Sexual harassment: A briefing on the concept and the law
June 7th, 20130 In light of the recent allegation of sexual harassment made by some women against a prominent individual in the Detroit Arab-American community, I would like to make some observations. By way of information, I wrote a book on a church conflict that involved some of these same issues. I am familiar with the law in such...Community reaffirms support for Robert Ficano at fundraiser
DEARBORN — On Monday evening, local community leaders hosted a campaign fundraising dinner at Byblos Banquet Hall for Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano. Ficano, who is seeking re-election this year, may face a greater challenge this time around, as the race comes on the heels of a term that has been surrounded with controversy...
Investigation reveals local convenience stores sell fireworks to minors
June 7th, 20130 DEARBORN — Last week, the City of Dearborn had released information regarding firework safety and handling, in order to prepare for the summer season which typically sees an increased amount of locals who participate in firework usage near holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.In 2012, the State of Michigan removed the ban...Parking on grass could be a misdemeanor in Dearborn
DEARBORN — To avoid being ticketed for parking on the street on Public Service Day, many Dearborn residents, who do not have driveways, have used empty lots in their neighborhoods to park their cars. However, this solution has created an issue with the City's parking enforcement officers.Last month, well known Arab American Dr....Unis Middle School journalism students present innovative apps
DEARBORN — Thirty 8th grade journalism students at McCollough Unis Middle School in Dearborn presented new ideas for mobile apps on Friday April 31, at the News Entrepreneurs’ Pitchfest, a contest organized by the School's journalism program.The students, who are mostly Arab American, were divided into six groups that presented...
Teens’ distracted driving becomes a dangerous epidemic
June 7th, 20130 DEARBORN — It seems every year, right before summer, we hear of a tragedy involving a high school student who lost his life in a car accident. Data suggests that accidents involving high school students tend to surge around graduation and prom, when they are caught up with their end-of-the-school-year festivities, and may make some...Yemeni American community group hosts annual scholarship awards gala
DEARBORN — The American Association of Yemeni Scientists and Professionals (AAYSP) held its fifth annual scholarship awards gala on Friday, May 31 at Salina Elementary School. A total of 31 students, from colleges and high schools across metro Detroit, were awarded AAYSP scholarships, through support from various sponsors.During the...Gas prices near an all-time high
DETROIT — Michigan has the second highest gas prices in the United States, according to AAA. The average price of a gallon of gas here reached $4.23 last week, two cents short of the state’s all-time high record, set in July of 2008.In South Caroline, a gallon of gas was a dollar cheaper than Michigan over the past week. ...Two local Arab American principals celebrate retirement
DEARBORN — Two local Arab American principals celebrated their retirement with ceremonies held at Byblos Banquet Hall recently. Retiring Andrea Awada-Zeaiter, is the first principal and founder of Geer Park Elementary School. She has served the Dearborn Public School System since 1978. Salina Elementary School...Dearborn parking meter stolen
DEARBORN — On Saturday, June 1, two men allegedly stole a parking meter with coins in it on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn.A Post Bar employee witnessed a man pick up a large object from the floor and put it in the trunk of a pick-up truck after he had heard a crash in a City parking lot on Michigan Avenue in downtown West...New bill makes teacher job performance primary factor for determining pay
LANSING — The House Education Committee recently introduced a bill that would make teacher performance a factor in determining pay. If passed by the Republican-controlled State House, the number of years on the job, along with advanced degrees would not be considered in determining teacher salaries. Supporters of the bill say a...U.S. Rep. John Dingell officially longest serving member of congress
Dingell.MICHIGAN — Democratic U.S. Representative John Dingell of Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, which includes parts of Wayne and Washtenaw Counties, became the longest serving member in Congress on Friday, June 7. Dingell, 86, is serving his 30th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He’s cast more than...Hamtramck to celebrate diversity
HAMTRAMCK — Flags representing over 15 countries will be on display on Saturday, June 15, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Joseph Campau, Hamtramck’s main street. Along with the American flag, other countries that will be represented are Bosnia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Albania, Romania, Armenia, Croatia, Russia, Macedonia,...Dearborn approves 2013-14 fiscal year budget, moves closer to merger with Melvindale
DEARBORN — During the last Dearborn City Council meeting, council members finally approved the budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, with a 7-0 vote. The approval comes after weeks of hearings and revisions. The budget will be adopted on July 1, 2013. Unlike previous years however, only minor changes and additions have been...DTE Energy customers could see monthly bills drop
DTE Energy customers could see their monthly bills decrease noticeably because of the company's renewable energy projects. Average residential bills will decrease by $2.57.The company also announced, on June 5, that its business customers will be paying less, too. Small and medium-sized businesses will save $3.40 to $14.07 on their DTE......
50th anniversary commemoration of MLK march down Woodward Avenue
This month, leaders from all religious and cultural backgrounds, along with civil rights organizations, businesses and community members, will walk side-by-side to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's walk down Woodward Avenue in Detroit, after which he delivered his world famous "I have a dream speech,"...How Obama and al-Qaeda became Syrian bedfellows
For a president that is executing Bush’s “war on terror” against al-Qaeda and “its affiliates,” it seems odd that President Obama has targeted the secular Syrian government for “regime change.”Equally odd is that Obama’s strongest military ally on the ground in Syria- the best equipped and effective fighting force against......
U.S. militarism in Mideast is radicalizing Iran
Iran was once on a path of liberalization and reform, before the U.S. Military began sowing destruction throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, following the attacks on the United States in 2001.Although now largely forgotten, the last president of Iran, Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005), was a liberal-minded reformer who fought for...Arab American presence, history and activism at UM-D
I came to the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus in 1973. As I look over the grade books from the decade after my arrival, very few Arab names appear on those lists. During my first year here (1973-74), not a single one was present. However, when I developed my course on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 1979,...
Ficano speaks about career, community and controversy
May 31st, 20130 The Arab American News met with Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano Tuesday, at the paper’s office in Dearborn, to discuss with him some issues of interest to the Arab American community in Wayne County. Ficano candidly shared his thoughts on a range of topics, including the controversies that have plagued his administration and...
After 18 years, what’s next for the Arab International Festival?
May 31st, 20130 DEARBORN — The announcement of the cancellation of the 2013 Arab International Festival by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce has now been widely reported and questioned by locals and the media. The decision has drawn plenty of speculation and a wide range of opinions and emotions from community members on whether, or not, the......
Home prices increase in the nation and in Dearborn
DEARBORN — Home prices around the country experienced the highest increase, in nearly seven years, during the month of March. In addition, consumer confidence was also at its highest, in five years, during the month of May.The S&P/Case Shiller composite index, which monitors home prices in 20 metropolitan areas, climbed 10.9...Mayor O’Reilly meets with residents regarding garage use concerns, ordinance
DEARBORN — Last Tuesday, Mayor Jack O'Reilly, along with seven planning commissioners and City Hall staff members, met with residents for a study session to discuss possible alternatives for a planned revision on a garage ordinance that can affect many local families.Garage use became an issue with the City in 2012, when City......
Police close investigation into pressure cooker that distrupted Muslim conference at Adoba Hotel
May 31st, 20130 DEARBORN — The investigation into the pressure cooker discovered in a second floor restroom at the Adoba Hotel has been closed. The pressure cooker contained food remnants and is believed to have been left by a guest who used it to transport food to an event at the hotel. It is unknown whether the pot was left in the restroom...Beirut, and love, and rain
Nizar Qabbani.Nizar Qabbani was a revolutionary lover, whose powerful poetry was known for its simple language. With aesthetic anger, he wrote verses that dealt with love, politics, nationalism, eroticism and feminism. He once declared love in Arab society as a "prisoner" that needs to be set free. Qabbani was born in Damascus in......