The 45th Annual Chaldean Football League (CFL) Championship took place at Wylie E. Groves High School in Birmingham, MI, on Friday, October 9, 2026. The final game, known as the Chy Cup, came down to the Black team, led by Captain Dominic Kejbou, versus the Green team, led by Captain Lance Samona. Team Black was victorious, winning 24-13.
Read MoreJonathan Elias, the “Pastry Guru,” is officially returning to the kitchen for Season 16 of Halloween Wars, competing on an all-star team named “Team Fright Squad.” Based in Troy, Michigan, Elias is a seasoned Food Network veteran who previously found success as a Holiday Wars champion and a runner-up on Halloween Wars Season 14.
Read MoreChristopher Dabish, a fourth-year medical student at Michigan State College of Human Medicine, was selected as one of the 24 medical students in the country to spend training camp with an NFL team. He may be the first Chaldean medical student to do so, and he’s taking part in a rotation with the Detroit Lions!
Read MoreAfter nearly three decades in the kitchen at Phoenicia Restaurant, Najat Shaia is beginning a new chapter—one that will include more time with her children and grandchildren, along with opportunities to travel and enjoy life outside the restaurant.
Read MoreChaldean-American writer Dominic Anton’s new book, Salim, officially debuted September 4, bringing together journal entries and poetry drawn from his experiences between Baghdad and Los Angeles. Through personal reflections on family, displacement, creativity and cultural identity, Anton examines what it means to build a life in a new place while carrying the memories and traditions of home.
Read MoreMaria Osmano has been appointed Human Resources Director for NoMad Detroit, the highly anticipated luxury hotel opening within Detroit’s historic Michigan Central district. Maria joins NoMad Detroit following nearly twelve years with Cicero Hospitality Group, where she most recently served as Vice President of People, Brand & Operations.
Read MorePrime Concepts Detroit, founded and operated by Joe Barbat, announced that Aurora Italiana Detroit will open inside the former home of Pao Detroit later this year. “Our goal is to create an experience that honors both the incredible history of this landmark building and the timeless appeal of Italian hospitality,” Barbat said in a statement. “From preserving the beauty of the historic Michigan Oriental Theater to introducing a warm, rustic trattoria atmosphere, Aurora Italiana Detroit will be a destination where guests can enjoy exceptional food in one of Detroit’s most remarkable spaces.”
Read MoreA group of local friends—Fady Asmar, Danny Abdow, and Justin Samona—recently launched Konkan Classic, a mobile app that brings the classic card game Konkan to iOS and soon to Android. “Like many in our community, we grew up playing Konkan at family gatherings; it’s how holidays ended and how weekends were spent,” says Samona. “We built this app so the game we love can live on for the next generation, and so family members can play together even when they’re not around the same table.”
Read MoreCACC Board Member Renee Tomina, previously senior vice president of the Project Management Office, was promoted to president and chief operating officer of DTE Gas effective June 29, 2026.
Read MoreLamar Kashat was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Sterling Heights Police Department on May 28, 2026, becoming the first Chaldean Lieutenant in the department’s history since its founding in 1966.
Read MoreChaldean American actor Revon Yousif appears in Disclosure Day, the highly anticipated science-fiction thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and written by longtime collaborator David Koepp.
Read MoreChaldean-American writer Dominic Anton has released Salim, a moving collection of journal entries and poetry that explores family, immigration, identity, and belonging.
Read MoreTwo representatives from the Chaldean Community Foundation have been appointed to a key statewide advisory body focused on representation and policy engagement for Middle Eastern Americans in Michigan.
Read MorePeople Driven Credit Union has announced a major leadership transition, naming Chief Lending Officer Tommy Gasso as President and CEO-Elect, effective immediately. In this role, Gasso will begin a structured transition into full executive leadership of the organization, preparing to officially assume the position of President and CEO on January 1, 2027.
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.
Read More
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 MoreDetroit’s creative scene is gaining fresh momentum with Chaldean American artist Juliana Rabban, known as Just By Juliana, stepping into a major spotlight through a high-profile collaboration with Big Sean and the Detroit Pistons. Rabban is among a select group of artists featured in the team’s annual 313 Day initiative, a March celebration of Detroit’s iconic area code.
Read MoreRaymond Jonna just made a big splash in Michigan’s real estate world, helping close the record-breaking $156 million sale of Huntington Tower in downtown Detroit—the largest private single-tenant net-leased deal in the state’s history. Acting as the sole broker for both buyer and seller, Jonna handled a complex, high-stakes deal with skill and precision.
Read MoreJavon David, a shareholder at Butzel, was recognized among Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Women in Law for her work across commercial litigation, media and entertainment law, and products liability, where she advises businesses on complex matters ranging from contract disputes and shareholder oppression to trade secrets, real estate and automotive supplier issues.
Read MoreRudy’s Prime Steakhouse in downtown Clarkston has earned Hour Detroit’s top honor — and it’s easy to see why. Housed inside the beautifully restored 1915 former Rudy’s Market, the 130-seat steakhouse blends historic charm with modern quiet luxury.
Read More