Asian Americans win James Beard Awards

Hello and good morning! It’s Wednesday, June 12. Here’s some of what you need to know in our community today.

🇵🇭 Happy Philippines Independence Day!

On June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared independence from Spain after 333 years of colonization. This historic event followed the Spanish-American War, which broke out less than two months prior and saw the victory of allied Filipino and U.S. forces. Revolutionary and military leader Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the country’s independence in Kawit, Cavite, and subsequently established the First Philippine Republic, which would become the first constitutional republic in Asia the following year.

“What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again”

On her 13th birthday on June 12, 1942, Anne Frank received a red, checkered diary from her father Otto. This diary would become her confidante during two years in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam. Her writings, published posthumously as "The Diary of a Young Girl," would become a testament to hope and resilience in the face of persecution.

Food

Asian Americans win James Beard Awards

Known as the Oscars of the food world, the 2024 James Beard Awards on Monday night recognized chefs and restaurants in the U.S. that reflect diverse global cultures. This year saw significant representation from the AAPI community among the finalists and winners, showcasing their influence on American culinary excellence.

• Notable AAPI winners include the Langbaan restaurant in Portland, Oregon, which won Outstanding Restaurant for its refined Thai tasting menu that incorporates Pacific Northwest ingredients. Masako Morishita of Perry’s in Washington, D.C., was named Emerging Chef for her Japanese comfort food, bringing a fresh perspective to the long-standing Adams Morgan eatery. Atsuko Fujimoto of Norimoto Bakery in Portland, Maine, was honored as Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, recognized for her transition from journalism to baking and her contributions to the local baking community.

• Regional winners included Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles, Hajime Sato of Sozai in Clawson, Michigan, Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai in Minneapolis and Valerie Chang of Maty’s in Miami. These chefs were named as representing the best in their regions, with cuisines ranging from Filipino and Japanese to Vietnamese and Peruvian.

News

FBI Admits Mistakes Against Asian Americans

Jill Murphy, deputy assistant director of counterintelligence at the FBI, acknowledged the Bureau’s mistakes in its treatment of Asian Americans during the Trump-era China Initiative at a panel event at Rice University in Houston on Thursday. “We really need to spend time listening to you and your concerns, and we’re not always right, and we can always be better,” she said.

• Launched in 2018, the China Initiative aimed to counter Chinese espionage and threats to U.S. research security. But while it ended in 2022 due to allegations of racial profiling, there have been recent reports of border entry issues for Chinese graduate students and researchers who are green card-holders and even U.S. citizens.

• Those issues reportedly include hours of interrogation and even deportation. Over 70 students “with legal and valid materials” were deported from the U.S. since July 2021 — with at least 10 cases since November 2023 — the Chinese Embassy in Washington reported in April.

Education

Stanford resumes ACT/SAT requirement for admissions

Stanford University will again require undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores beginning in Fall 2025 for the Class of 2030. According to the university, test scores will be considered as a part of “the fullest array of information in support of each student’s application” after a faculty review confirmed that performance on standardized tests is an “important predictor” of academic performance.

• Stanford, among many other colleges and universities, dropped standardized testing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns centered around lower scores for Black and Latino students — traditionally underrepresented in top institutions — than for white and Asian applicants.

• The decision follows similar moves by other top institutions such as Dartmouth, Yale, Harvard and Caltech earlier this year. At Stanford, test scores remain optional for those applying in fall 2024 for the Class of 2029.

News

U.S.-based Indian’s job outsourced to … Indians in India

Vishal Kal, an Indian software engineer living and working in the U.S., said he was shocked when his workplace informed him that he would be replaced by workers in India. Kal shared the news in a viral TikTok post on May 1, which has already garnered over 3.3 million views.

• “You know the craziest part was, in my exit interview, they go, ‘Hey, we’re replacing you guys with Indians.’ I swear to god. I look them dead in the eye and go, ‘You guys know I’m Indian, right?’” Kal said, recalling what happened. He then quoted their reasoning for the layoffs: “We’re moving the job to India to be done by Indians from India who live there who will do it cheaper.”

• At least 54,343 tech workers in the U.S. have lost their jobs so far this year, with 1,270 employees laid off in the week of May 31. Some of the reasons cited for the mass layoffs include overstaffing during the COVID-19 pandemic’s stay-at-home mandate, declining stock prices and fears of a recession.

Crime

Man arrested for stabbing Iowa college instructors in China

Cui Dapang, 55, was arrested for stabbing four U.S. college instructors and a Chinese tourist in Beishan Park in Jilin province on Monday. The victims, educators from Cornell College in Iowa participating in a program with Beihua University, received immediate medical treatment and are not in life-threatening condition.

• “Cui collided into a foreigner while walking in Beishan Park, and then stabbed the foreigner and three fellow foreigners with a knife, as well as a Chinese tourist who tried to stop him,” local police reportedly said in a statement. No motive for the attack has been disclosed.

• The attack drew attention from Iowa officials and lawmakers, including Rep. Adam Zabner, who confirmed his brother David Zabner is one of the victims and is recovering well. China’s Foreign Ministry assured continued protection for foreigners and said the attack was an “isolated incident.” This rare public attack comes as China seeks to revive international and educational exchanges post-pandemic. Despite the rise in anti-American sentiment in the nation, China emphasized its commitment to maintaining safety and fostering U.S.-China educational ties.

More News

• 64-year-old skateboarder keeps on grinding: Judi Oyama, a 64-year-old Skateboarding Hall of Famer, told AARP that she takes pride in keeping up with the younger generation and giving them a challenge. “Girls now have role models and see these pictures of us skateboarding. I didn’t have that. But one thing I liked was I felt like I was breaking ground. Now, they can see what is possible and push it even more,” she said. The world’s second-place Woman Master will join the 2024 USA Slalom Skateboarding Team to represent the U.S. at the World Skate Games in Rome in September.

  

• P-pop group makes Spotify history: Bini, an eight-member P-pop girl group, made history by becoming the first ever Filipino act to enter the global Spotify Top Artists chart, debuting at 193rd place on Sunday. The milestone coincides with the group's third anniversary since debuting on June 11, 2021. To celebrate, the group, who are expected to soon announce dates for their inaugural North American tour, launched their official website, debuted exclusive merchandise and teased their upcoming single "Cherry on Top.”

  

• Jollibee spreads the joy in Seattle: The Philippines’ beloved fast-food chain Jollibee opened its first Seattle branch on Friday, giving locals the chance to experience its “crispylicious, juicylicious” ChickenJoy and mouthwatering Peach Mango Pie. The branch, located within the Rainier Valley Square shopping center on Rainier Avenue South, is Jollibee’s third branch in Washington state and its 101st outlet across North America.

What we’re watching: “The 8 Show”

"The 8 Show" throws debt-ridden strangers into a deadly competition for life-changing money. While its premise might echo that of another South Korean survival thriller series from Netflix, the show carves its own path with unexpected twists and surprises. Our full review explores how it avoids being a “Squid Game” knockoff and emerges as a compelling watch for fans of the battle royale genre. 

Until Tomorrow,

Alan Van

Together with

These stories are presented thanks to beehiiv, an all-in-one newsletter suite built by the early Morning Brew team.

Fully equipped with built-in growth and monetization tools, no code website and newsletter builder, and best-in-class analytics that actually move the needle.

The top newsletters in the world are built on beehiiv, and yours can be too. It's the most affordable option in the market, and you can try it for free — no credit card required.

Get started →