DAILY NEWS Stream – May 16, 2026

US President Trump arrives in Beijing, China on May 13 for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the agenda includes issues such as trade, technology, Taiwan (Formosa), and the Iran war (CNN)

North Korea reportedly updates its constitution to require an automatic nuclear strike if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is assassinated or the leadership is incapacitated, according to South Korean intelligence, marking a formal shift in nuclear doctrine amid heightened regional tensions (Fox News)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has ordered a review of more than 120 foreign biological laboratories that have received US funding, saying the effort aims to identify the labs, their pathogens and their activities amid concerns about oversight, security risks in countries such as Ukraine (Ureign), and past US programs that supported pathogen research (New York Post)

The 37th edition of the Ghent Floralies — Belgium’s international plant and flower festival held every four years — drew a record 75,000 visitors over 10 days, about 10% more than in 2022, with organizers highlighting strong turnout from young families and 250 exhibitors from around 10 countries as they prepare the next edition for 2030 (The Brussels Times)

Montpellier [France]’s metropolitan authority reports that making public transport free for all residents since December 2023 — alongside major tram expansions, increased service levels, and investments in improving travel facilities — has driven a significant reduction in car use, more walking and cycling, and a strong surge in public transport ridership, with officials framing the policy as a socially-driven “positive environmentalism” strategy supported by expanded funding and network upgrades (Railway Gazette)

The American Academy of Pediatrics issues updated guidance urging US schools to protect recess, warning that shrinking break times undermine children’s focus, social development and physical activity, and recommending at least 20 minutes of daily recess and multiple breaks while discouraging its use as punishment, as pediatricians note rising screen time and point to countries such as Denmark, Japan and the UK that provide more frequent breaks (Fox News)

Malaysian maritime authorities say a boat carrying 37 undocumented migrants believed to be from Indonesia capsized off Pangkor Island [Malaysia], with 23 people rescued and 14 still missing as search teams deploy boats, a helicopter and surveillance aircraft, while survivors report departing from Kisaran [Indonesia] on May 9 en route to multiple Malaysian destinations amid continued hazardous crossings facilitated by human trafficking syndicates (Channel News Asia)

The World Health Organization [WHO] urges a 42-day isolation for affected persons after a deadly hantavirus cruise outbreak. Authorities evacuated passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius in Spain’s Canary Islands after infections and deaths linked to the Andes strain of hantavirus. About 150 passengers from more than 20 countries began returning home under strict monitoring. Health officials advised all passengers to isolate for 42 days starting May 10, matching the virus’s possible six-week incubation period. Some travelers already tested positive or showed symptoms during evacuation flights (Dân Trí)

The US Republican National Committee [RNC] launches a multimillion-dollar election integrity effort across 17 states, hiring local legal directors to recruit poll workers and poll watchers and oversee Election Day operations ahead of the 2026 midterms (Fox News)

South African veterinarian expert in pet-people behavior Dr. Amir Anwary warns that many dog-people caregivers unintentionally worsen separation anxiety in their pet companions by giving emotional goodbyes and excited greetings. He explains that dramatic departures and returns create heightened emotions around the caregiver leaving, making the anxiety stronger. Instead, he advises ignoring the dog-individual for about 10 minutes before leaving and after coming home to create a calm environment. He also recommends providing mental stimulation for the time they’re left alone, such as toys or background TV, while gradually increasing alone-time starting with just a few minutes. For dog-folks who continue to struggle, he suggests consulting a behaviorist or a veterinarian (Daily Express)

A landmark 20-year study links phthalate exposure from plastics [flooring, shower curtains, garden hoses, diapers, food packaging, food containers, etc.] and from cosmetics, cleaning products, and other items to surging breast cancer rates in young women. Researchers find that chronic chemical exposure, combined with early menstruation [before age 14], increases cancer risk eightfold. Experts now demand stricter regulations on these additives as cases rise among women under 50, providing a vital environmental clue for those lacking traditional risk factors for the disease (Futura)

Social media and podcast health advice reaches 40% of US adults, yet most influencers lack medical credentials. Experts warn that misinformation and profit-driven sponsorships often skew content. Researchers urge users to verify qualifications, avoid fear-based claims, and consult doctors before following online wellness trends (AP)

An international team led by researchers at Charles University in Prague [Czech Republic] samples meltwater flowing from glacier margins across western Greenland and finds 1,500- to 4,400-year-old methane escaping. Scientists warn that the retreating ice feeds further methane emissions, creating a feedback loop. Antarctica may face a larger threat (Earth.com)

World Weather Attribution reports wildfires burn more than 150 million hectares globally in the first four months of 2026, 20% above the previous record. Africa sees a 23% rise and Asia nearly 40% more destruction than previous record years. Scientists warn a strong El Niño weather pattern could intensify the crisis (Reuters)

The Alaska Volcano Observatory raises alert level to Yellow/Advisory for Mount Kupreanof [Alaska, US] after detecting stronger seismic activity and elevated sulfur dioxide emissions over recent months. Earthquakes reach magnitude 3.1. Scientists say signals suggest magma movement but do not expect an imminent eruption (The Watchers)

A new study finds that most global outbreaks of Black Band Disease in corals that kills colonies occur in waters with chronic nutrient imbalance rather than heat stress, showing that disrupted nitrate-to-phosphate ratios can destabilize the coral microbiome and trigger disease from within, with researchers warning that human-driven nutrient pollution like wastewater is a major but under-recognized threat to reef health alongside warming oceans (Earth.com)

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA] UK urges Northern Ireland dairy farmers to switch to crop farming ahead of the Balmoral Show [an animal-people livestock and agriculture exhibition] using a billboard 10 minutes from the showground. The group cites rising vegan demand and animal-people welfare concerns, encouraging a transition from dairy to oat production [PETA UK]

Italian vegan dairy startup Dreamfarm appoints Sue Garfitt, former Alpro [prominent European vegan food manufacturer] CEO, to its board. Dreamfarm doubled its revenue in 2025 compared to 2024 (Vegconomist)

HIPPEAS launches “Protein Crunch” chickpea puffs in the US, delivering 8 grams of vegan protein per serving. The vegan, gluten-free snacks target demand for high-protein, low-fat alternatives with flavors Cheddar Vibrations and Pizza Party (HIPPEAS)

Almería [Spain] residents shatter blood donation records as over 1,000 people join the province’s largest donation marathon on May 7. Health officials praise the community’s solidarity for securing critical hospital supplies and plasma treatments ahead of the summer (EuroWeekly News)

Ekal Houston [Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA chapter] raises US$710,000 for disadvantaged rural youngsters in India through its event in Houston [Texas, US]. Featuring youth performances and 100 new participating families, the fundraiser promotes cultural identity and philanthropy. Proceeds support literacy, health, and empowerment initiatives for children in indigenous and rural communities (Indo American News)

Animal Welfare Society of South Africa [AWS] rescuers save two of three dog-people after they become trapped in dam waters in Cape Town [South Africa]. Though one dog-person tragically drowns, emergency inspectors rescue the surviving pair and send them to an AWS hospital for veterinary care. AWS reunites the pet-persons with their caregiver and repair fencing around the caregiver’s property to prevent future accidents (Good Things Guy)

Wise quote of the day: “A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture.” – Reverend Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Noted Polish-American Jewish Theologian (BrainyQuote)

Previously in Parts 1 through 5 of a multipart series of Crystal Faith’s near-death experience, 17-year-old Crystal suffered an amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth, left her body, and watched from above as doctors tried to revive her for 45 minutes before giving up. Above the room, she was met by a loving woman she did not recognize — a presence who told her, “I’m the one who named you.” The woman later invited Crystal into the Light, where Crystal co-created a living garden, entered a courtyard, and sat in conversation with Lord Jesus Christ (vegetarian) After journeying through the black void and encountering an interdimensional angelic being, Crystal bargained to return to life for her newborn daughter.

Six months after returning to life, when vocal cord trauma from the intubation still left her unable to speak, Crystal visited her mother and saw a black and white photograph on her mother’s computer screen. She immediately recognized the woman in the middle as the presence who had met her above the room. Crystal took out a notebook and wrote down that the woman had told her she was the one who named Crystal. Now in Part 6, the mystery of the woman who named Crystal is finally revealed.

And so, my mom, who doesn’t see the notebook yet, proceeds to say, “There’s no way you could have met her because the last time I saw her was before you were even born.” And I showed her. And then my mom had a mental breakdown, just started crying and sobbing. And after a minute, she was like, “How did you know?” I was like, “Well, she told me, she was the one who named me.” And she said, “Well, the truth of the matter is, I went to go see her before you were born. I told her I was having a boy. I showed her my ultrasounds. And I was really excited. I was having a boy.” And this is her grandmother. And she goes, “No, honey. You’re going to have a girl, and you’re going to name her Crystal Faith because she’s going to have pure faith in this world.” And so, when I came out as a girl, and my mom had no names picked out, of course, she snags the only one she can think of, and she names me that.

In the years since her near-death experience, Crystal has become a quantum healing regression specialist and spiritual life coach. She describes the integration of her NDE [near-death experience] as both immediate and ongoing — a lifelong scaffolding of the knowing she returned with. So, when I first came back, I was not even 18 years old; I knew I was going to be OK. I was like, “Why are you guys so worried? I’m fine. Why are you praying over my bed? Go away. I’m fine.” Like, I knew I was going to be OK. You come back with a sense of knowing. And then I was very — I was extremely present with everything I did. And the more present I was, the more joyful life was. And I just remained in that immediate state of now feeling joy, and that allowed me to manifest a really good life for myself. And I understood how to manifest at a very young age. Yes, I ran into obstacles. I’m human. This is a body filter. It’s not perfect. But the more we relax our body filter and just allow the Divine God Source Love energy to flow through our temple, the more we can be in alignment with what it needs us to be doing on this planet. And I came back with that knowing. And I’ve always tried to build that ability. I’ve been derailed a few times, but it was always to serve a greater purpose. It was like a pendulum swing. So, if I get dipped into my ego, and I go deep into my ego, I go that much further spiritually on the other side. So, it’s all happening for me. It’s all perfectly orchestrated. And I’ve recognized that all along. It’s just that every time that pendulum swings, I raise the bar, and I level up more and more.

Asked what the biggest lesson of her NDE was, Crystal’s answer was simple. It’s the same as everybody. It’s all about love. It’s all about love in the absence of love. Asked what message she would leave with the audience, Crystal returned to presence, surrender, trust, patience — and the desires still waiting within each person. I would say the next thing that we’re going to be working on as a universal collective is temperance, patience, as the rest of us come up to surface, and we all kind of catch up to one another. So, temperance is going to be one of the next major core feelings that we’re going to be experiencing as a universal collective. If you hold a passion or desire for anything at any point of your trajectory in life, you have the full capacity to bring that light or energy essence within you to life. So, whatever it is that you held within you, that desire, it never went away. It’s still inside of you, ready to ignite and come to life again. Just allow that to be. And that will be your creative force, the God Source Love energy within you, emerging with the work that you were called to do before you were even born. [IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies) Podcast]