Kidnapped in the Philippines, Korean Students Bullied, Nightmare Lyft Ride

Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with business, entertainment, and social trends.

The Dow Jones is hinting at a Kamala Harris win, suggesting a 72% chance the Democratic candidate prevails in November. Analysts say the DJIA’s 13.4% rise this year boosts the incumbent party’s odds, a pattern seen in 30+ elections. While the Dow signals optimism, futures markets offer a 42% probability for Harris. Recent polls also show undecided voters breaking her way—60% in the last month favor Harris over Trump’s 36%. This momentum may play a pivotal role in swing states.

Korean American parents are outraged at Larchmont Charter School, claiming administrators ignored repeated bullying incidents involving their children. In one case, a first grader was allegedly choked and assaulted by classmates. Parents report that the school downplayed the incidents, refused to release footage, and provided minimal intervention, prompting them to pursue legal action.

Elliot Onil Eastman, a U.S. YouTuber based in the Philippines, was abducted by armed men from his coastal home. Authorities suspect involvement by militant group Abu Sayyaf. Eastman, who recently married a local woman, documented his life in the region through his YouTube channel, chronicling experiences in areas with known insurgent activity. Local police are searching for Eastman and his kidnappers, urging the public for information.

Chef Sung Anh’s journey from Iraq War veteran to Michelin-starred restaurateur is anything but conventional. Originally pursuing a career as a mechanic, Anh discovered his culinary passion after leaving the military. His move to Seoul, along with the success of Mosu, led to his role as a judge on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars, where his signature honesty has made him a fan favorite.

TikTokers rallied after Lily, a user on the platform, claimed her Lyft driver absconded with her belongings, including a $300 jacket. Despite filing a police report, Lily turned to social media when Lyft allegedly took no action. Online users quickly identified the driver, intensifying public scrutiny of rideshare accountability.

Dave Bautista’s mockery of Donald Trump on Jimmy Kimmel Live! drew sharp criticism from the Trump campaign, with spokesperson Steven Cheung calling the former wrestler a “stone-cold loser.” Bautista’s fiery remarks questioned Trump’s masculinity and encouraged male voters to reconsider their support for the former president, just weeks before the election.

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