The Al-Kasid family fled Iraq after the first Gulf War and their part in the uprising against Saddam Hussein in 1991, spent 3 years in Rafha, Saudi Arabia and finally settled in Dearborn, MI. The family hasn't been home to Iraq in 13 years. After their participation in the 1991 uprising, Saddam Hussein's forces burned the Al-Kasid family's home, along with their cars, to the ground.

Protestors rally against Michigan Governor Rick Snyder's budget plan. According to the law, which has already been approved in the House, the governor will be able to declare "financial emergency" in towns or school districts and appoint someone to fire local elected officials, break contracts, seize and sell assets, and eliminate services. Under the law whole cities or school districts could be eliminated without any public participation or oversight.

Michigan, like many states, is closing prisons to save money during the ongoing recession.

LED streetlights on S. Main in Ann Arbor, MI, Thursday, May 7, 2009. Ann Arbor has installed LED streetlights to reduce lighting costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The lights are made by Relume Technologies, Inc., of Oxford, MI.

General Motors press conference during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, on Sunday, January 11, 2009. GM's Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner stepped down on Sunday, March 29, 2009, after the Obama administration asked him to resign. GM filed for bankruptcy Monday, June 1, 2009.

General Motors global headquarters at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, MI, Monday, March 30, 2009. GM's Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner stepped down on Sunday, March 29, 2009, after the Obama administration asked him to resign. GM filed for bankruptcy Monday, June 1, 2009.

General Motors brand displays at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI.