Filipinos are finally getting an NBA champion
Issue #217 follows a guaranteed Filipino NBA champion as tourism losses, ICE clashes and Asian American political flashpoints shape the week
For the first time in NBA history, a player of Filipino descent is guaranteed to win a championship. Jordan Clarkson is already Finals-bound with the Knicks, while Jared McCain and Dylan Harper are fighting for the West’s last spot, making this a long-awaited moment for one of basketball’s most passionate fanbases.
This issue also looks at how Trump’s border politics are hurting U.S. tourism, Andy Kim getting pepper-sprayed outside an ICE detention center and a chemical spill near Little Saigon that forced thousands to evacuate. We also cover new polling on women of color, Trump’s Taiwan comments, BTS’ latest awards sweep and a major South Korean judicial death.
Featured
This is it, pancit: The NBA Finals just guaranteed a historic win for Filipinos
Filipino basketball fans are finally getting a moment decades in the making. With Jordan Clarkson already in the NBA Finals and Jared McCain or Dylan Harper set to join him from the West, this year’s champion will include a player of Filipino descent for the first time. The milestone arrives nearly 50 years after Raymond Townsend became the league’s first Filipino American player.
What else we’re tracking
Trump’s tougher border image is starting to cost billions in tourism
International visits to the U.S. fell sharply in 2025, costing the economy an estimated $12.5 billion in visitor spending. Analysts pointed to tougher border scrutiny, immigration enforcement and trade tensions as factors pushing travelers elsewhere. The decline raises pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Steven Cheung accuses podcast hosts of racism over AI joke
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung accused podcast hosts Chuck Todd and Chris Cillizza of racism after they joked he seemed like an AI creation. Race was not mentioned in the clip, but Cheung’s response sparked debate online. The exchange revived questions over who gets to define anti-Asian bias.
Xi reportedly lashed out at Japan during closed-door summit with Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly confronted Trump over Japan’s growing military role during closed-door talks in Beijing. Xi accused Japan of “remilitarization” and warned against support for Taiwan security. Trump later reaffirmed the U.S. alliance with Japan.
Most Asian, Black and Latina women say government is failing them, new poll finds
Women of color are deeply frustrated with political institutions but still engaged, according to new polling. Nearly seven in 10 respondents said trust in federal institutions declined over the past year. Cost of living remained the clearest concern.
BTS sweeps the AMAs — again
BTS swept all three of their American Music Awards nominations, including Artist of the Year. The night was also historic for Katseye, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and Twice. Asian and Asian American artists were among the biggest winners of the evening.
Judge who sentenced South Korea’s former First Lady found dead
Judge Shin Jong-oh, who oversaw the appellate case against South Korea’s former first lady, has died in an apparent suicide. A note was reportedly found, though it did not mention his judicial work. The case had drawn intense national attention.
Why read Issue #217?
This issue captures how much public attention can shift between celebration and tension at the same time. A historic moment for Filipino basketball fans arrives alongside debates over immigration, border policy and political trust. Several of these stories also show how quickly reactions can grow larger than the original event itself, whether the subject is tourism, race, foreign policy or public officials.
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The Rebel Yellow is supported in part by funding from The Asian American Foundation (TAAF). Funders do not influence story selection, reporting, or editorial decisions. All editorial content is independently produced by The Rebel Yellow team.