50 Cent is going to Chinatown
Rapper and producer 50 Cent is expanding his hit “Power” television franchise with a new series set in New York City’s Chinatown, potentially drawing from the lives of former gang figures in the area.
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #66
Vietnam scrambles to avoid a crushing 46% U.S. tariff as high-stakes trade talks unfold in Hanoi, while the Trump administration freezes decades-long mine-clearing aid in the region. At home, ICE raids, anti-Asian hate, and political infighting continue to roil communities. But amid the turbulence, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders mark Heritage Month with powerful moments of resilience, remembrance and overdue recognition — from Broadway and boxing rings to historic biographies and global diplomacy.
Vietnam races against time as Trump’s tariff deadline looms
The U.S. and Vietnam have kicked off critical trade negotiations as the Southeast Asian nation faces a potential 46% tariff that could significantly impact its export-driven economy.
State of play
Today’s negotiations in Hanoi mark the first substantive talks between the U.S. and Vietnam since President Donald Trump unveiled his reciprocal tariffs on “Liberation Day” on April 2.
Initial discussions began on April 23 with a call between Vietnamese Trade Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, in which Nguyen expressed Vietnam’s desire to develop a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with the U.S. On Monday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told parliament that Vietnam is among the first countries the U.S. has agreed to negotiate tariffs with, highlighting the urgency as the deadline approaches.
Impact on businesses
The threatened 46% levy — among the highest rates in Trump’s tariff plan — has sent shockwaves through Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, where global brands like Adidas, New Balance and Nike maintain significant production facilities. Some factories have accelerated production to beat the July 8 deadline, with seafood exporters planning to increase U.S. shipments by 10-15% in May compared to April.
Others are freezing expansion plans or canceling orders amid the uncertainty. Vietnamese garment manufacturers are particularly vulnerable, with industry representatives indicating that tariffs exceeding 20% would be unsustainable for many factories.
The big picture
Vietnam, whose growth forecast has been lowered by the IMF from 6.1% to 5.2%, finds itself caught between the world’s two largest economies. While the country exports roughly 30% of its goods to the U.S., it also relies on China for components and raw materials. Washington has expressed concerns that Vietnam may serve as a backdoor for Chinese goods entering American markets, while Beijing has warned it will retaliate against countries signing deals with the U.S. that harm Chinese interests.
Chinh is seeking Vietnam’s early recognition as a market economy and removal of restrictions on high-tech exports in exchange for addressing the trade imbalance. Meanwhile, industry leaders hope to reduce the final tariff rate to 20-28%, which local manufacturers believe would allow them to maintain operations, albeit with reduced margins.
Trump freezes funds to clear unexploded mines in Vietnam
The Trump administration has suspended funding for clearing thousands of unexploded mines in Vietnam, threatening reconciliation efforts five decades after the Vietnam War ended.
What you need to know: Amid sweeping foreign aid cuts, the State Department announced a three-month suspension of mine clearance in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in January. The freeze temporarily left 1,000 Vietnamese deminers jobless in Quang Tri province, which has the highest concentration of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Though some operations resumed in April after diplomatic pressure, the future of U.S.-funded operations in Vietnam are in limbo as the 90-day review deadline passed without resolution.
Why the funds matter
UXO has caused more than 105,000 casualties, including over 38,000 Vietnamese civilian deaths since 1975. Funding for Agent Orange cleanup at Bien Hoa air base was similarly affected, leaving dioxin-contaminated soil untreated. Agent Orange continues to cause cancers, birth defects and other health issues across generations.
“Donald Trump threatens to sabotage — and I don’t use that word lightly — sabotage 30 years of cooperation with a key partner in one of the most challenging regions of the world,” former Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) told the Washington Post, adding that the only country that “can really be happy” about the “colossal mistake” is China.
With Chinese troops marching across Ho Chi Minh City during this year’s military parade for the first time, critics warn the diplomatic uncertainty comes at a critical moment for U.S. influence in the region.
Rep. Shri Thanedar rebukes Dinesh D’Souza for mocking his heritage and accent
U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) fired back at conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, who publicly mocked the congressman’s accent and Indian heritage after Thanedar introduced articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
D’Souza mocks Thanedar
In a video posted on X on April 29, D’Souza criticized Thanedar’s introduction of articles of impeachment, calling his English “broken” and claiming he only succeeded in the U.S. because of diversity initiatives.
“If this guy lived in India, he would be a municipal clerk or waiter,” D’Souza wrote. “Here he thrives because of diversity.”
He added, “On the Left, his broken English and semi-illiterate solecisms are seen as positive traits. We need fewer people like him in this country.”
Thanedar responds
“I did grow up in India. My dad was a clerk,” Thanedar wrote on social media in response. “Then I found my American Dream. Now I’m helping many other Americans achieve their dreams.”
He followed with a pointed jab at D’Souza’s criminal record: “If you need help recovering from your felony, please let me know. Happy to help.”
In 2014, D’Souza was convicted of making illegal campaign contributions through the use of straw donors. He was pardoned by Trump in 2008.
Shri’s son defends his father
Thanedar’s son, Neil Thanedar, also joined the rebuttal, defending his father’s background and legacy: “He did live in India as a kid. Then he worked multiple jobs while graduating from college by 18, then made it to America, then started multiple businesses, then employed hundreds of Americans, then became a US Congressman.”
When D’Souza responded, “So what makes me just a felon?” — referencing his own achievements including writing bestsellers and working in the White House — Neil replied: “Your books and movies spew hate. You get conservative jobs and can't keep them. The biggest award you’ve earned is a pardon. So, yes, felon goes first.”
“Stop trolling successful Americans for views,” he added.
Impeachment move draws spotlight
The exchange followed Thanedar’s April 28 announcement of seven articles of impeachment against President Trump. The resolution, which cited obstruction of justice, bribery and unconstitutional actions, drew immediate controversy within the Democratic Party.
Reps. Jerry Nadler, Robin Kelly and Kweisi Mfume — initially listed as co-sponsors — withdrew their names from the measure within 24 hours. A spokesperson for Mfume said, “He was made aware it was not cleared by Democratic leadership and not fully vetted legally — and he preferred to err on the side of caution.”
Though the resolution is unlikely to gain traction in a GOP-controlled Congress, it has placed Thanedar at the center of both political and cultural backlash.
ICE raids Irvine couple’s home over son’s alleged involvement in personnel doxxing
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a couple’s home in Irvine, California, last week as part of an investigation into posters that allegedly revealed personal information of federal officers that appeared in Los Angeles months earlier.
The agents, along with Secret Service personnel, executed the search warrant at the residence of Annie Yang and Yuzong Chang at around 6 a.m. on May 1. The couple said they were awakened by the officials’ bullhorn. “They announced on the speaker, ‘People who reside in this house, please come out with your hands up,’” the couple told NBC Los Angeles. The agents reportedly confiscated their router and a hard drive containing family photos.
Alleged doxxing
The investigation aims to identify whoever distributed materials containing personal information about ICE and enforcement removal officers in various Los Angeles locations earlier this year. At the center of the probe is the couple’s 29-year-old son, Michael Chang, who relocated to New York about a month prior to the search. Authorities reportedly traced an IP address associated with a February doxxing incident back to the couple’s residence.
Public records indicate Michael has previous involvement with activism. Last September, he was among 10 people charged by the Orange County District Attorney with failing to disperse following a May pro-Palestinian demonstration at UC Irvine that authorities declared an unlawful assembly. According to his parents, those charges were subsequently dismissed after he fulfilled community service requirements.
“No clue”
The couple expressed shock at the early-morning raid of their home. “I feel like I was in a movie set or something. It was so unreal,” Yang told ABC 7 Los Angeles. She maintained they had “no clue” about any potential involvement their son might have had with the posters.
ICE confirmed that it had executed a federal search warrant as part of an ongoing criminal investigation but declined to provide further information. Michael, for his part, is reportedly seeking legal advice for the latest allegations he faces.
Philadelphia’s “Chinatown Stitch” project threatened by federal funding cuts
Philadelphia’s $160 million “Chinatown Stitch” project, designed to heal the neighborhood divided decades ago by the Vine Street Expressway, now faces uncertainty as House Republicans propose eliminating billions in federal infrastructure funding.
The latest: A House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee proposal aims to cut “unobligated” funding from dozens of nationwide infrastructure projects — including Chinatown Stitch — as part of a budget reconciliation process pushed by the Trump administration. This would target over $3 billion allocated for reconnecting communities divided by transportation infrastructure. “We’re sort of at their mercy,” Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents Chinatown, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “Nothing is cut at this point — there haven’t been any votes — and we’re going to continue to move forward.”
Why the project matters: The initiative would cap two and a half blocks between 10th and 13th streets along I-676, creating green space and enhancing pedestrian safety in an area disrupted by the expressway's original construction. In March 2024, the project secured a $158 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program. At the time, former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) emphasized the project’s purpose “to reconnect Chinatown decades after residents suffered the consequences of harmful infrastructure decisions.”
What’s next: Construction was originally projected to begin in 2027, but the timeline now hinges on congressional budget decisions. Despite funding uncertainties, Philadelphia officials continue gathering community input through pop-up meetings. John Chin, executive director of project partner Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, expressed concern about the potential funding cuts. “All of this is very alarming,” he told Axios, describing it as another challenge “outside our control” and one that “reduces our ability to be successful.”
Teen survivor of Vancouver festival attack donates $193K to other victims
Andy Le, the 16-year-old who lost his entire immediate family in the April 26 vehicle attack during a Filipino cultural festival in Vancouver, is donating half of the funds raised for him to support other victims and their families.
Tragedy strikes
On April 26, a man drove an SUV into a crowd gathered at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, killing 11 people and injuring more than two dozen others. Among those killed were Andy’s father, Richard Le, 47, stepmother Linh Hoang, 30 and 5-year-old sister Katie. They were attending the festival as a family — but Andy stayed home to finish his homework, a decision that ultimately saved his life.
Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who was arrested and charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, with more charges expected. Police said the attack was deliberate but ruled out terrorism. Lo, who has a history of mental illness, was under the care of Vancouver Coastal Health and on extended leave under the province’s Mental Health Act at the time of the incident.
A gesture of solidarity
The GoFundMe campaign, created by Andy’s uncle Toan Le, raised over 542,000 Canadian dollars ($393,600) before being closed on May 6. Initially intended to help cover funeral costs and Andy’s future education, the campaign's surplus will now go toward aiding other survivors and victims’ families.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I'd like to donate $266,000 CAD ($193,100) to other victims from my GoFundMe campaign," Andy said in a video posted to the fundraising page. "I want to continue living with my grandparents, who [have] helped raise me, and truly love me. Thank you all so much for your support."
Toan confirmed to CBC Vancouver that they are working to identify appropriate organizations to distribute the funds. He described his nephew as resilient, despite having lost “his entire life overnight.”
Remembering the victims
On the GoFundMe page, Toan Le remembered his brother Richard as a devoted father, badminton and tennis coach, and real estate professional. Linh Hoang, Richard’s wife and Andy’s stepmother, was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. Katie, the youngest victim, was about to graduate from kindergarten and was described as vibrant, joyful and full of life.
“The horrific nature of this crime against the Le family and other victims serves as a painful reminder that, as a society, we must do better,” Toan wrote. “We hope you cherish your loved ones every single day, as Andy and many others no longer have that chance.”
1st Asian to win World Snooker Championship entered tournament as an amateur
Zhao Xintong made history by becoming the first Chinese and Asian player to win the World Snooker Championship, defeating three-time champion Mark Williams 18–12 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Monday.
The 28-year-old’s win capped a remarkable return to the sport after a 20-month suspension over a match-fixing investigation. Entering the tournament as an amateur — he is also the first amateur to win the title — Zhao had to fight through four qualifying rounds to reach the main draw and went on to handily upset seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the semifinals.
In the final, Zhao dominated early with a 7-1 lead in the first session. Despite a late push from Williams, Zhao sealed the title with an 87 break in the 30th frame. The win is set to propel him to 11th in the world rankings and earn him 500,000 pounds ($667,400), though approximately 221,000 pounds ($295,000) will go to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs under UK tax laws for overseas athletes.
Japan’s boxing GOAT still undefeated after 30 matches
Naoya Inoue improved to 30-0 with a dramatic comeback win over Ramon Cardenas on Sunday in Las Vegas, defending his undisputed super bantamweight titles and reinforcing his claim as Japan’s greatest boxer.
Inoue, currently ranked No. 2 pound-for-pound by ESPN, overcame a surprise knockdown in round two before stopping Cardenas in the eighth. The TKO marks his 27th knockout victory and continues a dominant career that already includes world titles in four weight classes.
Nicknamed “The Monster,” the 31-year-old is the first Japanese fighter to become undisputed champion in two divisions. Sunday’s win further solidifies his legacy as Japan’s most accomplished boxer on the global stage.
New bio explores the complex life of 1930s Hollywood star who hid her South Asian roots
British-Indian actress Merle Oberon is the subject of Mayukh Sen’s biography, “Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s First South Asian Star.”
Mayukh Sen was just a high-schooler when he first encountered Merle Oberon in the 1939 film "Wuthering Heights."
“I felt an immediate draw to her — not only because she was South Asian like myself, but also because she was raised in Kolkata, the city where my late father had come of age,” he tells The Rebel Yellow.
According to Sen, the idea of writing a biography of Oberon came early. “I wanted to know more about how this girl who had grown up in poverty became an Oscar-nominated movie star on the other side of the world,” he recalls.
Oberon, he says, seemed misunderstood: dismissed by cinephiles and ignored by many in the South Asian diaspora who were uneasy with her choice to pass as white. At the time, the only biography of her was a 1983 book by Charles Higham and Roy Moseley, whose claims have since drawn scrutiny.
“It’d take me a few years to actually realize my teenage dream of writing a proper biography of Merle Oberon,” he says. After his 2021 book "Taste Makers," he felt ready. “I also felt — or at least hoped — that the culture might be open to accepting the complications of her story.”
Excavating the past
One early priority was filling in the gaps about Oberon’s early life in India. “Finding those members of the Selby family who were willing to speak to me allowed me to construct those early chapters with more confidence,” Sen says. From them, he confirmed that Oberon’s mother Constance — whom Oberon believed to be her half-sister — was just 14 when she gave birth.
That personal history gave Sen a foundation — but public records offered a broader lens. “What most prior narrative treatments of Merle’s story seem to downplay, even ignore, is the fact that she came to America in a time when the Immigration Act of 1917 prevented immigrants from South Asia from coming to the country legally,” Sen explains. Additional restrictions on citizenship were in place until 1946, he notes, underscoring how those policies raised the stakes of Oberon’s decision to obscure her heritage.
For Sen, Oberon’s ability to work at all in Hollywood depended on a painful illusion. “Had Merle been open about her South Asian heritage in either Britain or America, she wouldn’t have received any roles of substance — at least in studio cinema,” he says.
Studios and publicists promoted a false origin story, marketing Oberon as a white woman born in Tasmania. It gave her access to roles like Queen Anne Boleyn and Cathy in "Wuthering Heights." But, Sen adds, it meant enduring invasive scrutiny. “She was living and working under constant threat,” he says, recounting a day-long skin bleaching during production of "The Dark Angel" and studios’ concerns about her appearance on color film.
The stakes of representation
Sen notes that feedback from current South Asian artists underscores the continued relevance of Oberon’s story. “One of the more common responses I’ve gotten to my book from South Asian performers working today is this sentiment that little has changed since Merle’s time,” he says. The industry still encourages performers of color to “tamp down their perceived differences” to succeed. “There’s a chill of puritanical thinking in the air. That was the central bind of Merle Oberon’s career.”
Sen shares that he made a deliberate stylistic decision to write in the present tense. “Merle Oberon has, for so long, been a cipher rendered in opaque terms, thus making it easier for people to vilify her and deny her humanity,” he says. Writing this way allowed him to center her inner life. “I had to locate her interiority when my research material allowed me to, so that my reader could care about her even when she was doing or saying things that didn’t make her very easy to like.”
Sen is continuing this work in "Brown Hollywood," which traces a wider history of South Asian-origin performers in the industry. He names Sabu and Anna Kashfi as examples, along with Boris Karloff, who was born to Anglo-Indian parents and adopted a Russian stage name. “Oberon was just one of many South Asian artists in Hollywood whose life was shaped by this overarching political environment whose effects still reverberate today,” he says. “The way I see it, ‘Love, Queenie’ is just the beginning.”
50 Cent teases new “Power” series set in NYC Chinatown
Rapper and producer 50 Cent is expanding his hit “Power” television franchise with a new series set in New York City’s Chinatown, potentially drawing from the lives of former gang figures in the area.
The 49-year-old star shared the teaser on May 3 through his Instagram account, where he posted photos alongside Peter Chin, a former leader of the Ghost Shadows gang, and Mike Moy, a former Fuk Ching gang member who later became an NYPD detective. The posts also included images of their respective memoirs — “In the Ghost Shadows” and “Bad to Blue” — hinting that the upcoming series may be inspired by their experiences.
“This is gonna be a big one. POWER in Chinatown, Mike Moy,” 50 Cent wrote in the caption.
The Chinatown installment would mark the franchise’s first focus on New York’s Asian American community, expanding beyond the city’s broader criminal underworld. No title, release date or network has been announced.
Lea Salonga highlights star power of Filipino talent on Broadway
In a CBS News New York profile for AAPI Heritage Month, Lea Salonga celebrated the rise of Filipino performers on Broadway, naming stars like Darren Criss, Eva Noblezada and Nicole Scherzinger. “All of these folks are incredibly inspiring. I need to amplify that. We are all of Filipino descent, because who in our right minds ever thought that this would ever happen?” she said. “I’m seeing this in my lifetime. I’m seeing it, and I’m still doing it, and I’m still strong enough to do it.”
Salonga, who voiced Disney’s Mulan and Jasmine, didn’t play a Filipino character on stage until “Here Lies Love” in 2023. Reflecting on her legacy, she added, “The one contribution that I made was just looking the way that I do.”