Posts in noteworthy
Pastry Guru Back on Food Network

Jonathan Elias, Metro Detroit’s own “Pastry Guru,” recently returned to the national spotlight with a new appearance on Food Network’s Sweet Empire: Winter Wars. Competing among a select group of top dessert artists from across the country, Elias showcased his signature creativity, precision and larger-than-life pastry imagination in this high-stakes holiday competition.

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Female Chaldean Officer Sworn In

Sterling Heights formally welcomed four new police officers and four firefighter/EMTs in October 2025. These officers were officially sworn in on October 7 by Police Chief Andrew Satterfield before the Sterling Heights City Council, marking the beginning of their careers serving the community. The four officers (as introduced) were Tyler Secluna, Miranda Diaowd, Adam Mays and Andy Cafritzas.

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Breathing New Life into Asthma Awareness

High school students Charlize Sitto and Elinor Jwaydah turned their personal experiences with asthma into an innovative awareness campaign for kids and families. What began as frustration and confusion over a misunderstood condition became Lung Quest—a colorful board game that teaches asthma management through play—and Breathe Boost, a digital platform and app offering kid-friendly tips, demos, and resources.

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Chaldean Detroiter Appointed as Trump’s Special Envoy to Iraq

When President Donald Trump appointed Mark Savvaya as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq, it sent ripples through the Chaldean Community. Savaya is a familiar face in the Detroit area, in part because of his businesses’ billboards that included his own likeness. As an entrepreneur, Savaya’s Chaldean roots and outspoken nature have made him a visible part of Michigan’s business—and more recently, political—landscape.

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Developer Doraid Markus Acquires Prime Birmingham Office Building for $18M

A Chinese government-affiliated company, SAIC Motor Corp., sold its largely vacant 41,000-square-foot office building at 322 N. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, Michigan, for $18 million to local developer Doraid Markus. The July 15 sale, at approximately $439 per square foot, marks one of the highest per-square-foot real estate deals in downtown Birmingham in 15 years.

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Butzel Expands Immigration Practice with Addition of Senior Attorney Christopher J. Ammori

Butzel has added Christopher J. Ammori as a Senior Attorney in its Detroit office, strengthening the firm’s immigration practice. Ammori brings extensive experience in complex corporate immigration, advising both multinational and closely held companies on visa strategies and compliance. His expertise includes a wide range of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories such as O-1, E-2, L-1, H-1B, EB-1, PERM, and EB-5.

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Bengali Cultural Center Visit

On Monday, July 14, 2025, the Chaldean Community Foundation and Chaldean American Chamber welcomed Mr. Hussain Iqbal and Mohammed Islam from the Mridha Bengali Cultural Center in Warren to CCF-West for a meaningful visit and conversation. The meeting focused on learning more about the Chaldean community and exploring opportunities for collaboration between the Bengali and Chaldean communities in Warren and Sterling Heights.

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Bringing Home Automation Home

Kyle Mona, a Kettering University Electrical Engineering student, is redefining the future of smart homes through his innovative approach to home automation. Inspired by his family’s hands-on experiences, particularly time spent with his grandfather and father in an auto repair shop, Kyle developed a passion for electronics and automation.

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Chaldean American Month Proposed in State House

State Rep. Tom Kuhn (R-Troy) testified before the House Government Operations Committee on behalf of his bill to name the month of May as “Chaldean American Month” in Michigan. “This is a well-earned and long-overdue recognition,” said Kuhn. “Chaldean Americans are a cornerstone of Michigan’s cultural, economic, and civic life, especially in Southeast Michigan.

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Women in Blue

The Detroit Public Safety Foundation (DPSF) will host its 12th annual Women in Blue celebration on Thursday, May 22, at MGM Grand Detroit, spotlighting the outstanding contributions of female first responders in the Detroit Police and Fire Departments.

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