Maitreyi Ramakrishnan says South Asian representation in Western entertainment has made meaningful progress with characters increasingly defined by their personalities first while culture adds depth to their stories. Speaking about her new Netflix film Best of the Best Ramakrishnan also credited earlier South Asian projects and performers with creating opportunities for the next generation. The […]

Five years after Illinois passed the TEAACH Act requiring public schools to teach Asian American and Pacific Islander history progress continues across the state as educators expand curriculum resources and classroom instruction. While implementation varies by district schools and community organizations have increased teacher training and access to educational materials to help strengthen AAPI history education. Advocates […]

Comedian and writer Jenny Yang is bringing her nationwide stand-up tour to immigrant grocery stores, using comedy to connect with communities facing ongoing challenges. Through performances in culturally significant local spaces, Yang aims to raise awareness of immigrant experiences while showing how art can extend beyond the stage. The tour highlights the role comedy can […]

Japanese filmmaker Hiro Murai made Emmy history by becoming the first Asian director to win Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series, earning the award for the Widow’s Bay premiere. Murai, who has received 11 career Emmy nominations, is also only the third Asian director to win an Emmy for directing, following Lee Sung Jin for Beef […]

USC senior Abigail Choi’s multimedia exhibition uses painting and other works to explore her Korean American identity, family history and experiences with discrimination. The exhibit addresses anti-Asian hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as everyday microaggressions and questions of cultural belonging. Choi said the work reflects her experience of being treated as a foreigner despite […]

The Sikh Temple of Spokane donated $30,000 to the Innovia Foundation’s Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund to support communities affected by summer wildfires in Washington. Temple members said the contribution reflects the Sikh tradition of giving back and helping communities in need, both locally and around the world. Community leaders praised the donation as an […]

Three Seattle-area Asian American theatre-makers, Aimee Hong, Michael Wu and David Hsieh, are continuing to build careers and create opportunities despite major financial and audience challenges facing the theatre industry. Their work spans music direction, acting, education, mentorship and producing, with a strong focus on expanding Asian American representation on stage. The three are also […]

The 2026 US Open hosted its fourth annual AAPI Amplified Equity Talk, bringing together leaders from entertainment, fashion and media to discuss identity and the challenges of overcoming stereotypes. The panel featured actor Sendhil Ramamurthy, designer Kim Shui and restaurateur Simon Kim, who shared how embracing their Asian American identities shaped their careers. The event also highlighted the growing presence of […]

The South Asia Institute held Chicago’s inaugural South Asian American Literary Festival on August 22, bringing together writers, poets, academics and community members to celebrate South Asian American literature and culture. Award-winning writer and poet Fatimah Asghar served as keynote speaker alongside live readings, panels and industry discussions. Organizers said the festival’s debut helped create a stronger platform for South […]

The Asian American Ballet Project is celebrating its fifth anniversary by launching a new residency program for Asian American choreographers. Founder and Artistic Director said the program aims to address the limited opportunities Asian American choreographers. Selected choreographers will receive a stipend, rehearsal time, access to an Asian American musical collaborator and professional feedback, helping […]

Netflix’s new animated comedy Dang! follows three siblings navigating messy relationships, careers and young adulthood in New York City. Created by Hacks veteran Andrew Law, the series features Stephanie Hsu and Poppy Liu among its voice cast and blends offbeat humor with sibling dynamics. The Hollywood Reporter found the eight-episode season occasionally clever and charming, but ultimately inconsistent in […]

Tennis star Naomi Osaka has built an expanding business portfolio that includes media company Hana Kuma, skincare brand Kinló and an ownership stake in professional women’s soccer team NC Courage. She has also invested in companies such as BodyArmour and partnered with major brands including Nike and Louis Vuitton. Through these ventures, Osaka is building a legacy that extends beyond tennis, […]