Politics

Hindu priest opens DNC as Mindy Kaling rallies support for Harris

Hindu priest Rakesh Bhatt opened the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with a powerful Vedic prayer, emphasizing unity and togetherness. His invocation set a solemn tone for the day, which also featured celebrity host Mindy Kaling, who passionately endorsed Kamala Harris and highlighted the importance of the upcoming election.

A prayer for unity: Rakesh Bhatt, a Madhwa priest from the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, led the DNC’s proceedings with the sacred chant “Om Shanti Shanti,” calling for unity across the country. “Even if we have differences, when it comes to the nation, we have to be united,” he said. Originally from Bengaluru and trained in the Rig Veda, the senior Hindu priest invoked the Vedic concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” urging the nation to embrace the idea that “the whole world is one family.” His prayer honored the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Indian American community, noted Democratic Party Deputy National Finance Chair Ajay Bhutoria, who also praised the party’s commitment to inclusivity.

A call to vote: Mindy Kaling, who took the stage as the evening’s host, brought both humor and heartfelt sincerity as she spoke about her friendship with Kamala Harris. Kaling shared that both their mothers were immigrants and recalled cooking dosas — a thin, savory crepe in South Indian cuisine — with Harris, emphasizing the warmth and kindness the latter showed to her family. “Kamala Harris cares deeply about other people,” Kaling said. The “Velma” star also reminded viewers of the critical importance of November’s election, urging them to support Democrats not only in the presidential race but also in congressional contests.

News

MIT sees rise in Asian American students after SCOTUS affirmative action ruling

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has seen a significant shift in the demographics of its incoming class, with an increase in Asian American and international students following the Supreme Court's ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions policies. 

Class of 2028 profile: The first-year class profile for the class of 2028 reveals that Asian American and international student populations have grown, while Black and Latino enrollments have sharply declined. Asian American students are the only demographic that saw a notable increase, rising to 47% from 41% in the previous year, while international students also experienced a 1% increase, rising from last year’s 10%. Meanwhile, only 5% of the incoming class is Black, down from an average of 13% from the class of 2027, and Latino students now make up 11% of the class, compared to a previous average of 15%. Overall, the percentage of students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, including Pacific Islander students, decreased from 25% in recent years to 16% for this class.

MIT’s commitment: MIT was among institutions supporting race-conscious admissions through an amicus brief. The university’s dean of admissions, Stu Schmill, previously anticipated a decline in student body diversity. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, MIT expanded its recruitment and financial aid efforts to focus on low-income students from all backgrounds. Schmill noted that while race is no longer considered in admissions, MIT aims to achieve diversity through other factors such as fields of study and areas of research, extracurricular activities and economic and geographic backgrounds.

Crime

NY man charged with spying on Chinese dissidents for Beijing

Yuanjun Tang, a 67-year-old man from Queens, New York, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government, allegedly spying on pro-Democracy activists and dissidents in the U.S. between 2018 and 2023. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted.

What did Tang do?: According to the Department of Justice, Tang provided China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) with information about individuals and groups deemed adverse to China’s interests and helped them infiltrate a group chat used by dissidents. He is also accused of making false statements to the FBI regarding his communications with MSS. Tang, who had previously been imprisoned in China for his dissident activities, was granted asylum in the U.S. and later became a citizen. 

Chinese Embassy’s statement: A Chinese Embassy spokesperson stated they were unaware of the case and emphasized that China expects its citizens abroad to follow local laws. They also rejected any “groundlessly slandering and smearing” against China. This case comes after another Chinese American citizen from Brooklyn, Shujun Wang, was convicted of acting as a foreign agent for Beijing since 2006 without notifying the attorney general. Similar to Tang’s case, Wang gathered detailed information on U.S.-based activists, including dissidents’ contact information, for China’s MSS. This indictment is part of a broader Justice Department effort against transnational repression by Beijing, which has included other high-profile cases.

Sports

Resurfaced video shows Kobe Bryant trash talking Jeremy Lin

A recently resurfaced video from 2014 showing Kobe Bryant relentlessly trash talking former Lakers teammate Jeremy Lin during practice has sparked renewed discussion about Bryant's leadership tactics. The video, which went viral on social media this week, shows Bryant saying: “He don't want it… This motherf*cker don't got sh*t. You ain't got sh*t on me. Go ahead, shoot. Shoot. Motherf*cker can't even get ready to shoot… Practice get real uncomfortable when I'm out this motherf*cker.” 

Trash-talking “Mamba”: The video, posted by X user @legendz_nba, has been viewed over 2.4 million times and elicited mixed reactions from fans. Some expressed discomfort with Bryant's approach, with one commenter writing, "I don’t like this version of Kobe Bryant." Others defended it as motivational, with one user saying, "Kobe and MJ drove their teammates in practice hard ... so games would be easier." Another fan suggested it was simply "pure trash talk," noting that Lin had previously scored 38 points against Bryant.

Standing up to Bryant: Another contentious moment arose during a crucial game against the Clippers in the Lakers’ tumultuous 2014-15 season, in which Lin ignored Bryant's calls for the ball and hit a game-winning three-pointer over Chris Paul. In a 2021 “All The Smoke” podcast appearance, Lin revealed that after that, he and Bryant didn't speak for the rest of the season. "I feel like him not talking to me was a sign of respect," Lin said. "Like he was ‘I’m pissed at you, but I respect you because you actually said something to me. Whereas so many other people won’t.’ So that’s why next season when I was in Charlotte, we talked like it never happened.”

News

Elon Musk praises former Singapore PM’s critique of “wokeness”

Elon Musk posted on his platform X a clip of former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's critique of “wokeness,” praising it as “wisdom.” The post, which garnered millions of views in hours, reflects the world’s richest man’s long-standing opposition to the so-called “woke” culture, which he has labeled a “mind virus.”

Reactions: The clip featured Lee Hsien Loong discussing the extreme attitudes and social norms brought by “wokeness” in an interview with CNA. Lee, who resigned as prime minister in April, warned that the “movement” purportedly prevalent in the West burdens society instead of fostering cohesion. Musk’s post has since racked up 30.8 million views, drawing mixed reactions. One Singaporean user urged those in the U.S. to “lighten up a little bit” and avoid being constantly outraged. Meanwhile, another wrote in part, “You’re ending up on the wrong side of history.”

Lee’s prominence: Lee Hsien Loong, who served two decades as prime minister, is respected in Singapore for his pragmatic leadership. Musk’s admiration extends to his father, Lee Kuan Yew — Singapore’s founding father — whom he previously called “brilliant” and a “genius” for policies that shaped modern Singapore. Musk’s praises underscore his appreciation for the Lee family's impact on Singapore’s development, particularly in areas like immigration and infrastructure.

Final Bites

Michelle Obama’s DNC look by Korean American designer shakes up the internet: Social media is abuzz over Michelle Obama’s striking outfit on the second day of the Democratic National Convention, where she delivered a powerful speech rallying for the Harris-Walz campaign. The former first lady wore a tailored, navy ensemble from Monse’s Resort 2025 collection, featuring a sleeveless jacket with crisscross lapels and matching trousers, accessorized with Jimmy Choo heels and David Yurman jewelry. Monse is a luxury fashion brand founded by Korean American designer Laura Kim and Dominican American designer Fernando Garcia, who are also co-creative directors at Oscar de la Renta. Instagram users praised Obama’s look, with one writing, “When we say put on your amour…this is what is meant. Warrior queen came to win and win she did!”

Vancouver Chinatown festival returns a year after stabbing attack: The “Light Up Chinatown!” festival is returning to Vancouver this weekend, Aug. 24, a year after Blair Evan Donnelly allegedly stabbed a married couple in their 60s and a woman in her 20s, all of whom were seriously injured. Donnelly, who remains in custody, faces multiple charges and has a trial scheduled for May 2025. With the upcoming event, organizers are determined to showcase the community's resilience and perseverance, aiming to bring people back to Chinatown after the traumatic incident. “You can’t let these things stop you," said Vancouver Chinatown Foundation Chair Carol Lee. "I think that is a hallmark of Chinatown really, it’s about resilience and perseverance.

1st case of new mpox virus strain in Asia recorded in Thailand: Thailand has recorded Asia’s first case of clade 1b, a new strain of the mpox virus formerly known as monkeypox. Thongchai Kiratihattayakorn, the head of Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, told reporters on Wednesday that the patient is a 66-year-old European man who traveled from Africa and arrived in Thailand on Aug. 14. “What we can confirm now is that the patient tested positive for mpox. We need to wait until Friday to see whether it is 100% mpox type 1b," he said. Thai health authorities have also identified and placed 43 close contacts of the patient under surveillance. Thongchai noted that none of the 43 close contacts showed any signs of illness. Symptoms of mpox include a painful body rash, fever, headache, enlarged lymph nodes and muscle aches.

Disgraced director was allegedly part of “Rush Hour 4” pitch: “Rush Hour” series film director Brett Ratner may allegedly return to Hollywood if “Rush Hour 4” moves forward. According to an unnamed source who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter, Lionsgate executives reportedly held a meeting in July to discuss the project, with Ratner’s name being mentioned as a potential director and producer. Ratner did not provide further comment to THR in an email, stating that the questions about his involvement were filled with “gross inaccuracies.” Ratner, who has not directed a film since 2014, was accused in 2017 of sexual misconduct by several women, including Olivia Munn. He has strongly denied the allegations. Meanwhile, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker were also mentioned as possible participants in the “Rush Hour 4” project, but a source close to the actors told THR that their involvement is not official.

Trailer for Jungkook’s documentary reveals BTS star’s worries: The trailer for Jungkook’s documentary, “Jung Kook: I Am Still,” has been released, revealing some of the concerns the BTS star had before his solo debut. “I’m suddenly nervous, I’ll do my best, guys,” said the 26-year-old singer, whose full name is Jeon Jung-kook. “Without the power of BTS, just on my own, will I be able to receive recognition?” The documentary, which will be released in cinemas worldwide on Sept. 18, highlights Jungkook’s solo career journey thus far, from the success of his solo song “Seven” featuring Latto, released on July 14, 2023, to his debut solo album “Golden,” released on Nov. 3, 2023.

Chun-Li, Bayonetta voice actor dead at 61: Atsuko Tanaka, the voice actor behind iconic video game characters such as Bayonetta in the "Bayonetta" series and Chun-Li in "Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike," died at the age of 61 on Tuesday. Her son, fellow voice actor Hikaru Tanaka, announced the news on X, revealing that his mother died after a year-long battle with an unspecified illness, which she had chosen to keep private. Born in Gunma Prefecture on November 14, 1962, Tanaka's legacy extended beyond video games to anime characters, including Konan in "Naruto," Caster in "Fate/stay night" and Major Motoko Kusanagi in the "Ghost in the Shell" franchise.

Special Event

A day in the park celebrating all things AAPI art, books and culture? Sounds like the perfect summer day to us. Join NextShark and our friends at The Korea Times, and LA County and LA County Parks and Recreation tomorrow for an epic summer event bridging the gap between generations, language barriers and cultural differences.