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Showing posts with the label local news

Woman from Mekong Delta Defies Odds to Find Unlikely Love

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Hoang Huong had always struggled with the idea of love. Her confidence was deeply affected by her weight, which she believed made her unattractive and unworthy of a relationship. This fear led her to avoid romantic connections, convinced that no one would ever see past her appearance. However, fate had other plans for her. In January 2025, an unexpected message arrived on her phone: "Hi, I saw you at the intersection just now and I found you very cute. If you’re open to it, I’d love to get to know you better." The sender was Loc Tho, a man who had already seen her in person before the message was even sent. Hoang Huong and Loc Tho in Dong Thap, December 2025. Photo courtesy of Huong Tho had known about Huong long before he reached out. He had worked at the same electronics retail store as her brother-in-law, who had shown him photos of her on multiple occasions. Despite this, Tho had never taken the initiative to contact her. It wasn’t until a chance encounter that every...

Phu Quoc Night Market Closes After Tet Holiday

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Phu Quoc Night Market to Temporarily Halt Operations Duong Dong Night Market, a bustling hub in Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, is set to suspend operations after the Lunar New Year holiday. This decision comes as part of efforts to improve urban management and ensure smoother traffic flow in the area. On January 9, local authorities confirmed that traders at Bach Dang Night Market, also known as Duong Dong, will be allowed to operate until February 28. This date corresponds to the 12th day of the first lunar month, marking the end of the Tet holiday period. The decision was made to support small traders who have already prepared goods for the upcoming Tet celebrations, which begin on February 17. The market has long been a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a wide range of food, souvenirs, and entertainment. It features over 100 stalls and is considered one of the best places to experience local life on the island. Despite its popularity, the market has...

HCMC Shocks with Record Cold, Unseen in a Decade

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A cold gust sent shivers through Hong Yen as she opened her apartment balcony in Binh Phu Ward, HCMC, at 6 a.m. on Friday. She checked her phone and saw the temperature had dropped to 17 degrees Celsius. She went back inside to find a sweater that she usually wears only when visiting her husband’s hometown in Nghe An Province during the Lunar New Year. "Last night we turned off the air conditioner and slept under thick blankets but it was still cold in the morning. My seven-year-old said it felt like winter," the office worker said. Before sending her two children to school, she made them drink warm honey lemon water and wear hats and face masks. She also placed a few lozenges in their backpacks to prevent sore throats. On Friday morning, cold air spread into southern Vietnam, lowering temperatures in HCMC to 17-19 degrees Celsius. Weather apps showed that the perceived temperature in some areas was even lower, marking the city’s lowest level in the past 10 years. Locals...

Realistic Abalone Cushion Goes Viral Online

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A Unique Commemorative Gift Captivates Online Communities An abalone cushion, a special gift offered by the "Hometown Love Donation System" in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, has sparked widespread online discussion due to its remarkably realistic design that closely mirrors a real abalone. The item has captured the attention of many, with users expressing both surprise and admiration for its lifelike appearance. A user shared their experience on X (formerly known as Twitter) on the 10th, detailing how they donated to Wando County through the Hometown Love Donation System and received the abalone cushion as a gift. In their post, the user wrote, “It’s more realistic than I expected,” and included photos that showcased the cushion. These images quickly drew attention for their striking resemblance to an actual abalone. The photos reveal a shell-like surface that appears to glisten as if water droplets have formed on it. The abalone's distinct color and texture are...

Herder Killed, Cattle Poisoned in Plateau Community

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Tragic Incident in Bokkos Local Government Area On Sunday, a tragic event occurred in the Kira village of Bokkos Local Government Area in Plateau State, where a herder named Yakubu Salisu was allegedly killed while grazing his cattle. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the ongoing violence affecting pastoralists. The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Jos. He stated that the assailants stormed the grazing field and stabbed the victim to death. According to Babayo, the group has informed all the security agencies responsible for maintaining peace in the state. "The herder was just attacked and stabbed by the assailants," Babayo said. "I called the heads of security agencies including the Police, DSS, and Commander Operation Enduring Peace. I call on security agencies to investigate and arrest the perpetrators of the ...

Farmers of Natore Block Road for Fertilizer

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Farmers Block Road in Naldanga Demanding Fertilizer On Sunday, farmers in Naldanga upazila of Natore district took to the streets to block a road, demanding the immediate supply of fertilizer ahead of the boro season. The protest was sparked by the lack of availability of essential agricultural inputs, which is critical for ensuring a successful harvest. Around 10 am, a group of farmers visited the shop of Shyam Sundar Agarwal, a local fertilizer dealer located at the Naldanga intersection, hoping to collect their share of the fertilizer. However, they were met with disappointment as the store did not have the necessary supplies. This led to frustration among the farmers, who then decided to stage a demonstration in front of the upazila Agriculture Office. The protest quickly escalated, with farmers blocking roads at the upazila headquarters point. They also demanded the removal of the Upazila Agriculture Officer, Kishoar Hossain, citing his failure to ensure the timely distribution...

Northern College Wins Top Honor at 41st National Farmers’ Day

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Recognition of Excellence in Agricultural Education The Northern College of Science and Technology, located in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region, has been awarded the 2025 National Best Junior High School in Practical Agriculture at the 41st National Farmers’ Day awards ceremony. This prestigious event took place in Ho, within the Volta region, and highlighted the school’s remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture. This recognition is a testament to the school's dedication to promoting agricultural practices and cultivating future agricultural leaders. The award comes with a significant package of support, including the construction of a 12-unit classroom block by GETFund and a brand-new mini-bus from Beft Agro. Additionally, the school received a 22-horsepower diesel multi-functional tricycle equipped with a thresher, sprayers, cutlasses, knapsack sprayers, wellington boots, and various agro-chemicals. Mr Nathaniel Adams, the founder of the Northern Colleg...

Clumsy Contractors Cut Down Wrong Cherry Tree Due to Confused Addresses

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A Cherry Tree in South-West London Felled by a Miscommunication A cherry tree, known for its beauty and maturity, was mistakenly cut down in a leafy south-west London borough. The incident occurred when contractors from Premier Tree Care & Conservation confused the street names of two different areas, resulting in the tree being felled on Priory Road in Kew, Richmond, instead of one located on a similar-named street in Ealing. Residents in the area were deeply upset by the loss of what they described as a "healthy, mature, and very beautiful" tree. They claimed they tried to intervene before the tree was removed, but the situation escalated quickly. Alison Murphy, a local resident, shared her experience with the BBC. She said that the workers informed her the tree was diseased and showed her a letter from Ealing Council. However, she later realized that the team was operating in the wrong borough and on the wrong road. "I wish I'd realized that they were in t...

Foreign Tourist Honored as Hero in Midnight Flood Rescue in Nha Trang

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When Nha Trang was plunged into darkness and its streets were under nearly a meter of water on the night of Nov. 19, South African tourist Arshaad Yousuph joined rescuers to save trapped people. More than two weeks later he says he is still haunted by images of submerged houses and the desperate cries for help he heard in the middle of that day. He says he saw a steady stream of Facebook posts about people in peril including a family trapped in a collapsing home. "Her voice was panicked." He went to the local military headquarters to ask how he could join the rescue efforts. He was told to call the emergency number, 122, but with the power out and phone lines unstable, his calls could not get through. Yousuph returned to the hotel and felt restless and unsettled. His mind was filled with the cries of marooned elderly people and frightened children. Arshaad Yousuph joins locals to help evacuate people trapped in floodwaters in Nha Trang on the night of Nov. 19, 2025. Phot...

NEMA Closes Eight Entertainment Venues for Noise Violations

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NEMA Orders Closure of Eight Establishments for Noise Pollution Violations The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has taken decisive action against eight entertainment venues in Nairobi and the Coast, ordering their immediate closure due to repeated violations of noise pollution regulations. These establishments have failed to comply with environmental restoration orders issued after a public notice on noise pollution control dated 18 September 2025. The affected outlets include: Kettle House on Muthangari Drive Boba Drinks and Café in Kilimani Speedy's Bar and Restaurant on Watamu Beach Road Bar Next Door on Othaya Road in Kilimani Emirates Lounge in the Pipeline area Infusion Lounge in Ruaka along Limuru Road Status Lounge also in Ruaka Kifaru Place on Mombasa Road NEMA highlighted that these facilities continue to generate noise complaints from nearby residents, despite previous warnings. The agency emphasized that the establishments must close...

Kenya Power Cuts Power in 10 Counties Wednesday

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Scheduled Power Outages in Kenya for December 3, 2025 Kenya Power has announced a series of planned power interruptions scheduled for December 3, 2025, across ten counties. These outages are necessary to carry out essential maintenance works aimed at improving the stability and reliability of the electricity network. The affected regions include several key areas, with Nairobi expected to experience the most significant disruptions. Businesses and residents in at least three major areas will face power cuts from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The specific locations include Mihango and Garage Road, where customers such as Kenya Builders, Karagitha, Comboni, and Royal Ambassadors will be impacted. In Rosslyn, parts of the area, including the Canadian and American Embassies and Rosslyn Lone Tree, will endure an eight-hour outage from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Several other counties will also face full-day power interruptions, primarily lasting from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nakuru County Nakuru Co...

Nguyen Hue Tet 'Flower Street' Introduces Food Stalls for First Time

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A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Tradition Nguyen Hue, a bustling street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is set to transform into a vibrant "flower street" for eight days during the Lunar New Year. This annual event, which has become a cherished tradition, will feature not only an array of colorful flowers but also food stalls, marking a new addition to the festivities. City authorities have announced that the event will open to the public at 7 p.m. on February 15 and will continue until February 22. The celebration will be spread across both sides of Nguyen Hue Street and at its intersection with Le Loi Street. Organizers are planning to set up nearly 50 food booths, offering a wide variety of local delicacies to visitors. The Lunar New Year, known as Tet in Vietnam, is the most significant festival in the country, and the "flower street" event has evolved into a cultural hallmark of Ho Chi Minh City. Last year, the street attracted over 1.2 million visit...

NESREA Closes Six Ogun Recycling Plants for Environmental Violations

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Enforcement Actions Target Illegal Recycling Practices The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has taken decisive action against illegal recycling operations in the Ogijo community of Ogun State. In collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, NESREA sealed six recycling facilities on Thursday due to non-compliance with the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and a protocol designed to ensure the environmentally sound management of used lead-acid batteries. The enforcement action highlights growing concerns over unsafe recycling practices that release toxic lead and other heavy metals into the environment. These practices pose significant risks to both residents and the surrounding ecosystem. The Ogijo area, known as a key hub for battery recycling, has long been associated with complaints of lead contamination, soil degradation, and air pollution caused by improper waste handling. Compliance Measures and S...

Simon Isiaho: Principal Found Dead in River Finally Laid to Rest

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A Tragic Loss in Kakamega, Kenya In the quiet village of Ludodo, located in Likuyani Sub-County, the community gathered to say a final farewell to Simon Isiaho Shange, the principal of Munyuki Secondary School. His burial was marked by deep sorrow and emotional outbursts from family members, friends, and students who had once been under his guidance. Shange’s body was discovered in River Chikali days after he went missing on Monday, November 3. At the time, he was en route to collect the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination papers for his students. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have raised serious concerns, with authorities suspecting foul play. Initial findings suggest that he may have suffered torture before his death, leaving many questions unanswered. The funeral service took place on November 25, drawing a large crowd of mourners. Among them were teachers from Lugari, who expressed their fears about the current state of affairs in their...

Police Uncover Shocking Clue in Search for Missing Gus Lamont

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Ongoing Search for Missing Four-Year-old Gus Lamont Police are set to return to Oak Park Station on 25 November 2025 to continue the search for four-year-old Gus Lamont, who was last seen on 27 September 2025. The search is expected to last up to three days and will involve officers from the STAR Group and Task Force Horizon using specialized equipment to examine six mine shafts in the area. The uncovered and unfenced shafts are located between 5.5km and 12km from the Oak Park homestead in areas that have not been searched on foot by police. Previously, the locations of these sites were unknown to the authorities. Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams emphasized that the new searches are part of ongoing investigations under Task Force Horizon. “We are determined to explore every avenue in an effort to locate Gus Lamont and provide some closure for his family,” she stated. “These searches will either locate evidence or eliminate these locations from further investigation by th...

Body Found in Bag After Suspects Flee High-Rise in Ho Chi Minh City

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A body was discovered inside a large bag at a high-rise apartment building in Ho Chi Minh City following an incident involving two suspicious men who fled the scene, prompting an ongoing police investigation. Residents of the building on Nguyen Huu Canh Street reported spotting two men carrying a suitcase and a large blue duffel bag on the afternoon of November 23. Their unusual behavior immediately raised concerns among those present. Several individuals noticed a strong, foul odor emanating from the luggage, which further heightened their suspicion. When some residents attempted to confront the men, both quickly broke away and ran, eventually jumping into a taxi and vanishing from sight. After the men left, a group of residents decided to open the large bag. Inside, they found a human body. The shocking discovery sent waves of fear and confusion through the community. Many residents described the suspects as foreign nationals who had previously rented an apartment in the buildin...

Nyashinski Unveils 'Showman' Residency Set for April 2026

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A New Era in Kenyan Theater Nyashinski is excited to unveil Showman, a groundbreaking theatrical event that will take place in April 2026 in Nairobi. This production marks a significant step forward in the world of Kenyan performing arts, building upon the success of his earlier stage production, SHIN CITY. Unlike previous performances, Showman will be presented as a theatrical residency, offering fans and new audiences an immersive and high-quality experience. What Makes Showman Unique The Showman residency is designed to provide a unique blend of choreography, storytelling, and performance. Each show will be carefully rehearsed and staged to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees. The format allows for multiple performances over several days, giving more people the opportunity to witness the artistry firsthand. The schedule for Showman includes: Saturday, 4th April, 2026 – 1 Show Sunday, 5th April, 2026 – 2 Shows Wednesday, 8th April, 2026 – 1 VIP Sh...

Daystar Student Missing 3 Years After Disappearance

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A Disappearance That Haunts a Family Three years ago, Paul Charles Agesa left his hostel at Daystar University in Athi River to buy food and never returned. His disappearance has left his family in a state of unending sorrow and confusion. At the time of his vanishing, Paul was a 24-year-old Computer Science student, full of dreams and aspirations. He had gone out for a simple errand—something that many students do every day. But this time, he did not return. His roommate noticed he was missing, but there were no signs of distress or unusual behavior. Paul was known to be quiet and reserved, often keeping his thoughts to himself. Margaret, his mother, recalls the moment she received the news with disbelief. She imagined her son walking through the door any minute. Instead, hours turned into days, and the reality of his absence began to set in. The family immediately reported the matter to the Athi River Police Station, where officers launched an investigation. However, the lack of...

Capital Region Apartment Supply to Fall 26% Next Year

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Approximately 12,467 households are expected to move into new homes in the capital region during December. With a projected 20% decrease in housing supply for next year compared to this year, the jeonse and monthly rental markets are likely to face continued instability. According to data from Zigbang released on the 24th, the total number of apartment move-ins nationwide for December this year is recorded at 20,077 households. This represents a 13% decline from the previous month's figure of 22,999 households. Of these, 62%—or 12,467 households—are set to be allocated in the capital region. Specifically, Gyeonggi Province will accommodate 6,448 households, while Seoul and Incheon will see 4,229 and 1,790 households respectively. In non-capital regions, the number of households moving into new apartments is expected to decrease by 17% compared to the previous month. The total for next month stands at 7,610 households, with the Honam region accounting for a significant portion. J...

Fire in Jinju Leaves Two Residents in Critical Condition

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Fire Incident at Multi-Family Housing Complex in Jinju A fire broke out early in the morning at a multi-family housing complex in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, resulting in two residents being found in cardiac arrest. The incident occurred around 4:52 a.m. on the 22nd at a four-story building located in Sangbong-dong, Jinju. Flames spread quickly, consuming household items and filling the area with thick smoke, which led to an urgent evacuation of eight residents. Among those affected, a man in his 30s and another in his 20s were discovered in cardiac arrest and immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment. A third individual, a man in his 50s, is currently receiving care for smoke inhalation. All three injured individuals are confirmed to be residents of the second floor of the building. The fire caused significant damage, burning through various household items, including a boiler. It covered an area of approximately 56 square meters before it was finally extinguishe...