The Golden State Valkyries are heading to the WNBA Finals in just their second season, led by Japanese American coach Natalie Nakase and supported by a breakout season from Taiwanese American guard Kaitlyn Chen.
We’re also covering Collin Gosselin’s new allegations about growing up on reality TV, research on Chinese students’ political views and a Chinese basketball player’s detention by ICE. Plus, a Sri Lankan worker faces a death sentence over a Facebook comment, Hong Kong exiles face immigration uncertainty and voters in several states will decide on ID requirements this November.
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Two Asian American trailblazers are making WNBA history
Four wins. That’s all that stands between the Golden State Valkyries and a WNBA championship in just their second season. For Natalie Nakase and Kaitlyn Chen, it’s a particularly big moment: one is the league’s first Asian American head coach, and the other had to fight her way back onto the roster after being waived. Go Valkyries!
What else we’re tracking
Why November’s voter ID measures matter to Asian Americans
November’s ballots aren’t only about choosing candidates. Six states are voting on proposed changes to voter ID requirements, with California and Nevada among them. Both states have large Asian American electorates, and the measures would affect how voters verify their identities at polling places or when mailing ballots.
‘Jon & Kate Plus 8’ son claims he was locked away while his family filmed their reality show
Collin, one of the kids featured in the reality series “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” is now 22 and opening up about what he says happened behind the scenes. According to his new memoir, he spent roughly two years confined to a basement room and he had to ask permission to use the bathroom. His mother, Kate, has denied the abuse allegations and continues to defend the decisions made about his care.
Chinese students in America already held more liberal views, study finds
It turns out that spending four years at an American university doesn’t necessarily change your politics. Researchers followed nearly 1,000 Chinese students from 2019 to 2023 and found relatively little movement in their views on democracy, economic policy and social issues. What did change was their confidence in China’s political system, particularly during the country’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns.
Researchers puzzled by changing sexual identities among American teens
An analysis of CDC surveys found that the percentage of ninth-grade girls identifying as bisexual fell from 26% to 13% between 2021 and 2025. Among older teenagers, however, the overall share identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual remained relatively steady. Researchers caution, however, that the surveys don’t establish why the change occurred.
Chinese basketball player’s college season in jeopardy after ICE arrest
Qingfang Pang was preparing for his first NCAA Division I basketball season when ICE arrested him at a Mississippi airport. The 21-year-old Chinese forward was reportedly flying to New York to get help with his immigration paperwork. According to his lawyer, Pang signed a voluntary departure agreement without fully understanding it.
Boy, 12, no longer faces charges in killing of Vietnamese man due to age
A 12-year-old boy will no longer face charges related to the death of a Vietnamese grocer in Melbourne. Prosecutors say they couldn’t meet the legal standard required to hold someone his age criminally responsible. Van Viet Truong, 60, died after allegedly being attacked while helping a worker from a nearby store. Three older teenagers still face charges, including a 15-year-old accused of manslaughter.
ICE detains Hong Kong residents whose deportation protection may soon lapse
At least 12 Hong Kong residents covered by temporary U.S. deportation protections have reportedly been detained by ICE at airports since June. Lawyers say some were pressured to leave voluntarily, even though their protections remain in effect through February 2027. While the 12 detainees have since been released, they must wear ankle monitors and remain in their local areas.
India’s Olympic bid draws a pile-on of racist, dehumanizing replies
India is among seven countries in talks to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, but an announcement about its bid has drawn thousands of replies on X, including racist jokes and AI-generated images. Some of the most popular comments portray Indians through degrading stereotypes about hygiene and criminality.
Sri Lankan worker faces execution in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook comment he deleted and apologized for
Anojan Sivarasa, who moved to Saudi Arabia to support his family in Sri Lanka, is now he’s facing execution over a Facebook comment made during an argument about religion. By the time he was able to delete the remark and apologize just minutes later, screenshots had already reached his employer. Human rights groups are now questioning the fairness of his prosecution, and his mother has publicly pleaded for his life.
Why read Issue #271?
“May you live in interesting times,” goes the old saying, often mistakenly attributed to a Chinese curse. Well, here we are.
We’ve seen governments use their power to maintain the status quo throughout history, so none of what’s happening feels entirely unfamiliar. Still, reading about these things and actually living through them now does feel a little strange.
With the midterms approaching, we’re also wondering whether the recent immigration arrests and deportations have anything to do with the election calendar.
Lots to keep an eye on, for sure. So, read up, Rebels, and keep your heads up.
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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.