DAILY NEWS Stream – May 16, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomes US President Trump to Riyadh as President Trump begins a Middle East tour, the first major trip of His second term. The two leaders signed a historic US$142 billion defense deal, the “largest defense cooperation agreement in history” according to the White House. President Trump also announced a US$600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the United States (BBC; TheWell; Time; The White House)

Dozens of Afrikaners [members of South Africa’s white minority] land in the US after President Trump offers them refuge from “genocide” at the hands of the South African government. This comes after President Trump froze aid to South Africa in February 2025 upon learning that white farmers are being killed or having their property stolen (Sky News Australia)

Measles epidemic in the US reaches over 1,000 cases, with active outbreaks in 11 states (VTV24)

Vietnam sees an unusual start to the rainy season, with some areas starting a month sooner than nearby locations. Normally, this difference is much smaller, only up to 10 days. Experts blame climate change, which has brought more extreme weather (Thanh Niên)

Three UK water companies begin drought emergency plans after England sees its driest start to spring in 70 years (Daily Mirror)

Experts warn colorectal cancer is “accelerating” in Vietnam, with 16,800 new cases and 8,400 deaths yearly, and it’s increasingly affecting young people. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol, and eating animal meat (TOÀN CẢNH 24H)

Tibet is shaken by a 5.7-magnitude earthquake with a high risk of aftershocks; no casualties immediately reported (BNC Now)

Experts call 2014–2023 “the decade out of control” as average temperatures soared to the highest ever recorded. Scientists now warn of a race against time: if greenhouse gas emissions like methane are not cut by at least 43% by 2030, we will “lose control” of our climate future, and life on Earth as we know it could be over (Báo Mới)

Study finds Antarctica suddenly gained ice mass between 2021 and 2023 after many years of melting, surprising climate scientists. Some think it’s because of unusual weather, while others believe it’s because more people are becoming vegan and praying to save the Earth (DBC News)

Investigation finds North Korea’s government is profiting from the illegal wildlife trade. They are selling and harvesting internationally protected animals including Asiatic black bears, long-tailed gorals, and Eurasian otters. Experts call on North Korea to follow international animal protection laws and enforce its own rules (Phys.org)

Global study shows countries that consume more vegan (plant-based) proteins have longer life expectancies than countries that eat more meat (The University of Sydney)

Malaysia: Over 100 protesters rally against animal cruelty in the capital Kuala Lumpur. The protest, called “Execute AWA [Animal Welfare Act],” urged authorities to enforce animal welfare laws, with messages like “Animals are also Allah’s creation” and “No Excuse for Animal Abuse” (Free Malaysia Today)

In Vietnam, some wild mushrooms can be very poisonous and even deadly. Many people get sick because they mistake toxic mushrooms for edible ones. Here are 4 types to avoid:

1) White Death Cap & Destroying Angel (Amanita mushrooms): These mushrooms are pure white and often grow in forests. They look harmless but contain amatoxins, which can destroy the liver. Symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, and yellow skin appear 6 to 24 hours after eating. They can cause death if not treated quickly.

2) Brown-Gilled Mushrooms with Pointed Caps: These grow in forests or near dead leaves. They contain muscarine, which affects the nerves. Signs like sweating, trouble breathing, and slow heartbeat can appear within minutes to a few hours. These are rarely deadly but still dangerous.

3) Green-Gilled Mushrooms (Lepiota type): Often found in fields or near cows. They have green gills as they age. These mushrooms cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps within a few hours.

4) “Magic” Mushrooms (Psilocybe): These are small with brown or yellow cone-shaped caps and thin, fragile stems that may turn blue or green when touched. They’re found near cow dung or rotting plants. They cause dangerous hallucinations and confusion, starting about 1 hour after eating.

Important: Never eat wild mushrooms unless a mushroom expert says it’s safe. Poisonous mushrooms don’t always look dangerous – even white ones can kill. Seek medical help immediately if you feel sick (Khoahoc.tv)

Inspirational quote of the day: “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today.” – The Venerated Enlightened Saint Francis of Assisi (vegetarian)