How to Choose the Perfect International School for Your Child

Choosing the right international school involves more than just evaluating the curriculum; it means finding a nurturing environment, a future-focused academic path, and a supportive community that will shape your child's character and intellect.

At The American School (TAS), a U.S.-accredited international school located in An Phu, Ho Chi Minh City, students are empowered with the confidence and skills to succeed globally, while enjoying a well-rounded school experience that balances learning and play.

Students on graduation day. Photo courtesy of TAS

A strong academic foundation

One of the top priorities for parents selecting an international school is ensuring high-quality education and well-rounded development for their child. In the 2024–2025 academic year alone, TAS Grade 12 students secured over 30 scholarships worth more than US$2 million from prestigious universities, including UC Berkeley, UC Davis, the University of Toronto, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, RMIT, MICA, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

These impressive achievements stem from TAS's personalized American-standard curriculum, long-term academic planning, experienced international faculty, and a dedicated college counseling program that begins as early as Grade 9.

Khoa Thi, mother of Grade 12 student Nguyen Thu Ky, shared: "When our daughter chose UC Berkeley in California, we knew the journey wouldn't be easy. But the teachers always supported her in reaching her dream."

Ky was not only accepted into UC Berkeley, one of the most prestigious and competitive public universities in the U.S., but also received three additional scholarships totaling over US$200,000 from other American institutions.

Students are encouraged to show follow their dreams and hobbies like painting, dancing or singing... Photo courtesy of TAS

Multiple pathways to success

Harvard professor Howard Gardner demonstrated that intelligence is not limited to IQ or logical-mathematical abilities. Children can thrive in many areas - arts, sports, social interaction, spatial reasoning, and more. TAS embraces this belief by fostering a human-centered learning environment that empowers each student to unlock their full potential.

One example is Nick Q. Tran, also known as Tran Quang Duc, a 2015 TAS graduate and now one of Vietnam's top sports KOLs. "Sports have always been a part of my life, and it started at TAS," he said. "I trained on the school courts, was selected for the national basketball team, and today, football is my full-time career. TAS gave me the discipline and passion to pursue sports professionally, just like any core subject like math or science."

The American School's 25,000-square-meter campus in central District 2 includes 100 modern classrooms, a 35,000-book library, high-tech science labs, a professional auditorium, and a full-scale sports complex with two soccer fields, two basketball courts, two swimming pools, a gym, and a boxing studio. Programs in arts, STEAM, sports, and soft skills are thoughtfully designed to support students' cognitive, physical, emotional, and creative development.

Van Xuan Thien (L), CEO and educator of TAS, actively participates in student activities. Photo courtesy of TAS

Leadership and collaboration

Under the leadership of new CEO Van Xuan Thien, TAS has undergone significant upgrades, from campus improvements and curriculum modernization to attracting world-class educators and academic experts. "Our vision is to make TAS one of the leading American-standard international schools in Vietnam, where students are inspired to learn, empowered to grow, and prepared to become global citizens," said Thien.

At The American School, education is a partnership between the school and families. Parents are viewed as essential contributors to each child's success. The school encourages open communication and trust within its diverse, multicultural community.

TAS not only offers a world-class education but also provides a financially competitive option. Tuition fees are roughly two-thirds that of other international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. The school is currently offering tuition discounts of up to VND100 million (US$3,832) for the first 25 new students enrolling for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Learn more about TAS or book a school tour here .

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Under a Shared Roof: The Heartrending Lives of Two Families in Rural Vietnam

For years, a 98-year-old veteran and a deaf-mute couple in the central province of Ha Tinh have dreamed of a sturdy home, but that dream has yet to be realized.

In Hamlet 3 of Huong Thuy Commune, Huong Khe District, nestled in a narrow alley, stands the crumbling three-room home of Tran Viet Van, 98. Built 24 years ago with the family's savings, the house, made of pine planks and topped with a fiber roofing, is visibly deteriorating. Termites have eaten through the wooden walls, the roof is riddled with holes, and the support beams are severely decayed.

Van, a veteran of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu who also served in Laos and southern Vietnam, shares the house with his wife, Nguyen Thi Tam, who is 100 and bedridden with cognitive decline. The couple relies on their daughter-in-law, Nguyen Thi Hong, who lives 2 kilometers away, for daily help with cooking, cleaning, and personal care.

Veteran Tran Viet Van in Ha Tinh Province. Photo by Duc Hung

Van and his wife have three children, all of whom live nearby but are financially constrained and unable to offer much support. Each month, the elderly couple receives a pension and social allowance totaling just over VND4 million (US$152.62), which barely covers medicine and daily essentials, leaving no funds for repairs.

For years, Van has watched his home deteriorate. In the summer, their house turns into a furnace, and winters are bitterly cold. He once saved more than VND10 million to reinforce the roof, but a relapse of old war injuries forced him to spend the money on medical treatment instead.

"I feel sorry for my wife. My heart aches whenever I see her huddle up during rainy days," Van said. On stormy days, he would call his children to stretch tarps and stuff bricks into the gaping holes. If the storms grew too fierce, the couple had to seek shelter at their children's homes.

Hong revealed that the family once discussed borrowing money to build a new house, but Van refused, insisting the funds should go toward his grandchildren's education. He even threatened, "I won't live in it."

Tran Viet Van sits outside of his run-down home in Ha Tinh in early April 2025. Photo by Ngoc Anh

"My parents-in-law always put their children and grandchildren first," Hong said. When the cold and damp weather sets in, she often stays overnight at their house, burning charcoal in an aluminum basin beside their bed. After a storm last year severely damaged the house, the family reinforced it with thick steel cables, which now make the house "look like a bunker," according to Hong.

As a young man, Van dreamed of building a sturdy one-story house that could withstand storms. Now nearing 100, that dream remains unfulfilled. Yet, the wounded veteran still considers himself lucky to have returned home and to be surrounded by children and grandchildren. "Many never made it back from the battlefield," he said. "I’m grateful just to be here."

Still, if he had one last wish, it would be for a proper house—not for himself, but for his frail wife. "If I pass away first, where will she live when this house finally gives way?" he said.

About 500 meters from Van’s home, a winding dirt road leads uphill to the modest home of Mai Hai Dang, 30. Perched halfway up a hill, the 60-square-meter mortar-walled house, built in 2010, now suffers from a leaking roof and cracked walls.

Mai Hai Dang (L) and his mother Phan Thi Hien. Photo by Duc Hung

Dang's life has been as rough as the path to his door.

His mother, Phan Thi Hien, 60, recounted the struggles of raising a child with congenital deafness. The family borrowed money and traveled to multiple hospitals in search of treatment, but their efforts yielded no results. Eventually, Hien came to terms with her son's condition and taught herself sign language so she could communicate with him more fully.

Dang shared that by age five, he was fully aware of his condition and felt deep sadness. School became impossible; instead, he stayed home, helping his parents with odd jobs. Later, Dang attended a vocational training center for people with disabilities in Ha Tinh City, where he met Nguyen Thi Quynh, who shares his condition.

"Six years ago, he quietly slipped me a note that read, ‘I want to get married,’" Hien recalled. Shocked, she asked him what the other person was like. He signed, "She has the same condition as me."

Mai Hai Dang’s home perched halfway up rugged hills in Ha Tinh. Photo by Ngoc Anh

Despite concerns about their shared disability, Hien and her husband agreed to the marriage, hoping Dang would have a companion to share life’s burdens.

Three months later, the couple wed. In 2020, Quynh gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Hien said she held her breath for months, fearing her granddaughter might inherit her parents’ disability. But at 18 months old, the child called out, "mom and dad—grandpa and grandma," leaving the whole family in tears.

Today, Dang proudly signs to neighbors, "My daughter can talk."

Dang shared that his family motivates him to overcome adversity. Despite poor health, he picks up construction jobs when possible to pay for milk and his daughter’s kindergarten, covering basic costs. Yet, with a monthly income of just VND3–4 million, saving for house repairs remains out of reach.

Whenever it rains, Dang scrambles to catch the water dripping through the cracked roof with basins and buckets. Hien has thought many times of taking a bank loan to build a new house, but she fears falling ill and leaving her son with the heavy burden of debt.

Dang often tells his mother that he wants to save up to move the family away from the landslide-prone hill. Above all, he dreams of giving his four-year-old daughter a safe, sturdy home where she can grow up well.

Ha Van Dan, Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee of Huong Khe District, said that Van and Dang's families have long been classified as poor households under policy support. Occasionally, local authorities provide them with small-scale assistance for farming or unsecured loans. However, they rarely receive support from associations or organizations.

"Regarding housing, for years they've lived in dilapidated, makeshift structures that are unsafe during storms. Their dream of a sturdy house to shield them from sun and rain is a constant longing, but one they never dared to make plans for due to their dire circumstances," Dan said.

To help Tran Viet Van's and Mai Hai Dang's families secure safe homes, Hope Foundation, in partnership with Agribank, is running the "House of Hope" program. Readers can contribute to the initiative to eliminate temporary houses and dilapidated houses for poor and disadvantaged households in Ha Tinh Province here .

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Dramatic Rescue: Two Women Save Collapsed Teen on Tokyo Train

TOKYO -- Two women acted quickly and saved a teenager who collapsed on a Tokyo train on May 8.

On June 29, they were thanked by the Tokyo Fire Department for their actions, and awarded certificates.

Around 10:30 a.m., a teenage girl suddenly fell down inside a train after it left Musashi-Kosugi Station. The girl's heart had stopped, and she needed help quickly.

Airu Shiozaki, a 22-year-old university student, was on the train. She heard someone quietly ask for help. In high school and university, she learned how to help people in emergencies. Shiozaki quickly ran to the girl and began giving her air (artificial respiration).

Another passenger on the train, Megumi Saiki, 51, also stood up quickly to help. Saiki works at a hospital and learned how to help people whose hearts have stopped. Saiki began pushing on the girl's chest (chest compressions) right away.

Other people also helped. Some passengers covered the girl with clothes to give her privacy. Another passenger pushed the emergency button inside the train.

The train soon arrived at Jiyugaoka Station in Tokyo. Emergency workers took the girl to a hospital, and she survived.

On June 29, the Tokyo Fire Department gave awards to Shiozaki and Saiki for saving the teenager's life. Nine other people on the train who also helped received special awards.

Shiozaki remembered that her class taught her, "If someone acts quickly, the chance of saving the person goes up a lot. Everyone should try to help." She said these words gave her courage to help.

Saiki said, "One person can't do everything alone. But when many people work together, we can save someone's life."

The chief of the Tokyo Fire Department's Meguro Fire Station said, "It's important to know how to help in an emergency. Also, it's important to quickly call 119 for help."

(Japanese original by Yuka Asahina, Tokyo City News Department)

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Russia Becomes First Nation to Recognize Taliban Rule

The Taliban government said Russia has made a "brave decision" and set an example for others. Moscow said it wants to boost economic cooperation and help Kabul tackle drug-trafficking and terrorism.

Afghanistan's Taliban government said on Thursday Russia had become the first nation to recognize its rule.

The announcement came after Aghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul on Thursday.

"This brave decision will be an example for others... Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone," Muttaqi said in a video posted on X.

"We believe that the act of official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will boost the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in several areas," Russia's foreign ministry shared on the Telegram app.

Russia to help Taliban tackle terrorism, drug-trafficking

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said it would help Kabul tackle terrorism and drug-trafficking, while also boosting economic cooperation.

"The move signals that strategic interests will always outweigh human rights and international law," said Mariam Solaimankhil, a former member of Afghanistan's parliament and critic of the Taliban.

Afghanistan has seen decades of instability, including a 20-year war conducted by the US and other forces. This ended when the US withdrew its troops in 2021.

The Taliban grabbed back power in 2021 after ousting the government and have since then imposed strict Islamic law.

Moscow had earlier removed the Taliban from their list of terrorist organizations , and accepted an ambassador from their government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2024 referred to the Taliban as "allies in the fight against terrorism."

They previously ruled the country during 1996-2001, when they were only recognized by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirate and Pakistan.

During this stint, some states such as China and Pakistan have accepted Taliban ambassadors without officially recognizing the Islamic Emirate, as the country is officially known.

The Taliban government has clamped down on civil liberties of Afghans , especially on women and girls for which they have received international condemnation.

Edited by Sean Sinico

Author: Tanika Godbole (with dpa, AFP, AP, Reuters)

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VW Tiguan vs ID. Buzz GTX: Where Practical Power Meets Electric Nostalgia

What happens when one carmaker produces two radically different vehicles , You get Volkswagen ’s Tiguan and ID. Buzz GTX , a tale of practical legacy clashing with electric reinvention. One is a staple SUV designed for families and efficiency , the other is a rolling tribute to van life, electrified for the modern age. Let’s start with size . The Tiguan measures just over 4.5 meters compact, tidy, and city friendly. In contrast, the ID. Buzz GTX stretches nearly five metres, offering van level space with a retro vibe that turns heads wherever it goes. Underneath, their powertrains tell two stories. The ID. Buzz GTX features a fully electric setup with 340 horsepower , while the Tiguan maxes out at 272 horsepower in its hybrid version. Although the ID. Buzz is slower, capped at 160 km/h compared to the Tiguan ’s 240 km/h, it wins cool points with its zero emissions profile and futuristic charm. Range is another defining factor. The ID. Buzz GTX offers around 480 km on a full charge, ideal for both city life and weekend escapes. The Tiguan uses a more traditional approach, relying on petrol or diesel with plugin hybrid options, offering the comfort of quick fuel stops but less sustainability.

Design sets these two even further apart. The Tiguan plays it safe sleek, clean, and practical. It’s German engineering at its most straightforward. On the other hand, the ID. Buzz GTX is a nostalgic revival of the legendary VW Microbus , updated with sharp angles, LED lighting, and playful personality. When it comes to heritage , the Tiguan represents the core of Volkswagen ’s modern vehicle success reliable, capable, and family friendly since the mid 2000s. The ID. Buzz GTX , meanwhile, channels VW ’s 1970s spirit, now recharged with modern tech, electric motors, and bold design. Culturally, the Tiguan is the dependable workhorse of family SUV s. The ID. Buzz GTX , however, is a lifestyle statement ideal for those who crave individuality, sustainability, and a touch of nostalgia with their tech. And of course, there’s price . The Tiguan starts around €40,000 , offering solid value in the compact SUV market. The ID. Buzz GTX , with all its electric swagger and space, begins closer to €75,000 . So, what’s your ride , the classic, proven utility of the Tiguan or the futuristic retro expression of the ID. Buzz GTX ? One is logic, the other a lifestyle. Pick your lane.

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Pauline Hanson Urges Australia: 'Act NOW Before It's Too Late'

• Pauline Hanson says major parties ignoring youth vote

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has accused both major parties of ignoring the plight of young Australians battling to ever afford a house by presiding over high immigration.

Record-high immigration levels under Labor have worsened Australia's housing affordability crisis, with the median house price in capital cities now above $1million - putting it well beyond the reach of an average, full-time worker earning $102,742.

Senator Hanson said both Labor and the Coalition were more focused on winning votes in marginal seats rather than making housing affordable.

'Young Aussies want to own a home, start a family, and live in a nation they can be proud of, but both major parties are standing in the way,' she said.

'Labor buys votes with handouts, then dumps the debt on the next generation.

'The Liberals skirt around the real issues, too afraid of losing votes to fight back against the decline.

'Meanwhile, mass immigration keeps driving up housing demand, straining services, and undercutting wages. Australians are being pushed to the back of the queue in their own country.'

Last year, 340,800 migrants moved to Australia on a permanent and long-term basis.

This net figure, factoring in departures, was lower than the record-high levels approaching 550,000 in 2023.

But it was significantly higher than the 194,000 who came to Australia in the lead-up to Covid in 2020.

As a result, house prices in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide have outpaced wages growth since the pandemic, even though the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates 13 times in 2022 and 2023.

The average-full time worker can now longer afford the median-priced house in any major capital city market, except Darwin, and now working couples are struggling to get into the property market.

Senator Hanson wants annual immigration levels capped at 130,000, where it was two decades ago before the mining boom.

'It's time to put Australians first, with affordable housing, fairer tax for families, and a government that backs the people who built this nation,' she said.

'If we want to create a future worth inheriting, we need to act now.'

Labor is promising to build 1.2million homes over five years, or 240,000 a year.

But in the year to May, just 182,894 new homes were approved, new Australian Bureau of Statistics data released this week showed, leading to building activity failing to keep pace with rapid population growth.

Anthony Albanese 's Labor government was re-elected in a landslide with a $16billion plan to slash student debt by 20 per cent , saving a graduate an average of $5,520.

But Senator Hanson said cutting Higher Education Contribution Scheme debt amounted to a form of generational pork barrelling to get the youth vote, along with a government guarantee enabling all first-home buyers to get into the property market with a small, five per cent deposit.

'Labor has bought a lot of the young votes with the HECS debt, so getting rid of that and also propping up their deposit on their house, which I think is going to see a lot of the young ones fall over with that because they've still got to make the repayments too to their debt,' she told Sky News host Caleb Bond.

'Their vote's been bought. People have become so self-centred these days, it's all about me. What is in it for me?'

Hanson said Labor was letting Australians down on key issues, including failing to get an exemption from 50 per cent tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium from Donald Trump.

'First, Albanese gets cold-shouldered by Trump. No real relationship, no respect. Penny Wong flies over for 'diplomacy' and comes back empty-handed. No tariff deals. No progress. Just headlines and handshakes. Australians deserve better,' she said.

'Then there's the so-called green energy transition. Wind farms scrapped. Transmission lines delayed. Farmers ignored. Power bills up 9%, and we're told to just cop it. The real cost of Labor's renewables fantasy? It's paid by households and small businesses.'

She also warned of 'nation within a nation' as a result of the current government, citing Cricket Australia's reluctance to hold Test matches on January 26.

'That's exactly what we're seeing. Division, not unity. Woke politics over common sense.

'While I'm in Parliament, I'll keep pushing back because if we don't stand up now, we risk losing the country we love.

'Cricket Australia, our own national sport, won't play matches on Australia Day. Again. Because they're scared of offending someone.

'This isn't inclusion. It's erasing who we are. And most Australians have had enough.'

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VW Tiguan vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid: Smart Choice Meets Electrified Luxury

What do a family friendly commuter and a high performance luxury machine have in common More than you think, especially when they both come with a plug. Meet the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid , two SUV s built for radically different lifestyles but compared today on a level electric playing field. Let’s begin with the size . The Tiguan is compact and practical, measuring just over 4.5 meters, perfect for everyday city driving, parking ease, and family errands. On the other end of the spectrum, the Cayenne stretches to 4.9 meters, dominating lanes and turning heads wherever it roars past. Performance is where the gulf widens. The Tiguan , with its hybrid setup, generates a respectable 272 horsepower and tops out at 240 km/h, perfectly sufficient for those who value efficiency without sacrificing fun. But the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid , that’s a V8 powered beast with electric assistance, delivering a blistering 740 horsepower and a top speed of 300 km/h . It’s not just fast it’s nearly supercar fast. Both vehicles offer plug in hybrid options, but the similarity ends there. The Tiguan ’s mild hybrid or plug in choices favor economy and eco-friendliness, whereas the Cayenne ’s massive V8 plus electric combo gives just a hint of green cred, mostly to justify its thunderous power.

Design contrasts also define their personalities. The Tiguan leans toward understated elegance, minimal curves, and urban maturity. In contrast, the Cayenne flaunts dynamic curves and an aggressive profile, an aesthetic that says, I’m late to yoga, but I look fabulous. Brand heritage is another split. The Tiguan continues Volkswagen ’s reputation for reliability and everyday sensibility. The Cayenne , on the other hand, drips with Porsche ’s motorsport DNA, luxury backed by decades of racing pedigree. When it comes to cultural presence , the Tiguan is the suburban king, a staple in carpool lanes and family road trips. Meanwhile, the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid makes a statement it’s for those who want everything , power, luxury, and the option to plug in at home. And then there’s the price tag. The Tiguan starts at a reasonable €40,000 , while the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid blasts through budgets with a base price over €200,000, five times as much, and then some. So, the choice is yours, the clever and capable Tiguan or the uncompromising luxury muscle of the Cayenne Turbo E Hybrid . One is calm, the other chaotic, but both are electrified in their own right.

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World’s Biggest Economy Hikes Park Fees for International Visitors

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 3 to increase entrance fees at U.S. national parks for visitors from other countries, even as his administration seeks to cut national park spending by more than a third.

The additional revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will raise hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation and deferred maintenance projects to improve national parks, the White House said in a statement.

The executive order directs the Interior Department, parent agency of the Park Service, to increase entrance fees paid by park visitors from abroad, but does not say by how much or when the new rates would go into effect.

It was also unclear how many of the agency's 433 park units would be affected. Only about 100 sites managed by the Park Service currently charge for admission, and fees vary.

The order also directs the Park Service to ensure that U.S. residents receive priority access over foreign visitors in any of its permitting or reservation systems.

Currently, U.S. citizens in effect pay more than foreign tourists to visit the nation’s scenic natural wonders and historic landmarks because their admission fees as well as a portion of their U.S. tax dollars support the cost of national parks, the statement said.

"Charging higher entrance fees to foreign tourists is a common policy at national parks throughout the world," the statement added.

The executive order comes as the Trump administration has proposed cutting more than US$1 billion from the Park Service budget in fiscal 2026, which would represent a reduction of more than a third of the agency’s budget from the prior year.

The administration's cuts to the federal workforce have already aggravated a staff shortage in national parks across the country.

Permanent staffing at the Park Service since Trump took office in January has dropped 24%, while just 4,500 of the 8,000 seasonal workers his administration pledged for this summer have been hired, according to an analysis on July 2 from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a watchdog advocacy group.

Reduced personnel levels at some national parks, including Yosemite in California and Big Bend in Texas, have forced closures, reduced programming and impeded emergency response operations, the NPCA said.

Visitors have continued to flock to national parks in the U.S., the world's largest economy, in record numbers in recent years, with admissions soaring to a new high of 331 million in 2024, up six million from 2023.

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Ukraine News: Kyiv Hit by Major Russian Drone Strike

Russia launched new drone strikes on Kyiv, just as President Donald Trump criticized past US military aid to Ukraine. Follow Daily Newsfor more.

Russia attacked the capital of Ukraine with dozens of combat drones on Friday, according to authorities in Kyiv.

They seem to have struck mostly residential buildings, several people were reported injured.

The attack came after a US announcement this week that a batch of arms shipments to Ukraine would be paused.

President Donald Trump said his predecessor, Joe Biden, "emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was hoping to discuss the issue with Trump on Friday.

This is a roundup of the latest headlines regarding Russia's war in Ukraine on Friday, July 4, 2025:

Kyiv authorities report massive Russian drone attack

Kyiv came under heavy drone attack overnight, with Russian forces striking at least 13 locations across the Ukrainian capital.

Ukraine’s air defenses were active for hours and explosions echoed across the city.

At least 14 people were injured, 12 of them hospitalized, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Officials say residential areas were targeted, with fires breaking out in at least two districts.

The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the Russian military launched at least one Kinzhal (Dagger) hypersonic missile. They also fired ballistic missiles in two waves at targets in Kyiv and nearby areas.

Trump claims US 'emptied out' its arsenal to arm Ukraine

President Donald Trump says the US gave Ukraine too many weapons under President Joe Biden, claiming the country has "emptied out" its own supply.

"We're giving weapons, but we've given so many weapons. But we are giving weapons. And we're working with them and trying to help them, but we haven't. You know, Biden emptied out our whole country giving them weapons, and we have to make sure that we have enough for ourselves," he said.

Trump's statement comes after a pause in some weapons shipments, including Patriot missiles and precision-guided artillery, to Ukraine as Russia steps up its offensive.

The halt caught Kyiv off guard. Ukrainian leaders summoned the acting US envoy on Wednesday, warning that the delay could weaken their defenses.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he hopes to speak with Trump in the coming days to clarify the situation.

"I hope that maybe tomorrow, or close days, these days, I will speak about it with President Trump," he said on Thursday.

The Pentagon has not said when full deliveries might resume..

Welcome to our coverage

It's now been 861 days since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Overnight, Kyiv came under a sustained drone attack, with explosions reported across the city.

This comes even as Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow is open to further talks with Ukraine.

He told US President Donald Trump this during an hour-long phone discussion on Thursday.

The US president said the conversation didn't lead to any breakthroughs. Putin was adamant that Moscow would not "give up" on its goals in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hoping to speak with Trump on Friday, particularly about the recent pause in some US weapons shipments to Ukraine.

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Tired of Classic Swimsuits? Discover the Trend That’s Redefining Beachwear

Every summer, it's the same sartorial conundrum: how to put together a stylish look when layers are scarce and options are limited? While layering reigns supreme in winter, summer fashion demands a little more creativity—especially when it comes to swimwear. Luckily, 2025 brings with it a breath of fresh (and bohemian) beach air: welcome to the age of crochet swimsuits.

Crochet, the unexpected star of the beach

Do you find classic swimsuits too worn, too smooth, or too rigid? Crochet and textured swimsuits might just help you reconnect with beachwear. Inspired by the '70s, Ibiza summers, and bohemian silhouettes, they blend craftsmanship and sensuality in a relaxed yet sophisticated take on the swimsuit.

Hand-knitted or lace-style, adorned with geometric, floral, or tie-dye patterns, these designs add visual texture and soul to summer looks. And the good news is: they're available in two-piece swimsuits, one-piece swimsuits, tankini swimsuits, and even playsuits, perfect for all body types.

From the beach to the beach bar

Crochet's all-around charm? Its versatility. A crochet swimsuit can be worn just as well at the beach as it is in the city. It can be transformed into a bodysuit under high-waisted shorts, a top paired with a long skirt, or a statement piece under a flowing shirt. Choose it in natural tones (cream, terracotta, sage green) or more daring shades (vitamin orange, turquoise, neon pink) depending on your mood of the day.

This ability to go from sand to sunset drink in the blink of an eye makes it a favorite of beach festivals, yoga retreats, and last-minute getaways.

An inclusive and responsible trend

The crochet trend is also part of a broader desire to consume differently. These handcrafted pieces appeal to slow fashion enthusiasts, and many brands offer handmade designs or those made from recycled yarn. The result: unique or limited-edition pieces, the opposite of fast fashion.

A deliberate vintage nod

Beyond comfort and originality, crochet swimsuits play the nostalgia card. They evoke a carefree era, the 70s, where freedom of expression was also expressed through fashion. Worn with oversized glasses, hair scarves, and rope sandals, they revive a certain idea of the perfect summer: free, sensory, and vibrant.

Whether you're heading to Ibiza, a Greek beach, or simply a lakeside getaway, crochet swimsuits are establishing themselves as the coolest and most desirable pieces of summer 2025. Out with soulless swimsuits: in with fabric, handcrafted pieces, and bold irregularity. In 2025, we're not following trends anymore; we're knitting them.

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