Detroit Evening Report: Arab American businesses highlighted during NFL Draft, metro Detroit rivers report card, more

On this episode of the Detroit Evening Report, stories include Arab American businesses being highlighted during this week’s NFL Draft in Detroit, Southeast Michigan rivers and watersheds struggle in a recent report, and more.

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Arab American businesses highlighted during NFL Draft

Several Arab American businesses will be featured at the 2024 NFL Draft this week.

Bilal Hammoud, executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, says this is a historical moment for the Arab American community and local businesses.

“This is the first time any Arab organization is partnered with a major sporting institution like this,” Hammoud said. “And the value that it brings is, the NFL is being intentional about expanding its outreach and its connection with a new fan base.”

Hammoud stated Arab American businesses were previously not considered or classified as minority businesses. Arab Americans formerly checked off  “white” on the Census, but the Office of Management and Budget added a new Middle Eastern North African (MENA) category, which could lead to changes in representation across the U.S.

Tool provides correct name pronunciation during graduation ceremonies

Graduation is an important time for graduates and families who are in attendance. One of those components involves having your name pronounced properly by the announcer. University of Michigan Dearborn Professor Hafiz Malik teamed with four graduate students to develop the Automatic Name Reader tool to make that dream a reality.

Malik said this tool was developed as a DEI initiative, building off a previous U-M tool called NameCoach, which allows faculty and students to record their names attached to their university profiles.

The Automatic Name Reader tool allows a student or someone they designate to pre-record their name, which can be scanned using a QR code, and played audibly at the graduation. The graduate’s name will also be displayed on a large screen.

The official rollout of the tool is later this month, with a pilot done last December. The University of Michigan Dearborn’s IT team is working to get a patent for the technology so other schools and universities can use it too.

Rivers and watersheds in Southeast Michigan receive dismal grades in ecosystem report card

A new environmental report card reveals critical challenges in Southeast Michigan’s river ecosystems. Scientists graded the area’s watersheds — which did not score higher than a C+ The report examined pollution, infrastructure and the effects of climate change on the Detroit, Rouge, Huron, Raisin and Clinton rivers.

Marie McCormick, executive director of Friends of the Rouge who was one of the groups involved with the study, states the results continue to empower those who care about the environment to demand more funding and legislative action.

McCormick says there’s an urgent need for environmental restoration and infrastructure updates across local waterways. The report card suggests such efforts would improve public health and the economy.

WDET reporter Amanda Le Claire contributed to this story.

Detroit City Council to vote on $125M plan for new Music Hall building

The Detroit City Council votes this week on a $125 million plan to expand the Music Hall. The venue is asking for $80 million worth of nonprofit bonds to pay for a new building on a neighboring lot. The Detroit Economic Development Corporation approved the project, with vice president Kenyatta Bridges stating it could create more jobs.

“This project has an overall estimated investment of $125 million and is expected to generate 446 new full-time jobs while sustaining the existing 278 jobs,” Bridges said.

Bridges says the Music Hall is not asking for tax breaks.

WDET reporter Bre’Anna Tinsley contributed to this story.

Belle Isle clean up

The city of Detroit will use a robot to clean up litter on Belle Isle Beach. The Office of Mobility Innovation provided a demonstration of the machine on Monday. It’s programmed to remove plastic waste from the beach.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.