Texas bans Chinese citizens from buying land
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 17 into law, preventing citizens from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from buying and owning property in the state.
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #87
A progressive lawmaker is set to become NYC’s first Indian American and Muslim mayor. Texas has banned Chinese citizens from owning property. In Portland, a boba shop shut down out of fear a customer might shoot them. We also cover a LAPD sergeant tragically killed in the line of duty, a Laotian refugee’s ICE detention, and Shasti Conrad making DNC history — plus updates on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, “KPop Demon Hunters,” and Pixar’s overlooked film “Elio.”
Zohran Mamdani poised to become NYC’s next mayor
New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is set to make history as the first Indian American and first Muslim mayor of New York City, defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a stunning upset.
By the numbers: Mamdani secured 43.5% of first-choice votes compared to Cuomo’s 36.4% after 92% of votes were counted last night. Brad Lander finished third with 11.3%, followed by incumbent Mayor Eric Adams with 4.1%. The primary drew more than 980,782 Democratic voters, the highest turnout since 1989 when over one million New Yorkers nominated David Dinkins as the city’s first Black mayor. Early voting alone saw more than 380,000 participants, twice the 2021 primary numbers.
Cuomo concedes: Cuomo conceded the race last night, telling supporters, “Tonight was not our night. Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night and he put together a great campaign and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote.” He also confirmed he had called Mamdani to congratulate him.
In his victory speech, Mamdani, 33, vowed to be a leader for all of the city. “I will be the mayor for every New Yorker, whether you voted for me, for Governor Cuomo or felt too disillusioned by a long-broken political system to vote at all,” he said.
A razor-thin race: Three major surveys released before Election Day showed dramatically different outcomes. An Emerson College/PIX11/The Hill poll projected Mamdani winning after eight rounds of ranked-choice tabulation, 52% to 48%, despite Cuomo holding a 36% to 34% first-round advantage. In contrast, a Yale/YouGov survey gave Cuomo a decisive 57% to 43% final-round victory following his 38% to 28% opening lead. A third HarrisX poll commissioned by Fix The City, a superPAC that supported Cuomo, showed an even wider margin, with the former governor capturing 52% to Mamdani’s 28% and Adams’ 20% in the final tally.
Final results are expected to be announced on July 1.
Texas bans Chinese citizens from owning property
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed Senate Bill 17 into law, preventing citizens from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from buying and owning property in the state.
About the bill: The law, authored by Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) — and part of over 300 bills Abbott approved on Saturday — blocks individuals, companies and government entities from the aforementioned countries from buying Texas real estate, effective Sept. 1. The law excludes U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents, while permitting those with valid U.S. visas to buy only homes for personal use, not investment properties. Those who break the law could face felony charges, while courts may assign receivers to oversee and sell properties obtained illegally. The Texas Attorney General will examine possible violations and seek civil fines up to $250,000 or 50% of property value, whichever is larger.
Discrimination concerns: Opponents of the legislation, including several Asian American advocates, have called it discriminatory. Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) said last month, “This is a loud and clear message that Asians don’t belong in this country.” Asian Texans for Justice co-founder Alice Yi, who slammed the bill as “racist,” said community groups plan to fight it in federal court, mirroring ongoing legal battles against Florida’s similar law. In 2023, the Department of Justice said that law — which also bans citizens from Cuba, Syria and Venezuela from owning property — breaks the Fair Housing Act and Equal Protection Clause requirements, but it remains in effect pending federal appeal.
Despite the criticism, Kolkhorst has stood by her legislation, stating in February that “Texas is not for sale to any nation deemed a threat to our national security.”
Washington’s Shasti Conrad makes history as 1st South Asian American DNC vice chair
Washington State Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad secured a historic victory on Friday, becoming the first South Asian American to hold an officer position in the Democratic National Committee’s national leadership.
How she did it: Conrad beat Oklahoma DNC member Kalyn Free in the runoff, securing 225 votes (about 56%) from the 402 ballots submitted. The contest was a repeat of February elections that were overturned after Free challenged the process for violating gender balance requirements. Balloting ran Wednesday through Friday, which Conrad described as “the longest election in DNC history.” Conrad will serve alongside Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who retained his vice chair position Saturday after David Hogg declined to run again following controversy over his announced plans to back primary challengers against Democratic incumbents.
About Conrad: Conrad, 40, is in her second term heading Washington’s Democratic Party and often references her upbringing by a single mother employed in a public sector union job when discussing policy. An Indian-born naturalized citizen, she frames her immigrant experience as a counternarrative to anti-immigrant messaging from the Trump administration. Conrad has worked in Democratic politics for nearly 20 years, including positions with then-Vice President Joe Biden and in the Obama White House’s Office of Civic Engagement. DNC Chair Ken Martin lauded Conrad for being a “trailblazer” who helped Washington become “the only state in the country to buck a red wave across the ballot.”
What’s next: Conrad is now set to help develop party strategy for the 2026 midterm elections and craft responses to the Trump administration. In a statement shared with The Rebel Yellow, she emphasized her focus on engaging young voters and representing AAPI interests. “As a millennial, I’m committed to creating more opportunities for young people to get involved and become the leaders of today — not just tomorrow,” she said, adding her determination to ensure AAPIs “have a seat at every table where decisions are made.” She previously argued that Democrats should examine Washington state’s electoral success as a potential model for other states.
“Hero” LAPD sergeant fatally struck by vehicle while responding to crash
Sgt. Shiou Deng, a 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was fatally struck by a vehicle early Monday while responding to a crash on the 405 Freeway in Brentwood, authorities confirmed.
Crash and response
Around 1:58 a.m. on June 23, Sgt. Deng stopped on the southbound side of the 405 near Getty Center Drive after witnessing a two-vehicle collision involving a Toyota Tacoma and a sedan.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said Deng activated his patrol SUV’s rear amber lights “in an effort to be able to slow traffic behind him and provide some level of safety for the people who were involved in that collision.”
Fatal collision
As Deng approached the scene on foot, a third vehicle traveling southbound struck him. He was rushed to UCLA Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Tacoma involved in the original crash also died and a passenger in that vehicle was critically injured. The driver who hit Deng remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
No charges have been announced, as the California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident.
Tributes and legacy
Deng had served 17 years in LAPD’s mental evaluation unit before transferring to patrol in West Los Angeles, where he was promoted to sergeant. Colleagues described him as sharp, compassionate, and deeply committed to public service. “He died a hero,” said McDonnell at a press conference. “He was out there caring for others, putting their safety before his own. And he is somebody that we will all look to as an inspiration as we carry on the mission."
Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags flown at half-staff across city and state buildings in his memory. At a press conference, Bass said, “This is a sad day for our city,” and lauded Deng’s selflessness. Deng’s body was escorted from UCLA by a marching procession of officers and memorials have been set up outside the West LA division where he served.
Southeast Asian community rallies for Laotian father detained in Rhode Island
Nearly a month after his arrest outside his Cranston workplace, Laotian refugee and father of three Nich Chourng remains detained at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 27.
Public outcry outside Wyatt
On May 28 more than 100 community members and advocates gathered at Wyatt to demand Chourng’s release. Organizers from Southeast Asian groups — including ARISE, PrYSM, the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island and the Party for Socialism and Liberation — led the rally. Speakers included youth leader Caylee Chourng, Nich’s daughter, who described her father as a hardworking parent and said the family has received no explanation from ICE.
“My father is a man who works two jobs, seven days a week. He wakes up to do everything he can to give us a better life, something he never had.” Caylee told the crowd. “Even one day without my father feels like a part of me is missing. No one should have their rights ignored, their family torn apart, and their voice silenced.”
Taken without explanation
In an interview with The Rebel Yellow, Caylee shared that her father came to the U.S. as a child refugee from Laos and has been a lawful permanent resident ever since. After initially living in Long Beach, California, Nich made Rhode Island his permanent home more than 25 years ago.
“My dad is a motivator for my siblings,” she said. “He has dedicated his life to ensuring my siblings and I have a better future.” She added that ICE has not provided any formal explanation to her family on why Nich was taken into custody. The family has since secured legal representation.
“They kidnapped him from his place of employment without even identifying themselves,” she said. “They wouldn’t tell us anything and they have still not let us as his kids in to even visit him weeks later.”
Rallying support for release
Caylee has launched a petition demanding her father’s release and has called on the public to help share her testimony and amplify other families’ experiences. “Share my family’s and other impacted families’ stories widely,” she said. “Share my personal testimony and demand to release my dad.”
Nich’s arrest follows a broader pattern of ICE enforcement targeting Southeast Asian communities — a trend that intensified following deportation policy escalations under the Trump administration. These actions have drawn scrutiny for disproportionately affecting refugees who have lived in the U.S. for decades.
A “rooftop Korean” revisits the LA riots 33 years later
During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Yongsik Lee was one of many Korean American business owners who armed themselves as police redirected their presence to wealthier areas. With little to no law enforcement response in Koreatown, Lee picked up his children from school, purchased fire extinguishers and returned to his store, where he and two neighbors took positions on the roof.
Koreatown under threat
Lee, a veteran of both the Korean and U.S. armed forces, told the New York Post that many of the armed business owners had similar backgrounds and coordinated efforts to deter looters without escalating violence.
The defensive presence became one of the most enduring images from the riots: armed Korean Americans guarding their shops as fires spread and violence unfolded. More than 1,800 Korean-owned businesses were damaged or destroyed. While many of those on the rooftops had prior military service, Lee emphasized their goal was to prevent destruction, not provoke confrontation.
“All of the Korean people, we were just focused on protecting our property,” he was quoted as saying. “And we were also trying to protect the pride and spirit of our Korean community.”
Turned into a meme
More than 30 years later, images of the Korean Americans on rooftops have resurfaced amid the recent protests in Los Angeles over federal immigration raids. A meme posted by Donald Trump Jr. repurposed one rooftop photo with the caption: “Everybody rioting until the roof starts speaking Korean.”
The Korean American Freedom Federation in Los Angeles condemned the post for mocking a traumatic moment in community history, warning that invoking “Rooftop Koreans” to score political points risked distorting painful experiences and inflaming tensions.
Lee said the current protests differ significantly from what occurred in 1992. He described today’s demonstrations as more restrained and noted that the Korean American community is now more politically active and economically secure. That increased civic engagement has been especially visible in recent responses to federal enforcement actions and online rhetoric.
Portland boba shop closes due to fear former customer “may shoot us”
A boba shop owner in Portland was forced to pause operations after a regular customer damaged her business, smashing windows with rocks over disputed missing items.
What happened
Auntea Ha, located at 5329 N Interstate Ave. in the Overlook district, fell victim to the patron of roughly eight weeks, just after the shop celebrated its three-year milestone. The unidentified man initially appeared to be a good customer, ordering milk tea, leaving tips and sharing stories with employees. However, owner Ha Phan soon noticed his rapid speech, frequent cursing and mentions of firearms. “He had mentioned a gun, and I’m worried about the gun. I’m worried about the safety of my team and myself,” Phan told KPTV.
The man also started seeking free beverages and bathroom access without purchases. He eventually threatened Phan, setting a deadline to return alleged stolen property. Video footage from June 14 reportedly captured him destroying a window using what Phan describes as a knife-sharpening stone, followed by a second attack on June 18 when he threw a rock at another window.
Search continues
Portland police are now investigating the case. Little is known about the man, who exclusively used cash payments and withheld his identity. Staff managed to photograph his white pickup.
Phan expressed confusion and fear about the man’s accusations. “I cannot afford to keep the shop closed, but if we don’t close, he may shoot us,” she told KOIN. The business has shared surveillance videos of the attacks and asked the public for help in identifying the man. “If anyone knows any information about this man, please please contact us,” the shop pleaded.
Anyone with information about the man is asked to contact Portland police and reference case #25-162025.
Why Iran’s Strait of Hormuz matters to Asia
Iran’s potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could severely impact Asian economies heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy supplies, following escalating tensions after U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear sites.
Catch up
The strait of Hormuz, spanning 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, handles approximately one-fifth of global energy flows. While Iran has issued closure threats previously, it never fully shut the waterway. Following U.S. military operations targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure over the weekend, Tehran’s parliament backed a closure proposal, pending approval from the Supreme National Security Council.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio appealed to Beijing on Sunday to dissuade Tehran from the action, describing it as potential “economic suicide” requiring American retaliation. Energy markets responded with Brent crude reaching $81.40 per barrel Monday before declining, prompting President Trump to warn on Truth Social, “EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING!”
Asia’s vulnerability
Regional economies show heavy dependence on the waterway, with 84% of transiting crude destined for Asian markets. China faces the greatest risk, drawing 5.4 million daily barrels through the strait while acquiring over 90% of Iranian crude exports. India processes 2.1 million barrels daily from the route, although Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted that a “large volume” of the country’s supplies no longer pass through it after recent diversification initiatives. South Korea sources 68% of crude requirements (1.7 million daily barrels) via the waterway, while Japan secures 1.6 million barrels daily, representing 95% of its Middle Eastern crude purchases.
Additional Southeast Asian countries maintain significant exposure to potential disruptions, with Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam all securing considerable supply volumes via the passage. Overall, Asia obtains more than four-fifths of natural gas shipments and three-fifths of refined fuel products moving through the strait.
Broader implications
Economic analysts warn that disruption of the waterway could elevate crude prices beyond $100 per barrel. Rising energy costs also threaten to draw more uncertainties to inflation in Asia, potentially compelling monetary authorities to suspend interest rate reductions or implement increases.
However, some observers believe China might welcome the crisis, considering that it is better equipped to handle the fallout than the U.S. and Europe. Energy specialist Vandana Hari, who considers Iran’s strait closure a “remote tail risk,” says the nation has “little to gain and too much to lose” from antagonizing key oil customer China.
“Cobra Kai” actor accused of biting co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim at convention
Martin Kove, known for his role as John Kreese in “The Karate Kid” and Netflix’s “Cobra Kai,” was removed from a fan convention in Puyallup, Washington, after allegedly biting co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim during a VIP meet-and-greet.
Unexpected encounter: The alleged incident took place on Sunday, June 22, at Washington State Summer Con. According to a police report obtained by Variety, Hannah-Kim tapped Kove on the shoulder to say hello when he grabbed her arm and bit her “so hard he nearly drew blood.” The report states she cried out in pain as Kove began kissing the area where he had bitten her. A responding officer observed visible teeth marks and bruising on Hannah-Kim’s arm.
Response and confrontation: When Hannah-Kim and her husband, actor Sebastian Roché, confronted Kove about the incident, he reportedly became agitated, questioning how they even dared confront him. Kove claimed to the officer that he had been joking, describing the incident as “play fighting” similar to scenes from the show.
Leaving a mark: According to Hannah-Kim, she had not interacted with Kove in nearly a year and had approached only to greet him. The 37-year-old Korean Australian actress was captured by bodycam footage telling Kove, 78: “You have left a mark on my body, which in your 80-year-old brain you think is play. Sir, were you raised in a ditch?”
No legal action: Hannah-Kim declined to press charges but asked for the incident to be documented in case of further misconduct. The officer issued a warning to Kove, advising him not to repeat such behavior. Kove was asked to leave the venue and was escorted out by his son and a “Cobra Kai” producer.
Netflix’s hit film about a K-pop girl group hunting demons is stacked with stars
Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” has emerged as one of the platform’s breakout hits since its June 20 release, topping streaming charts and earning critical praise. The animated film, which follows a fictional K-pop girl group that secretly hunts demons, features a stacked cast led by Korean American talent.
Who’s in it: Arden Cho voices Rumi, lead vocalist and leader of girl group HUNTR/X, whose half-demon origins drive the film’s central conflict. EJAE provides her singing voice. Ahn Hyo-seop plays Jinu, the troubled leader of rival group the Saja Boys, with vocals by Andrew Choi. Bandmates Mira and Zoey are voiced by May Hong and Ji-young Yoo, with singing by Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
More stars: Supporting roles include Yunjin Kim as Celine, Rumi’s foster mother and a former demon hunter. Daniel Dae Kim voices Healer Han, an eccentric doctor and Lee Byung-hun voices Gwi-Ma, the king of demons, in both the English and Korean versions. Ken Jeong also appears as Bobby, the group’s PR manager.
Musical cameos: TWICE members Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung perform “Takedown,” a track used in a climactic action sequence. Lea Salonga contributes vocals for a ballad associated with Celine’s past. Both songs, though limited in screen time, helped the film’s soundtrack reach No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes chart.
Reception and what’s next: As of this writing, “KPop Demon Hunters” holds a 96% critic score and 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers have praised the film for its animation, soundtrack and exploration of idol culture. While Netflix has not confirmed a sequel, the film’s cliffhanger ending has sparked fan speculation about what’s to come.
Pixar’s “Elio” deserves your time even if most filmgoers skipped it
Pixar’s latest film “Elio” opened over the June 20–22 weekend to just $20.8 million domestically and $14 million overseas, the lowest debut in the studio’s history.
Despite the poor showing, audiences are regarding the film as one of the studio's most emotionally grounded and inclusive originals. Directed by “Turning Red” director Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian and starring 14-year-old Filipino Eritrean American actor Yonas Kibreab, “Elio” offers a carefully crafted story that hasn’t reached the audience it deserves.
Why it faltered
“Elio” opened opposite “28 Years Later” and “How to Train Your Dragon,” both sequels from established franchises that dominated theater screens and drew broader audiences. Without the support of brand recognition, Pixar’s original concept struggled to hold attention during a high-stakes release window.
During the pandemic, Pixar released “Luca” and “Turning Red” exclusively on Disney+, where both became the top-streamed original films of their release years. Critics and industry analysts argue that this shift led audiences to expect new Pixar originals on streaming first, reducing the urgency to experience them in theaters .
According to Slashfilm, Disney waited until the week of release to begin its main advertising push. TV spots and social media promotion followed only after the review embargo was lifted, leaving the studio with little time to establish awareness or communicate the film’s emotional core. “Elio” opened in theaters without the kind of focused campaign that typically anchors a Pixar debut.
Why more should watch it
“Elio” marks a rare moment of Filipino American representation in major animation. Kibreab told ABS-CBN that he relates closely to the character’s loneliness and imagination: “Just like Elio, he’s a very unique kid. He’s very outgoing, and he doesn’t care about what people think, which is like a superpower. He’s taught me to be myself, because, you know, being myself is cool. And maybe if I’m weird… who cares? It’s cool.”
Filmmakers Shi and Sharafian shaped the film’s narrative around empathy, uncertainty and emotional growth — traits less commonly centered in past Pixar protagonists. The film has landed an A CinemaScore and drawn consistent praise from critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes for its visual worldbuilding and character-driven story.
While “Elio” doesn’t rely on franchise recognition or spectacle, it offers something harder to market and easier to overlook — a story with emotional honesty, creative risk and underrepresented voices at the center.