

A shocking classroom incident in Hanoi has sparked nationwide concern after video footage showed a 7th-grade boy assaulting his teacher to retrieve a confiscated sharp toy. The incident occurred on Sept. 16 at Dai Kim Secondary School, where the boy violently pulled the teacher's hair, forced her head down, and dragged her to the ground until he regained the toy.
The clip, widely circulated on Sept. 19, provoked anger and alarm among parents and the public over rising school violence and teacher safety. The boy was made to apologize in class and later granted 10 days off for home discipline at his family's request. Two classmates were asked to explain their lack of intervention, both citing fear of the boy's aggression while armed with the sharp object.
Although the teacher forgave the boy, authorities considered the case serious. Dinh Cong Ward police were asked to coordinate with the school to prevent recurrence. The Ministry of Education also weighed in, with senior official Vu Minh Duc condemning the act as dangerous to teachers, harmful to the learning environment, and contrary to Vietnam's tradition of respecting educators.
He emphasized that while punishment is necessary, discipline should allow students a chance to reform. The ministry urged stronger safety measures, better counseling, and early detection of abnormal behavior. Current rules allow suspension of up to four weeks for assaulting teachers, but from Oct. 31 the maximum penalty will shift to a verified self-criticism report signed by the student and their family.
Hoi An has been named Asia's most beautiful historic center by French travel platform Tourlane, ranking it alongside world-renowned cities such as Krakow and Avignon. Tourlane's evaluation considered pedestrian space, age, entrance fees, and Instagram popularity.
Hoi An stood out for its well-preserved 16th-century architecture, affordable €2 entry fee, and lantern-lit pedestrian-friendly streets, making it one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved towns. Other Asian centers in the top five include Bhaktapur (Nepal), Kyoto (Japan), Luang Prabang (Laos), and Galle (Sri Lanka).
Globally, Krakow leads Europe with its UNESCO-listed medieval quarter, followed by Naples, Regensburg, Riga, and San Marino, while Avignon ranks sixth for its Gothic architecture and papal heritage. In North Africa and the Middle East, Tunisia's Sousse tops the list, joined by Morocco's Fes and Marrakech, Doha, and Cairo.
In the Americas, Saint Augustine, Florida, stands out for its Spanish colonial history dating to 1565, while in Latin America, Cartagena, Colombia, takes the crown with its fortified old town, ahead of Oaxaca, Salvador de Bahia, Panama, and Buenos Aires.
The recognition further cements Hoi An's reputation as a global cultural gem.
Seven Hanoi restaurants, from subsidy-era canteens to Michelin-starred venues, highlight Vietnamese home-style cooking. Ngon Garden near Thien Quang Lake serves over 200 dishes, including crab roe fried rice and caramelized fish, and offers a special Independence Day menu inspired by meals of President Ho Chi Minh. Quan An Ngon, with 220 dishes from across Vietnam, is known for banh xeo and grilled pork skewers.
Xoi Com, set in a collective-housing block, recreates old Hanoi dining with ceramic tableware and northern favorites like sauteed chayote, earning a Bib Gourmand mention. Mau Dich No. 37, styled after 1980s canteens, serves scorched rice and pickled vegetables in enamel bowls, also rated Bib Gourmand.
Tam Vi, in a wooden house with antique decor and a courtyard, began with simple rice trays but has since expanded while maintaining home-style flavors, earning one Michelin star. A Ban Mountain Dew showcases northern highlands cuisine with grilled meats, sticky rice, and H'Mong specialties such as men men and corn wine.
Finally, 1946 Cua Bac, styled after a northern village from the French Indochina era, features crab hotpot, pigeon congee, caramelized pork belly, and other rustic dishes, holding a Bib Gourmand distinction. Together, these venues reflect Hanoi's balance of tradition and refinement.
Some breakfast staples can harm kidney health, especially for people with existing conditions. Processed and sugary foods strain the kidneys by raising blood pressure, promoting weight gain, and increasing toxin buildup.
Five foods to limit:
Bacon & sausages – High in sodium, phosphorus, and preservatives (nitrates/nitrites), which raise blood pressure and kidney disease risk. Healthier protein options include eggs and beans.
Sugary cereals – Packed with sugar and additives that contribute to obesity and insulin resistance, both linked to kidney damage. Whole grains like oats or buckwheat are safer alternatives.
Pastries & donuts – Full of refined sugar, unhealthy fats, and simple carbs, which spike blood sugar and overwork the kidneys. Whole-grain, low-fat baked goods are a better choice.
Bottled fruit juices – Often loaded with added sugar and lacking fiber, leading to blood sugar spikes and weight gain. Whole fruits or homemade low-sugar juices are more kidney-friendly.
Processed foods in general – Convenient but typically high in salt, adding strain to the kidneys. Fresh meals with vegetables, nuts, and eggs are healthier options.
Reducing these foods helps protect kidney function and supports long-term health.
Apple has launched its iPhone 17 lineup, including the $2,000 iPhone 17 Pro Max with a new 2TB storage option — the largest ever for an iPhone and one of the priciest smartphones available. While phones with more storage have always cost more, this marks Apple's first 2TB release, aimed at boosting revenue without relying solely on higher unit sales amid slowing demand and economic pressures.
Analysts say the higher price tiers will raise Apple's average iPhone selling price, though demand will likely be stronger for the new iPhone Air, which costs $100 more than last year's 16 Plus. The 2TB Pro Max is targeted at content creators needing massive local storage for video and multimedia work, with Apple even filming its September launch event on the Pro model.
Despite the record price, Apple's 2TB phone is still cheaper than some foldables, like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 ($2,419.99 for 1TB) and Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold ($2,149 for 1TB). Many U.S. buyers won't pay full price upfront due to trade-ins and installment plans, with 55% of consumers opting for financing.
Pro iPhones generally outsell Apple's standard models in the U.S., reinforcing their importance. The new Pro models feature improved cameras, longer battery life, and Apple's latest chip with enhanced heat management. Analysts expect preorders to rise 5–10% compared to last year, as about 20% of iPhone owners worldwide haven't upgraded in four years.