USDA’s first Asian American watchdog escorted from office after defying White House
This edition of The Rebel Yellow covers a plane crash near Reagan National Airport that claimed Asian lives, political shifts at the USDA, sports and film highlights, and a story of a loyal dog.
Welcome to The Rebel Yellow, Issue 26
In this edition:
A tragic plane crash near Reagan National Airport claimed several Asian lives, including promising young athletes.
Recent political developments, including changes at the USDA.
Notable sports and film highlights.
A heartwarming story of a loyal dog finding a new home with a Thai princess.
Remembering the Asian lives lost in last week’s DC plane crash
American Eagle Flight 5342, operated as a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport at around 9 p.m. last Wednesday, Jan. 29. The crash occurred above the Potomac River, with the commercial flight carrying 64 people and the military helicopter carrying three crew members.
The flight involved many participants returning from the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships’ development camp in Wichita, Kansas. Doug Zeghibe, CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, told reporters on Thursday that around 14 skaters were aboard the flight.
Today, we remember the Asian lives lost in the tragic incident.
Young athletes with Olympic dreams
1. Spencer Lane, 16
Spencer Lane, a 16-year-old figure skating prodigy, was returning from the camp when the crash occurred. His father, Douglas Lane, said Spencer trained five days a week at the Skating Club of Boston while attending high school online. Spencer was adopted along with his brother Milo from South Korea.
“In his home club in Boston, he was just loved by everyone from the adults running to club to the smallest skaters, to the people that are competing for a shot at the Olympics, they all just adored him,” Douglas told WPRI. Spencer had reportedly posted photos and videos from the camp on his Instagram account hours before the crash.
Also lost in the crash was Spencer’s mother, Christine Lane, 49. Douglas described her as “a creative powerhouse” who would do anything for her children. As per the Washington Post, she had been a freelance graphic designer who had recently obtained her real estate license and helped drive Spencer an hour each way to the Boston rink four days a week to support his skating dreams.
2. Cory Haynos, 16
Just hours before boarding the fatal flight, 16-year-old Cory Haynos achieved one of figure skating’s most challenging feats. During a special training session for the top 40 to 45 athletes at the development camp, Cory successfully landed a triple axel — one of skating’s hardest jumps. He had first landed a clean one in December, but this time it was in front of the camp’s coaches.
“I’d been watching him work on it all week, just fighting to do it,” Mark Mitchell, one of U.S. Figure Skating’s coaches at the camp, told The New York Times. “So when I saw him, I just said, ‘Oh, my gosh! Cory just landed the triple axel!’ And he was so happy, just so happy.”
His parents, Stephanie and Roger Haynos, who both worked for Fairfax County public schools, were also on board the flight. They had adopted Cory and his older sister, who was away at college when the crash occurred.
3. Edward Zhou, 16, and his parents Yu “Joe” Zhou and Kaiyan “Stephanie” Mao
Edward Zhou, 16, was traveling with his parents Joe and Stephanie when their lives were claimed in the crash. He had earned his place at the camp in Wichita after placing fourth in the novice division at the eastern sectional competition last November, and according to his Instagram, had been a member of the national developmental team for four consecutive years.
Zhou “was tiny when he first learned how to skate, but he was fearless and unafraid of trying anything new,” The Skating Lesson noted, as per The Kansas City Star. “It has been said that his coaches loved coaching him because he always smiled and laughed every time he fell. Edward was known for relentlessly cheering on the other skaters.”
Just before the crash, Zhou, like his training friend Cory, also successfully landed a triple axel at the camp. Their coach, Mark Mitchell, witnessed them performing one final impromptu routine together at the camp, surrounded by cheering skaters and parents. “That's how I remember those kids,” Mitchell told the NY Times. “And that’s how I will always remember them.”
4. Jinna Han, 13, and her mother, Jin Han, 49
Thirteen-year-old Jinna Han from Mansfield, Massachusetts, had been skating since age 4. She was accompanied by her mother, Jin Han, 49, when the tragedy struck. Zeghibe, the CEO of the Skating Club of Boston, remembered Jinna as a “great competitor” who was “loved by all,” USA Today noted.
She also hoped to compete in the 2032 Olympics. “It’s just so exciting,” Jinna told NBC Boston in 2022. “It’s like, who’s going to win, what’s going to happen, because anything can happen at the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, Zeghibe praised Jin as a “wonderful, pleasant, polite” parent. “Never a discouraging word. Always appreciative, always supportive of not just Jinna, her daughter, but every athlete. Just role model parents in your sport, and you don't always get that,” Zeghibe said, as per the BBC.
5. Angela Yang, 11
Angela Yang, 11, had already made her mark in figure skating. She and her partner Sean Kay, also 11, who also died in the crash, were undefeated in juvenile ice dance for the season. Angela is survived by her father and two siblings.
The University of Delaware Figure Skating Club shared on their Facebook page that Yang’s journey began as a hockey player before she discovered her true calling in ice dance. “I realized that my skill for ice dancing would far surpass my hockey ability, so I’ve committed to ice dance since then,” Yang had said in the club’s post.
Their coach, Natalia Gudin, told Delaware Online, “This young team — Sean Kay and Angela Yang — they were so amazing. All the judges were so proud and they had such a big future.”
Dedicated professionals
6. Sarah Lee Best, 33
Sarah Lee Best, 33, was an associate at the Wilkinson Stekloff law firm in Washington, D.C. In a statement to CBS News, Beth Wilkinson, the firm’s lead counsel, noted that Best “joined us just last fall and quickly energized us all with her boundless curiosity, kindness and intelligence.”
Best’s husband of almost 10 years, Daniel Solomon, shared that they had been planning their honeymoon to Hawaii — where Sarah was born — for May 2025 to celebrate their 10th anniversary on Feb. 21. Solomon, who teaches classical studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, said Sarah’s love of classics had brought them together, according to the Washington Post. He also recalled her thoughtful nature, sharing how one Valentine’s Day she surprised him with an elaborate spread of chocolates, handmade cards, balloons and candles.
7. Pergentino Malabed Jr., 51
Colonel Pergentino Malabed Jr., 51, was from the Philippines. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), he was the chief of the police force’s supply management division and was in the U.S. on official travel to meet with Philippine embassy officials.
“His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity and dedication throughout his career,” the law enforcement agency said in a statement. Malabed is survived by his wife and young daughter.
8. Vikesh Patel
GE Aerospace employee Vikesh Patel was remembered as a “cherished colleague” by Larry Culp, the company’s chair and CEO. Patel had reportedly dedicated over 11 years to GE Aerospace. “This is a tragedy not only for our industry, but also for the GE Aerospace team,” Culp said in part.
9. Asra Hussain, 26
Asra Hussain, 26, was on her way home from a business trip to Wichita where she had been helping a struggling hospital as part of her consulting work. She reportedly texted her husband, Hamaad Raza, that they were landing in 20 minutes — but he would never see her again. The Carmel, Indiana native had earned her master’s degree in health administration with honors from Columbia University and married Raza in August 2023. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever met,” Raza told the Indianapolis Star.
Other Asian victims
The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., confirmed two Chinese citizens were among the passengers on the flight, Axios reported. Their identities had not been released as of this writing.
Latest developments
The Army Corps of Engineers has announced that salvage operations are set to begin on Monday, Feb. 3, with the initial focus on removing the regional jet wreckage. The effort is expected to be completed by Feb. 12. So far, 42 bodies have been recovered, with 38 positively identified.
Meanwhile, investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board found conflicting altitude readings between the aircraft moments before the collision. The jet’s flight recorder showed its altitude as 325 feet (99.06 meters) plus or minus 25 feet (7.62 meters), while control tower data indicated the Black Hawk was at 200 feet, the maximum allowed altitude for helicopters in the area. A full investigation is expected to take at least a year, though a preliminary report is anticipated within 30 days.
The crash stands as the deadliest U.S. air disaster since Nov. 12, 2001, when an American Airlines flight crashed in Queens, New York, killing 265 people.
USDA’s first Asian American watchdog escorted from office after defying White House
Phyllis Fong, the first Asian American Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a 22-year veteran of the department, was reportedly escorted out of her office on Monday following her termination by the Trump administration. Sources who spoke to Reuters said security agents removed Fong after she refused to comply with her firing, which was part of a broader dismissal of 17 federal watchdogs. The USDA, however, disputed this characterization, saying Fong left the office on her own on Monday. “She was accompanied by two friends who she paused to take selfies with on her way out. Security officials did not play any role in her departure,” the agency told Fox News.
Fong, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush and served as the first chairperson of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency from 2008 through 2014, had questioned the legality of her termination. In an email to colleagues seen by Reuters, she cited the Council’s position that “these termination notices do not comply with the requirements set out in law and therefore are not effective at this time.” In response, the White House defended the dismissals, describing the inspectors general as “rogue, partisan bureaucrats” who were removed “to make room for qualified individuals who will uphold the rule of law and protect Democracy.”
The firing comes at a critical time for the USDA, which is grappling with major challenges including bird flu outbreaks and rising egg prices. Under Fong’s leadership, the inspector general’s office has pursued significant investigations, including an ongoing probe of Elon Musk’s brain implant startup Neuralink, as well as cases involving animal welfare violations and food safety concerns.
Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) criticized the timing of Fong’s removal, writing in an X post: “Egg prices are soaring. Bird flu is out of control. USDA should be fixing this problem. Instead, Trump is stacking the federal government with yes-men. He doesn’t care about your grocery prices.”
Jan. 6 rioter returns home to Indiana after Canadian detention, Trump pardon
Antony Vo, a 32-year-old Indiana resident who fled to Canada to avoid serving time for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, has returned to the U.S. following his detention by Canadian immigration authorities and a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
Flight to Canada
Rather than serve his nine-month prison sentence, Vo entered Canada in June 2024 “through an improper channel” via Saskatchewan. He was convicted of four misdemeanors in connection with the riot, including disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and violent entry, CTV News noted.
His public emergence came through a series of media interviews early last month, in which he openly discussed his asylum claim and irregular border crossing. This publicity led to his arrest in Whistler, British Columbia, on Jan. 6, 2025 — exactly four years after the Capitol riot.
A complex legal web
Vo’s case became increasingly complicated after his arrest. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reportedly labeled him a “fugitive from U.S. justice” and a flight risk, confirming they had no record of him entering at the Regway, Saskatchewan, border crossing “or any other official port of entry.”
His legal team, led by Nova Scotia-based human rights lawyer Robert Tibbo — known for representing Edward Snowden — and Saskatchewan-based attorney Dami Asuni, faced multiple challenges, including:
Confirming Vo’s inclusion in Trump’s blanket pardon
Ensuring the pardon covered his additional charge for evading prison
Navigating Canadian immigration proceedings
Addressing CBSA’s initial claim that Vo was “not on the list of individuals pardoned by the U.S. president”
What he did
According to court records, Vo attended the Jan. 6 riot with his mother. In Instagram messages cited in court documents, Vo, as per the Toronto Star, wrote: “My mom and I helped stop the vote count for a bit” and “President (Trump) asked me to be here tomorrow so I am with my mom LOL.”
According to a bipartisan Senate report, five people died that day, including a police officer and a rioter shot by a police officer. More than 100 police officers suffered injuries ranging from chemical burns to brain injuries and broken bones.
Detention and resolution
Vo remained optimistic during his three-week detention at the B.C. Immigration Holding Centre in Surrey. “They always remark on how I have a smile on my face,” he reportedly said of the detention staff. He also described the experience as “humbling.”
The resolution came through an immigration tribunal hearing where Vo “conceded to having not crossed a designated border point and hadn’t reported to a CBSA officer at the time he crossed,” Tibbo told the National Post. He was issued a removal order barring him from Canada for 12 months.
“They arrested him, they detained him, they took away his liberties, so that's something that stays with you for the rest of your life,” Tibbo noted. However, he added that his client was “happy to go back and see his family” and “definitely wants to come back to Canada.”
On Thursday morning, Vo crossed back into the U.S. “without any interference,” his lawyer said in a statement to CBC News.
The big picture
On his first day back in office on Jan. 20, President Trump granted pardons to approximately 1,500 people charged or convicted in connection with the Capitol riot. Upon signing the paperwork in the Oval Office, he declared: “These are the hostages.”
However, an NPR investigation revealed that Trump’s blanket pardons did not wipe away certain defendants’ extensive criminal records or other pending criminal charges. When asked about his decision to issue blanket pardons rather than reviewing cases individually, Trump told Fox News, “It would be very, very cumbersome to go and look – you know how many people we're talking about? 1,500 people.”
The sweeping nature of the pardons has raised concerns, as NPR identified dozens of Jan. 6 defendants with prior convictions or pending charges for serious crimes including rape, sexual abuse of minors, domestic violence, manslaughter and drug trafficking.
Federal judges had previously taken these criminal histories into account when deciding sentences for Jan. 6-related charges. For instance, some defendants received harsher sentences due to their prior records, but Trump’s pardons freed them regardless of their criminal history.
Suicide rates among Asian American youth sees alarming rise over two decades, study finds
A study at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine reveals a concerning rise in suicide rates among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth over the past two decades. Researchers analyzed national mortality data from 1999 to 2021 and found that suicide rates for AAPI male youth began climbing in 2009, while the trend for females started earlier, in 2004.
Key findings
The researchers, led by Dr. Brian Keum, used Joinpoint regression analysis to assess annual percent changes in suicide rates among AAPI youth aged 10 to 19 years. The study found a substantial increase in suicide rates for both male and female AAPI youth over the 22-year period. In 2021, the suicide rates were 6.49 per 100,000 individuals for males and 3.72 per 100,000 individuals for females. While male youths had higher suicide rates overall, females experienced a larger increase throughout the study period.
Cultural and economic pressures
Dr. Keum highlighted that mental health struggles in this community often go unnoticed due to cultural stigmas. The pressure to excel, reinforced by the "model minority" stereotype, discourages AAPI youth from seeking help, as any sign of struggle may be perceived as failure. “There is this expectation that you have to excel or succeed,” Dr. Keum said. “Any indication or a sign of mental health issues might be seen as a negative.”
Economic challenges, particularly during the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, have also exacerbated mental health issues, as financial stress can contribute to feelings of hopelessness. The rise of social media has further intensified the problem, with cyberbullying and online harassment disproportionately affecting AAPI youth, especially females. The increasing prevalence of racist and sexist abuse online may explain why suicide rates among AAPI female youths have risen at a faster rate than their male counterparts.
Tailored solutions sought
The researchers posit that addressing the rising suicide rates requires urgent and coordinated action from healthcare providers, policymakers and communities. “Given the “hidden ideation” phenomenon, where AAPI individuals may not show visible warning signs before a suicide attempt, there is a critical need for culturally tailored early detection and preventive strategies,” said co-author Seungbin Oh. They also note the importance of public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health within AAPI communities and encourage individuals to seek help.
Critical disparities highlighted
While the findings of this study are consistent with previous research on suicide rates among AAPI youth, it's crucial to recognize the diversity within this population and the need for more nuanced data analysis. A separate study published in August 2024 emphasized the need for data disaggregation to better understand suicide risk within this population. For instance, Filipino, Vietnamese and Korean youth have higher suicide rates, whereas Chinese and Asian Indian youth have lower rates. Because suicide rates vary significantly among ethnic subgroups, grouping all Asian Americans together can obscure critical disparities and limit the effectiveness of targeted prevention efforts.
If you or anyone you know is at risk of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24-hour support at 988.
Chloe Kim sets new women's record at X Games Aspen 2025
Chloe Kim further cemented her legendary status in snowboarding, capturing her eighth X Games Women’s SuperPipe gold medal on Jan. 25, the final day of X Games Aspen 2025 at Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colorado. The two-time Olympic champion’s victory surpasses Kelly Clark’s record of seven X Games SuperPipe golds for women and ties fellow American Shaun White record for the most SuperPipe gold medals in X Games history. The win also brings her total X Games medal count to 10 (eight gold, one silver, one bronze).
Kim’s winning run showcased her signature style, earning an impressive score of 93.33. The 24-year-old Californian executed a massive 720 Indy to fakie, a switch method air, a Cab double cork 1080, a frontside 540 and an Indy McTwist, electrifying the sold-out crowd. “This one means a lot, if I’m being completely honest,” Kim said after her victory. “I wish I would’ve put down my final run, but I’m so happy nonetheless.”
Reflecting on her journey, Kim acknowledged both the pressure and the personal challenges she has faced. “It’s pretty crazy. I never thought I’d make it this far,” she shared. “So everything else, honestly, is just a big cherry on top — I’m really grateful.” With her sights on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Kim has the chance to make history by becoming the first snowboarder to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals.
Japanese snowboarder Sara Shimizu, the youngest competitor at 15, earned the bronze medal with a score of 85.66 in her X Games debut. “This has been my dream since I was a little kid,” Shimizu said.
“The Wedding Banquet” remake a hit at Sundance
Director Andrew Ahn’s reimagining of “The Wedding Banquet” premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to a standing ovation last week. The film, which updates Ang Lee’s 1993 classic for a contemporary audience, features an ensemble cast led by Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen and Youn Yuh-jung. Slated for theatrical release on April 18, the remake has already garnered critical praise for its humor, heart and modern take on LGBTQ+ relationships.
Ahn, who first encountered Lee’s “The Wedding Banquet” as a child, saw the opportunity to reimagine the film as a way to explore how same-sex marriage and queer identity have evolved over the past 30 years. “As an 8-year-old gay, nascent-brained child, it just really resonated with me,” Ahn said at the film’s Sundance premiere on Jan. 27. With the blessing of Lee and original co-writer James Schamus, Ahn embraced the challenge of adapting a story once centered on the necessity of a sham marriage into one that reflects today’s more accepting — but still complex — landscape for LGBTQ+ relationships.
The new “Wedding Banquet” shifts the setting from 1990s New York to present-day Seattle, where a group of queer friends navigate love, identity, and the challenges of adulthood. The plot revolves around Min (Han Gi-chan), a South Korean art student whose visa is expiring and his wealthy grandmother (Youn Yuh-jung), who insists he return home. To stay in the U.S., Min, who is dating Chris (Bowen Yang), enters into a sham marriage with Angela (Kelly Marie Tran), a scientist struggling to conceive with her partner, Lee (Lily Gladstone). Their arrangement promises mutual benefits — Min secures his green card, while Angela and Lee receive financial support for another round of IVF — but quickly spirals into comedic chaos when Min’s grandmother unexpectedly arrives.
Rather than focusing on closeted struggles, as the original did, Ahn’s remake leans into a world where coming out is no longer the central conflict. Instead, the characters grapple with the burdens of choice, commitment and self-sabotage in relationships. “It’s this question of like, ‘Well, now that we can [marry], do we want to? Should we?’” Ahn explained. “And it’s the burden of choice that I think a lot of millennials feel.” Early Rotten Tomatoes reviews show a 95% approval rating, with reviewers praising the film’s fresh and joyous tone.
Ke Huy Quan to be honored with hand and footprint ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre
Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan will have his hands and feet immortalized in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood today, marking a historic milestone in his four-decade career. The ceremony, set for 10:30 A.M., comes ahead of the release of his first major leading role in “Love Hurts,” an action comedy hitting theaters on Feb. 7. Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who guided Quan to his Academy Award-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” will deliver remarks at the event.
Quan, who began his career as a child actor in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984) and “The Goonies” (1985), stepped away from acting for years before making a triumphant return in 2022. His portrayal of Waymond Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” earned him multiple accolades, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award — making him the first Asian man to win best supporting actor.
His induction into the TCL Chinese Theatre’s exclusive legacy — one that has honored just over 250 artists in nearly a century — solidifies his place in Hollywood history. Quan joins a distinguished group of Asian and Asian American honorees, including Jackie Chan, James Hong, John Woo and George Takei, the latter being the first Asian American actor to receive the honor in 1991.
Loyal dog who waited months outside a 7-Eleven for dead owner finds new home with Thai princess
Thai Princess Siribha Chudabhorn, niece of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has announced her adoption of Moo Daeng, a dog in Nakhon Ratchasima who earned the moniker "Hachiko of Korat" for his unwavering loyalty to his deceased homeless owner. Princess Siribha promised to provide the dog with the care and attention he needs, particularly addressing his struggles with depression.
A loyal pet left orphaned: Moo Daeng's story began at a market in the Muang district where he lived with a homeless man named Iw. The pair became a familiar sight, sharing shelter and warmth near a local 7-Eleven. Tragically, Iw died in Nov. 2024, leaving Moo Daeng to mourn his loss. The loyal dog remained at their usual spot, seemingly waiting for his companion's return, much like the famous Japanese Akita Hachiko. Store staff and passersby provided Moo Daeng with food and care and his story gained traction on social media, even reaching international news outlets. His plight resonated with many, particularly after his story was shared on the Facebook page "Korat, Muang Tee Khun Sang Dai."
Healing from depression: Princess Siribha, known for her advocacy for animal welfare, explained in a Facebook post that she decided to adopt Moo Daeng to ensure he received the specialized psychological care he required. "All my dogs have experienced trauma, whether through abuse, abandonment or injury. But in Moo Daeng’s case, it’s severe depression," she stated. She further explained that Moo Daeng suffers from Major Depressive Syndrome, a condition brought on by the loss of his owner, and that she has personal experience dealing with animals affected by this condition.
Princess’ pledge of love: Throughout the adoption process, the princess coordinated with local authorities, veterinarians and the staff of the convenience store where Moo Daeng had lived. On Jan. 22, he was transported to the Kasetsart College Veterinary Hospital for medical check-ups and quarantine before being moved to the princess’s residence in Chiang Mai. Prinacess Siribha reassured Moo Daeng’s supporters that she would continue sharing updates about him. “I swear on my life that I will love and care for Moo Daeng like my own child, just like all my other pets,” she stated. “You can follow his news on my page. If I’m busy and don’t post, feel free to comment and say you miss him or ask for photos — I’ll be sure to post them. If I ever visit Korat, I will bring Moo Daeng to meet everyone in person.”