Category: LOCAL NEWS
Stay Informed During ICE Raids with the Stop ICE Alerts Network
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 ...
New $12.5M Animal Adoption Center Opens in Dearborn — 100+ Pets Await New Homes
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 ...
Progressive Betrayal? Congress Approves $500M for Israel’s Iron Dome — Only 6 Vote No
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 ...
“Deport Him!”: Mehdi Hasan Confronts Far-Right Hostility on Jubilee’s Viral Debate Panel
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 ...
🎨 Ann Arbor Art Fair 2025: 1,000 Artists, 30 Blocks, and a Whole Lot of Vibes
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 ...
🚨 Michigan Alert: ICE’s New “Police‑State” Job Surge
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 ...
Gaza: Doctors Under Attack Screening with Palestine Museum
Join us for a special screening of "Gaza: Doctors Under Attack". Dear Wissam, We’re pleased to invite you to a special virtual screening of the powerful documentary “Gaza: Doctors Under Attack,” hosted in collaboration with Palestine Museum (Scotland). 📽️ Film Screening: "Gaza: Doctors Under Attack" 🗓️ Date: Saturday, July 19 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM US ...
Ranked Choice Voting Lands in Michigan — and It All Started at an Art Fair
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) ...
Mark Your Calendars: The 52nd Arab and Chaldean Festival Returns to Hart Plaza This July
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… ...
Upcoming Engineers Against Apartheid Events
DEARBORN, MI — Engineers Against Apartheid (EAA), a local grassroots group committed to justice and human rights, has announced two community events taking place this July in Dearborn. The group will hold its next general meeting on Sunday, July 20, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Pine Coast Cafe. The meeting is open to ...
From Robotaxis to Robot Excavators: Bedrock Robotics Is Digging Up the Future
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 ...
Detroit to Beirut$649 in November
Ahlan Beirut! Detroit-to-Lebanon Flights Drop to $674 for November—Here’s Why You Should Pack Now If you’ve been waiting for a sign from the universe (or your mom) to book that long-overdue trip to Lebanon, this is it. Roundtrip flights from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) to Beirut (BEY) are now as low as $674 on Royal ...
🎉 Sokol Detroit Turns 150! Celebrate Czech & Slovak Fest July 19–20 🎉
Yalla, Dearborn Heights—big news! Sokol Detroit, the oldest nonprofit in Metro Detroit, is hitting a major milestone—150 years of community, culture, and strength. And you’re invited to the 46th Annual Czech & Slovak Festival at the Sokol Cultural Center, July 19–20, at 23600 W Warren Ave. 🎶 What’s on the Menu? Live entertainment daily, including The Kolomeyka Ukrainian ...
🎉 Dearborn Homecoming Festival 2025: It’s Almost Gahwa Time!
Yalla, Dearborn! Our beloved city is gearing up for the 44th annual Homecoming Festival, rolling into Ford Field Park from August 1–3. This ain't your average backyard get‑together—it’s a full-on three-day bash with music, fireworks, carnival rides, and more food than your abuela can cook! 🕛 What’s the Daytime Scoop? From noon to 10:30 p.m. daily, ...
🌡️ Heatwave & Thunderstorms Target Dearborn – Stay Cool, Stay Safe!
Yalla, Dearborn—grab your hibiscus tea because Michigan’s about to turn up the heat... literally. According to MLive, a serious heat dome is rolling in this week, pushing temps toward the upper 80s and low 90s. And that’s not all—a “clump of robust thunderstorms” is set to barrel through Wednesday afternoon and evening, bringing heavy rain, ...
🗣️ Voices of Dearborn: Community Speaks Out on Intimate Partner Violence
Yalla, Dearborn fam—this one hits deep. Arab Narratives just dropped a powerful report centering community voices on intimate partner violence (IPV) in our town, and boy, does it pack a punch. 🔍 What’s Going On? Through local art by Nada Hassan and honest conversations, the report reveals how deep silence and stigma run in our ...
🚨 June Sees 63 US Corporate Bankruptcies — 2025 on Track for Worst Year Since 2010 🚨
Hold onto your Turkish coffee, Dearborn — these aren’t the kind of headlines we sip to pass the time. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, 63 companies filed for bankruptcy in June, keeping 2025 on pace for the most corporate collapses since 2010. So far this year, 371 corporate filings—that’s up 11% from last year—mark ...
Breaking: Will Dearborn Ban AIRBNB?
🕌 Dearborn Shuts the Door on Airbnb — But at What Cost? Alright, folks, grab your Turkish coffee and settle in. The Dearborn City Council just said “yalla bye” to short-term rentals (like Airbnb & VRBO) in our single-family neighborhoods. Come January 2026, only the downtown zones, think East and West Core, can keep guests ...
DUMP THE DUOPOLY POWER UP FOR PEACE
Tonight at 8pm ET with former presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein, and featuring special guests Medea Benjamin, Butch Ware, Briahna Joy Gray and Jason Call! Here is your zoom link to attend the event! https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84540830281?pwd=qaF0VtY8je8BKxbgSqwA3tFRRcPRIH.1 As Jill says "Now, as the duopoly doubles down on genocide and censorship, the environment unravels, recession looms and fascism ...
War criminals with Peace Prizes?Netanyahu nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize
https://youtu.be/lltJaV79it8?si=O5vrzlz1PDEMGjAm 🕊️ War criminals with Peace Prizes?Netanyahu nominates Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize — while Gaza burns, mercenaries kill the hungry, and history repeats.This isn’t irony.It’s tradition.#NobelPeacePrize #GenocideInGaza #Trump2024 #Netanyahu #GazaGenocide #WarCriminals #Palestine #StopTheWar #HumanRights #DarkHistory #ExposeTheTruth #TikTokNews #SatireWithTruth
Dearborn Blog: US Complicity in Gaza Genocide Must End
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels as evidence mounts regarding the systematic starvation and violence against Palestinians, aided by U.S. government policies and funding. Members of Congress, human rights organizations, and whistleblowers have recently come forward with alarming reports that highlight the urgent need for change in U.S. policy toward Israel. Congressional ...
Palestine Speaks, Palestine Writes. July 1, 2025 by B Nimri Aziz
What further avenues help us to reach Palestine? We witness repeated attacks and compounded injustices against unarmed Palestinians, day after day. The baffled world is stunned into silence. Helpless, we merely fill hours exchanging stories of others’ suffering, citing merciless actions repeated hour-after-hour by Israeli forces. “We never knew; we never knew”, we repeat, learning ...
A Single Banner. A Single Act; That’s How it Begins. Why Be Afraid? B Nimri Aziz
Should I, or shouldn’t I? Can I, or can’t I? I may be alone. No villager who had accompanied me to protests 6-8 years ago hinted they might attend Saturday’s “No Kings” rally. Of more than 2,000 nationwide events, I’m heading to one of only three in upstate New York. Will today mark a watershed ...
Condemning Militarized Policing, ICE Raids on Communities, & Standing In Solidarity with Latino American Community
Condemning Militarized Policing, ICE Raids on Communities, & Standing In Solidarity with Latino American Community To our communities, allies, and fellow Greens, We write to you today with deep sorrow and unwavering solidarity. In recent days, we have witnessed a renewed wave of violent and militarized raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across California—sweeping ...
I Wish I Could Speak Like This Journalist by B Nimri Aziz 06/09/2025
I refer to Caitlin Johnstone and her Notes from the Edge of the Narrative. It’s worth putting aside a forthcoming commentary to direct you to one of the most clear-headed English writers in the world today: Caitlin Johnstone. (Commentators frequently quote one another or hyperlink to each other’s work, but we don’t often devote a ...
Change Begins with YOU
Power is with the people ...
Introducing a Journey Through the Foundations of Universal Human Values: Article 1: Freedom
Written and shared with Musings readers by Livonia resident and author Wissam CharafeddineAs an Arab American activist, author, and educator dedicated to the values of human dignity, justice, and enlightenment, I have long been fascinated by the evolution of human rights across civilizations. Our modern understanding of freedom, equality, and human dignity did not arise ...
TODAY: Fast for Gaza Vigil at 4pm; upcoming events & actions
Silent Vigil with FastersWednesday, June 4 • 4-5:30 pmWear Black • Bring an empty pot or bowl Signs & Banner provided Meet at Rep. Thanedar’s office, 400 Monroe, downtown Detroit Walk to Sen. Slotkin’s office, 719 Griswold, Detroit Demand our elected officials support an end to U.S. complicity in Genocide, humanitarian aid under U.N. authority ...
ACCESS May 2025 Update
Dear friends, I hope you have been enjoying this Spring season of renewal despite these unsettling times. Please allow me to share some updates from the month of May with you. May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month and our Community Health & Research Center participated in numerous activities, which included presentations at ...
Fresh, local, and full of flavor — Vara Juice expands its menu with seven brand-new, unforgettable Turkish Milk Cake creations
June 1, 2025 — Vara Juice, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, is shaking up the smoothie scene once again. Starting June 1, 2025, all Vara Juice locations will introduce a new product line featuring seven different Turkish Milk Cake desserts. The Turkish Milk Cake line includes: ● Dubai ...
Over 600 days of GENOCIDE: Action Is Our Only Option
Urgent Updates On The Genocide In Gaza You Are Invited Dear Wissam Please join this important webinar on the Genocide in Gaza Sunday June, 1st at 12 PM EST Register to attend here. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aUUzycRDSwaem750Nc6iFg Over 600 Days into the Genocide in Gaza – Action is Our Only Option To End The Genocide In Palestine. The ...
The Border and the Bars: A True American Nightmare
A dynamic Arab American Activist, Author, Entrepreneur, Educator, and Engineer. With a Master’s in Software Engineering, bridges the worlds of technology, education, and community leadership. A founder of numerous nonprofit initiatives and a dedicated scholar of Islamic Studies, Arab identity, and history, Wissam brings deep insight and bold ideas to every space he enters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zy7qu15xVc ...
Ravens Day 2025 Showed Up and Showed Out
Ravens Day 2025 Showed Up and Showed Out💚🤍💚🤍 Ravens Day at Riverside Middle School was everything it needed to be—fun, loud, full of smiles, and powered by community. Hosted by the Amity Jr. Club, this year’s event brought families together for face painting, photo booths, cheering, and nonstop energy. Thank you to advisors Mrs. Rita ...
New Updates: Executive Orders and the Impact to our Communities
We are writing this weekly email to summarize several key developments that are impacting our communities. Our team continues to monitor and provide regular updates on a range of federal policy changes on our website. This was a busy week that was dominated by the House passage of the budget reconciliation bill and courts weighing ...
Manifesto of Elias Rodriguez
Manifesto of Elias Rodriguez, who killed two employees of the Israeli Embassy. If you think this will upset you, please do not read it. ========================ExplicationMay 20, 2025Halintar is a word that means something like thunder or lightning. In the wake of an act people look for a text to fix its meaning, so here's an ...
PRO PALESTINE EVENTS COMING UP
JVP envisions a world where all people — from the U.S. to Palestine — live in freedom, justice, equality, and dignity. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ...
Reminder: Arab Film Festival May 7-11!!; Passes & Individual Tickets Available!
Greetings friends, This is your friendly reminder that the Arab American National Museum's (AANM) 20th Arab Film Festival is happening this week; May 7-11!! Individual tickets for each screening + passes are available throughout the festival. While many of our screenings will take place at AANM, we are excited to bring screenings to Detroit, Flint ...
The Green Party Declares a Global Environmental and Peace Emergency!
The Green Party Declares a Global Environmental and Peace Emergency! Read by Patricia C. Vener (The Declaration was adopted by the Green Party of the United States National Committee by a majority vote of 38 States/Caucuses. It was introduced by the Green Party Peace Action Committee (GPAX) and endorsed by five state parties, the Green ...
Mark Your Calendars: Crestwood’s Second Annual District Art Show – May 6, 2025!
🎨 Second Annual Crestwood District Art Show 🎨 Last year’s Art Show was an incredible success — a true celebration of creativity, featuring amazing artwork from our talented K-12 students and families coming together to support their artists! You can check out images from last year’s event to see just how special it was. Don’t ...
Arab Family History Day Saturday 4/26
You don't want to miss this. National Society for Arab & Arab American Genealogy Presents Our 2nd Annual Arab Family History Day This Saturday Register Here April 26 8:00 AM PST 11:00 AM EST SPEAKERS Dr. Mahasin Saleh, Ph.D., MSW, FHEA, Associate Professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, is ...
When the Lesser Evil Becomes the Greatest Betrayal: Why I Cannot Vote for a “Less Bloody” Killer— By Wissam Charafeddine
“If someone must be killed, let it be the one whose death causes the least harm.”This is how the logic of the “lesser evil” simplifies moral dilemmas in times of crisis.But what if all options are evil?What if this logic becomes a tool to normalize genocide and political corruption? One of the most famous philosophical ...
عندما يصبح الشرّ الأصغر أكبر خيانة: لماذا لا يمكنني التصويت لقاتل “أقل دموية” ـ بقلم وسام شرف الدين
إذا كان لا بد من قتل أحد، فليكن القتل الأقل ضررًا، هكذا يختصر منطق "الشر الأقل" أزمة الخيارات الأخلاقية في زمن الأزمات. لكن ماذا لو كانت كل الخيارات شريرة؟ وماذا لو أصبح استخدام هذا المنطق أداة لتطبيع الإبادة الجماعية والفساد السياسي؟ من أشهر الأمثلة الفلسفية على المعضلات الأخلاقية ما يُعرف بـ"مأزق القطار" : قطار منفلت ...
Run for City Council: An Invitation from Dearborn Greens
Dear community leaders, changemakers, and advocates for justice, The Dearborn Greens are calling on bold, principled individuals like you to step forward and run for City Council in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights. At a time when many political parties have failed to represent our values, the Green Party remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, ...
New Inductee to Dearborn Blog Hall of Hero’s: Ibtihal Aboussad
We are proud to announce the latest addition to the Dearborn Blog Hall of Heroes—Ibtihal Aboussad. This recognition comes in light of her brave and powerful actions during a recent protest at Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration, where she made headlines for her passionate stand against the company’s involvement in military contracts with Israel.A Heroic Protest ...
Free Films About Palestine: Share the Stories with the World
Salam friends In light of the current events in Palestine, a large number of filmmakers have made their films about Palestine available online for free. In this post, we share with you links to films you can view and share to get our message out to the world: A collection of documentaries published by Al ...
PROTESTS TODAY and beyond for Palestine, Peace & Justice
Lands Day for Palestine Collections to support SW Detroiters 📍 Location: 5 Woodward Ave ⏰ Time: 1 pm (drop off donations—see below for request) 1:30 pm (protest begins) Since 1976, Land Day has been commemorated by Palestinians in Palestine and the diaspora to sustain the struggle for the right to remain and return to historic ...
The Dark Ages of America
There is a reason why many of us are lamenting our current state. Whether it is the war on Gaza, WB, and Lebanon, or the current ugly "State of the State." I came across this PBS documentary about Thomas Jefferson. I AM NOT sending this for any reason, except to compare and contrast where we ...
