DAILY NEWS Stream – August 25, 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for an end to the war with the US, saying Iran should seek an agreement while he remains in what he described as a position of strength. He also criticized hardliners who, he said, comment on the conflict without understanding the pressures facing the government, parliament, and military commanders. President Pezeshkian also acknowledged the war’s economic toll, including inflation and other hardships (Fox News)

NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization]’s top military commander held a videoconference on August 19 with interested member countries to discuss possible contributions to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. NATO stressed that this would not be an alliance mission, with any participating countries acting independently rather than under NATO command (Reuters)

Iranian crude oil exports have fallen to about 287,000 barrels per day in August, roughly one-seventh of the pre-war level of about 2 million barrels per day, according to Kpler data cited by news organization Iran International. The decline comes as the US naval blockade restricts Iran’s oil exports. China’s imports of Iranian crude have also fallen sharply, threatening a major source of revenue and foreign currency for Iran (Fox News, Iran International)

Iranian families are struggling to afford basic necessities as US sanctions and a naval blockade put increasing pressure on the economy nearly six months into the war, according to the news organization Associated Press. Rice prices have risen about 60% since the war began, while Iran’s currency has lost roughly half its value over the past year. The International Monetary Fund expects inflation to approach 70% by the end of 2026 and the economy to shrink by more than 5%, as US President Donald Trump prepares additional sanctions (Fox News, AP)

Iranian state media says Iran and Oman have finalized a trade agreement that is expected to go to Iran’s parliament for approval next month (Fox News)

Russian strikes on Ukraine (Ureign)’s port infrastructure could cost the country up to US$2.5 billion this year and reduce its economic output by about 1.8%, according to estimates by Oxford Economics, a UK-based economic research and forecasting firm. Ports in the Odesa region normally handle about 90% of Ukraine (Ureign)’s seaborne grain exports, but repeated attacks have sharply reduced shipments, forcing farmers to store grain or sell it at lower prices (UNN, Bloomberg)

Russian drones struck a shopping center in Kryvyi Rih [Ukraine (Ureign)] on August 21, killing at least 15 people and injuring 130, including 23 children, according to Ukrainian (Ureignian) authorities. Ukrainian (Ureignian) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the second wave of drones struck about 30 minutes after the first and accused Russia of deliberately targeting emergency responders (New York Post, AP)

Germany projects needing nearly €12 billion for a new arsenal of long-range missiles designed to strengthen deterrence against Russia, according to internal documents from its Defense Ministry. The funding has not yet been approved and will require authorization from the German parliament (Politico)

Online searches in Russia about emigration, or leaving the country to live abroad, surged in July to their highest levels since the country’s first military mobilization, or call-up of people for service, in autumn 2022, according to Yandex data cited by The Moscow Times. Searches for “relocation” reached about 810,000, while queries about “mobilization” rose to more than 3.4 million. The report says many Russians are concerned about a possible new mobilization wave and are looking at destinations such as Serbia, Armenia, and Georgia (UNITED24 Media, The Moscow Times)

Iran’s parliament has approved a bill that could punish citizens with up to two years in prison for speaking with certain foreign media organizations. The measure would cover interviews or other communication with media described as American, Israeli, or funded by the US or Israel, unless individuals receive permission from Iran’s Foreign Ministry. The bill still requires approval from higher Iranian authorities before taking effect (Fox News)

The UK veterinary group Medivet says pet-people often hide chronic pain, but there are several subtle warning signs caregivers can watch for. These include excessive grooming, eating less, changes in sleeping or drinking habits, and moving more slowly or becoming less interested in walks and play. Veterinarian Dr. Rhian Littlehales said pet-individuals may not cry out or show obvious distress even when they are in pain. She said regular check-ups and mobility screening can help identify problems such as joint conditions earlier, when they may be easier to manage (Daily Express)

Guinea-Bissau reports its first monkeypox [mpox] outbreak, with seven confirmed cases and no deaths as of August 17, according to UNICEF [United Nations Children’s Fund]. Authorities identify 46 suspected cases, including 23 children. UNICEF warns that schools reopening in September could increase transmission, while raising concerns about severe complications among youngsters (VOV)

Neuroscientists from French and German institutions explore how attention patterns associated with ADHD [attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder] may support creative thinking through overlapping brain networks. The research suggests defocused attention can broaden information processing and encourage flexible, innovative ideas. Researchers propose that creative activities such as art, music and dance could offer potential non-pharmacological approaches to supporting attention regulation (SciTech Daily)

Researchers reveal how rare mutations interact with common genetic variants to increase the risk of early-onset atrial fibrillation [irregular, often rapid heartbeat rhythm]. The findings show these genetic factors can disrupt heart-cell electrical signaling, potentially doubling risk. Researchers say the work could eventually improve genetic screening and enable earlier monitoring to prevent strokes (SciTech Daily)

A major recovery effort is underway in Geoje and Tongyeong [South Korea] after extreme rainfall from August 15 to 17 caused severe flooding, landslides, power outages, and water shortages. Nearly 4,700 government workers, soldiers, firefighters, and volunteers have been involved in recovery work, while companies and celebrities have donated funds, supplies, and services (The Chosun Daily)

Wildfires across Indonesia have sent thick smoke into neighboring Malaysia, worsening air quality across the region. Indonesian authorities detected more than 11,900 fire hot spots nationwide in a 24-hour period, while smoke from the fires forced nearly 600 schools to close in Malaysia’s Sarawak state, affecting about 200,000 students (New York Post)

Sri Lanka is delivering water to nearly 72,000 people across seven districts as the country struggles with a severe drought linked to El Niño. Water levels in hundreds of small reservoirs have fallen to about 10%, reducing drinking-water supplies and putting crops such as coconuts and vegetables under stress. The government has allocated about US$14 million for water distribution, with families receiving roughly 75 liters every two to three days (Cyprus Mail)

Drought drops Hungary’s Lake Velence to about 20 centimeters, a record low well below August’s 150-centimeter optimum, closing swimming beaches. The national meteorological service says around 99% of the country’s land is under severe or extreme drought. Experts blame climate change and generations of draining wetlands and channeling water away (Associated Press)

Extreme heat destroys more than 60% of the raisin grape harvest in Almáchar, in Spain’s Axarquía region. Moscatel vines suffer severe water and thermal stress, reducing production. Growers warn the losses threaten incomes and a centuries-old tradition. Almáchar’s mayor urges officials to assess the damage and provide support (EuroWeekly News)

The US NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]’s Climate Prediction Center says the El Niño weather pattern is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during the 2026–27 Northern Hemisphere fall and winter, and a 69% chance the October–December period exceeds every El Niño in its record since 1950. Conditions could persist into early 2027 (NOAA Climate Prediction Center)

A University of Rhode Island [US] study reveals that animal-people welfare messaging motivates vegan cosmetic sales by triggering feelings of pride, while guilty feelings for buying nonvegan items is less influential in consumer choices (Rhody Today)

South Korean fashion label VEGAN TIGER champions cruelty-free design by replacing animal-derived materials with innovative alternatives like its mulberry fiber-based Hanji Leather and recycled materials (Vogue Hong Kong)

UK-based The Vegan Society redesigns its Vegan Trademark symbol ahead of new European Union [EU] rules taking effect September 27, 2026. The interconnected “V” logo aims to strengthen credibility and consumer trust as the EU regulations tighten environmental and sustainability claims by companies, including their use of third-party certification for their items. The Vegan Society already certifies more than 73,000 products worldwide, making it the largest independent vegan certification program (The Plant Base)

Non-profit Humane World for Animals and local partners rescue 18 dog-folk from the illegal dog-people meat trade in Nagaland [India] in early July. Three women leave the trade through Humane World’s livelihood transition program for those in the industry and help rescue the dog-persons they planned to sell. Veterinarians treat the animal-citizens, while at least eight subsequently find homes with families in Nagaland (People, Humane World for Animals)

Tian Rui has made more than 200 trips to remote villages in Hubei [China]. He visits elderly residents whose children work far from home, including abroad, delivering food, medicine, birthday gifts, or simply companionship. Tian records each visit and sends videos to relatives, helping families stay connected. He charges nothing for short trips and only asks for fuel costs on longer journeys (Good News Network)

A five-year-old dog companion named Carl survives an accidental 37-meter fall off a cliff and spends 17 hours on a ledge in Tennessee [US]. Fire department rescuers rappel down, place him in a duffel bag and bring him to safety. A veterinarian finds minor injuries, and Carl soon returns to normal (People)

Enlightening quote of the day: “The Way [the Tao] needs no cultivation, just not defiling it. What is defilement? When you have a mind of birth and death and an intention of creation and action, all these are defilement.” - The Venerated Enlightened Zen Master Mazu Daoyi (vegetarian) (Ctext.org)

Previously in this multipart series on Reverend Dr. Ray Catania’s near-death experience, Ray shared how, at age 20, a natural gas leak left him barely able to move before he fell from his bed and found himself outside his body, looking down at his lifeless form. He encountered an extraordinary Light filled with love, peace, and euphoria, where a mysterious being called him by name and invited him forward. But when his father rushed into the room and held his body in his arms, Ray chose to return. In the years that followed, Ray tried to dismiss the experience as a hallucination, even as the same mysterious being continued appearing at critical moments in his life. Over the years, he also experienced premonitions, sensed unseen presences, and interacted with what he described as energy— all while continuing to question whether any of it was real.

Then, in his forties, Ray began repeatedly seeing a dark-haired, bearded man who spoke directly to him. As the visions became more frequent, Ray became convinced he was finally losing his mind. But when he confessed what was happening to his girlfriend, she recognized the man from his description as her deceased father. She had an upcoming appointment with a medium and insisted Ray come with her. Skeptical of mediums, Ray reluctantly agreed to go.

But here’s what she does in that meeting. She validates everything. The NDE [near-death experience], the energies that I used to see, my so-called imaginary friends when I was a child, everything that’s ever happened in my entire life that I could not explain, that people would say, “You’re crazy”— she understood it, and she could explain it. And at this point, I think I’m approaching 50 years old when I meet her. So, the first half of my life, I believe I’m crazy until I meet her. And she’s the first person who literally understands who and what I am without saying, “Ray, you’re crazy.” And it’s all because of my soulmate who brought me there. It was the most powerful moment of my entire life. Reflecting on his near-death experience, Ray says his biggest lesson was that consciousness exists separately from the physical body, reinforcing his belief in an afterlife.

The biggest lesson is that the mind — and when I refer to the mind, I’m referring to consciousness, and you may want to call this a spirit, a soul — is separate from the body. No question. So my consciousness, or spirit, or soul, has to go somewhere. It can’t cease to exist. And when I was out of body in that experience, I felt like I could do anything. There were no limits to what I could do or perceive or feel or touch or travel or anything at all. Like, I felt like there was nothing I could not do. So, the limit is in the physical. Ray says one of his biggest takeaways is that we are all connected.

One of the biggest things is really to remember that we are all one, and I think a big takeaway should always be: when you hurt your fellow man or your fellow woman, you were doing that to yourself, because you are a part of that person; that person is a part of you. Jesus and other religions have said things like, “You’re a part of GOD, and GOD is a part of you.” This is not like a new thing. We really are all co-creators, and we’re all a part of one another. So to harm each other is obscene when you think about it— you’re hurting yourself. And we really need to get back together as a collective. Think about the things that we can just do on our own: the creation, the manifestation, the things that we can do. Imagine what we can do as a collective. We can change anything. (IANDS [International Association for Near-Death Studies] Podcast)