A large sign fell onto Lansdowne Street near Fenway Park in Boston, striking an individual on Friday night. The person suffered minor injuries and is expected to recover. The incident occurred around 6:37 p.m. as many people were out for the evening. The sign, made of a thin piece of wood, fell from an undetermined location. Boston police closed off a section of the sidewalk and workers removed the sign.

A Family Dollar store in Danvers, Massachusetts, was found to be selling several expired food products. Boston 25 News reported nearly a dozen items with past 'best-by' or 'sell-by' dates, including Ragu spaghetti sauce, Red Baron pizza, and Betty Crocker cake mix. The store manager removed the expired items after being shown them and referred further inquiries to the corporate office. Massachusetts regulations allow the sale of past-date foods under certain conditions, but there were no signs indicating such at the store. Shoppers expressed concern over the lack of monitoring and potential public health risks.

United and Alaska Airlines have canceled flights involving Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets for inspections after an incident. Passengers are entitled to refunds or rebooking for cancellations, with additional rights if the cause is within the airline's control. Consumer advocate Teresa Murray emphasizes the importance of being polite when dealing with cancellations.

Due to an expected weekend storm, traffic on Route 1 near Gillette Stadium will be reduced to three lanes to accommodate snow plows. Officials advise Patriots fans to leave early for Sunday's game against the Jets and to dress warmly. Parking lots will open at 9 a.m., and the Foxborough Dept. of Public Works is prepared for snow removal on streets and sidewalks.

The Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group's 38th annual Trouble in Toyland report highlights the risks of 'smart toys' that can collect and transmit sensitive data, including children's geo-location, which could lead to security concerns and increase the risk of fraud, scams, or identity theft. The report specifically mentions concerns with Meta's Quest VR headset's data collection practices. MASSPIRG and Fairplay have found these platforms to be fraught with risks for kids. MASSPIRG advises parents to understand toy features, test them, and read privacy policies to protect their children's information.

Temu, a Chinese-owned shopping app, has faced numerous consumer complaints regarding poor quality and shipping delays. Despite its popularity and rapid growth, with a corporate office in Boston and over 100 million customers worldwide, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau have received significant complaints. A security guard at the Boston headquarters was unable to provide contact with the company, and a call center in the Philippines was the only point of contact. A Temu spokesperson in New York City addressed concerns, citing a higher BBB rating compared to industry peers and normal logistics operations. Consumer blogger Andrea Woroch experienced satisfactory service but noted shipping and delivery issues, advising caution for holiday shoppers.

A large fire erupted on the upper floors of an apartment building on Gore Street in Cambridge, with flames and smoke visible. The Cambridge Fire Department responded with a significant presence, and 16 people have been displaced, though no injuries were reported. Resident Baba Kolley described a hasty evacuation upon realizing the severity of the situation. The Salvation Army is ready to assist those affected. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and updates will follow as more information is available.

The Biden Administration announced a Federal Trade Commission proposal to ban hidden and misleading fees across various industries, aiming to protect consumers and promote fair competition. The rule would require businesses to disclose full prices upfront, with non-compliant companies facing fines and refund obligations. The FTC Chair Lina M. Khan and MASSPIRG Legislative Director Deirdre Cummings expressed support for the measure, which is expected to take effect early next year. Consumers are advised on how to protect themselves from junk fees in the meantime.

The author shares their experience of having a daughter with Down syndrome, emphasizing the joy and value she brings to their lives. They participated in the National Down Syndrome Society’s Buddy Walk in New York City, where their daughter was honored. The author reflects on the high rate of abortions for babies with Down syndrome and argues against it, suggesting that the world is better with these individuals. They criticize the notion of 'mercy killing' and advocate for the value of every human life, regardless of medical complexity.

A potential government shutdown is unlikely to affect student loan servicers, meaning payments would still be due, according to Betsy Mayotte of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors. However, a shutdown could result in furloughed Department of Education employees, potentially delaying processes like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act. In Massachusetts, around 902,000 residents owe a combined $30.8 billion in student loan debt. Boston University graduate Colin Tonkiss is preparing for a paycheck-to-paycheck situation when repayments resume in October.

The article is a culinary journey of an English teacher in Hanoi, Vietnam, exploring the city's Bun Cha offerings. Bun Cha, a traditional Vietnamese dish, is a favorite of the author, who sets out to find the perfect Bun Cha after realizing he doesn't know what constitutes a 'good' Bun Cha. The journey includes visits to various restaurants, including Mai Anh Bun Cha, Bun Cha 37 Phan Chu Trinh, and Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously visited by President Barack Obama. The author seeks recommendations from locals, the Hanoi Foodies Facebook group, and expert chefs like Hungazit and Quang Dung. The quest leads to a realization that the 'perfect' Bun Cha is subjective and that the experience of enjoying the dish in different settings is as important as the taste. The article concludes with the author's appreciation for the cultural significance of Bun Cha and his intention to continue exploring the dish's variations.

The Tet Zodiac exhibition in Hanoi celebrates the Vietnamese New Year by reflecting on the past twelve years of the Zodiac through art. Held at Arch Café & Bar, the exhibition features the work of eleven artists, each representing a year from 2010-2022 with its corresponding zodiac animal through various art forms. Canadian expat and artist Duncan Griffiths, who organized the event, was inspired by the concept of synchronicity, particularly the connection between the Year of the Rat and the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibition includes diverse interpretations of zodiac animals and significant events, such as Liz Blanco's paintings related to the #MeToo movement and the Year of the Dog. The venue owner, Kyle Gonzales, aims to create a cultural hub for artists at Arch. The exhibition, which runs from January 13th to January 28th, offers a space for reflection on the past years and the diverse perspectives of different artists.

The article discusses the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly in Vietnam, where a national study revealed that 63% of women have experienced some form of violence. HopeBox, a social enterprise founded by Huong Dang, is highlighted for its work in training and employing GBV victims to help them achieve economic independence. The article features interviews with HopeBox's Marketing and Partnerships Manager, Eleanor Sander O’Hearn, and other key figures involved in the 'Move for Hope' campaign, which aims to raise funds and awareness for the cause. The campaign has enlisted the support of local fitness communities, including CrossFit Tay Ho and Star Kickboxing, as well as the Vietnam Swans women's AFL team. The article emphasizes the importance of community support and the role of social enterprises in empowering women to overcome the challenges posed by GBV.

Blue Note Resto Bar, a music venue in Ba Dinh, has undergone renovations and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The venue hosts weekly events, with Friday nights being particularly notable. Alexander Jerome, a musician with a long history at Blue Note, used to run these events and still participates in the Tuesday open mic nights. The venue has improved its sound system and aesthetics, moving away from its previous dive bar image. Despite the challenges of reopening after the pandemic and the departure of many foreign customers, owner Thien and musicians like Jerome are optimistic about Blue Note's future. They hope to expand the venue and continue to attract both performers and audiences, aiming to make Blue Note a central hub for live music in Hanoi.

The article highlights the beauty and attractions of Mai Chau, a valley-based small town in the Hoa Binh province of Northern Vietnam. It is an ideal destination for both travelers and residents looking for a short getaway from the city. The town is accessible from Hanoi, with various transportation options available, including motorbike, local bus, and 'limousine' services. Accommodations range from luxury resorts like Mai Chau Ecolodge and Mai Chau Mountain Resort to budget-friendly homestays in Lac Village. Attractions include the Mai Chau Top View Café, Gò Lào Waterfall, Hoa Binh Lake, and local nightlife with limited but fitting options. The article also provides a travel guide with suggestions for getting to Mai Chau, accommodation, and activities, emphasizing the region's natural beauty and peaceful environment.

Younes Ainar and Khadija Bouguedra are a married couple from Algeria who have relocated to Vietnam, finding similarities between their homeland and Vietnam in terms of revolutionary history and cultural norms. Younes is an architect who integrates Vietnam's rich culture and history into modern structures, while Khadija, a fashion designer, innovates with Algerian-Vietnamese fusion beauty products. Younes's architectural projects, such as TACH SPACES and Complex 01, aim to preserve Vietnamese character while adding modern design. Khadija has created popular skincare products by combining ingredients from Algeria and Vietnam. The couple appreciates the cultural commonalities between the two countries, especially in terms of family values and societal norms. They also share a deep connection and mutual understanding, which they consider essential for their marriage. This article is part of the Vietnam Times' Expat Spotlight series, which features members of Vietnam's expat community and their contributions.

The article discusses the evolution of queer cinema in Vietnam and how it reflects the changing attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. It highlights several influential LGBTQ+ themed films, starting with 'Chơi vơi (Adrift)' in 2009, which was one of the first Vietnamese films to explore non-heterosexual themes. The romantic comedy 'Để Mai Tính (Fool For Love/Let Mai Decide)' in 2010, while commercially successful, faced criticism for its portrayal of a gay character. 'Hot boy Nổi Loạn (Hot Boy Rebel/ Lost in Paradise)' in 2011 was dubbed Vietnam's first gay film and dealt with serious issues like repression and prostitution. 'Yêu (Love)' in 2015 was noted for its mainstream production and cast. 'Song Lang' in 2018 received international acclaim for its portrayal of a bond between two men. Lastly, 'Thưa Mẹ Con Đi (Goodbye Mother)' in 2019 tackled the challenge of coming out to a traditional family. The article suggests that the positive trend in media representation is indicative of a broader societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Vietnam.

BAKED and Friends, a cafe-bakery in Hanoi, Vietnam, is gaining popularity for its American/English/Australian style desserts, particularly its cookies, which some expats claim are the best in Vietnam. The owner, Sheereen Amran, a Singaporean who moved to Hanoi in 2016, started BAKED as a home-based business after working as a pastry chef and head chef at local restaurants. Despite the challenges during COVID lockdowns, Sheereen perfected her cookie recipe, which has become a hit among both locals and expats. BAKED, which opened a Tay Ho location in July 2021, also offers cupcakes, brownies, ice cream, and truffles, with vegan and gluten-free options. Sheereen is considering future expansions, including a possible second branch.