Politics

How Kamala Harris is blazing a trail with her Asian American heritage

Born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, Kamala Harris became the first woman and also the first Asian and African American vice president when she was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 2021. Now, with President Joe Biden’s endorsement for the 2024 Democratic nomination, she is poised to potentially become the first Asian and African American woman to lead a major party ticket and possibly the first to become president.

Asian roots: Harris’ mother, Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian immigrant, deeply influenced her understanding and pride in her South Asian heritage. In her 2019 autobiography, Harris writes about how her mother and extended family instilled pride in their South Asian roots. Harris and her sister, Maya, were given Sanskrit names and raised with a strong awareness of their Indian culture. “The fact that my mother never asked anyone permission to tell her what was possible, is why — within one generation — I stand her as a serious candidate for president of the United States,” she said during her 2020 presidential run.

Celebrating her heritage: Harris frequently speaks about her mother’s influence in embracing and celebrating their Indian culture. Her mixed upbringing included attending both a Hindu temple and a Black Baptist church, reflecting a rich blend of traditions. Her experiences growing up in an Indian household, combined with her celebration of her heritage, have made her a prominent figure representing the Asian American community in U.S. politics. She has advocated against anti-Asian hate crimes, participated in events and discussions focused on AAPI issues and supported initiatives to help AAPI-owned small businesses.

News

San Gabriel teen riding bike to grandmother’s house goes missing

Authorities in Monterey Park, California, are searching for 15-year-old Alison Jillian Chao, who was last seen on July 16 around 5:32 p.m., leaving her home on North Ynez Avenue and heading to her aunt's house in San Gabriel less than four miles away but never arriving. She was riding a blue GT mountain bike and carrying a black backpack. The teen was last seen wearing a purple T-shirt, black shorts and dark shoes. She is described as 5-foot-2, weighing around 95 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Search efforts: Family and friends have been actively searching for Chao, distributing flyers in Monterey Park. Her mother, Annie Chao, described the situation as “chaotic” but emphasized the community's efforts in helping to find her daughter. “We reached out to the community. My younger sister took care of all the social media, hitting up all the influencers ... the community has really come together to help me look for my little girl,” she told ABC 7.

Investigation: The Monterey Park Police Department Investigations Bureau is handling the case, and anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at (626) 573-1311. They stated, “MPPD detectives, in cooperation with our local, county, state and federal partner agencies have been investigating this case continuously since Alison was reported missing. We continue to work with the Chao family and are canvassing neighborhoods in the area, reviewing surveillance video footage and interviewing possible witnesses.”

Crime

Asian woman “needs her city back” after attack in NYC

A woman took to Instagram to call for justice after allegedly falling victim to an unprovoked attack in Long Island, New York, before 1 p.m. on July 17. Runing Lao shared a video to Instagram the day after the attack in a post that included the hashtags “illegalimmigrants” and “immigrants.”

What happened: In her video, Lao, who describes herself as a “real estate sales manager,” says she was coming out of a Chipotle on Jackson Avenue when a woman hit her “for no reason.” While trying to fight back, the attacker allegedly took her umbrella, broke it in half and shoved it onto her face. While bleeding, she called 911. “An EMT told me that she’s very likely an illegal immigrant who are [sic] placed in a hotel near my office,” she said. A Good Samaritan reportedly came to her aid. Police arrested Adriana Garcia, 34, and charged her with second and third degree assault, as per WABC.

Lingering questions: Following the incident, Lao, who managed to take a photo of her alleged attacker, says she has been “terrified” to return to work. She also questioned why she was targeted. “Why me? Why [an] Asian woman? Is it because I’m short? I’m skinny? I’m polite? We don’t speak out?” she asked. “OK, I’m speaking out right now for myself, for us. So hear me out. I need bad guys to get punished, I need justice and I need my city back!

News

Philippines, China forge tentative deal to ease South China Sea tensions

The Philippines has reached a “temporary arrangement” with China regarding resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a beached Filipino naval ship on Second Thomas Shoal. This arrangement follows discussions to manage maritime differences and de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea. The Sierra Madre has been a key point of contention, as Manila deliberately grounded it in 1999 to assert claims over disputed waters, and China has attempted to block resupply missions to the ship's crew.

The arrangement: The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the agreement, emphasizing it does not affect either country's territorial claims. The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated its demand for the removal of the ship but agreed to allow humanitarian resupply missions. Philippine security officials stated they would conduct resupply missions independently, declining U.S. assistance despite offers from the White House. Manila and Washington are connected by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which can be activated if Philippine forces, public vessels or aircraft are attacked in the South China Sea.  

South China Sea tensions: China stands firm over its territorial claims in the disputed waters, and the Philippines has also reaffirmed its maritime rights. Tensions have been escalating in the region, with incidents of violence and confrontations between Chinese and Filipino forces. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry stated, “If the Philippines transports a large amount of building materials to the ship and tries to build fixed facilities and permanent outposts, China will never accept it and will resolutely block it in accordance with laws and regulations, so as to safeguard China's sovereignty.”

Sports

Japan's Olympics gymnastics team loses captain for smoking, drinking

Japan's women's gymnastics team for the 2024 Olympics has lost its captain, 19-year-old Shoko Miyata, due to a violation of team rules. The Japan Gymnastics Association (JGA) announced on Friday that Miyata, who notched her third consecutive NHK Trophy in May to qualify for the Paris Games, withdrew after it was discovered she had been smoking and drinking alcohol.

Code violation: In Japan, smoking and drinking are illegal for people under 20. However, the JGA's code of conduct goes even further, prohibiting athletes from these activities even if they are of legal age. As a result, Japan will now compete with a four-person team, all of whom are first-time Olympians.

Missed debut: Miyata, a Kyoto native, will be missing out on what would have been her Olympic debut. Her coach, Mutsumi Harada, acknowledged the pressure she faced: "She was spending her days really burdened with so much pressure. I would implore people to understand that."

News

Japan consults youth on marriage amid population decline

Japan’s Children and Families Agency has launched consultations with young adults to understand their views on marriage in a bid to address the nation's declining birth rate. The agency’s first working group meeting, held on Friday, focused on ways to support young people in finding partners, exploring dating and matchmaking options.

Respecting individual choices: State for Child Policy Minister Ayuko Kato emphasized the importance of respecting diverse values and individual choices when it comes to marriage and child-rearing. “We would be grateful if we could hear your real voices – what you are thinking, what is preventing you from making your wishes come true,” Kato told participants. 

Challenges for young singles: A 2023 survey cited in the discussions found that a substantial portion of Japanese singles, particularly aged 25 to 34, face challenges meeting potential partners, with many citing lack of opportunities and inactivity in seeking relationships. Factors contributing to reluctance in marriage include concerns over high living costs in urban areas, limited job opportunities and a demanding work culture that complicates maintaining dual careers or re-entering the workforce after childbirth. Previous efforts launched by local governments to encourage marriage among young people include introducing AI-assisted matchmaking and providing childcare support.

Final Bites

Legendary 2nd-Generation K-pop girl group to return: 2NE1 is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a reunion and world tour that kicks off in Seoul this October, followed by stops in Osaka and Tokyo by the end of the year. On Sunday’s announcement, the group’s label YG Entertainment hinted that even more dates for its “first successful girl group” may be announced, potentially extending the tour into 2025. 2NE1 rose to fame in 2009 with hits like "Fire" and "I AM THE BEST" before disbanding in 2016. This tour marks their official reunion as a group, following a surprise appearance at Coachella 2022.

Blackpink set for 2025 comeback, world tour: Blackpink will release a new album and embark on a world tour in 2025. The news comes from a four-minute announcement by label YG Entertainment, which also teased activities from Babymonster, Treasure, Winner and AKMU. A new group called Next Monster is also expected to be introduced next year. In the meantime, Blackpink members are headed for their first public appearance together in almost a year at the “OUR AREA WITH BLINK” fan sign event on Aug. 8.

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Donnie Yen gets out-punched by his son: Action film superstar Donnie Yen admitted defeat on a Sunday Instagram post after being outscored by his 16-year-old son James in a classic arcade punching machine game. Donnie, a 60-year-old father of three, managed 856 points, but James emerged victorious with a score of 861. Sharing the lighthearted duel, Donnie captioned the post, "Got defeated by a younger version of me… my 16 years old son!"

Costco introduces $80 “apocalypse bucket” lasting 25 years: Costco, known for its stable prices like the $1.50 hot dog combo and $5 rotisserie chicken, is showing signs of adjusting to economic pressures. Recently, the company raised its membership fees for the first time in seven years, with a $5 increase for basic plans and $10 for executive memberships. The retail company also started selling an $80 "apocalypse bucket," a 150-meal emergency food supply designed to last up to 25 years. The bucket includes 25,280 calories of freeze-dried meals like pasta alfredo and teriyaki rice, marketed as a long-term solution for emergencies.