On Nov. 9, Vivek Murthy was named one of the three co-chairs of the COVID-19 Advisory Board that will guide President-elect Joe Biden on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Murthy, 43, served as the 19th U.S. Surgeon General in the Obama administration. An Indian American, Murthy received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. He completed […]
California elects 25-year-old lawmaker, youngest in 82 years
California has elected its youngest state lawmaker in more than eight decades, elevating a 25-year-old progressive Democrat who already has years of legislative experience to the state Assembly. Alex Lee survived a crowded nine-candidate primary election in March, then trounced his Republican rival by winning 73% of the vote in a San Francisco Bay Area […]
NY elects first South Asian Americans to state Assembly
Two Indian Americans were elected to the New York state Assembly on Nov. 3—making them the first South Asians voted into the lower house of the state Legislature. Both Democrats from Queens, Jenifer Rajkumar won 66% of the votes and Zohran Mamdani won 72%. Rajkumar is a lawyer and immigrant rights advocate, and Mamdani is […]
Wisconsin elects its first Asian American representative
Restaurateur and activist Francesca Hong has won the 76th Assembly District—to become the first Asian American to serve in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Hong defeated Republican candidate Patrick Hull, 88% to 12%, to win the Assembly seat that was previously held by former state Rep. Chris Taylor. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Hong is a […]
L.A. County Superior Court Judge Vincent Okamoto dies
Vincent Okamoto—a Vietnam war hero and decorated Vietnam War veteran who became a judge at the Los Angeles Superior Court—died in late September. He was 76 years old. Born in a relocation camp during World War II, Okamoto grew up to fight for his country. During his service, Okamoto was wounded twice and made 22 […]
WA doctor suspended
The Washington Medical Commission has indefinitely suspended the license of Dr. Vrajesh Patel. He was found guilty of three counts of assault and two counts of harassment and was sentenced to five years in prison. Patel may petition to have his license reinstated after he has been released from prison, undergoes a multidisciplinary evaluation that […]
Firecrackers and prayers as Indians celebrate Harris’ win
By AIJAZ RAHI Associated Press THULASENDRAPURAM, India (AP) — Waking up to the news of Kamala Harris’ election as U.S. vice president, overjoyed people in her Indian grandfather’s hometown set off firecrackers and offered prayers on Nov 8. Groups gathered at street corners in Thulasendrapuram, a tiny village of 350 people, reading newspapers and chatting […]
Japanese American baseball pioneer to be honored by Asian Hall of Fame
Kaname “Wally” Yonamine could have had a pioneering career in the NFL as a running back with the San Francisco 49ers.
BLOG: Cultural perspectives — Trump’s loss and Biden’s victory
Let’s have some fun with President-elect Joe Biden’s victory and President Trump’s loss. Some writers compare Biden’s story to the movie “Rocky” and even the fairy tale Cinderella for his perseverance, and eventual triumph over adversities.
Whodunnit? Murder mysteries with our favorite sleuths on the case
Lana Lee is back and she’s got a full plate. She’s still running her family’s Chinese restaurant in Asia Village in Cleveland, which is challenging at best.