Asian Americans In The News: Wong Fu, Michigan's Mai Xiong, Simu Liu+Shang-Chi, Ted Lieu x2, And Katseye's Lara Raj

Some news from across the way.

The Asian American Foundation and Wong Fu Productions Launch 'The United States of Asian+America' to Uncover the AAPI Trailblazers and Stories that Changed America

"Today, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) is unveiling The United States of Asian+America, a digital series produced in partnership with Wong Fu Productions that tells the untold stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) firsts, inventors, and industry pioneers behind America's biggest industries and cultural shifts (watch the trailer here and the premiere episode here).

From the music topping the charts to technologies powering our daily lives to the food enjoyed in every corner of the country, AAPIs have played an outsized role in the experiences that define America today. Yet as the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, much of the public still has limited knowledge of AAPI history and influence. According to TAAF's 2026 STAATUS Index, more than half (53%) of U.S. adults cannot name a single major moment in Asian American history, and just 7% believe AAPI communities have "a great deal" of influence on U.S. culture.

The United States of Asian+America will take viewers on a journey to meet the AAPI trailblazers who have shaped modern American life, through a series of original and intimate interviews featuring guests like.."

Xiong, Rogers Introduce Legislation to Make Childcare More Affordable

"State Reps. Mai Xiong (D-Warren) and Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) hosted a press conference today announcing House Bills 6034-35, which codify and appropriate $10 million to MI Tri-Share and Care-Share. The legislation would invest in some of the fastest-growing workplace childcare benefit programs in the state, expanding access to childcare for workers in every corner of Michigan."

“We are in an affordability crisis. Families are paying more at the gas pump, in the grocery store, on housing and on energy costs. I am committed to providing Michigan families relief now,” Rep. Xiong said. “My legislation codifies and expands Tri-Share and Care-Share, lowering costs for families, workers and businesses. Childcare is a workforce and economic issue. If parents can’t afford childcare, they can’t earn a living, businesses lose out on workers and our state’s economy suffers. Childcare costs are keeping parents out of the workforce and making it harder for employers to recruit and retain workers. As a working parent of four young children, I know the struggle every parent faces as they balance raising a family and working. This package helps address both issues and brings relief to Michigan families and ensures a robust workforce.” 

Will we see a changed Shang-Chi in Avengers: Doomsday?

While we will have to wait for Shang-Chi 2, albeit it is in the works we hear, we can still get a taste of what we've been missing in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday:

"Since quite a few years have passed, Simu Liu has teased that audiences will meet a more experienced and confident version of Shang-Chi in the upcoming ensemble film [...]

"In Doomsday, Liu will share credits with Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal and Tom Hiddleston, as well as actors from the original X-Men movie franchise, including Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Patrick Stewart, Alan Cumming and Rebecca Romijn. Doomsday will release on 18 December 2026."

Ted Lieu Face Off...And Rubio

"Democratic incumbent Ted Lieu and Republican challenger Houston Brignano will face off in November for California’s 36th congressional district, which includes UCLA and surrounding areas.

Lieu and Brignano received the most votes in the June 2 primary, earning 61.1% and 15.3% of the vote, respectively, according to the Associated Press.

Lieu, who has served in the United States House of Representatives since 2015, sits on the House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees and serves as vice chair of the Democratic Caucus. 

Lieu’s campaign centers on protecting Californians’ civil rights, creating more humane immigration policies and regulating artificial intelligence, according to his campaign website.

Lieu funded his campaign primarily through the Ted Lieu Victory Fund, his own quarterly political action committee. The PAC’s biggest donors include unaffiliated individual donors, corporate executives and unions such as the Writers Guild of America West and the International Union of Operating Engineers."

In other news, Lieu also went head to head with Rubio on whether or not Trump has fallen asleep in public appearances:

"Secretary Rubio, have you been at more than one meeting where President Trump has fallen asleep?" the Democratic lawmaker asked during Wednesday's House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing.

Rubio said that was false.

"I've never seen him fall asleep," he said. "On the contrary, the guy doesn't sleep, which is a big problem," adding that Trump has called him in the early morning hours.

"Secretary Rubio, I'm going to show you in a moment a video that shows you just lied to Congress."

A video of last month's Cabinet meeting then plays. Trump is again shown sleeping, while Rubio is speaking about wartime matters.

"You are literally talking about issues of war and peace and Donald Trump is sleeping right next to you," Lieu said, repeating that Rubio was lying to Congress.

Rubio again said Trump wasn't asleep, saying that the videos being shown in the hearing aren't showing the president is dozing off.

"The president's inability to stay awake on the job has caused other countries to perceive him differently," Lieu said. "They mock him."

Katseye’s Lara and Megan Shut Down Fans Who Say Dating Men Negates Bisexuality

"Lara Raj and Megan Skiendiel, known to queer fans as the bisexual baddies of international girl group KATSEYE, are setting the record straight this Pride — but not literally. In an interview for Allure's June cover, the pair spoke about the impact of discussing their queerness publicly as members of one of the most famous pop groups on the planet.

With that massive success has come hypervisibility and, at times, intense scrutiny. When Raj publicly came out as queer while chatting with fans on South Korean social media platform Weverse in March 2025, fans rejoiced. Skiendiel followed suit in June of last year, coming out as bisexual after Raj prompted her during a Live on Weverse [...]

"I like everyone, I will date anyone," Raj said.⁠ "I think people really try to invalidate that because of who we currently or have publicly dated. But I've dated so many girls, and it's such a beautiful experience to be with women, and it's something that is a very core and important part of me that will always be with me for the rest of my life."⁠

There's no doubt that the group has broken barriers in both the K-pop and global music industries, both in terms of queer representation within Katseye and not being afraid to openly support LGBTQ+ rights."

Vincent Chin June 19th 1982

Today I will just copy this from Wikipedia to make sure, for those that don't already know (and I would ask how you wouldn't but also am inclined to call-in on this one vs call-out, at least today)--that they can take this and run with it. For everyone that grew up in the 80's, or came up in the 80's or late 70's, this will always have a profound effect--and you can talk about how we saw ourselves and how others saw us in the 90's as well and how this injustice and murder reverberated across Asian American.

Wikipedia

"On June 19, 1982, Chin was having a bachelor party at the Fancy Pants Club in Highland Park to celebrate his upcoming wedding with three of his friends: Jimmy Choi, Gary Koivu, and Robert Siroskey.^[18] Seated across the stage from them were two white men, Chrysler plant supervisor Ronald Ebens and his stepson, laid-off autoworker Michael Nitz.^[4] According to an interview by American documentary filmmaker Michael Moore for the Detroit Free Press, after Chin gave a white stripper a generous gratuity, Ebens shouted, "Hey, you little motherfuckers!", and told an African-American dancer, "Don't pay any attention to those little fuckers, they wouldn't know a good dancer if they'd seen one."^[18] Racine Colwell, a dancer at the bar, later testified that Ebens said, "It's because of you little motherfuckers that we're out of work."^[19][20][21] This statement later provided the evidence for civil rights litigation against Ebens.^[22] He later claimed that the argument was not about Chin's race but the Black dancer's gratuity.^[18] Another witness said that he heard the anti-Chinese racial slur "Chink" being used towards Chin, while another man said Ebens told him, "I'll give you $20 if you help us catch the Chinaman."^[23]

Ebens claimed that Chin walked over to him and Nitz and threw a punch at his jaw.^[18] The fight escalated as Nitz shoved Chin in defense of his stepfather, and Chin countered.^[18] One of the dancers reported that Ebens and Chin picked up chairs and started swinging them at each other.^[17] Nitz suffered a cut on his head from a chair that Ebens had intended to use to strike Chin.^[18] Chin and his friends left the room, while a bouncer led Ebens and Nitz to the restroom to clean up the wound. According to Ebens and Nitz, one of Chin's friends, Robert Siroskey, came back inside to use the restroom and apologized to the group, stating that Chin had a few drinks due to his bachelor's party. Ebens and Nitz had also been drinking that night, although not at the club, which did not serve alcohol.

When Ebens and Nitz left the club, they encountered Chin and his friends who were waiting outside for Siroskey. Chin called Ebens a "chicken shit", at which point Nitz retrieved a baseball bat from his car and Chin and his friends ran down the street.^[18] Ebens and Nitz searched the neighborhood for 20 to 30 minutes and even paid another man 20 dollars to help them look for Chin before finding him at a nearby McDonald's restaurant. Chin attempted to escape, but was held by Nitz while Ebens repeatedly bludgeoned Chin with a baseball bat until Chin's head cracked open.^[24] Ebens was arrested and taken into custody at the scene of the crime by two off-duty police officers who had witnessed the beating.^[25] One of the officers said that Ebens wielded the bat like he was swinging "for a home run".^[24] Michael Gardenhire, one of the police officers, called for an ambulance.^[26] Chin was rushed to Henry Ford Hospital and was comatose on arrival. He never regained consciousness and died four days later on June 23, 1982; Chin was only 27 years old.^[7][26]"

FIFA Invites Korean YouTuber Inocat To Match Against Mexico After Racist Fan Mugs Her Pic (AKA Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes AKA Racist A**hat)

Bernal is pictured making the racist gesture during South Korea's World Cup match against the Czech Republic (Instagram @inocat_t)

Well--it seems that after deciding to be a racist asshat, prompting Inocat to write "You traveled across the world for the World Cup… and experienced racism..."--Bernal has been removed from his position:

"A South Korean content creator had posted a video of herself at the match last Friday, where Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, seated behind her, was seen making the slanted-eyes pose then laughing it off. The pose is seen as disrespectful to East Asians.

The incident generated much outrage online, with many Mexicans expressing disgust at his actions.

Bernal later apologised and reports say he has been removed from his position as president of a Mexican engineering guild."

At least that was something (and or course FIFA blocked access to all of his tickets).

The Korea Herald is reporting that Inocat has also accepted FIFA's invitation to attend the South Korea vs Mexico game in Guadalajara.

BUNNY!! (Thỏ Ơi!!) Is The Best Thriller You Haven't Seen (Yet)

Playing on Netflix now, this is an exceptionally taut wonderful-keeping-you-on-the-edge-until-the-end thriller from start to finish from wunderkind Trấn Thành. 

As with many great Viet films, this is a love story. 

A story of wants and needs. 

Filled with lessons on life and relationships, family, and those around us. 

And dark. 

Beautifully dark, wonderfully acted, and visually stunning. 

Definitely don't miss this.

https://www.3388films.com/portfolio/bunny-tho-oi-movie/

English: A popular relationship advice host finds her carefully curated life upended when she meets a guest with a mysterious personal story, taking them both down a rabbit hole that leads to unimaginable consequences. Directed by Tran Thanh, produced by Tran Thanh Town, Galaxy Studio & HK Film, with an international release by 3388 Films.

Tiếng Việt: TV host chương trình tư vấn tình cảm nổi tiếng bỗng thấy cuộc sống đã được sắp đặt cẩn thận của mình bị đảo lộn khi cô gặp một vị khách mời với câu chuyện cá nhân bí ẩn, kéo cả hai vào một cuộc phiêu lưu đầy những hậu quả khó lường. Một bộ phim từ đạo diễn Tran Thanh, do Thanh Town, Galaxy Studio & HK Film sản xuất và 3388 Films phát hành quốc tế.

Français: Une animatrice de conseils relationnels très populaire voit sa vie, pourtant si bien orchestrée, basculer lorsqu’elle rencontre un invité au passé mystérieux, les entraînant tous deux dans un engrenage aux conséquences inimaginables Réalisé par Tran Thanh, produit par Tran Thanh Town, Galaxy Studio & HK Film, avec une sortie internationale par 3388 Films.

Český jazyk: Pečlivě naplánovaný život oblíbené moderátorky pořadu o vztahovém poradenství se obrátí vzhůru nohama poté, kdy v pořadu uvede ženu s tajemným osobním příběhem, který je obě zavede do králičí nory, a tím i k nepředstavitelným následkům. Režie Tran Thanh, produkce Tran Thanh Town, Galaxy Studio & HK Film, mezinárodní distribuce 3388 Films.

Język polski: Gwiazda telewizji doradzająca parom traci grunt pod nogami, a jej starannie budowane życie sypie się po wywiadzie z tajemniczym gościem programu, którego historia wciąga ich w spiralę zdarzeń o nieodwracalnych skutkach. W reżyserii Tran Thanh, wyprodukowany przez Tran Thanh Town, Galaxy Studio & HK Film, przy współpracy z dystrybutorem międzynarodowym 3388 Films.

普通話: 一位知名兩性情感諮詢的節目主持人，在遇見一位擁有神秘個人故事的嘉賓之後，她精心規劃好的生活徹底被翻轉，兩人就此陷入一件宛如兔子洞穴般的複雜事件，終究成了難以想像的後果。由陳清執導，陳清城、銀河影業及香港電影公司聯合出品，3,388影業負責國際發行。

So Wasians Have Been Getting A Lot Of Spotlights. What About Blasians?

First - I'm not saying anything about my Wasians--I love ALL MY ASIAN PEOPLES.

And my question is not their issue (per se). 

I'm just saying that I don't feel like I've ever heard Blasians shouted as loud and as high from the hilltops.

And with one of those funny long trumpet looking things with a banner on it.

Am I wrong? 

Did I miss a moment?

I'm just saying that this is one way that certain portions of society try to put Asians in specific boxes, or near other boxes, by simply not acknowledging some things as much, while acknowledging others more--no matter where we really sit.

It's a system. A perfectly played, and played out, system and I just want everyone to have some magazine covers and commercial time.

Maybe it can be like a new DC Universe thing...

More Linsanity. More Kat. And Yes...It's Still Knicks Over Spurs AKA 2027 Is 15 Years Since Linsanity

I loved how Kat gave a shout out to Jeremy Lin, because that truly is game recognizing game (and remember that Kat is a #1 draft pick and Jeremy Lin was undrafted).

And just to set the record straight--yes, I wanted them to implode for the obvious trade reasons, because who wants the short end of the stick? 

But when it comes down to it, I still have to want MSG and NYC, and Mr. Karl Anthony Towns, to get that Finals win over the Spurs that took us out.

Been On Vacation + A Chat With Teejay Johnson x toppsRIPPED

There are many many things to blog about coming back from a week and a half vacation....so many....but for now here's a quick snippet and link to an article from last month on Teejay Johnson from toppsRIPPED on The Hobby (of trading cards).

"Teejay Johnson, aka @NatureLuvzYou, has become one of the most recognizable and authentic voices in The Hobby. Through engaging content, genuine storytelling, and a passion for connecting with collectors, he has built a loyal following across social media while helping introduce new audiences to trading cards.

As a Filipino and Chinese American creator, NatureLuvzYou brings a unique perspective to the space, championing representation, inclusivity, and community. From collecting Pokémon cards as a kid to becoming a respected creator working alongside some of The Hobby’s biggest brands and personalities, his journey reflects the growth of both his platform and The Hobby itself. 

As an Asian American creator in the trading card space, have there been any unique experiences or perspectives you’ve brought to The Hobby that have shaped your content?

Being Asian American — I’m both Filipino and Chinese — I just try to stay true to myself. If you follow me on Instagram, I’m always posting Filipino and Chinese food to put people on to things they may not have tried before.

When it comes to content, if we’re keeping it real, The Hobby still isn’t quite diverse. People often like watching creators they can relate to, so as someone who is Asian, I feel like I have to put in twice the amount of effort. Thankfully, that effort has clearly worked."

Read the article in full at: https://ripped.topps.com/aapi-spotlight-teejay-johnson-natureluvzyou-hobby/