Immigration attorney says few changes likely from new DHS announcement
September 3rd, 20110 CANTON — A recent announcement by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has caused some in the local immigrant community to become confused as to the net effects on their own situations. It's hard for me to believe there will be a strong, expedited process regarding this matter; my experience and...BRIDGES post-9/11 forum became a model for other communities
DEARBORN — The horrors of the September 11, 2001 attacks led to many policy changes both across the country and locally, and they also led to the creation of a forum that changed the way that local Arab Americans and law enforcement officials communicated with each other. Shortly after the tragedy of 9/11, the BRIDGES, or Building...International Al-Quds Day rally raises awareness for Palestinian freedom
DEARBORN/DETROIT — Rallies in support of International Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day are held locally and throughout the Middle East and the world each year on the last Friday of Ramadan and have been since 1979, but this year's version in Dearborn on Friday, August 26 had a different twist. A first-ever auto rally featuring signs, banners,...ADC-Michigan’s 10th Annual Judges Night to be held Sept. 21
DEARBORN — The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan's Advisory Board will host the organization's 10th Annual Judges Night Reception at 6 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Byblos Banquet Center in the city. The event is by invitation only. Judges Night's purpose is to recognize and honor local judges whose work in upholding...Stockham ruled incompetent to stand trial for threat against Islamic Center
DETROIT — Wayne County Circuit Judge Bruce Morrow last week ordered Roger Stockham to remain in a psychiatric hospital until he is either committed or fit to stand trial. Stockham had been found with high-end explosive fireworks in his vehicle near the Islamic Center of America in January after telling witness Joe Nahhas that he...Detroit murder rate up 21% in 2011 over last year
DETROIT — Over 230 homicides have been recorded in the city this year, a 21% increase over last year, and the vast majority of them have been shooting. Local leaders are pledging to fight gun violence in Detroit including Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, FBI Special Agent in Charge Andy Arena, Attorney General Bill Schuette and others, saying...Stricter welfare limit bill sent to Gov. Snyder
LANSING — Thousands of Michiganders involved in welfare cases could lose benefits under a new bill that has been sent to Gov. Rick Snyder to sign. The bill will impose a stricter, four-year lifetime limit on benefits which means that around 12,000 families could stop getting them as of October 1. The measure passed in the...Islamic House of Wisdom interfaith iftar held in spirit of cooperation
DEARBORN HEIGHTS - Islamic House of Wisdom held a Unity and Interfaith iftar Saturday, August 20, that attracted more than 300 people and highlighted the spirit of cooperation between the different faiths in the community.The iftar included local imams, pastors and leaders of religious organizations, U.S. and State House...City of Dearborn: Changes in parking for Eid al-Fitr
Due to the volume of friends and families coming together to celebrate the Eid Festival on Tuesday, August 30, Public Service Day parking restrictions will be suspended this day in the area bordered by Greenfield, Tireman, Wyoming, Henn and Haggerty. To facilitate garbage and recycling pickup, residents are asked to please place...
FBI ramps up number of informants monitoring Muslim communities
August 27th, 20110 Nearly a decade after the tragic events on 9/11 the number of registered FBI informants has increased drastically with about three times as many informants as the agency had 25 years ago. A study completed by Florida Center for Investigative Reporting Associate Director Trevor Aaronson concludes there are currently 15,000 registered FBI...
‘Covering Islam in the Bible Belt:’ Journalists unite for understanding
August 27th, 20110 NASHVILLE — As those who followed the 2010 Murfreesboro, Tennessee mosque opposition story know, American Muslims in the Bible Belt, defined mostly as the southeast part of the United States, have had it particularly rough in recent years for simply attempting to practice their religion. But journalists covering issues involving...
‘March Without Fear’ rallies 1,000 against ICE, Border Patrol abuses
August 27th, 20110 DETROIT — A massive coalition of organizations joined about a thousand protesters on Saturday, August 20 at Clark Park on the city's southwest side for a "March Without Fear" to Detroit's old train station, spotlighting what many are calling a shocking pattern of abusive behavior by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement...Dearborn Community Center hosts second annual iftar event
DEARBORN - The Dearborn Community Center hosted its second annual iftar at Dearborn Masjid Al-Salam on Wednesday, located at 3900 Schaefer Road. Among those in attendance were U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-Detroit), Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, judges Mark Somers and Richard Wygonik, Police Chief Ron Haddad and member of the board...Arab American doctor is part of life-saving clinical trial
Dr. Merhi GRAND RAPIDS — A Lebanese cardiologist is making headlines for replacing valves in patients without performing open heart surgery. The procedure is a part of a five year long clinical trial and only 40 hospitals across the United States were selected to participate.Dr. William Mohamed Merhi has performed the procedure on 13...ADC-MI calls on MI lawmakers, Snyder to adopt Michigan DREAM Act
Following Governor Rick Snyder's recent recognition of the importance of immigrants to Michigan's economy and vitality, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of Michigan called on the governor and members of the Michigan legislature to formulate and pass legislation allowing undocumented immigrants under the age of 18 to become......
DPS lays off 57 paraprofessionals, recalls 34 teachers
DEARBORN – The Dearborn Board of Education made the decision to lay off 55 instructional paraprofessionals and two bilingual paraprofessionals on Monday night while also recalling 34 teachers from layoff. According to DPS Superintendent Brian Whiston, the two bilingual teachers laid off were in the Arabic language...Dearborn Public Schools names new principals
DEARBORN – The 2011-2012 school year is almost ready to begin and DPS has named new principals for local schools. The new principals announced this week are: Mr. Jamel Lawera, Principal of Salina Intermediate, previously Assistant Principal at Salina Intermediate, Ms. Kristin Waddell, Principal of Whitmore-Bolles Elementary,...English as a Second Language classes offered this fall
DEARBORN – The Dearborn Public Schools adult education program is offering English as a Second Language classes that include help in preparing for citizenship tests from Sept. 19 through Dec. 22. The classes are free except for a $20 non-refundable registration and assessment fee. Students may be lawful permanent residents and age...HFCC offering free technical training program
DEARBORN – The Henry Ford Community College M-TEC Division, partnering with Macomb Community College and the U.S. Dept. of Labor, is now accepting applications for a third Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator Training Program.The free CNC Operator Training Program for the unemployed and/or veterans in the region is a six-week......
Local crimes
Over $104,000 seized from travelers at Detroit Metro ROMULUS – This past weekend, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Detroit Metro Airport seized over $104,000 from travelers coming in from Pakistan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Nigeria and Iran according to the Detroit Free Press. Money over $10,000 must be declared...Paletko hosts fourth annual iftar in Dearborn Heights
DEARBORN HEIGHTS – Mayor Daniel Paletko held his fourth annual community iftar dinner on Wednesday, August 24, bringing a diverse group of city officials, businesspeople, and religious leaders together at Al Shallal Restaurant in the city to break their fast for Ramadan. Guests pray and give thanks before the iftar dinner is......
Poll: Michigan residents pessimistic about future
LANSING — A new statewide poll shows that Michiganders are pessimistic about the U.S. and state's prospects for economic recovery in the near future according to a poll released Friday. A total of 54% say the state is on the wrong track with 31% saying it's on the right track. Also, 65% say Michigan's economy is either declining...Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan voted “Most Beautiful Place in America”
NEW YORK — The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at the northwest part of Michigan's lower peninsula was voted the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by ABC's Good Morning America TV program. Other top competitors included Newport, R.I. Cape Cod, Mass., Aspen, Colo., Sedona, Ariz. and more. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a large......