In a political moment that’s shaking up the Democratic establishment, a recent IMEU Policy Project–commissioned poll by Data for Progress confirms that Zohran Mamdani’s pro-Palestinian platform played a substantial role in his victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. 78% believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, aligning with Mamdani’s framing of the conflict. ...

A proposed mixed-use development in Texas, spearheaded by a mosque, has become the center of a heated national debate — igniting accusations, political interventions, and a wave of Islamophobic rhetoric. The planned community, called EPIC City, was envisioned to include 1,000 housing units, senior living, commercial spaces, a faith-based school, and a community college. Promotional ...

By Dearborn Blog Staff Across West Africa, a bold experiment in regional unity is unfolding—one that holds powerful lessons for Arab communities yearning for solidarity beyond artificial borders. On July 6, 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger officially joined forces under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), establishing a confederation with ambitious aims: mutual defense, ...

In a time when truth-telling comes at a deadly cost, GAZA: Journalists Under Fire sheds light on the harrowing reality faced by Palestinian journalists working under siege. Directed and distributed for free by Brave New Films, the documentary has already been hailed by writer and film historian Ed Rampell of The Progressive as “heartbreaking,” “well-made,” ...

By Dearborn Blog Staff Calling all family, friends, and firework lovers — a favorite Downriver tradition is making its return! From August 15–17, the Brownstown Summer Festival lights up the season with free, fun-filled days at the Brownstown Recreation Campus. Here’s what you can look forward to: A lively vendor market, cool beer tent, and ...

شعراء بين الركام — القصيدة لا تموت تحت الأنقاض الحلقة السابعة: فاطمة الساحلي... حين تكتب الشاعرة على حافة الحنين يواصل برنامج شعراء بين الركام رحلته في التنقيب عن الجمر المتّقد تحت رماد الحرب، عن الشعر الذي لا يهادن، عن الكلمة التي تنبت حتى في أرضٍ ملغّمة بالخذلان. سبع حلقات، سبعة أصوات، سبعة أرواح تحترف الوقوف ...

In a move that signals growing taxpayer fatigue, Livonia voters gave a resounding "no"—nearly 67% against—to the $150 million “Livonia Built” bond proposal during the August 5 primary election. The plan aimed to fund a new police department, update five fire stations, enhance infrastructure, and create a park-gathering area. But Livonia residents pushed back—citing rising ...

Get ready to experience some of the world’s most groundbreaking artworks, right here in Detroit. Opening August 8, 2025, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) unveils Highlights from the Modern Collection, an extraordinary exhibition featuring 65 standout works from its world-renowned collection of modern art. This is more than an art show—it’s a walk through ...

In a week dominated by political drama, one name has risen above the headlines—not for controversy, but for the overwhelming support pouring in from every corner of the community: Saif Alsenad. The longtime public servant and respected public affairs director at the Wayne County Executive’s Office stepped down this week amid an ongoing FBI investigation ...

“Radical in values, disciplined in action”August 6, 2025 | Dearborn Blog In a major step forward for grassroots politics and principled leadership, Mark Elbourno has been elected Treasurer of the Green Party of the United States, bringing with him a bold, strategic vision for justice, equity, and sustainability. Elbourno, a well-known organizer within the Green ...

This week marks the end of an era. Rashid Khalidi, the Palestinian-American historian who spent decades reshaping how the world sees Palestine, has retired from Columbia University. For many in the Arab and Muslim American community — especially here in Dearborn — Khalidi was more than just a professor. He was a lighthouse. A voice ...

By: Dearborn Blog StaffDate: 4 August 2025 In a historic move that marks a turning point for both the American political landscape and the future of Arab and Muslim American engagement, Wissam Charafeddine, a Dearborn-based educator, activist, and thinker, has been elected to the Steering Committee of the Green Party of the United States (GPUS). ...

If you’ve flown out of Detroit Metro recently, you might’ve noticed TSA’s new trick — those face scan cameras staring you down before you even get to your gate. Now, a new bill called the Traveler Privacy Protection Act wants to make sure saying “la, thanks” won’t land you in the slow lane. Here’s the ...

So, Detroit is getting a new neighbor — and no, it’s not another shawarma spot (though we wouldn’t complain). Apple just announced they’re opening the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit on August 19, and it’s all about helping U.S. businesses level up with AI, smart manufacturing, and automation. Now, we know what you’re thinking: “That’s ...

In a significant highlight for progressive grassroots politics, the Green Party has captured four mayoral seats across three states during the 2025 municipal election cycle: StateMayorCityIllinoisPeter SchwartzmanGalesburgTexasDiana Flores Uriegas(Majority vote in San Antonio race; free campaign signups)PennsylvaniaTony DastraLancasterPennsylvaniaMichael Bagdes‑CanningCherry Valley Borough Peter Schwartzman, an environmental studies professor and community organizer, won his second term in ...

The Green Party is making waves in Michigan local politics as Farah Khan, a community leader and president of the Arab American & Muslim American Green Party Caucus, has officially announced her run for Farmington Hills City Council in 2025. Khan is campaigning under the slogan:“People First: A Caring, Transparent, and Inclusive Farmington Hills.” Her ...

Local activists and national advocacy groups are mobilizing for a pots and pans protest at Eastern Market in Detroit on Saturday, August 2 at 9 AM, demanding an immediate end to the starvation and humanitarian siege in Gaza. Organized by the Coalition Against Genocide with support from the Palestinian Youth Movement, U.S. Palestinian Community Network, ...

As constituents, we are raising our voices in the wake of your vote against the joint resolutions of disapproval (S.J. Res. 41 and S.J. Res. 34), which would have blocked arms sales to the Israeli military — weapons that have been repeatedly used in attacks killing civilians in Gaza. This week presented a rare chance ...

In a remarkable surge, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana have co-founded a new left-wing political movement—provisionally called Your Party—which has already attracted over 500,000 sign‑ups within days of launching. This means it's now outpacing Reform UK’s membership totals, although Your Party does not require paid membership. Corbyn describes the launch as ...

A recent Gallup poll (July 7–21, 2025) reveals a dramatic shift in public opinion: just 32% of U.S. adults approve of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza—down 10 points since September 2024 and the lowest level recorded since Gallup began asking the question in November 2023 Key Findings: Disapproval now stands at 60%, led by Democrats ...

Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein is demanding urgent action from the U.S. amid ongoing devastation in Gaza. In a recent Newsweek interview, Stein called the humanitarian crisis “a famine made in Israel,” and urged Washington to immediately recognize the State of Palestine, following the lead of France. Stein warned that American inaction “equips” ...

By Dearborn Blog Staff | July 2025 The Silent Fall of Dearborn’s Urban ForestDearborn is losing its trees at an alarming rate—and many of them are being cut down without the proper permits. Despite the city’s ordinance requiring a permit before removing any tree on private or public property, residents have increasingly ignored the law, ...

Health officials are investigating a potential Legionella bacteria outbreak in the water system of Bridgeside Place at Allegria Village, a large retirement facility in Dearborn. The alarm was raised after two residents died following hospitalization, and preliminary findings suggest possible exposure to the bacteria. Residents have been advised not to shower until further notice. Both ...

Commuters, take note! Beginning the week of July 28, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will launch a significant road improvement project on US-12 (Michigan Avenue) stretching from Greenfield Rd. to Cecil Ave. This vital corridor through Dearborn and Detroit will experience lane closures through late 2025, though at least one lane will remain open ...

Get ready for a full day of summer fun as Downtown Birmingham’s Day On The Town returns on Saturday, July 26! This annual tradition is the city’s biggest shopping and community event, offering something for everyone — from unbeatable sidewalk sales to family-friendly entertainment. 🎯 What to Expect: Huge sidewalk sales from local merchants Tasty ...

The 2025 Green Party Annual National Meeting will take place July 31–August 3, offering a dynamic space for political education, movement-building, and campaign strategy. This year’s theme — “Go Green!” — centers on scaling grassroots infrastructure ahead of 2028. Highlights include: Workshops on immigration, regenerative agriculture, peace, and ballot access Panels on youth organizing and ...

If you've been thinking about getting your Michigan Concealed Pistol License (CPL), now may be the time. Uncoiled Firearms & Range in Livonia is offering a full-day CPL course for just $40 — a fraction of the typical price. The training includes: ✅ Firearm rental and range qualification ✅ Safety gear and certified instruction ✅ ...

As Dearborn considers a new bond proposal, community concerns over property tax burdens and transparency have resurfaced. With a millage rate among the highest in Michigan, working families are questioning the city’s spending priorities. This comes on the heels of voter rejections of past bond initiatives — including a $245 million school bond in 2021 ...

A proposal to shift Dearborn’s City Council to a ward-based representation system faces a major hurdle as nearly 50% of petition signatures were rejected — prompting alarm from community leaders, especially in Arab and Muslim circles. The grassroots group Dearborn Wants Wards says the city’s signature verification process disproportionately flagged names common in their communities ...

Dearborn High School football is entering a bold new chapter with Coach Matt Giarmo taking over the program. Giarmo, a veteran coach known for his run-heavy, fundamentals-first style, brings both strategic vision and renewed excitement to a team on the rise. This summer, Giarmo’s impact was immediately visible. Over 100 players came out for preseason ...

In a powerful and urgent declaration, the National Urban League has officially announced a “state of emergency” for Black Americans, citing a coordinated dismantling of civil rights protections and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the second Trump administration. Speaking with NPR’s Consider This, Urban League President Marc Morial warned that the aggressive rollback ...

Fresh off a courtroom win that reopened Main and Center Streets to vehicle traffic, the group “Let’s Open Northville” is back in court — this time aiming to eliminate all outdoor dining set up in parking spaces across downtown. In a new legal filing, the group argues that sidewalk dining violates the spirit of a ...

In a major win for grassroots politics, the Green Party has secured 10 new elected offices across the country in 2025 — marking a significant milestone for third-party advocates pushing for systemic change. These victories span a range of local positions, from school boards and city councils to mayoral seats, in diverse states including California, ...

In a chilling development, Dearborn Blog has obtained an exclusive image showing an ICE officer wearing tactical gear with a visible Proud Boys insignia during an enforcement stop in Southwest Detroit, a majority Latin American neighborhood. The Proud Boys, a far-right group designated as a hate organization by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), are ...

On May 1, a new chapter of interfaith dialogue and community connection began in Livonia. Bridging Hearts, a grassroots initiative focused on fostering understanding and compassion across religious lines, held its first event at Madonna University — coinciding with the National Day of Prayer. The gathering drew over 250 people from various faith traditions, including ...

In an era of heightened immigration enforcement, knowing your rights and staying informed is more important than ever. The Stop ICE Alerts Network helps immigrants and allies stay safe by sending real-time alerts about ICE activity—with no app required. Over 476,000 people across the U.S. have already joined the mobile alert system, which allows users ...

After more than a decade of planning, fundraising, and construction, Dearborn officially opened the MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to saving and sheltering animals in need. The $12.5 million center, funded through community donations and led by Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, will house over 200 animals and serve ...

At a time when much of the world is calling for an end to Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza, 422 members of Congress — including many who brand themselves as “progressive” — just voted to continue funneling $500 million in U.S. taxpayer money into Israel’s missile defense system, the Iron Dome. The vote was on ...

In the age of TikTok takes and reaction content, sometimes a debate cuts deeper — and reveals where we really are as a country. In a recent episode of Jubilee’s viral series, “1 Progressive vs. 20 Far-Right Conservatives,” journalist and political commentator Mehdi Hasan found himself at the center of a disturbing moment that’s now ...

Every summer, the city of Ann Arbor transforms into a walking, talking, painting gallery — and 2025 will be no different. From July 17 to 19, the Ann Arbor Art Fair returns with all the creative energy you didn’t know you needed. If you’ve never been, just imagine: 30 city blocks packed with over 1,000 ...

Brace yourselves, Dearborn — because this is big and ominous. Trump has just signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law, pumping a jaw-dropping $170 billion total into enforcement. ICE alone has grabbed $75 billion, a budget balloon that now surpasses the budgets of the FBI, DEA, and even Italy’s military. What’s the plan? Hire 10,000 new ICE ...

You thought you were just going to Ann Arbor to look at some paintings, didn’t you? Surprise — you witnessed democracy in action. At this year’s Ann Arbor Art Fair, something historic happened: Pat Zabawa, Executive Director of Rank MI Vote, proudly signed one of the first official petitions to bring Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) ...

Yalla habibi — it's that time of the year again! The Arab and Chaldean Festival is coming back to Hart Plaza in Downtown Detroit on Saturday and Sunday, July 26–27, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be another legendary weekend. This marks the 52nd annual celebration, and let’s just say, if you haven’t been yet… ...

It looks like Dearborn won’t be the only place where the sound of digging means progress. A team of former Waymo engineers — yes, the same crew behind those robotaxis cruising around — is now getting serious about another kind of machine: the kind that digs dirt. Bedrock Robotics, founded by Boris Sofman (a Carnegie ...