Sanan Atou never imagined he would one day be stranded in Iraq — a country he left as a child and barely remembers. But today, the former Macomb Township resident is living in hiding in Baghdad after being deported from the United States earlier this year, just before conflict erupted between the U.S. and Iran.
Read MoreAfter months of political deadlock, Iraq has taken a key step forward with the appointment of a new prime minister-designate. President Nizar Amidi has tasked businessman Ali Al-Zaidi with forming the next government, following an agreement among major Shia political factions to move past the stalemate.
Read MoreBeginning in 2026, the month of May will officially be recognized as Chaldean American Month across Michigan, marking a historic acknowledgment of the cultural, economic, and civic contributions of Chaldean Americans throughout the state. The announcement came during a defining moment for the community.
Read MoreWhen I was in third grade, my teacher didn’t believe I was Chaldean or that my parents were Iraqi. She told me to ask them again and let her know the next day. When I went home and told my dad, he was miffed—but also understood that she may have had a different frame of reference when it came to people from the Middle East.
Read MoreAcross Michigan, green historical markers line roadsides, neighborhoods, and public spaces. They are quiet but powerful reminders of the people and places that shaped the state. Each one represents more than a moment in history; it reflects a deliberate, research-driven effort to ensure that Michigan’s diverse stories are recognized, preserved, and made visible to the public.
Read MoreOn Friday, Apr. 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., Oakland University hosted the graduation ceremony for the Chaldean Language Workshop in The Habitat at the Oakland Center. Thirteen students completed the introductory and intermediate levels of Chaldean, receiving certificates of completion. This marked an achievement that was both academic and deeply cultural.
Read MoreThe new Chaldean Community Foundation building in West Bloomfield has begun welcoming community members through its doors. Using a series of thoughtfully curated programs and social gatherings aimed at introducing the public to its services, CCF West is strengthening communal bonds and encouraging meaningful engagement with its modern, multipurpose facility.
Read MoreCulture is one of the many things that we can all relate to and find community in. No matter what country or ethnicity, we are all able to celebrate where we come from in our own unique ways. One way that many cultures celebrate their heritage is with food.
Read MoreIn a historic match that ended late March 31, 2026, in Monterrey, Mexico, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 to qualify for the World Cup. With the late kickoff, the Lions of Mesopotamia officially secured their first spot since 1986, as the calendar turned to April 1 in both Michigan and Baghdad.
Read MoreDetroit’s creative pulse has always been defined by reinvention—and right now, it’s beating a little louder with the rise of Juliana Rabban. Known professionally as Just By Juliana, the 24-year-old Chaldean American artist is stepping into one of the city’s brightest spotlights yet: a high-profile collaboration with the Detroit Pistons as part of their annual 313 Day campaign, curated this year by Big Sean.
Read MoreIn the shadows of the Cold War, when global superpowers competed not only through armies but through intelligence and technology, one man of Chaldean/Assyrian ancestry made a decision that would alter the balance of power in the Middle East—and leave a lasting mark on history. His story later inspired the 1988 HBO film Steal the Sky. My wife came across it while reading about Israeli spy Eli Cohen, a story I had not previously encountered.
Read MoreWhat happens when an Iraqi Chaldean man decides he’s ready to get married—but isn’t ready for everything that comes with it? That’s the hilarious premise of I’m Getting Married and God Bless Me, the seventh production by the Two Rivers Theatrical Group. Deeply rooted in Iraqi culture, the play is performed primarily in Arabic with moments of Chaldean and English woven throughout, delivering nonstop laughter while holding up a mirror to real-life family drama.
Read MoreThe Dabish family, fitness industry innovators for more than half a century, are at it again. This time, however, their focus is not on expanding their exercise expertise nationwide or internationally, refining their self-taught marketing approach, or even partnering with other gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safe reopenings.
Read MoreFor generations of Detroiters, Buddy’s Pizza has been more than a place to eat good pizza— it’s been a ritual, a reward, and a deeply personal part of the city’s identity. Now, after 80 years, the iconic brand is entering a new chapter, moving forward led by a trio of Chaldean American business leaders determined to honor its legacy while building its future.
Read MoreSometimes a team wins by losing. That was certainly the case this season for Team Green, the Chaldean Hockey League champions. Team Green dropped its first playoff game in heartbreaking fashion—a 1–0 triple-overtime loss to Team Black in the opener of a best-of-three semifinal series.
Read MoreMany of you may remember when I first joined the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce as an event coordinator in 2018; it was an incredible introduction to the community. As I learned more about the culture, history, and resilience of the Chaldean people, I found myself deeply inspired. By the time I began writing for the Chaldean News in 2020, that admiration had grown exponentially.
Read MoreThank you for your thoughtful and timely article about Dr. Adhid Miri. It was very important because most people have no idea of who he is or what he has accomplished. Without question, Dr. Miri is a jewel of our community. One would only have to review your article to see that he is one of the most accomplished – and maybe top five accomplished Chaldeans – that ever came to America.
Read MoreJonny “Magic” Mansour continued his rise in the professional ranks on April 19 with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision. The fighter from California controlled the bout from the opening round with sharp hand speed and clean combinations. The performance added another chapter to Mansour’s growing profile both inside and outside the ring.
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Pattah Development has acquired Shanty Creek Resort, marking a major milestone for both the company and the Chaldean community. The investment underscores the Pattah family’s commitment to growth, stewardship, and community impact, while highlighting the broader success of Chaldean Americans rooted in resilience and entrepreneurship.
Read MoreChaldean Community Foundation West held a luncheon on April 9 in partnership with Shenandoah Country Club, graciously sponsored by Raad Kathawa and Jacob Bacall. It took place in Nana Bernadette Sarafa’s Kitchen.
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