DAILY NEWS Stream – May 18, 2026

Jamaica reports a 40% drop in murders in 2025, driven in part by a 94% surge in police tip-offs that officials say reflects growing public trust, with Jamaica’s National Security Minister Horace Chang crediting citizen cooperation, tighter port and border controls, and improved firearm interdiction for helping bring annual homicides below 700 for the first time since 1993 (Good News Network)

The IEA [International Energy Agency] says countries are drawing down commercial and strategic oil stocks at a record pace as Middle East war-related supply disruptions have already removed hundreds of millions of barrels from inventories, raising the risk of price spikes, jet fuel shortages and further volatility ahead of peak summer demand (Channel News Asia)

The UK is creating a £3 million National Centre for Environmental Horticulture and Plant Health to strengthen national biosecurity by detecting, researching, and managing pests and diseases that threaten the country’s 23 million gardens and its £38 billion horticulture sector, with the RHS [Royal Horticultural Society] and APHA [Animal and Plant Health Agency] collaborating to monitor risks, improve border controls and provide guidance to gardeners and industry (Gov.uk)

The UK government signs an agreement with autonomous-driving company Wayve to accelerate next-generation self-driving technology, with the partnership committing both sides to shared research on safety assurance, large-scale simulation and deployment, and aiming to strengthen Britain’s position as a global hub for AI [artificial intelligence]- enabled mobility, advanced manufacturing and automated-vehicle regulation (Gov.uk)

United Nations-backed monitors report that about 19.5 million people in Sudan—over 40% of the population— now face acute hunger, with 14 areas in North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan states at famine risk, 135,000 people in “catastrophic” conditions, and 825,000 children at risk of suffering severe acute malnutrition as drone warfare, insecurity, and access restrictions, further hinder aid and worsen civilian suffering (Reuters)

Spain says the Ursa Major, a US-sanctioned Russian cargo ship that sank off southern Spain in 2024, was carrying “nuclear reactor components” similar to those used in submarines, according to a government letter citing the captain’s account, as questions persist over the vessel’s final voyage, seismic signals resembling explosions recorded near Cartagena [Spain], and its links to Russia’s defense ministry (Channel News Asia)

Manilva [Spain] councilors approve a new fare system that will make local bus travel free for residents aged 65 and over and reduce fares for several other groups, with officials saying the measure aims to lower household transport costs, boost public transport use and improve access to services (EuroWeekly News)

A veterinary resource outlines 10 warning signs that may indicate a dog-person is unwell. 1. Foul breath can signal dental disease or organ problems. 2. Ear discharge, redness, or foul odor—especially in dog-people with droopy, V-shaped ears— may indicate an ear infection caused by trapped moisture and poor air circulation. 3. Eye changes such as cloudiness, redness, or discharge can indicate cataracts, diabetes, or injury. 4. Excessive urination may reflect urinary infections, diabetes, or kidney failure. 5. Loss of appetite beyond a day can signal dental pain, gastrointestinal disease, or systemic illness. 6. Changes in drinking habits— either increased or decreased— may indicate dehydration, diabetes, or kidney disease. 7. Difficulty breathing is always an emergency and may stem from respiratory infections, heart failure, or airway collapse. 8. Sudden weight loss or gain can reflect liver disease, kidney failure, or obesity-related complications. 9. Vomiting and nausea may indicate gastrointestinal disease or life-threatening gastric bloat. 10. Behavior or mood changes, including aggression or withdrawal, can be caused by pain, neurological issues, or endocrine disorders. Caregivers are encouraged to seek veterinary care when these signs appear (The Discerning Cat)

New research links optimism to a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular events and increased longevity. By practicing gratitude, doing kind acts, and performing mindfulness meditation, individuals reduce stress hormones and inflammation while improving blood pressure. Experts suggest these “positive psychology” habits encourage healthier lifestyles, effectively training the brain to protect the heart and extend life (Washington Post)

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland issues a recall on 54 chicken products sold at major Irish grocery chains due to possible Salmonella contamination. The Authority advises monitoring for diarrhea, fever, headache, and cramps, developing between 6-72 hours after consumption, with infants and the elderly most at risk for severe illness (RSVPLive)

Powerful winds, heavy rain and hailstorms tear through Uttar Pradesh, India, killing at least 104 people and injuring dozens more. The storm topples walls, uproots trees, and damages homes. Officials order emergency financial aid for survivors (Reuters)

Extreme heat threatens the 2026 World Cup [June 11-July 19] in North America, with 25% of matches potentially exceeding safe temperature limits. Experts warn water breaks are insufficient, urging FIFA [International Federation of Association Football] to reschedule games to protect players and fans from climate risks (Reuters)

US scientists work to protect apple trees as extreme cold snaps, drought, and temperature swings threaten orchards. Researchers at Cornell University and the US Department of Agriculture are breeding new rootstocks [the foundation for tree growth] to help American farmers grow new trees able to survive unstable winters and water shortages (The Guardian)

Sarasota [Florida, US] influencer Kreg Sterns (vegan) wins “Favorite Vegan Instagrammer” at the Veggie Awards. His platform, Box Vegan, promotes affordable animal-free food options at major retailers, proving veganism is accessible to everyday shoppers across the United States (Sarasota Magazine)

German brand Vegan4Dogs launches algae-based Rudolf DHA Algae Bites. The vegan omega-3 supplement supports canine-person brain and skin health using sustainable microalgae. Plastic-free packaging further reduces the environmental impact of this heart-shaped snack (Vegconomist)

Spanish food brand Heura achieves profitability in early 2026 and expands its global reach. Leading Spain’s vegan meat market in sales, Heura aims to grow the vegan sector by helping partners develop superior nutritional animal-people meat alternatives (Green Queen)

Police officer Rogers rescues a mother and two children from a burning Tennessee [US] apartment. Body-cam footage shows him breaking down the door and braving heavy smoke and flames to save the family before firefighters arrive, suffering minor burns in the process (Daily Mail)

Displaced Lebanese families find hope through sports at stadiums like Camille Chamoun Stadium in Beirut [Lebanon]. After conflict displaces over 1 million people, local Lebanese football clubs and coaches provide food and shelter at their stadiums. Children use football to escape trauma and rebuild confidence amidst the ongoing crisis (DW)

All 11 people survive after their twin-engine plane crashes into the Atlantic Ocean off Florida [US]. Following a five-hour wait on a life raft, the Coast Guard and Air Force execute a “miraculous” helicopter rescue with a thunderstorm approaching and just minutes of fuel left (VnExpress)

Thoughtful quote of the day: “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” Dr. Carl Sagan, PhD Renowned American Astronomer (BrainyQuote)

Previously, in Part 1 of 2 of Neda Wassie’s near-death experience, Neda described how black ice sent her car spinning into oncoming traffic — and how, in the instant a bus was about to collide with her, a powerful force pulled her out of her body. She found herself floating in a warm, brilliant Light, held in unconditional love, speaking with a presence that told her she was dying, that she had been there before, and that her family would survive her loss. But when she was shown the mission she had not yet completed, Neda realized she wasn’t done — and the same force that lifted her out thrust her back toward her body.

And this is when I have the tunnel experience, and I can see that it’s this multi-dimensional superhighway, and there are these pins of Light that are beaming back and forth, back and forth. And I recognize myself as one of these Lights, beaming back into my body. And as I’m moving farther and farther from that space, I recognize two figures up there, and it was my grandparents. It was my dad’s dad, who passed when I was just 3 weeks old, and my mom’s mom, who incidentally passed that very day I had this NDE [near-death experience], and I didn’t know. I didn’t know she had died, but I knew that was her there. And they were just kind of looking through this pinhole now, making sure I make it back to my body and back home here, because it just wasn’t my time. They were sending me back. “It’s not your time yet. Go back to where you do belong.”

Neda opened her eyes in her car, disoriented, surrounded by first responders. Though she understood she had been in an accident, she kept asking where she had just been. It took nearly two years — and a cascade of extraordinary aftereffects — before she was even able to name what had happened to her. Those aftereffects began with electromagnetic anomalies: devices would malfunction in her presence, or she could revive broken ones, sometimes remotely. Then came precognitive dreams — at first about death, then about weddings, pregnancies, and everyday events. In her waking life, she eventually began connecting with deceased individuals with intention, receiving messages of love, peace, and guidance. She also began receiving broader impressions about the state of the world.

I have seen hope. There’s a lot of hope, and there’s every reason to be hopeful, every reason to believe that there is a bright future ahead of us, even if it doesn’t seem like that. Even if, on an individual level, some days are darker, I have seen that there is every reason to be hopeful. There are so many people who are working in a collective energy to make things better, and that’s where a lot of the hope comes from, is that there’s always going to be people who are going to be on the right side of the Light.

After returning, the image of her unfinished mission stayed with Neda — giving her a deeper sense of why she was still here. I think it was the sense of mission. Because it gave me purpose. It aligned me more to what my purpose is. So, it doesn’t look all that different than what I’m doing now or what I was doing before. I had found out about this calling for the mental health services when I was really young, so I knew that’s what I wanted to get into. And at the time, I had a job in the mental health services, and I really enjoyed it. I felt really proud that I was doing it, but ultimately, I still felt a little empty. There was this sense of void there, or like a spiritual discontent. So, when I had the NDE, I feel like it just put me on course. It centered me a little more, and then I had a more depth of understanding of what that mission is. And that’s just, it’s priceless. It’s so valuable to have, to wake up every morning to know that your life has a purpose, and that you’re doing it, and that’s why you’re here. Still, the transformation was not easy. While it was extremely challenging, excruciating at some points, I still consider it the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Neda is now writing her dissertation on induced near-death experiences — using a guided protocol to safely simulate the NDE state, including an out-of-body experience, tunnel passage, connection with deceased loved ones, and a sense of life purpose, with no physical danger or substances involved. She plans to track the aftereffects over two months. Her larger hope is to foster a cultural shift toward death acceptance and reduced death anxiety. She closes with a message that is equal parts practical and profound.

It’s twofold. It’s two parts. First, don’t let a bus hit you. You don’t need something drastic, something traumatic, to be able to enjoy life’s purpose, meaning in life. It shouldn’t take something so drastic to just get you back aligned, and there are plenty of ways to connect with that space without being in harm’s way. So, find something that makes you feel alive, and follow that. It’s one of the biggest keys to connect with that space. And secondly, I’ll reiterate what I said earlier, and that’s that there is every reason to be hopeful. There’s every reason to believe that the future is a bright one. (Spiritual Warrior Journey)