California wildfires rage on
Dear Saa Nasta readers,
I’m keeping a close eye on the developments in California as several wildfires broke out this week. We’re also looking at how a first-time author hopes to break barriers through his stories. And, we’re taking at a few health concerns in Michigan.
Hope you and your loved ones are safe,
Nargis
California wildfires lead to evacuations, destruction
This week several wildfires broke out in California — the largest being the Palisades and Eaton fires. Washington Post reports that 10 people have died, with over 9,000 structures being destroyed from the seven fires. The fires are raging on, with some of them barely contained. The Palisades fire has burned over 20,000 acres of land. In Palisades, 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.
While experts say the Santa Ana winds and some climate change impacts are part of causing these fires. About 900 inmates are helping put out the flames, in what has become a controversial program.
Muslim author pens his first superhero story
Ali Mohammad Rizwan wrote the book, “MetalGhost: Kashif and the Echoes from a Past Life,” a story about Muslim superheroes.
Rizwan grew up watching and reading superhero stories since childhood. But he felt that he couldn’t see himself in those stories.
“I’ve always loved writing, and I’ve always had this idea in my mind where I felt as a Muslim American, I really don’t feel we’re represented properly or enough so, and I wanted to do something about that.”
Author Ali Mohammad Rizwan wrote, “MetalGhost: Kashif and the Echoes from a Past Life,” to break barriers and stereotypes of American Muslims.
“I grew up watching, like all of us, watching this Marvel movies… and read these comics. And again and again, they kept releasing awesome movies and comics and books, but I realized none of the characters, main characters, looked like me or you,” Rizwan said. “I think subliminally, that sends a message, whether they mean to or not.”
“MetalGhost” won the distinguished favorite in the Islamic category by the NYC Big Book Award. Rizwan says he did not expect to get this kind of reception.
He hopes to write a trilogy in the series and has been approached for a Marvel edition to the book.
This story was originally published in WDET.
Here’s what you need to know about norovirus
There’s a norovirus epidemic in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 19-21 million people in the U.S. get norovirus each year.
The virus causes gastroenteritis. Symptoms are often described as “explosive diarrhea.” Experts recommend washing your hands thoroughly, decontaminating surfaces, and properly washing clothes in hot water if contaminated. Daycares and nursing centers are especially at risk. The virus spreads by touching the germs, such as vomit, stool, or infected surfaces. Find out more here.
Other Headlines:
Corewell Health is offering free online Zoom health classes in Southeast Michigan.
A Wayne State University employee was fatally struck in a vehicle collision.
A Palestinian film is playing in theatres this month. “From Ground Zero: Stories from Gaza,” is a collection of 22 short films. The film has been shortlisted for the Oscars' Best International Feature.
