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- Ohtani’s GOAT Status, Harris’s Vision for Vietnamese Americans, and Filipino Voters Shape Nevada’s Future
Ohtani’s GOAT Status, Harris’s Vision for Vietnamese Americans, and Filipino Voters Shape Nevada’s Future
Good Morning – November 1, 2024
Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with key insights into business, culture, and trends.
TOP STORY
Shohei Ohtani makes case as baseball’s GOAT with historic World Series victory
Shohei Ohtani led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a thrilling 7-6 World Series win over the Yankees, adding a new milestone to his record-breaking career. Despite playing with a shoulder injury, Ohtani’s resilience paid off, marking his first World Series title and the Dodgers’ eighth. With 54 homers, 59 steals, and a potential MVP award this season, many argue he’s the greatest in MLB history. “All this does is help further that,” says Dodgers’ Andrew Friedman.
ELECTION INSIGHTS
Filipino American voters are poised to influence Nevada’s tight 2024 race
Filipino American voters are emerging as a crucial demographic in Nevada’s battleground elections. Representing 12% of Nevada’s electorate, Filipino Americans are targeted by both parties. Vice President Kamala Harris’s “Pinoy Pride” campaign and the GOP’s cultural appeals reflect their race to win this decisive group. Reaching them, however, poses challenges given cultural nuances and work constraints.
BUSINESS AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS
Kamala Harris outlines vision for Vietnamese Americans in bilingual op-ed
Vice President Kamala Harris published an op-ed in Việt Báo Daily News, sharing her vision for empowering Vietnamese Americans. Highlighting affordable housing, Medicare expansion, and combatting anti-Asian violence, Harris underscores her commitment to the Vietnamese community. “I want all Americans to achieve their dreams of homeownership,” she writes, tying policies to personal stories that resonate with many Vietnamese Americans.
Vietnamese human smuggler urges UK to increase anti-illegal immigration efforts
A former smuggler, using the pseudonym Thanh, has urged the UK government to step up anti-illegal immigration campaigns as a deterrent. Thanh, who has smuggled over a thousand Vietnamese nationals into the UK, warns of the dangers and financial burden. He hopes his story will discourage others, saying, “It’s not worth borrowing lots of money to travel here; it’s hard to find work.” Vietnam remains a top source of illegal migration to the UK, with smuggling operations increasingly scrutinized by authorities.
EDUCATION INSIGHTS
New study exposes math teachers’ racial biases
A recent study highlights racial and gender biases among math teachers in evaluating student performance. Researchers found that teachers often attribute Asian and white students’ success to external factors like parental involvement while attributing Black, Hispanic, and female students' success to individual effort. These biases can impact expectations, influence teaching approaches, and potentially affect students’ long-term academic outcomes.
CULTURE AND TRENDS
USCGC Florence Finch: Honoring a female Filipino American WWII hero
The Coast Guard commissioned a cutter named after Florence Ebersole Smith Finch, a Filipino American WWII hero who supported the Philippine resistance. Recognizing Finch reflects America’s acknowledgment of Filipino contributions, underscoring a shared history of sacrifice and resilience. Finch’s daughter calls it a “total honor” for her mother’s courage and enduring legacy.
ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Kathryn Bernardo talks to Nextshark: “Hello, Love, Again”
Kathryn Bernardo, known as the “Box Office Queen,” returns to romantic comedies in “Hello, Love, Again.” This sequel explores the emotional challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers, resonating deeply with the Filipino diaspora. Bernardo reunites with actor Alden Richards, and the film is set to hit theaters on November 15, promising a heartfelt story of resilience and love.
QUICK HITS
NorCal Asian candidates’ campaign posters vandalized: Hate graffiti targets Milpitas council candidate Bill Chaun and mayoral hopeful Hon Lien, prompting a police investigation.
Michigan student from China charged with voter fraud: A University of Michigan student allegedly cast an illegal ballot, sparking federal and state probes.
UCLA receives AANAPISI designation: UCLA joins institutions supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander students, paving the way for funding and community programs.