Entertainment

"Joy Luck Club 2" script brings OG star Rosalind Chao to tears

Rosalind Chao, known for her role in the iconic 1993 film "The Joy Luck Club," shared her emotional response to the upcoming sequel. Speaking to Deadline on the Emmy red carpet on Sunday, Chao revealed that the long-awaited sequel is moving forward and that she was deeply moved by the script, saying, "I cried when I read it."

A multigenerational saga: The sequel, announced in October 2022, will reunite novelist Amy Tan, Oscar-winning screenwriter Ron Bass, and original cast members including Ming-Na Wen, Tamlyn Tomita and Lisa Lu. In "Joy Luck Club 2," the mothers become grandmothers and the daughters become mothers, introducing a new generation navigating their own cultural identities and family dynamics. “The girls are all having a quick zoom Tuesday night to discuss,” Chao said. “There’s a script.”

Building on a legacy: The 1993 film, based on Tan's novel, explored the complex relationships between Chinese-American women and their immigrant mothers, resonating with audiences and paving the way for Asian-led films like "Crazy Rich Asians." The sequel aims to further explore themes of heritage, love, womanhood and identity, building on the legacy of the original film, which was recognized for its cultural significance by the Library of Congress in 2020.

Politics

Vance shrugs off Laura Loomer’s anti-Asian remarks on Harris

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance downplayed far-right activist Laura Loomer’s recent racist remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing a need to focus on policy rather than comments from social media personalities. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Vance, who is married to Usha Vance, an Indian American, acknowledged that he didn’t like Loomer’s comments but refused to dwell on them, saying, “I don’t look at the internet for every single thing to get offended by.”

What Loomer said: Loomer faced backlash after posting on X on Sept. 8 that if Harris won the presidency, “the White House will smell like curry” and “speeches will be facilitated via a call center.” Despite criticism from other conservative figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene — who called the remarks “appalling and extremely racist” — Loomer stood by her words, claiming she had support from those who found the comments humorous.

What Vance said: Vance minimized the significance of Loomer’s remarks. While he said “I don’t like those comments,” he dismissed them as a distraction and called for the conversation to focus on policy and “the person running for president of the United States, not a social media personality who supports Donald Trump.” He also tried to distance both himself and Trump from Loomer, clarifying that she is “not affiliated with the Trump campaign.” Trump has faced criticism for his close association with Loomer, which some believe harms his image with undecided voters.

News

U.S. pastor released from Chinese prison after nearly 2 decades

David Lin, a pastor from California, was freed from a Chinese prison after nearly 20 years, the State Department announced on Sunday. His release marks the resolution of a long-standing case that sparked international outcry, with U.S. officials and human rights groups consistently calling his detention unjust.

About Lin and his case: Lin, now 68, was involved in China’s underground house church movement, which was often targeted by Chinese authorities. He was detained in 2006 while building an unapproved Christian training center. He was later sentenced to life imprisonment on fraud charges, which he always denied. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom noted that those in China who “participate in and lead house churches often face intimidation, harassment, arrest and harsh sentences.” Lin’s detention was frequently cited alongside other Americans wrongfully imprisoned in China, including New York businessman Kai Li and Texas businessman Mark Swidan.

How he was freed: Lin’s release came after years of diplomatic efforts, with President Joe Biden personally addressing the case during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While China has remained silent on the release, Lin’s daughter expressed relief, texting, “Praise God! We got the call late last night!!! Dad is free and over Alaska now.” Groups Dui Hua Foundation and the Bring Our Families Home Campaign, which both advocated for his release, applauded the news while urging continued efforts to free others.

News

Remains of missing toddler Elijah Vue found after 7-month search

The remains of 3-year-old Elijah Vue, who went missing in February, were discovered on Sept. 7 in a wooded area near Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The discovery of the boy's remains, made just over three miles from his home, brings a tragic end to a nearly seven-month search that involved extensive community and law enforcement efforts..

DNA match: The remains were found by a hunter preparing his land for the upcoming hunting season, just over three miles from where Vue was last seen. DNA testing conducted by the Wisconsin Crime Lab confirmed the identity of the remains. The investigation into Vue's death is ongoing, led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Two Rivers Police Department.

Investigations ongoing: Vue was reported missing on Feb. 20 by his caretaker, Jesse Vang, who was in a relationship with the boy's mother, Katrina Baur. Both Vang and Baur have pleaded not guilty to child neglect and other charges related to alleged incidents prior to the victim's disappearance

News

Hong Konger convicted of wearing a seditious T-shirt

Chu Kai-pong, 27, became the first person convicted under Hong Kong’s newly enacted domestic national security law. Chu pleaded guilty to sedition on Monday after being arrested for wearing a T-shirt and mask displaying pro-independence slogans, actions prosecutors said revived memories of the 2019 protests and incited public disorder.

Details of the case: Chu was arrested on June 12, 2024, at Shek Mun MTR station while wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” and a mask bearing “FDNOL,” shorthand for the 2019 protest mantra “five demands, not one less.” Chu admitted to wearing the clothing to remind people of the protests and express his wish for Hong Kong to return to British rule. He also revealed that he carried a box of excrement for potential attacks on those opposing his beliefs. His lawyer argued for leniency, noting that no one was visibly incited during the 25 minutes he wore the T-shirt.

About the law and what’s next: Chu pleaded guilty to sedition under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which was passed in March 2024 and is colloquially known as Article 23 under Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. The ordinance, which operates alongside Beijing’s 2020 national security law, targets crimes such as sedition, treason, insurrection and espionage, carrying penalties of up to seven years in prison or even 10 years if foreign collusion is involved. Critics argue that it is vague, regressive and aimed at suppressing dissent, while officials maintain it was necessary to “close loopholes” after the 2019 unrest. Chu, who had been jailed previously for a similar offense, is set to be sentenced on Thursday.

Entertainment

“Shogun” breaks Emmy records, makes history for actors

FX’s Japanese period drama “Shogun” broke records by winning 18 Emmy Awards in a single season, including historic victories for lead actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai. The show, based on the 1975 novel by Australian British author James Clavell and a retelling of the Emmy-winning series that aired on NBC in the 1980s, received a historic 25 Emmy nominations in July.

Breaking records: “Shogun” won four awards at Sunday’s event  at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, including best drama series, outstanding lead actor in a drama series (Sanada), outstanding lead actress in a drama series (Sawai) and best directing for a drama series. Previously,  the FX drama had already taken home 14 awards at the Creative Arts Emmys on Sept. 8. With a total of 18 Emmys, the show surpassed the 13 won by previous record holder and 2008 HBO limited series “John Adams.”

Historic wins: Sawai became the first Asian actress to win the outstanding lead actress in a drama series award. “I was crying before my name was announced. I’m a mess today,” she said while accepting her award, which she dedicated “to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example to everyone.” Meanwhile, Sanada became the first Japanese actor to win best lead actor in a drama series and the second Asian to receive the award, following “Squid Game” actor Lee Jung-jae’s win in 2022.

News

Visitors of Thailand’s superstar baby hippo told to please behave!

Khao Kheow Open Zoo, located near Pattaya, is asking its visitors to be on their best behavior when coming to see Moo Deng (“Bouncy Pig”), a 2-month-old female pygmy hippopotamus who has gained international viral fame for her small size and adorable expressions. The number of visitors to the zoo has reportedly increased since Moo Deng’s birth on July 10 to mother Jonah, 25, and father Tony, 24. The baby hippo is the pair’s seventh offspring.

Cruel behavior: Videos have surfaced on social media showing some visitors mistreating the baby hippo, including one TikTok video capturing a visitor pouring water to wake up Moo Deng. Other guests reportedly threw objects, such as shellfish, to coax Moo Deng. In response, the zoo has reportedly installed CCTV cameras to ensure the safety of the animals.

What they’re saying: The incidents prompted Khao Kheow Open Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoi to condemn the behavior, warning visitors that they could face legal consequences for their actions. “These behaviors are not only cruel but also dangerous. We must protect these animals and ensure that they have a safe and comfortable environment,” the director said, noting that visitors should also refrain from making loud noises. Native to West Africa, pygmy hippos have been classified as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with experts estimating that fewer than 3,000 remain in the wild.

Final Bites

Jollibee’s bubble tea brand comes to Cali, NY, Texas: Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), the Philippines-based company behind fast food chain Jollibee, revealed in a recent Philippine Stock Exchange disclosure that it is expanding its Milksha bubble tea brand in the U.S. through franchising. The company granted MKSA LLC the rights to open and operate Milksha stores in California, New York and Texas, with franchising opportunities available for other U.S. locations through Milkshop Japan Inc. JFC acquired a majority stake in Milkshop International in 2021, and since then, the Milksha store network has grown to 327 outlets globally. JFC’s broader strategy to capitalize on the fast-growing beverage industry is further evidenced by its recent $238 million investment in South Korea's Compose Coffee, in which it secured a 70% stake.

Hundreds march in New York to “keep Taiwan free”:  Over 500 people marched in New York on Saturday to support Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations, up from last year’s 300. Beginning at the Chinese Consulate in midtown Manhattan and ending at the New York Public Library, the march coincided with the 79th U.N. General Assembly and was led by Taiwanese legislators Ngalim Tiunn (Democratic Progressive Party) and Wu Chun-cheng (Taiwan People’s Party). Participants chanted slogans such as “Keep Taiwan Free” and “U.N. for Taiwan.” Tom Chih-chiang Lee, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, stressed the need to correct misconceptions about U.N. Resolution 2758, which recognizes the People's Republic of China but does not resolve Taiwan’s status. The rally highlighted Taiwan’s contributions to global development, with growing international support, including recent motions from Australia and the Netherlands backing Taiwan’s bid.