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Hello, everyone!

In New York, Asian Americans cite food insecurity as their top concern.

As the pandemic raged, not all families could get government subsidies and had to rely on community pantries and other means to get by. With Asian Americans being one of the ethnic groups that have one of the highest poverty rates in New York, the pandemic only worsened the issue of food scarcity as Asian workers were laid off.


The issue continues to be largely ignored, but researchers, advocates, and community organizers are rallying to identify the disparities in the needs of low-income Asian communities. 

Race in America 🌎


According to a Pew Research Center survey taken from April 11 to 17, 2022, a year after the Atlanta shooting, new data shows that a third of Asian Americans say that their daily routine has changed because they worry about being attacked for their race or ethnicity. Other racial groups, including the Black and Latino communities, share the same sentiment. 

Along with this new fear, the survey also showed that compared to last year, Asian American adults who felt violence was on the rise decreased. Today, “six-in-ten Asian adults (63%) say violence against Asian Americans in the U.S. is increasing, while 19% say there has not been much change and 8% say it is decreasing.”

In addition to the rise in racial violence, Asian American adults are more likely to give their local lawmakers a negative rating for their responses to anti-Asian attacks. 


 

On Friday at the Lower East Side neighborhood in NYC, the community leaders’ panel promoted the first Asian American woman-owned TV network, Chime TV. 

The network, carried by Spectrum, will focus on Asian American culture and issues “to educate Asians and non-Asians” and “showcase the excellence of Asian historically and culturally.” 

The panel highlighted the issues in the Asian community, including rising discrimination and racism. Queens Councilmember Julie Won emphasized her appreciation for Spectrum and other partners that “rally around Asian-Americans to make sure that we’re building community to keep each other safe."

 



In Other Asian News 🗞


The Philippine election resulted in the return of the Marcos rule. 

On Monday, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. won the election by a landslide, bringing back a powerful political dynasty. Many experts and citizens around the nation and worldwide are sharing their reactions online.

Among these reactions include Temario Rivera, a former political science professor at the University of the Philippines, who remarked that "Marcos Jr's victory signals the worst ascendancy and concentration of dynastic political power in the country's political history. But (Vice President Leni) Robredo's campaign has also birthed an opposition force which could challenge the impunities of the ruling regime if adequately led by progressive leaders who can inspire and move with the people."


 

Meanwhile, in South Asia, a politician steps down.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has resigned in light of recent civil unrest and violence due to the country’s worsening economic crisis. This decision comes out of Rajapaksa’s wish to create an interim, united government.

Rajapaksa’s resignation came hours after his supporters stormed the capital and attacked anti-government protestors, catching the police in the middle, who were also using tear gas and water cannons to drive them back. In these clashes, 3 deaths and 150 injuries were confirmed.

 



Entertainment 📺


The bubble tea innovation continues with Baskin Robbins joining the fray. 

Dubbed “Tiger Milk Bubble Tea,” this limited-edition drink pays homage to the Taiwanese sensation, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to top the black tea and boba underneath. The flavor is only available during the spring and summer at Baskin Robbins locations worldwide. 



If you haven’t mixed your ramen with your makeup, now might be the time to do so. 

In collaboration with L.A.-based beauty brand, HipDot, Cup Noodles is releasing a makeup collection based on their infamous instant noodles. The collection utilizes the Cup Noodles color palette in their “eyeshadow, lip and cheek tint, and a special collectors' box that includes both sets, along with a few limited-edition extras.”

The eyeshadow palette ($26 USD) comes in “eight shades,” with “unmistakably ramen-inspired names, including Diced Carrot, Hot & Spicy, Ramen Noodle, Roasted Corn, Seasoning, Soy Sauce, Spicy Chile, and Teriyaki.” 


 


What else is on our minds? 🧠


California and Texas are the best for Asian American entrepreneurs?
According to SmartAsset, Asian Americans make up just under 5% of the total U.S. population but own 10% of all U.S. businesses. Comparing “52 of the largest metro areas across three categories and a total of nine underlying metrics” under the categories “prevalence of Asian-owned businesses, new business success and income & job security,” SmartAsset has narrowed down a list of best places for these future entrepreneurs to succeed.

Taiwan is pivoting its COVID strategy?
In contrast to China, the Taiwanese government has opted for mitigation rather than elimination. While Shanghai is doubling down on its containment efforts, Taiwan allows “people with mild and asymptomatic infections to isolate at home instead of in hospitals.” Dubbing it the “Taiwan model,” the government also “slashed the number of days in quarantine required of incoming travelers and people deemed close contacts.”

Immigrants are more likely to create jobs?
A new study co-authored by an MIT graduate found that, per capita, immigrants in the U.S. are “80% more likely to start a new firm compared to U.S.-born citizens.” These firms also have approximately 1% more employees than others. This indicates that “immigration to the U.S. is associated with a net gain in job availability, contrary to the common perception that immigrants fill jobs that U.S.-born workers would otherwise have.” 

As always, thank you for reading, and stay safe. 

Sincerely, Mya
Newsletter Editor
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