Pop Culture Loss: Voice actor Peter Cullen, the baritone behind Optimus Prime in Transformers and Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, has died at 85 in Los Angeles, leaving a legacy that spans TV, film, games, and decades of animation fandom. Art & Craft in Hanoi: A new contemporary craft space, Tho Heritage House, opened in Hanoi to spotlight Vietnam’s embroidery traditions, with live demonstrations and exhibitions tied to Quat Dong artisans. Cultural Diplomacy: In Hanoi, Mongolia’s ambassador met Hồ Gươm Opera Theater’s director to discuss cooperation, including joint events and ways to bring Mongolian classical art to Vietnamese audiences. Rail Tourism Launch: A tourist train linking Phong Nha and Hue heritage sites began operations, adding rotating-seat coaches, VIP service, and an entertainment coach with movie screenings and ao dai rentals. National Day Travel Push: Vietnam’s National Day holiday is driving fresh culture-and-community programming across destinations, with more bookings and longer stays. Global Art Spotlight: Japanese avant-garde icon Yayoi Kusama has died at 97, remembered for her polka-dot universe and Infinity Mirror Rooms. Entertainment & Youth Politics: A new Vietnam-focused discussion challenges the idea that Gen Z is politically apathetic, arguing young people engage on social media in their own ways.