A suspect with a history of criminal offenses was detained after holding a nine-year-old girl hostage on a rooftop in Bac Ninh Province.

On March 27, Tran Trung Kien, Chairman of the Phuong Mao Ward People's Committee (Que Vo Town, Bac Ninh Province), informed VietNamNet reporters that around 4 a.m., a young man suspected of being under the influence of drugs entered a local house and took a young girl hostage with a knife.

The victim, born in 2016, is the daughter of a family running a roadside bakery on Highway 18. The family had opened the door early in the morning when the suspect entered and sat inside. After moving to the second floor and finding the child asleep, the suspect took her to the roof of an adjacent one-story building.

The family immediately reported the incident to local authorities, and by 8 a.m., the suspect had been subdued.

"The Bac Ninh Provincial Police and local authorities successfully restrained the suspect and rescued the girl. The victim was in a state of shock and was taken to the hospital for a health check-up," said Chairman Kien.

Dramatic rescue of 9-year-old girl held hostage with a knife


The suspect, Phan Van Tuan, being restrained by the authorities.

Colonel Pham Van Ngu, Head of the Criminal Police Division of Bac Ninh Provincial Police, revealed that the suspect, later identified as Phan Van Tuan (born May 6, 1983, in Hai Phong), had three prior criminal convictions. Tuan was confirmed to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.

According to Colonel Ngu, Tuan entered the house at around 4 a.m. and used two knives to take the girl, identified as Tran Thi T., hostage on the second floor. Tuan demanded money and a motorbike to escape. The Criminal Police Division reported the situation to the provincial police chief, who personally arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue.

After four hours of negotiation and distraction, officers offered the suspect money and a motorbike to encourage him to move from the second floor. As he descended with the girl - still holding a knife to her neck - officers maintained communication to divert his attention. When Tuan briefly moved the knife away from the girl’s neck while approaching the vehicle, officers seized the opportunity to subdue him and free the hostage.

Suspect’s criminal history and related incidents

Preliminary investigations revealed that Tuan had a criminal record, including two convictions for unlawful detention and one for illegal drug possession.

The previous night, at around 11 p.m. on March 26, Tuan had caused a disturbance at Co Thanh Ward Health Station in Chi Linh City, Hai Duong Province, while wielding two knives. He threatened medical staff and then forced a passerby to give him a ride to Bac Ninh. When they reached Viet Hung Ward, Que Vo District, the victim spotted a police patrol and drove toward them, yelling for help. Tuan abandoned the motorbike and fled to a nearby eatery, where he stole another motorbike from a customer and continued his escape.

Eventually, Tuan reached the house of Tran Thanh Hai in Phuong Mao Ward, where he took the young girl hostage, leading to the dramatic morning standoff.

The case is currently under investigation.
VietBF@ Sưu tập

The mother who raised her cerebral palsy child to become a Harvard talent is an inspiring figure whose story touches the hearts of everyone who hears it. It is a testament to the extraordinary power of a mother’s love.



We are fortunate to have children who are intelligent, healthy, and whole. Let us treat this as a privilege that not everyone is blessed with. Therefore, despite the challenges in life, we must push forward to raise our children to succeed and have a bright future. Certainly, the pressures of life can exhaust and discourage us. When you feel you’ve lost motivation and patience with your child, think of Nguyen Thi Mai, a mother from Vietnam who raised her cerebral palsy son to become a Harvard talent.

Mai gave birth to a son, whom she named Minh Khoa. Immediately after birth, doctors informed the family that the child had severe cerebral palsy and would likely grow up mentally disabled, possibly bedridden. While the father turned away, Mai did not give up. She worked tirelessly to provide for and raise her son, never losing hope that Minh Khoa could develop normally like any other child.

The incredible love of a mother turned what seemed impossible into reality. From a child with a brain disorder, Mai raised Minh Khoa into a talented student with impressive academic achievements:

In 2007, Minh Khoa passed the entrance exam to the Vietnam National University with a score of 660.

In 2011, Minh Khoa became a student at the Graduate School of International Law at Vietnam National University.

In 2016, Minh Khoa became a student at Harvard Law School.

People still wonder what secret Nguyen Thi Mai had to raise a cerebral palsy child into a talented student. In fact, her success came from a simple but profound approach to education, one that required love and perseverance. Here are the three principles that helped Mai raise Minh Khoa into a Harvard student.

1. Always Be a Strong Support for Your Child

Mai took on the full responsibility of both providing for and raising her child. To ensure her income, she took on multiple jobs at once. However, she always found time to monitor her son’s studies and well-being.

Once, noticing that her son seemed unhappy and wanted to quit school, she asked him about it and learned that Minh Khoa was being bullied by classmates because of his condition. She immediately went to the school, spoke with the teachers and classmates, and from then on, Minh Khoa was no longer looked down upon. He gained confidence and worked harder in his studies. After some time, his classmates highly respected him for his academic excellence, and Minh Khoa often led the class.

2. Cultivate Your Child’s Inner Strength

When Minh Khoa was young, he completed tasks much slower than other children his age. However, Mai always let him do things on his own, not intervening too much in his activities. Due to his physical limitations, even basic tasks like holding chopsticks and a pen took him a year to master, but his mother never stopped encouraging him every day.

As Minh Khoa grew and went to school, Mai continued to encourage him to complete his homework independently and take initiative in his learning. Mai observed him from a distance, only stepping in when absolutely necessary. Thanks to this approach, Minh Khoa always had the chance to develop his potential in every situation.

3. Teach Your Child Patience and Never Give Up

One of the most important lessons Mai taught her son was that anything can be accomplished with perseverance. Despite the immense pressure on her shoulders as a single mother, she never gave up on her son.

While other children could roll over at three months and sit at seven months, Minh Khoa could not sit steadily until he was one year old. Even when he reached preschool age, he couldn’t walk properly. At three years old, Mai started therapy for him, giving him massages twice a week for three years. Thanks to this, his health improved significantly.

Mai has always been a role model for her son, helping Minh Khoa understand that with patience, he could reach his goal. Even though he might be slower than his peers, if he worked hard every day, his efforts would be rewarded. This is one of the guiding principles that helped Mai raise a cerebral palsy child into a Harvard talent.


VietBF@ Sưu tập

Woman drowns her dog in airport bathroom after being denied boarding, police say


Travelers wait in line for security in the east hall atrium at Orlando International Airport. Photo by AP

A woman drowned her dog in a Florida airport bathroom and then boarded her international flight after she was prevented from bringing the white miniature schnauzer with her because of a paperwork issue, authorities said.

The woman was arrested in Lake County on Wednesday on a charge of aggravated animal abuse, a third-degree felony. She was released on $5,000 bail.

"This act was intentional and resulted in a cruel and unnecessary death of the animal," said an arrest affidavit from the Orlando Police Department.

Online court records showed no attorney listed for the woman from Kenner, Louisiana.

The investigation into the death of the 9-year-old schnauzer named Tywinn started in December when a janitor found the dog in a trash bag in a bathroom stall at Orlando International Airport.

The janitor earlier had seen the woman in the stall cleaning up water and dog food from the stall's floor. The janitor was pulled away for a cleanup emergency and returned to the bathroom 20 minutes later where she found Tywinn in the trash container, along with a companion vest, collar, rabies tag, a dog travel bag and a bone-shaped dog tag with the woman's name and phone number, investigators said.

Airport surveillance cameras captured the woman speaking for 15 minutes to a Latam Airlines agent with the dog in tow, walking into a bathroom near the ticketing area with the dog and exiting the bathroom without Tywinn less than 20 minutes later. The woman then went outside the terminal building, reentered a short time later, passed through security and boarded the Colombia-bound plane, the report said.

Authorities said the woman had been told she could not bring her dog aboard because she did not have the proper paperwork. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dogs traveling from the U.S. to Colombia must be accompanied by a veterinarian-issued health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate.

The dog was identified by its implanted microchip and a necropsy determined that Tywinn had been drowned. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also confirmed to detectives that the woman had boarded a flight to Bogota, Colombia, and then flew to Ecuador.

VietBF@ Sưu tập

The claim that former U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of key political figures, including former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is not based on verified information. No credible reports or official announcements confirm that such actions have taken place.

The alleged move, which supposedly also targeted other prominent individuals such as former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security officials from previous administrations, would represent an unprecedented political maneuver. However, as of now, there is no evidence that Trump, who is not currently in office, has taken any such steps.

Historically, former presidents and high-ranking officials may retain security clearances to provide counsel on national security matters if requested by the sitting administration. While security clearances can be revoked under certain circumstances, these decisions typically follow established procedures rather than being used as political retribution.

It is crucial to rely on reputable news sources such as Reuters, BBC, or The Associated Press for accurate and up-to-date information on political and governmental developments. If this is a hypothetical scenario or a discussion about security clearance policies, feel free to clarify so we can explore the topic further.

Ambassador Vũ Lê Thái Hoàng, Việt Nam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna, Austria, has expressed his desire to strengthen ties with Interpol to enhance Việt Nam’s role as a member state and combat transnational crimes more effectively.

During a working session on Thursday with Floriane Bacconnier, Head of Interpol’s Permanent Observer Office to the UN, Hoàng reaffirmed Việt Nam’s commitment to international security. As the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Group at international organisations in Vienna, he emphasized Việt Nam’s willingness to act as a bridge to foster closer collaboration between Interpol and regional nations. He stressed that such efforts would contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, and sustainable development.

Since joining Interpol in 1991, Việt Nam has leveraged the organisation’s global network to combat foreign-related and transnational crimes. Hoàng praised Interpol for facilitating the sharing of anti-crime intelligence, joint investigations, and the successful apprehension of international fugitives. Through this cooperation, Vietnamese authorities have worked closely with their global counterparts to address complex criminal cases.

Beyond enforcement efforts, Việt Nam has been proactive in collaborating with Interpol and other nations on training and capacity-building initiatives. These programmes aim to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and equip personnel with the necessary expertise to tackle transnational crimes more efficiently.

The ambassador also congratulated Interpol on its notable contributions to the fight against transnational organised crime, including terrorism and cybercrime. He acknowledged the organisation’s active role in drafting the UN Convention against Cybercrime, which is set to be opened for signing in Hà Nội later this year.

Bacconnier emphasized the essential role of permanent missions in fostering practical cooperation between Interpol and national law enforcement agencies. She expressed her hope for closer engagement with Việt Nam’s Permanent Mission to launch new initiatives aimed at enhancing partnerships between Interpol and Asia-Pacific countries, including Việt Nam.

She further noted that Interpol looks forward to Việt Nam successfully hosting the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime and anticipates its early implementation. The convention, she explained, recognises Interpol’s crucial role in promoting international cooperation by enabling the rapid and secure exchange of information on cybercrime and related offenses.

Vietnamese authorities have issued a cautionary notice for citizens studying and working in the United States, urging them to be vigilant about visa regulations, green card status, and entry-related procedures. This warning follows a series of deportation cases involving nationals from multiple countries.

Ambassador Hoàng Anh Tuấn, Consul General of Việt Nam’s Consulate General in San Francisco, shared the advisory on Facebook on Saturday. His message was directed at Vietnamese students, workers, residents, and individuals seeking to apply for US visas.

The advisory outlines several key precautions to help avoid complications with US immigration authorities.

Green card holders are reminded to ensure their residency documents remain valid, as an expired green card can result in re-entry denial. Even for those with a valid green card, unnecessary international travel is discouraged to minimize potential entry issues.

Social media activity is also highlighted as a potential risk. Individuals are advised to refrain from posting or sharing politically sensitive, discriminatory, or extremist content, including within private groups, as such material could be scrutinized.

Visa compliance is another major concern. Overstaying even by a single day could result in a five-year entry ban, and violating local laws—no matter how minor—may impact future visa renewals or re-entry into the US.

Authorities also caution against deleting sensitive information from electronic devices before entering the US, as border officers may interpret this as an attempt to hide evidence.

Another critical warning pertains to public demonstrations. Non-citizens are advised to avoid participating in protests or rallies, as such actions could be deemed an overreach of their visa privileges.

The Vietnamese Consulate General has recently recorded multiple cases of students, researchers, and residents—including green card holders—being denied entry, having their visas revoked, or facing deportation due to minor immigration infractions or perceived security concerns.

A notable case involved a French scientist who was barred from entering the US earlier this month while en route to a conference. Officials reviewed private messages on his phone that were critical of the Trump administration’s research policies, leading to his deportation. Although the case was later dropped, the expulsion severely impacted his career.

Similarly, an assistant professor and physician at Brown University was deported from Boston to Lebanon after border officials discovered photos of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on her phone. Despite her explanation that her connection was religious rather than political, authorities considered the images as evidence of Hezbollah support. Despite her strong credentials and professional backing, she was denied entry and sent back.

Vietnamese citizens planning to travel to the US are strongly advised to remain cautious and comply with all immigration regulations. In case of legal difficulties, individuals should contact Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the US for assistance and support.

Vietnam’s gold prices continued to decline on Saturday morning after reaching several record highs earlier in the week. Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) gold bars dropped by 0.31%, falling to VND97.4 million ($3,803.95) per tael. This marks a nearly 3% decrease from the historic peak of VND100.4 million recorded on Thursday.

Gold ring prices have also experienced a notable drop, falling 2.4% in the same period to VND98.3 million per tael.

On the global market, gold fell by 1% on Friday as a stronger U.S. dollar and profit-taking triggered a pullback. Despite this decline, the precious metal remained on track for a third consecutive weekly gain due to ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, as well as expectations of potential U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

Spot gold was down 1%, trading at $3,015.43 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures settled 0.7% lower at $3,021.40. However, bullion has still gained 1% over the course of the week.

Gold has long been considered a safe-haven investment during periods of geopolitical tension and economic instability. The metal typically performs well in low-interest-rate environments and has already hit 16 record highs this year, reaching an all-time peak of $3,057.21 per ounce on Thursday.

“The market is taking a bit of a breather. There’s some profit-taking at these levels, and the dollar is stronger today,” said Marex analyst Edward Meir.

Peter Grant, vice president and senior metals strategist at Zaner Metals, noted that “ongoing safe-haven demand, both based on trade concerns and geopolitical risks, continues to be the primary driving force” behind gold’s rally.

A woman from Kenner, Louisiana, has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal abuse after allegedly drowning her dog in an airport bathroom at Orlando International Airport. The incident took place in December when she was prevented from bringing the dog on an international flight due to missing paperwork.

A janitor discovered the white miniature schnauzer named Tywinn inside a trash bag in a bathroom stall. Earlier, the same janitor had seen the woman in the stall cleaning up water and dog food from the floor. The janitor left briefly for another cleaning emergency and returned about 20 minutes later, only to find the dog discarded in the trash. Also found in the stall were a companion vest, a collar with a rabies tag, a dog travel bag, and a bone-shaped dog tag with the woman’s name and phone number.

Surveillance footage captured the woman speaking to a Latam Airlines agent for 15 minutes, attempting to take the dog aboard. She was informed that she could not bring the animal because she lacked the required veterinary-issued health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate, both of which are necessary for traveling from the U.S. to Colombia.

After the airline refused her request, she walked into a nearby bathroom with the dog and exited alone less than 20 minutes later. She then briefly left the terminal, returned shortly after, passed through security, and boarded a flight to Bogotá, Colombia. Authorities later confirmed that she continued her journey to Ecuador.

The dog was identified via an implanted microchip, and a necropsy later confirmed that Tywinn had drowned. Orlando police described the act as intentional, stating that it resulted in a cruel and unnecessary death.

On Wednesday, the woman was arrested in Lake County, Florida, and charged with aggravated animal abuse, a third-degree felony. She was later released on a $5,000 bail.

Online court records currently show no attorney listed for her. If convicted, she could face significant legal consequences, as Florida has strict laws against animal cruelty.

Legal immigrants and green card holders in the U.S. can face deportation, particularly under the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, if they have a criminal record or are considered a threat to foreign policy.
The U.S. government is seeking to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student arrested earlier this month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil, 30, a legal U.S. resident without a criminal record, was detained overnight in New Jersey before being transferred to an immigration facility in Jena, Louisiana.

Initially, ICE planned to revoke Khalil's student visa based on instructions from the U.S. State Department but discovered he was also a lawful permanent resident. Consequently, ICE pursued revoking his green card instead, and he currently awaits a deportation hearing in Louisiana, according to the AP.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Khalil's detention was related to President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. Khalil's arrest has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing he is unfairly targeted, raising questions about protections for international students and green card holders.

Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, an immigration law professor at Cornell Law School, told AP that lawful permanent residents generally have robust protections and "should be the most protected short of a U.S. citizen." However, Kelley-Widmer emphasized that protection is not absolute; green card holders can be deported for crimes, failure to update addresses with immigration authorities, or fraudulent marriages.

In Khalil's case, the U.S. government claims authority to revoke his residency, obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen. His deportation is pursued under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing removal if the Secretary of State determines a non-citizen's presence or activities could have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" for the U.S., as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

While officials have not explicitly detailed how Khalil threatens U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials support deportation, accusing him of creating a hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia University. Combatting antisemitism has been a prominent foreign policy objective for Trump's administration.

Khalil is not alone in facing deportation due to stricter immigration enforcement. Recently, multiple green card and visa holders have faced detention at U.S. entry points and prolonged stays in ICE facilities.

Rasha Alawieh, 34, a kidney transplant specialist at Brown University's medical school, was detained last week at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from Lebanon.

Her H-1B work visa issued by the U.S. consulate in Lebanon was revoked, and she was deported.

The Department of Homeland Security claimed on X on March 17 that Alawieh had "traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to attend the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah," the leader of Hezbollah. Alawieh maintained that she only joined crowds outside the stadium where the funeral occurred and did not attend the ceremony inside, AFP reported, citing an unnamed family member.

In another incident, Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German electrical engineer and green card holder residing in New Hampshire, was detained on March 7 at Boston Logan Airport upon returning from Europe. His mother alleged that CBP officers "violently interrogated" Schmidt and pressured him into signing away his green card, according to Boston public radio WGBH. Schmidt was transferred to an ICE detention center in Rhode Island.

Immigration officials cited Schmidt's prior marijuana possession charge from 2015 in California, before the state legalized recreational cannabis, as justification for deportation. Schmidt, who moved from Germany to the U.S. in 2008 and received his green card in 2009, missed a related court hearing in California because the summons was sent to his former address after he moved to New Hampshire in 2022. Schmidt believed the charge had been dismissed following cannabis decriminalization.

His family emphasized that Schmidt had turned his life around, building a stable engineering career and raising an 8-year-old daughter with his American partner, both U.S. citizens, according to WGBH. However, CBP officials argued that his prior drug-related offense warranted deportation.

Hilton Beckham, Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs at CBP, refuted Schmidt's family’s allegations, telling Newsweek: "These claims [regarding Schmidt] are blatantly false with respect to CBP. When an individual is found with drug-related charges and tries to reenter the country, officers will take proper action."

Strict immigration enforcement under Trump has intensified scrutiny of green card and visa holders, sparking concerns about due process. Legal experts warn that expansive interpretations of immigration laws could result in deportations for minor infractions or subjective policy reasons.

Civil rights organizations and immigration attorneys continue to challenge the administration's actions, arguing many legal immigrants face unfair targeting.

Kripa Upadhyay, a Seattle-based immigration attorney, cautioned earlier this week in the Times of India that foreign nationals, especially those renewing H-1B or F-1 visas, should "really need to think twice" about international travel.

Ashwin Sharma, a Florida immigration lawyer, described incidents reported to the newspaper, where elderly Indian green card holders were allegedly pressured by CBP agents into signing Form I-407, voluntarily relinquishing their residency. Sharma noted some CBP officers intimidate travelers with threats of detention or deportation, despite only an immigration judge legally having authority to revoke a green card.

Immigration attorneys also report increased extensive questioning and detention for green card holders, advising them to pursue U.S. citizenship promptly. Those awaiting citizenship approval are advised against international travel until obtaining their American passports.

Lucas Sielaff, 25, from eastern Germany, shared his trouble after taking a short trip out of the U.S.

Sielaff told Der Spiegel magazine earlier this month, as reported by DW, that was detained for two weeks and deported back to Germany after visiting his American fiancée in Nevada. The couple had briefly traveled to Mexico to obtain veterinary care for her dog.

Upon returning, Sielaff faced intense interrogation. He believed the border officer assumed he was illegally residing in the U.S. and attempting to circumvent the 90-day visitation limit by briefly exiting the country.

A Russian national has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Binh Thuan People's Court in Vietnam after being found guilty of murdering a fellow countryman following a dispute over housing arrangements.

The Crime & Investigation
Roman Nikiforov, 41, was convicted on Friday for the killing of Vasilii Echushin, 45, a case that shocked the coastal tourism hotspot Ham Tien-Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province, when Echushin’s body was discovered in a field in 2024.

Court records reveal that on January 30, 2024, the two men got into an argument after Echushin asked Nikiforov for help in finding a new rental apartment. Their current residence in Phan Thiet City was set to be sold, and Echushin hoped they would move together. However, Nikiforov stated that he planned to rent a new place for himself alone, which infuriated Echushin, leading him to accuse Nikiforov of deception and attempt to assault him.

Believing Echushin was reaching for a weapon, Nikiforov retaliated by striking him multiple times on the head with a hammer, resulting in Echushin’s death.

Cover-Up & Arrest
After the killing, Nikiforov wrapped the body in a bed sheet and discarded it in a field before meticulously cleaning the crime scene and disposing of the victim’s belongings.

However, his efforts to hide the crime were futile. Locals discovered the corpse two days later, prompting a police investigation that quickly identified Nikiforov as the prime suspect.

Trial & Verdict
During the trial, Nikiforov admitted to the crime and pleaded for leniency, but the court handed down a severe 18-year prison sentence due to the brutal nature of the killing.

The case highlights the dangers of violent disputes and serves as a stark reminder of how personal conflicts can escalate into deadly confrontations.

Vietnam made history by clinching its first-ever World Cup sepak takraw title in the women's quadrant category after a thrilling victory over Thailand, the dominant force in the sport.

The highly anticipated final saw two of the world’s strongest teams face off in an intense showdown. Thailand, the birthplace of sepak takraw, has long reigned as the sport’s powerhouse, while Vietnam entered the tournament with momentum, having won the 2023 world championship.

With a formidable lineup featuring Tran Thi Ngoc Yen, Nguyen Thi My, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Huyen, and Nguyen Thi Yen, the Vietnamese squad set the tone early, storming to a 5-0 lead and extending it to 8-1 in the first set. Although Thailand mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 12-14, Vietnam held firm to claim the opening set 15-12.

Thailand responded strongly in the second set, adjusting their strategy to seize an early 5-1 lead. The defending champions struggled to regain control, and Thailand ultimately secured the set 15-12, setting the stage for a decisive third set.

The final set was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to gain a decisive edge. As the tension in the arena grew, Vietnam edged ahead at 14-13 and sealed the championship point with a dramatic finish, clinching a historic 15-13 victory. The momentous win ended Thailand’s long-standing dominance and marked a new era for Vietnam in sepak takraw.

Road to the Championship
Vietnam’s journey to the title was marked by stellar performances throughout the tournament. The team defeated:
✅ Republic of Korea (2-0)
✅ Myanmar (2-1)
✅ France (2-0)

Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Vietnam delivered an impressive campaign but fell short in the final against Thailand, suffering a 1-15, 9-15 defeat. The team, however, secured a silver medal, a commendable achievement on the world stage.

ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025
The ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is being held from March 20-25 at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Bihar, India, featuring over 300 athletes and trainers from 20 countries.

Athletes will compete in various categories, including:
🏆 Men’s & women’s regu (teams of three)
🏆 Doubles
🏆 Mixed team events

The Sport of Sepak Takraw
Often called "kick volleyball," sepak takraw is a high-energy sport where players use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit a woven rattan or plastic ball over a net. With its spectacular aerial kicks and acrobatic moves, the sport demands exceptional skill, agility, and coordination.

Vietnam’s groundbreaking victory in the women’s quadrant event not only solidifies its place among the world’s elite teams but also signals a bright future for the nation in sepak takraw.

Pistachios are more than just a delicious and convenient snack—they are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. Incorporating pistachios into a balanced diet can provide numerous benefits, including better heart health, improved weight management, enhanced eye protection, and stabilized blood sugar levels.

A standard serving of pistachios, which is approximately one ounce (28 grams), contains 165 calories, 6 grams of protein, 13 grams of total fat (with only 2 grams of it being saturated fat), 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of dietary fiber. Additionally, pistachios are an excellent source of important minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and folate, while also being free of cholesterol and extremely low in sodium.

One of the most notable health advantages of pistachios is their role in supporting healthy blood pressure levels. These nuts are naturally rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium—minerals that help regulate vascular function and promote better circulation. Studies suggest that individuals who consume pistachios regularly may experience a reduction in systolic blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.

Beyond heart health, pistachios are also beneficial for eye protection, thanks to their high content of lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids, which are naturally found in the retina, play a crucial role in shielding the eyes from harmful light exposure. By regularly consuming pistachios, individuals may lower their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, two common vision-related conditions that occur as people age.

Contrary to the misconception that nuts contribute to weight gain due to their fat content, pistachios can actually be an excellent aid in weight management. Their high protein and fiber content promotes satiety, helping individuals feel full for longer periods and reducing the likelihood of overeating. Additionally, research indicates that people who include pistachios in their diet tend to make healthier food choices overall, consuming fewer processed sugars while increasing their fiber intake—both of which contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.

For individuals concerned about blood sugar levels, pistachios can be an ideal snack choice. Their balanced composition of protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps stabilize blood glucose levels, preventing sudden spikes or crashes. This makes pistachios particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

Another emerging benefit of pistachios is their ability to promote gut health. These nuts support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which play a key role in digestion and overall health. Research suggests that pistachios help increase the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports colon health and reduces inflammation in the digestive system. While more studies are needed to fully understand this connection, the current findings suggest that pistachios contribute to a balanced gut microbiome.

Additionally, pistachios may help reduce the risk of cancer due to their high levels of antioxidants, including gamma-tocopherols, polyphenols, and phytochemicals. Antioxidants are crucial in preventing cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, which is a known factor in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. By consuming antioxidant-rich foods like pistachios, individuals may be able to lower their risk of developing certain types of cancer over time.

To fully enjoy the health benefits of pistachios, experts recommend consuming them in moderation. Ideally, one should eat around one ounce (28 grams) of unsalted, in-shell pistachios per day, as this allows for better portion control and ensures the maximum intake of their nutrients without excess sodium or added flavors.

While fruits are not typically associated with high protein content, some varieties offer a surprising amount of this essential nutrient. Guava, avocado, jackfruit, kiwi, and blackberries stand out as excellent choices for those looking to boost their protein intake through fruit.

Guava leads the list with 4.2 grams of protein per cup (165 grams). Beyond its protein content, guava is packed with vitamin C and fiber, which contribute to heart health, improved digestion, weight management, and a stronger immune system.

Avocado, known primarily for its healthy fats, also ranks high in protein, offering 3 to 4.6 grams per cup, depending on its preparation. This nutrient-dense fruit is rich in fiber and potassium, supporting digestion, detoxification, mood regulation, and bone health.

Jackfruit, often used as a meat substitute in vegan dishes, provides 2.8 grams of protein per cup. In addition to its protein content, it contains fiber and vital vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Jackfruit is beneficial for blood sugar management, immune health, skin care, and heart health.

Kiwi offers 2 grams of protein per cup and is loaded with vitamins C, E, and K, as well as folate, copper, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients help maintain heart and digestive health while strengthening the immune system.

Blackberries also provide 2 grams of protein per cup and are rich in vitamins C and K, manganese, and fiber. Their health benefits include improved brain function, cancer prevention, and heart disease protection, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.

Donald Trump has transformed the Oval Office into a dazzling showcase, fulfilling his promise of a "Golden Age" with a decor reflecting his signature flair. Gilded trophies, gold-plated Trump-branded coasters, and an abundance of presidential portraits now dominate the space, making it feel as much like a high-end TV set as the heart of American power.

The makeover is a stark contrast to his first term, with Trump now treating the Oval Office as part studio, part luxury real estate project. This week, he added a copy of the Declaration of Independence, a symbolic nod to America's break from the British monarchy 250 years ago. According to Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, the spectacle is the point. "Trump is very good at playing the role of Donald Trump," he said.

Trump’s choice of decor carries a clear political message. The Oval Office serves as a powerful backdrop for his frequent press conferences and meetings with world leaders—most notably his tense encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Among the many portraits now hanging is that of 19th-century president James Polk, who oversaw America's largest territorial expansion. The selection is no coincidence, given Trump’s recent remarks about annexing Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and taking control of Gaza.

Each president personalizes the Oval Office, but Trump’s redesign is a deliberate departure from his predecessor, Joe Biden. While Biden opted for a relatively modest setup with five portraits, Trump has filled nearly every available space, including a prominent placement for Ronald Reagan. Biden had a historic Swedish ivy plant linked to John F. Kennedy; Trump replaced it with seven ornate gilded vessels. He also reinstated a bust of Winston Churchill, which he had displayed during his first term.

Trump's branding is unmistakable throughout the space. A large map renaming the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" remains on display, and reports suggest he plans to pave over the Rose Garden to make it resemble the patio of Mar-a-Lago. Perhaps the most unconventional addition, however, is the gold-framed mugshot of Trump himself, taken in Georgia in 2023 after he was booked for allegedly attempting to interfere in the 2020 election.

True to his style, Trump has turned the Oval Office into a statement—not just of power, but of the spectacle that defines his political persona.

A 19-year-old British man who shot and killed his mother and two younger siblings, with aspirations of carrying out a high-profile school shooting, has been sentenced to a minimum of 49 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

At Luton Crown Court on Wednesday, Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb stated that she had considered a full life sentence for Nicholas Prosper but opted against it due to his age—he was 18 at the time of the murders—and his guilty plea.

Last month, Prosper admitted to murdering his mother, Juliana Falcon, 48, his 13-year-old sister, Giselle Prosper, and his 16-year-old brother, Kyle Prosper, at their shared apartment in Luton, Bedfordshire, on September 13. He had also stabbed his brother more than 100 times.

The judge told Prosper that his ultimate goal was "notoriety," as he wanted to be known posthumously as "the world's most famous school shooter of the 21st century." She noted that his case displayed recurring themes seen in school shootings worldwide, including a sexual interest in children, an online-induced detachment from reality, a lack of empathy, and the deliberate selection of a "uniform" for the attack.

The court heard that Prosper, who had struggled to stay in education or maintain a job, had been planning the attack on his family and his former elementary school for Friday the 13th, believing the infamous date would add to his notoriety.

He had forged a gun license, allowing him to purchase a shotgun and 100 cartridges from a legitimate firearms dealer the day before the murders. His initial plan was to kill his family while they slept, but his mother woke up and, realizing something was "terribly wrong," fought back.

After shooting his mother, Prosper placed a copy of the novel How to Kill Your Family on her legs. He then shot his sister as she hid under a table and proceeded to stab and shoot his brother.

"The lives of your own mother and younger brother and sister were to be collateral damage on the way to fulfilling your ambition," the judge said.

Prosper appeared "cheerful" when police arrested him in a nearby street, with blood on his hands, clothes, and glasses, according to the prosecution.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall of Bedfordshire Police read a statement on behalf of Prosper's father, Raymond Prosper, who said the deaths of his ex-partner and children were a devastating loss. He also credited the police's quick response for preventing further tragedy.

"Their deaths and the fast response of Bedfordshire Police stopped any other family in the community going through the pain we have suffered," he said.

A Southwest Airlines flight at Orlando International Airport aborted takeoff on Thursday after mistakenly beginning its departure on a taxiway instead of the designated runway. This incident is the latest in a series of aviation safety concerns in the U.S.

At around 9:30 a.m. ET, an air traffic controller canceled the takeoff clearance for Southwest Flight 3278 after noticing the aircraft had started its takeoff roll on a taxiway running parallel to the runway, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Taxiways are used for aircraft movement between terminals and runways, not for takeoff.

Southwest Airlines reported that the Boeing 737-800 stopped safely, returned to the gate, and that no injuries occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have both launched investigations into the incident. Southwest also stated it is working with the FAA to understand what led to the error and has since rebooked passengers on another flight.

This event follows a December FAA safety review of Southwest Airlines, prompted by previous incidents, including a flight in July that flew at dangerously low altitude over Tampa Bay and another in April that came within 400 feet (122 meters) of the ocean near Hawaii.

On Wednesday, the FAA announced plans to install enhanced safety technology at 74 U.S. airports by 2026 to help detect runway incursions. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also revealed upcoming plans to modernize the country’s air traffic control system, replacing outdated technology.

Concerns over U.S. aviation safety have grown following the January 29 fatal collision between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Reagan Washington National Airport, which resulted in 67 deaths.

The FAA has been conducting an audit of runway incursion risks at the 45 busiest U.S. airports since October. Over the past two years, a series of near-miss incidents has highlighted ongoing issues, particularly the strain on understaffed air traffic control operations. A shortage of controllers has caused delays and forced many to work mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts, exacerbating safety concerns.

A panel of experts convened by Japan’s Cabinet Office has issued new guidelines for over 44 million residents in the region surrounding Mount Fuji, emphasizing the need for preparedness in case of a major volcanic eruption.

The panel advised municipalities and households to maintain emergency supplies, such as food and water, as part of their disaster readiness plans. Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters, last erupted in 1707, but experts warn that a future eruption could have catastrophic consequences.

In the worst-case scenario, an eruption could blanket Tokyo, located about 100 kilometers northeast of the volcano, with up to 30 centimeters (nearly 12 inches) of ash. The report warned that such an accumulation could lead to the collapse of wooden houses, especially if combined with rain, and urged residents in affected areas to evacuate if necessary.

Even in less severe ashfall scenarios, large structures such as school gymnasiums—often used as evacuation centers—could suffer significant damage. The panel recommended that residents remain inside the affected area whenever possible and only evacuate in cases where their homes face severe structural damage.

Ashfall could also disrupt the delivery of essential supplies, making stockpiling crucial. The report noted that power outages, communication breakdowns, and deteriorating water quality are likely, particularly if rain mixes with volcanic ash. Transportation would also be severely affected, as roads covered in ash could become impassable for vehicles.

While the report outlined potential risks and preparedness measures, the experts clarified that it did not predict the timing or scale of Mount Fuji’s next eruption.

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, accusing it of misusing legal provisions to impose unlawful censorship. The case highlights ongoing tensions between tech giants and India's strict content regulations as Musk’s other ventures, Starlink and Tesla, prepare to enter the Indian market.

India, the world’s largest democracy, is consistently among the top five countries requesting content removals from social media platforms. X argues that the Indian government has been exploiting legal loopholes to silence dissent without proper safeguards. "According to X, this provision... is being misused to create an unlawful parallel mechanism for blocking information," reported Indian legal website Bar and Bench.

The case will be heard in Karnataka’s High Court on March 27 after an initial hearing failed to reach a resolution. This isn’t the first time X has clashed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

In 2023, an Indian court fined X $61,000 after rejecting its challenge against government orders to remove tweets critical of Modi. In 2024, X reaffirmed that its appeal against government-ordered bans on specific accounts and posts is still pending. "Due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders, but we believe that making them public is essential for transparency," X said in a statement.

The lawsuit comes at a critical time for Musk, as Tesla and Starlink prepare to expand into the Indian market. With India being the world’s fifth-largest economy, Musk is eyeing a massive business opportunity, but regulatory tensions over free speech could complicate those plans.

Critics argue that India's opaque censorship policies enable political control over online discourse, while the government insists these measures are necessary for national security and public order.

As the Karnataka High Court prepares to hear X’s case, the outcome could set a major precedent for online freedom in India—and influence the future relationship between Big Tech and Modi’s administration.

Legal immigrants and green card holders in the U.S. can face deportation, particularly under the Trump administration's strict immigration policies, if they have a criminal record or are considered a threat to foreign policy.

The U.S. government is seeking to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student arrested earlier this month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil, 30, a legal U.S. resident without a criminal record, was detained overnight in New Jersey before being transferred to an immigration facility in Jena, Louisiana.

Initially, ICE planned to revoke Khalil's student visa based on instructions from the U.S. State Department but discovered he was also a lawful permanent resident. Consequently, ICE pursued revoking his green card instead, and he currently awaits a deportation hearing in Louisiana, according to the AP.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Khalil's detention was related to President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. Khalil's arrest has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing he is unfairly targeted, raising questions about protections for international students and green card holders.

Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, an immigration law professor at Cornell Law School, told AP that lawful permanent residents generally have robust protections and "should be the most protected short of a U.S. citizen." However, Kelley-Widmer emphasized that protection is not absolute; green card holders can be deported for crimes, failure to update addresses with immigration authorities, or fraudulent marriages.

In Khalil's case, the U.S. government claims authority to revoke his residency, obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen. His deportation is pursued under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing removal if the Secretary of State determines a non-citizen's presence or activities could have "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" for the U.S., as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

While officials have not explicitly detailed how Khalil threatens U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials support deportation, accusing him of creating a hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia University. Combatting antisemitism has been a prominent foreign policy objective for Trump's administration.

Brazilians deported from the U.S. at Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus, Amazona, on Jan. 25, 2025. Photo by AFP

Khalil is not alone in facing deportation due to stricter immigration enforcement. Recently, multiple green card and visa holders have faced detention at U.S. entry points and prolonged stays in ICE facilities.

Rasha Alawieh, 34, a kidney transplant specialist at Brown University's medical school, was detained last week at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from Lebanon.

Her H-1B work visa issued by the U.S. consulate in Lebanon was revoked, and she was deported.

The Department of Homeland Security claimed on X on March 17 that Alawieh had "traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to attend the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah," the leader of Hezbollah. Alawieh maintained that she only joined crowds outside the stadium where the funeral occurred and did not attend the ceremony inside, AFP reported, citing an unnamed family member.

In another incident, Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German electrical engineer and green card holder residing in New Hampshire, was detained on March 7 at Boston Logan Airport upon returning from Europe. His mother alleged that CBP officers "violently interrogated" Schmidt and pressured him into signing away his green card, according to Boston public radio WGBH. Schmidt was transferred to an ICE detention center in Rhode Island.

Immigration officials cited Schmidt's prior marijuana possession charge from 2015 in California, before the state legalized recreational cannabis, as justification for deportation. Schmidt, who moved from Germany to the U.S. in 2008 and received his green card in 2009, missed a related court hearing in California because the summons was sent to his former address after he moved to New Hampshire in 2022. Schmidt believed the charge had been dismissed following cannabis decriminalization.

His family emphasized that Schmidt had turned his life around, building a stable engineering career and raising an 8-year-old daughter with his American partner, both U.S. citizens, according to WGBH. However, CBP officials argued that his prior drug-related offense warranted deportation.

Hilton Beckham, Assistant Commissioner of Public Affairs at CBP, refuted Schmidt's family’s allegations, telling Newsweek: "These claims [regarding Schmidt] are blatantly false with respect to CBP. When an individual is found with drug-related charges and tries to reenter the country, officers will take proper action."

Strict immigration enforcement under Trump has intensified scrutiny of green card and visa holders, sparking concerns about due process. Legal experts warn that expansive interpretations of immigration laws could result in deportations for minor infractions or subjective policy reasons.

Civil rights organizations and immigration attorneys continue to challenge the administration's actions, arguing many legal immigrants face unfair targeting.

Kripa Upadhyay, a Seattle-based immigration attorney, cautioned earlier this week in the Times of India that foreign nationals, especially those renewing H-1B or F-1 visas, should "really need to think twice" about international travel.

Ashwin Sharma, a Florida immigration lawyer, described incidents reported to the newspaper, where elderly Indian green card holders were allegedly pressured by CBP agents into signing Form I-407, voluntarily relinquishing their residency. Sharma noted some CBP officers intimidate travelers with threats of detention or deportation, despite only an immigration judge legally having authority to revoke a green card.

Immigration attorneys also report increased extensive questioning and detention for green card holders, advising them to pursue U.S. citizenship promptly. Those awaiting citizenship approval are advised against international travel until obtaining their American passports.

Lucas Sielaff, 25, from eastern Germany, shared his trouble after taking a short trip out of the U.S.

Sielaff told Der Spiegel magazine earlier this month, as reported by DW, that was detained for two weeks and deported back to Germany after visiting his American fiancée in Nevada. The couple had briefly traveled to Mexico to obtain veterinary care for her dog.

Upon returning, Sielaff faced intense interrogation. He believed the border officer assumed he was illegally residing in the U.S. and attempting to circumvent the 90-day visitation limit by briefly exiting the country.
VietBF@ Sưu tập

Mai Trieu Nguyen, a prominent figure in Vietnam’s technology sector, has passed away following severe injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Melbourne, Australia on March 5 (local time).


CEO Mai Trieu Nguyen. Photo: Facebook character

Nguyen was a well-known entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in the Vietnamese mobile phone market.

He founded the once-popular Mai Nguyen Mobile retail chain in Ho Chi Minh City.

In recent years, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nguyen shifted his focus to vlogging, producing travel videos featuring his journeys around the world on high-displacement motorcycles.

His final social media post, shared on the morning of March 5, featured scenes of Melbourne’s Docklands and a casual ride to test a new motorcycle.

He wrote cheerfully: “Morning everyone!” and teased his next adventure video, unaware it would be his last.

Nguyen, born in 1976, was involved in a motorcycle accident on the West Gate Freeway in Melbourne on March 5.

The incident left two motorcyclists badly injured, especially Nguyen, and caused significant traffic disruptions throughout Melbourne.

His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from Vietnam’s tech and biking communities, who remember him not only as a successful businessman but also as a passionate explorer.

The passing of Mr. Mai Trieu Nguyen is a great loss for the technology-loving community and large-displacement motorbikes, who are passionate about traveling in Vietnam.

VietBF@ Sưu tập