This Asian American suburb has taken a stand against AI data centers
Issue #231 follows the nation's first permanent AI data center ban, Trump's renewed anti-communist rhetoric and a Tibetan activist's final protest
Monterey Park has become the first city in the U.S. to permanently ban new AI data centers after voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative blocking future projects. The historic vote followed months of organizing by residents who argued that the facilities would place an outsized burden on local infrastructure while bringing relatively few long-term benefits to the community.
We’re also covering President Trump’s renewed anti-communist messaging, Elon Musk’s latest comments on patriotism and belonging, the release of a Beijing pastor after Trump’s appeal to Xi Jinping, a Tibetan activist’s fatal protest outside the United Nations, a record-setting Fourth of July for Miki Sudo and an unusual campaign against South Korea’s former national soccer coach in Los Angeles.
Featured
An Asian American city just became the first in the U.S. to permanently ban AI data centers
Monterey Park voters overwhelmingly approved initiative Measure NDC (No Data Center), making the city the first municipality in the country to permanently prohibit new data centers. Residents argued that the proposed facility would consume enormous amounts of electricity and water while creating relatively few jobs, turning a local zoning dispute into one of the nation’s first major public rebukes of AI infrastructure.
Communities across California have increasingly scrutinized data center proposals. Nearby Montebello, El Monte and Baldwin Park have adopted temporary moratoriums while evaluating similar projects, and neighboring Alhambra has amended its zoning code to prohibit new data centers.
What else we’re tracking
Trump revives anti-communist messaging ahead of the midterms
President Trump has sharply escalated his use of the words “communist” and “Marxist” in recent weeks, framing progressive Democrats as threats to the country’s founding ideals. The rhetoric has particular resonance among immigrant communities whose families fled communist governments, even as political scientists distinguish democratic socialism from communism.
Elon Musk says Americans who don’t ‘love’ the country should be exiled
Elon Musk ignited another political firestorm after declaring that Americans who do not love the country are “traitors” who should be exiled. His remarks quickly prompted debate over patriotism, belonging and the rhetoric surrounding who gets to be considered truly American.
Pastor reunited with family after Trump’s appeal to Xi
After nine months in detention, Beijing house church pastor Jin Mingri is free and back with his family in California. Supporters credit direct intervention by President Trump, while rights advocates caution that the broader crackdown on independent churches in China continues.
Tibetan activist dies after self-immolation outside the U.N.
The death of Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen outside the U.N. has renewed attention to Beijing’s policies toward Tibet and the Tibetan exile movement’s long-running calls for greater international engagement. His protest came just one day after China’s new Ethnic Unity Law took effect.
Hot Dog Eating Contest champ Miki Sudo eats 38.75 hot dogs to win her 12th title
Japanese American competitive eater Miki Sudo claimed her 12th Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest title despite sweltering Fourth of July conditions. The victory further extends one of the most dominant championship runs in the event’s history.
Korean businesses in LA post ‘No Entry’ signs targeting former South Korea coach
Former South Korea national team coach Hong Myung-bo resigned after the country’s disappointing World Cup campaign, but criticism has followed him across the Pacific. Korean-owned businesses in Los Angeles have begun posting “No Entry” signs bearing his name, mirroring a campaign that first emerged in South Korea.
Warrant reveals ‘skinhead’ assault on Asian man, Marines near San Diego area pier
More than a year after a violent attack near Oceanside Pier, newly released court documents describe an alleged assault on an Asian American man that investigators believe was motivated by white supremacist ideology. The case is now being investigated as a federal hate crime and civil rights violation.
Why read Issue #231?
Communities often find themselves navigating questions that have no easy answers. New technologies promise economic growth but raise concerns about quality of life. Political language that energizes one audience can alienate another. Even public protests and cultural traditions take on different meanings depending on who’s watching. As these debates unfold, local decisions increasingly carry national and even global implications.
One more thing before you dive in: if you missed it over the holiday weekend, be sure to check out The Rebel Yellow Monthly’s special sixth issue, released on the Fourth of July to mark America’s 250th anniversary.
Support independent Asian diaspora journalism. Become a paid subscriber to read the full stories and help sustain The Rebel Yellow.
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.