Jet Li says he “failed” as a father — and why it still haunts him
Issue #194 explores Jet Li and Kelly Marie Tran reflecting on personal struggles as ICE raids hit South Texas jobs, AAPI voters weigh in and a Seattle case raises new questions.
Today’s issue features the fallout from Trump’s immigration crackdown in South Texas, where ICE raids are now disrupting local economies and putting Republican gains at risk ahead of the midterms. We also look at a Seattle case that has reignited debate over the limits of the justice system after a man was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the killing of a pregnant Asian American woman and her child.
A new poll shows AAPI voters hold deeply unfavorable views of ICE and broadly believe Trump’s policies are hurting their economic outlook. Kelly Marie Tran reflects on the backlash she faced after “Star Wars,” while Jet Li speaks candidly about family and regret.
Featured
Jet Li says he “failed” as a father during daughter’s childhood depression
Jet Li is speaking candidly about his daughter’s struggle with depression and the role he believes he played in it. The martial arts star says he missed the signs early on and now sees that his absence during key years created distance he didn’t fully understand at the time. Looking back, he describes it as a failure, not of intention, but of attention.
He also reflects on how that realization changed him. What followed wasn’t immediate resolution, but a shift in how he approached family, presence and responsibility. It’s a rare moment of directness from someone who has largely kept his personal life private, and it shows how those gaps don’t always become clear until much later.
What else we’re tracking
Immigration crackdown threatens GOP in South Texas
Trump’s immigration crackdown is starting to hit South Texas where it matters most, the economy. ICE sweeps have slowed construction, forced layoffs and pushed some businesses to the brink, while local leaders warn the political consequences could be just as significant. As the Rio Grande Valley shifts from red gains to potential losses, the region is becoming an early test of how enforcement policies translate into votes.
AAPIs view ICE negatively, poll finds
A new poll shows strong majorities of AAPI adults view ICE unfavorably and believe Trump’s policies are hurting their economic well-being. Many also report direct or indirect impacts from immigration enforcement. The data points to growing pressure across the community.
Seattle shooting verdict sparks debate
A man who killed a pregnant woman and her unborn child in Seattle has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. The decision is reopening questions about how the law handles mental illness and unborn victims. Advocates are now pushing for changes to state law.
Kelly Marie Tran on “Star Wars” backlash
Nearly a decade after “The Last Jedi,” Kelly Marie Tran is revisiting the backlash that followed her role. She says she no longer blames herself for the harassment she faced. Her reflection adds to a broader pattern affecting women of color in major franchises.
Why read Issue #194?
Today’s issue examines cases where a push for enforcement leads to unexpected economic instability, and where a legal system functions exactly as designed but fails to provide a sense of justice. It’s also refreshing to hear Jet Li and Kelly Marie Tran talk more directly about things they’ve usually kept private. These are stories where the final outcome often contradicts public expectation, making the details behind them worth paying attention to.
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