Some Detroit residents and businesses have begun to assess the financial toll from an EF-2 tornado that tore across the city’s east side, damaging homes, industrial buildings, utility infrastructure and parts of Belle Isle.

The National Weather Service says the Sept. 3 tornado carved a roughly 3.5 mile path through Detroit, reaching winds of about 115 mph. City officials said dozens of trees fell, nearly 100 intersections lost working traffic signals and one resident was injured.

Some east-side businesses are hoping public assistance may be available. One business owner estimated damage to his property at between $100,000 and $200,000. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026

West Nile virus in Detroit

Detroit health officials have confirmed the city’s first human West Nile virus case of the year. Chief Public Health Officer Ali Abazeed confirmed the case Friday. Officials say most West Nile infections cause no symptoms but a small number of cases have resulted in serious neurological problems. 

ISNA conference

The Islamic Society of North America creates a space for belonging for some during a time of growing anti-Muslim rhetoric in the country.

Thousands of people gathered over Labor Day Weekend at Huntington Place in Detroit, where speakers talked about overcoming challenges like anti-Muslim racism.

Bilal Irfan came to network with American Muslims involved in political, social, and educational life. He says young people are concerned about where they belong.”There’s a lot of feelings about kind of are these safe spaces for us? Where do we cultivate those spaces? So ISNA is kind of offering that kind of space for a lot of these Muslims that want to feel community, want to feel some place that we can organize together.”

Saturday night, Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud told the crowd American Muslims are a vital part of the country.

-Reporting by Nargis Rahman

UAW President Shawn Fain stresses working class voting

The head of the United Auto Workers union says the up-coming midterm elections are vital for the future of employees across Michigan and the country. UAW President Shawn Fain spoke after Detroit’s annual Labor Day parade which drew an estimated crowd of more than 10,000 people, including several Democratic candidates.

Fain, who has campaigned for Democrats in the past, says voters need to elect candidates willing to fight for workers’ rights against what he calls the “billionaire class.” 

Arab Americans for Progress hosts event for Black and Arab women

Black and Arab women are invited to an event Sunday focused on creating solidarity and connection. The Home Meeting is also offered as a space to consider story and action. Arab Americans for Progress is hosting the intimate gathering.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Southgate’s Pride celebration is back on thanks to The Library Network, a library cooperative based in Novi. The celebration was canceled after Southgate city officials decided not to pay for a vendor at the event, stating the city should not be used to pay for social or political advocacy activities.  So, the Library Network offered to pay the vendor instead. 

The event is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. on Saturday at Southgate’ s Veterans Memorial Library, located at 14680 Dix Toledo Road.

Southgate’s event comes about a week after Madison Heights City Council reversed its decision to cancel its Drag Queen Storytime event during its Pride Week celebrations.  

Additional headlines from Friday, June 12, 2026

Cooling centers open

Cooling Centers are opening across Detroit to give residents a break from the heat.  

High temperatures are known to pose health risks. Chief Public Health Officer and Director Ali Abazeed says these centers are an effective solution to keep at-risk residents healthy. 

“Folks in Detroit, especially our vulnerable populations…. if they don’t have access to some of the critical infrastructure that we know is helpful in keeping and preventing extreme heat related health outcomes, then we want folks to know that these cooling centers are available. They’re open and we want our residents to take advantage of them.” 

Detroit’s cooling centers are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. on weekends. They are open to anyone. 

Healthy Home Resource Day

Detroit’s Healthy Home Resource Day – HOPE event is coming earlier this year.

On Saturday, qualified residents can apply for Homeowners Property Exemption program to receive up to 100% property tax exemption. The exemption is given based on the homeowner’s income. 

Those who make an appointment can get a free ride to and from any HOPE event. The next event is Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Samaritan Center on 5555 Connor Ave. 

Infill development conference

The Detroit Land Bank is hosting the first-ever Developers Conference focused on infill development opportunities.

Infill development is the process of building on vacant lots in established neighborhoods. The Detroit Land Bank currently owns 56,000 parcels of vacant land and is working to return them to productive use. 

Attendees will learn about development opportunities, financing resources, permitting processes and more. The event is June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Occupy the Summer program starts

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield launches a new summer recreation program for kids today. It’s part of her response to recent teen takeovers downtown, and it’s supposed to give them something creative to do.

More than 1,500 young people have registered for the Occupy The Summer activities, which include late night basketball games and longer hours at nine recreation centers. The city will give away 700 bicycles this afternoon. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.