$1 Billion Chinese Film / Japanese Director Makes History / Air Pollution
From Kash Patel’s foreign ties to a Fil-Am Super Bowl champ and a billion-dollar Chinese blockbuster, this week’s issue unpacks the biggest stories shaking up politics, sports, and culture.
The Rebel Yellow Issue 30
Kash Patel’s confirmation as FBI director faces renewed scrutiny over financial ties to Russian and Chinese entities. Filipino American NFL rookie Johnny Wilson celebrates a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a major milestone for representation in the league. Meanwhile, Japanese filmmaker Shiori Ito makes history as the first Japanese director nominated for a documentary Oscar, while China’s Ne Zha 2 shatters box office records with over $1 billion in just 11 days. Plus, a look at the devastating toll of air pollution on East Asia’s children, the fight for justice in a shocking domestic violence case, and the bizarre attempted theft of a $16,000 robot waiter.
Kash Patel’s Russian, Chinese links draw scrutiny amid confirmation
Kash Patel’s path to potentially leading the FBI faces renewed scrutiny as the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares for its second attempt at a confirmation vote this Thursday. The delayed vote comes amid mounting questions about his business dealings with Russian and Chinese interests, as well as concerns about his testimony regarding FBI personnel changes.
Russian ties
Patel, 44, received $25,000 in 2024 for participating in a documentary produced by Global Tree Pictures, a Los Angeles-based company with notable Kremlin ties. The firm’s Russian owner, Igor Lopatonok — who also holds U.S. citizenship — has reportedly received funding from a Putin-backed cultural foundation and leads Russian influence campaigns. The six-episode series premiered on Tucker Carlson’s network in November.
In a particularly revealing document obtained by the Washington Post, Lopatonok pitched Kremlin officials on a project aimed at stopping U.S. weapons and financial support to Ukraine. The proposal reached the office of Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, highlighting the direct line between the filmmaker and Moscow’s power structure.
Last month, prominent Putin propagandist Vladimir Solovyov discussed both Patel and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) nominee Tulsi Gabbard on state TV, reportedly referring to them as “our boy” and “our girl,” respectively. “When will they appoint our boy to the FBI?” Solovyov asked eagerly before expressing his anticipation to see how Patel “turns the FBI into a museum of political repression.” The segment underscored Russian state media’s apparent enthusiasm for having both nominees in charge of crucial U.S. intelligence positions.
Chinese links
Patel’s financial ties to China have also come under scrutiny, with his stake of $1-5 million in Elite Depot Ltd. — the Cayman Islands-based parent company of Chinese fashion retailer Shein — being his largest disclosed asset. Patel reportedly began consulting for Elite Depot in April 2024 and concluded his work just last month. Shein, meanwhile, is facing accusations of using forced labor in its supply chain.
The timing has drawn sharp criticism, particularly as the Trump administration recently amended an executive order to reinstate tariff exemptions for shipments under $800 — a change that directly benefits Shein’s business model. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) questioned the arrangement in an X post on Friday, highlighting concerns about Patel’s connection to what he called “a shadowy Cayman holding company connected to a Chinese Communist party slave labour manufacturer.”
Despite the accusations against Shein, Patel has indicated he will retain his investment in Elite Depot. In his ethics agreement, he stated there was only a “remote” chance his new role as FBI director would involve the company — a notable position given the bureau’s traditional focus on Chinese influence operations and economic espionage.
Questions continue
Patel’s international connections go beyond Russia and China. He has reportedly consulted for The Czechoslovak Group, a foreign arms manufacturer whose purchase of an American ammunition company drew Republican senators’ concerns. He has also worked with Qatar’s embassy and maintains a position on Trump Media & Technology Group’s board.
Senate Judiciary Democrats, led by ranking member Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), have requested a Justice Department inspector general investigation into Patel’s role in recent FBI personnel changes. The request follows a whistleblower complaint suggesting Patel may have been involved in firings despite his testimony to the contrary.
The scrutiny intensified after the Justice Department requested detailed information about all agents who worked on the Jan. 6 investigations, raising concerns about potential retaliation against personnel involved in those cases.
Law enforcement support
Despite the controversies, Patel maintains strong support from law enforcement groups. Over 680,000 personnel reportedly back his nomination, including more than 370,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, along with the National Sheriffs’ Association and National Police Association.
However, opposition continues in Capitol Hill. On Tuesday, 30 House Democrats, led by Rep. Glenn Ivey, formally objected to Patel’s nomination. In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, they highlighted his limited law enforcement experience and history of inflammatory statements.
Patel has been an outspoken critic of the FBI, suggesting that the agency was planning the Jan. 6 riots “for at least a year” and referring to its personnel as “cowards in uniform.” He has also pledged to “shut down the FBI Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the deep state,” aiming to decentralize the agency by relocating its 7,000 headquarters employees across the country to focus on combating violent crime. He has also called for a “comprehensive housecleaning” of the Justice Department, advocating for firing top officials and prosecuting those he believes have misused their authority for political purposes.
What’s next
Patel was a congressional staffer with modest means when he first entered Trump’s orbit. Today, his net worth stands at up to $15 million, built through consulting work, corporate board positions and media appearances, according to an AP analysis of his financial disclosures.
As Thursday’s committee vote approaches, his team maintains he has been fully transparent throughout the confirmation process. “Mr. Patel has gone above and beyond in this advice and consent process,” spokesperson Erica Knight said in a statement.
Fil-Am NFL rookie Johnny Wilson is a Super Bowl champion
Filipino American rookie wide receiver Johnny Wilson celebrated his first Super Bowl victory as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday night, ending the Chiefs’ two-year reign as champions.
Wilson, whose mother, Leslie, is of Filipino descent, was part of the Eagles' wide receiver rotation under head coach Nick Sirianni. At 6'6" and 235 pounds, he made history as the largest wide receiver drafted in the past decade when the Eagles selected him 185th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His path to the NFL began at Calabasas High School before continuing at Arizona State University and Florida State University, where he led the Seminoles in all receiving categories in 2022.
Although primarily used as a blocker throughout the season, Wilson’s towering presence helped stretch the Chiefs’ defense, creating opportunities for the Eagles' high-powered offense. “Being this size and being able to do some of the things I can do with my body and getting in and out of my breaks, and just having super long arms, it’s sometimes an advantage,” Wilson said in an earlier interview.
While Wilson played only four snaps and dropped his lone target, his presence marked a significant moment for Filipino American representation in the NFL. Filipino NFL fans had even more reason to celebrate, as cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields was also part of the Eagles' extended roster.
“Black Box Diaries”: Shiori Ito is the 1st Japanese director nominated for documentary Oscar
Shiori Ito, a Japanese journalist and filmmaker, recently became the first Japanese director to be nominated for an Academy Award in the best documentary feature category for her film, "Black Box Diaries." The film chronicles her journey as she accused Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a former Tokyo Broadcasting System Washington bureau chief, of sexual assault in 2017.
A filmmaker's journey for justice
"Black Box Diaries" documents Ito's own experience of sexual assault and her subsequent fight for justice in Japan, a country where only an estimated 4% of such attacks are reported due to societal taboos and legal hurdles. She faced numerous obstacles and societal pressures, including being forced to re-enact the assault with a life-sized doll during the initial police report. The film's inclusion of unauthorized security camera footage, showing Ito being dragged into a hotel by Yamaguchi, has even raised questions about its potential release in Japan.
A documentary for self-preservation
According to the filmmaker, creating "Black Box Diaries" began as a means of self-preservation, documenting her pursuit of justice in a system that often proved inadequate. "I felt like I needed to gather all these materials of a possible cover-up by police," she explained to Screen Daily. Ito faced several setbacks in her case, including the cancellation of Yamaguchi's arrest and the dropping of the case. She then decided to go public with her story and continue filming, transforming her personal experience into a powerful documentary. This, however, led to her being subjected to further abuse and derision online
Exposing a systemic issue
The film delves into the complexities of sexual assault in Japan, where, at the time of Ito's assault in 2015, lack of consent was not sufficient grounds for rape. Ito's decision to direct the film herself allowed her to maintain control over the narrative and ensure her story was told authentically. "I also wanted to see a film from the survivor perspective — to show it’s possible to tell our own stories,” she shared. The film's production spanned eight years and was initially self-funded, with financial support coming only after the post-production phase.
Breaking barriers and sparking dialogue
Ito's film has already been recognized at over 50 international film festivals, including Sundance, where it earned acclaim for its unflinching examination of sexual assault and its powerful message about the struggles of survivors. By bravely sharing her story and shedding light on the challenges faced by sexual assault survivors in Japanese society, Ito herself has become a symbol of Japan's #MeToo movement.
“As a journalist and as a woman who grew up and lived in Japan so long, it was just a hard realization of how backwards our legal system is and how also at a personal level, how difficult [it was] even to report the case to police,” Ito said on the Doc Talk podcast. “Making a cultural shift takes a lot of time and it’s difficult, but I believe in storytelling and I think it is one of the ways to do it.”
Opening other block boxes
"Black Box Diaries," which is now available for streaming on Paramount+, has resonated with audiences worldwide, sparking conversations about sexual assault and the challenges faced by survivors. Ito hopes the film's recognition on a global stage, including the Oscar nomination, will encourage dialogue and inspire change. "Through sharing this film, I was able to ask other audiences, ‘What’s in your black box? Do you see any black boxes around your society?’” she said. Oscar winners to be announced during the award ceremony in Los Angeles on March 2.
A Chinese animated film scored over $1 billion in 11 days, shattering records
China’s animated epic “Ne Zha 2” has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film in the country’s history. Since its release at the start of the Lunar New Year holiday on Jan. 29, the film has raked in over $1.2 billion in ticket sales, surpassing the 2021 Korean War epic "The Battle of Lake Changjin."
Billion-dollar baby: "Ne Zha 2" also became the first non-Hollywood film to cross the $1 billion mark in a single market. It achieved this feat in just 11 days, surpassing the record previously held by "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which took 165 days to reach $936 million in North America.
What makes it tick: The film's success comes amid the Chinese film industry’s recent challenges with slowing economic growth and dwindling ticket sales, with 2024 seeing a 23% drop in box office revenue. Observers attribute the film's popularity to its captivating blend of traditional Chinese mythology and modern storytelling that follows the titular character as he challenges the established order of gods and demons.
What’s next: "Ne Zha 2" has now sets its sights on the international market, with an advance screening being held in the U.S. today, ahead of its official release in the U.S., Canada and Australia on Feb. 14. This overseas expansion has fueled hopes that the film could challenge the global box office record set by 2009's "Avatar," which stands at over $2.9 billion. Weibo users are even calling on overseas Chinese audiences to contribute to the film's global box office success and help it surpass James Cameron’s sci-fi hit.
Air pollution kills over 100 children daily in East Asia, Pacific: UNICEF
A new UNICEF analysis reveals that over 100 children under the age of 5 die every day in East Asia and the Pacific due to air pollution. The report, "Growing Up in the Haze: Addressing Air Pollution and Its Impact on Children in East Asia and the Pacific—An Agenda for Action,” highlights the urgent need to address this crisis, as all 500 million children in the region are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution. Of those, 235 million live in countries where pollution levels exceed safe limits by more than five times.
Living with deadly air
Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a severe threat to children's health, as their bodies are still developing. Research has linked air pollution to various health issues in children, including asthma, respiratory diseases, childhood cancer, premature death and impaired neurodevelopment and cognitive ability.
The WHO's updated air quality guidelines set the safe annual PM2.5 threshold at 5 μg/m3 and the 24-hour limit at 15 μg/m3. However, in several countries across East Asia and the Pacific, these levels are exceeded many times over.
"Every breath matters, but for too many children, every breath can bring harm," said June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific. "The air they breathe, at a time when their bodies and minds are still developing, too often contains unhealthy levels of pollution that can compromise their growth, harm their lungs, and impair their cognitive development."
Hidden danger at home
Household air pollution, primarily caused by burning unclean fuels and solid fuel stoves for cooking and heating, is responsible for more than half of all air pollution-related deaths in children under 5 in the region.
This type of pollution disproportionately affects women and girls, as they spend more time indoors. According to a 2016 WHO analysis, girls in households reliant on unclean fuels lose approximately 20 hours each week gathering wood or water, impacting their education and opportunities.
The World Bank estimated that in 2019, air pollution from PM2.5 alone caused premature deaths and illnesses that cost East Asia and the Pacific 9.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to more than $2.5 trillion.
Call to action
UNICEF urges governments, businesses, the health sector, parents and educators to take urgent action to address air pollution's impact on children. This includes strengthening climate and environmental policies, transitioning to clean energy, enforcing WHO-aligned air quality standards, adopting clean technologies, reducing emissions, improving detection and treatment and raising awareness.
"Addressing air pollution will lead to enormous improvements in children’s health, education, and well-being, with ripple effects across entire societies and economies," Kunugi emphasized. "The solutions exist, and our collective future depends on implementing them.”
Specific recommendations include implementing programs to reduce children's exposure to household air pollution, improving air quality monitoring and public reporting, and strengthening healthcare systems to address pollution-related illnesses.
Air pollution identified as leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers: study
A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine highlights the growing threat of air pollution as a major contributor to lung cancer, particularly among non-smokers. This research, released on World Cancer Day, reveals that lung adenocarcinoma is now the most common type of lung cancer, with rising rates among younger generations and women across the globe.
Air pollution as a key driver: While smoking remains a significant risk factor for lung cancer, this study emphasizes the alarming increase in cases among non-smokers. Adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 53-70% of lung cancer cases in non-smokers worldwide, is strongly linked to air pollution. The study found that from 2020 to 2022, adenocarcinoma incidence increased in both men and women, with the highest rates seen in women. This trend is particularly concerning as lung cancer in non-smokers has become the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
Geographic disparities and contributing factors: Researchers analyzed data from various sources, including the World Health Organization, and found the highest levels of adenocarcinoma linked to air pollution in East Asia, especially China. Dr. Freddie Bray, lead author of the study, stated: “Changes in smoking patterns and exposure to air pollution are among the main determinants of the changing risk profile of lung cancer incidence by subtype that we see today.”
Supporting evidence and vulnerable populations: This study aligns with other recent research highlighting the link between air pollution and lung cancer in non-smokers. A 2024 Taiwanese study found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) significantly increases the risk of adenocarcinoma, even surpassing the risk associated with smoking a pack of cigarettes daily. Similarly, research published in Chest medical journal last year revealed that lung cancer rates are rising among non-smoking Asian American women, with over 50% of cases occurring in non-smokers.
Further research and initiatives: This alarming trend has drawn the attention of researchers like Dr. Bryant Lin, co-founder of Stanford’s Center for Asian Health Research and Education (CARE), who has dedicated his career to studying lung cancer in Asian American non-smokers. Ironically, Dr. Lin was diagnosed with lung cancer himself, despite never having smoked. "I never would’ve thought that I would have this cancer, or become the poster child for my center working on this cancer," he told Yahoo! Life.
Tragic killing of 40-year-old mom of 5 puts spotlight on dangers of domestic violence
Susan Chen, a 40-year-old Scarborough nurse and mother of five, was sexully assaulted and left to bleed to death by her husband, 58-year-old Mansour Jalali, on April 3, 2019. Two years after being convicted of manslaughter for her death, Jalali was sentenced on Jan. 25 to just 10 years in prison. And with pre-sentence credit, he will just serve less than two more years behind bars.
A brutal crime, a defiant suspect
Police found Chen's body in the family's Bonis Avenue townhouse. An autopsy revealed she died from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by anal trauma, the result of Jalali's brutal sexual assault. Even more disturbing, the crime occurred while the couple's five children were in the home.
The trial revealed a disturbing pattern of domestic abuse. Voice recordings captured Jalali threatening Chen, and her sister testified to ongoing violence and Chen's fears regarding Jalali's alcohol abuse. A prior domestic assault charge against Jalali in 2007 was ultimately withdrawn, highlighting a missed opportunity to potentially prevent this tragedy.
Throughout the proceedings, Jalali remained defiant, disrupting the court and proclaiming his innocence. He even defied a court order by demanding contact with his children, shouting, "They will learn their father is innocent and truth has been buried on your watch."
Controversial sentencing
Justice Michael Brown, who presided over the case, determined in 2023 that the sexual assault via anal intercourse was the direct cause of Chen's death. However, while he also noted that any reasonable person would have known the act could cause harm, he acquitted Jalali of murder, citing reasonable doubt about whether Jalali knew his actions could be fatal. He pointed to expert testimony that described Chen's death as a "rare and unusual outcome."
Acknowledging the horrific nature of the crime, Justice Brown cited the spousal relationship, the presence of children and Jalali's attempts to destroy evidence as aggravating factors. Yet, he also considered mitigating factors, including harsh conditions Jalali faced in pre-trial custody and a brutal assault by fellow inmates in his decision to hand down a 10-year sentence, far less than the 14 to 16 years sought by the Crown. In addition to the prison sentence, Jalali received a three-year probation order with a condition barring contact with his children.
When domestic violence leads to death
Chen’s case underscores the pervasive issue of domestic violence and its deadly consequences. Global statistics reveal a chilling reality: 60% of homicides against women and girls are committed by intimate partners or family members.
In Canada, the situation is equally alarming. From 2011 to 2021, an average of 102 women and girls were killed each year in gender-related homicides, with 93% of those murders committed by male intimate partners or family members. The problem is widespread, affecting people of all genders, ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, as this case tragically illustrates, women are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence, most often perpetrated by men.
Despite the severity of the issue, intimate partner violence (IPV) often goes unreported. In 2019, 80% of those who experienced IPV in Canada did not report it to the police. This is often due to various factors, including the belief that it's a private matter, fear of stigma, or lack of trust in the justice system. Indigenous women may face additional barriers to reporting, such as limited access to culturally appropriate resources and a general distrust of law enforcement.
A family in mourning
In a statement to Global News, Chen's family expressed their grief and highlighted her dedication to her family, her profession and her community. "Like so many other victims of intimate partner homicide, Susan was senselessly taken from us far too soon," the statement read. “Susan was a selfless and devoted spouse, mother, daughter, sister and aunt who dedicated her career to helping others as a nurse, making a lasting impact on countless lives.
“Her love for her children, family, and friends was unconditional, and that love was deeply returned,” the message continued. “This profound and heartbreaking tragedy has left the world without an extraordinary soul, and her absence will be felt by all who knew her.”
California pho restaurant workers foil attempted “kidnapping” of $16K robot server
Employees at Pho 21, a Vietnamese restaurant in South San Jose, successfully thwarted an attempted theft in the morning of Jan. 25 when a man tried to steal one of their robot servers, valued at $16,000. The incident, which was captured on surveillance footage, occurred around 7:40 a.m., just 20 minutes before the restaurant was set to open.
The suspect, who had asked to use the restroom upon entering the establishment, instead attempted to carry off one of the restaurant’s three robotic waiters. Video footage shows the man wrapping his arms around the 132-lb robot, struggling under its weight and dragging it toward his car parked just outside. As he attempted to load the bot into his vehicle, employees quickly intervened, engaging in a brief struggle before successfully reclaiming their mechanical co-worker.
Pho 21 is one of many restaurants that have incorporated robotic waiters to assist with service, particularly in light of labor shortages in the food industry. These robots, such as the Bellabot model used at Pho 21, are designed to autonomously navigate dining spaces and deliver meals to customers. Pho 21’s owner, Tony Ngo, said the theft would have ultimately been futile, as the robot requires specialized programming and would have been useless outside of the restaurant. “It can’t function without our system, so it wouldn’t have done him any good,” Ngo told ABC 7 News.
Neither the employees nor the robot sustained injuries and the machine has since returned to work, continuing to serve steaming bowls of pho to customers. Meanwhile, the attempted thief fled the scene in his vehicle, and police were notified of the incident. It remains unclear what the man intended to do with the robot.
Beloved San Francisco Vietnamese restaurant Turtle Tower will reopen
After over a year-long hiatus, prominent Vietnamese restaurant Turtle Tower is set to make a grand comeback in San Francisco’s Financial District in mid-February. The restaurant, known for its Northern-style pho, shuttered all its previous locations in 2023 due to post-pandemic challenges.
Turtle Tower, originally opened in 1999 by Steven Thang Pham and his family, quickly became a San Francisco culinary staple. Its pho ga, a chicken broth-based Vietnamese soup with house-made rice noodles, garnered widespread acclaim. “I feel unhappy when I had to close my business, I feel bad for my customers,” Steven Pham told KTVU. “People really love Turtle Tower. Now I feel good because I could come back to serving people.”
Entrepreneurs Arash Ghanadan and Hilwin Wong, partners in the hospitality group that owns several San Francisco establishments, have joined forces with the Pham family to bring Turtle Tower back to life. Ghanadan, a long-time patron himself, frequented the Tenderloin location weekly, enjoying the No. 5 pho tai lan, a simmering soup with celery, carrots, onions and leeks. “Turtle Tower wasn’t just a restaurant; it was an iconic part of San Francisco’s food culture,” Ghanadan told SFGate. “When it closed, it represented a significant loss not only for me as a regular customer but for the entire city.”
The new Turtle Tower will be located at 220 California St., formerly home to Barbacco, in the heart of the Financial District. While the classic pho recipe will remain unchanged, the menu will also expand to include a wider variety of Hanoi street food. The new location will also offer an “elevated” dining experience, complete with new murals and photos that honor the restaurant’s history. “We're San Francisco natives,” Wong said. “We believe in the new leadership of the city and the new mayor. We just feel their goals align with ours, and we're here to push forward.”