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Two Ha Long Bay cruise operators, Ambassador Cruise and Sea Octopus, faced public outrage after launching fireworks on Saturday night while rescue teams were still searching for victims of a boat disaster earlier that day. The tourist boat Vinh Xanh 58 had overturned in a sudden thunderstorm around 1:30 p.m., carrying 49 passengers—including over 20 children—leading to 35 confirmed deaths and four still missing.

Many witnesses described the displays as deeply inappropriate, with sirens still sounding across Ha Long City. “Rescue teams were still struggling to find victims, yet some cruise ships were hosting entertainment activities like nothing had happened,” said tourist Ha Viet. Industry worker Thuy Anh called the move “insensitive and unprofessional,” dismissing claims that the ships lacked internet and did not know about the tragedy.

Both companies apologized on Sunday. Ambassador Cruise admitted to a “lack of sensitivity” despite the fireworks being pre‑scheduled, while Sea Octopus called its display a “serious and unacceptable mistake,” citing poor communication. They pledged to improve emergency protocols, tighten oversight, and support affected families.

Chinese actress Vicki Zhao, once a top celebrity and business mogul, is now facing severe financial trouble as her shares in multiple companies have been frozen, leaving her with ownership of only one struggling television production company.

According to Chinese media outlet QQ, Zhao—famed as one of China's “Four Dan Actresses”—previously held stakes in several multi‑industry ventures with her then‑husband, Singaporean businessman Huang Youlong. By 2019, their combined fortune was estimated at 4.5 billion yuan (about US$625 million), earning her a spot on the Hurun China Rich List.

Her business decline follows persistent speculation that she was “banned” from China's entertainment industry after August 2021, when her films vanished from video platforms, her name was removed from award portals, and brands distanced themselves from her online.

At 49, Zhao has been noted in recent photos to look visibly weary, a stark contrast to her past vibrant image. She confirmed late last year that she and Huang had divorced years earlier, further highlighting the dramatic shift from her former wealth and influence.

A new Boston College study finds that a four‑day workweek with no pay cut improves employees' physical and mental health as well as job performance and satisfaction. Researchers Wen Fan and Juliet Schor tracked 2,896 workers across 141 organizations worldwide for six months, comparing those with shorter workweeks to employees at 12 firms that kept a five‑day schedule.

The biggest benefits came when weekly hours dropped by eight or more, reducing burnout, fatigue, and stress while improving sleep and overall well‑being. Smaller reductions also showed gains. Participants came from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the U.K., and the study followed earlier trials like the U.K.'s 2022 experiment, which found no productivity loss and, in many cases, slight increases.

Researchers noted limits, including voluntary participation and a focus on smaller English‑speaking firms. They urge randomized, government‑backed trials to test four‑day models more broadly as companies rethink work norms in a post‑pandemic era.

Hanoi's normally bustling streets turned eerily quiet Tuesday morning as Storm Wipha swept through northern Vietnam. Roads such as Truong Chinh, Nguyen Trai, and major intersections like Nga Tu So–Lang were largely empty, with only scattered tourists and residents braving the drizzle. Markets like Thinh Quang operated with minimal vendors, many lowering prices as business slowed, while companies encouraged employees to work from home.

Wipha made landfall between Hung Yen and Ninh Binh at around 10 a.m., bringing winds up to 88 kph and moving west‑southwest at 10–15 kph. Hanoi authorities issued urgent directives to limit movement, inspect vulnerable homes, and evacuate at‑risk areas. Around iconic sites such as the Opera House, Trang Tien Street, and Hoan Kiem Lake, foot and vehicle traffic remained sparse despite brief breaks in the rain.

Rainfall measured 20–40 mm from Monday morning to Tuesday morning, with forecasts of continued heavy rain through Wednesday, possibly exceeding 100 mm in some districts. Officials warned of potential flooding, uprooted trees, and traffic disruptions as the capital braces for the storm's lingering effects.

Storm Wipha made landfall on Vietnam's northern coast Tuesday morning, unleashing winds of 64–102 kph with gusts up to 138 kph and causing heavy rain and flooding across several provinces. Thanh Hoa City saw streets submerged under 80 cm of water and tin roofs torn off homes, while Ninh Binh's coastal areas, including the Ruined Church site, were hit by 4–5 meter waves breaching barriers and flooding restaurants. Hai Phong's Do Son Beach also faced rising seas and strong waves, prompting authorities to close coastal routes and set up checkpoints.

Though Hanoi was not directly struck, the city prepared for late‑day thunderstorms as Wipha's cloud bands approached. Light rain and reduced traffic marked the morning, with many businesses opting for remote work. By mid‑afternoon, officials warned of potential severe weather, including strong gusts, lightning, and even tornadoes.