Tomorrow (Tuesday) is primary election day in Detroit. Voters will have a chance to cast their ballots to determine which of the nine mayoral candidates will go on to face each other in the November general election.

Council President Mary Sheffield, pastor Solomon Kinloch, former Council President Saunteel Jenkins, and Councilman Fred Durhal II are on the ballot… along with former police chief James Craig, attorney Todd Perkins, businessman Joel Haashiim, entrepreneur Jonathan Barlow, and retired cosmetologist Danetta Simpson.

Several candidates are also on the ballot for Detroit City Council. Primary elections are also taking place in Hamtramck, Taylor, Dearborn Heights, and other cities.

The City of Dearborn is not holding a primary election tomorrow. A group called Dearborn Wants Wards is hoping to add ballot language to institute districted elections in Dearborn. If approved in time, voters could decide on the measure in November—along with choosing the next mayor and several city council seats.

There’s more information about local elections at the Michigan Secretary of State’s website.

Reporting by Nargis Rahman

$1 million in tuition prizes awarded to Michigan students

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), and the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) gave out $1 million dollars to 50 Michigan students recently.

The Ticket to Tuition giveaway provided 40 students with $1,000 prizes, and ten students with $50,000 prizes for those who filed their Federal Application for Student Aid – or FAFSA – for the first time. More than 21,000 students applied for the giveaway, which aimed to promote FAFSA filing for scholarships and grants to attend post-secondary education.

The giveaway is also part of the state’s “Sixty by 30” plan, which seeks to have at least 60 percent of Michiganders receive a degree or skill certificate by 2030.

Reporting by Nargis Rahman

August is Breastfeeding Month in Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared August as Breastfeeding Month.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says breastfeeding prevents multiple illnesses in infants, including decreasing the risk of infections, diseases, and diabetes. They recommend breastfeeding children up to 2 years old. The World Health Organization also says breastfeeding saves more than 820,000 children under the age of five.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) hopes to support families in nursing babies by increasing support for families—especially those from communities of color. The department provides resources such as training for health care providers and support for parents to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Learn more at mibreastfeeding.org.

Reporting by Nargis Rahman

Arab American nonprofits to receive $110K in grants

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy and the National Network for Arab American Communities announced they are teaming up to give away $110,000 to 17 Arab American nonprofits nationally.

The grants will be awarded to nonprofits working in arts and culture, human services, advocacy, and education.

Check out the full list at centeraap.org.

Reporting by Nargis Rahman

Air quality alert remains in effect for Detroit

An air quality alert remains in effect for Detroit today.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is drifting south and east, blanketing parts of the Midwest. Air quality was considered to be in the “unhealthy” range this afternoon, as small particles from the wildfires drifted in the air. Those particles can be inhaled and cause irritation. They can also cause problems for healthy residents, as well as those with asthma or heart disease.

Detroiters are advised to avoid strenuous activities and limit time outside until the air quality alert has lifted.