Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News - May 20

Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- The United States Senate has confirmed Jennifer Wicks McNamara as the new ambassador to Vietnam, making her the first woman to hold the post.

-- Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh pledged to complete ongoing defense cooperation projects with Vietnam under existing credit and support packages, while also considering new assistance packages in line with the needs and capabilities of both countries, during his meeting with Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in Hanoi on Tuesday.

Society

-- Heavy rainfall is forecast to hit northern Vietnam today, with some areas expected to receive up to 300 millimeters, while the south is likely to experience afternoon and evening thunderstorms, according to the national weather agency.

-- Authorities in Lam Dong Province banned all traffic through Gia Bac Pass on National Highway 28 starting from 5:00 am on Wednesday to repair landslide damage caused by prolonged heavy rain.

-- At least three incidents involving rabid or suspected rabid dogs attacking residents were reported in Dak Lak Province within a month, with laboratory tests confirming rabies in at least two dogs.

Ho Chi Minh City

-- More than 57 percent of adults in Ho Chi Minh City do not meet the minimum physical activity levels recommended by the World Health Organization, according to a 2025 survey by the city’s Center for Disease Control.

Travel

-- Tourism companies serving Russian visitors in Nha Trang said they are struggling with a serious shortage of Russian-speaking tour guides as the beach town enters its peak season for Russian arrivals.

-- Da Nang is preparing to launch a pilot tourism program offering tea experiences at Ban Co Peak on Son Tra Peninsula, a site that drew global attention after American billionaire Bill Gates visited it in early 2024.