DAILY NEWS Stream – March 12, 2026

UK Minister for Africa Jenny Chapman reaffirms UK’s commitment to peace and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC], pledging over £13 million for humanitarian aid and support for survivors of sexual violence while launching new UK-backed investments in clean energy, business finance and sustainable economic growth (Gov.uk)

Taiwan (Formosa) deepens space cooperation with the UK by signing an agreement with the Space South Central cluster [UK] to strengthen satellite manufacturing, supply-chain links and talent exchanges, building on long-standing partnerships between Taiwanese agencies and UK satellite developers (Taiwan News)

Russia and Ukraine (Ureign) exchange 1,000 prisoners of war in a two-day swap mediated by the US and the UAE [United Arab Emirates], with each side releasing 500 detainees as part of ongoing peace talks and humanitarian negotiations (VTV)

A group of prominent pastors gather in the Oval Office of the White House [Washington DC, US] to pray for US President Donald Trump and US troops amid rising tensions with Iran (Tuổi Trẻ)

A newly discovered technique called AirSnitch lets attackers target the same WiFi network to intercept users’ data, raising new concerns about the security of shared and public wireless networks (Tuổi Trẻ)

The United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF] welcomes Kyrgyzstan’s new universal “Bala Yrysy” (Kyrgyz for “Child’s Blessing”) child allowance for all children under three, saying the policy strengthens early childhood social protection and supports the country’s goals to reduce child poverty and expand essential services (24.kg)

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology [Australia] develop a low-cost saliva test that can detect the cancer-related protein marker S100P within an hour, offering a portable, rapid screening tool for several common cancers including oral, colorectal, prostate and pancreatic cancer (Báo Tin tức)

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) surges across the US West Coast, with high wastewater concentrations in Northern California. The contagious virus causes flu-like symptoms and poses severe risks to vulnerable groups. Officials urge hygiene and masking to prevent spread (New York Post)

Doctors at Penn State Health [US] utilize advanced therapies, including medications and deep brain stimulation, to treat the neurological movement disorder called essential tremor. For drug-resistant cases, non-invasive focused ultrasound targets brain regions to sharply reduce symptoms and improve daily function (Medical Xpress)

Italian health experts highlight five Mediterranean staples that significantly bolster cardiovascular health: 1. Legumes provide fiber and can reduce hypertension risk. 2. Leafy greens improve blood vessel function. 3. Extra virgin olive oil lowers the threat of cardiovascular events. 4. Garlic can lessen cholesterol levels. 5. Tomatoes help reduce hypertension and stroke risk. Together, these nutrient-dense foods provide a powerful, natural defense against high blood pressure and heart disease (La Milano)

Severe flooding forces the evacuation of over 1,000 residents in Australia’s Northern Territory. Authorities warn people to stay out of floodwaters as strong currents and displaced crocodiles create life-threatening conditions across the region (Thanh Niên)

A new study reveals coastal sea levels are roughly 30 centimeters higher than past estimates. This miscalculation places tens of millions more people at risk of devastating floods, requiring urgent coastal planning (USA Today)

Dangerous climate events combining heat waves and subsequent flash droughts occur much more frequently than in the 1980s. Scientists warn these rapid extremes escalate global wildfire risks, water shortages, and devastating crop failures (AP News)

Spanish Civil Guard officers at Madrid-Barajas Airport [Spain] seize 15 dead pangolin-people hidden in a suitcase arriving from Addis Ababa [Ethiopia], prompting an investigation into alleged wildlife-trafficking and reinforcing warnings about the global illegal trade in this highly protected species (Noticias Ambientales)

A US nonprofit, the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, partners with the Duke Energy Foundation [US] to give away more than a thousand free native trees as part of its effort to restore New Hanover County’s [North Carolina, US] shrinking tree canopy and raise awareness about the environmental and public-health importance of replanting (WWAYTV3)

Brazil’s Environment Minister Marina Silva says Amazon deforestation is on track to reach its lowest level since records began in 1988, as near real-time satellite data show forest clearing continuing to decline into early 2026 thanks to stronger enforcement and municipal cooperation (Good Men Project)

A landfill in Wiltshire [UK] is capturing methane from decomposing waste and using it to power a heated, UV-lit hydroponic dome that grows fruits and vegetables year-round — a prototype the operators call a “world-first” in landfill-powered food production (Good News Network)

Konjac root from Asia gains global popularity as a versatile vegan meat alternative. Rich in soluble fiber, it supports gut health and blood sugar control. Its unique texture mimics seafood and animal-people meat, enhancing diverse vegan dishes (VegNews)

US scientists at the University of Arkansas’ Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station are developing a high-protein, dairy-free cheese using rice milling byproducts. The hypoallergenic formula has a 12% protein content, offering a nutritious alternative for allergy-sensitive consumers (Deccan Herald)

Lactose-intolerant consumers in India drive a surge in vegan milk popularity. Almond, soy, and oat options expand across cafés as rising health and environmental awareness fuels a shift from dairy (Deccan Herald)

In 2019, researchers relocated beaver-people to vulnerable rivers of Utah [US] that are part of the Colorado River Basin to address drought. Seven years later, their dams create vital wetlands, boosting water levels and biodiversity. This ecological revival restores the Colorado River Basin while supporting local tourism and wildlife-person survival (Upworthy)

In Oregon [US], a hero cat-person named Fred saves caregiver Donald VanWormer by waking him during a fatal house fire. Though Mr. VanWormer carried Fred in his arms while trying to escape, when he emerged outside, Fred was no longer there. He escapes with minor burns, but Fred tragically perishes in the blaze (New York Post)

Uplifting quote of the day: “God’s mercy is fresh and new every morning.” – Joyce Meyer American Author, Speaker, and President of Joyce Meyer Ministries (BrainyQuote)

Previously, in Part 1 of 2 of Chris Kito’s near-death experience, American real estate professional Chris Kito described how a hidden peanut ingredient in a slice of birthday cake triggered a sudden and severe allergic reaction. After realizing his condition was rapidly worsening, Chris drove himself to a nearby hospital, where doctors rushed him into the emergency room as his breathing failed and his body went into full anaphylaxis.

As medical personnel fought to save him, Chris says the doctor eventually told him the epinephrine wasn’t working and that they could not stop the reaction. With almost no oxygen reaching his body, Chris says he felt himself suffocating, becoming calm and accepting that he was dying. In that moment, Chris says he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and euphoria as his consciousness left his body.

And I remember both my grandfathers who passed away, one many years ago, one when I was very, very young, like 3 or 4 years old, coming to me in that situation. They didn’t say much. They just said very clearly, like clear as day, emotion, direct was, “You can’t. It’s not your time. You have work to do. You have to go back.” And I didn’t fight it. I’ve heard other NDE [near-death experience] stories where they say, “No, I want to go.” I was just kind of like I don’t want to die anymore, that’s it. I don’t want to. Not that I ever wanted to die, I just kind of had the feeling that it was happening. I then thought, “OK, I want to live.” And then within a split second, even within that, when they’re like you have to go back, I want to live, and boom, I came back.

And for the first time since I could remember, I felt pain. And I was grasping for air. And I was trying to breathe, and I was responsive. And I wasn’t responsive for the last 20 minutes before that, and I just remember saying, “I need oxygen.” I started speaking. I wasn’t speaking at all. And I was moving, and I was clawing, and I started to fight to breathe. And I was shaking so much from the epinephrine that they were holding my legs down. It was almost a little violent when I first came back. It was just the noise, the light, and the excruciating pain, and that the emotion was back and the five senses were back. I was back in my body, and I was consciously back in this realm, and I was fighting for air and fighting to breathe.

Chris eventually stabilized. The swelling went down, the hives disappeared, and his breathing normalized. He was monitored for about eight more hours, though he had no concept of time and thought he’d only been there for 40 minutes. Nurses said, “On a scale from one to ten, you were a nine and a half. We thought you were gone. We didn’t think we were going to save you. And you were unrecognizable from the person that we carried in here. You’re unrecognizable.” They’re like, “We don’t have an explanation for this.”

The first few days after were extremely painful. Chris spent two or three days in bed, where it hurt to breathe. He had no idea what an NDE was and didn’t talk about the experience much. Once the pain subsided, Chris began processing what had happened to him.

The biggest thing I remember every day for about six months, I would wake up, and I would not know who I was. Things would happen day-to-day, or emotions or thoughts, and I didn’t recognize them. I remember my eyes readjusting. I ate a more vegetarian and cleaner diet. I slept less. I always grew up fairly intuitive. It was just intuitive; I wasn’t anything more than that, but after the experience, I became much more intuitive. And in the years after, and also working on it, I’ve become fairly psychic and have mediumship abilities. The people that then saw me, when I went back, were like, “Oh, yeah, Chris is different.” There was a different person that came back. My values, ideas, and perception of self changed it. And I haven’t given up motivation, determination, or ambition. I feel I’m more ambitious than ever. I’m not afraid of death. I’m not afraid of failure. I’m not encumbered by anything.

Later, Chris learned about another woman with a similar allergic reaction who went into a coma and never fully recovered. So, to go from something where I should have died, well, if I didn’t pass away, I should have been severely mentally handicapped due to lack of oxygen to my brain, and I didn’t. I walked out. That’s always something that’s grounded me. It’s also at times a little scary because it shows how fragile life is and how clear life gets, and priorities or what is and isn’t important when you are laying on a bed, and you’re dying. Very few things matter. It’s dictated a lot of my relationships and how I’ve decided to live my life.

For six and a half years, Chris never spoke publicly about his near-death experience. Most people only knew that he had suffered a severe allergic reaction. What’s given me that extra push is I’ve met people that have had experiences, and others that hearing these stories and hearing others’ experiences have really helped them. And given that I was allowed a second chance, I feel it’s fair that I can give back, and if one or two people hear this and it helps them in any way, then that’s fine. It’s worth it to me.

Chris’s perspective on death and life transformed completely after his experience. Having had my experience, I look at death as an event that’s very natural and an event that’s not to be feared. It was OK. And I live my life as much as I can in gratitude and look at everything as a blessing from here on out. As a saying, I always say, “Listen, unfortunately, bad things happen to good people.” What I’ve come to realize and what I think is there’s a consciousness and energy beyond us in this world that we don’t see, we don’t hear, we sometimes get glimpses of it, and there’s a bigger plan, or there’s bigger reasons behind it. There’s always going to be pain and suffering in this world that is always going to happen. It’s a part of life. And as unfortunate as it is, and painful and sad, I would feel that we just have to look at it differently and say there is something behind this that I don’t know at the moment.

Beyond his personal transformation, Chris now sees broader issues in society that need healing— from inequality to disconnection to a crisis of spirituality. If we just focused on local kindness and an idea of universal love, that’s really all we need. I know it’s very hippie, pie in the sky. But if we can just make it so basic where someone was just like I’m just going to be kind today. Maybe I won’t beep the horn, maybe I’ll let someone go in front of me, maybe I’ll pause before I use this language or I do that, or anything, just the way we treat each other. I don’t feel in any way if you’re pursuing success anywhere in this world, whether you’re in a city, whether you’re a college student, you’re a business professional, or a stay-at-home parent, why that would somehow prevent you from being kind and loving? Why can’t you be in a position where you can help others?

Every problem we have in the West now, many of them come from a crisis of spirituality, a crisis of self where we’ve left it. We forgot about community. It’s not taught in schools. We forgot about health. It’s not taught about what’s proper to eat or what’s the importance of clean water and air. I would love to see a real holistic wellness approach to health and lifestyle and balance, and from there, I think we can really connect everything. (Anthony Chene production)