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A controversial proposal targeting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Texas has been effectively killed after failing to meet a critical deadline for discussion in the House.

Senator Lois Kolkhorst's bill initially aimed to prohibit citizens from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia from owning property in the state, but it was significantly weakened to only ban agricultural and oil leases for individuals from those countries. Despite passing the Senate with support from Republicans and one Democrat, the bill never received a hearing in the House due to Speaker Dade Phelan's cancellation of a session, effectively shutting down the bill and several other Senate proposals.

While opponents of the legislation celebrated the outcome, they expressed concern about the racial and xenophobic rhetoric used by elected officials during the process. Unless an attempt is made to attach the legislation to another bill before the legislative session ends, the proposal will fail. The pushback against the bill intensified after Governor Greg Abbott indicated his willingness to sign it if passed.

• Francesca Chan, a 28-year-old graphic designer in the medical field, has launched Artket Goods, an online business that pays homage to Asian cultures through scented candles. Starting with a collection focused on plant-related items, Chan soon discovered her passion for candle making and began incorporating food-inspired scents into her products with over 15 unique fragrances, including Asian snacks and beverages. Check out NextShark’s full interview. 

• A California restaurant, Tasty Thai, faced a temporary shutdown following the spread of a racist rumor on social media alleging its involvement in selling dog meat. The rumor resulted in negative reviews and threats on Yelp. Owner David Rasavong reported the comments to Yelp, but further racist claims were posted the next day, leading him to file a police report. An investigation by the Fresno Police debunked all racist allegations against the restaurant, while the person who initially raised concerns about the dog's welfare admitted to insinuating the restaurant's involvement in selling dog meat. Commenters on Tasty Thai's Facebook page expressed support for the restaurant and encouraged the owner to take legal action against the person responsible.

• Former Houston Rockets player Yao Ming has resigned as the head of China's struggling national basketball league, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Yao, an eight-time NBA All-Star, had been leading efforts to commercialize the CBA since 2017. The reason for his departure was not specified, but the CBA's website expressed gratitude for his service and mentioned the board of directors' decision for new leadership. Corruption allegations have plagued the league recently, with two teams being ejected from the finals for unsporting conduct. Yao's replacement is Xu Jicheng, a veteran sports journalist with experience in managing major sporting events.

• Universal Pictures has released a new trailer for the upcoming film "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken." Directed by Kirk DeMicco and produced by DreamWorks Animation, the movie tells the story of a shy teenager, Ruby, who discovers her royal lineage as part of a mythical sea kraken family. Lana Condor, known for her role in "To All the Boys," voices the lead character and is joined by a talented cast including Ramona Young and Toni Collette. The film will debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 15 and hit theaters on June 30.

• Japanese Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke was found in a semi-conscious state in his Tokyo home where his parents were discovered dead. 
   
• Jamie Chung traces her family ancestry back to the 14th century in the latest episode of “Find Your Roots.” 
   
• Michael B. Jordan visited the “Naruto” anime studio and got an autographed art piece. 
   
• Presidential candidate Nikki Haley will participate in a CNN town hall moderated by Jake Tapper. 
   
• A group of Malaysian girls have gone viral for visiting a McDonald’s drive-thru while riding horses.