News

Biden and Harris celebrate first White House Chuseok reception

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the first-ever White House reception to celebrate Chuseok, a major harvest festival and the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, on Tuesday. The landmark event, held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, honored the rich heritage and significant contributions of Korean Americans to the U.S.

A celebration of Korean culture: The reception, a collaborative effort by the White House, the Council of Korean Americans and the Korean American Community Foundation, was a vibrant showcase of Korean culture. Attendees, including about 100 Korean Americans and U.S. officials, enjoyed traditional Korean music, dance and cuisine. The event featured performances by a Korean American youth choir from New York and Staff Sgt. Esther Kang, a South Korean-born member of the U.S. Army Band. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the vital role Korean Americans have played in shaping the nation, noting: "This diversity within your community is your strength just as our country's diversity is our strength."

Honoring heritage: In a written message, President Biden acknowledged the profound traditions of Chuseok and their ability to connect communities worldwide. He stressed the importance of embracing diverse cultural identities, reminding everyone that "We all come from somewhere, but we're all Americans." Vice President Harris echoed this sentiment, noting that Korean Americans have been an integral part of the nation's fabric for centuries. "As we celebrate this beautiful tradition, we remember our history and look ahead toward building a more prosperous world for all those who will come after us," she said.

Crime

Woman pleads guilty to hate crime for stabbing Chinese student in head on Indiana bus

Billie Davis, a 58-year-old woman, has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for repeatedly stabbing an 18-year-old Chinese American student on a Bloomington Transit bus in Indiana in 2023. On Jan. 11, 2023, Davis attacked the student, stabbing her in the head seven to 10 times with a pocketknife, motivated by the victim's ethnicity. The victim survived but suffered severe wounds that required sutures and staples.

Driving the news: Davis admitted that she attacked the student because she was Chinese, stating that “it would be one less person to blow up our country.” Davis' lawyers argued she was mentally unfit for trial, but after receiving proper medication, her condition improved. In January, the judge ruled her competent, allowing the trial to proceed. Davis is expected to be sentenced to no more than six years in prison in December. 

Spike in hate crimes: This case is part of a broader trend, with reports showing a 17% rise in hate crimes across 25 U.S. cities in 2023. The incident heightened fear within Indiana's Asian American community, with local groups condemning the attack as a product of anti-Asian racism, fueled by xenophobic rhetoric spread by Republican leaders like Donald Trump. A study by the Leadership Conference Education Fund shows that hate crimes tend to spike during election cycles, and with the 2024 election approaching, the civil rights group is warning of potential increases in hate incidents.

News

Philly mayor endorses Sixers’ arena proposal amid fierce Chinatown protests

On Wednesday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker released a video on social media, endorsing the Sixers’ $1.55 billion proposal to build a new arena in Center City, citing it as the best financial deal for the city. 

Mayor’s statement: Parker said, “I wholeheartedly believe this is the right deal for the People of Philadelphia. To the People of Chinatown, please know that I hear you. We have the best Chinatown in the United States, and I am committed to working together to support it. I'll have a lot more to say in a formal presentation coming soon.” This announcement follows a rally at City Hall where thousands protested the proposed 76ers arena, and comes after Parker hosted a town hall on the controversial project. She emphasized the agreement would bring “more than $1.3 billion of private investment” and generate hundreds of jobs. With her endorsement, the proposal now moves to City Council for final approval.

The opposition: The controversial project, which would replace part of Fashion District Philadelphia, has faced opposition from Chinatown residents concerned about displacement, increased congestion, gentrification and the loss of Chinese culture in the area. “Mayor Parker still hasn’t met with Chinatown after all this time, yet feels she can have a stance on whether our community should live or die. This was never about one person, and this fight is far from over. We are going to fight this, and we are going to the mat. It’s on,” Debbie Wei, a longtime Chinatown community member and member of the Save Chinatown Coalition, said in a press release.

News

Philadelphia divided over proposed memorial to honor WWII Korean comfort women

At a hearing on Monday, advocates and opponents debated a proposed statue in Philadelphia to honor Korean “comfort women” abused by the Japanese army during World War II. The bronze memorial depicts a sorrowful young woman seated on a chair, intended to highlight the plight of women coerced into brothels and subjected to repeated rape by Japanese soldiers. The statue has preliminary approval, with a final vote set for Oct.12, amid ongoing discussions about its impact and messaging.

Honoring victims: Supporters of the statue argue that it will bring much-needed attention to the historical abuse of Korean women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese army during WWII, a topic they believe has been largely neglected. They assert that the memorial will honor the victims, provide a space for reflection and convey themes of “peace, justice and healing.” Marguerite Anglin, Philadelphia’s public-art director, emphasized that the statue would highlight untold stories and fill a gap in the city's public art, which largely commemorates military heroes rather than war victims.

The opposition: Opponents contend that the statue is politically charged and could exacerbate geopolitical tensions, as it might be seen as a critique of Japan rather than a purely commemorative effort. They argue that it could stir anti-Japanese sentiment and suggest that such issues should be addressed at the diplomatic level rather than through city-sponsored monuments. The statue would replicate a 2011 Seoul statue that previously sparked protests outside the Japanese Embassy and has since inspired 17 similar statues globally, including six in the U.S. Japan unsuccessfully challenged the Glendale statue, arguing it undermined U.S. efforts to maintain good relations between Japan and South Korea.

News

Indian migrants surge in U.S. via Canada border

Indian nationals are increasingly entering the U.S. illegally through Canada, driven by economic opportunities and facilitated by smuggling networks operating along the U.S.-Canada border. This surge in crossings at the northern border has drawn attention from authorities on both sides.

How they are doing it: Many migrants enter through remote areas of the northern border, often on foot and guided by smugglers who advertise their services on platforms like TikTok. The migrants are promised safe passage through treacherous terrain for hefty fees, sometimes as high as $5,000. “I had to walk through the forest and at night it’s dark and there’s lots of trees and bushes, and the forest is full of mud because of the rain,” Shivam, who illegally crossed a few weeks ago, told NPR. Their routes typically involve crossing from southern Quebec into New York or Vermont. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) found a 95% increase in illegal crossings from Canada in 2023, with Indian nationals comprising nearly 60%. This year alone, the Swanton sector, covering parts of Quebec, New York and Vermont, recorded 13,000 apprehensions, a 526% increase from 2022. CBP attributes this spike to “transnational criminal organizations” exploiting migrants.

The big picture: Despite Canada’s more lenient visa policies, many migrants believe the U.S. offers better job prospects, higher wages and a stronger currency. Pablo Bose, a scholar from the University of Vermont, notes that Indian migrants tend to find work in industries like hospitality and services in cities such as New York and Chicago, where they can integrate into large immigrant communities. The appeal of the U.S. economy is compounded by the difficulty of obtaining U.S. visas and the lengthy processing times for legal immigration. Experts predict that the illegal crossings will continue as student visa restrictions tighten in Canada and economic pressures persist in India.

News

Taiwan recognizes same-sex marriage between Taiwanese and Chinese

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced on Thursday that same-sex marriages between Taiwanese and Chinese nationals can now be registered in the island. The move is seen as a step closer toward marriage equality as it allows such couples to register under the same regulations as their heterosexual counterparts.

Details of the decision: Beginning Sept. 19, Taiwanese-Chinese same-sex couples can legally register their marriages in Taiwan, provided they marry in one of the 35 countries that recognize same-sex marriage such as the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Couples must first submit their marriage certificate and other necessary documents, followed by an interview conducted by relevant authorities. This announcement builds on Taiwan’s 2019 landmark legalization of same-sex marriage and represents a significant shift in policy that previously excluded Chinese spouses from the same legal rights.

Why this matters: The MAC said the new regulations are part of the government's commitment to treating same-sex and heterosexual couples equally. The longstanding framework for cross-strait marriages — which includes interviews to prevent fraudulent marriages — remains intact, with “national security and social order” as key considerations, spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said. While the latest move is seen as a step toward greater equality, activists point out lingering hurdles, such as same-sex couples still having to marry in a third country. This imposes higher economic and social barriers compared to their heterosexual counterparts. China, for its part, still does not recognize same-sex marriage, adding complexity for Chinese spouses seeking permanent residency in Taiwan.

News

Ig Nobel Prize awarded for discovery mammals can breathe through their anuses

A team of Japanese scientists were honored with the Ig Nobel Prize in physiology on Thursday for their groundbreaking discovery that mammals, including humans, can absorb oxygen through their rectums. The research, while humorous on the surface, has significant implications for emergency medicine and could provide a lifesaving alternative for patients in respiratory distress.

Unusual findings : The annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, held by Improbable Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recognizes unusual scientific achievements that "first make people laugh, and then make them think." The Japanese research team, led by Ryo Okabe and Takanori Takebe, demonstrated that mice, rats and pigs could absorb oxygen through their rectums, potentially offering a new method to support critically ill patients with respiratory difficulties.

A new paradigm: This innovative approach, known as "enteral ventilation," could be crucial in situations where traditional ventilators or artificial lungs are unavailable, such as during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scientists published their findings in the journal Med in 2021, stating that enteral ventilation represents "a new paradigm" for addressing respiratory failure. Other Ig Nobel Prize winners this year included researchers who explored the probability of a flipped coin landing on the same side, the use of chromatography to separate drunk and sober worms and the mimicking behavior of real plants near fake ones. Actual Nobel laureates presented the winners with a now-obsolete Zimbabwean 10 trillion-dollar bill (worth $22 on eBay) and a "transparent box" containing items related to "Murphy's Law," the theme of this year's ceremony.

Final Bites

Baltimore County PD promotes its first Asian American woman lieutenant: The Baltimore County Police Department celebrated a historic milestone on Tuesday evening, promoting former sergeant Rosa Park to the rank of lieutenant. The promotion marks Park as the first Asian American woman to achieve this position in the department's 150-year history. Park, a 41-year-old Cockeysville native, has been breaking barriers since she joined the force in 2010 as the first Asian American female police officer in Baltimore County. She was among 24 officers recognized for their dedication and service during a promotion ceremony held at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore.

Austin PD warn against burglaries targeting South Asian homes during cultural events: The Austin Police Department is warning residents about a rising pattern of burglaries targeting Indian and other South Asian communities, particularly during cultural events like Diwali, which falls on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 this year. In a press release, the department emphasized that such crimes often involve the theft of valuable gold jewelry, which holds deep sentimental and cultural significance. “Burglaries of this nature have previously occurred in Austin and surrounding jurisdictions,” a public information officer told KXAN, adding that they will be “keeping a close eye on this emerging pattern.” Authorities recommend securing homes with alarms, locking all entry points and storing valuables in secure locations. Neighbors are also encouraged to collaborate in reporting suspicious activity. Those seeking additional crime prevention advice can contact the APD at 512-974-6941 or [email protected].

Resurfaced vid shows creator of 1st AI software engineer was a math prodigy: A video of Scott Wu, the founder and CEO of Cognition Labs and creator of the AI software engineer Devin, showcasing his exceptional mathematical skills at the 2010 Mathcounts competition has taken social media by storm. The clip, which resurfaced following the launch of Devin in March, shows Wu providing lightning-fast solutions even before the question was fully read. The video has since amassed millions of views across various platforms and generated discussions about the 27-year-old Chinese American entrepreneur's extraordinary childhood abilities. Wu, who studied economics at Harvard, is a three-time gold medalist at the International Olympiad in Informatics, a champion of the Mathcounts competition, a third-place finisher in the 2021 Google Code Jam and has achieved the “legendary grandmaster” title on the competitive programming platform Codeforces. 

Chinese company gifts staff, interns with $100,000 worth of iPhone 16 Pros: Mediastorm, a Chinese media company based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, has become the envy of social media after its founder announced an iPhone 16 Pro giveaway to its about 100 workers, including interns. Tim Pan revealed the generous offer in an internal message to staff, stating, “It doesn’t matter if you’re an intern or a new hire, as long as you’re with the company at this time, you’ll receive one. The company will also be covering any related taxes, don’t worry." In addition to the new iPhone, Mediastorm is giving its employees the Apple Watch Series 10. Unveiled last week and set for release on Sept. 20, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for the 128-gigabyte model. This is not the first time Mediastorm organized an iPhone giveaway for its employees, having gifted them the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022 and the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023. On Weibo, many expressed jealousy, with one user commenting, “The tears of envy flowed down.” Another asked, “How can I get into the company?”