DAILY NEWS Stream – May 24, 2025

Israeli leaders are “open” to exploring a ceasefire with Hamas, hostage exchanges, and any opportunities to completely end the conflict in Gaza (VNExpress)

Indonesian officials have removed 1.33 million pieces of online gambling content since October 2024, targeting websites and social media platforms to curb harmful digital activities and protect users (Vietnam-Plus)

New COVID-19 variant XEC surges in Thailand, surpassing 71,000 infections. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. Health authorities recommend masks and proper hygiene to reduce the spread (VNExpress)

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health reports increased COVID-19 cases, partly due to recent holiday gatherings. Officials urge mask-wearing and good hygiene to prevent further spread (VNExpress)

European study finds living near green spaces reduces bad habits like smoking and drinking, curbing cravings through nature’s calming effects. Regular nature visits can support healthier lifestyle choices in people across income levels (Earth.com)

Vegetarians can maintain healthy iron levels by regularly consuming the following 6 foods or food groups: 1) Dark Leafy Greens: Rich in iron and antioxidants. 2) Beetroot: Boosts iron levels and pairs well with vitamin C. 3) Horse Gram (Kulthi Dal): A nutritious legume ideal for soups and stews. 4) Jaggery and Dates: Natural sweeteners that provide a mild iron boost. 5) Tofu and Soy Products: Excellent sources of iron and protein. 6) Whole Grains and Millets: Traditional Indian staples like bajra and ragi offer iron and fiber (The Times of India)

Floodwaters rise in Lạng Sơn Province [Vietnam], sweeping away property, causing power outages, and forcing hundreds of households to evacuate at night (Tiền Phong TV)

Tuyên Quang Province [Vietnam]: A heavy rainstorm submerges the town of Na Hang, forcing some residents to move their belongings, and triggering mountain landslides (Dân Trí)

Bắc Kạn Province [Vietnam]: Heavy rain in Ba Bể District causes flash floods and landslides, killing four people and injuring one. Many homes, crops, and animal-people were damaged or injured (VNExpress)

An Giang Province [Vietnam]: A landslide in Chợ Mới District causes 10 houses to collapse into the Ông Chưởng River. No injuries were reported, but damages exceed US$76,000 (VNExpress)

US: Severe storms and tornadoes devastate the States of Missouri and Kentucky, killing at least 28 people, destroying homes, and leaving hundreds of thousands without power for up to a day (VNExpress; NBC)

Indonesia issues the highest alert for the Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano following eight eruptions in one day, producing ash plumes that reached up to 5,500 meters high. Authorities warn of potential mudflows and advise residents to stay at least 6 kilometers away from the disaster zone (VNExpress)

Kent County [UK] faces heightened wildfire risks due to dry weather, prompting a new online warning system by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) Authorities urge fire safety awareness and swift evacuation if wildfires occur. Farmers in the county have already warned about reduced crop yields due to extended drought (BBC)

Vietnam develops an online climate risk warning map system for buildings, enhancing resilience by assessing storms, floods, and other disaster risks to aid construction planning and disaster preparedness (VNExpress)

Climate change is causing South Africa’s land to rise due to water loss. This negatively impacts ecosystems and signals potential water scarcity challenges as reduced rainfall leads to ground uplift (Earth.com)

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) launches a new warning system for volcanic ash from 111 active volcanoes, including Mount Fuji. It will give alerts based on expected ash levels, with a focus on the capital Tokyo, to help people prepare for possible travel and power disruptions (The Asahi Shimbun)

City of Kathmandu [Nepal] hosts a three-day conference titled, “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity,” focusing on global warming’s impacts on Himalayan glaciers, as melting ice raises risks of rock slides, landslides, floods, and avalanches, threatening ecosystems and nearby communities (AP)

University of California [US] creates “Bio-Ink Snap-X” from pink algae to help boost coral reef restoration. Applying the special “ink” increases colony settlement rates by more than 20 times, enhancing ocean ecosystems amid climate challenges (Good News Network)

American podcaster Joe Rogan praises vegan restaurant Crossroads Cafe in the City of Los Angeles for its tasty dishes, noting that sports boss Dana White really enjoys it (The SportsRush)

UK: Queen guitarist Sir Brian May (vegan) runs the Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue hospital on his property, rehabilitating 750 injured animal-people annually. The rescue group has been promoting conservation and wildlife protection for over 30 years (The Cool Down)

German clothing company Adidas no longer uses kangaroo leather in its products, responding to pressure from animal-people rights activists to align with ethical fashion trends that prioritize sustainable, cruelty-free vegan alternatives (PETBOOK)

Report: The global plant-based butter market is expanding rapidly as consumers shift toward healthier, dairy-free alternatives, such as almond, coconut, and vegetable oil-based options. With rising health awareness, veganism, flexitarian diets, and concerns about environmental sustainability, plant-based butter is accelerating in households, foodservice, and processed food industries (Persistence Market Research)

With veganism on the rise, some cities stand out as top spots for plant-based travelers. The following 15 places offer great vegan food and unique experiences, making them must-visits for vegan adventures: 15) HCM CT, Vietnam: Famous for vegan bánh mì, phở, and hotpots. 14) London, UK: Known for fine dining, casual spots, and the first all-vegan pub. 13) Berlin, Germany: Packed with vegan eateries and options everywhere. 12) Bangkok, Thailand: A tasty mix of local and global vegan dishes. 11) Toronto, Canada: A diverse vegan scene with sushi and comfort food. 10) Los Angeles, USA: Huge variety of vegan food across many cuisines. 9) Taipei, Taiwan: 370+ vegan-friendly places offering local flavors. 8) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Trendy spots serving Malaysian and global vegan meals. 7) Tbilisi, Georgia: A hidden gem with traditional Georgian vegan food. 6) Mexico City, Mexico: A flavorful vegan scene with fresh, local ingredients. 5) Lisbon, Portugal: A growing vegan destination with creative dishes. 4) Ubud (Bali), Indonesia: A health-focused vegan hub mixing local and global flavors. 3) Barcelona, Spain: Mediterranean city with 50+ vegan restaurants and lively vegan events. 2) Budapest, Hungary: Great for hearty vegan Hungarian and global food. 1) Guatemala City, Guatemala: A vegan-friendly spot combining nature, food, and ethical travel (NewsBreak)

Elevating quote of the day: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” – The Venerated Enlightened Master Rumi (vegetarian)