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.

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