On Oct. 28, President Barack Obama signed and celebrated hate crime legislation that extends protection to people based on sexual orientation, sealing a long-fought victory to gay advocates. The president spoke of a nation becoming a place where “we’re all free to live and love as we see fit.”
Cell phone video shows police beating student
SAN JOSE, California (AP) — A cell phone video that shows police officers repeatedly hitting an unarmed university student with batons and a Taser gun has prompted a criminal investigation into the officers’ conduct, a San Jose police spokesman said.
Union alleges mistreatment of Filipino teachers
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A national teachers’ union says it has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor over the treatment of teachers recruited in the Philippines to work in Louisiana school systems.
China–Guinea deal highlights Africa business ties
BEIJING (AP) — A $7 billion mining deal between Guinea’s repressive military regime and a little-known Chinese company underscores China’s full-throttle rush into Africa and its willingness to deal with brutal and corrupt governments.
Mongolian prime minister tenders resignation
ULAN BATOR, Mongolia (AP) — Mongolian Prime Minister Sanjaagiin Bayar said on Monday, Oct. 26, that he wanted to resign for health reasons, bringing new political uncertainty to his impoverished but resource-rich nation.
India to China: Dalai Lama an ‘honored guest’
CHA-AM, Thailand (AP) — Tibet’s exiled Dalai Lama is an “honored guest” in India and will not be barred from visiting a disputed border area despite China’s strong protests, India’s prime minister said Sunday, Oct. 27, after talks with the Chinese premier.
Hawaii Sen. Inouye moves up in seniority
HONOLULU (AP) — Sen. Daniel Inouye becomes the third longest serving senator in U.S. history on Oct. 22, a landmark for the powerful lawmaker who has held a seat in Congress for as long as Hawaii has been a state.
Disgraced cloning expert convicted in South Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean stem cell scientist once hailed as a hero for bringing hope to people with incurable diseases and creating the world’s first cloned dog was convicted on Monday, Oct. 26, on criminal charges related to faked research, but avoided jail.
Commentary: Balloon boy mom doesn’t deserve racist remarks
The press wondered if Mayumi was involved in the hoax or a battered victim. After telling everything to the sheriff, she may be both. I first heard the story on Dori Monson’s radio show in Seattle, and then saw the balloon land on a video posted on the Internet. Her looks, name, and accent are all Japanese. That makes her boys, Falcon, Bradford, and Ryo, Asian Americans or at least Hapa.
Letter: MARTA’s Yellow Line reaches a resolution on both sides
Thank you for your letter on Oct. 7, 2009. We certainly value your input and suggestions as we strive to expand and improve our interface with different groups that make up the Asian American community in the Atlanta metropolitan area.