DAILY NEWS Stream – May 15, 2025

Hamas releases the last living US hostage from Gaza. Just before reuniting with his family, Edan Alexander held up a sign that read “Thank You President Trump.” President Trump has congratulated Mr. Alexander’s family and calls the release “a step” towards ending the war and returning “ALL” living hostages and the bodies of the deceased to their loved ones (Wall Street Journal; BBC)

China and the US have agreed to pause their trade war for 90 days and will “substantially” lower tariffs after productive talks in Geneva, Switzerland. US tariffs will drop to 30%, and China’s to 10%. However, US President Trump is still pushing China to take stronger action against the illegal fentanyl drug trade, which was one reason for the high US tariffs (Sky News Australia)

US FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation] Deputy Director Dan Bongino sends a chilling warning to illegal immigrants and child predators, vowing large-scale deportations and prosecutions (Sky News Australia)

Colombia grants Indigenous groups self-governing authority over large parts of the Amazon Rainforest. This includes control over public budgets and full administrative power, boosting hopes for better forest protection – and inspiring other countries to do the same (AP)

Scientists warn that “snail fever,” a deadly disease once found mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, is now spreading to southern Europe because of climate change and tourism. The UK has also seen a record number of cases, mostly in travelers who swam in freshwater and caught the parasite (Daily Mail)

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Floods leave over 100 people dead and wash away several villages in South Kivu Province (Al Jazeera)

Nigerian farmers struggle as climate change dries up water sources. Lake Chad, for example, has shrunk by 90%, raising fears of food shortages (Africa News)

Study finds 83% of 5-year-olds will be exposed to “unprecedented” extreme heat in their lifetime, highlighting the negative impacts of climate change on future generations (Euronews)

Vegetables are key to a healthy diet but sometimes have negative side effects due to pesticides, bacteria, and other contamination. Protect your liver and kidneys with these 5 vegetable tips: 1) Source carefully: Choose organic or locally sourced vegetables when possible. 2) Wash thoroughly: Wash all vegetables under running water before cooking. For leafy vegetables, consider soaking them briefly. 3) Cook properly: Ensure vegetables are cooked thoroughly, especially if there are concerns about parasites or bacteria. 4) Be aware of potential risks: Stay informed about food safety issues and recalls in your region. 5) Variety is key: Include a wide variety of vegetables in your diet to minimize the risk from any single source (Google Gemini)

Attention, seniors: This story is about what to do if your children keep asking for money: Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Quỳnh is 81 years old and spent her life working hard, saving money, and raising two children after her husband passed away. Her daughter treated her with love and respect, while her son and daughter-in-law mostly cared about her money. When her son asked her to sell her home to pay for his son’s wedding, Mrs. Quỳnh made a smart decision: she gave each child a small amount of money, saying that’s all she could afford, and she kept the rest of her savings secret, putting it safely in her daughter’s care with a legal agreement. This way, she protected both her money and her relationship with her son. Mrs. Quỳnh’s situation is not unique. Here are 10 tips for seniors to protect their money: 1) Watch how your children treat you: Real care shows in kind actions, not just when money is involved. 2) Keep some things private: Don’t tell your children everything about your savings. 3) Use legal help if needed: If you trust someone, you can put money in their name with an official written agreement to protect it. 4) Say no when needed: Don’t feel bad about saying no to money requests that make you feel unsafe or worry. 5) Plan ahead in case you get sick: Choose someone you trust to handle your money if you can’t later on. 6) Stand up for yourself: You worked hard – your children are not entitled to your money. It’s not about mistrust – it’s about keeping your independence. 7) Give only what you can afford: Help if you want to, but don’t give more than you’re comfortable with. This will avoid resentment later if they can’t pay you back. 8) Be strong emotionally: Some family may care more about money. Lean on the ones who show they really care about you. 9) Learn from others: Listen to stories from other seniors to avoid mistakes. 10) Know what matters most to you: Think about what’s more important – your safety, peace, or keeping everyone happy – and let that guide your choices (Sống Vui Tuổi Già)

Uplifting quote of the day: “Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul?” – John Keats