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Nearly half of U.S. high school seniors are failing to meet basic academic standards, according to new National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results released by the Department of Education. The 2024 assessment found 45% of 12th graders lacked basic math skills and 32% lacked basic reading skills, the lowest levels in more than 30 years.

In math, only 22% of seniors tested at or above proficient, showing weaknesses in applying algebra and problem-solving, though most could handle simpler tasks like calculating population from density. Reading scores were similarly concerning: while most could identify the purpose of a persuasive essay, just 20% could draw data-driven conclusions from texts.

The findings highlight sharp declines since 2019 and an ongoing downward trend that began before the pandemic, with the lowest-performing students suffering the steepest drops. Acting NCES Commissioner Matthew Soldner called the results “sobering,” while Education Secretary Linda McMahon described them as confirmation of a “devastating trend,” warning that millions of graduates are entering college, the military, or the workforce without essential literacy and numeracy skills.

Officials emphasized that despite heavy investment in K-12 education, the achievement gap continues to widen, raising concerns about the U.S.'s ability to remain globally competitive without significant reforms.

A security screening officer at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, Ryu Matsumoto, was arrested for stealing about 1.5 million yen (US$10,100) from passengers since August. On Saturday, he allegedly pocketed 90,000 yen from a tray during baggage screening, prompting a passenger to report the missing cash. Surveillance footage confirmed his suspicious behavior.  

Matsumoto admitted to stealing on 70–80 occasions, hiding the cash inside toilet paper roll tubes in a nearby restroom. He worked as a guide at the checkpoint and disguised his thefts by pretending to adjust trays. Despite the incident, Haneda remains renowned as the world's cleanest airport, recently honored by Skytrax for its spotless facilities.  

Hanoi has been ranked Asia's second-best street food city by British magazine Time Out, surpassing Singapore, Bangkok, and Phnom Penh. The magazine praised the capital's rich culinary scene, highlighting hidden gems found in alleys, stairwells, and busy street corners. It recommended queuing at Banh Mi 25 in the Old Quarter for barbecue pork banh mi or seeking out authentic northern-style pho tucked away in small passageways.

The ranking considered affordability, accessibility, and food quality. Malaysia's Penang claimed the top spot, while Singapore placed third, Bangkok eighth, and Phnom Penh ninth. The recognition reflects Vietnam's growing global culinary reputation, as international chefs and food publications continue to spotlight the country's diverse and flavorful dishes.

William Gray, a Briton who had lived in Hanoi for eight years, relocated with his family to Hoi An in late 2024 due to the capital's worsening air pollution. Daily exposure to exhaust fumes, trash burning, and traffic congestion left him suffocated, while his Hanoi-born wife suffered recurring respiratory infections. Their attempt to escape to Gia Lam for cleaner air failed, and the city's high AQI pushed them to leave. Gray now commutes to Hanoi for work but enjoys fresh air and seaside weekends in Hoi An.

Hanoi ranks among the world's most polluted cities, with PM2.5 levels often at unhealthy ranges. Over 40% of its population faces exposure to double the safe threshold, contributing to tens of thousands of deaths annually. Research shows air pollution reduces life expectancy in Vietnam by 1.4 years, posing the greatest risks to children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.

Many expats are leaving Hanoi. South African Tamara Hoffman, after repeated pneumonia diagnoses linked to pollution, moved to Ho Chi Minh City in 2025, joining friends who left to protect their children's health. She reports improved wellbeing and no longer relies on purifiers or AQI apps.

Still, not all can leave. Many cope by using air filters, staying indoors, or moving to greener outskirts. Experts warn that unchecked pollution may drive migration, weaken foreign investment, and harm Hanoi's economy. Measures like banning gasoline motorbikes by 2026, improving EV access, strengthening waste management, and expanding public transport and green spaces are seen as critical to retain residents and improve quality of life.

Vũng Tàu's Back Beach, once chaotic with vendors and illegal businesses, has undergone a major transformation into a clean, open public space. Stretching nearly four kilometers, it is now bustling with joggers, cyclists, families, and tourists enjoying the seaside.

The turnaround began in 2016 when local authorities banned all cooking, vending, and dining on the beach to restore order. Though controversial, the policy was seen as a critical step toward reclaiming the area for the public. A later government inspection revealed widespread land-use violations by companies that had long fenced off beachfront property. In 2021, the province took back the land, and by 2023 fences, huts, and other illegal structures were dismantled.

Back Beach has since been upgraded with walkways, plazas, public showers, restrooms, shaded areas, and parking, supported by nearly VND1.1 trillion in renovation funds. While some businesses resisted eviction and sought compensation, enforcement allowed the project to move forward.

Today, the beach features parks, a pedestrian tunnel, and a more organized layout, making it far more welcoming. Urban planners praise the project but emphasize the need for better transport links, including walking and cycling paths, electric shuttles, and eventually a metro or express bus connection to Ho Chi Minh City.

Experts also stress a long-term master plan that prioritizes both community and tourism needs, with public-private investment to ensure sustainability. If successful, Back Beach could evolve into not just a beautiful coastline, but a dynamic urban attraction with lasting appeal.