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Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them into short, accessible links so you can easily keep up with current affairs.

Hanoi

- Hanoi turns down demand to let Train Street cafés reopen. [VnExpress]

- Hanoi plans metro line extensions. [VnExpress]

- Cold spell forecasted to hit northern region. [Dan Tri]

- Boom or bust: Hanoi pollution crises expose growth risks. [Jakarta Post]

Vietnam

- Man, woman jailed for trafficking 8-yr-old girl as bride to China. [VnExpress]

- Lawmakers support one more public holiday, present several options. [VnExpress]

- Vietnam restaurant chain shuts down amid alleged unpaid debts. [Tuoi Tre]

- Two Vietnamese scholars conferred with French distinctions. [Dan Tri]

Other

- Thai king sacks six royal officials over 'evil actions', days after removing consort. [The Guardian]

- China’s pork shortage puts dog and rabbit meat back on the menu in rural communities. [SCMP]

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