DAILY NEWS Stream – October 20, 2025

Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed on a temporary ceasefire on October 15 after border clashes left over 100 casualties, with both sides agreeing to resolve disputes through dialogue (VietNamNet)

US Central Command leader Admiral Brad Cooper orders Hamas to stop its violent crackdown on civilians after videos showed public executions in central Gaza City (New York Post)

Israel and the US are working to establish a “safe zone” for Gazans fearing Hamas retribution, following the group’s public executions of Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel (New York Post)

The UK pledges £20 million to Gaza in its latest aid package, supporting water, sanitation, and hygiene services through the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and Norwegian Refugee Council. The UK will also host a three-day Gaza reconstruction summit, bringing total aid to Palestine this fiscal year to £74 million (The Economic Times)

US President Trump says Indian Prime Minister Modi (vegetarian) pledged to stop purchasing oil from Russia, months after the US imposed sanctions on India over trade disputes and Russian oil purchases (VnExpress)

US bank JPMorgan Chase will invest US$10 billion in US companies critical to national security to reduce reliance on China for vital minerals, products, and manufacturing (New York Post)

South Korea bans travel to several regions of Cambodia including Poipet, Kampot and Sihanoukville following a rise in human trafficking and online scam operations targeting Korean citizens (VnExpress)

South Korea forms a special task force at its embassy in Phnom Penh [Cambodia] to combat a surge in scams targeting Korean nationals (Vietnam-Plus)

US President Trump confirms He has authorized spies to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, citing threats to American security including the release of criminals into the US and drug smuggling by sea (VTV)

Brain scan study shows that men’s brains shrink faster and more extensively with age than women’s. However, this doesn’t explain why women have higher Alzheimer’s rates, which experts link instead to women’s longer lifespans and greater vulnerability after menopause (Báo Tuổi Trẻ)

Thousands of protesters in Tunisia’s coastal city of Gabes rally against pollution from the state-owned Chemical Group of Tunisia, demanding the shutdown of plants releasing toxic gases that have damaged local health and the environment (Reuters)

Doctors say parsnips are a sweet, earthy root vegetable rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C that support heart health, digestion, and immunity. Their protective plant-based antioxidants help reduce inflammation and shield cells from damage, while their high fiber content promotes healthy gut bacteria and steady energy levels. Enjoy parsnips roasted, mashed, or added to vegan soups for comforting, plant-powered nourishment (Healthline)

Experts hail collard greens as a vegan superfood packed with vitamins K, A, and C, plus calcium and fiber that support strong bones, heart health, and detoxification. Research shows their glucosinolates can help protect against certain cancers. Lightly steam or sauté to preserve nutrients, and enjoy them as a colorful addition to a balanced vegan diet (WebMD)

Doctors say cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamin C, folate, and fiber that supports immunity, digestion, and healthy weight when incorporated into a wholesome vegan diet. Cauliflower’s natural compounds like sulforaphane help the body detoxify and can protect against inflammation and cancer. Enjoy it roasted, steamed, or mashed as a versatile, low-calorie ingredient for healthy vegan meals (Cleveland Clinic)

Harvard University [US] study finds people who eat vegan and practice yoga-based meditation for at least two hours a day have brains appearing up to six years younger than their real age, with improved memory, clearer thinking, and less stress (One Green Planet)

US study indicates spending time with dog-people slows aging in women with PTSD [post- traumatic stress disorder]. Those who spent one hour per week training service dog-people experienced slower cellular aging. Watching videos about training dog-people also brought benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms (Daily Mail)

A new study warns of a sharp rise in deadly antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” infecting newborns. These bacteria caused about 5 million total deaths in 2019—more than HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] or malaria. Overuse of antibiotics has made many medicines ineffective, and experts urge updated, region-specific treatment guidelines (Science Alert)

Malaysia reports a serious flu epidemic with around 6,000 student cases and 97 clusters nationwide, forcing some schools to close. Malaysian health officials urge mask-wearing, personal hygiene, and avoiding crowded places (VOV)

UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that over 212,000 children in eastern Afghanistan are at high risk of waterborne diseases after the magnitude 6.3 earthquake that destroyed or damaged 132 water sources and sanitation infrastructure (AMU TV)

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes Papua Province [Indonesia] around 200 kilometers from the city of Abepura (Reuters)

Global nonprofit Greenpeace launches the campaign “Act for the forests, act for the climate” urging governments to protect forests and end deforestation by 2030, ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference COP30 in Belém [Brazil] (VTV)

Scientists discover the Earth’s crust is gradually breaking apart off the northwest Pacific Ocean, helping improve seismic forecasting for the region (Báo Tuổi Trẻ)

Scientists are shocked as interstellar object 3I/ATLAS releases tremendous amounts of water despite being far from the Sun. Normally, comets release water only when close to the Sun, but 3I/ATLAS is doing so at three times the usual distance, hinting at a different process behind the activity (Futurism)

Indian company Fredun Pharmaceuticals launches Snacky Jain, India’s first Jain-compliant vegan snack for dog-people containing no animal-people products, onions or garlic (The Hindu Business Line)

The global food-grade gellan gum market is projected to grow from US$287.6 million in 2025 to US$438.2 million in 2032 at a 6.2% compound yearly growth rate, driven by demand for clean-label, plant-based ingredients (Persistence Market Research)

The US packaged vegan food market is projected to double to over US$36 billion by 2030. Key players include Beyond Meat, Danone S.A., and Amy’s Kitchen. Starbucks’ US$1 billion AI (artificial intelligence) investment to develop a vegan breakfast sandwich shows just how committed US companies are to plant-based innovation (DataM Intelligence 4Market Research)

US study shows a low-fat vegan diet helps people with type 1 diabetes reduce insulin use by 28% and lowers daily insulin costs by 27%. Participants on the vegan diet also lost an average of 5 kilograms [11 pounds] and experienced improved blood sugar control, cholesterol and kidney function (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine)

Over 50 dog-and cat-persons are rescued from a severely neglectful home in Statesboro [Georgia, US]. Two suspects face felony animal-people cruelty charges as humane organizations assist with the rescued animal friends’ medical care (WTOC11)

Đông Sơn commune [Quang Ngai Province, Âu Lạc (Vietnam)] resident Quảng Công Vương finds two critically-endangered yellow pangolin-people and voluntarily hands them over to local officials. The pangolin-people were later transferred to the Cúc Phương Wildlife Rescue Center for care and eventual release into the wild (Nghệ An)

Eric Petersen shares how he died and traveled all around Heaven.

In 1989, 22-year-old Eric was at his lowest point. Alone in his father’s apartment, he erupted, spending hours shouting and pleading with God for proof of His reality. Exhausted, he finally prayed, “If You’re really there, I just need to know. The dark side is closing in.” Nothing happened, so he lay down half-awake.

Suddenly, a strong hand shook Eric from under the bed. Startled, he sat up— no one was there. It happened again, and a surge of white fire streamed through him. It didn’t burn; it purified. Then a magnetic pull lifted him out of his body into a spinning tunnel, speeding him to a realm of brilliant white Light. Every trace of pain vanished— like coming home.

Eric entered a receiving area for souls. Humans and animals arrived as golden streaks— an old man, woman, horse, cat, dog, rat, frog— each leaving glowing trails. Souls were met by unbelievably beautiful men and women in white robes, working harmoniously together, radiating balance and love.

Eric rose through another tunnel, climbing toward a greater Light. As he neared, excitement grew as he thought, “I know Him!” Lord Jesus (vegetarian) stood ahead, arms wide. Eric stopped before Him, radiant with lightning and fire. Waves of love and power poured out as Lord Jesus embraced him. Incredibly, Lord Jesus was even happier to see Eric than Eric was to see Him—love so deep it blew his mind.

As the light dimmed a little, Eric saw Lord Jesus’ face— hair fiery white as in the Book of Revelation, eyes blue within blue, seeing every secret without judgment. They moved instantly to another white level. Still upset about his unanswered prayers over the years, Eric asked, “Where have You been?” Lord Jesus replied, “I’ve always been here, but you’ve distanced yourself from Me.”

To prove it, He showed Eric a huge white area, like an endless football field. Every time Lord Jesus named a sin— unforgiveness, revenge, anger, being mean to people or animals—Eric got pushed back one line, until he was 250 feet [76 meters] away. Eric yearned to be next to Lord Jesus again. Then came the Lord’s forgiveness: “You’re a product of your experiences, and I realize you didn’t know. But now”—He paused and pointed His finger at Eric— “you are accountable.” Eric knew he was expected to live a holy life— meaning to be the best possible person he could be.

Lord Jesus showed His scars— huge, like railroad spikes, with white flesh that never healed. Eric dropped to his knees, seeing a flash of the crucifixion— brutal beyond imagining— and felt Lord Jesus’ agony. He began to sense a deep past connection with Lord Jesus, like remembering or receiving downloads.

Eric then began a tour of Heaven. Near a hilly pavilion area, he met about 15 souls in white robes. Their clothes shifted to their earthly colors, revealing they were from different faiths: a Buddhist monk, a Muslim, a Sikh, a Catholic, and a Victorian woman. Though they had different beliefs, they all had lived like Christ in accordance with what they knew. The non-Christian ones accepted Lord Jesus after crossing over.

Earlier, Eric had asked Lord Jesus, “Why are there so many religions?” He answered, “People are where they’re supposed to be.” Later, Eric understood: There are no accidents. Everyone’s path lets them serve and learn; there’s purpose in the variety. The souls from different faiths on Earth got along perfectly in Heaven, living righteously— a key lesson in unity.

Next, Eric flew through space and saw distant planets, including a purple and gray Jupiter. These worlds were alive— full of spirits, intelligent, talking to God in mysterious ways: whale songs, clicks, wind chimes. Tuning deeper, Eric picked up on “intelligences”: tiny, neutral-to-good particles like dust in a sunbeam or floaters in the ocean, everywhere in the Universe. They respond to human thoughts and words— positive thoughts draw light, while negative thoughts twist them astray.

Eric then had an ego moment: In a Heavenly city of millions singing praise around one of God’s thrones, Eric thought selfishly, “I should be closer up.” Everything stopped cold— his pride had ruined it. Eric felt embarrassed and got pulled out quietly.

Back with Lord Jesus, they entered a garden with a sparkling brook of Living Waters. Lord Jesus had him step in— it connected to his return. Later, ashamed of his limits, Eric said, “Lord, I can’t love You like You love me. I feel like a worm before You; You are such an advanced, infinite Being, and I’m just a wimpy finite being. And I did some really terrible things in my past.” Lord Jesus replied, “Let Me show you something.” Out over the ocean, a single raindrop formed in a cloud— representing Eric at his very best— and fell into the sea. Then the scene expanded: every drop of water on Earth, from clouds and sinks to underground reservoirs— unimaginable amounts. “That’s My love for all of us,” the Lord said. Then He added, “You’re not able to love like that…” He paused and pointed at Eric—“yet.” Eric was shocked. He realized Lord Jesus and our families on the other side have far more confidence in our ability to do things here than we have in ourselves. Being with Lord Jesus made Eric want to be better.

Return loomed, but Eric denied it: “I’m not going back. I’m finally dead and happy.” Lord Jesus smiled, gently correcting him: “We’re not dead here; we’re more alive.” When Eric offered to take on extra hardships, Lord Jesus said, “That’s too much for one lifetime.” He gave Eric instructions that were later erased from his memory and promised that once he fulfilled his purpose, “You can come back and live with Me.”

Eric fell through a massive room of chutes back to Earth, dropping into his attic and slamming into his body. The pain was crushing; the world felt dim and filthy compared to Heaven’s purity. But he’d changed— gifted with new insight and strength. Eric studied many different religions to help others and developed intuitive gifts— visions, warnings, and insights into people’s pain.

Eric says death isn’t real; loved ones often celebrate when they cross over and stay close, sending gentle signs like a hint of grandma’s perfume or a gentle touch on the cheek. Life on Earth is short, like a two-hour video tape. Angels are often our ancestors, part of one connected family between Heaven and Earth, helping and guiding us as we serve.

Eric shares the good news whenever he has the chance. “God is real. Jesus is real. And how much they love us on the other side… It’s just mind-boggling” (Tia Renee)

Uplifting quote of the day: “Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” — The Worshipped Son of GOD, Lord Jesus Christ (vegetarian)