DAILY NEWS Stream – August 11, 2025

Cambodia and Thailand sign a 13-point ceasefire agreement. Both sides express hope that the agreed terms will lead to restored peace along their shared border (VnExpress)

US President Trump announces He will meet with Putin in Alaska [US] on Friday, August 15, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. It will be the first US-Russia summit since 2021 (CBC)

Kazakhstan announces China, not Russia, will build its second and third nuclear power plants, signaling a decline in Russian influence due to its costly invasion of Ukraine (HTD News;RadioFreeEurope RadioLiberty)

New Zealand’s air force carries out a dangerous night-vision mission to evacuate three people from the US’s McMurdo research station in Antarctica. Two needed medical attention and one needed urgent medical care. The US embassy in New Zealand expressed deep appreciation to the air force, calling the mission one of the most technically challenging an aircrew can face (The Guardian)

India’s state-owned oil refiners are scaling back Russian crude oil purchases in response to US pressure, including tariffs on Indian exports (The Economic Times)

The US-China trade gap is the smallest it’s been in over 20 years, shrinking by US$22.2 billion (70%) in five months, which helped raise US GDP [gross domestic product] in the second quarter of 2025 (VnExpress)

The Cook Islands and US announce a collaboration to advance scientific research and responsible seabed mineral development in the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. Department of State)

Taiwan (Formosa)-US military cooperation is expanding, with over US$28 billion in US arms sales to Taiwan (Formosa) since 2015 (Taipei Times)

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Taiwan (Formosa)’s freedom is key to global technological advancement, highlighting its leading role in AI [artificial intelligence] chip production. He praised Taiwan (Formosa) as a model of innovation based on liberty and law, urged the world to defend it, and encouraged the UK to boost economic ties to help keep it secure (Taipei Times)

US tech company Apple signs a deal with President Trump to commit another US$100 billion to US manufacturing over four years, following a US$500 billion pledge in February (New York Post)

US President Trump orders work to begin on a new and highly accurate census, saying people in the US illegally “WILL NOT BE COUNTED” (Fox News)

Kentucky [US] Governor Andy Beshear [Democrat] praises the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] under President Trump for better customer service, fewer complaints, and effective aid after recent floods in the state, calling it a “credit to His administration” (Fox News)

US federal agents arrest a Pennsylvania man for threatening to kill President Trump on TikTok. If convicted, he faces up to 5 years in prison, fines, and supervised release (New York Post)

China’s Jiangjun Suspension Bridge suddenly breaks at a tourist area in Xinjiang. 5 people were killed and 24 injured. The site is now closed for investigation (Tuổi Trẻ)

Study shows middle-aged adults who embrace whatever life brings with a positive attitude have better mental health. It says social connection is key to greater well-being and reduced loneliness (MedicalXpress)

Taiwan (Formosa) stops taxing sugar-free drinks to encourage healthier choices (Taipei Times)

Mexico warns that more than 1 in 3 primary school students are overweight or obese, with the Yucatán Peninsula exceeding a 50% rate (VTV.vn)

Study warns 64% of well water consumed by dog-people in the US contains at least one toxic heavy metal such as lead, iron, sulfur, or arsenic. About 15 million households using private wells— unregulated by federal standards— face high risk. Researchers urge water testing and treatment to protect both dog companions and humans (Phys.org)

The US Health Department is ending 22 mRNA vaccine projects worth nearly US$500 million after data showed these vaccines fail to protect effectively against respiratory illnesses like COVID and flu (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

COVID-19 Stratus variant is spreading in the US and several other countries, becoming the third most common strain in the US this summer (Tuổi Trẻ)

A new dengue fever outbreak has emerged in Hà Tĩnh [Âu Lạc (Vietnam)] (An ninh tiền tệ)

Kamachatka Peninsula [Russia]: A dam near Klyuchevskoy Volcano was destroyed, raising concerns about mudflows and traffic disruptions (Tuổi Trẻ)

India uses helicopters to rescue about 400 people stranded by floods on the Gangotri pilgrimage route (Reuters)

Severe weather strikes across the US, including deadly floods in North Carolina and raging fires in the west (CNN)

Thandaunggyi Township [Myanmar]: Landslides leave at least 11 dead and several missing, with over 30 houses damaged (The Star)

South Korean scientists develop an ultrasound technology that wirelessly charges batteries in medical implants without surgery (Interesting Engineering)

China’s Envision Energy unveils a 2-blade smart wind turbine that has run stably for 500 days, marking a major breakthrough in wind technology (Interesting Engineering)

Chinese company Fourier unveils GR-3, its first full-size humanoid “care-bot” designed for emotional awareness and lifelike movement (Interesting Engineering)

British scientists unveil a floating “artificial leaf” that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into fuel by mimicking photosynthesis (Energy Reporters)

Study finds that wild chimpanzee-people learn to communicate from their mother’s relatives, not their father’s. The scientists conclude that animal-people may have been learning how to communicate from each other earlier in evolution than previously thought (Phys.org)

British Columbia [Canada] man sees a mysterious fairy-like figure, caught on security camera (CTV)

US vegan egg company Just Egg launches in the UK, marking its first expansion outside North America (Green Queen)

Scottish brothers Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean have rowed nearly 9,000 miles (~14,480 kilometers) across the Pacific Ocean, aiming to set a world record and raise £1 million to support clean water access in Madagascar (Interesting Engineering)

Phú Quốc [Âu Lạc (Vietnam)] residents walk 18 kilometers to help clean up trash at local tourist spots in a campaign to preserve the island’s green environment (VTV.vn)

Two-thirds of Korean Gen Zers [born mid-1990s to early 2000s] will pay more for products from “ethical” companies, survey finds (Korea JoongAng Daily)

US: Nine-year-old twins Ava and Addison Apostolopoulos save a four-year-old girl from drowning at a swimming pool near Detroit [Michigan] (VietNamNet)

Philadelphia [US] woman Corinthia Johnson and Temple University police officer Arashdeep Bawa rescue seven dog-people and one cat-person trapped in a hot car (WPVI)

Japanese “rental grandmother” service OK! Obaachan provides much-needed and much-loved purpose for older women, who give household help and emotional support to clients. This helps address Japan’s aging population and job shortage among older adults (Good News Network)

PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] recognizes Omaha [Nebraska, US] police officer Hunter Jones for saving a raccoon-person with his head stuck in a container (CNN)

Blessed people often show 7 quiet signs of inner peace, humility, and virtue. By adopting these habits, we can naturally attract blessings without seeking praise: 1) Gentle Face, Bright Eyes + A calm, judgment-free heart shines through their peaceful presence. 2) Kind Words + They speak thoughtfully, spreading kindness and encouragement. 3) Gratitude Without Blame + Even in hardship, they stay thankful, seeing everyone— even enemies—as teachers. 4) Selfless Help + They help quietly, treating service as a natural duty. 5) Patience, Not Arguing + They stay calm under provocation, choosing silence over conflict. 6) Simple Life + They live humbly, free from comparisons with others. 7) Noble Support + Their goodness draws helpful people and naturally resolves challenges (Tư Duy Phật Pháp)

Shakyamuni Buddha (vegan) taught that the two heaviest karmas are harmful speech and killing. Words can heal or hurt. Harmful speech will come back to the speaker, while kind words bring joy to others and blessings to oneself. Before speaking, ask: Is it true? Necessary? Beneficial? If not, stay silent. Killing karma comes from harming or eating animal-people, destroying nature, damaging the environment, promoting violence, having bad thoughts, or wishing others to suffer. To change karma: + Stop harmful acts (like killing or eating animal-people meat) + Stop harmful words (like lying or gossiping) + Stop harmful thoughts (like cursing or judging others) + Do good deeds (like rescuing animal-people and helping others) + Grow compassion by forgiving others daily. + Meditate, pray, and repent daily for a calm, mindful life (BÌNH AN TRONG TÂM HỒN)

Dr. Mary Neal, a scientist and orthopedic surgeon, had a profound near-death experience while kayaking in Chile. Swept over a waterfall and trapped under 8–10 feet (2.4–3 meters) of water, she knew she was about to die. For the first time in her life, she surrendered fully to GOD’s Will, saying, “Your Will be done,” and released all control. Instantly, she was embraced by an immense Loving Presence that she felt was Lord Jesus Christ (vegetarian), assuring her that she, her husband, and her children would be fine whether she lived or died.

Mary’s spirit left her body, rising above the water. She saw her purple bloated corpse with pupils fixed after 30 minutes underwater, while her friends tried to revive her. Yet she felt more alive than ever, with senses magnified a thousandfold, experiencing eternity in each moment and perceiving multiple realities at once.

A group of radiant beings— spirits who had known and loved her through all her existence— greeted her with overwhelming joy. She sensed they might be family members from before her birth. They guided her along a path of incredible beauty, alive with colors, flowers, and fragrances that spoke to her soul. Mary believes GOD tailors such experiences so each person feels fully known and loved.

The path led to a magnificent structure where Mary spent what felt like hours gaining deep understanding of the Divine order. She saw how every human, animal-person, and part of nature is perfectly interconnected, each one individually cherished by GOD.

In the arms of the Loving Presence, Mary underwent a life review focused on painful events where she hurt others, was hurt, or witnessed loved ones being hurt. She relived them with full understanding of everyone’s backstories, which dissolved her anger, bitterness, and shame. She saw the outcomes of events 25–35 steps later, showing that beauty arises from every event and challenging her notions of “good” and “bad.” Mary learned that GOD’s Love leaves no room for destructive emotions, and His forgiveness is absolute, erasing pain “as far as the east is from the west” through perfect understanding.

Though she longed to stay, Mary was told it wasn’t her time and was given a “laundry list” of earthly tasks, including the heartbreaking knowledge that her nine-year-old son would die young. When she questioned why her son would die, she was returned to her life review and reminded of GOD’s promise that there is a plan of hope for each life, and that beauty arises from all things through trust in GOD.

Reunited with her body, Mary spent weeks in the hospital and months in rehabilitation, during which she experienced miracles and two more out-of-body returns to Heaven. Years later, her son died at 19, as foretold. Though her grief was deep, Mary’s near-death experience gave her strength. Choosing gratitude, she trusted GOD’s plan, certain of His Love and eternal promise (CBN News; IANDS)

Insightful quote of the day: “What you seek is seeking you.” — The Venerated Enlightened Master Rumi (vegetarian)