Today we focus on one topic - Metro Detroit's bus driver shortage. It's at crisis levels, with some of the worst on-time performance in the country between Detroit's Department of Transportation and SMART. The issue? A lack of bus drivers, leaving thousands of people stranded or late regularly. Since the pandemic, it's been very hard to attract and keep bus drivers, and service hasn't been the same since 2019. This shortage is due in large part, according to a new report from Transportation Ride...
Jul 27, 2023•18 min
Norris Howard is on the line, and we've got three main topics we're talking about. 02:57 There's a bunch of updates in Detroit's cannabis situation. The city council approved shortening the distance between establishments. A number of new licenses will be issued. And, Chris Webber is backing out of a $175 million deal. 13:09 The Chevy Bolt will be back! GM changes its mind on one of the most affordable EVs out there. 18:26 The Crystal Palace v Sevilla match is this weekend! Tickets are still ava...
Jul 26, 2023•28 min•Ep. 1239
You all asked for more restaurant stuff, so here's a jam-packed episode with producer Shianne Nocerini, who makes a rare summer appearance. 01:18 Shianne visited Daily Drive In - now Daly Restaurant - in Livonia. For years it was one of the last drive-ins around, but she says it's still worth the visit after more than 50 years. 06:22 There's a new Food Truck Park coming to Oakland Mall next year. We discuss. And then, Detroit 75 Kitchen opening a spot in the old Sears Auto Center right there. 12...
Jul 25, 2023•27 min•Ep. 1238
Today's show is in two parts. First, Shohei Ohtani will be a free agent soon. Is he a fit for the Detroit Tigers? Or should we take the money - assuming he'd come - and spend it across more players? Then, as we recorded this episode from Keyworth, we talk about Detroit City's new 4-4-2 form and the immense impact of Darío Suárez. The team is playing with new offensive energy and not only is it fun to watch, but it puts points on the table. Link to vote in the Podcast Awards for us - We are in th...
Jul 24, 2023•17 min•Ep. 1237
Jer is from the east side, and Devon from the west side. They meet near the middle to discuss what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit. We lose power near the end of the show, but keep on plugging forward. Where we've been: 01:40 - Jer Beat Drake to SheWolf in Detroit's Midtown by a few hours. Worth it? 06:08 - Devon went to the new Mezcal location in Midtown and has a full review. We also get into how just one block, or around a corner, can make all the difference in Detroit and whether or...
Jul 21, 2023•28 min•Ep. 1236
Norris Howard and Jer answer some of your Detroit and Southeast Michigan related questions and respond to feedback. The three main topics we got into had a lot of feedback and we picked a few of the responses that seemed to either be unique or go into a general category or feeling. We talk about the future of movie theaters. Can Detroit support one? Is it even Detroit's fault if it can't with the changes of the pandemic? Also, cheers to Cinema Detroit who made a heck of a run as a brick and mort...
Jul 19, 2023•22 min•Ep. 1235
The free Concert of Colors returns for a 31st year July 19-23. Ralph Valdez, Deputy Director for the event, joins me to preview the multiple days of festivities. Link: https://www.concertofcolors.com/ Then, we send you out the door with a few things you should know about. We have a newsletter - https://dailydetroit.substack.com/ Link to vote in the Podcast Awards for us - We are in the News and Politics category as well as People's Choice. https://www.podcastawards.com/app/signup Feedback as alw...
Jul 18, 2023•14 min•Ep. 1234
Fletcher Sharpe joins Jer to talk a little sports, a little development, and try a new thing. 00:30 First, we try the new Pure Michigan Mix from McDonalds. Sprite Lymonade and Fanta Blue Raspberry frozen drink. Thumbs up or down? And what could be improved? 05:32 A new sports-ish bar is coming to downtown Detroit, Gilly's. It's to honor Dan Gilbert's late son Nick, who died all too soon of Neurofibramatosis. Will Detroit finally get that great sports bar that for son long we missed, back to the ...
Jul 17, 2023•21 min•Ep. 1233
Jer and Devon meet Friday with some fun and hot topics. First, where we've been. Jer shout outs MJ's North End Ice Cream in Detroit; and Devon celebrates the reopening of UnBurger in downtown West Dearborn. O'Flahertys in GPP is closed temporarily for repairs. Unsold electric vehicles are piling up, but why? It's complicated. Devon has additional details from the developer on the nine story building on Broadway in Detroit that's being built behind historic facades - that much of it will be affor...
Jul 14, 2023•24 min•Ep. 1232
A two parter. First, the CEO of Forgotten Harvest, Adrian Lewis joins me to talk about rescuing food and getting food that maybe you didn't buy at the grocery store but has a lot of goodness in it into the hands of those who need it. Then, Bill Wild from the Midwest Independent Retailers association and I talk about the changes facing independent grocery stores and gas stations. Link to vote in the Podcast Awards for us - We are in the News and Politics category as well as People's Choice. https...
Jul 13, 2023•23 min•Ep. 1231
Today's show is in three parts. First, recent developments in Detroit's marijuana business environment - including pushing a vote out to change on how close marijuana businesses can be from certain community places - have sparked a conversation. The city voted 69-31 for recreational marijuana in 2018, but there are vocal and powerful corners not embracing it, and actively fighting against those businesses in the city. We discuss. Is it a NIMBY situation? (Not in my backyard) Some background: htt...
Jul 12, 2023•28 min•Ep. 1230
The Scarab Club has been active in Detroit's art community for over a hundred years. But, you might have driven by the building a bunch of times and never knew about it or the work they do. Kayce Gifford joins Jer on the show to talk a bit about the history, what kinds of programs are offered, and an upcoming Garden Party. The podcast episode gets into how the art club supports artists by hosting art shows and providing them with a platform to discuss their work. The host emphasizes that the clu...
Jul 11, 2023•13 min•Ep. 1229
Three big topics today. Alex DeBrincat was signed by the Detroit Red Wings, as the Yzerplan picks up some offense. We have thoughts. The hot-and-cold Tigers threw an impressive no-hitting across three pitchers against Toronto. Love to see it. The AL Central is a trash division this year, so we're still only 5.5 out and hope remains. And finally, Detroit City FC talk. We go over the frustrating 1-0 loss to New Mexico United. Preview the upcoming match against Loudon that may have playoff implicat...
Jul 10, 2023•26 min•Ep. 1228
Is the future of vacant office and retail space in America self-storage? Sounds boring and not the ideal of vibrant streets, but it'll give landlords money and demand seems to just not be there. A conversation inspired by this piece as a historic building that was formerly a Saks Fifth Avenue is adding self-storage in their retail: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/albert-kahn-building-detroit-adding-storage-units Detroit City Councilwoman Calloway wants to look to a future with light ra...
Jul 07, 2023•23 min•Ep. 1227
There's a vertical farm coming to Detroit, and we get the details from Vertical Harvest Farms CEO Nona Yehia, who has roots here. Jer gets more details on how this is urban farm is coming together and just what kind of impact they're looking to make at John R. and Piquette in the city of Detroit. More on them: https://verticalharvestfarms.com/ Link to vote in the Podcast Awards for us - We are in the News and Politics category as well as People's Choice. https://www.podcastawards.com/app/signup ...
Jul 06, 2023•16 min•Ep. 1226
Vote in the Podcast Awards for us! We are in the News and Politics category as well as People's Choice. https://www.podcastawards.com/app/signup Norris and Fletcher join Jer to catch you up on what you missed over the holiday. Greektown is getting a $20 million grant to turn it into a proper part time pedestrian plaza There's more than 40 roundabouts in Oakland County, we discuss. Good or bad? Younger people are holding off on getting their license to drive and cars are more expensive than ever....
Jul 05, 2023•31 min•Ep. 1225
It's the Friday before the Independence Day holiday weekend, so an episode back that harkens back to the earlier days of the show. Mr. Friday and man about town Devon O'Reilly and Jer talk about interesting things to eat and places to shop in downtown Detroit as we did a lunch out and about. Topics include Union Assembly, Columbia Street, Premiere Pet Supply, Coffee, and more. We will have a show for you Monday, but not Tuesday of next week. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot -...
Jun 30, 2023•24 min•Ep. 1224
We're very used to the idea of the single-owner car being the center of everything Detroit, from our streets to our industries. But the city government is taking things in a different direction as it looks to the future. Detroit's Chief Mobility Officer Tim Slusser joins the podcast today. In his role, he works to remove local barriers and make the City of Detroit the ideal location for companies to deploy, neighborhoods to contribute, and new mobility technologies to achieve sustainable busines...
Jun 29, 2023•21 min•Ep. 1223
Solar farms could be coming to Detroit neighborhoods. Yay, nay, or need to know more? Air Quality sucks in Detroit right now, but in 1951 - it was similarly awful thanks to industrial pollution. Could the QLINE expand? Maybe so, says a new article: https://www.bridgedetroit.com/qlines-limitations-reflect-regional-transit-failures-holding-back-detroiters/ Plus, your feedback including Norris getting called "terrible." Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Remember we're on Ap...
Jun 28, 2023•33 min•Ep. 1222
Here's the second of a pair of conversations I had up on Mackinac on water. Gary Brown is the director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and we get into water affordability, replacing lead service lines, his plan to hire Detroiters for the jobs that need to be done and more. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Remember we're on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942?mt=2 And Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nS...
Jun 27, 2023•17 min•Ep. 1221
Three stories today with Fletcher Sharpe.... recorded at Keyworth Stadium after Detroit City's 1-0 loss to Orange County. Fist we walk through his Detroit Pistons draft grade and why... Then local football fans were buzzing about the new Lions alternate helmets with a lot of blue and a retro logo... And we break down the 1-0 loss to Orange County by Detroit City FC and what's next. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Remember we're on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple...
Jun 26, 2023•16 min•Ep. 1220
It's National Detroit-Style Pizza Day! To celebrate, a pair of conversations. First, Karen Dybis. The author of "Detroit Style Pizza: A Doughtown History" and friend of the pod meets me at Buddy's on Conant and Six Mile (McNichols) in Detroit. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Detroit-Style-Pizza-Doughtown-American/dp/1467151947 Second, Wesley Pikula. With more than 40 years of experience starting as a dishwasher, he knows the pizza business and Buddy's better than anyone. We talk stories of old and ...
Jun 23, 2023•28 min•Ep. 1219
Angelique Power heads up the Skillman Foundationa and she's a great person to talk to. When it comes to investing in Detroit, it's often about buildings and sidewalks and infrastructure. And when we talk about talent, it's often about attraction. But what about the ways we need to be investing in who already is here? Detroit is young, diverse, and ready to make a mark on the world. The only question is if they're going to do it here - or somewhere else. And what do we need to be working on so th...
Jun 22, 2023•20 min•Ep. 1218
Robin Runyan from Urbanize Detroit hops in as Norris Howard is traveling. eE talk about a ton of events around town. Eastern Palace Club's Summer Sandbar fest: https://sandbarsummerfest.com/ Dancing with Dogs dog prom: Black Panther at the DSO: https://www.dso.org/events-and-tickets/events/22-23-summer/black-panther-in-concert Detroit City FC game this weekend: https://seatgeek.com/detroit-city-fc-tickets/ Relive the 90s as the Gin Blossoms are playing in Taylor: https://www.cityoftaylor.com/437...
Jun 21, 2023•21 min•Ep. 1217
Your Daily Detroit is in four parts. First, we discuss a speeding crackdown in Michigan as state police say there's rampant speeding over 30 miles an hour of the limits. Fletcher Sharpe shares his NBA draft predictions for the Pistons The Michigan Panthers make the USFL playoffs And Detroit City FC may be turning the corner with improvements from Ben Morris and others Remember we have a happy hour on June 21st at Castalia Cocktails in Midtown: https://www.facebook.com/events/207332348845662 Feed...
Jun 20, 2023•27 min•Ep. 1216
We talk about the reopened Hudson Cafe in downtown Detroit and their expansion into Northville and Troy; La Bodega in Lincoln Park brings a Dominican market to downriver. Brisa Bar is open, and the coffee truck Kekoa Brew Company is on the way to a permanent spot very soon in downtown Wyandotte. La Bodega: https://www.dominicangrocerystorelincolnpark.com/ Kekoa Brew Co: https://www.instagram.com/kekoabrewco/ Brisa Bar: https://brisabar.com/ Hudson Cafe: https://hudson-cafe.com/ Plus, some develo...
Jun 16, 2023•26 min•Ep. 1215
One of the things that I thought I knew but learned differently when I started this was that I thought most people were on board with growing metro Detroit and Michigan. I have since learned that is very much not the case, and many don’t think any changes are needed. Or, it’s an attitude that we don’t have to make any improvements - and good riddance to those who want to leave or don’t come here. On today’s Daily Detroit for Thursday, June 15th, 2023 - a conversation with Ned Staebler. He’s the ...
Jun 15, 2023•22 min•Ep. 1214
Today's show is brought to you by the letter F. Robin Runyan from Urbanize Detroit and Norris Howard joins us. First, we talk the blockbuster purchase of the Fisher Building - what's involved, what it means going forward and more. Then we dive into a story where local Ferndale businesses are suing the city over a new proposed develoment that would eliminate a surface parking lot. Remember we have a happy hour on June 21st at Castalia Cocktails in Midtown: https://www.facebook.com/events/20733234...
Jun 14, 2023•29 min•Ep. 1213
Without Detroit's Arsenal of Democracy, the Allied powers couldn't have defeated Germany in World War II. We dig into that and more with New York Times bestselling author Craig Nelson, who has a new book out - "V is for Victory: Franklin Roosevelt's American Revolution and the Triumph of World War II." Book link: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/V-Is-For-Victory/Craig-Nelson/9781982122911 Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Remember we're on Apple Podcasts: https://p...
Jun 13, 2023•21 min•Ep. 1212
Fletcher Sharpe joins in - We had to slip in a more serious story into the show, as the smokestack of the incinerator has been a part of our Detroit experience as long as we can remember. Good riddance. Also, there's changes in sports media as the NFL continues to gobble up lots of the oxygen, and the The Athletic makes some layoffs to adjust. Javy Báez need to figure out how to hit a baseball And we see some optimism with the tie in Charleston for Detroit City FC. Now, if we can just activate t...
Jun 12, 2023•24 min•Ep. 1211
