Border Patrol’s new policy praised by immigrant rights leaders
DETROIT – This week, the Alliance for Immigrants Rights and Reform and Michigan Organizing Project praised the release of a new policy memorandum from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The memo explicitly provides guidelines and some protection for people attending places of worship, schools and human service...Will Washington reciprocate? The Iranians and unconditional friendship
TEHRAN — Truth be told, this American observer has attended his share of international conferences and has traveled in more than 70 countries. But never has he visited such a complex, evolving, striving and energized society, populated by idealistic people of great warmth, sense of humor and caring for those in need...FBI: Convicted killer targets two community leaders
Richard SchmidtDETROIT — According to the FBI, a convicted killer, and reported neo-Nazi sympathizer who was arrested last year with an arsenal of weapons in Ohio had compiled a list with the names of two local leaders, Rev. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit Branch NAACP, and Scott Kaufman, CEO of the Jewish Federation...Civil rights groups challenge judge’s gag ruling in McDonald’s non-halal case
DEARBORN — Dearborn attorney Majed Moughni, who earlier this month tried to intervene into the McDonald’s non-halal settlement and was denied by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen MacDonald, now has the backing of two civil rights groups in hopes to have the judge rescind an order which prohibited him from speaking publicly on...Officials plan on making sex between students and school officials illegal
LANSING — Elected officials in Lansing are planning on making sexual intercourse between students and school officials illegal regardless of the student’s age. The state’s senate passed SB 135 which would make sex between school officials and students a felony, and considered, “criminal sexual conduct in the third...Dearborn residents now eligible for energy savings grant program; deadline Mar. 31
DEARBORN-Residents can benefit from reduced energy bills and potentially save hundreds of dollars by participating in a BetterBuildings for Michigan program available to them for the first time because of a new partnership with the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office.The deadline for residents to sign up for the cost-savings...Hundreds gather in Kalamazoo to demand immigration reform
KALAMAZOO — Nearly 400 people packed the St. Jo Gym in Kalamazoo. They were there to tell U.S. Rep. Fred Upton that now is the time for immigration reform, and that it's time he met with immigrant advocates to make real commitments on the issue. Members came from across Upton's district - Kalamazoo, Sturgis, Hartford, Fennville,...Top five home improvement projects that increase your home’s value
Selling a home in today’s aggressive marketplace can be challenging. The good news is there are a few tweaks that can give homeowners a serious leg up on the competition.With the warmer months being the most active time of year to buy and sell real estate, it’s important to ensure your home is seen in the best light...Bill prevents child safety seat violations from being waived
LANSING — Under a bill that was passed 35-1 by the state senate recently, judges would no longer be required to waive court penalties for child safety seat violators. Those who violate child safety seat laws can avoid up to $103 in court fines by purchasing a child safety seat before their scheduled court appearance. Provisions...Arab American purchases Cheli’s Chili Bar
DEARBORN — Najib Rizk, the owner of Le Cigar and Martini Bar and La Hookah located on Michigan Avenue has reportedly purchased the closed Cheli’s Chili Bar here. Rizk is expected to move his businesses into the vacant building after he remodels it. It was open for 10 years. The Cheli’s in downtown Detroit will remain open....Internationally recognized surgeon to be awarded at ACCESS dinner
Marwan Abouljoud, director of the Transplant Institute at Henry Ford HospitalDEARBORN - Marwan Abouljoud, director of the Transplant Institute at Henry Ford Hospital, will be honored as Arab American of the Year at ACCESS' 42nd anniversary dinner on April 27 at the Marriott Detroit Renaissance Center.Abouljoud is considered an...
Sophomore’s sudden death shocks community
February 22nd, 20130 DEARBORN — A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday night for Fordson High School sophomore Ali Hachem, who died suddenly Sunday night. “He was a good kid and full of life,” said Yasmine Ferris, Hachem’s cousin and a teacher at FHS. Family of Ali Hachem were joined by his friends, classmates and community members as...
Middle Eastern entrepreneurs launch new businesses in metro Detroit
February 22nd, 20130 The Arab American News is continuing to keep track of Middle Eastern entrepreneurs who’re launching new businesses across metro Detroit, and contributing to the region’s economic stability. Here’s our latest piece on some businesses that haven’t been open for a year, and are thriving. Five Star Flower Boutique...Iraq war-Ten years later: Local scholar traveling to Sweden to discuss deteriorating conditions
DEARBORN —Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) Art History Professor Dr. Hashim Al-Tawil will be traveling to Sweden from March 6-9, where he will be giving a series of lectures and presentations at two different venues; The Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities in Stockholm and at the University of Uppsala, where he was...Regarding America’s misplaced priorities
Editor,In the corporate/banking world the term "stakeholder" is used to describe investors who are given special preferred treatment. How does this exclusionary perspective compare with a government that is charged with the responsibility to look at and after all Americans as "stakeholders"? In the 1950s American President Dwight......
Dearborn attorney testifies against Ireland man charged with terrorism
February 22nd, 20130 DEARBORN — Attorney Majed Moughni testified in a trial via video conference on Wednesday against Ali Charaf Damache, who is on trial in Ireland for threatening to kill Swedesh artist Lars Vilks, a man who drew a caricature depicting prophet Muhammad as a dog. Damache allegedly threatened to kill Moughni after he had organized an...Smart tips for your tax refund
Like any sudden in-flow of cash, your tax refund presents an opportunity to spend your money wisely or foolishly.And while it would be easy to blow the cash on fleeting fun, like a shopping spree or a slew of the latest gadgets, experts say the money would be best used to pay down debt and invest in saving plans that can help you grow......
Five good reasons to e-file your tax return
If you haven’t tried IRS e-file before, now is the time. Most taxpayers – more than 80 percent – file electronically. The IRS has processed more than 1 billion individual tax returns safely and securely since the nationwide debut of electronic filing in 1990. Fewer people file a paper tax return every year. Here are five good...Controversy brews over former justice’s pension
Former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway resigned recently after admitting to bank fraud, and planning a scheme to eliminate $600,000 in mortgage debt by placing a Florida home in her stepdaughter’s name. Now controversy is brewing over her nearly $99,000 pension she’ll be receiving annually for the rest of her life....Dearborn man faces maximum of 20 years in prison
DEARBORN — Zayd Allebban of Dearborn is facing a maximum of 20 years in prison. Allebban is the former Wayne County technology manager who was convicted on Tuesday of two counts of obstructing justice for allegedlycreating a false document to prevent a federal investigation of the county. His attorney Haytham Faraj says...Joint initiative launched to help school districts implement anti-bullying efforts
Lansing — Following the passage of the Matt’s Safe Schools Law in late 2011, officials from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) came together to develop a joint initiative designed to ensure school districts have the support they need to implement effective anti-bullying......
Book chronicles challenges of Muslim Americans in post 9/11 era
February 22nd, 20130 The book, In Search of a Base by Jamal Fawaz, M.D. chronicles the challenges facing Muslim Americans in the years following 9/11. Personal and professional views on issues that affect the lives of Muslim immigrants are offered. The book features a clear overview of the obstucles Muslims have faced after emigrating to the U.S. over the...FEMA seeks applicants for national advisory council
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply for appointment. The NAC is an advisory committee established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness,......
CWA clergy in Hamtramack works to enhance interfaith unity
HAMTRAMCK — Clergy leaders of several different faiths met on Feb. 11 to plan future activities of the Common Word Alliance (CWA) interfaith group. Following the successful Thanksgiving Day of Prayer, the group has been meeting monthly. Among issues discussed was working with the police to offer chaplaincy services to families...Louis Raphael I Sako elected new patriarch of Chaldean Catholics worldwide
New Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic church worldwide, Louis Raphael I Sako,64, meets with Pope Benedict XVI Chaldean Americans across metro Detroit have expressed much enthusiasm about Louis Raphael I Sako being named the new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church. Sako was elected on Feb. 1, 2013, and is succeeding his......