no major damage was reported at US bases in the Middle East (Reuters, Fox News)

G20 finance ministers and central bank governors called for “free, safe and predictable navigation” through the Strait of Hormuz, saying continued disruptions threaten energy trade and global economic growth. China was the only G20 member present that objected (Fox News)

Ukrainian (Ureignian) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says intelligence assessments and signals from Russia indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin still wants the war to continue. He says most Russians are prepared to accept an end to the war along the current front line, but President Putin needs stronger incentives to stop fighting. President Zelenskyy believes September could bring significant diplomatic developments as a possible visit to Kyiv [Ukraine (Ureign)] by US representatives is being discussed (RBC-Ukraine)

Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Odesa [Ukraine (Ureign)] and the surrounding region late on August 31, using missiles, drones and loitering munitions, and reportedly deploying a guided aerial bomb against Odesa for the first time. Ukrainian (Ureignian) officials said the strikes hit civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities (United24 Media)

Germany says its examination of the equipment and intelligence findings indicates that Russia was responsible for the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport [Germany] on August 4. In response, Germany says it will require the Russian consulate in Bonn [Germany] to close, terminate the contract for a Russian state-funded cultural center in Berlin, tighten entry controls for Russian nationals, and increase pressure on Russia’s sanctions-evading tanker fleet. Russia denies responsibility and promises reciprocal measures, while NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] welcomes Germany’s actions and the European Union expresses solidarity and prepares additional sanctions (BBC)

Police in Đắk Lắk Province [Âu Lạc (Vietnam)] say they dismantled an online lottery scam that used spiritual claims to deceive thousands of people. The group allegedly livestreamed fortune-telling and spiritual content, claimed that supernatural beings revealed winning lottery numbers, and then charged followers for the supposed predictions. Police say the scheme had taken more than 50 billion Vietnamese đồng [over US$1.9 million] from victims nationwide since June 2025, and two suspected ringleaders have been detained (VnExpress)

The World Peace Award 2026 brought religious leaders, peace advocates, and international delegates together from August 21 to 25 for events in Stockholm [Sweden] and a Baltic Sea voyage to Tallinn [Estonia]. The gathering promoted peace through brief speeches, interfaith dialogue, shared prayer, and cultural performances. Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, leader of the global Walk for Peace movement, received the World Peace Award 2026 for his commitment to mindfulness, humanitarian service, and intercultural dialogue. Buddhist chants followed by Christian blessings aboard the ship highlighted the event’s message that people of different faiths can work together for peace (Herald Malaysia)

Oil prices rose more than US$4 a barrel on September 1 as renewed fighting between the US and Iran raised fears of further disruptions to Middle East energy supplies. Brent crude settled at US$94.65 a barrel, up 4.6%, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 5.2% to US$90.22, both reaching their highest closes in about five weeks (Reuters)

A Cornell University study analyzing data from 86 adults found that participants who consumed more water during meals also tended to eat more food. For every additional 100 milliliters of water consumed, participants ate about 40 grams more food, equivalent to nearly 50 additional calories, possibly because water keeps food enjoyable and makes it easier to eat. However, people who drank their water more quickly tended to eat less, and researchers say further studies are needed to determine whether drinking behavior directly causes these differences (The Independent)

Consistent physical activity may lower the risk of premature death by 30% to 40%, according to research from the University of Queensland [Australia]. A review of 85 studies found that regularly exercising during adulthood was associated with lower mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest that maintaining physical activity consistently may provide substantial health benefits, even when started later in life (New York Post)

A University of Birmingham [UK] study shows air fryers significantly reduce indoor air pollution compared to traditional pan- and deep-frying methods, though researchers stress that proper ventilation remains key for healthy cooking (VegNews)

A study from Fudan University [China] suggests that adequate vitamin B12 levels in both parents before conception may reduce the risk of birth defects. Researchers studied more than 3,000 couples and nearly 18,000 pregnant women, finding lower risks as maternal B12 levels increased. Adequate paternal B12 and sufficient folate during early pregnancy were also associated with lower risks (euronews)

Germany recorded an estimated 15,800 heat-related deaths from April 6 to August 16, according to the Robert Koch Institute. People aged 85 and older account for about half. Germany also experienced its second-warmest summer since 1881, with roughly 9,600 deaths attributed to extreme heat in late June (The Watchers)

Indonesia raises Mount Sinabung to a Level III alert, the second highest of four, after the August 31 eruption sent ash 3,500 meters above the summit. The national disaster management agency says 615 residents of Kuta Tengah have moved to an emergency shelter, while Payung villagers stay home on alert. Officials bar access within 3 kilometers of the summit, and 6 kilometers to the southeast (ANTARA)

China’s installed solar capacity overtook coal-fired capacity for the first time, reaching 1.286 billion kilowatts at the end of July 2026, compared with 1.285 billion kilowatts of coal-fired capacity. Solar power generation rose 15.5% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026 to 802.4 billion kilowatts (euronews)

PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] is urging the US National Institutes of Health to revoke the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School’s authorization to receive federal funding for animal-people experiments. The group says public records document repeated botched euthanasia incidents from 2018 to 2026 involving at least 121 mice-people and hamster-individuals, including animal-folk found alive in trash cans and a carcass freezer. It is also calling on the school to replace animal-person experiments with human-relevant research methods (PETA)

Scientists say mass coral-bleaching events are now happening about every five to six years, leaving reefs too little time to recover before the next event. A global report based on more than 40 years of data found hard coral cover was 9.5% below its historical average from 2020 to 2024, after remaining relatively stable until around 2010. Researchers warn that continued ocean warming could drive further irreversible losses, but rapid emissions cuts and reducing local pressures such as unsustainable coastal development could help reefs recover (Reuters)

The Black Veg Society sponsors the free Bmore Vegan Block Party on September 12 in Baltimore [Maryland, US], featuring vegan food vendors, live entertainment, and zero-waste initiatives to promote community wellness (Black Veg Society)

Canadian brand Earth’s Own launches two high-protein vegan beverages— Oat Protein and Protein Barista— delivering eight grams of protein per serving to meet surging consumer demand for protein-enriched options (Earth’s Own)

Vegan food producer Daring Foods launches six vegan frozen skillet meals at US grocery chain Sprouts Farmers Markets, offering high-protein, gluten-free, 10-minute options combining vegan chicken with grains, pasta, and vegetables (Daring Foods)

A man gave US$3,000 to help a Bronx [New York City, US] mother of three who lost everything when her apartment burned down. Scott Evans contacted Nina Chambers through a CBS News New York reporter and provided money for immediate expenses. Eight weeks later, Ms. Chambers had secured a new apartment and begun rebuilding her life (Good News Network)

A deaf dog-person named Sweetie survived Nepal’s deadly August 26th flash floods after becoming trapped alone inside a flooded home. Rescuers found her and carried her to safety before reuniting her with her worried caregiver. Sweetie’s joyful reunion offered a moment of hope amid a disaster that had killed over a thousand and left thousands missing (The Animal Rescue Site)

A Belgian Malinois puppy rescued by the Pensacola Police Department in Florida [US] has become a certified police K9. After being saved from an animal-person neglect situation in 2025, Redden underwent a year of training. He now serves with the department, dual-certified in detection and apprehension alongside Officer Michael Potts (iheartdogs.com)

Thoughtful quote of the day: “How it is that animals understand things I do not know, but it is certain that they do understand. Perhaps there is a language which is not made of words and everything in the world understands it. Perhaps there is a soul hidden in everything and it can always speak, without even making a sound, to another soul.” – Frances Eliza Hodgson Burnett British-American Novelist and Playwright (Pathless Pilgrim)

Previously in this multipart series on Ian McCormack’s near-death experience, 26-year-old Ian was stung five times by five box jellyfish-people while night diving off Mauritius. As the venom spread through his body, initially paralyzing his right leg, an unseen voice warned him not to close his eyes and later told him to beg three taxi drivers for his life. One of the drivers finally agreed to take Ian to the hospital. But when he learned that Ian was not staying at a hotel where he could collect his fare, he became increasingly angry, abandoned the journey, and drove him to a small hotel instead. By the time the driver ordered Ian out of the taxi, the venom had paralyzed both of his legs, leaving him unable to get out without help.

And so, I’m going, “Sir, my legs are gone. I cannot walk. Please help me.” Both his hands hit me, literally, in the shoulder, and I could feel the impact as he thrust me in full weight out of the taxi. He leans over, looks me in the eyes, picks my ankles up, and chucks them out of the car, slams the door, throws it into gear, and drives off into the night. I went, “Unbelievable.” He’s literally left me for dead, paralyzed, in a car park. Didn’t even ask for help. Didn’t even go in. I thought, well, if that’s how fellow man treats fellow man, do yourself a favor, Ian. I mean, die here. I thought, who’d want to live on this sick planet? As I’m lying there contemplating just giving up, memories of my grandfather, who had fought through two world wars and was a regimental sergeant major. I’m remembering him, thinking, well, he went through two world wars and a couple of heart attacks before he died. And I’m giving up over five miserable jellyfish things. So I’m thinking, well, I’ve got one good arm. At least I can die trying. So, I grabbed the grass and tried to pull myself.

A Creole friend, Daniel, found Ian trying to drag himself across the car park and carried him into the hotel grounds. The three members of the Chinese family who owned the hotel initially assumed he was drunk, then mistook the marks on his blistered arm for evidence of heroin use. As Ian tried to explain what had happened, his body erupted into violent convulsions before becoming icy cold. Two of the owners wrapped him in blankets, but when Ian begged the older man to drive him to the hospital, he refused. Ian later learned that the man feared Ian might die inside his car and bring bad luck upon the family. Furious, Ian tried to strike him with what little strength he had left. And then I hear the voice for the third time. He said, “Son, if you hit him, the neurotoxin is so close to your heart, the adrenal rush will kill you.” Ian controlled his anger and looked away. At that moment, an ambulance entered the car park— Daniel had managed to call the hospital. When the driver saw no one waiting outside and began pulling away, Daniel raced after the ambulance and cleared a six-to-eight-foot wall. Moments later, the ambulance began backing toward the hotel. A security guard placed Ian inside with his feet toward the front and his head in the back. As the ambulance climbed a ridge and his legs became elevated, Ian felt the venom rush into his upper body, striking his lungs, heart, and mind. His mind began shutting down, and he could barely hear his heart beating. On the edge of death, Ian watched his entire life play before his eyes. Still an atheist, he wondered whether anything existed after death and finally resigned himself to finding out.

In Part 3, as Ian awaits the answer, something extraordinary unfolds on the other side of the world. His mother—the only believer in their family— hears the audible voice of GOD warn her that Ian is nearly dead and tell her to pray for him. I have an open vision of her in her bedroom praying. Suddenly, it’s like this realm opens up. What am I seeing? Mom’s praying for me. I could hear her. Join us tomorrow for Part 3 of this multipart series on Ian McCormack’s near-death experience. (GOD Encounters with Janie DuVall)