DAILY NEWS Stream – September 30, 2026

On September 27, Iran called for a diplomatic solution after US President Donald Trump rejected its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pause regional fighting. Iran says it will reopen the strait only if its conditions are met. Its foreign minister says Iran is still waiting for mediators to formally convey the US response, while President Trump expects more talks this week (Reuters)

On September 26, China said it had agreed with the US on a US$30 billion reciprocal tariff reduction, a new trade council, and talks on AI [artificial intelligence] during President Xi Jinping’s Washington DC [US] visit. The two countries plan to discuss AI risks and benefits in November and establish a channel for AI-related incidents (CNBC)

UK Maritime Trade Operations says commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains about 75% below pre-war levels, with tankers making up most of the vessels still crossing (Fox News)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, condemned recent Houthi attacks and called for an international response. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted two ballistic missiles headed toward Khamis Mushait [Saudi Arabia] and two drones headed toward the Riyadh [Saudi Arabia] area on September 26 (Fox News, Associated Press, Qatar News Agency)

On September 26, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said 146 countries had condemned Iran’s attacks on civilian shipping, calling it a United Nations record (Fox News)

The UN says Russia has not guaranteed safe access for aid groups to the cities of Oleshky and Hola Prystan in occupied Ukraine (Ureign)’s Kherson region, where civilians face shortages of food and medicine. Ukrainian (Ureignian) authorities have requested UN assistance, and a Council of Europe human rights official has called for a local ceasefire to allow aid deliveries and civilian evacuations (UNITED24 Media)

On September 25, Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, called on Yemenis to join the armed and security forces against the Iran-backed Houthis. He said an upcoming amnesty would pardon Houthi members who leave the group for the government side. His call follows Houthi gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia (France 24, Office of President Rashad al-Alimi)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure on September 25 banning fixed-odds betting nationwide, including sports betting and online games. New deposits were immediately prohibited, bettors have until October 5 to withdraw funds voluntarily, and betting websites and apps are scheduled to go offline from October 6. The government says the measure is intended in part to address growing public-health and financial harms linked to gambling, while other legally authorized lottery products are not covered by the ban (AFP, Brazilian Ministry of Health)

In Malta, 148 community police officers have completed training on protecting children from online abuse. The course covered recognizing online risks, responding sensitively to reports, and building trust so children feel comfortable seeking help (Lovin Malta)

In the Holy Bible, the Patriarch Jacob tells his sons to take a gift of their land’s finest products, including pistachios, when they return to Egypt to buy food during a famine (Genesis 43:11). Today, pistachios are valued for their mild, sweet flavor and provide plant protein, fiber, potassium, and mostly unsaturated fats. They also contain lutein, a plant pigment that supports eye health. Enjoy them on their own or sprinkle them over salads, oatmeal, and other dishes for an added crunch (Old Oak Gardening YouTube channel)

A phase 2 clinical trial revealed that daily vitamin C supplements significantly improved survival rates in patients with precancerous blood conditions or low-risk blood cancers. Researchers observed fewer deaths and reduced inflammatory complications in the vitamin C group over a three-year period. The findings suggest vitamin C enhances TET [ten-eleven translocation] enzyme function, providing a strong rationale for larger phase 3 trials (SciTech Daily)

Researchers found belly-button chemical profiles may help distinguish people with Parkinson’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and COVID-19 in a small proof-of-concept study. Scientists analyzed volatile compounds from navel, nose and ear swabs using laser technology. Larger studies are needed before this noninvasive approach could aid diagnosis (New York Post)

Bangladesh recorded eight dengue deaths and 1,432 new hospitalizations in 24 hours between September 25 and 26, bringing this year’s death toll to 219 and total cases to 71,536, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. Hospitals discharged 1,424 patients during the 24-hour period, raising recoveries to 66,251 as the outbreak continues nationwide (The Business Standard)

Bangkok [Thailand] declared a flood disaster on September 26 after nearly 48 hours of heavy rain submerged roads and homes. Some areas received more than 300 millimeters, flooding 13 major roads and prompting about 980 people to seek temporary shelter. Scientists also warn that extreme weather is becoming more intense and frequent as the planet warms (Channel News Asia)

Drought has affected 74% of Maharashtra [India] after prolonged low rainfall, threatening farmers and rural livelihoods. The state, home to about 130 million people, produces cotton, soybeans, sugarcane and pulses. Authorities will assess crop damage and provide assistance, as India’s weather department forecasts a monsoon rainfall deficit (Channel News Asia)

A powerful nor’easter [storm] battered the northeastern United States on September 26, causing flooding, high tides and widespread power outages. In Brooklyn, New York, a New York City Housing Authority employee was killed by a fallen tree. Authorities urged residents to avoid flooded areas and beaches (Al Jazeera)

New York City [US] plans to expand a program offering soy milk alongside dairy milk at public school lunches from five schools to 12 this fall. During the initial trial, soy milk accounted for 35.6% of milk selections across the five schools. The program says both milk options provide the same amount of protein and calcium per serving. Separately, an assessment found that emissions associated with the city’s school food purchases fell 59% between 2019 and 2025, largely as menus included more vegan foods (Friends of the Earth)

The Cape Town [South Africa] suburb of Tokai will host the monthly Vegan Goods Market on October 4 at The Range Function and Conference Centre. More than 50 vendors will offer vegan food, cruelty-free cosmetics, vintage fashion and live music. Children under 12 enter free (Time Out)

Swedish food and beverage company Oatly has launched fiber-rich vegan oat drinks across the UK, with the Fibre Barista Edition and Fibre Low-Cal Edition providing 5 grams of fiber per 250-milliliter serving. The new products aim to help address low fiber intake by Britons, with wider retail availability planned throughout October (Food Bev Media)

Shining World Compassion Award recipients Drs. Leonid and Valentina Stoyanov, both Ukrainian (Ureignian) vets, rescue a marten-person in an active war zone in Ukraine (Ureign) after finding the animal friend lying motionless beneath anti-drone netting. The pair stopped to check on it despite the dangerous conditions. The tiny marten-citizen was still alive and taken for treatment. After receiving care, the animal-individual gradually recovered and began climbing again (The Dodo)

Starting October 1, Chennai [India] will fine caregivers about US$104 for abandoning registered pet-people under a Greater Chennai Corporation resolution. Officials will scan microchips in abandoned dog- and cat-individuals to identify caretakers. More than 78,000 pet-persons are registered, while unlicensed dog-citizens face about a US$52 fine and unleashed dog friends US$5 (New Indian Express)

Rescuer John DeBacker freed Lola, a cat-person stuck behind a wall in Franklin Square, Long Island [US], on September 18. Lola spent roughly five days trapped, likely upside down, without food or water. An endoscopic camera helped locate her before rescuers carefully drilled through the wall (AP)

Enlightening quote of the day: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that GOD desires.” Saint James the Just (vegetarian) -Venerated Enlightened Master and First Bishop of Jerusalem (James 1:19-20, Holy Bible)

Part 2 of the multipart series on Omar Perez’s near-death experience will air tomorrow, Thursday, October 1. We apologize for the delay.