Latest news with #Hammoud
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Get up close and personal with Rivian's R1 Quad, one of the quickest EVs on the market
Rivian once again proves EVs can beat gas models when it comes to acceleration and off-road capability. Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) currently produces two electric vehicles: a full-size pickup truck and a full-size family SUV. Both electric models received top-tier reviews for their capabilities, thanks to ground clearance, design and powerful electric motors. Now, the American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology company is unleashing the most powerful version of the R1 truck and SUV yet, the 2026 Quad. Rivian R1 Quad models use four electric motors to transfer power to move the wheels of the vehicles. A quad-motor all-wheel drive system means more horsepower and acceleration times almost too quick to believe. USA TODAY got up close and personal with the R1T Quad electric pickup truck, and we can confirm it's just as mind-blowing on the road as it is on paper. The 2026 Rivian R1 Quad is insanely quick 2026 Rivian R1 Quad models rocket from 0-60 miles per hour in around 2.5 seconds, making these EVs some of the quickest production vehicles ever made. For context, the 2025 Lamborghini Urus accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in around 3.1 seconds, according to Car and Driver. Rivian R1 Quad trucks and SUVs are quicker than many supercars, more affordable, and more practical in terms of spaciousness and capability. The R1T Quad and R1S Quad can do a quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. The EVs produce a massive 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 pound-feet of torque. Each of the four motors are oil-cooled and individually controlled. R1 Quad models boast up to 400 miles of driving range (in Conserve Mode). How much does the 2026 Rivian R1 Quad cost? Rivian's R1S Quad Launch Edition electric SUV starts at $125,990. The regular version of the 2026 Rivian R1S Quad starts at $121,990. The new 2026 Rivian R1T Launch Edition starts at $119,990. The regular version of the R1T Quad starts at $115,990. Rivian also charges a fee of $1,895 for destination and freight in the United States. What sets the 2026 Rivian R1 Quad apart from competitors? USA TODAY interviewed Rivian's Chief Design Officer, Jeff Hammoud, to find out what makes Rivian R1 Quad electric trucks and SUVs different from the competition. "Our brand ethos. In terms of being able to provide a premium experience that's still inviting.", said Hammoud. When asked what design challenges the team faced when developing the latest Rivian Quad models, Rivian's Chief Design Officer answered, "We asked ourselves, how do you make the R1 feel like a six-figure car that you won't be afraid to off-road in?" After testing the Rivian R1T Quad, I determined that it's every bit as capable as advertised. Rivian's latest electric vehicle drives like a sports car, but offers the ground clearance (nearly 15.0 inches) and design of a true off-road vehicle without sacrificing any luxury materials or tech for capability. Hammoud noted that the EVs "continue to improve over time" thanks to over-the-air software updates. Additionally, there are plenty of ways to customize the R1 to your individual wants and needs, including creating an entire driver profile for your vehicle and even specific drive modes. The new Rivian R1 Quad is "software-defined," incorporating plenty of futuristic technology that elevates your driving experience. Rivian's latest EV pushes the envelope both from an engineering and design perspective.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud on 'sacred journey' in Mecca for pilgrimage
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud is on a spiritual journey in Saudi Arabia as he performs hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage that's taking place this year from June 4-9. Hammoud, the first Muslim to become mayor of Dearborn, is one of more than 1.6 million pilgrims from around the world currently taking part in a series of rites and rituals in Mecca, the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of its prophet. Going on hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, required of all Muslims at least once in their lifetime provided they are financially and physically capable. "I will be embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj — the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims around the world aspire to make at least once in their lifetime," Hammoud, 35, said in an Instagram post on May 27, written in both English and Arabic. "This is a deeply personal trip, one rooted in faith, reflection, and renewal." Hammoud spoke about how the world these days can seem burdensome. "It comes at a time when the world feels heavy and our hearts carry more than words can express," Hammoud said. "Still I go with the intention of fulfilling a spiritual obligation, reconnecting with Allah sbwt (acronym for an Arabic phrase meaning: 'May He be glorified and exalted'), and praying for clarity and peace — for myself, for my family and for our communities near and far." It's unclear how many days Hammoud will be in Saudi Arabia for the trip. A city official told the Free Press Hammoud is currently on paid time off. He did not attend the mayor's briefing on Thursday, June 5, a city councilman said. Hajj, which is held ten days earlier every year, coincides with Eid al-Adha, the Islamic holiday that was held Friday, June 6. Dearborn's City Hall, some city buildings and public libraries were closed Friday in observance of Eid al-Adha, and employees had the day off, the third year in a row the city has observed Eid holidays. Before leaving on hajj, Hammoud asked the public for forgiveness, which is recommended by some Islamic scholars and leaders for people performing the pilgrimage. More: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicks off reelection campaign: The city is 'thriving' "As is custom before this journey, I humbly ask for your forgiveness if I have wronged you in word, action or deed — knowingly or unknowingly — I ask that you forgive me," Hammoud said. "May Allah, sbwt, accept a pilgrimage of all who are making the journey. Please keep us in your prayers, as I will carry yours with me." Pilgrims on hajj have to obtain a permit and visa through a website in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. State Department said in its guide for hajj pilgrims. In metro Detroit, mosques or groups often offer packages people can sign up for that includes travel and lodging costs, allowing them to journey together. Some offer educational classes on what to expect and the various rites involved. Before the hajj, worshippers are expected to enter into a state of spiritual piety and during the events, men wear simple, white garments. Hammoud sometimes refers to his faith during public speeches. When he was elected in November 2021, he said during his victory speech: "It is here in Dearborn where we believe that you need not change your name nor your faith, that in this town, we elect you based on the direction in which you lead, no matter the direction in which you pray." Hammoud attends services at the Islamic Center of America, a Dearborn mosque that is one of Michigan's oldest and largest Muslim centers, and where one of his uncles, Sheikh Ahmad Hammoud, is the imam. Hammoud, a Democrat, is running for reelection this year, seeking a second term, facing a challenge from Nagi Almudhegi, a Republican, who has been outspoken against LGBTQ+ books in schools. Speaking at another Dearborn mosque in February, Hammoud touched upon religion at times in addressing some criticism he's faced from Republicans for being supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+ books in schools. In a September 2022 statement, the mayor noted that conservatives who once attacked Muslims like him were now attacking LGBTQ+ people. "The same dangerous ideology that once considered people like me 'a problem' is now being revived under the guise of preserving 'liberty,'" Hammoud said in 2022. "Our libraries serve as a gateway to knowledge, to imagination, and to possibility. When it comes to our city's libraries, for the sake of our children, no book will be removed off the shelves." More: Expectant mothers in Dearborn to get $4,500, mayor announces in State of the City But speaking at a mosque in Dearborn in February, Hammoud said of the 2022 statement: "Unfortunately, people took a statement out of context." He said he doesn't endorse any lifestyle that doesn't align with his family's lifestyle. Hammoud added however that "what people are doing in the privacy of their own home" is none of his business as mayor. "Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala, tells you what you do in your own household is between you and Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala," Hammoud said, using the Arabic words for "God" and "May He be glorified and exalted." "My point is: I care for the whole city, to make sure that city services are delivered," Hammoud added. "When you have issues of property taxes, nobody's lifestyle matters when it comes to talking about property taxes. When you want to make investments in the parks, what matters is not anybody's lifestyle." Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@ X @nwarikoo of Facebook @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud on hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Melvindale police corporal alleges racism, religious bias in suit targeting department
A Muslim police officer alleges in a new lawsuit that supervisors and colleagues at the Melvindale Police Department targeted him because of his religion and ethnicity, leaving crosses and a Christian Bible in his work mailbox and trying to get him to quit the force. Corporal Hassan Hammoud also alleges in the lawsuit, filed May 29 in Wayne County Circuit Court, that racism is widespread in the police department and officers talk about "going hunting" when policing parts of the city closest to Detroit, a majority-Black city. Hammoud, who was born in Lebanon and joined the department in 2021, alleges members of the department used racial slurs to refer to Black people and would informally use a code number — "04" — to reference harassment of Black residents. The city of Melvindale and the Melvindale Police Department are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley and Melvindale Corporation Counsel Lawrence Coogan did not immediately respond to telephone and email messages left May 29. Hammoud is still employed at the department, according to the lawsuit, but says he has been on administrative leave since January "due to mental health issues caused by the working conditions that made the terms of his employment intolerable." The suit alleges that Hammoud was subjected to unspecified racial harassment from a colleague in 2021 and complained to Kennaley, who at that time was still a sergeant. Hammoud alleges that two corporals made unspecified racist comments in his presence, one of them over the course of several years. Hammoud says in the lawsuit he confronted one of the corporals about racist remarks but was afraid of losing his job if he complained to supervisors. The suit says he did make repeated complaints to Kennaley and a lieutenant about discriminatory treatment. More: Amid surveillance concerns, Dearborn approves $720K for police access to real-time videos Hammoud alleges he found in his police mailbox: A photograph of a nude girl in September 2024; A wooden Christian cross the day after he found the photograph; A job application for a pizza restaurant, with a note saying, "Go," in October 2024; and A Christian Bible and cross the day after he found the job application form. 'This lawsuit reveals a deeply disturbing culture of racism and religious bigotry that not only isolates and punished Corp. Hammoud because of his religion and race, but also directs that bias outward toward the communities the department is sworn to protect," Hammoud's Detroit attorney, Jonathan Marko, said in a news release. "The City of Melvindale has allowed a system of discrimination to flourish unchecked — and our client is stepping forward to ensure accountability." Melvindale man's planned terrorist attack at Warren military base is thwarted, feds say The suit alleges Kennaley failed to act on his complaints, told him to stop writing up fellow officers for alleged racist language and conduct, and retaliated against him for continuing to complain. The suit alleges racist conduct by at least two specific officers but neither those officers nor Kennaley are named as defendants in the lawsuit. The suit alleges violations of Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act through unequal treatment, a hostile work environment, and retaliation. It seeks unspecified monetary damages. Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Melvindale officer alleges police racism, religious bias in lawsuit
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicks off reelection campaign: The city is 'thriving'
Speaking to hundreds of supporters in a new park, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicked off his reelection campaign by touting his administration's accomplishments, saying the city is thriving with development while keeping taxes low. "I am most proud of being a Dearborn resident," Hammoud, 35, told the crowd Thursday, May 15, at Peace Park West, which opened last year. "There's nothing I'm more proud of. I think Dearborn is the greatest city, and we have the greatest story." The park that Hammoud spoke at, located in the western part of the city, is one of three being built with a $29 million grant, an example of the city's accomplishments, he said. Hammoud has often mentioned public health and the environment as key issues for him. Dearborn has about 110,000 residents and one of the youngest populations in the country, according to census data. "Three and a half years ago, this was two acres of rubble and debris," Hammoud said, referring to Peace Park West, which features a plaza and greenery. "And now this is ... demonstrating the resilience of the infrastructure that we're putting out." He also touted $30 million in investments along Warren Avenue in east Dearborn and developments in the south end of Dearborn. Much of his five-minute talk focused on business development and investments. "We have a thriving business community, not only in west Dearborn, but also in east Dearborn," the mayor said. Unlike other cities, Dearborn depends on its residents and local small businesses to develop, Hammoud said. "Other cities lean on billionaires from out of state to come in and redevelop their parcels," Hammoud said. "We lean on one another. That is unique to the Dearborn story." More: Expectant mothers in Dearborn to get $4,500, mayor announces in State of the City Hammoud said "there's nothing that we love more than locals as the ones who are leading in the investments." Hammoud, a former State House representative, was elected in 2021 amid anger among residents over the city's poor response to flooding and other infrastructure issues. Over the past two years, Hammoud has gained national recognition for his outspoken support of Palestinians. He leads a city where 55% of the residents have Arab ancestry, the highest percentage among all cities in the U.S. But Hammoud did not talk about foreign policy issues at the campaign event, focusing on local matters. "We have the lowest tax millage rate since 2010 with hopefully more relief to come in the next five to six years," Hammoud said. He also stressed unity and the importance of diversity. "This is one Dearborn, one community, and we got to be unified in that respect," he said." If you look to your left and look to your right, you realize that Dearborn is as diverse and beautiful as it's ever been, and it's growing in diversity each and every single day." The mayor's remarks were not as extensive as those he made in April during his State of the City address. The kickoff a more casual event, with vendors offering free pizza, coffee and ice cream as people strolled and chatted before and after his brief remarks. Hammoud posed for photos with attendees, chatting with them during the 90-minute gathering near the downtown area of west Dearborn. More: Clerk: For first time in city's history, Dearborn won't have a primary election Hammoud faces a challenge from Nagi Almudhegi, 50, an IT manager backed by Republican leaders who became known in 2022 after speaking out against LGBTQ+ books in Dearborn public schools. Almudhegi launched his campaign in February. The two candidates are expected to compete against each other in November since there won't be an August primary due to a lack of candidates. Hammoud has faced criticism from some conservatives for his earlier support of LGBTQ+ rights. In remarks at a Dearborn mosque in February, Hammoud sought to clarify a statement he released in 2022 in support of the LGBTQ+ community, saying he doesn't endorse any lifestyle that may conflict with his family values, but added that "what you do in your own household is between you and Allah (God)." Republicans won in the heavily-Arab precincts of Dearborn in the November presidential election, especially in the south end. Hammoud is a Democrat, but did not endorse anyone in the presidential election. Almudhegi, born in Yemen, has some support among the Yemeni American community, who are trying to gain political power in the city. But several Yemeni American leaders attended Hammoud's event, taking photos with him and saying they strongly endorse him. "I've been living in the south end for 50 years," said Mohamed Saeed Abdulla, executive director of the Yemeni American Association. "No one cared for the south end like (Mayor) Abdullah Hammoud. Nobody. They bring new programs. ... They spend millions." Hammoud has fought polluters in the south end and announced a plan to bring green landscapes and parks to the heavily industrial area that sits near the Ford Rouge plant. Abdulla said "you have to give (Hammoud) a chance to continue." "Mayor Hammoud has done an unbelievable job for Dearborn," said Wali Altahif. "We've been waiting for a mayor for all of Dearborn residents. ... He is full of energy, he listens, he's an independent thinker." The campaign event was attended by a number of city and elected officials, including City Council President Michael Sareini, who's also running for reelection. Sareini said Hammoud has done a solid job in managing the city's budgets. Hammoud came into office after voters rejected a millage that would have raised $16 million. "And we didn't lose one officer on the street or one fireman," Sareini said. "The mayor has been able to centralize a lot of cost restructuring ... with his experience as a State Rep. and getting grant dollars, the last count is over $150 million (in) grants to the city. So he's done a tremendous job. I love his vision ... I'm very pleased with the direction of the city and where we're at right now and where we're going." Also on the ballot this year are two candidates running for city clerk, including incumbent Clerk George Darany, and 13 candidates running for 7 council seats. The mayor's base annual salary as of 2024 was $168,775; the clerk's salary was $108,018; council president was at $19,620, and other members of city council earn $16,333 a year, with $100 stipend per meeting, according to a report by the local officials compensation commission. Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@ or X @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud kicks off reelection campaign
Campaign ME
12-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
NEP Group appoints Chief Commercial Officer for Middle East and Asia
Media services provider NEP Group, which specialises in live sports and entertainment worldwide, has appointed Mohammad Hammoud as its first Chief Commercial Officer for its Middle East and Asia business. Based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Hammoud's career spans more than 20 years in the media and advertising industry. He brings a wealth of experience in strategy as well as commercial and transformation leadership to his new role. Hammoud will report to Martin Stewart, who is serving as interim regional president in addition to his role as NEP Group CEO, and also will report to Mike Werteen, NEP's Global CCO. Commenting on the appointment, Stewart said, 'I'm very pleased that Mohammad is joining our team at a time of opportunity in the region and for NEP as we continue to expand our service offerings. His market insights and experience in building strategic, high-performing sales teams will be invaluable as we look to grow our footprint and reach in Singapore, India, the Middle East and all of Asia. I'm excited to see Mohammad leading our commercial efforts.' Prior to joining NEP, Hammoud served as Vice President of Commercial and Strategic Advisor for Rotana Media Services in Riyadh where he advised the executive team on market trends and a range of topics and initiatives including investment strategies, tender responses, revenue diversification, digital transformation, sales optimization, regulatory issues and risk management. Before his most recent role, he worked as a sales manager in the PR & advertising industry in Jeddah. Commenting on his new role, Hammoud said, 'I am thrilled to join the NEP team as CCO to continue building on the company's momentum and growth. It's an exciting time for us to expand our reach and to introduce our customers to a full range of customer-driven, innovative solutions, for any size or type of production. I couldn't be happier, and I am eager to begin meeting with colleagues and customers starting next week in Dubai.' Hammoud's first priorities will be to meet with customers and company staff across NEP's locations in UAE, KSA, India and Singapore. He also will join the NEP team at CABSAT 2025 in Dubai (13-15 May, Stand PD52), the industry show promoting the future of media and entertainment in the Middle East and Asia. At CABSAT, NEP senior staff including Mohammad Hammoud and Chief Technology Officer Jean Claude Rahme, among others, will be present to meet with strategic partners. The company will also highlight its outside broadcast (OB) fleet supporting the region, including its brand-new OB facility, which will be available to tour.
