The Arab American News
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13 commissioners selected to redraw election districts statewide
August 17th, 20200 LANSING — Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced on Monday the final selection of 13 commissioners for the state’s first ever Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The commissioners were randomly selected by an independent accounting firm, Rehman LLC, from a final pool of 180...
Trump defends U.S. Postal Service changes as Democrats mount pressure
August 17th, 20200 WASHINGTON, D.C. (REUTERS) — On Monday President Trump denied trying to undermine the Postal Service’s ability to handle a flood of mail-in ballots ahead of the November election, as Democrats prepared to move against changes his administration has set in motion. “No, we’re not tampering,” Trump said in an interview with...
Lebanese continue their recovery efforts and demand reform, U.S. joins Beirut blast probe
August 14th, 20200 BEIRUT — Another day of unrest and protests in Beirut on Thursday, as Lebanese security forces tried to stop angry protesters from approaching a meeting of MPs. The MPs gathered for the first time since the port side blast that killed 172 people on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with dozens still missing. The death and injury toll (estimated...
Palestinians call Israel-UAE normalization deal treason and stab in the back
August 13th, 20200 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Israel and the United Arab Emirates reached a "historic" deal on Thursday that will lead to a full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations in an agreement that President Trump helped broker. Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West...
WHO director: Half of daily 100,000 COVID-19 cases in Americas are in the U.S.
August 11th, 20200 BRASILIA (REUTERS) — More than 100,000 cases of COVID-19 are being reported daily in the Americas, half of them in the U.S., and there are worrisome spikes in countries that had outbreaks controlled, such as Argentina and Colombia, World Health Organization Regional Director Carissa Etienne said on Tuesday. “Our region remains...
Dearborn Schools to start year online, with optional in-school support
August 11th, 20200 DEARBORN — The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education agreed Monday night for the district to start the school year online for all students. Students from preschool through high school will take classes online at least until the first week of October. The board will reevaluate conditions later in September to see if it is...
Mnuchin sees possible virus deal, but no talks set with Congress
August 10th, 20200 WASHINGTON (REUTERS) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Monday that the Trump administration and Congress could reach a coronavirus aid deal as soon as this week, but Democratic aides said the two sides have not spoken since talks collapsed last Friday. With negotiations at a standstill, it was unclear whether...
“Possibility of external interference”: Lebanon’s president expands blast probe
August 7th, 20200 BEIRUT (REUTERS) — Lebanon’s president said on Friday an investigation into the biggest blast in Beirut’s history would examine whether it was caused by a bomb or other external interference, as residents tried to rebuild their shattered lives after the explosion. The search for those missing has intensified, as rescuers sifted...
In solidarity: Western Union allows money transfers to Lebanon for zero fees and paid out in U.S. dollars
August 7th, 20200 DENVER – Western Union announced that it is offering zero-fee, international money transfers paid out in U.S. dollars to Lebanon, as the country grapples with its recent tragedy amidst other economic and pandemic-related threats. “We owe the people of Lebanon recognition for their spirit of resilience, especially during times of...
Trump says coronavirus vaccine possible around Nov. 3 election
August 6th, 20200 WASHINGTON, D.C. — An optimistic President Trump told a radio talk show on Thursday it was possible the U.S. would have a coronavirus vaccine around the time of the Nov. 3 election. Trump's own White House experts have not been this positive about the timeline of a supposed COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, many around the world have...
Beirut reels from huge blast as death toll climbs to at least 135
August 5th, 20200 BEIRUT — On Wednesday, Lebanese rescue teams pulled out bodies and hunted for missing people in the wreckage caused by a massive warehouse explosion that sent a devastating blast wave across Beirut, killing at least 135. Prime Minister Hassan Diab declared three days of mourning from Thursday as early investigations blamed...
White House seeks deal this week with congressional Democrats on coronavirus bill
August 4th, 20200 WASHINGTON — White House negotiators vowed on Tuesday to work “around the clock” with congressional Democrats to try to reach a deal on coronavirus relief by the end of this week, as the pandemic takes a heavy toll on American life. Following an afternoon meeting of the four main negotiators, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin...
Trump threatens to sue the state of Nevada over mail-in ballots
August 3rd, 20200 WASHINGTON, D.C. — More drama over mail-in ballots on Monday as President Trump threatened to sue the state of Nevada over its mail-in ballot initiative. The threat came after Democratic lawmakers in the state passed a bill on Sunday that ensures every Nevada resident would receive a ballot in the mail ahead of the November...
Lebanese foreign minister quits over slow reforms, Aoun adviser takes over
August 3rd, 20200 BEIRUT (REUTERS) — Lebanon named the president’s diplomatic adviser as new foreign minister on Monday after Nassif Hitti quit the post, blaming a lack of political will to enact reforms to halt a financial meltdown, which he warned could turn Lebanon into a failed state. Foreign donors have...
Congressional Democrats, White House still at impasse over coronavirus bill
August 2nd, 20200 WASHINGTON, D.C. (REUTERS) — The top Democrats in Congress are not close to a deal with the White House to pump more money into the U.S. economy to ease the coronavirus’ heavy toll, both sides said on Saturday, after an essential lifeline for millions of unemployed Americans expired. “This was......
Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission semifinalist list updated to 180 applicants
August 2nd, 20200 The Michigan Department of State posted the names of the remaining 180 semifinalists for the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, following the removal of 20 applicants struck by the quadrant leaders of the state legislature. The list of the remaining semifinalists and correspondence from the legislative leaders naming the...
Plymouth Township woman charged with filing false absent voter application
July 31st, 20200 LANSING — A Plymouth Township woman is facing a felony charge after the township clerk, who was reviewing applications for absentee voter ballots, discovered the woman’s alleged attempt to obtain a ballot in the name of another person. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged Karen Lynne Rotondo,......
The Arab American News endorsements for the August 4 primary election
July 31st, 20200 It is time once again for our election endorsements. There are many important seats and issues at stake on August 4. We present below what we feel are the most qualified candidates and one important non-partisan ballot proposal in a city near and dear to us. Readers might notice that our endorsement list matches, with some...
Henry Ford Health System is looking for people to take part in COVID-19 vaccine trial
July 31st, 20200 DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System will recruit up to 5,000 participants for a phase-three COVID-19 vaccine trial. The vaccine was developed by the company Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. They want to enroll 30,000 participants across the U.S. in two months. Dr. Marcus Zervos is leading the study for Henry Ford. He...
Federal agents headed to Detroit as “Operation Legend” targets violent crime
July 31st, 20200 DETROIT – Federal law enforcement agents and other resources are headed to Detroit to fight a surge in violent crime, according to U.S. government officials. The plan, dubbed Operation Legend, is a Trump administration anti-crime initiative targeting several major cities. Detroit-based U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said...
Michigan’s August 4 primary: Things you need to know
July 31st, 20200 Michigan holds its primary next Tuesday, Aug. 4, amid an unprecedented pandemic and significant changes in state law that have brought a flood of requests for absentee ballots. Polling places will be open, however, for those who want to vote in person. What is at stake? At stake this fall: All 14 of Michigan's U.S. House seats, one......
State will conduct inspections of Michigan businesses to ensure COVID-19 rules compliance
July 31st, 20200 LANSING – State occupational health safety officials will conduct inspections of Michigan businesses to ensure compliance with state rules governing operations amid the coronavirus pandemic, the state said Monday. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a "State Emphasis Program" Monday that will conduct...
Dearborn School Board to discuss three options for a return to school
July 30th, 20200 DEARBORN — The Dearborn School Board of Education will be conducting a special study session on August 6 at 1 p.m. to discuss the three possible options recommended by the district's Reopen Committee for a return to school. The meeting will be held at the Administrative Service Center, 18700 Audette. Indoor gatherings in Michigan......
Herman Cain, ex-presidential candidate who refused to wear mask, dies after COVID-19 diagnosis
July 30th, 20200 ATLANTA, GA— Herman Cain, a former Republican presidential candidate and supporter of President Trump who pointedly refused to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic, has died after contracting COVID-19, his website and Facebook page said on Thursday. Cain, 74, learned of his diagnosis on June...
Whitmer limits indoor gatherings once again, Detroit casinos reopen
July 29th, 20200 LANSING — Starting July 31, statewide indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people and bars will be closed for indoor service across Michigan, including the northern part of the state, according to a new order signed by Governor Whitmer on Wednesday. COVID-19’s resurgence is closely associated with super-spreading events......
