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On Sept. 5, nearly 26 million students across Vietnam began the 2025–2026 school year with a simultaneous flag salute, uniting classrooms from major cities to remote islands. The national opening ceremony was held at the National Convention Center in Hanoi with the attendance of top leaders, including Party General Secretary To Lam, who beat the traditional drum to mark the new academic year. The event was broadcast live nationwide.

At schools across the country, from Ho Chi Minh City to mountainous Nghe An and coastal Truong Sa, students and teachers gathered in both festive and challenging conditions. In flood-hit Muong Tip and My Ly communes, teachers and parents worked tirelessly to restore schools and even converted cultural houses into makeshift classrooms. On Da Nang's highlands, children celebrated in newly built facilities donated by benefactors, while in Hai Phong, students at a special education school performed in sign language, with one hearing-impaired pupil delivering a heartfelt speech.

Even on the Spratly Islands, students joined the nationwide opening, raising the flag and singing the anthem alongside teachers and local officials. Despite hardships in some regions, the spirit of resilience and unity prevailed, as the start of the school year became a powerful reminder of Vietnam's commitment to education as a cornerstone of its future.

Nguyen Tuyet Lan, a 19-year-old from Hanoi, secured a full scholarship to the University of Sydney after boldly delaying her studies for a year to strengthen her application. She is one of only 20 recipients worldwide of the International Student Merit Scholarship, covering AU$57,700 (US$37,877) annually for the Advanced Computing program.

Lan, who once had no plans to study abroad, was inspired by peers and study fairs. With her family's support, she pushed her near-perfect academic record even higher, raising her GPA to 9.9 in grade 12 while balancing math, science, and social sciences. She initially won offers from four top Australian universities but chose a gap year to pursue the most competitive scholarship.

During that year, she improved her English, tutored, joined community projects, and meticulously revised her application essays, highlighting her growth from a timid student to an independent, determined achiever. Her counselor praised her perseverance, while former teachers noted her strong academic performance and ability to connect with others.

Lan's decision to wait ultimately brought her family financial relief and earned her a place at one of the world's leading universities.

Sa Pa in northern Vietnam has been ranked sixth among Asia's top rural destinations by digital travel platform Agoda, highlighting its growing global appeal. Known for terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and sweeping views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina,” Sa Pa has seen a 21% rise in search interest, according to Agoda.

The town attracts visitors year-round with seasonal beauty: spring blossoms, lush summer rice fields, golden autumn terraces, and occasional winter snow. Its vibrant highland markets further enrich the cultural experience. Agoda noted that Sa Pa's popularity reflects travelers' increasing demand for authentic, nature-focused journeys beyond major cities.

Agoda's rankings, based on accommodation searches from February to August 2025 across eight Asian markets, placed Malaysia's Cameron Highlands, Thailand's Khao Yai, and Indonesia's Puncak in the top three. Other destinations in the top eight include Fujikawaguchiko (Japan), Kenting (Taiwan, China), Munnar (India), and Pyeongchang-gun (South Korea).

Agoda's Vietnam director, Vu Ngoc Lam, said Sa Pa's inclusion showcases the country's diverse landscapes and heritage, which continue to captivate international travelers.

Japan has been ranked the top destination tourists most want to revisit, according to a Dentsu Inc. survey of 12,400 travelers from 20 economies. Over half of respondents (52.7%) said they would return, citing Japanese cuisine and high-quality products as the main draws. South Korea ranked second at 20%, followed by the U.S. at 16.6%.

Popular convenience store favorites among visitors included sushi (46.9%), ice cream (45.1%), rice balls, and sweets (43.3%). The survey was conducted between May and June across countries including the U.S., China, South Korea, Vietnam, and several European nations.

Japan's appeal has been boosted by a weaker yen, eased travel restrictions, and aggressive tourism campaigns. The country welcomed over 36.8 million visitors last year, and in the first half of 2025 alone, arrivals reached a record 21.5 million, up 21% year-on-year.

Lisa Nowak, once celebrated as a trailblazing astronaut, saw her career collapse after a sensational 2007 scandal dubbed the “Astronaut Love Triangle.” A Naval Academy graduate, fighter pilot, and NASA astronaut selected in 1996, she flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2006. But her personal life unraveled after an affair with fellow astronaut William Oefelein ended when he began dating Air Force officer Colleen Shipman.

In February 2007, driven by jealousy, Nowak drove nearly 1,500 km from Houston to Orlando, carrying disguises, weapons, and reportedly space diapers to avoid stops. At Orlando Airport, she confronted Shipman, spraying her with pepper spray and attempting to break into her car. Shipman escaped unharmed, but Nowak was arrested on charges including attempted murder and kidnapping.

The case drew global attention, highlighting her secret surveillance of Oefelein and her dramatic fall from grace. Her marriage ended in divorce in 2008. In 2009, she pleaded guilty to reduced charges of battery and burglary, receiving probation. The Navy discharged her “other than honorably” in 2010.

Meanwhile, Oefelein and Shipman married in 2010, later moving to Alaska, where Shipman became an author. Nowak, now 62, is believed to live quietly in Texas with her children grown, reportedly at peace after years of turmoil.